Non existent pre-game. The players deserve better

[BktBallRef]

I worked with the same referee for 9 years now. We've never walked on the field without having had at least a 30 minute pre-game. We arrive 90 minutes before game time and leave ourselves plenty of time to take care of everything we need to.

[Rich]

I am the referee on my crew. I can't believe a referee would just show up and work without any preparation.

A few weeks ago an assistant coach (who I know as a basketball official -- NCAA D-I Women) told me ours was the first crew he's seen in 4 years walk the field and check the chains before the game. I was STUNNED.

We have a weekly routine, although we may not spend a huge amount of time talking about the same things each week -- we thoroughly cover anything that's happened the previous weeks that we think need to be covered better. We do most of our talking while driving as I try to have the crew ride together whenever practical.

[mr.stimson]

I have only officiated at the high school level for four years. Never has the pregame been less than 15 mins. You must cover all assignments. The more experienced the white hat has usually correlates with the length and depth of the discussion.

[whitehat52]

Walt

I have been the whitehat on my crew for the last 15 years and we have an in depth pre game before every contest. This crew has been together for the last 10 years and we still have a pre game before every game. We also arrive a minimum of 90 minutes before each varsity contest, this gives us plenty of time to take care of anything that may arise. That being said if your R doesn't feel a pre game is necessary, start it on your own with the other 4 or 5 officials. After you start one the R will most likely will pay attention and add his 2 cents. If you work with this official on more than 1 occassion he will probably get the message that you want and need a pregame.

[BigJWalt]

Originally Posted by whitehat52

Walt

I have been the whitehat on my crew for the last 15 years and we have an in depth pre game before every contest. This crew has been together for the last 10 years and we still have a pre game before every game. We also arrive a minimum of 90 minutes before each varsity contest, this gives us plenty of time to take care of anything that may arise. That being said if your R doesn't feel a pre game is necessary, start it on your own with the other 4 or 5 officials. After you start one the R will most likely will pay attention and add his 2 cents. If you work with this official on more than 1 occassion he will probably get the message that you want and need a pregame.

Great advice. Thank you. I appreciate reading the responses of how you guys cover everything even though you you have been officiating a long time. It shows you care.

[FootballRef05]

Another thing on pre-games. When I was working my way up to the varsity level I was surprised at the lask of pre-game conferences at my JV games. I often thought how in the heck are newer officials supposed to learn if there is no pre-game. Having said that, I WH a lot of JV games now and I always have a 30 minute pre-game to be sure the newer officials have any questions answered and have a good understanding of their responsibilities. I have never in 10 years of officiating walked out on a varsity field without a pre-game, that is mind blowing to me.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by FootballRef05

Another thing on pre-games. When I was working my way up to the varsity level I was surprised at the lask of pre-game conferences at my JV games. I often thought how in the heck are newer officials supposed to learn if there is no pre-game. Having said that, I WH a lot of JV games now and I always have a 30 minute pre-game to be sure the newer officials have any questions answered and have a good understanding of their responsibilities. I have never in 10 years of officiating walked out on a varsity field without a pre-game, that is mind blowing to me.

The only problem we've had for FR/JV games is the fact that many of us are running from work to the field. We get no locker room, so we go dressed.

But this season one of my crew members has taken it upon himself to demand we all arrive about 30 minutes early as we have a rookie on the crew. Most of the crew has made it so far (I have only worked one FR game as my business travel has been heavy) and it's good for us to try to get there early.

(An aside -- this year, I've asked other crew members to step up and take responsibility for things I've done in the past. One crew member is in charge of making sure we have 4 or 5 for all subvarsity games and managing the schedule. Another is in charge of contacting the AD on Monday for Friday night's game. Another is in charge of bring a VHS tape or DVD-R in a self-addressed stamped envelope since we have every game taped for later viewing. He's also the treasurer who manages the travel expenses along with the kangaroo court money. To be honest, all I've had to do is show up on Fridays and put my white hat on. It's been quite nice and everyone seems to be much more involved.)

We use FR/JV games to work other positions. I rarely work the WH position on Thursday nights because I'm trying to break in a new referee in case anything should happen to me. So I work one of the other positions, usually U, so I can help if needed. This Thursday, we're working our normal positions because our rookie is working his first varsity game on Saturday.

Sorry for the long-winded response, but the topic of pregame got me thinking about my crew and how things have improved this season becasue people have stepped up and taken responsibilities -- maybe the OP could be in charge of getting pregames started.