10 Things I Teach New Officials

[Larks]

Here's my take on T's. I think as a young official I have been guilty of probably taking too much crap from coaches. I used to be really concerned that if I was that the Ref who didnt let coaches "work" us, it would hurt my chances to move up. All of you have had these thoughts and probably most of you have forgot them now that you are...whats the word JR....."Seasoned?" Anyway, most of you "old dawgs" have gotten to the point where in most cases, a trip by the coach telling him "he's done helping you ref" usually works. What I have learned this year is that I wont get "seasoned" over night. But that doesnt mean I need to take crap for an hour either.

Here are a couple things for rookies that I have found has helped game management.

Talk to coaches when you can / appropriate. I use the words Sir or Ma'am a lot. "Sir, how long of a time out would you like". "No Ma'am, she didnt tip it". etc.

Let them know you hear them. A simple "I hear you Coach" has worked for me because this way they wont feel the need to repeat the same line 13 times. Well, sometimes this works.

When you have to give the "Sir, you are done helping me ref", be serious, make sure you have eye contact and dont be in a hurry to resume play. Take a second keeping eye contact to let them know they now have your attention.

"Be nice...until it's time to not be nice" (Patrick Swayze - Roadhouse)

Those have helped me a lot. One last trick...if a coach is on me and I feel I am getting close to whacking him. I force a switch or non switch (depending) so that I can run opposite table side for a couple trips. Kind of gives me a chance to cool off and refocus on the game.

Good Feedback everyone

Larks - VIT