SCHOOL’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HOSTING OFFICIALS

Quality Officiating

Quality officiating is a big factor in making any athletic contest run smoothly. It also helps to create a positive experience for the players, coaches and fans. As the host school it is your responsibility to make the officials feel welcome and comfortable when they are working a game at your facilities.

Always remember that these individuals are working these contests because of their love for their particular sport and the enjoyment they receive from working with the high school athlete.

It is the athletic department’s responsibility to provide the necessary information to officials prior to the assigned contest as well as to be available during and following the contest.

Fine officiating and good game management often go unnoticed, but together the officials and athletic department can make the competitive aspect of the game a positive one.

Adopting the following suggestions will help show the necessary respect and appreciation for the officials and will assist them in concentrating on their game responsibilities.

School’s Responsibility To An Official Prior To The Season
  1. Send a reminder card to the officials after you have them scheduled.
  2. Reminder cards should include date of contest, time, level, location and sport.

    3. Even though many schools and conferences have assignment chairpersons, sending a reminder is highly recommended. When an official does not show, people in your community won’t know whom the assignment chairperson is, but they do know the athletic director. Avoid embarrassment.

  3. Have a standard wage scale set for your different sports and levels and a method in place to raise the pay periodically.
  4. If possible, let the working officials know who their partner(s) will be.
  5. Hire police and security along with medical assistant or trainer coverage for events whenever possible.

School’s Responsibility To An Official Prior To The Contest

  1. Prior to the contest provide the officials with directions and inform them of any special activities that are scheduled (i.e., Homecoming, Senior Night, etc.).
  2. Give the officials a number they can call in case of an emergency or postponement due to weather.
  3. Have competent workers assigned at all contests (scorers, announcers, chain gang, etc.). These people are of great assistance to the officials during the contest.
  4. Have a host assigned to meet the officials as they arrive. The host should do the following for the officials:
    1. provide a reserved parking space
    2. meet officials and take them to the dressing room
    3. have refreshments available for halftime and post game
    4. ask for any additional needs
    5. have the escort or preferably the athletic director introduce the officials to those game workers pertinent to the contest (i.e., scorer, announcer, chain gang, etc.)
    6. get the proper pronunciation of officials’ names so they are correct when given by the public address announcer
  1. Athletic director should discuss with the officials any special events, conference rules, national anthem time, etc. that would affect the game.
  2. Provide the officials with the name of the adult supervisor for that contest and where that person can be found in the event a challenging situation should occur.
  3. Make officials aware of location of trainer or paramedics during the contest. Have a doctor on site when possible (especially at football contests).
  4. Make sure all bench personnel are properly attired.
  5. Do a check on game scoreboards and lighting systems prior to the game or contest.
  6. Make sure the playing area is properly marked and meets the appropriate guidelines for that contest.

School’s Responsibility To An Official During The Contest
  1. Insist coaches display good sportsmanship and are proper examples for your players and crowd.
  2. Have your public address announcer or cheerleader read the school sportsmanship statement and remain unbiased during contest.
  3. Make sure the event supervisor understands the duties and responsibilities pertinent to that contest.
  4. Make sure the playing area is maintained during halftime of each contest. For wrestling, make sure the mat is properly cleaned and washed.
  5. Make sure proper crowd control is visible and in place.
  6. Observe the crowd during the contest and prevent any disturbances that may occur.
  7. Work with the official during the game regarding crowd control.
  8. Retrieve the game ball at the end of the contest.
  9. Escort the officials back to the dressing room at halftime and at the conclusion of the contest.

School’s Responsibility To An Official After The Contest
  1. Escort the officials safely back to the dressing room.
  2. Do not allow unauthorized persons in the dressing room after the game.
  3. Have refreshments available for officials after the contest.
  4. Be sure to thank the officials for their time and effort, regardless of the outcome of the game.
  5. Make sure arrangements for paying the officials have been completed.

Contributors:
Illinois High School Association
National Federation of State High School Associations Manual
Dr. Bruce McCoy, former Athletic Director
Bob Brown
Doug Smith