The Non-Defensive Defense

We are always being questioned in officiating. Players, coaches, fans, supervisors, assignors — even fellow officials — often question what we’re doing or why we’re doing it.

Not all questions are attacks on our credibility and knowledge, yet many times we react as if they are personal attacks. In some ways, it’s simply human nature; when we get backed into a corner, we tend to try to fight our way out — verbally.

Communication Briefings, a management newsletter, published an article on dealing with people without being defensive. The quoted material below comes from Communication Briefings; the rest was added by Referee.

"1. Assume the attack will come and raise the issue before an attacker can. Example: Your new marketing plan fails to boost sales. Don’t wait for others to point that out. Instead, say the results disappointed you but you learned a lot that will help you do better next time."

"2. Think interview, not rebuttal. Respond to a harsh critique with something such as, "What did I do exactly?" What would you have done?" By showing that you’re listening, you lessen the accuser’s aggression.

"3. Don’t shift the blame to others. Doing so will resolve nothing. Better: Adopt an inquisitive, fact-finding mode and join the attacker’s attempt to find out what happened and why."

"4. Point to a shared goal. Example: Other team members attack your idea even though it has merit. Don’t argue about the details. Instead, say something such as, "Let’s not lose sight of the whole point of this project — to serve the customers better." That will give you a chance to stress how your idea ties to the team’s main goal."

The NASO Board of Directors will hold its semiannual meeting on February 1. A day earlier, the NASO-initiated Officiating Development Alliance will meet. Both meetings are in Dallas. Planning for the June conference in Portland, Ore., along with the normal business of the association will be discussed by the NASO board. NASO members who desire to have items considered by the board should submit their input to NASO headquarters in Racine for the board’s attention.

The following column by Mike Rosenberg of the Detroit Free Press appears in today’s paper. Regardless of the level you work, you might appreciate Mr. Rosenberg’s sentiment.

Click here http://www.freep.com/sports/college/rosey15_20021115.htm

NASO Bops Another Bop Bag

The website promo says, "Referee Bop Bag. Everybody hates the Ref — so bop him! This 40-inch bop bag isn’t just for kids. Dressed in black and white, he looks like the real thing, he’s even sneering at you! Made of heavy gauge vinyl with a weighted sand base. Especially loved by older kids who dislike childish toys! Great for aggression therapy, cause and effect, target practice or just plain fun!"

Are you kidding?

A recent experience surfing the Net turned up the above gem at Pocket Full of Therapy, a website intended to provide helpful products for children. NASO called the company president and received assurances that the product would be immediately discontinued. As of this publication date, the product is still being promoted on the site.

NASO urges members to call the toll-free number provided and express concern that such a product sends the wrong message to children. Assaulting a referee does not teach proper behavior and it’s certainly not "just plain fun" to be "target" practice.

The manufacturer of the Referee Bop Bag is Phun From Phoenix! Inc. It is even endorsed by Dr. Stevanne Auerbach as one of Early Childhood News "100 best product picks."

Phun From Phoenix! Inc., has not responded to previous calls from NASO. Therefore, the association will continue to find those selling the product and ask them to stop.

Please alert communications manager Bob Still if at any time you discover a product promoting violence against sports officials. Less than two years ago Hallmark Inc., agreed to stop selling the "Bad Call Brick" after talking with NASO. Efforts by the association to stop the sale of such items can be successful with members’ cooperation.

NASO and Referee are proud to announce that members can access the Referee website all college conferences offices. The directory lists conferences by state or alphabetically and includes a phone number and website link (when available.)

The site also provides a complete listing of all National Federation of State High School Association state offices.

Just go to www.referee.com/links.htm. For specific information such as mailing addresses for supervisors of officials, contact Tina Sagal at 262/632-8855.

Visit www.referee.com and click on the "Publications" link. There you’ll find another link labeled "Download the REFEREE book catalog" and the message " This is a PDF Document that will open with Adobe Acrobat Reader." If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you’ll find another link that will allow you to download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader for your computer.

The catalog includes information on all Referee and NASO publications for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. It also includes publications like the new Leadership Officiating that apply to any sport.

Be sure to come back often as the catalog is updated with new Referee and NASO publications. NASO members are encouraged to download and distribute the catalog to fellow officials in your crew or association. Officials’ association leaders can use the catalog for group orders or to distribute at meeting and clinics.

Of course, you can still order online by clicking on the sport-specific links on the left side of the publication’s page.

December Issue is in the Mail

The December issue of REFEREE is in the mail and has lots of important news and information.

Here’s a preview:

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

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