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June 17, 2002
Watching a Game
After you’ve become an official, attending games is different than when you were just a fan. Obviously you’re much more aware of the officials and what they are doing. With that comes tremendous responsibility. You now must watch a game the right way.
Be invisible. Maintain this philosophy: You don’t want people to know you’re an official. If you are identified as an official while attending games, you’re opening yourself up for questions, comments and criticism. Every time there’s a close call or controversial ruling, fans will look to you for an explanation. Don’t look at that as an ego stroke; it’s not. It is a tough situation to handle while maintaining your officiating integrity and professionalism. Avoid it all by staying in the background.
Don’t wear your uniform. Whether you’re a first-year official or a grizzled veteran, you’re probably proud being an official. You also might be proud of the officials’ association you belong to or the league you work in. Attending a game is not the time to display your pride.
Do not wear your officiating uniform (including cap), or association or league jacket or patches while attending a game. Wearing your uniform or any other items obviously identifies you as an official.
If you’re working multiple games and you’ve got a break between games, change into something else or don’t sit in the stands. Remember you’re a potential target for the players, coaches and fans of the game you just worked and the game you’re about to work. You don’t want a confrontation and you don’t want "schmoozing" either.
Sit alone. If there’s an area away from fans, sit there. That way, even if you’re a known official, people have to go out their way to talk to you.
Don’t criticize the officials. Sadly, for many officials, that’s the most difficult part when attending a game. That’s because some relish in other people’s mistakes and enjoy pointing them out to others. It makes them feel good. It also ruins their professional reputations.
There’s little more appalling than an official publicly bad-mouthing another official, especially while attending a game and watching that official work. Keep in mind how important the officiating brotherhood is and how violating that trust among officials hurts others. After all, if the officiating is really that lousy, you ought to be doing some positive things to help those officials (a postgame conference, a follow-up phone call, an association meeting topic, etc.) and not criticizing them.
Don’t comment to fans. If you’re truly a member of the officiating community, you care about the officials working the game whether you know them or not. You feel good for them when they make a great call. You also hurt with them when things go awry.
One thing that happens in all games: Fans criticize officials. Those comments are even more apparent when you’re in the stands. Resist the urge to verbally fight back. Realistically, you’re not going to change their outlook on us and you’re surely opening yourself up for problems. If it gets too bad, move to another section or leave.
Be careful answering questions. If you’re a locally known official in attendance, you’re role is difficult. Many fans will look to you for answers about things occurring in the game. Many of those questions will be about judgment calls. Resist answering them. The fans are often looking for support in their arguments. If you say, "That was a bad call," or "I wouldn’t have called it that way," you’re fueling the fire.
Some questions are rules related. Answer them carefully. If the officials handled a rule correctly, explain what they did. If they didn’t, either avoid the question or explain the rule carefully without criticizing the officials. That’s a very difficult thing to do.
Sometimes, you’re safest move is to say, "I didn’t see the entire play," or "We don’t have the same view as they do on the field." That little white lie hurts less than trashing the officials.
Keep emotions in check. That’s especially true when you’re a parent watching your son or daughter play. Someone once said, "Officials watch games with their eyes; players, coaches and fans watch games with their hearts." Even though your sibling is involved, you must avoid emotional displays created by watching a game with your heart. Many officiating reputations have been damaged because of officials losing control and acting like a true fan. If you can’t watch your son or daughter play without showing emotion against the officials, you have only two real options: Don’t attend the games or quit officiating.
There’s more responsibility and accountability when watching a game after you’ve become an official. Look at it is a great opportunity to learn from others while avoiding controversy and you’re attendance will help and not hurt your career.
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"Sports Officiating 2002" Conference Opens this Weekend
Sports officiating leaders from all levels of sports will gather to discuss issues related to evaluating officiating performance. The conference is hosted by the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) in cooperation with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The Albuquerque Marriott is the site for all activities. The opening session on Saturday night (7:30 p.m.) will welcome attendees and set the "working tone" for this historical event.
Scheduled to address the attendees at the welcome session are NASO President Barry Mano; National Federation of State High School Associations Chief Operating Officer Bob Gardner; National Federation of Officials Association President Connie Anderst; New Mexico Activities Association Executive Director Dan Salzwedel; New Mexico State Representative Rick Miera; NASO Chair and Arizona Interscholastic Association Commissioner of Officials Gary Whelchel.
Beginning Sunday morning, June 23 at 7:00 a.m., educational sessions will begin. The Sunday sessions will focus on defining performance. Speakers include Harvey Ratner, president of H.R.A. Sportsvision; former NFL referee Jerry Markbreit; human resources expert and Albuquerque resident Mary Cooley; Gary Whelchel, NASO chair and Arizona Interscholastic Association commissioner of officials; Jeff Hilyer, National Federation of Officials Association past president; Jim Hulsman, New Mexico Coaches Association; Randy Adrian, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association credentials committee vice chair; Bob Still, NCAA baseball umpire and NASO communications manager; Referee editor Bill Topp and NFL referee Gerry Austin.
On Monday, June 24, the program begins at 7:00 a.m., with a presentation from Reid Evans of Advanced Business Technology. The remainder of the day is dedicated to developing a model evaluation program and will include: Jack Roberts, executive director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association; Teresa Fierro, professional volleyball official; Dan Salzwedel, executive director of the New Mexico Athletic Activities Association; Bryan Lewis, former NHL referee and supervisor of officials; Hank Zaborniak, Ohio High School Athletic Association assistant commissioner; Pat Smith, U.S. Soccer Federation national assessor; Jerry Seeman, former NFL director of officiating; Joan Powell, Professional Association of Volleyball Officials’ president; Referee editors Jim Arehart and Jeffrey Stern; Bernie Saggau, executive director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Barry Mano, president of NASO.
Both NASO and NFOA will present their highest officiating honors during special events at the Conference. The NASO Gold Whistle Award will be presented Sunday night at 7:00 p.m., at a gala banquet to Major League Baseball umpire Larry Young. On Monday, the NFOA Awards Luncheon will present three honors: the NFHS National Contributor Award; the National Distinguished Service Award and the NFHS Official Citation Award.
In addition to the conference sessions, members of the NASO initiated Officiating Development Alliance (ODA) will conduct two days of meetings on officiating issues. The ODA consists of the industry’s top officiating leaders from professional, collegiate and amateur athletics.
NFL Youth Publication Scores a Touchdown!
NASO and NFL Charities continue to work toward improving youth football officiating across the nation.
The Officiating Youth Sports Football 2002 publication will be distributed this summer to more than 50,000 football officials nationwide courtesy of the NFL, Referee magazine and NASO. Produced by Referee/NASO, the 16-page publication supports the NFL’s goal of promoting the game and encouraging quality officiating at the recreational level. "Growing the game at this grassroots level is critical to the growth of the game’s future," says NFL Director of Officiating Mike Pereira.
The publication is made possible from a grant provided by NFL Charities and every national youth football organization affiliated with the NFL is participating in the distribution of the publication. Pop Warner Football, American Youth Football, Inc., the National Recreation and Parks Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, National Police Athletic Leagues, the Jewish Community Center, YMCA of the USA, Amateur Athletic Union and numerous local officiating associations responded to the program.
Initiated in 2000, this is the largest distribution of the publication.
"Each year the program grows as more officials are touched by it and see the value and benefit from the publication," says NASO President Barry Mano. "This program is possible because the NFL and NASO believes it to be critical that we do a better job of training youth officials. It is important that those who play; and those who watch, enjoy the experience so they become lifelong fans of the game. We can help to make that possible by doing our job well."
Officials working at any level will find the articles helpful and informative.
The 2002 issue features stories on definitions, sideline signaling, officiating philosophy, what rookie officials should know and more.
Plans are already underway to produce an edition for 2003. If your association is interested in receiving copies of the 2003 publication for distribution to your officials working youth games, contact Patrick Miles, Referee group sales manager at pmiles@referee.com.
WNBA’s Monarchs to Host Sports Officials Appreciation Night
The WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs today announced that the team will host a "Sports Officials Appreciation Night" for Sacramento area officials on Friday, July 12. The program is the first with an WNBA team, but follows the same successful format conducted at several NBA sites the past two seasons.
The Monarchs host the WNBA defending champion Houston Comets at the Arco Arena and tip-off is 8:00 p.m. pacific time. Tickets are only $10.00 per person.
Prior to the game’s tip-off, a member of the NBA/WNBA officiating department will conduct a private clinic for members of the Northern California Officials Association (NCOA) and their guests. The one-hour pregame clinic will provide insight into the aspects of officiating at the professional level.
Those attending the clinic will be eligible to receive numerous door prizes provided by Referee magazine and NASO.
The promotion is also intended to help the NCOA recruit new officials. The NCOA will be managing an informational booth in the lobby of the Arco Arena during the game. Fans interested in becoming an official will have an opportunity to learn more about the NCOA and be able to sign-up to receive registration information.
Tickets may be purchased through the Monarchs ticket office or by contacting Jim Jorgensen of Jorgensen Sports at 916/488-4243.
NHL’s Stewart to Conduct Ice Hockey Camp
"When you love the game, you do anything you can to help the game," says National Hockey League referee and 2001 NASO Gold Whistle Award honoree Paul Stewart.
After many years of a work in progress, Stewart announced this summer he would conduct an ice hockey officiating camp in his hometown of Walpole, Mass. (a Boston suburb), Aug. 13-17.
"The purpose of the camp is to give officials the opportunity to be scouted by USA Hockey, high school, NCAA and professional leagues," says the 15-year NHL veteran.
Stewart’s all-star lineup of clinicians should ensure excellent attendance. In addition to personal instruction from "Stewy" as he is affectionately known in officiating circles, the camp will feature:
• Kevin Collins — An NHL linesman since 1977. Collins worked 1,828 games in the NHL including the Stanley Cup Finals. In 1996 he worked the gold medal game of the World Cup.
• Scott Zelkin — An NHL referee since 1994. Zelkin has worked 216 games in the NHL and is an alumnus of the USA Hockey Officiating Program.
• Brian Murphy — A veteran of the NHL since 1988, Murphy has worked 853 games as a linesman and 88 as a referee.
• Chris Rooney — An NHL referee since 1999, Rooney is a "local boy made good." He began his officiating career in the Boston area and worked numerous local youth leagues and high school as well as collegiate games before advancing to the NHL.
• Bill Stewart — An NCAA Division I referee and former president of the NIHOA, Stewart is currently commissioner of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association hockey tournament.
Guest appearances will be made by others including NHL Director of Officiating Andy Van Hellemond and Lou Lamoriello of the New Jersey Devils.
Tuition is $200 which includes full day of ice time, classroom instruction and meals. Lodging and transportation are not included.
For more information contact Stewart at StewartRefSchool@aol.com.
We Hear You
Survey says! NASO has had a busy spring conducting three separate surveys of members and non-members in an attempt to learn more about what they are thinking.
"It is important that we know as much as we can about our members so we can meet their needs," said Tom Herre, Referee Enterprises Inc. (REI) vice president of operations.
In this issue, results of a survey on defining excellence are presented. In upcoming issues It’s Official will share results from a demographics survey and a survey that was sent to local officiating association leaders who belong to the Local Officials Administration Network (LOAN) program.
Each survey selected participants at random. Response to each was well above the needed percentage to ensure accuracy.
"Our members are very involved and willing to participate," noted Herre. "We always appreciate their taking the time to share their thoughts."
Members are encouraged to contact NASO customer service whenever they have a concern or idea that might improve the association. E-mail customer service at customerservice@naso.org.
You Need Liability Insurance!
It’s becoming an all-too-common situation on today’s baseball diamonds. Tommy slides into second base and breaks his ankle. Before you know it, the league, the coach, base manufacturer and even the umpire are being sued.
"How can this be?" you ask.
Liability claims are on the rise in the sports industry and smart, prepared officials are ready to handle them.
Usually there are two types of liability suits involving officials: (1) Injuries caused by one player to another, claiming the official failed to properly supervise and control the event; and (2) claims by players who were injured due to improper conditions of playing surfaces.
If you are an NASO member you can sigh a breath of relief because you have insurance coverage that protects you from such lawsuits.
The NASO liability program offers coverage up to a $3 million limit with no general aggregate. Coverage is per occurrence meaning coverage protects you for a specific event regardless of the number of individuals suits resulting from that event. NASO liability protection covers you from bodily injury, property damage, personal injury and advertising injury, and includes costs to defend against such claims as specified in the policy. The insurance is primary to other valid collectible insurance covering the same loss, except in certain limited instances set forth in the policy. If a member has other primary insurance for similar coverage, the two policies equally share the responsibility.
Over the years NASO and Referee have published articles that provide tips on what to do when potential liability situations arise. Certainly sound preventative officiating is important, but so too, is common sense.
Make sure you inspect the playing field or court every time you work a game, even if you were on that same field the night before. A good example of how things can change in less than 24 hours is a recent situation in which a player tripped over a golf ball found in the outfield. The night before no such balls had been found when the field was inspected, but during the day before the next game, someone had hit a stray ball into the field from the adjoining golf course at the park. No one had noticed it during pregame warm ups. It could have led to a serious injury and a possible lawsuit had that player seriously fallen.
Officials have an ever-increasing need for liability insurance and a continuing responsibility to properly enforce the rules with respect to player interaction — you might call it sportsmanship — and playing conditions. If you see anything that looks the least bit unusual, it is always better to try and remedy it; at the very least, call it to the attention of the home team’s management.
While you can never guarantee an injured player won’t sue you, you certainly can take precautionary measures to try and minimize the risks to players and the risks of you being named a defendant in a lawsuit.
You can also make sure your NASO membership is in good standing and encourage your fellow officials who are not NASO members to join. That’s positive preventative officiating.
July Issue in the Mail
The June issue of REFEREE is in the mail and has lots of important news and information.
Here’s a preview:
- Gold Whistle Award 2002: Larry Young
- Add Muscle to Your Mind
- 20/20
- Basic Training: Crunch Time!
Plus, there are features and insight on officiating news and more. As always, you’ll also find that the REFEREE editors have put together informative columns on baseball, basketball, football and soccer techniques.
Look for your issue of REFEREE any day. www.referee.com
