2016 REGIONAL CLINIC - Referee
Referee The Referee has a great deal of responsibility when they accept an assignment. They are responsible to display the leadership of the position towards the crew, players and coaches. Being prepared to deal with the crew and all facets of the game will make you a better and valuable referee and official.
Assignment Ensure crew knows expected arrival time / location / time to meet for car pool to the game. Know in advance the facility: availability of change room facilities, scoreboard clock, non-regulation EZ / track, etc. Know your crew – each member’s strengths and any specific areas to address (especially important for first/second year officials) Preplan any pregame comments/instructions for the crew based on seeing the teams previously, idiosyncrasies with field/support officials, team standings/playoffs, etc. **Remember just because you have been at certain field and worked specific teams previously, it doesn’t mean that your crew have the same knowledge or experiences.
Pre Game – Crew Inspect the field as safety is the #1 priority. Make sure the crew inspect the goal posts/pads, exposed sprinkler head, check the field and EZ for garbage – soda cans, any other out of the ordinary situations. Ensure the crew check the length and connections on the yard sticks, player equipment (tinted visors, illegal facemasks, padding, etc.). The referee has the ultimate responsibility to ensure all the inspections are done. Have a pregame regardless of the level of game and the experience of the crew.
Pre Game – Crew Every crew member has strengths and weaknesses – address each weakness within the pregame and review of assignments. (i.e. how punts will be covered on a 4 man High School crew with a first year or first game HL) Play the percentages: At the high school level, many penalties occur during kick plays review assignments, coverage, signals, in/out of EZ Pass coverage with a 4-men crew presents a challenge, quick review of coverage for different formations, i.e. trips, bunch, etc. Adjust your pregame according to the level of ball and the experience of the crew.
Pre Game – Timer Ensure you know the timer’s name and they know your name. Review your signals with the timer and the plays when the clock is stopped. Special situations for review – converts, issues with coaches, friends standing with the timer and what to do if the hand held clock stops or resets. A good rule of thumb is to let the timer know that they can stop the game if there is a situation (problem with the clock) that needs your attention.
Pre Game – Coach Approach HC for pre-game meeting with your umpire. Keep the relationship a professional one and one of mutual respect. Treat the coach of each team equally and avoid the perception of being overfriendly or favouring one over the other. On the field, building rapport ≠ building friendship. Invite coaches to discuss about their special plays that they may use in the game.
Pre Game – Coach Remember, when explaining a play for the purpose of getting a ruling, you need to quickly assess the situation and recognize that you are hearing only one side of the story, his version of what happened. Regardless of the answer that you are going to provide the coach, preface the answer with a statement to the effect of “Coach, I wasn’t there and didn’t see the play but based on what you have said….. “ DO NOT provide an explanation or ruling if you’re unsure of the answer.
Pre Game – Coach The head coaches should also be informed that you are willing to have coaches conferences during the game to discuss or explain plays/penalty applications (NOT judgement) with them. Following the Pre Game with both HC, the Referee should report all the information passed by the coaches to the crew.
In-Game During every timeout or injury timeout, the Referee should gather the crew together – an opportunity to discuss any plays, TO remaining for each team, reminder of any special situation, sideline management, etc. Similarly, halftime presents an opportunity for the crew not only to relax and get hydrated, it is a good opportunity to review the mechanics of the first half. Each official could be asked if they have had any difficulties with mechanics, or plays. It is better to discuss and deal with them at halftime rather than discover something has been amiss after the game.
In-Game The Referee should be mentally recording the plays being run and recognizing if there is a pattern developing to deceive the defence. Preventive officiating: Work with QB to avoid time count, especially in lower level games. In conjunction with Umpire, work with the O-line to minimize the need to call a penalty. Be prepared to assert presence at the end of a play which requires awareness, anticipation and movement.
In-Game – Penalty Aside from knowing the rules and applications, Referees must establish their own routine that will assist in the communications of penalties and applications between the Referee and Umpire and other officials. Once the penalty has been reported and the decision to either accept or refuse the penalty has been made, the Referee should instruct the application to the Umpire and information for the crew, prior to announcing the penalty to the benches.
In-Game – Penalty Should confirm the penalty with Umpire the yardage and the location of the penalty application. (i.e. Illegal Procedure / back 5 (yards) PLS or Holding, 10, PBH) As the Umpire marches off the yardage from the designated application point, the Referee will confirm the penalty with appropriate signal to the benches. Ideally the Referee will give his signals at the point of application of the penalty. This is a good confirmation between the Referee and Umpire when the application occurs are PBH or POP, and slightly less so when applied from the LOS
In-Game – Critical Play The QB and Kickers are the Referee’s chief responsibilities BUT don’t become fixated on watching the QB – when the ball is snapped, watch the blocking until the QB is threatened. By lining up to the outside of the QB, you will have a good view of the OL and blocking and will be easily able to transition to the QB as defensive players get close to him. Likewise, don’t watch the punter/kicker on punts and FG attempts, watch the blocking on your side of the line and use your periphery vision until the kickers are threatened. Once the ball is kicked, again be aware of where the punter is while watching the play of the O and D linemen. Once he has passed the LOS, you are free to watch for all blocking and interference taking place during the return.
In-Game – Post Game It is recognized that everyone was to get going after a game but take the time to discuss the game as a crew and review any problems or situations that could have been dealt with in a better manner during the game. Any usually happening, i.e. player ejection, a follow-up report that should be submitted, ensure that the complete crew knows the circumstances and in agreement of the events that will comprise the report
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