Letting a member of your crew go

[Ed Hickland]

Letting a fellow official go is never an easy decision and one most referee's would really not like to perform.

Since releasing an official a few years ago I decided to be upfront with members of my crew and let them know where I stand when things are not going right. That also includes when things are going good. I love to shout out to one of my crew members, "Good call!"

If an official commits an error I will talk to him either during the half or after the game personally and let him know my displeasure and let him know what is expected of him. Now everybody makes mistakes but if you keep making them don't expect to get the opportunity to make more.

Therefore, if you have been talking to an official time after time and the advice has gone unheeded make it a face-to-face if you can and let him know you tried.