Read the Signs and Create a Presence

During each game, you must recognize signs of conflict and prevent it from escalating. How officials handle those elements separates the average refs from the exceptional ones.

Recognizing conflict. You can’t prevent a conflict if you don’t recognize clues to volatile emotions. Some conflicts are easy to recognize; two opponents swinging fists at one another is a clear indication. You must learn how to recognize signs of conflict that you can deal with before a situation escalates. When you read the signs correctly, you can prevent major blow-ups from happening.

Signs from players. Frustrated players tend to complain or demonstrate non-verbal signs of disgust. Knowing the signs of frustration gives you the context to deal with the player appropriately.

• A player’s poor performance is an obvious sign of a player’s frustration level. If a player is playing well, you’re less likely to hear complaining. If a star player is struggling, you’ll hear more complaining (it’s part of being "scapegoat").

• Look at players’ facial expressions and body language for clues about their behavior. Staring or glaring at an opponent is an obvious attempt at intimidation. Tense facial muscles, such as a set jaw, may indicate a player is close to acting aggressively. Also players who scold teammates are usually frustrated.

• Always watch for contact away from the ball or after a play ends, including after tags in baseball and softball. Those two areas are ripe for a cheap shot (verbal or physical) because of the perception that no one is watching.

• Be on constant lookout for "paybacks." For example, at higher levels of competition, if there was hard foul by a player, look for the offended player to attempt to get the player back at some point. Not-so-smart players attempt to retaliate immediately; they are often caught because the officials are still focused on those players. Smarter players try to get away with retaliation a short time later, hoping the referees aren’t watching anymore.

Signs from coaches. Most signs from coaches are verbal. When their comments to officials are repetitive, it is usually a sign of either "working" the officials or frustration. The volume of their comments is also a sign. Watch for impulsive, attack-style body language too.

• Look for how they talk to their own players and assistant coaches. If they’re haranguing them, the officials may also probably be a target at some point.

• Body language is crucial. Look for stern facial expressions that express anger or a roll of the eyes and a wry smile that suggests sarcasm. A coach flailing arms or using officiating signals is a sure sign that the coach is playing to the crowd in an attempt to intimidate you.

Officiating presence. The way an official looks and the presence the official carries during the game goes a long way toward managing conflict. Simply put, you’ve got to look like you know what you’re doing and look confident while handling situations. That includes physical presence.

Presence is a difficult thing to define. An official with presence is athletic-looking and has a confident demeanor that says, "I belong." An official without presence often looks nervous and appears to be anxious. Coaches can sense that and may become aggressive, thinking they can easily influence that official and can gain an advantage.

Age is a factor that you can’t control. Younger officials should be prepared to deal with more conflict than an older official. Coaches tend to test rookies because there’s a perception that they are more easily influenced than veterans. Realizing that, you can better prepare by thinking about what you are going to say before you say it.

Physical presence. Good officials look good. They are physically fit and appear athletic. They walk confidently with a strong posture. How does that relate to managing conflict? The better you look, the more accepting people are. The more accepting people are, the less conflict you’ll have to manage. Your physical presence also means where you are in relation to the conflict. Sometimes you can defuse a situation merely by being in the area of the problem.

Here’s an example. When two players (or more) end up on the ground or floor due to aggressive playing action (such as diving for a loose ball or a collision) an official should immediately move into the area where the players are on the surface. If the first person a player sees is an official in that area, there is less likelihood of retaliation (verbal or physical). If you aren’t there, a player might try to get away with an intentional elbow or a push to the opponent.

More Officiating Legislation Passes

Act up at a sporting event in Illinois or Oregon beginning in 2004 and you might land in jail. New legislation recently signed into law by the governors of those states impacts behavior at sporting events.

In Illinois, after several disturbing incidents in Chicago at professional baseball games, legislators said "enough is enough" and passed a bill that punishes those who disrupt live sporting, musical and theatrical events.

Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), the House sponsor, told The Chicago Tribune, "Chicago was left with a black eye because of stupid acts of a couple of people, and we want to prevent any type of follow-up activity. The idea of this bill is to serve more as a deterrent than a punishment."

State Senator Mattie Hunter, also of Chicago, was a bit more blunt to the Tribune. "We have so many rowdy fans, and the situation had just gotten really out of control."

But those whose stunts jeopardize the safety of others will have a "real price to pay," Fritchey adds.

The law created the new offense of criminal trespass to a place of public amusement. It is designed to crack down on anyone who illegally enters restricted areas, such as a playing field, basketball court, stage or locker room. Whether a parking lot at a sporting event can be considered part of a restricted area will likely be tested in court once, and if, an official is attacked and then pursues prosecution under this law.

The crime will be a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison, instead of a minor trespassing violation. Along with the minimum $1,000 fine, an offender could be required to perform 30 or more hours of public or community service.

In Oregon, legislators enacted a bill that in effect says, if you’re kicked out, you better leave peacefully or face jail.

The "sports rage" bill provides that disorderly people at sporting events who refuse to leave could be charged with misdemeanor trespass, which carries a maximum fine of 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"It’s too bad that kids’ sports have come to this," Rep. Jerry Krummel, (R-Wilsonville) told the Portland Oregonian. "When people go to games, we expect them to behave themselves."

Sports officials generally have authority under the rules of the game to eject disorderly players, coaches and even fans. Seldom do game officials eject fans, but now, under this act if an official ejects someone and they refuse to leave, arrest and prosecution is possible.

Both the Illinois and Oregon laws take effect Jan. 1, 2004.

Nominate Your Candidate for 2004 NASO Gold Whistle Award®

Do you know an official who is an outstanding contributor to his or her community? A person whose integrity and character is such that other officials look to them not only as a role model, but also as a true hero?

If so, that person may be the next NASO Gold Whistle Award (GWA) honoree.

The NASO Gold Whistle Award was created to honor an individual who not only has demonstrated officiating excellence, but also has served mankind above and beyond the call of duty. Clearly the emphasis is on community contributions.

Since 1988, NASO has selected one individual annually. Most recently, the award was presented to NBA referee Bob Delaney at the NASO Gold Whistle Award banquet in Portland, Ore.

Previous honorees include the NFL’s Art McNally, Jim Tunney and Tom Dooley; MLB’s Larry Young, retired umpires Larry Barnett, Steve Palermo and the late Durwood Merrill; NBA referee Tommy Nuñez; retired NHL linesmen Paul Stewart and Ron Asselstine; collegiate basketball referees Ed Hightower and the late Pete Pavia; the late Ed Myer, a sports business entrepreneur and official; and officiating administrators Bernie Saggau and Ted Butcher.

"The key element of consideration is the contribution the person has made in the community," says Awards Committee Chair Joan Powell. "The award is about giving of one’s self beyond officiating duties."

Previous winners provide lofty examples. Delaney is involved in numerous activities in his community and has set an example by serving on various fundraising committees and doing public speaking to motivate at-risk children.

Young is heavily involved with northern Illinois Special Olympic projects. Stewart is a major promoter of the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer program. Dooley is renowned in the Charlotte, N.C., area for involving his employees in charitable causes. Nuñez received the 1999 award primarily for his creation of a foundation that provides college scholarships to low-income families in the Phoenix area through an annual basketball tournament. Many young people who would have no chance to further their education have been able to do so in part because Nuñez took time to care.

Saggau, the executive director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and 1996 recipient, is a supporter of several chemical health programs throughout the Midwest and has co-authored Sportsmanship and Citizenship, a popular textbook used in school districts across the country.

Former major league umpire Merrill, who passed away in January, touched everyone present at his 1998 presentation when he described how the Hooks Christian Service Charity began in his hometown of Hooks, Tex. Thanks to Merrill and many local volunteers who joined his effort, more than 25 poverty-level families are able to celebrate Christmas each year.

And when it comes to respect for these individuals, 1992 winner Tunney aptly described McNally, the first NASO Gold Whistle Award winner, as "a man so honest, I would play poker with him over the telephone."

The NASO Gold Whistle Award committee is now accepting nominations for its 2004 honoree. A candidate must meet the following criteria:

• Have a minimum of 10 years of experience as an active official, but does not have to be currently active. Also, the award can be made posthumously.

The selection committee, at its discretion, and in lieu of this, can select an award recipient based on the candidate’s significant contribution to the betterment of officiating.

• Exhibit a "service above self" attitude demonstrated by a record of community involvement, public service or other engagements which clearly have had a positive, motivating impact on others.

• Be regarded as a person with strong integrity and ethics, and possessing the qualities held in high regard by the community of sports officials.

• Have a consistent record of presenting officiating in a positive light to the sports world in general.

The NASO Gold Whistle Award is among the most coveted awards in the world of sports officiating. The honoree will be presented the Gold Whistle Award at the "Sports Officiating 2004" conference in Washington, D.C., next August. Fox 40 International will help host the banquet and presentation.

If you know of someone you think is deserving of recognition, send a letter of nomination to NASO Gold Whistle Award Coordinator, 2017 Lathrop Ave., Racine, Wis., 53405. You can also e-mail your nomination letter to bstill@naso.org. Your letter should include the reasons you believe your nominee is qualified and must provide specific examples. You also need to include the names and phone numbers of three references. Please be as specific as you can as to why you think your nominee is the right choice.

Blow the Whistle on Cancer Gives First Grant

Last October the National Football League Referees Association (NFLRA) embraced the NASO-initiated Blow the Whistle on Cancer campaign by raising nearly $50,000 through member contributions and matching contribution from the NFL. Their efforts have resulted in the first grant presented by The V Foundation for Cancer Research to Dr. Ben Ho Park, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Park’s study called, "Understanding BRCA-1 Function by Targeted Gene Disruption in a Somatic Normal Breast Ipithelial," is taking place at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

When the V Foundation Chief Executive Officer Nick Valvano announced the grant, he noted that it was made "in honor of their wives and mothers of NFLRA members."

Bill Carollo, executive director of the NFLRA, confirmed with NASO that members of the NFLRA would again participate in the Blow the Whistle on Cancer campaign in 2003.

For more about Blow the Whistle on Cancer and how you can participate, go to www.naso.org/jimmyv.

Periodically NASO and Referee will send surveys to randomly selected members and subscribers asking important officiating-related questions or seeking other insight. Participation is greatly appreciated and helpful.

"We learn a great deal from every survey we conduct," says Tom Herre, REI vice president. "From marketing/consumer information to specific beliefs on officiating issues, these surveys help NASO and Referee keep a finger on the pulse of the officiating world."

Herre also noted the important cost savings of conducting such surveys on the Web.

"With postage costs constantly rising, using the web is a critical tool," he says. "We could never gather information on such a variety of topics if we had to conduct direct mail surveys through the postal service. Using the web has become a vital tool that is cost-effective. That’s another reason it is important for members to keep their e-mail address updated with NASO and Referee."

If you receive an NASO or Referee survey in the future, please take the time to respond. Your opinion counts.

ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports will combine to present the most extensive coverage of the Little League World Series in event history with 35 telecasts. ESPN and ESPN2 will televise 33 games of the 57th annual Little League World Series, while ABC Sports will televise the United States and World Series Championships. ESPN and ESPN2's expanded coverage will include seven international pool play games (up from one last year) and the consolation game for the first time ever.

Coverage began Saturday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN with the Southeast Region final from St Petersburg, Fla. ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to televise eight regional final games in four days and every game of the United States pool play from Williamsport.

Gary Thorne and Dave Ryan will share play-by-play duties with rotating analysts Harold Reynolds and Tom Candiotti. Reporters will include Dave Ryan, Samantha Ryan and Alvaro Martin. Brent Musburger (play-by-play), Reynolds (analyst) and Samantha Ryan (reporter) will call both ABC telecasts.

"Little League baseball is great because it reminds you how difficult the game is to learn and execute," said Reynolds. "As a Little League World Series analyst I attempt to take more of an instructional approach to the game. It's my responsibility to remind the audience these players are only 11- and 12-years-old."

Production elements will include: UmpCam, providing viewers with a unique behind-the-plate view through a thumb-sized camera built into the umpire's facemask; HatCam, a camera placed on the hat of an infield umpire providing a unique angle of the on-field action; a 35-foot JIB boom camera for surrounding and scenic views; and robotic cameras to provide unique baseline views.

Telecasts will also feature "Hometown Heroes" and "Hometown Postcards" vignettes recognizing the hometown volunteers of the competing teams that give their time and service to Little League baseball.

8/18 1 p.m. Pacific vs. Mexico ESPN2

8/18 3 p.m. Great Lakes vs. Northwest ESPN

8/18 5 p.m. Latin America vs. Europe ESPN2

8/18 7 p.m. Southeast vs. New England ESPN2

8/19 11 a.m. Latin America vs. Mexico ESPN2

8/19 1 p.m. Asia vs. Transatlantic ESPN2

8/19 3 p.m. Southwest vs. Mid-Atlantic ESPN

8/19 5 p.m. Caribbean vs. Canada ESPN2

8/19 7 p.m. West vs. Midwest ESPN2

8/20 4 p.m. International Semifinal #1 ESPN

8/20 7 p.m. United States Semifinal #1 ESPN

8/21 4 p.m. International Semifinal #2 ESPN2

8/21 7 p.m. United States Semifinal #2 ESPN

8/23 3 p.m. International Championship ESPN

8/23 7:30 p.m. United States Championship ABC

8/24 1 p.m. Consolation Game - ESPN

8/24 6:30 p.m. WWLS Championship ABC

ALL TIMES EASTERN TIME ZONE

NOTE: Please refer to www.espn.com <http://www.espn.com> or the Little League World Series Web site at www.littleleague.org <http://www.littleleague.org> for additional information on team match-ups.

September Issue Mailed

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