Crew Harmony

[Ed Hickland]

Just want to throw this out for suggestions.

Last game of the season LJ threw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. As I was going to find the infraction, HL comes over questioning the call. When the LJ told him what he had he yelled, "That is wrong, he (meaning another player) started it. You don't know what you are talking about."

I quickly calmed this outburst and asked the LJ what happened. When he tried to respond the HL yells again, "You are wroong." Then the HL turns his back and walks away angry as I yelled his name, he just kept walking.

Do you keep this HL on your crew?

If you do how would you handle him in the future?

[Snake~eyes]

One question, how does the HL know what the LJ's flag is for in the first place?

[Ed Hickland]

Originally posted by Snake~eyes
One question, how does the HL know what the LJ's flag is for in the first place?

Good point. My tirade in the locker room ended something like, Let me sort out what you got, there is no reason to dispute your calls on the field.

[ScottV]

I don't know if you should throw somebody off a crew because on one call or dispute. The HL should have explained what he had after 1st hearing out the LJ. No excuse to walk away.

BTW, Sounds like the LJ got the second guy in a exchange of blows.

[Snake~eyes]

I don't think you should throw him off but definitely chew him out.

We've all seen those little huddles between referees in the NFL, no reason the three of you can't discuss it while the BJ keeps everyone away and U watches the ball/spot. Right? Probaly a good thing to pregame. Defintely chew him out though Not worth throwing him off your crew unless he has had other problems.

That's me though.

[cowbyfan1]

I would have to say if he is a real good HL, give him a talking too. If there have been some other questionable stuff, lose him.
Possible he had a bad day or he is wore out from a coach being in his ear all night. There maybe a reason why he acted the way he did and if he is a top of the line HL, it would give some room for forgiveness.

[Bob M.]

REPLY: Obviously, the HL's problem is one of attitude -- not competency. Almost sounds like he had some "personal" issues with the LJ. There's no reason to expect him to blindly agree with every call his crew mates make. But...there is definitely an expectation on the part of all crew members that their crew mates will act in a professional manner--especially when on the field in full view of both teams, coaches, and spectators. This is the line that your HL apparently crossed. He in essence undermined your authority as a crew of officials. I would give him a very stern talking-to about his shortcomings and promise him that any further violations of this type will be dealt with harshly and with the consensus of the rest of the crew.

[Mike Simonds]

This gentleman is a divider. Never, never openly disagree with your crew in front of the players, coaches, fans, etc. We sink or swim together as a crew. Any disagreements must be discussed quietly and unobtrusively among the crew and then the R has the final say.

Upon second thought, perhaps reprimand the HL in private and give him one more chance... (with the emphasis on ONE chance only...)...

[ABoselli]

Amen, brother. Never torpedo another guy in front of everyone. We've only got each other out there. If he wants to disagree, come in and let the R and the guy who threw it that you have input and there needs to be a discussion.

Why do you think the NFL guys go to great lengths to move players away from discussions? To let good officials openly discuss seeing different things on the same play. Nobody has to hear who got overruled, just that a decision was reached.

The guy sounds like an ***hole.

[kdf5]

Someone here once said to never go fishing in someone else's pond. That philosophy should be discussed with the HL. If players heard that I'm sure it was relayed to the coaches and will be used against your crew at some point later in the game. He's human, discuss it, solve it and move on. The second infraction on his part would cause me to question his continued prescence on the crew.

[Doc-WI]

This type of behavior definately requires a PRIVATE, one-on-one discussion with your HL. Give him a chance to speak first. Ask him something like, "I'm a little concerned about what happened on the field, what are your thoughts on the situation?" After you hear what he says, you'll have a better idea of where you next need to go to solve the problem. (ie Was it just a bad day, is there a personality conflict, ect)
However, no matter what the reason, it should be made VERY clear to him that this type of unprofessional behavior will not be tolerated regardless of the cause.
There's a right way and a wrong way to deal with coaches, players, and especially other officials while on the field.
1. Never, NEVER lose your cool. No matter what the situation, score of the game, or emotional level of others, keep yourself in "emotional cruise control" throughout the game.
2. Never be overly demonstrative when discussing a situation. Don't shake your head, don't throw your hands around in disgust or point at someone. When reporting a foul to the white hat don't pantomime what the player did. Controlled verbal communication only.
3. If you do think another official needs help or made a mistake go directly to him, hopefully before he reports anything to the white hat. In the situation above the HL should have gone to the LJ and R conference, waited until the LJ finished and then ask the LJ something like, "did you see the other player do anything?" This will usually trigger a conversation in which the correct call can be made. Don't say something like, "No, that's wrong," "that's not what I got" ect ect. Always remember their are listening ears all over the field and sideline just waiting for something like that to jump on. Another thing, if you are the calling official and a partner comes to you and says, "what did you see?" That's the code words for "let's talk we might have a problem." Don't be prideful, listen to what he's got to say then discuss the situation together in a professional manner, both stating the facts as you see them then come to a decision.
If both officials are equally sure of their call, then enter the white hat to settle the problem. In my experience as white hat, 99% of the discussions are decided before I even get there.

Sorry this got a little long. Hope that helps.

[Ed Hickland]

Thanks to everybody for their responses.

I was blessed with the luxury of having the situation occur in the last half of the last game of the season giving me time to collect my thoughts and the thoughts here.

Let me share my emotions when it happened.

The argument was loud and I tried to settle it down. The HL turned and walked away as I tried unsuccessfully to call him back. With only the LJ present, I finished the penalty enforcement. But the remaining eight minutes was tough not knowing if the HL would go off beofre the clock reached zero.

However, when the game was finished and we were securely away from teams, coaches, etc. I let it be known my displeasure with what I saw in front of the crew because I felt it was importnant to let everyone know this was not going to be standard practice.

Now that this has been shared with officials who are serious about their officiating I have the answer and it is time to act.

PS. I disciplined this official the prior season for yelling and grabbing a player.

[Snake~eyes]

Ed, from that it sounds like you need to let him go.

[SWFLguy]

"yelling and grabbing a player" ?? !!!
This official has an attitude that
cannot be allowed !!
There was a lapse in his training
somewhere !
If he couldn't clean up his act-
I'd never work with him.

[Bob M.]

REPLY: We had a situation about six years ago where one of our officials was accused of grabbing a player in the open field after the whistle and directing him to his team bench (no ejection). The final straw was the little push in the back he gave the player on his way out. There was a videotape which showed that the incident occurred exactly as alleged. That official was expelled from our organization.