Coin toss speech

[GoodwillRef]

Just like to add if team winning the toss defers I just look at the other team and say, "you want the ball right!" Then I look immediately at the defering team and asked what goal they would like to defend. I am not going to give the kid a chance to screw up and kick both halves...that is not an option.

If it is a rivalry game I am a little more stern with my speech about sportsmanship and taking care of your teams.

[Canned Heat]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

Just like to add if team winning the toss defers I just look at the other team and say, "you want the ball right!" Then I look immediately at the defering team and asked what goal they would like to defend. I am not going to give the kid a chance to screw up and kick both halves...that is not an option.

If it is a rivalry game I am a little more stern with my speech about sportsmanship and taking care of your teams.

I failed to add that we bring both teams back to the middle for second half start-up (for Varsity games) and mention to keep the sportsmanship in check....during a tight game or a blowout.

I worked a game last weekend....35 to 40 mph winds the entire time.
Spokesman for team insisted on electing to kick after first team deferred....even after I tried talking him thru the choices. Stepped out of the pack and asked the coach. I agree, NEVER let a kid/player choose to let his team have to kick twice. Watched a crew let a team do that in a freshman game some years back and they still get talked about.

[Texas Aggie]

I disagree that they aren't listening to us. They listen to me. They might turn around and forget or ignore what I said, but they listen. I make sure of that.

It starts on the sideline. Before you escort them out, tell them what all we're going to do and make sure they know what they want to do if they have to make a decision. Have you umpire do the same thing. When you get out there, first thing I do is have them shake hands, then we flip. I have the V make their choice and H repeat it BEFORE the toss. NEVER, EVER have them call it in the air.

Once a winner is decided, I point at them and say, "you won the toss," and then shut up. At this point, I don't ask a question, I just wait for them to tell me what they want to do. The only 2 acceptable choices (except MAYBE in really bad weather) are receive or defer, but we can discuss that later. If the winner picks defer, I signal, then ask directly if the other team wants the ball. Then, you'll line them up, give the signals and maybe bring them back together -- if you've heard about potential issues or its a big rivalry game.

If you don't believe they are listening to you, they aren't. Perhaps you need to change how you talk to them. Take control from the outset.

[Canned Heat]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

I disagree that they aren't listening to us. They listen to me. They might turn around and forget or ignore what I said, but they listen. I make sure of that.

It starts on the sideline. Before you escort them out, tell them what all we're going to do and make sure they know what they want to do if they have to make a decision. Have you umpire do the same thing. When you get out there, first thing I do is have them shake hands, then we flip. I have the V make their choice and H repeat it BEFORE the toss. NEVER, EVER have them call it in the air.

Once a winner is decided, I point at them and say, "you won the toss," and then shut up. At this point, I don't ask a question, I just wait for them to tell me what they want to do. The only 2 acceptable choices (except MAYBE in really bad weather) are receive or defer, but we can discuss that later. If the winner picks defer, I signal, then ask directly if the other team wants the ball. Then, you'll line them up, give the signals and maybe bring them back together -- if you've heard about potential issues or its a big rivalry game.

If you don't believe they are listening to you, they aren't. Perhaps you need to change how you talk to them. Take control from the outset.

Well put. This is also the very first step in the players (and coaches) knowing that you're confident of your abilities out there and that you are in control of the game....right from the start.

[floridareferee]

I had a game several years ago where the visitors won the toss and the conversation was something like this:

Me- I give the visiting captain his options.
Player-We want to kick.
Me-Are you sure
Player-Yes
Me-Do you realize that you will be kicking off both halves?
Player-Coach said he wanted to kick.
Me-OK. I resume with the other options for the home team.

Teams go to sideline. The visiting coach hears the good news and looks at me and says, "DO YOU SEE WHAT I HAVE TO DEAL WITH EVERY WEEK?"
The coach and I had a good laugh. The home team was ranked in the top five in the country at that time so the outcome of the game was never in question.