Effective Officiating in Sports: Mastering the Art of Being Invisible
Officiating a sports match requires more than just enforcing the rules. This guide emphasizes the importance of being an invisible facilitator, allowing the focus to remain on the teams and players. Learn how to make a positive impact by blending into the background, maintaining professionalism, and prioritizing fair play.
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Game Management Clinicians: Ken Galloway Melanie Davis
Outline 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Introduction First Impressions/Appearance Out of Sight, Out of Mind Common Sense is Uncommon Be Nothing Less Than a Great Referee Are you Ready for Prime Time? Mental Aspects of Officiating Suggested Relaxation Methods 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Working Together On the Job Preventive Officiating Pre-Match Responsibilities Random Casebook Discussions The Role of a High School Official Miscellaneous Topics/Closing 6. 7. 8. 14. 15.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind Corny Galdones, January 1998 Not being remembered is the highest compliment you could receive for officiating a match. That means the teams and the playing action were featured. You did not draw any attention to yourself for contested decisions or overt deeds others recall. You achieved the ultimate of being an invisible facilitator. Consider it a job well done.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind Match Objectives Each team is there for the spirit of competition and to win the match. The spectators are there for the enjoyment of the athletic competition. Neither team nor spectators are there to watch the officials perform. You are there as an official to quietly conduct the match in accordance with the rules. Applying the Rules Every official is required to know the rules. Flaunting this knowledge proves disruptive and alienates the coaches and players. Instead of strictly enforcing the rule book, understand rules are intended for guidelines. Learn when it is appropriate and necessary to apply them. First and foremost, use common sense and take preventive measures.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind Interrupting Play As volleyball continues to evolve the players are being taxed more to keep the ball in play and sustain rallies for viewing interest and excitement. Be aware of this and use your leverage as an official to help the sport develop. Let the players athletic performances decide the outcome of each rally. Work at being a non-factor in the outcome by interfering the flow of action as little as possible. In essence, let em play (without overlooking gross infractions). Going Unnoticed The smooth, silent operation of a match is an excellent barometer of the job you did. Be a low-profile, evenhanded arbiter. Leave the limelight to the teams and the playing action. If you do not always succeed in this ideal, make sure it s for doing something right. Socializing with the teams, showboating, and court chattering fall into the latter category.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind An official efficiently running the show with limited intrusion is a competent, understanding facilitator who supports the players and their athleticism in being the main attractions of a match. Staying out of sight and out of mind are worthy professional goals when officiating any match.
Common Sense is Uncommon Corny Galdones, September 2005 Knowledge is power. Learn everything there is to learn about officiating. This solid base, however, is only the start toward excellence. To officiate a match requires study and training. This means technical skill laced with common sense. Why? Every match is different. The questions and nuances vary from contest to contest. Adapt. Be a good cop on rules and procedures. Know when to enforce them and when to lighten up. See that the competition is fair and safe using balanced judgment and a firm yet relaxed authority to keep our high profile low-key. Referees provide match structure and influence its tone. We don t have to control everything. Be confident to stay out of the action, present when needed and calm under pressure. Being bossy and full of ourselves just points us out and turns others off. Instead, be like chameleons. Blend with finesse.
Common Sense is Uncommon Remember, the sport is about the players and coaches. We merely provide a service. Like any business, the customers come first. The rules won t deal with every possibility. An unclear situation mustn t be forced to fit into an existing rule. No, don t break the rules. But they certainly can be bent to suit the situation. Think! Our biggest aid is our head, not the rule book. A rules stickler dictates rather than facilitates. Is that the approach of the most effective official? Do not waste our logical minds. If an alternative fulfills a rule s intent and spirit but not its exact terms, the chosen alternative is almost always the right one. Some rules concern judgment. Oh, boy can that be trouble! Tweaking rules within their parameters to satisfy patrons is practical and prudent. The key is to be consistent for the entire match. Rules are guidelines. Common sense takes precedence.
Be Nothing Less Than a Great Referee Corny Galdones, August 2004 Anyone can become a good referee. Becoming a great referee is a lot tougher. There is one fundamental difference between a good referee and a great referee. A good referee knows the game and is technically sound. A great referee understands the game and the expectations and responsibilities that come with the position. A great referee is aware of forever being under scrutiny and performs appropriately. Judgment calls separate the good from the great. A good referee knows what to call. A great referee knows what not to call. Blow your whistle to initiate play. Then DON T GET INVOLVED. Stay out of the way. There will be times when a violation must be whistled to stop play. If unsure, let the play flow toward normal conclusion. Don t interject yourself into the match with a call from out of the blue that is inconsistent with your previous calls or kills a rally.
Be Nothing Less Than a Great Referee Go without notice and don t influence the match. Another area of officiating distinction is dealing with coaches and players. Remember, the match is about them. Treat coaches and players as your equals and with total respect and courtesy. Although the match is for their enjoyment and fulfillment, which you must permit, set limits on the behavior that s acceptable. Let the coaches coach. Don t interfere with their business. If they start coaching you, then draw the line. However, if they start pushing the envelope on their conduct, put a stop to it. A great referee uses sanctions as the last, not first, resort to control misconduct. Of course, a great referee seldom gets to this point by taking preventive measures at the first sign of potential trouble so that the adverse situation doesn t escalate and get out of hand.
Be Nothing Less Than a Great Referee A great referee knows image is everything. Can others rely upon you in everything you do? Doing your duties isn t enough; be a willing team player. Acting civil isn t enough; be dignified. Being on time isn t enough; be early. Making the right calls isn t enough; be beyond reproach in judgment. Confidence in your decisions isn t enough; project poise. Correct signal mechanics aren t enough; be crisp and polished in their display. Perception is reality. Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best. Be the best that you can be.
Are You Ready for Prime Time? Corny Galdones, March 2005 Anyone with a general idea of the sport and knowledge of the rules can blow a whistle and claim to be a volleyball referee. Upper echelon referees have to do better. Much better. The following assessment will give an aspiring referee a good gauge of being ready to move up the ladder.
Are You Ready for Prime Time? Can you cite chapter and verse of every rule? Do your common sense and spirit of the rule prevail over going by the book ? Do you know the game? Are you familiar with every current player technique and skill? Can you explain today s defensive and offensive team strategies and alignments? Are you really professional? Do you know what causes conflicts of interest and wrong perceptions? Can you be relied upon to do the right thing? Do you treat everyone with respect and courtesy? Do you converse with coaches and players only on matters pertinent to conducting the match? Are you an ambassador of your organization and our profession, and not a maverick?
Are You Ready for Prime Time? Are you punctual? Do you show up at courtside prepared for your matches by the report time? Do you have a commanding presence that sells your calls? Are your signals not only mechanically correct, but also strong and crisp? Is your whistle prompt and authoritative in sound? Do you project a dignified, I know what I m doing body language that s not overbearing? Are you a facilitator and not a rules dictator? Are you battle tested? Are you court wise? Are you at ease officiating at the highest competition level? Do you act by instinct and reflex instead of thinking about it?
Are You Ready for Prime Time? Is your ball handling judgment correct? Are you comfortable with your standard? Is it consistent throughout a match? Have you officiated innumerable matches to tell instantly between an ugly or weird but legal set and a pretty but illegal set? Are you catching all violations besides ball handling violations? Are you invisible? Are your errors few and far between, and not same ones as before? Are you approachable to explain calls? Are these talks short and sweet? Do you think fast and placate the different but common questions that may be asked? Do you cut off ongoing conversations? Do you do it with tact and finality?
Are You Ready for Prime Time? Do you take preventive control measures? Do you recognize the difference between venting of frustrations and abusive behavior? Do your matches rarely get out of hand? If they ever do, do you regain control at once? Can you do it without sanction cards? Are you a team player and communicator and not a Lone Ranger? Do you coordinate duties with your R1/R2 partner and line judges before the match, have them do their jobs and solicit their input with eye contact throughout the match? Do you treat them plus the scorekeeper as your equal? As an R1 and R2, do you know all the places to look and what to look for before a serve? During a rally? At the end of a play? During warm-ups? Before start of a game? Are you seeing and not just glancing?
Are You Ready for Prime Time? Can you track player rotations and quickly detect an overlap no matter what formations the teams are in? Do you keep your matches moving at a lively pace regardless of playing caliber? Have you stopped from causing match delays? Do you continue to learn and grow? Do you accept criticism without having to defend or explain yourself? Are you listening and not just hearing? Do you implement suggestions and advice right away and not get messed up?
Mental Aspects Volleyball is a fast-paced game in a relatively small arena, with you, the high school official, in an established position. You may have to make five or six decisions in just one action of blocking and attacking. You may also be the target of undisciplined crowds and excited participants. It is not enough to just know the rules and mechanics of officiating, you must have the intellectual skills to manage stress. Officiating volleyball always requires more mental energy and stress than physical energy.
Mental Aspects The level of officiating has little to do with the amount of stress. There is some level of stress in every match. The pressure to perform well is an expectation at all levels in all matches. Physical symptoms: headache, shortness of breath, tiredness, and the tightening of muscles. Emotional symptoms caused by: anticipated loss of control of the match, fear of inadequate preparation, fear of failure, or general intimidation. Anxiety can reduce concentration and diminish decision-making ability.
Mental Aspects The official s fear of failure is usually based in his/her lack of self-confidence. Constant evaluation and criticism by coaches, players and fans are challenges to the official s spirit and self worth. Official s achievements go relatively unnoticed while mistakes and failures are noticed, examined, and criticized. The fear of inadequacy is based on a perceived lack of ability or failure to sufficiently prepare for the match. Properly preparing to work a match is most often directly related to the smooth flow of game management. Checking the equipment, orienting the other members of the officiating crew, watching the warm-up periods, reviewing line-ups and establishing ground rules all help the overall stress level of the match.
Mental Aspects A perceived loss of control is probably the most prevalent cause of anxiety. The feeling that your actions have a direct influence over the participants and the outcome of the match is a powerful emotion. Officials can and should control their personal behavior and actions in all situations. Performing in a professional positive manner helps dilute potential problems.
Suggested Relaxation Methods Recall a positive officiating experience. Recall and recapture your feelings when you were officiating well. Keep a diary of your officiating experiences. Write and develop your experiences. Roll play. Use mental imagery to help you prepare for tough matches. Picture situations that may occur and how you might handle them. Negative thoughts should be eliminated. If the game gets stressful breath slowly and deliberately to relax your neck and shoulder muscles. Maybe mentally sing a small tune to relax you. My personal favorite is "Great Balls Of Fire."
Suggested Relaxation Methods Relax various muscles in you body, one after another. Toes, Feet, Legs, Hands, etc. Smile, grin or even giggle when you feel tension coming on. Vocalize to yourself words like, Wind, Soft, Rain, Relax. Rub your arm to remind you to clear your mind. Center on the action and don't let yourself become distracted. Slow down and take your time when under stress. Relax and enjoy your work. Keep the values of officiating in context.
Working Together In his book Modern Sports Officiating Bill Thompson states, "Building sound relationships with fellow officials, players, coaches, and spectators while under the fire of intense athletic rivalry calls for an artist s touch. Often little thought is given to your relationship with your partner(s). It is especially important to get to know each other prior to the contest if you haven t worked together before. When you first meet in the locker room or in the car ride, don t start blowing smoke about all the big games you ve worked or about how you re being "scouted" for collegiate officiating.
Working Together The best approach is to sit back, relax, and let the other official enter into the conversation. If you are much the junior official, pay a bit of respect to your partner. Sure he might look a little paunchy and his pants are short. But don t ever forget that some assignment-maker probably put him on the game to steady your nerves. In addition he has most likely worked more tough games in this season than you have in your entire career.
Working Together: Post Match This area is often overlooked but is sometimes the most beneficial learning tool available. Discuss key points/pivotal plays in the match. Use and accept constructive criticism. Take mental notes for review at association meetings or with supervisors or more experienced officials. Learn from every match.
On The Job: Be an Artist The diversity of human athletic endeavors boggles the mind. There can be no set of written rules, which completely governs a sporting contest. Human activity necessitates human judgments as to what is permissible. Enter the artist. The official as artist is the one who takes the gray areas of question and paints them decisively black or white, while making the interested parties buy the painting with little dialogue. He sells that painting by his very presence and obvious command of the situation.
On The Job: Be an Artist How can some officials do this while others would have to babble on about the technical merits of the work? The artists recognize what the game and the participants are intended to do. You need to have considered just what the game is about. You have to exhibit some savvy about the game. You aren t being hired to be officious, overbearing, authoritarian, or a tough guy. You are being hired to enforce the rules, tempered with reason. You should be a reasonable person when officiating. When a testy situation arises quickly ask yourself how you would handle it out on the street. Develop techniques to achieve your goal without having to invoke your total dominance.
On The Job: Be an Artist The artist knows how to deal with the many minor irritants that crop up in every game. The top-notch officials smoothly get their jobs done; they keep things under control more often than not. The great officials seem to be able to talk players and coaches into being more reasonable. They don t get ruff led, red in the face, nervous, or lose their temper. They give the impression that "they ve been here before. Under pressure, the scientific official falls back on invoking the rules. He makes it immediately known that he knows the rule and that s that. The artist, all the while knowing the rule, concerns himself with psychological aspects of the occurrence. He thinks, "How can I get this guy back into the box and still hold his respect?" He realizes that since he carries the final authority in the matter, he may as well try to work it out and reserve the hammer for when it is absolutely necessary.
Preventive Officiating During team warm-ups view skill level, looking for the following: Setter s hands: Are they legal? Setter s height and vertical: Is she capable of a back row attack? Libero s height and vertical: Is she capable of an above the net contact and violation?
Preventive Officiating Also look closely for illegal equipment and uniform items including: Jewelry Hard barrettes Pop culture creations Making wise use of pre-game observational time can prove invaluable in the smooth operation of the subsequent match.
Referee Pre-match Be in uniform at the site of the match no less than 30 minutes before starting time. Examine the game ball to make sure it meets rule specifications, and make the final decision on the game ball to be used. Inspect the court markings, net supports, referee s stand or other equipment. Measure net height. Establish non-playable areas, and define any additional ground rules which might be necessary. Designate the official scorer, assistant scorer, timer, and line judges. Review specific duties with the umpire and line judges.
Referee Pre-match Assign line judges to their positions. Call a captain and head coach from each team together for a pre-match conference. Check players for open wounds, bleeding or excessive blood on the uniform. Verify with each head coach that all players are wearing legal uniforms and equipment. During the pre-match conference, conduct the coin toss between the head coaches and captains to determine which team shall have the choice of serving or receiving for the first game. Inform scorer which team will serve first.
Umpire Pre-match Be in uniform at the site of the match no less than 30 minutes before the starting time. Assist the referee in pre-match duties, and supervise the placement of the officials table and team benches. Review specific duties and responsibilities with the scorer, assistant scorer and timer. Verify the lineup has been entered correctly on the official scoresheet.
Crew Pre-match Arrival at Site (30 minutes) Introductions to All Team Coaches Check Game Ball Inspect Court Equipment/Markings, Measure Net Establish Non-playable areas and Ground Rules Designate Scorer, Timer, Line Judges Review Duties with Umpire and Line Judges Check for open wounds/bleeding Captains Meeting (20 minutes) Introduction of Officiating Crew Jewelry Water Ground Rules Warm-up Protocol Match Format Input from Umpire Questions Coin Toss Good Luck Warm-up Begins (15 minutes) 5/5/2 Observe Skill Level Ensure Safety during shared time Check Roster with players on court Introductions/National Anthem/etc Official take positions Referee signals team onto court Umpire check line-up Umpire identifies back-row Referee scans court for readiness Play Begins
Referee Responsibilities Situation A: The coach of the visiting team, which has no extra player or team attendant to act as a line judge, suggests that the match be conducted without line judges. Ruling: Incorrect procedure. Two line judges shall be used with the host management providing both.
Referee Responsibilities Situation B: The referee arrives at the site in street clothes just five minutes before the starting time for the match. Ruling: Incorrect procedure. Every effort should be made to start matches on time. If one official is late, the other should conduct the pre-match conference and coin toss at the appropriate time. Team warm-ups should proceed on the assumption the match will begin on time.
Referee Responsibilities Situation C: The referee may not permit a player to continue to play if the player has: (a) an excessive amount of blood on the uniform; (b) several wet spots of blood on the uniform; c) a few dried spots of blood on the uniform. Ruling: (a and b) correct procedure; c) incorrect procedure. In (a and b) the uniform must be changed before the player can remain in/re-enter the match. A few dried spots of blood are not considered excessive blood on the uniform.
Referee Responsibilities Situation D: The visiting team s coach contends that a three-point error exists on the official scoresheet. The coach is charged with a time-out for requesting verification of the score. Ruling: Incorrect procedure. A request to check the score is treated the same as a request to check serving order, no time-out is needed. It is the coach s and scorer s responsibility to keep track of all points awarded, and any error should be brought to the attention of the official on the first dead ball.
Referee Responsibilities Situation E: A ball landing near an end line is called in by the line judge. The referee sees the ball land out of bounds. Ruling: Out of bounds; loss of rally/point. The referee makes the final decision.
Referee Responsibilities Situation F: After Team S scores a point, the coach brings to the attention of the referee that during the rally, a back-row player from Team S participated in a completed block. Ruling: Point stands. The alleged foul was not recognized by either official, so the call stands.
Referee Responsibilities Situation G: After the referee gives an audio and visual signal for the serve, the umpire sounds the whistle for a substitution. Ruling: Incorrect procedure. The ball is dead. The substitution is denied, and a new visual and audio signal for serve is given.
Referee Responsibilities Situation H: Team A serves the ball into the net, then requests a time-out. When both teams return to the floor, the coach of Team B asks for the serving order of his/her team. The umpire places Team B in the wrong serving order. The error is not discovered until Team B has won points with an improper server. After conferring with the umpire, the referee corrects Team B s serving order, cancels the four points scored, and Team B serves with the proper server. Ruling: Correct procedure. A referee may correct an error by a member of the officiating crew provided the correction occurs before the opposing team contact the ball for serve.
Referee Responsibilities Situation I: The referee: (a) replaces a line judge who continues to be inattentive; (b) replaces a scorer who continues to make mistakes despite additional instructions from the umpire. Ruling: (a and b) correct procedure
Referee Responsibilities Situation J: Team S believes it has scored match point. Team S s coach and players enter the court in celebration. However, it is discovered during the umpire s check of the score Team S has only 14 points. Ruling: The teams should report to their respective end lines when the referee gives the end of game signal and directs them to do so. The referee must restore order and ask both teams to return to the court.
Umpire Responsibilities Situation A: During the match the referee insists on using a lineup card to keep track of rotation and subs even though it slowed the substitution/match. Ruling: Incorrect procedure. Lineup cards are tools used by the umpire. Good officiating uses teamwork; therefore, the referee should trust the umpire to handle his/her job and never knowingly slow the momentum of the match by using lineup cards.
Umpire Responsibilities Situation B: During play, the umpire makes several ball handling calls. Ruling: Incorrect procedure. Ball handling calls are determined by the referee except when they are clearly out of view of the referee. The officials shall discuss any discrepancies in private.
