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The Art of Accepting Games
Good officials project professionalism on and off the court
or field. Among the areas where you can stand out:
Accepting games. Before even getting on the court
or field, you obviously need to get assigned games. There
are many different assigning methods that vary from state
to state, level to level and association to association.
Learn what the process is from other local officials
and association leaders. Then, follow the system. Do not compromise
your principles to get games. In some areas, it’s wrong
to contact coaches directly for games. If that’s the
case, don’t do it. You’d be sacrificing your integrity
just for an assignment. It’s not worth it.
In other areas, officials must get games from coaches
or athletic directors. While that practice often gives the
appearance of favoritism and impropriety, follow the procedures
that are accepted and don’t deviate. Be careful.
Once you’ve figured out the procedure and accepted
an assignment, keep it. Few things upset assigners more than
turned back games. Emergencies do happen, but they should
be few in number. Officials who continually have problems
making assignments eventually don’t get called.
Turning back games. It’s tempting to turn
back a game when a better one comes along. Some assigners
allow turn-backs if the official has a chance to move up a
level, for example from a JV game to varsity. Others frown
upon it no matter what. If you know you can’t turn back
a game without upsetting someone, don’t do it.
If you have a better opportunity that moves you up a
level and your assigner is open minded, be up front about
it. Don’t commit to the new game until you’ve talked
to the assigner for the game you already have.
If you get caught being dishonest about assignments,
you’re going to bum bridges. The assigner you lied to
won’t call. The assigner you lied for won’t call
because that assignor is smart enough to know that if you
did it to someone else to move up, you’ll do it again!
You gain more credibility by keeping the assignment you’ve
got. After all, if you’re worthy of a chance to move
up, other assignments will come your way.
Treat officiating like a business. When you receive
a contract in the mail, return it in a timely fashion. Think
of your officiating as a business. As the business owner,
realize how important contracts are to your business. If they
are returned late or incomplete, your business will suffer
because you’re less likely to get other contracts. Get
the contract back in the mail as soon as you receive it.
Other thoughts. Arrive at the game site well in
advance of the scheduled start time. Allow enough time to
get stuck in traffic and still make it in plenty of time.
The proper amount of time varies by level and by local
practice. General rule: Depending on the sport and the amount
of time needed for a pregame conference, arrive at least 45
minutes before the game. For high school varsity college and
other high level games, 90 minutes is more acceptable.
Allow enough time to stretch out, get dressed, have a
pregame with your partner or crew and conduct pregame duties
without rushing.
When arriving at the game site, park in a well-lit area
and, if possible, near an exit not used by most fans. If possible,
park with open space in front of and behind your car to ensure
no one can box you in after the game and cause problems. Put
all valuables (like a briefcase, clothes, etc.) in your trunk
so there’s less of a reason to break into your car.
If possible, drive with your partner. That gives you
time for idle chit-chat and possibly a pregame conference
on the way to the game.
After the game. If facilities are available, shower
and change back into the same clothes you arrived in. Don’t
leave with your uniform on. You want to leave with a professional
appearance, just like you arrived.
Leave the game site with your partner. There’s safety
in numbers. In cold weather climates, make sure both cars
start properly before leaving. If you and your partner are
going to stop for a bite to eat, consider stopping out of
the town in which you just officiated. You don’t want
to be a local celebrity or a target.
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