Part of good pregame preparation is gaining knowledge about participants. That theory summarizes that an official who is prepared has a good chance of successfully dealing with situations.

But how far does that statement go? Should officials know everything about a particular team or game? How does that impact the way you deal with situations during the game?

There is a fine line between preparation and pre-programming. On the surface it would seem the more information you have, the better prepared you will be. That is true. You want information so you can better understand why things are happening and properly deal with them.

The dangerous flip-side is letting the information you’ve gathered negatively influence the way you handle a situation. Here are a couple of examples to illustrate the point. The first is how information can help; the second, how it can hurt.

Prepared. You’ve been assigned to referee a football game between cross-town rivals. Because you’re familiar with the history of the rivalry, you know there’s been trouble between the two in the past. The teams and coaches (heck, even the towns) don’t like each other. Due to that history, you correctly ascertain there’s likely to be a lot of emotion in the game, probably more than your typical game.

You’ve heard through the officiating grapevine that last year when the teams played, a bench-clearing brawl erupted. The threats of "payback" were often heard.

As an official, you want that type of information. It is critical to understanding the context of the game. You’re less likely to get surprised by unseemly events. Certainly, you want to be prepared for "bad blood" between teams in every game you work, but having detailed, history-laden information helps you and your crew properly focus on the potential problems before they happen.

In a situation like that, you may need to deal with things differently than you would in a "normal" situation. For example, what might be an innocuous comment by a player to another player in a normal setting might not get a strong reaction from that player. The officials would likely use preventive officiating and talk to the player who did the talking to make sure it doesn’t develop into a problem. That same comment in an emotion-filled game might draw a more volatile reaction by the player. Because the official has the proper context, the official should deal with the problem in a more stern manner, using stronger language with the player or even penalizing without warning if necessary to control the situation.

It could be argued that is inconsistent from one game to the other. That in fact is true. Good officials understand game context and adjust accordingly. No games are exactly the same; if they were, there’d be little reason to play them. No situation for officials is exactly the same either. Having good information prior to a game gives you the proper context to handle things appropriately for that game.

Pre-programming. Here’s a situation where information negatively pre-programs an official. Through the officiating grapevine, you hear stories from other refs about how basketball coach John Doe at Anywhere High School is a real jerk. According to the officials, Coach Doe is mean, constantly berating officials and tries to intimidate. "I dumped (ejected) the coach last year," you hear from one ref. "I should’ve this year. If I ever see him again, I’m going to get it done this time," says another.

You’ve been assigned to officiate at Anywhere High School a week after you’ve heard those comments. You’ve never had a game with that coach before.

In the first minute of the game, Coach Doe shouts, "Traveling!" after an opponent makes a move to the basket. Without hesitation, you call a technical foul on Coach Doe and say, "You’re not going to intimidate me tonight! Don’t even think of trying it!"

Clearly, because of the negative information gathered before the game, the official became pre-programmed. The comment from the coach did not deserve a penalty (likely didn’t even deserve a response) and the official over-reacted because of the pre-programming.

Knowing that "word on the street" says Coach Doe is a jerk is not the problem; knowing that gives you context and understanding. The problem is letting that information influence you in a negative way.

The amount of knowledge you gain about a particular team, player, coach or game is a fine line. Gain enough to help you understand why things are happening in the game. Be mature and responsible enough to sort through the information and treat each game as a new one. Use the information as another tool to help you do your job effectively.

NASO Conference Begins This Saturday

Leaders from various national and local officiating associations will gather in Portland beginning Saturday, June 21 for a three-day conference called "Sports Officiating 2003." The event will address important issues facing the officiating industry. Hosted by the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) in cooperation with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the focus of the 2003 event is on officiating accountability.

"On and off the field sports officials have a responsibility to the game and the game has a responsibility to its officials," says NASO President Barry Mano. "This conference is bringing together some of the best and brightest officiating leaders from all levels to discuss what are those obligations."

The conference officially opens Saturday evening at the Portland Marriott Downtown with a keynote address from Major League Baseball’s Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Sandy Alderson.

Other prominent sports leaders including the directors of officiating from the NFL, MLB and the NBA will be in attendance as well as representatives from the collegiate, high school and recreational levels.

The 2003 conference is the 21st such gathering on a national level of sports officiating leaders. The conference’s focus was spurred by the ever-increasing amount of scrutiny sports officials are under in today’s sports conscious society.

"Sports is life with the volume turned up," says Mano. "There is so much attention on sports today and that means the intensity to meet expectations grows. Officials cannot be perfect, but the expectations are that we not only be perfect on the field, but off as well in our personal behavior. This, and much more, will be addressed in the coming days."

In addition to the various seminars discussing the accountability issue, NASO will take time to honor NBA referee Bob Delaney with the highly coveted NASO Gold Whistle Award, presented annually to one official who is involved in community service and who demonstrates on-and off-the-field integrity of the highest order.

NASO Board to Meet Saturday

The NASO Board of Directors will conduct its semi-annual meeting this Saturday, June 21 in Portland, Ore. The meeting will begin at noon at the Portland Downtown Marriott.

The agenda includes election of 2003-04 officers, organizational reports and discussion of several new initiatives.

Fox 40 Extends NASO Partnership

Fox 40 International, a longtime friend and supporter of NASO activities and programs, has agreed to an extension of its support of the prestigious NASO Gold Whistle Award and NASO Education Partner Program through 2006.

The North American whistle manufacturer will continue to underwrite a major portion of the costs associated with the awards program, including production of the presentation video and the awards banquet.

"We are extremely proud of what the NASO Gold Whistle Award represents," said Fox 40 International founder and CEO Ron Foxcroft. "The award is about community service and giving of yourself to causes that benefit mankind."

For specific criteria regarding the nomination process, visit the NASO Gold Whistle Award website at http://www.naso.org/benefits/goldwhistle/gw.htm.

In related news, Fox 40 agreed to extend its support of the NASO Education Partner program. The NASO Education Partner program funds projects designed to improve officiating such as the national conference, educational publications and more.

Fox 40 International sold its first whistle on Nov. 5, 1977. Today its products are found in more than 140 countries worldwide.

Officiating Development Alliance to Meet in Portland

The Officiating Development Alliance (ODA), an initiative of NASO, will conduct two days of meetings beginning Monday, June 23 in Portland, Ore.

The ODA is comprised of senior influentials in officiating who represent a cross-section of the officiating world. It supports the strategic aims of NASO and comes together semi-annually to examine the trends and common challenges in officiating.

Lead, Follow Or Get Out of the Way

The National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), in cooperation with the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and the Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) will conduct a one-day association leadership program this Saturday, June 21, in Portland at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. This event precedes the "Successful Officiating 2003" Conference hosted by NASO in conjunction with the National Federation of State High School Associations.

More than 40 high school officiating associations from Oregon and Washington are participating by sending a representative to the event. The program begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by 4:00 p.m.

"We are very pleased and proud to work with the OSAA and WIAA on this event," said NASO President Barry Mano. "The commitment by both to provide this kind of program to its association leaders demonstrates their dedication to improving officiating throughout the state."

Called "Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way – Leadership for Local Associations," the program includes welcomes from OSAA Executive Director Tom Welter and WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese, followed by a keynote address from Mano titled "Leadership Officiating."

Following Mano will be sports attorney and official Alan Goldberger addressing numerous legal issues affecting local association management.

NASO Communications and Development Manager Bob Still will conclude the morning sessions with a program titled "What You Can Do to Recruit and Retain Officials."

During lunch, sponsored by the OSAA and WIAA, NFL Director of Officiating Mike Pereira will tackle the subject, "Sportsmanship Begins Right Here! Right Now!" Pereira will focus his remarks on how local associations must work with their members to emphasize enforcement of sportsmanship rules and more. Pereira, a longtime advocate for sportsmanship, is a perfect exclamation point for this high-powered day on leadership.

The afternoon sessions will continue the theme of leadership management.

Nora Stransky, president of Special Markets Insurance Consultants, Inc., will conduct a 45-minute presentation on insurance needs and services for association leaders. Her presentation will breakdown the confusing industry terminology and help association leaders understand the risks of managing an association.

Following Stransky, Welter and Colbrese will update attendees on issues impacting their respective states and answer questions.

Reid Evans, president of The Arbiter, a leading officiating software manufacturer, will present a program on how association’s can improve assigning systems by embracing the newest technologies.

Marcy Weston, NASO chair, will conclude the meeting with remarks challenging the audience to embrace their leadership role in order to make a difference for the profession.

The one-day program will "open the minds of association leaders," according to Mano, "and give them plenty of ideas and perspective on how to improve their officials and the management of their organization."

It’s not too late to register if you are an Oregon or Washington official interested in this program. If you want to register call the OSAA today at 503/682-6722.

Message is Clear – Don't Mess With Texas Referees

The famous litter advertising slogan from Texas took on a whole new meaning when the state legislature passed House Bill 716 in May. The bill passed both the House and Senate chambers without much opposition and is now before Governor Rick Perry awaiting his signature. If signed into law, Texas becomes the 17th state to enact legislation designed to protect sports officials from physical abuse and assault.

The legislation was filed on February 5, 2003 by Representative Dianne White Delisi, who once observed an official assaulted at a youth game and felt more needed to be done to protect officials.

""I became interested in this issue after an incident that I did witness against an official at the High School level. I was greatly concerned and began to look into the law. When I saw the level of punishment for such assaults, I thought that the law should be strengthened," said Delisi. "The most serious assaults are covered by Texas law. What the law does not address are the simple assaults that, added up, are removing all sense of order from the playing field, and contributing to an increasingly hostile atmosphere in the world of sports.

The legislation covers all levels of amateur events including recreational games as well as high school and college contests. It also includes games at the professional level.

""In this environment, sports officials do more than call a player in-bounds or throw penalty flags. They are a symbol of authority and order in a public venue," adds Delisi. "On the field of play, they are the ultimate arbiters of what is and what is not permissible behavior. They're breaking up fights, confronting hostile players and coaches, and maintaining order under very contentious circumstances."

Among those testifying on March 18, 2003 before the criminal jurisprudence committee were R.B. Alexander, Steven Ellinger and Bob Hicks. All are members of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO) and NASO. NASO sent a letter of support to the committee chair.

On May 20, 2003, Sheriff William T. McCool of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas and Ben Nix, an official from Arlington and a member of TASO and NASO, appeared before the senate criminal justice committee.

"These members took it upon themselves to speak up and be counted when needed," said NASO Communications Manager Bob Still. "They were the difference makers because they were willing to go before the legislators and actually encourage action instead of talk alone. If no one had appeared before those committees, a bill like this would likely die. Every sports administrator, coach and official in Texas should be proud of what these gentlemen did."

To learn more about H.B. 716 and the process undertaken to enact the bill, go to the Texas Legislature website and visit http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/. Type in H.B. 716 in the appropriate place on the page to review all details of the bill.

Help Grow NASO and Put Money In Your Pocket

NASO members can save $5 on their NASO membership renewal. It’s as simple as sending us two names of officials you think will make good NASO members along with your renewal payment. Instead of paying $86 for a membership, participating members pay only $81. The discount is available only to those who participate in this program. In order to qualify for the discount, the member must complete a form that is enclosed with the renewal statement and return it to NASO with the renewal payment.

NASO membership recruitment programs are critical to the growth of the organization. Once NASO receives the names and addresses of nominated officials, it mails a packet that includes a personal invitation letter, complimentary issue of the NASO "Members Only" edition of Referee, an NASO membership brochure and application. The nominated official is told in the cover letter that an NASO member nominated them for membership.

Members may send in more than two names and are encouraged to do so, but only one $5 discount will be applied to dues.

If you have questions about this NASO recruitment campaign, contact customer service at 262/632-5448. Watch for your renewal statement and help NASO grow while you save money.

July Issue Mailed

The July issue of REFEREE has been mailed and has lots of important news and information.

Here’s a preview:

Look for your issue of REFEREE any day. www.referee.com