Presence?

[JRutledge]

I think your presence is one of the most important things in officiating that is often hard to define and hard to measure. You have to be able to give the people you work with or the coaches and players know you are in control without saying you are in control. And a lot of this is based on what you look like and how you carry yourself. Someone 6'6" is likely going to have a different presence that someone 5'2" will have because of how they look. But the person that is 5'2" if they do it right can control the room. And really a lot of this is confidence in how you carry yourself, what you are doing, how you use mechanics (signals) and your knowledge of the rules and the game. If you look scared or do not signal with confidence, this can show quickly. And if everything is equal and an official has presence and the other official does not have presence, I am talking the guy with the presence all day.

The suggestion is to watch other officials that are accomplished and see how they carry themselves before, during and after games. Then watch yourself on tape working a game and see how you compare.

Peace

[stiffler3492]

I'm a shorter guy, and not exactly Mr. Universe, and I've wondered about this too. As others have said, I try to display confidence. Sharp mechanics go a long way. I think if there's a situation where you can step in and assert yourself early on, that will help.

It comes with experience, I think too. As rules and mechanics become more second nature, you can work on some of the peripheral stuff.

[Raymond]

I'm a big guy (6' 5"/240lbs) so sometimes I'm told I have to dial it back a little so it doesn't seem like I'm trying to be intimidating.

But to me presence is carrying yourself with confidence, but not arrogance. Having an athletic look. Moving with a purpose, standing tall with good posture. Being in control when players start acting up. Having a voice that commands attention when needed.

[Lcubed48]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I'm a big guy (6' 5"/240lbs) so sometimes I'm told I have to dial it back a little so it doesn't seem like I'm trying to be intimidating.

But to me presence is carrying yourself with confidence, but not arrogance. Having an athletic look. Moving with a purpose, standing tall with good posture. Being in control when players start acting up. Having a voice that commands attention when needed.

BNR, you know that you're just a big teddy bear out there.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by stiffler3492

I'm a shorter guy, and not exactly Mr. Universe, and I've wondered about this too. As others have said, I try to display confidence. Sharp mechanics go a long way. I think if there's a situation where you can step in and assert yourself early on, that will help.

It comes with experience, I think too. As rules and mechanics become more second nature, you can work on some of the peripheral stuff.

I've worked with a few short officials (5' 8" or below) who really know how to command a game.

[stiffler3492]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I've worked with a few short officials (5' 8" or below) who really know how to command a game.

I'm even shorter than that!!

Another thing I thought of. The first time you report a foul, make sure your voice is clear, and at a good volume. No need to yell obviously, but don't be shy either.

[brainbrian]

I've struggled with this too. I was taught to go to the table with your chin up. When we make a mistake or feel scared we tend to lower our head. Always go to the table with your head/chin up will help your presence.