CSOA Clinic 2012 Lessons Learned

Officials Officials at an interscholastic athletic event are participants in the educational development of high school students. As such, they must exercise a high level of self-discipline, independence, and responsibility. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm, and controlled manner. Officials shall work with each other in an constructive and cooperative manner. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with student- athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues, and the public. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall comport themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual obligations. Officials shall remain mindful that their conduct influences the respect that the student- athletes, coaches, and the public hold for the profession. Officials shall while enforcing the rules of play, remain aware of the inherent risk of injury that competition poses to student-athletes. Where appropriate, they shall inform event management of conditions or situations that appear unreasonably hazardous. Officials shall take reasonable steps to educate themselves in the recognition of emergency conditions that might arise during the course of competition. Player Safety is our number one responsibility

Injury You are not a medical professional

Referee Positioning Be in position to make the right call, but not in the play itself

Advantage or Not? Make sure the advantage takes place

AR Positioning Critical AR must be in position and provide assistance to the Referee

AR Positioning Critical Stay with second to last defender – get the call right!

Ceremonial Restarts Watch for quick restart; communicate with players; set the wall; position for restart; whistle the restart; DONOT turn back on players or ball

Fair or Foul Watch for players attacking the ball through a vulnerable player

Referee Positioning Positioning is critical to sell the call!

Recovering from a Bad Call Premise - Referees are constantly under intense scrutiny and required to make hundreds of split-second decisions in a match BLUF – Once and a while you “kick” one Remedy – Fix It – Rules allow fix (prior to restart dead ball); admit it – Spin It – Reorient your focus; better mechanics/positioning – Forget It – Dwelling during match will cause loss of focus – Confront It – Talk to other officials; tape; understand what happened – Prevent It – Review rules; active training to improve mechanics/positioning – Get Perspective on It – One call does not loose game Kicking a call makes you like every other official – How you respond to the mistake sets you apart!

Controlling the Match Control vs. Chaos “let them play” – Fine line between control and chaos – Factors impacting match control “History” between schools Date of game in season/team records Size of pitch – Be consistent from outset Call fouls for control/prevent retaliation Easier to loosen the reins than bring them back in Use coaches and captains to assist in player control ARs assist Referee with off-the-ball or behind the back fouls/misconduct Critical foul areas – benches, keepers, sliding tackles, high boots, grabbing/holding Use cards to cause changes in behavior Deal with problems before they become a major issue – Have a plan if a fight occurs Keep players on bench Get numbers Get coaches/administrator involved Do not get in the middle of an altercation – observe and record

When is Enough - Enough Drawing the line Best way to answer criticism may be not to answer at all! Be prepared but not predisposed –What is the impact of the dissent on the pitch? –What is impact on the other coach? –What is the impact on the fans? Keep your cool – don’t be flamboyant –Demonstrate poise and maintain your dignity Let the coach/player cook their own goose!

You need to know when to hold them and when to fold them, but the bottom line is you need to get something for your cards

We can aspire to be the best, but need to know who we are