ALL SPORTS
VOLLEYBALL
EYE ON R2 IMPROVEMENT 4 U
FOOTBALL & SOCCER
BASEBALL
SOFTBALL
NCAA rule BALK TALK A SECOND changes OPINION
BASKETBALL
MISS-MATCH
AUGUST 2018 // REFEREE.COM
GOLD WHISTLE
Award
BILL CAROLLO
stop & go pg.44
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CONTENTS
AUGUST 2018 Volume 43, No. 8 Issue 502 22
FEATURES 22
GOLD WHISTLE AWARD: BILL CAROLLO Work ethic, honesty, integrity
44
OVER-SEASONED? Benefits and landmines await those working multiple sports.
56
CAUTION: STOP SIGN AHEAD The non-verbal communication tool sends a clear message — but some worry it’s like using a sledgehammer when a flyswatter would do.
66
CBOA TURNS 100
California association created in 1918 to fill the need for quality basketball officials.
SPORTS 12
ON THE COVER MEGAN TRIGGS
28
Resides: Puyallup, Wash. Occupation: Patient service representative and assistant referrals coordinator for MultiCare Health System Officiating Experience: Line judge in the Pac-12 since 2015. Worked first-round postseason competition in 2016 and first and second rounds in 2017. Line judge in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference since 2014. Line judge/official with the Tacoma-Pierce County Volleyball Officials Board since 2018. USAV official since 2011.
34
50
FOOTBALL No Waist of Time: NCAA Adjusts Blocking Below the Waist, Leaping Rules; Losing Track Is a Real Down-er; On Second Thoughts … VOLLEYBALL Second Helping: Movement, Coverage Tips for R2s; Time to Get Pro-Active; 5MW: Wade DuBois SOCCER Upon Further Review: NCAA Rule Changes for 2018-19 Expand Video Review; Substitution Satisfaction; ‘But I Got the Ball, Ref!’ BASEBALL Balk This Way: What Happens Next Is Different in NFHS vs. NCAA and Pro; Take Care of Business; One Last Look
COURTESY OF BILL CAROLLO, DALE GARVEY (TRIGGS), BOB MESSINA (FOOTBALL)
60
SOFTBALL Unsolicited Advice: Help From a Partner May Come Without a Request; Safe at Home (and in the Field, Too); Celebration May Lead to Consternation
68
BASKETBALL Front and Back: NFHS Amends Rule Regarding Backcourt Violation; It’s Not Our Job to Play Matchmaker
74
ALL SPORTS The Fix Is In: Improvement Is a Day, Week or Month Away; How Video Has Changed Officiating
COLUMNS 4
PUBLISHER’S MEMO
6
THE GAG RULE
8
40
42
Immutable Still
Snap Shot: Royal Stripes; They Get It; Survey Says …
78
FOR THE RECORD
80
LAW
81
CLASSIFIEDS
THE NEWS
Dean Blandino Named to College Replay Post; NCAA Names First D-II Hoops Coordinator
GETTING IT RIGHT
Soccer Referee Challenges Players; Starting Them Young in Oklahoma; NIRSA Officials Work Special Olympics
PROFILES
Pitching His Dream; 50 Ways to Say ‘Play Ball’; Just One of the Guys
82
Minor League Baseball roster Between a Rock and a Hard Place; The Perception of Impartiality; Safety Checks Lessen Liability Camps/Clinics/Schools; Equipment/Apparel; Leadership Resources; Training Resources
LAST CALL
About-Face: That face. That pained, contorted, bite-the-side-of-yourtongue, swallowed-somebad-medicine, forgot-itwas-your-wife’s-birthday face.
FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHT THIS MONTH
Leaping was one area NCAA rulesmakers modified for the 2018 season.
FOR MORE, GO TO PAGE 12
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PUBLISHER’S MEMO Watch the video at referee.com/pubmemo
Chief Strategy Officer/Publisher Barry Mano
Immutable Still
Chief Operating Officer/Executive Editor Bill Topp Chief Marketing Officer Jim Arehart
A little more than five years ago in this space, I offered a list of what I called “immutable laws of officiating.” Immutable means something not changeable or not easily changed. Such “laws” inform success and failure. I reviewed my earlier column and felt it would be worthwhile to run the “laws” again. I have freshened up some of my insights. Yes, this is about officiating, but it is also about life writ large.
as it is infrequent and non-repetitive. Too many errors, or the same error too many times, is not reasonable. We are “hired” to get plays right.
Chief Business Development Officer Ken Koester
The Law of Eavesdropping. When you put words and images into the digital realm you own them. A “sorry,” or an “oops,” or a “whoops,” will not provide safe harbor.
Senior Editor Jeffrey Stern
The Law of Respect. There are those who deserve to receive the benefit of the doubt from you. This is a “gift” to be earned, not dispensed gratuitously.
The Law of the Ladder. It’s about not making things worse. Seldom will you get the toughest, richest assignments because you scored 100 percent on your test. You will get them because the assigner/coordinator believes you will not make things worse.
The Law of Memory. The older you get, the better you were. Memory is a most wonderful evaluation enhancer. The Law of Response. When asked a question, if you choose to answer, do so tightly. Don’t answer a question for which you do not have credible information. Answer questions, not statements. The Law of Deference. Speak with courtesy. Your point will carry double its weight. If you are slapping them with your words, they will not be clearly heard. The Law of Threats. Showdowns lead to show-ups. In either case you generally will come out on the short end of the interchange. When you threaten someone, you are bargaining from a position of weakness. The Law of Belief. The justification of a call is that it was based on what you believed you saw. That is the best you can do. All else is guesswork. The Law of Candor. It is not unreasonable to make an error, as long
4 | REFEREE August 2018
The Law of Cleanliness. If you think that something might be a conflict of interest, most likely it is. As Balthasar Gracian wrote: One breath of scandal freezes much honorable sweat.
The Law of Adaptation. When your horse dies, get off. If your approach to the game seems to result in less than satisfactory results, your methods have to change. You have to change before your results will change. The Law of Ownership. Many will presume you are arrogant. That is because you own the whistle. Powerful piece that whistle. Your words and deeds must define always a less arrogant you. The Law of Wholeness. Every assignment is more than the game itself. It is a mosaic of responsibilities — from accepting the assignment through fulfilling the assignment. With each piece of that mosaic comes the opportunity to enhance your stature as an official or exasperate those who are trying to rely on you. Peace,
Managing Editor Brent Killackey Assistant Managing Editor Julie Sternberg
Associate Editors Jason Palmer Dave Simon Scott Tittrington Copy Editor Jean Mano Director of Design, Digital Media and Branding Ross Bray Publication Design Manager Matt Bowen Graphic Designer Dustin Brown Video Coordinator Mike Dougherty Interactive Media Developer Michael Kielas Director of Audience Development Dan Olson Event Planner/Marketing Coordinator Nancy Short Comptroller Marylou Clayton Data Analyst/Fulfillment Manager Judy Ball Director of Administration and Sales Support Cory Ludwin Office Administrator Garrett Randall Customer Service Support Specialists Michelle Murray Lisa Burchell Transportation Services Assistant Bob Wemmert Editorial Contributors Jon Bible, George Demetriou, Alan Goldberger, Jerry Grunska, Judson Howard, Peter Jackel, Jay Miner, Steven L. Tietz, Tim Sloan These organizations offer ongoing assistance to Referee: Collegiate Commissioners Association, MLB, MLS, NBA, NCAA, NFHS, NISOA, NFL, NHL, Minor League Baseball Umpire Development and U.S. Soccer. Their input is appreciated. Contributing Photographers Ralph Echtinaw, Dale Garvey, Ken Kassens, Jack Kapenstein, Bob Messina, Bill Nichols, Ted Oppegard, Jim White Editorial Board Marcia Alterman, Mark Baltz, Ron Huffman, Wade Labecki, Cheryl McCarthy Chiari, John O’Neill, Brent Rice, George Toliver, Larry Warrenfeltz Advertising 2017 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405 Phone: 262-632-8855 advertising@referee.com REFEREE (ISSN 0733+1436) is published monthly, $46.95 per year in U.S., $81.95 in Canada, Mexico and foreign countries, by Referee Enterprises, Inc., 2017 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405. Periodical postage paid at Racine, WI and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes and undeliverables to REFEREE, P.O. Box 16447, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6447. Direct subscription inquiries, other mail to REFEREE, P.O. Box 16447, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6447. (818) 487-4549. © 2018 Referee Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. (USPS Publication #107790.) Subscribers: Send address changes to REFEREE, P.O. Box 16447, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6447.
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THE GAG RULE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
THEY GET IT
SNAP SHOT
“Here are a few suggestions to the spectators. “First, if you wouldn’t say it or do it in front of your mother, at church or on your job, don’t do it at the field. Remember, you are showing your child how to handle stress and conflict as an adult. “Second, take a referee course so you can understand the rules of the game. Even if you have no intention of stepping up and being an official, knowledge is a good thing to have. When you say things that are just wrong, you lose credibility. “Next, realize that referees are human too and make mistakes, just like you and I do at our job. “Finally, if you truly think you can do a better job of refereeing, then step up, take the training, pass the test, pay the fee and put on the uniform.”
Royal Stripes Fox Sports Officiating Analyst and NASO Board Chair Mike Pereira (left) dons the stripes to officiate DirecTV’s 8th Annual Celebrity Beach Bowl in New York in February. The flag football game included then-soon-to-be-royalty Meghan Markle (center).
— Davis Swaim in a column, “Refs don’t deserve it” in The (Waynesville, N.C.) Mountaineer
“I absolutely believe all parents, coaches, players really need to change our behavior. Players miss shots, coaches call wrong plays and parents are just parents. Human error is part of the game. What are we teaching students if every time we do not get the call we want? Then we cry about how the referee is not doing his job? If everyone could learn to cheer for their team and say nothing to the other team or referee, our game would be more enjoyable to all.” — Vernon Beard, girls’ basketball coach at Buckeye Verrado (Ariz.) High School SOURCE: ARIZONA REPUBLIC
YOUR CALL @
Justin Bowling: I have often said that school administrators don’t like dealing with fan issues because they will still have to deal with the fan the next day. However, administrators need to set the tone and coaching staffs need to be held to a standard of sportsmanship. If players see that things can be done without acting like a complete idiot, then sportsmanship will begin to improve. As long as there is greater emphasis put on the athlete than the student, sportsmanship issues will continue to be an issue. Bill Hulse: I found that schools/organizations with strong administrative support tend to exhibit the best sportsmanship. Athletic directors need to take action when bad sportsmanship is exhibited by their coaches. They also need a strong presence and must address fan behavior. Gary Frieders: (Support) the announcement before each game stating such organizations promote good sportsmanship and have
those fans who don’t abide by it removed.
coaches and managers in youth sports.
TJ Morgan: 1) It starts with administration at the high school level. If they promote an atmosphere of sportsmanship with their coaches, that’s the best start. 2) Head coach. Players and fans feed off of how a coach acts. If the coach doesn’t stress sportsmanship and exhibit proper behavior, then how can we expect his players and fans to? 3) We as officials can sometimes fan the flames, so to speak. If we can keep our own tempers in check, a lot of times things can be remedied fairly quickly and quietly. We forget our training sometimes and engage when we should ignore.
Juan Almonte: Schools need to have meetings at the start of the season about the rules for sportsmanship and it becomes zero tolerance after they sign the disclosure form. Any guest will be handed a card explaining the policy. One of our leagues has a code of conduct that is read out loud before each game.
Robert C. Williams: Penalize the individual and the team at the same time. Hold the team at least partially responsible for the individual’s actions. Ed Newbegin: Make PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) training mandatory for all
Bill Floria: Coaches set the tone. If a coach is constantly on the officials, the players and fans will think it’s OK. If a coach is always respectful to the officials, even if he or she disagrees, the players and fans will follow his or her lead. Also, educate the fans on the rules for the level. High school rules are different than college or pro rules. Mike Lloyd: Have game management/site managers be proactive in addressing unsporting fan behavior before the officials have to address it.
“Like” us on facebook.com/RefereeMagazine to join the conversation.
6 | REFEREE August 2018
SURVEY SAYS … Do/did you have any family members who were also sports officials?
61% NO
39% YES
SOURCE: 2017 NASO SURVEY OF 17,487 SPORTS OFFICIALS
Tell Us What You Think Send email to letters@referee.com Send letters to: Editor, Referee, 2017 Lathrop Ave. Racine, Wis. 53405 Opinions expressed in “The Gag Rule” are not necessarily those of Referee. Unless otherwise stated, letters sent to Referee are intended for publication and become the property of Referee.
WENN LTD / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
From your perspective as a sports official, what things should be done to improve sportsmanship?
THE NEWS Dean Blandino Named to College Replay Post It seems that Dean Blandino is always up for a new challenge. TV analyst, clinician, educator and former senior vice president of officiating for the NFL, Blandino accepted the position as College Football Officiating (CFO) LLC’s director of instant replay on May 14. “It just made a lot of sense on a lot of levels,” Blandino said. “I’ve been part of the replay space since they brought it back (to the NFL) some years ago and I’ve been involved with national replay clinics and the Big Ten (Conference). I’ve also been consulting and working with other conferences on replay. “I just thought it was an interesting challenge, especially because of all the relationships that I have.” The CFO was founded in 2008 as a coordinating hub for college football officiating at the NCAA D-I level and it works with 14 different conferences, mid-major to major. The move is a natural as Blandino has also served as a clinician and educator during the CFO/NCAA national replay clinics over the past few years. “Dean emerged as the best candidate from a talented group of
NCAA Names First D-II Hoops Coordinator
people interested in helping shape the future of instant replay in college football,” said Jon Steinbrecher, commissioner of the Mid-American Conference and chair of the CFO Board of Managers. “His expertise and skills will help guide this important aspect of officiating.” Experience on both the professional and collegiate level will serve Blandino well in his new role. He served the NFL in a variety of positions, starting his career in 1994. He was named the senior vice president of officiating in 2013 and served in that capacity until his departure in 2017 to join Fox Sports as an on-air rules analyst for NCAA and NFL broadcasts. He is anxious to jump right into the fray at the CFO. “I’ll be watching and recording everything and then be doing some evaluation work,” he said. “A lot of work here is done in the offseason. We just had the national clinic recently and that was a big help putting in new rules and protocols.” Blandino said one of his first tasks was getting in touch with conference coordinators and looking at some video. There was a meeting of all the conference coordinators of the CFO in early June. Blandino said the new position will be structured to focus on
INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA has named John Blazek the first NCAA Division II men’s basketball national coordinator of officials. Blazek, 64, has 28 years of officiating experience in addition to eight years as a supervisor of officials. He was an NCAA D-I official for 15 years in the Missouri Valley, Mid-Continent and Great Midwest conferences and has officiated in multiple D-II conferences. He retired from his on-court officiating career in 2005 following hip replacement surgery. He currently serves as the supervisor of officials in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference and the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference, and is the supervisor of officials for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Men’s Basketball Championship that is held each season in Hutchinson, Kan. “I am so pleased that Division II has prioritized having a national coordinator for men’s basketball,” said J.D. Collins, the NCAA national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating. “John brings with him a wealth
See “Blandino” p.11
See “Blazek” p.10
MEAC Joins Officiating Alliance The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference joined the Men’s Basketball Officiating Alliance in July, expanding the coalition to 10 conferences. The Alliance was initially formed in 2016 by the Atlantic Coast, Big East and Atlantic 10 conferences along with the Colonial Athletic Association. The Big South, Ivy League, Northeast 10 and Patriot League joined in
8 | REFEREE August 2018
2017. It is primarily composed of East Coast-based conferences. The organization hopes to change the way officiating assignments are handled geographically, taking into account travel time. That way it hopes to improve overall official performance.
Pa. Man Sentenced in Referee Assault A Jeannette, Pa., man was sentenced in late May to one year of probation and attendance at
an anger management course for punching a referee at an amateur hockey game. Bradley Richard Jones, 29, received his sentence recently after slugging the official during a December 2017 game at the Murrysville SportsZone dek hockey rink. Jones was charged with assault on a sports official and harassment. Police said he struck the referee as the official sat in a penalty box during a bench-clearing brawl that prompted an early end to the game.
Saudi Referee Dropped From World Cup FIFA has dropped referee Fahad Al Mirdasi from the World Cup after he was banned from soccer for life over match-fixing. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation said recently that Al Mirdasi asked for money to help a team win a cup final. As a result, FIFA said it has decided his conditions to be selected for the World Cup in Russia “are not satisfied anymore.”
COURTESY NFHS (NIEHOFF), BILLNICHOLS (ANDERSON)
THE WIRE
This isn’t the only look that’s been updated. www.Honigs.com
800.468.3284 @honigsofficial
THE NEWS
Retired NFL Referee ‘Tom’ Dooley Dies at 83 ST. LOUIS — An arbiter so respected for his humility and charity that he was named a recipient of the NASO Gold Whistle Award in 2000, retired NFL line judge and referee Robert Thomas “Tom” Dooley Jr. died May 9 at the age of 83. Dooley attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) where he played football and earned a degree in civil engineering. After serving in the Air Force, he started officiating football in 1960. He worked high school and then college football in the Southern Conference from 1966-77 before joining the NFL as a line judge in 1978. He became a referee in 1981. During his NFL career, he officiated a total of seven playoff games, the highlight being his Super Bowl XV assignment as line judge. As a referee, Dooley worked one wildcard and two divisional playoff games and he was an alternate referee for the 1986 NFC Conference Championship game. He was the referee in a 1989 game that gave the Denver Broncos relief from Cleveland’s infamous “Dawg Pound,” marching everyone to the other side of the field when the situation got too hairy. That same year he was the referee in the famous “Upon Further Review” contest between Green Bay and Chicago. His charitable endeavors started in full force with his Super Bowl
assignment. He signed over his game check from that contest to a scholarship program he created at VMI. He called the program “Matthew 25,” based off a reading from scripture. For the rest of his NFL career, Dooley signed over every NFL paycheck to the Matthew 25 fund, an amount that would total more than $500,000 by the time his 14-year NFL career ended. Dooley founded the R.T. Dooley Construction company in 1977 and in recent years it had more than 100 employees. Not surprisingly, it also has a strong charitable arm, helping out various agencies and churches in the Charlotte, N.C., area. Dooley retired from the NFL in 1992. He started work mediating and arbitrating construction-related problems and his income from those endeavors also went to the Matthew 25 scholarship fund. He is survived by his wife Nancy, one daughter, two sons and eight grandchildren.
Blazek
continued from p.8
of officiating and coordinating experience, and he will do an outstanding job of delivering a consistent message to all Division II constituents. John’s communication skills will truly enhance Division II officiating both in the regular season as well as during the NCAA Division II tournament.” In his role as the Division II men’s basketball national coordinator, Blazek will be responsible for working with Division II conference coordinators of officials to ensure the most consistent and effective teaching and communication methods. The goal of the collaborative effort is to identify, select and advance a diverse pool of officials for the Division II national tournament and to assist in the training, education and retention of Division II officials throughout the country. “I’m really old-school about it. If I can help make the game better somewhere, I would love to do that,” Blazek said. “Officiating is a business to me. It’s not a hobby. It’s going to be a great challenge to get everybody on the same page, but we can do it.”
THE WIRE
Team Official Suspended for Contacting Referee Jose Luis Sanchez Sola, technical director of the Las Vegas Lights FC soccer team, was suspended for seven games by the United Soccer League after making physical contact with a referee following an April 27 loss to San Antonio.
10 | REFEREE August 2018
The Lights said in a statement that Sola got into an argument with the officials in the dugout following the match, and after he made a pointing gesture he made contact with one referee’s chest. Sola admitted his finger did touch the chest of the official and that was a mistake. He apologized but added that it was not his intent to hurt him. It was the longest suspension the league has handed out this season. Sola has appealed the suspension to the league offices.
Soccer Official Detained Over Call Belgrade, Serbia, police say an area soccer official was detained for awarding a non-existent penalty during an important league match. Official Srdjan Obradovic is suspected of committing the criminal act of abusing his official position and of “favoring the home side.” Obrdovic awarded a penalty kick based on a handball call to Spartak Subotica in a May 2018 match against Radnicki Nis. The
subsequent goal helped give the home side a 2-0 win. TV footage later showed there was no handball in the penalty area.
Turan Gets 16-Game Ban for Attack Barcelona soccer midfielder Arda Turan has been banned for 16 games by the Turkish FA for attacking an assistant referee while on loan at Basaksehir in a May 2018 contest. Turan was initially given a 10-match suspension for attacking
LEE CALKINS
Furthermore, the entire Saudi refereeing team has been removed from the tournament, including two assistants.
Ron Marinucci Retires From NFL NEW YORK — Calling himself “almost a vegan” in terms of his healthy eating habits, recently retired NFL line judge Ron Marinucci had originally planned on working at least a season or two more. But then life intervened. “I’ll call it an ‘incident,’” he said with a chuckle during a recent phone interview. “I’ve had stress tests for 26 years in a row. We have to have them for the league all the time, but recently something just didn’t feel right. I set up an appointment with my cardiologist. I had another CT scan and then they did a cardiac catherization that revealed something major: four major arterial blockages.” But the story has a happy ending. He had heart surgery in late April and it went so well that he was back at work at his family-owned Novelty (Ice Cream) Cone Co. in Pennsauken, N.J., just a few weeks later. He is the vice president and his brother, retired college football official Steve Marinucci, is the president. “If you had told me that I’d be back at work just five weeks after someone had sawed open my chest, I would have told you that you were crazy,” Ron Marinucci said. “I actually went back to work three weeks ago. Everything (the surgery) went perfectly. I told my brother had I known that things were going to go this well I’d have never announced my retirement (laughs).”
an assistant referee while playing for Super Lig contender Basaksehir, with an additional three matches being added on for insulting the AR and another three for threatening him. He was also fined nearly $10,000.
Mob Assaults Soccer Referee BILL NICHOLS
A mob attack on a Turkish Community Football Federation soccer official in Wood Green, Great Britain, is being called the “most shocking referee attack on
But even though he feels great, Ron Marinucci is going to stick to the idea of retirement. “I’m 65, and I told my wife that when I got into the NFL I was only going to do it for 10 years,” he said, “and I wound up doing it for 21. I’m going to step back and enjoy my Saturdays and Sundays now. Try to give back something to my family who really supported me all these years.” And in Ron Marinucci’s eyes, they were all great years. He started, as he said, officiating the “65-pounders” and gradually moved his way up through the ranks, including some great college work in the Big East with the likes of fellow recent NFL retiree Jeff Triplette. He said it was an honor working three Army-Navy games as well as a great Rose Bowl game between Arizona and Ohio State. He didn’t think it could get any better than that. “Until that lucky day I got the call from Jerry Seeman (the late NFL senior director of officiating) and I came up to the NFL,“ he said. “That turned out to be such a great
Blandino
continued from p.8
offseason development and educational duties, while also allowing him to continue his broadcasting role. For the 2018 season, the CFO position begins immediately and will conclude at the end of August when the college football
British soil” by Ref Support UK. The league has opened an investigation into the incident, with one club and its player due for a disciplinary hearing. The ugly scene occurred after the final whistle, as referee Fernando Lopes attempted to flee the pitch as a group chased him. One man then rugby-tackled him, leading to a mob kicking him while he was on the ground. Police were called in but the suspects had fled the scene by then. Fortunately, Lopes suffered no serious injuries.
experience and Jerry (Seeman) was a fine, fine man.” Ron Marinucci worked as a line judge for most of his career, including Super Bowl XLI. His final season included being an alternate for the Tennessee-Kansas City playoff game as well as a stint in the Pro Bowl. The NFL will miss him. “Ron has been a colleague and a friend to the NFL officiating family for more than two decades, and we are excited for him to enjoy his retirement after a successful NFL career,” said NFLRA Executive Director Scott Green. And he will miss it too. He will continue to work at Novelty, where he proudly says they put out “1-1/2 million cones” a day, and enjoy the life that he and Donna, his wife of 41 years, have built. He has a daughter Michelle and two grandsons. “It’s been a lot of fun,” he said, “and I’ve met so many super people along the way. I’ve been able to travel all over the world. I couldn’t be more fortunate.” CONTRIBUTING SOURCE: NFLRA season starts. Duties will start again in January 2019 until the start of that season. “I’ve been at this for more than 20 years with the NFL so I know there is no real offseason,” he said. ”I’m used to looking at a lot of video and then breaking it down. It’s what I do. “This is just a new challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Green Card Added to Soccer Discipline Green cards, designed as a disciplinary measure between yellow and red cards, recently debuted in the CONFIFA World Cup. A player who receives a green card must leave the field of play immediately, but can be replaced if his team has
not used all of its substitutes. A player receiving a green card is not excluded from his team’s next match. “It’s a really good idea of how to sanction things that might not be worthy of a red card,” said CONFIFA Asia President Jens Jockel. “It’s a perfect way to find something in-between.” Green cards were originally introduced three years ago in Italy as a way to reward acts of fair play. CONTRIBUTING SOURCES: PITTNEWS.COM, NEW YORK TIMES, SKYSPORTS, IRISHMIRROR.LE, MAIL ONLINE, REVIEWJOURNAL.COM, ESPN, MIRROR.CO.UK
REFEREE August 2018 |
11
FOOTBALL
EDITOR: JEFFREY STERN
jstern@referee.com
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
NO WAIST OF TIME By George Demetriou
T
he NCAA Football Rules Committee met in Indianapolis and announced the changes for the 2018 season on March 2. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel, which is charged with evaluating new rules in terms of negative impact on the image of the game, safety concerns or financial impact on institutions, approved the changes in April. The changes are presented in perceived order of importance. The material has been reviewed by Steve Shaw, NCAA secretary-rules editor. For official rule language and interpretations, always consult NCAA publications. Blocking below the waist (9-1-6a) Three separate modifications were made. Other than the interior
12 | REFEREE August 2018
linemen, who are completely inside the tackle box, all blocks by the offense below the waist must be from the front. Previously, stationary backs who were inside the box could also block in any direction, but now they may only block low from the front. Play 1: A1 is on the end of his line of scrimmage seven yards to the right of the snapper. He immediately blocks B2 below the waist (a) in front and directly toward team B’s goalline, or (b) from the right side of B2. Ruling 1: The block in (a) is legal, but illegal in (b). Because A1 is outside the tackle at the snap, he may only block below the waist from the front. Play 2: The ball is at the left hashmark. Back A1 initially sets up outside the tackle box to the left. He then moves inside the tackle box, stops and resets behind the left tackle. At the snap, he immediately blocks
B2 below the waist. A1’s block is from the (a) front, or (b) side. Ruling 2: Neither A1’s position inside the tackle box, nor the fact he was stationary at the snap, are a factor. Backs may only block from the front. In (a), the block is legal, but illegal in (b). The second change involves where the block occurs. The offense is prohibited from blocking below the waist when the block occurs more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Play 3: Guard A1 pulls and leads the way as A2 sweeps around left end. A1 blocks B5 below the waist (a) four yards, or (b) six yards beyond the neutral zone. Ruling 3: In (a), the block is legal. In (b), the block is illegal. Team A players may only block below the waist within five yards beyond the neutral zone. Finally, players in motion at the
BOB MESSINA
NCAA Adjusts Blocking Below the Waist, Leaping Rules
As long as the leaping players are aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped and don’t move forward before leaving their feet, they have not fouled under NCAA rules for 2018. The leaping rule was one of several that underwent alteration for the season ahead.
snap or outside the tackle box at any time after the snap may not block below the waist toward the original position of the ball at the snap. Play 4: Back A1, who is stationary at the snap, is lined up outside the tackle box to the left of his team’s formation. He blocks B2 below the waist in front and directly toward the left sideline. The block occurs behind the neutral zone. Ruling 4: Because A1 was outside the tackle box, he may only block below the waist if it is not toward the original position of the ball at the snap. Thus, the block is legal.
DALE GARVEY
Leaping (9-1-11b, c) Leaping rules on field goals and tries were adjusted to mirror similar rules dealing with leaping the shield
on punting plays; however, the rules are not exactly the same. The wording now specifies it is a foul if a defensive player moves forward and tries to block a field goal or try by leaving his feet and leaping into the plane directly above the frame of the body of an opponent. The only exception is if the player was aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage when the ball was snapped as long as he doesn’t move forward before leaving his feet. Because the restriction is on leaping over the frame of the body of an opponent, it is legal for a defensive player to leap straight up or to leap into a gap between two opponents. Play 5: Fourth and 17 for team K from team R’s 22 yardline. As K1 attempts a field goal, R2 runs forward at the snap and leaps with his arms extended vertically in an obvious attempt to block the kick. Ruling 5: No foul as long as R1 avoids entering the plane above the frame of the body of an opponent. Play 6: On a try attempt from team R’s three yardline. R1 is standing directly in front of the snapper. After the snap, R1 jumps straight up and extends his arms in an attempt to block the kick. Before leaping, R1 was standing within (a) one, or (b) two yards of the line of scrimmage. The kick is unsuccessful. Ruling 6: No foul. As long as R1 does not enter the plane above the frame of the body of an opponent, it is legal. Play 7: On an attempted field goal, R1 runs around the end and dives horizontally to block the kick. Ruling 7: No foul. Diving horizontally is not a foul unless it results in roughing or running into the kicker or holder. Play 8: Fourth and 10 on team K’s 20 yardline. Team K is in punt formation with “personal protectors” K2 and K3 in front of punter K1. As K1 begins the kicking motion, R4 breaks through the line and approaches the personal protectors. R4 attempts to block the kick by (a) leaping straight up in the air, (b) leaping between the personal protectors, or (c) attempting to jump over K2. Ruling 8: Legal in (a) and (b), but a personal foul on R4 in (c).
DID YOU KNOW?
A cheap shot in a Japanese college game May 6 resulted in the guilty player holding a nationally televised press conference to apologize, but he accused his coach of ordering the hit. Quarterback Kousei Okuno was hit from behind by Taisuke Miyagawa after throwing an incomplete pass. Okuno left the game with knee and back injuries and was ruled out for three weeks. Miyagawa was penalized, but not ejected. In response, several schools canceled future games against Miyagawa’s team. The coach resigned before Miyagawa went public and could face further discipline but he refused to confirm Miyagawa’s account. Miyagawa said he’s leaving the sport in shame. “I don’t think I have a right to continue playing American football, and I have no intention to do so,” he said. SOURCE: DEADSPIN.COM
SIDELINE NJ Adds Replay The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association will use instant replay in regular season games this season, joining Minnesota, Texas and Alabama as states using technology as an officiating tool. Coaches may issue one challenge per half, but a “special challenge” will also be given to each team with less than three minutes left in regulation. Only scoring plays and turnovers, with a few exceptions, may be reviewed. Challenges will not be allowed if a team is ahead by 17 or more points with less than two minutes to play, or if a game reaches the 35-point running clock threshold. Teams also get one challenge at the start of every overtime but they don’t accrue. SOURCE: NORTHJERSEY.COM
REFEREE August 2018 |
13
FOOTBALL
TEST YOURSELF In each of the following you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS and NCAA rules, which might vary. Note: In kicking situations, K is the kicking team, R the receiving team. Solutions: p. 81.
1. Second and five on team A’s 35 yardline. A1’s forward pass is intercepted by B2, who advances to team A’s 30 yardline before being downed. Before the pass is intercepted, B3 is flagged for pass interference and A4 is flagged for holding. a. The fouls are enforced in the order of their occurrence. b. Only team A’s foul is enforced. c. Only team B’s foul is enforced. d. The penalties cancel. 2. Second and 10 on team A’s 40 yardline. Runner A2 is downed on his 45 yardline. After the ball is dead, B2 piles on and A3 subsequently knocks down B2. a. The fouls are enforced in the order of their occurrence. b. Only team A’s foul is enforced. c. Only team B’s foul is enforced. d. The fouls offset. 3. Team B trails, 17-16, and is out of timeouts. The game clock is running with 41 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Team A is flagged for an illegal formation. After enforcement, either by rule or by the offended team’s choice: a. The game clock will start on the ready. b. The game clock will start on the snap. 4. R1 catches a punt at team R’s 40 yardline. He gives ground trying to shake pursuers but is downed at team R’s 35 yardline. During the run, R2 blocks K3 below the waist at team R’s 45 yardline. a. The penalty is enforced from team R’s 40 yardline. b. The penalty is enforced from team R’s 35 yardline. c. The penalty is enforced from team R’s 45 yardline. 5. Second and 10 for team A from team B’s 37 yardline. A1’s legal forward pass is intercepted by B2 at his own three yardline. B2’s momentum takes him into his own end zone. An official blows an inadvertent whistle. a. Team A scores a safety. b. Team B is awarded a touchback. c. Team B will begin a new series at its own three yardline. d. B2 should ignore the whistle and continue playing.
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Fair catch (6-5-1a Exc.) The receiving team may fair catch a free kick inside its own 25 yardline and the ball will belong to team R at its own 25 yardline. Play 9: K1 attempts a pooch kick on a kickoff. R2 signals for a fair catch at his (a) 30 yardline, or (b) 20 yardline and makes the catch there. Ruling 9: In both cases the ball is dead when R2 catches it. The ball is put in play at team R’s (a) 30 yardline or (b) 25 yardline. Penalty enforcement (10-2-5d) On successful field goals, penalty enforcement is now the same as on successful tries. The offended team will have the option to have all personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct fouls enforced on the succeeding kickoff or from the succeeding spot in an extra period. Play 10: Fourth and eight on team R’s 28 yardline. While a successful field-goal attempt is in flight, R1 grasps and twists K2’s facemask at team R’s 16 yardline. Ruling 10: Team K may accept the three points and have the penalty enforced on the succeeding kickoff, or may have the penalty enforced from the previous spot. That would result in first and 10 from team R’s 14 yardline. Play clock (3-2-4c-7, 3-2-4c-8) After a touchdown, the play clock will be set at 40 seconds in order to expedite the try. Also, following a kickoff, the play clock will be set to 40 seconds in order to restart play more quickly. 10-second runoff (12-3-6c) A 10-second runoff was added for when instant replay overturns the ruling on the field inside of one minute in either half and the correct ruling would not have stopped the game clock. Either team may use a timeout to avoid the runoff. Knee pads (1-4-4d) The rule passed in 2017 takes effect this year. Knee pads must be covered by the pants. Furthermore, “the pants and knee pads must cover the knees.” Other rules were modified editorially, mostly for clarity.
Roughing the passer (9-1-9a) No defensive player shall unnecessarily rough a passer when it is obvious the ball has been thrown. Examples are, but are not limited to, targeting fouls; forcible contact to the head or neck area; forcible contact that is avoidable after it is obvious the ball has left the passer’s hand unless it is a defensive player who is blocked by a team A player or players with a force so that he has no opportunity to avoid contact with the passer; and forcibly driving the passer to the ground and landing on him with action that punishes the player. Game clock option (3-4-3) If the game clock is stopped to complete a penalty for a foul by the team ahead in the score (or either team if the score is tied) inside the last two minutes of a half, it will start on the snap, at the option of the offended team. Pass definition (2-19-2b) When a team A player is holding the ball to pass it forward toward the neutral zone, any intentional forward movement of his hand with the ball firmly in his control starts the forward pass. Unsportsmanlike conduct (9-2-1) If both teams leave the team area to engage in something other than a fight, and the crew cannot identify squad members leaving the team area vs. players, substitutes, etc., it is acceptable for the referee to announce all players of both teams are guilty of an unsportsmanlike conduct foul. That mechanic should only be used in extreme circumstances when both teams’ tempers are running extremely high. It is significant because now every player has been charged with an unsportsmanlike conduct foul and any subsequent unsportsmanlike conduct foul will result in that player’s disqualification. Fouls for which the penalty includes automatic disqualification will be administered by rule. George Demetriou has been a football official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Losing Track Is a Real Down-er F ootball has not always been a fourdown game. Before 1912, each team had only three downs to make a first down. Subsequent to that change, there have been several cases in which a team has been given an extra down or has been shorted. There have been several prominent down errors that have affected the outcome of games. In 1940, Dartmouth was leading undefeated Cornell, 3-0, late in the fourth quarter. Benefiting from an extra down, Cornell won, 7-3. The mistake was discovered in the film review the following Monday and Cornell promptly forfeited. A similar occurrence took place in the 1972 Miami-Tulane game. Miami trailed, 21-17, but was allowed a fifth down and scored with 58 seconds remaining to win the game. No forfeit that time.
The NFL is not immune from such errors. Late in the 1968 season, the Los Angeles Rams trailed the Chicago Bears, 17-16, with 58 seconds to play. The Rams drove into field-goal range but ran out of downs and lost their shot at a playoff berth. Several hours after the game, someone realized the Rams had been shortchanged their fourth down. Commissioner Pete Rozelle suspended referee Norm Schachter and his entire crew for the rest of the season. On Oct. 6, 1990, with a fifth down on the final play of the game, Colorado scored a touchdown to beat Missouri, 33-31. Colorado grounded a pass to conserve time when the down marker showed third down (it was actually fourth). Colorado might have very well scored on the real fourth down, which was from the same spot
as the fifth down. Nonetheless, the entire crew was suspended for one game. Losing track of the downs is considered the worst of officiating sins. It is also highly preventable. Each official must have an indicator worn on the wrist to count the downs. Confirming the down after every play with crewmates is a must. If the down marker shows the wrong down, it should be corrected as soon as possible. Be sure the marker is in front of the stake of the chains so it is visible to the officials on the field. Be especially cautious after enforcing a penalty that includes a loss of down. Be sure the down marker changes appropriately and that all crew members agree on the down. 
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Honigs.com 800.468.3284 @honigsofficial
FOOTBALL
On Second Thoughts … By Mark Bradley
H
all of Fame baseball executive Branch Rickey famously described his game as a “game of inches.” Translated to football, that bromide is veritable when the chains come out for a measurement or when a runner or receiver is close to a sideline or the goalline. But with all due respect to one of the most iconic figures in sports history, football should instead be described as a “game of seconds.” In football, the clock may more often decide winners and losers than the tape measure. College football teams are granted 3,600 seconds of game time to play a regulation contest. High school football teams receive only 2,880 seconds. Although
the abundance or lack of game time becomes more noticeable at the end of each half, great coaches properly manage the clock whenever it is running, even during the first series of the game. Even a few seconds erroneously wasted or left on the clock can mean the difference between a win or a loss. Accordingly, officials must acknowledge the importance of each second by accurately applying rulebook principles. It is not only the referee’s responsibility to recognize how the clock will start following a stoppage. All officials should monitor clock status (running or stopped) and should comprehend how the clock will restart (on the snap or the referee’s signal). As part of their presnap routine, select crew members
can support the referee by signaling or verbally stating how the clock will start. In NFHS, for example, arms crossed at waist level indicate the clock starts on the snap. A twirled finger means start it on the ready. NFHS (3-4-3) and NCAA (3-3-2d) specify the events that will cause the clock to next start on the snap. It’s a good idea for officials to memorize the applicable list as some of the events do not often occur during the game. It’s also helpful to consider two important factors when considering how to next start the clock: for what reason did the officials stop the clock and what action preceded the stoppage? For example, following a running play that ended inbounds, referees occasionally fail to start the clock with the ready signal following a player
injury. Prior to the official’s timeout the clock was running, so it should start on the ready when the injured player departs. In NCAA, if there is less than one minute in the half, the opponent has the option of a 10-second runoff. If that occurs, the game clock will start on the referee’s signal. If not, it starts on the snap (3-4-5f). It is also important to understand timing rules following a legal scrimmage kick. Play 1: In the first quarter, it is fourth and six from the 50 yardline. R1 catches K2’s scrimmage kick and is downed on team R’s 10 yardline. On the play (a) team K is flagged for illegal formation and team R chooses to enforce the foul from the previous spot, (b) team K is flagged for illegal formation and team R chooses to enforce the foul from the succeeding spot, or (c) R1 fumbles and team K recovers at team R’s 10 yardline. Ruling 1: In NFHS, in (a) the clock will start on the ready (3-42). In (b) and (c), the clock starts on the snap. The clock starts on the snap when either team is awarded a new series following a legal kick (3-4-3). In NCAA, the clock will start on the snap following any legal scrimmage kick, regardless of outcome (3-3-2d-8). A change of possession during a down does not necessarily mean the clock will start on the snap. Play 2: Second and 10 from team A’s 30 yardline. B1 (a) intercepts a pass, or (b) recovers a fumble on team A’s 45 yardline. B1 then fumbles and A2 recovers on team A’s 25 yardline. Ruling 2: In (a) and (b), team A is awarded a first down and the clock will start on the ready (NFHS 3-4-2b; NCAA 3-3-2e-4). Both codes provide the offended team with the option of starting the clock on the snap when a penalty is accepted with less than two minutes remaining in either half (NFHS 3-4-7; NCAA 3-4-3). The converse of that rule does not apply; the offended team cannot request the clock start on the ready if it would otherwise start on the snap. The codes address clock management when one team attempts to conserve or consume
time illegally (NFHS 3-4-3h, 3-4-6; NCAA 3-4-3). The NCAA rulebook provides foundational statements NFHS referees can likewise use when adjudicating the “unfair tactics” concept: “The referee has broad authority in the timing of the game. He shall order the game clock or play clock started or stopped whenever either team conserves or consumes playing time by tactics obviously unfair (italics added). The term “obviously unfair” is open to individual referee interpretation; both rulebooks are silent in its definition. It is recommended officials apply the term “obviously unfair” to the consequences of a foul instead of attempting to deduce the intent behind the foul. By definition, any foul is unfair and illegal. Consequently, although a player may not appear to purposely foul to try to gain an advantage, referees can apply rules to prevent the offending team from gaining an unwarranted time advantage (NFHS 3-4-6; NCAA 3-4-3). Play 3: Team A is ahead by 11 points with six minutes left in the game. With one second remaining on the play clock, A1 false starts. Ruling 3: Following penalty enforcement, the referee can start the clock on the snap instead of allowing team A to consume 24 additional valuable seconds before snapping the ball. Play 4: Team A is ahead by six points with 1:10 left in the game. Team B is out of timeouts. Third and 10 from team A’s 30 yardline. A1 runs around left end and is downed inbounds at team A’s 36 yardline. A2 is flagged for holding at team A’s 35 yardline. Ruling 4: Without considering the illegal/ unfair act provision, team B’s coach would likely be forced to decline the penalty. With limited time on the clock, fourth and four is likely a better option than third and 15. However, by rule, the referee can choose to start the clock on the snap. Mark Bradley is a retired Air Force officer and lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. He has officiated football for more than 10 years and has served as a Colorado Springs Football Officials Association area director and crew chief.
FOOTBALL
CASEPLAYS Roughing the Kicker Play: Fourth and 10 from team R’s 30 yardline. R2 and R3 rush K1 as he attempts a field goal. R2 crashes into K1, knocking him to the ground, but R3 blocks the ball, which rolls out of bounds at team R’s 20 yardline. Is that roughing the kicker by R2 even though he did not touch the ball? Ruling: In NFHS, if the referee determines R2 could have avoided contact with K1, R2 is guilty of roughing the kicker. That’s a 15-yard penalty enforced from the previous spot and an automatic first down. In NCAA, only the player who actually blocks the kick is exempt from contacting the kicker. R2 is guilty of roughing the kicker. The enforcement is the same as in NFHS (NFHS 9-4-4; NCAA 9-1-16a-7). Each Team Fouls Play: Fourth and 10 for team K from its own 20 yardline. A 12th team R player runs onto the field while the kick is in flight. R2 catches the punt at team K’s 45 yardline. During R2’s advance, R3 is flagged for a block in the back at team K’s 40 yardline. After R2 is downed at team K’s 30 yardline, K4 is flagged for a piling on. Ruling: Team K will decline the penalty for the block in the back. The penalty for 12 players is 15 yards for illegal participation in NFHS and five yards for illegal substitution in NCAA. In both cases, it is enforced under postscrimmage kick enforcement (the end of the kick). The penalty for K4’s dead-ball foul is enforced from there. The result in NFHS is first and 10 for team R from team K’s 45 yardline. In NCAA, it’s first and 10 for team R from its own 45 yardline (NFHS 2-16-2h; NCAA 10-1-4 Exc.). New Series Play: Fourth and five for team A at its own 30 yardline. A1 runs to his 40 yardline and throws an incomplete forward pass. Ruling: Illegal forward pass. The five-yard penalty is enforced from the spot of the pass. Because that leaves the ball beyond the line-to-gain, team A is awarded a new series. The loss of down aspect of the penalty has no significance (NFHS 5-2-2, 5.2.2 B; NCAA 5-2-2a).
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You’ll Get a Kick Out of This One U
nlike a scrimmage play, a kick play will involve most of the players and they will be spread over a wide area of the field. Add some rule variations, and you quickly understand how kick plays got their reputation as often being tricky. Consider the one depicted in the MechaniGram. NFHS mechanics are in play and the rule codes agree. On fourth down, K1 attempts a field goal from team R’s 10 yardline. The kick is partially blocked behind the neutral zone by R2. The ball bounces toward the open sideline (the one abandoned by the wing official who is behind the goalposts) where R3, in attempting to pick up the ball which has not come to rest near team R’s five yardline, muffs it across the goalline. The ball then skips out of bounds after hitting the ground in the end zone. Who is most likely to see team R touch the kick? The line judge may be able to sprint to that spot, but it is doubtful that he could arrive in a timely fashion. The most likely observer is the umpire. What would have been the result of the play if a member of the kicking team had downed the ball
R3
R2
in the end zone? The player would be in possession of a dead ball, thus a touchback. It would be team R’s ball on its 20 yardline. What would have been the result of the play if team K downed the ball on team R’s one yardline before it crossed the goalline (after team R had touched it)? It would be team K’s ball, first and goal. R3’s muff gives team K the chance for a new series. What are the linesman’s and umpire’s responsibilities on the play? The linesman must observe the snap and action of linemen from both teams and move in rapidly toward players after a successful kick to supervise their disengagement. In the case of the tipped ball described, he might help on penetration of the goalline plane by moving to the goalline. The umpire should slightly favor the line judge’s side of the field, four to seven yards beyond the line of scrimmage. He must watch for contact on the snapper; tripping and/ or holding; and the pull and shoot (defenders pulling team K to one side, allowing teammates through a gap). He could also help rule on action to the open side of the field in the event of a broken play.
FOOTBALL
The ‘U’ Stands for ‘Unappreciated’ I
t’s about time we raised a toast to umpires, butt of jokes and forgotten man on the officiating crew. Some think it is an easy position, because the perception is the umpire doesn’t have to run much, he calls a couple of holding fouls a game, he spots the ball and that’s it. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, a good umpire can give a crew more outright and subtle assistance than any other member. He can be a vital cog in pass play machinery by making trap-catch calls on passes over the middle of the field when other officials get screened off because a receiver turns his back to them or a defender gets in the way. The key is to spin around instantly as the pass is thrown.
Many inexperienced umpires continue to watch the line play after the quarterback releases the ball. Once the pass is in the air, holding can no longer affect the play, so why look for it? Instead, turn with the pass to see if it is caught. If it clearly hit the ground, the umpire shouldn’t wait for another official to chime in. That calls for an immediate hard sell with a solid incomplete signal. If the ball is caught, the umpire should run to the spot, which tells his crewmates that the pass was complete. Increasingly, offenses run slant patterns in which receivers pick off defenders by running in front of the umpire, causing the defender to lose a step by having to go around them. The only way to avoid that — and you can’t always — is for
the umpire to rush immediately to the line of scrimmage when he recognizes a pass play developing. Keys help the umpire discern the type of play: If the linemen fire forward, it usually signals a run, while retreating almost always indicates a pass. Once at the line, the umpire can help the referee and wings determine whether a passer is beyond the line when it is thrown. (No one should split hairs on that; make sure the passer is clearly past the line when he releases the ball.) On scrimmage kicks, the umpire can help determine if a blocked kick crosses the neutral zone. Umpires can help wing officials on goalline plays when there is a pileup and it is hard to find the ball. There has been a long debate regarding whether umpires should
Getting knocked down is an occupational hazard for high school and collegiate umpires. Concerned players seek help for Allan Glenn, Bellevue, Wash.
DALE GARVEY
signal touchdown. The consensus is no because there is always the possibility that the runner’s knee was down, progress was stopped, etc., before the ball broke the plane of the goalline. For the same reason, another tactic to be avoided is the so-called secret signal (e.g. grabbing the shirt or lanyard). An effective umpire will be a great “policeman” who cleans things up in the trenches and can help the crew by calming players and communicating about
potential problems. Umpires can, for example, remind the defense on punt plays not to contact the snapper until the rules allow, praise defenders who leap over downed runners to avoid piling on or hold up when they could have plowed into a vulnerable quarterback, settle opponents when they start jawing at each other and relay messages from the wing officials to ward off illegal formations by getting offensive linemen to move closer to the line of scrimmage.
B IL L CA RO L LO W O R K E T H I C , H O N E S T Y, I N T E G R I T Y BY PETER JACKEL
W
ith the enchanted kingdom that was Milwaukee County Stadium just miles away serving as an elusive career dream destination for two brothers, Bill Carollo used to endlessly field grounders with his eldest sibling Tom. Back and forth those grounders smoked with all the mustard Bill and Tom had in their respective arms. Relentless work was the only way to succeed, the six Carollo kids learned from their father, Aldo. And if Bill was ever going to be another Eddie Mathews, the Milwaukee Braves’ sweet-swinging third baseman who lived a half-mile from the Carollos’ Brookfield home, there would be no time to waste. There was never any time to waste, Carollo learned from a young age. Rarely seen in the driveway of the Carollos’ Quail Hollow Drive home was the family’s tan 1963 Chevrolet Biscayne station wagon. That’s because Aldo, the family patriarch who never missed a day of work in more than 40 years at the Koehring Company, which manufactured steam shovels, used to return home every afternoon
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only to see wife Loretta head out. As Aldo rested his weary bones, Loretta was off to her night job as a nurse at Milwaukee County Hospital, where she cared for premature infants. “My whole life, my folks were working to raise six kids and my dad said, ‘I don’t have very much money but you all have to go to college, so figure it out,’” Bill Carollo said. “It was almost that blunt.” Carollo figured it out, all right. Hanging his hat for a lifetime on the relentless inspiration that was instilled in him by Aldo, he became one of the most respected officials in the NFL while raising four children with his wife, Mo, and globe-trotting as a longtime executive for first IBM and then Manpower. He has since taken his extensive expertise into his role as coordinator of football officials for the Collegiate Officiating Consortium and, at the age of 66, continues to work tirelessly to make a difference. But that’s nothing new for Carollo because positive change is what he’s all about. That’s what Carollo made as an injury-riddled quarterback for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee football team, which folded a year after
he took his final snap in 1973. That’s what Carollo made when he correctly ruled under pressure during the 1999 NFC Championship game that Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Bert Emanuel did not make a crucial catch, heralding what is now known as “The Bert Emanuel Rule.” And also when he was a mover and shaker in helping to resolve the NFL’s lockout of its officials as a nation was gripped by the 9-11 attacks. And when he encouraged those in his officiating community as a board member of the Red Cross to dig into their wallets to provide relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in southern Texas. And making a difference is what he continues to do in his role as officiating coordinator, where he works to enhance the level of officiating in the Big Ten, Mid-American and Missouri Valley Conferences in addition to NCAA Division III leagues. All the while, he is concerned only with results, not credit. Just as Aldo Giovanni Carollo used to demand eight hours of backbreaking work from himself as a factory worker for more than 40 years, the third of his
GOLD WHISTLE AWARD
six children applies a similar commitment to his position. That’s just how Bill is wired. And it’s that magnificent body of work that has elevated Carollo into becoming the 2018 recipient of the Gold Whistle Award, the highest honor in officiating. The award, presented by the National Association of Sports Officials, took him by surprise when he was informed early this year by NASO President Barry Mano. And as one might guess given how this man continues to drive himself during a time he could be blissfully retired, it took a while to pin down Carollo for this story to celebrate his life. In no way was Carollo being inconsiderate. He was just being Bill Carollo, a man who has willed himself through what is seemingly a 24-7 career that is worthy of him being named the latest recipient of the Gold Whistle Award. Carollo will receive the award July 31 in New Orleans during the Celebrate Officiating Gala. “I know the history of (the award) and I know the significance of it,” Carollo said. “Obviously, it’s this huge honor and I’m lucky enough to have done a couple things in my life that I’m proud of. This has to go at the top of the list because it isn’t just about me or what I have done in my officiating career. It’s a combination of everything. And probably one of the things that made me most proud is that I did a lot of things on the field, but when I came off the field, I felt I could do even more. And I think this award recognizes not so much the Super Bowls or championships or Rose Bowls or whatever, as much as it recognizes the contribution off the field. And it’s one of the very few awards that encompasses multiple things. It’s a hard one (to receive) because you compete
Bill Carollo played basketball, football, baseball and ran track at Brookfield Central (Wis.) High School. He worked his way up the ranks officiating youth, high school and small-college games before moving on to the Big Ten in 1979 and the NFL in 1989.
with multiple sports, male and female, around the world.” Like anyone else, he’s not infallible, but Gold Whistle Award recipients aren’t supposed to be infallible. They’re supposed to learn from their mistakes and become paragons of virtue that help enhance the integrity of officiating. Few have pulled that off as well as a man who continues to make a difference with the same diligence he used to field those seemingly endless grounders from brother Tom. It’s a fire that was lit back in the 1950s by Aldo and shows no signs of flickering.
was he a great official, but he’s also a great guy. I continue to work with him in my role as coordinator of officials for the Southland Conference. He’s certainly a very deserving person for this award. I think he represents everything that this award entails.” Jim Delany, commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, sees a grounded and astute man who has helped elevate officiating. “He’s experienced and he’s got deep, deep honesty and integrity,” Delany said. “As a result, he’s got a lot of credibility with everybody he works with, from the commissioner to the coaches to the officials. Most importantly, I think it’s a job that’s got a lot of scrutiny and – Jim Delany, Big Ten Commissioner he’s fearless in executing his “When I first got into responsibilities. And I think he officiating, I was on a crew with does what he has to do when he Bill Carollo and he was very has to do it. He’s made a great helpful to me breaking in from contribution to the game, both the Southwest Conference,” said in the NFL and college and, Byron Boston, who was hired certainly, in the Big Ten over the by the NFL in 1995, six years last number of years.” after Carollo entered the league. Let’s not stop there because “I worked with him when he Carollo’s impact far exceeds was a side judge and I was the parameters of making the also on his crew when he was most out of officials. Reach out a referee. He’s very responsive to him for virtually anything to young officials, he’s a very meaningful and, chances are, good teacher and he’s certainly he’s going to do what he can to a commendable guy. Not only make a difference.
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COURTESY OF BILL CAROLLO
“HE’S EXPERIENCED AND HE’S GOT DEEP, DEEP HONESTY AND INTEGRITY.”
ETWORK PHOTOGRAPHY; NFL PHOTOS
That was the case when Patty Flowers, the Southeast Wisconsin regional director for Red Cross, convinced Carollo to join her board of directors. It was not a hard sell because the prospect of making a difference is something that Carollo will try to make happen. It was in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which caused an estimated $125 billion worth of damage to southern Texas in August 2017, when a future Gold Whistle Award recipient was at his best behind the scenes. “I was down in Houston for Hurricane Harvey and I was there for almost a full month,” Flowers said. “I actually missed our September board meeting because I was down there, so I was on the phone during the meeting. I was telling them what I was doing and I told them stories of some of the people I met. Bill took my story and brought it up to his network. So with all of his referees, he said, ‘We have to do something. There’s a board match and I’m going to give a gift and I want each one of you to write a check out to the American Red Cross and send it out.’ And then he said, ‘I’m not going to be following up on this. I’m not going to be bugging you about this. I just want you to do it. It’s
what we need to do.’ He raised single-handedly from that more than $24,000 (the board match doubled that figure). Think about how many people he multiplied that to. It was just an amazing result.” But then, Bill Carollo is just an amazing man with strong roots. Aldo and Loretta Carollo were married in the post-World War II Baby Boom generation and raised Tom, John, Bill, Mary, Mark and Paul with scarce money, but plenty of devotion and expectations. Tom can recall Aldo reaching into his wallet for his children only twice for nonessential items — to the tune of $10 to each when they learned to swim and $400 toward a Chevrolet Corvair that the three eldest brothers jointly financed. And Aldo would soften every April when the Braves opened another season by allowing his kids to skip school and head out to County Stadium. Oh, why not? The Carollo kids used to knock on Mathews’ door and ask him to sign their gloves and bats for good luck, which the legend willingly did in that far different era. Otherwise, if they wanted something, they were expected to make it happen for themselves. Bill delivered
Wisconsin native Bill Carollo’s 20-year NFL career included two Super Bowls, one in 1996 as a side judge and one in 2003 as a referee.
both the Milwaukee Journal and Milwaukee Sentinel — sometimes with the help of Aldo — long before those two newspapers merged in 1995. And the hood of that Biscayne station wagon, which always seemed to be warm during the brief stretches it was parked in the Carollos’ driveway, served as sort of a symbolic reminder that there would be no sitting around at this house. There were no such thing as sick days in Aldo’s world. When he felt ill, he would not think twice about throwing up and then getting into the Biscayne and driving to work for another eight hours of hard labor. That was the only way for this man, who died in 2012 at the age of 93. “Whether he was sick or not, my dad went 40-some years to the factory and they gave him some reward as the longest person going to work without calling in sick,” Carollo said. “He could not afford to miss a day and that was his attitude because he was raising six kids. It was just what they did, not so much what they said, that subconsciously makes an impression on you. You’ve got to have fun along the way, but there’s no substitute for hard work.” How much of an example was Aldo? Tom Carollo recalls
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GOLD WHISTLE AWARD
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Top photo: Carollo family (from left): son Joe, daughter Emma, wife Mo, Bill, daughter Laura (Carollo) Ames, daughter Anna (Carollo) Burrall. Bottom photo: Bill Carollo gets together with longtime friends to talk officiating (from left) Bill Crawley, Carollo, Bob Peacy, John Graber, Gene Berce, Barry Mano, Pancho Palesse, Dennis Lipski.
before graduating in 1970. Carollo started as a leadoffhitting shortstop on the 1969 summer state championship baseball team between his junior and senior seasons, opening the game by ripping a shot off the left-field wall in the Lancers’ 17-3 rout over Kiel. As a quarterback, he was able to earn one of the last few scholarships to play football for Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he started for three years before knee and ankle injuries relegated him to coaching the Panthers’ quarterbacks in 1973 (the university would drop football after the 1974 season). Carollo wasn’t going to draw NFL scouts to Shorewood Stadium because of his ability. All he was going to do was lead his guys, just as he continues to do 45 years after he took his final snap. “People tended to gravitate toward him,” said 85-year-old Jerry Fishbain, WisconsinMilwaukee’s head coach in 1972 and ’73. “He was a leader. We had talent on defense, but not on offense, but he had innate leadership qualities and he was not reluctant to put himself
forward. He was reliable, but he got hurt often.” Carollo just kept picking himself up from that turf, which endeared him to his teammates even more. Mike Reinfeldt, who went on to an eight-year career as a defensive back for the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers from 1976-83, remembers that toughness to this day. “He just had a presence about him,” Reinfeldt said. “He was kind of unique in that he was a natural-born leader. He wasn’t the biggest, he wasn’t the fastest, he wasn’t the strongest, but he just had the will that he was going to persevere. And I think that has served him well his whole life. The fact that he does what he does now doesn’t surprise me in the least.” The foundation for his officiating career was laid in the early 1970s, when Carollo officiated Catholic and Jewish league football for a few bucks a game. He continued to progress in the high school and smallcollege level in Wisconsin for most of the 1970s. One of the crews he worked for was headed by Orlando “Pancho”
COURTESY OF BILL CAROLLO
the day he and Bill applied for summer jobs at the Koehring Company, where Aldo worked. “We were fully tied into the deal that, ‘You’ve got to get a job,’” Tom said. “We went down to the Koehring Company and asked, ‘Are you guys hiring for the summer?’ The guy who was running it said, ‘No, we haven’t hired in three or four years.’ We’re walking out the door with our hat in hand and he said, ‘Wait a minute. Carollo … you’re not related to Aldo Carollo, are you?’ We said, ‘Well, yeah. He’s our dad.’” After a hesitation, the two brothers were told to come back the next day, when they received a dramatically different reception. Added Tom: “He said, ‘Look, I’m going to hire you guys because your dad is the best worker in the entire shop. You guys better be at least as good as he is and if you’re not, I’ll get rid of you right away.’” Needless to say, the Carollo brothers lasted the entire summer. Like father, like sons. With the opportunity of perhaps earning an athletic scholarship to college, Carollo refined his athletic skills, however limited they might have been from an early age. Gene Berce, who coached Carollo in football and basketball at St. John Vianney Elementary School, recalls a boy with the work ethic that foreshadowed what he would become. “He asked a lot of questions,” said the 90-yearold Berce, a longtime Big Ten basketball referee and NBA officiating observer. “He really tried to get into it. When I wanted something done and thought it would work, I would ask Bill to do it. He’d always get out there early and be ready to do what you told him to do. Bill was always one of my favorites.” The kid with so-so talent but a flaming desire went on to participate in football, basketball, baseball and track at Brookfield Central High School, earning 12 athletic letters in three years
Palesse, a legendary football and basketball official in Wisconsin. Palesse, who worked in the Big Ten Conference in basketball from 1964-77, was officiating lower-division football in Wisconsin when he received a call from Carollo one day. The name rang a bell for Palesse because he had worked games at Wisconsin-Milwaukee when Carollo had played there. “He said, ‘I’d like to see if I can join your crew,’” the 95-yearold Palesse said. “That was pretty gutsy, I thought, because here he was just starting out and we had been at it for 10 or 15 years. I said, ‘Sure, you can come in,’ and he was there the next day. Right away, he impressed the hell out of me. What a guy he was. He wasn’t overly cocky or anything like that, but he looked so confident that he could do the job and he just presented himself so well.” By a stroke of good fortune for Carollo — and for himself, Palesse adds — a crew member moved to Cleveland after that season, opening a position for the ambitious kid. And by 1979, Carollo had worked his way to the Big Ten, where he would become a full-time official in 1980. There were some hardships for Carollo, such as when he applied a high school rule on a punt in a game between Wisconsin and Michigan State at East Lansing, Mich. What stands from that incident is how QUINN HARRIS/ICON SPORTSWIRE DJI/QUINN HARRIS/ICON SPORTSWIRE/NEWSCOM
Carollo handled himself in the aftermath. “We eventually got it right,” Carollo said, “but it was really embarrassing and I was thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to get fired.’ I had to go to Chicago the following Wednesday and stand up before 25 or 30 Big Ten officials, put the video up and explain my mistake. I just said, ‘I’m not going to make any excuses. I enforced a high school rule.’ I told the truth because that was what I was taught to do. I was really embarrassed and Herm Rohrig, who was the supervisor, pulled me aside after the meeting and said, ‘Don’t worry about it, kid. Don’t make the same mistake again.’ He was the best coordinator I ever had. He supported me. He said, ‘You have guts.’” Guts came into play often for Carollo, especially when his 20-year run in the NFL started in 1989. He went on to work as a side judge in Super Bowl XXX (1996) and referee in Super Bowl XXXVII (2003). Perhaps his signature moment came in the 1999 NFC Championship, when he ruled after a replay that the ball Emanuel seemingly caught had touched the ground as he pulled it to his body. The call, with 47 seconds remaining, allowed the Rams to escape with an 11-6 victory at St. Louis. Carollo was subjected to death threats, but his courageous call heralded the NFL clarifying what is a reception during the offseason. “You see officials and referees when they’re part of something like that, they sometimes don’t handle it very well and they’ll go into a funk or kind of a downturn,” said Dean Blandino, the rules analyst for Fox Sports. “Bill was never like that. He always took it in stride — ‘Look, this is the rule,’ and that was the right application at that time. And then it was, ‘OK, now let’s look at if we do have to change it, what are we going to change it to?’”
The Gold Whistle Award
was created by the NASO board of directors to honor an individual or organization that has gone above and beyond in overall integrity and has made significant contributions to the betterment of officiating. The Gold Whistle is among the most coveted awards in the world of sports officiating. To be selected as the award recipient by the NASO board of directors, consideration is given for: • Significant contributions to the betterment of officiating. • A high degree of integrity and ethics. • Qualities that are held in high regard by the industry. • Consistent record of presenting officiating in a positive light. • Exhibiting a “service above self” attitude. Public service to officiating, having a motivating effect on others and/or strong community involvement are considered. The award can be made posthumously.
Two years later, Carollo made one of his greatest impacts when he helped resolve the lockout involving NFL officials. Carollo was executive director of the referees association at the time and worked with president Ed Hochuli and vice president Jeff Bergman, among others, to get something done. The NFL had locked out officials the last week of the preseason and the first week of the regular season and the clock was ticking. “All of us are extremely passionate about what we do, but Bill always kept a sense of decorum and business,” Bergman said. “That’s probably the one thing that separated him from everyone else.” Carollo continues to separate himself from everyone else because of who he is. Does he see an end game with what has been a remarkable career? “I don’t think about that, I really don’t,” Carollo said. “I just have to be able to look myself in the mirror every single day and think that I made the right decision for the right reasons.” Carollo can be assured his record with that is secure. After all, the Gold Whistle Award isn’t given to just anybody. “The Gold Whistle Award should be named the Bill Carollo Award,” NFL official John Parry said. “He has so many qualities and characteristics and all the magical buzzwords of leadership and motivation and inspiration and communication skills and common sense. I think he is the person I met who had the most vision.” Added former NFL official Bob Waggoner, “I think, in all honestly, he deserved it well before now because he’s done so much for officials across the board. The influence he’s had within the college game and the pro game is beyond reproach. He has helped everyone along the way.” Peter Jackel is an award-winning sportswriter from Racine, Wis.
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VOLLEYBALL
COORDINATOR: MARCIA ALTERMAN
malterman@referee.com
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
Knowing when and how to move are skills that NCAA second referee Bill Stanley, Bellevue, Neb., has developed with years of experience.
SECOND HELPING By Marcia Alterman
V
olleyball referees don’t move a lot during play, compared to referees in other sports. But there are a lot of challenges involved in calling — from a relatively stationary
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position — a fast-paced sport in which 12 players are constantly moving and the ball is deceptively delivered to both teammates and opponents. The second referee has the opportunity to move more than the
first referee and must anticipate plays and be in the best position to make decisions about the legality of players and the ball. As referees improve their skills in an attempt to move “up the ladder,” it is often second referee skills that
COURTESY NCAA
Movement, Coverage Tips for R2s
REFEREE
are a limiting factor. As the speed and complexity of play increase, the second referee must be skilled at anticipating the play and adjusting his or her position to make the best judgments. The second referee’s work area, compared to officials in other sports, is relatively limited — but transitioning effectively and making minor position adjustments when needed can open up a line of sight that allows a good decision. The fundamentals of second referee positioning appear to be very straightforward. The second referee begins each rally on the receiving team’s side of the net pole, focused primarily on the receiving players’ positions. After the serve is contacted, the second referee is to transition to the blockers’ side of the net during play, watching for net and center line faults in particular. Those instructions sound relatively easy, but a mechanical movement to those basic positions is only Chapter 1. Transitioning during the play is a bit more complicated when done correctly and effectively. Before the serve, the second referee’s position is on the receiving team’s side, squared to the court, about three to four feet back from the net post and no more than one to two feet laterally from the center line extension. On contact of the serve, the second referee transitions immediately to the other side of the center line extension, while watching each contact of the ball. That initial transition should start with service contact, so that the second referee is in position with eyes and head still as the play nears the net. While on the blockers’ side, the second referee must still watch the play develop, and has primary responsibility for net faults on all players, which means second referees must develop the habit of looking through the net to see the attacker. Most second referees find it helpful to move the foot nearest the center line back a little, angling the body slightly toward the attacker’s side of the net. It’s important to view the play through the net not only for net faults, but also to observe the take-off point of back-row players and libero plays
near the attack line. As the rally continues, the second referee transitions to the blocking team’s side each time the ball crosses the net. Watch the entire play develop until the play moves toward the net, and then focus on the net and center line until the play has moved away from that area and there are no players at risk of committing a net or center line fault. Then, while transitioning again to the blocker’s side, pick up the flight of the ball. Transitions should be made with a purpose, not by “strolling” into position. The method used for transitioning is personal preference. Some second referees use a front or back crossover step, others just step laterally to the new position. Any of those methods may be used, as long as the second referee can move smoothly and efficiently, without closing off one side of the court by turning the body too much. At times, secondary transitions will open up better sight lines to view the play. A minor adjustment from the base position, either slightly to one side, or a step toward or away from the sideline, may be helpful. Those adjustments must be anticipatory, so that the second referee is not moving at “decision time,” and should only be used when needed. For example, an excellent referee might anticipate a potential pancake play on one side, and move an extra small step toward (or away from) the sideline to see the play clearly, so that help can be offered to the first referee if needed. A strong volleyball IQ is important for a second referee. The best second referees take care of all the duties in their job description, while being “in the head” of the first referee so that appropriate assistance can be provided when needed. It takes a lot of practice to gain those skills, so take advantage of opportunities to work in that role when you can. Being in the right place at the right time is key to making good decisions, so practice transitions, footwork and focus until they are second nature. Marcia Alterman is Referee’s volleyball coordinator.
SIDELINE USAV Honors Powell Joan Powell, whose involvement in volleyball spans more than 30 years, received the Frier Award during USA Volleyball’s Dorothy C. Boyce Awards Recognition Banquet on May 23 in Dallas. Powell, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the current Pac-12 coordinator of women’s volleyball officiating, a former NCAA national coordinator of volleyball officials and former PAVO president, a USA Volleyball official for more than 20 years and collegiate national official for more than 30 years. She served two terms on the NASO Board of Directors and is an Officiating Development Alliance member. The award is named in honor of Dr. Harold T. Friermood, the second president of USA Volleyball, and recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions at the local, state, national and international levels.
BY THE NUMBERS NFHS requires that the volleyball be spherical with a laceless molded cover. Here are other numbers to remember regarding the ball.
27
Maximum circumference of ball in inches.
25
Minimum circumference of ball in inches.
12
Minimum number of panels of genuine or simulated smooth leather (not suede).
9-10
Weight of ball in ounces.
4.3-4.6
Air pressure range for ball in pounds per square inch.
1/3
Minimum number of panels of ball that shall be solid white.
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VOLLEYBALL
In each of the following, you are given a situation and possible answer(s). You are to decide which answer(s) are correct for NFHS, NCAA or USAV rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 81. 1. An injured libero, who has been replaced by re-designation, may not return to play in that match. a. True. b. False. 2. S12, the correct server, serves two points. After S12 contacts the third serve, the rally is interrupted by an errant ball entering the court and the referees direct a replay. No. 24 then serves for team S and scores two points before the scorer notices the wrong server. a. Cancel the two points scored by S24, put the players in the correct order and allow team S to continue serving. b. Cancel all points scored by S24 and S12, put the players in the correct order and award a point and the service to team R. c. Cancel the two points scored by S24, put the players in the correct order and award a point and the service to team R. d. Team S retains all points scored, the players are put in the correct order and a point and the service is awarded to team R. 3. Which of the following is not a duty of the second referee? a. Whistling net contact by a player. b. Whistling attack-hit faults by a back-row player. c. Whistling a ballhandling fault when the first referee is screened from seeing the contact. d. Whistling center line/ penetration faults. 4. An exceptional substitution never counts as one of the team’s allowable substitutions. a. True. b. False.
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Time to Get Pro-Active By Dale Goodwin
P
utting on the uniform doesn’t make you professional. Placing a whistle around your neck only gives you one tool you need to do your job. Being professional at what you do is about developing a mindset that permeates all that you do. We all want to be “A” students, right? Truly being professional is all about “A” work – attitude, approach and appreciation. Attitude. Perhaps the most important tool in an official’s repertoire is attitude. Attitude is priority one. Do you want to be that official with whom no one wants to work? The referee who wants to make sure everyone knows how good they are and talks about that last great match they had? You know those referees. Or do you want to be the referee who is competent, comports him or herself well and always puts the team first? The one whose first question is, “How can I help you tonight?” A truly professional official has a positive attitude, and treats every person involved in the match with care and class. That type of official respects the game, is willing to listen to and assist his or her partners, and is flexible with assigners. Most of all, those referees are humble. You won’t hear them talking about past volleyball officiating conquests. Their mind is focused on the match at hand. Approach. How you approach your work gives your partners and others a sense of your care, or lack thereof, for the contest. Are you talking up a storm about subjects unrelated to volleyball officiating, chatting with one of the coaches who might be a friend, looking for acquaintances in the audience, or worse, looking to identify where your observers might be seated? Or do you focus on your match, your partners and what you need to do to be successful as a team? Do you prepare well for each assignment, communicating with
By keeping a positive attitude with scorers, libero trackers and others, Jennifer McIntosh, Seattle, conveys a professional demeanor before a match.
partners, checking your equipment before you leave, making sure your uniform is clean and pressed and your car is filled with gas? Once on site, do you meet and establish a positive attitude with the game manager, inspect the site for any obstacles that may come into play and meet your PA announcer, timer and Challenge Review System technician (if applicable) well ahead of match time? Do you have the kind of match command that assigners, competitors and your team like to see in their partners? In tense situations, do you remain calm, listen to the issues as presented by coaches or captains, or even members of your own team, and respond cordially and with purpose? Do you exercise good preventive officiating to minimize issues before they become big problems? Officiating volleyball includes a lot of grey area. The rules are our guidelines, but how we use them is often what distinguishes an average official from a very good one. Do you remind yourself to be part of the solution, rather than exacerbate the problem? I often refer up-and-coming officials to the words of Thomas Jefferson: “Nothing gives a person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” Words to live by, for sure. See “Pro-Active” p.32
DALE GARVEY
TEST YOURSELF
5 MINUTES WITH WADE DUBOIS Enforcing the Law on the Street and the Court
COURTESY OF WADE DUBOIS
REFEREE: What goals have you yet to reach as a referee? DUBOIS: To steal a phrase from (author) Stephen Covey, officials should “begin with the end in mind.” Set realistic goals and do everything you have to do to achieve those goals. I set a goal to be a PAVO staterated referee - check. I then worked harder still toward my PAVO national rating. It took me 25 years of working thousands of matches to achieve that goal. Yes, I still have goals that I hope to achieve, but most, if not all, are out of my hands at this point. To work the women’s Division I NCAA tournament? Sure, that’s a goal. To work in some of the “elite” Division I conferences? Yes, that is a goal as well. REFEREE: How has your law enforcement training benefitted you as a volleyball referee? DUBOIS: I believe officiating and my ability to communicate effectively with others improved as I joined law enforcement. De-escalation training, emergency response training and interpersonal communication skills training were most beneficial. When a match gets intense, our signals and demeanor must remain calm and procedural. similar to arriving on the scene of a critical incident. Inherently, remaining calm during a coach-toreferee interaction is a de-escalation in and of itself. As we all know, stress levels increase during a crisis; subsequently, our critical thinking and fine motor skills generally become diminished. REFEREE: Are there similarities between training new volleyball referees and preparing new law enforcement officers? DUBOIS: We are called upon to serve — in both professions. Whether it be to serve our communities or to facilitate a match, we are impartial guests called upon to enforce rules, and to ensure a fair, equal and safe environment for all. I speak of controlling the things you can control, and much of that is about perception. We teach the difference between being assertive vs. (having) self-confidence. Being assertive can come across as being forceful, but self-confidence elicits trust, belief and a sense of security. REFEREE: How are you involved in training volleyball officials? DUBOIS: I host trainings for our cadre of officials year ‘round. We host a new referees clinic late winter/early
Resides: Granby, Mass. Occupation: Police officer and sheriff’s deputy for 20 years. Currently a lieutenant with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department. Officiating experience: 29 years as a volleyball referee, currently working several NCAA Division I conferences. Holds PAVO and USAV National Referee certification.
spring every year. And, throughout the preseasons of both the men’s and women’s high school and collegiate seasons, we host advanced trainings for the officials of our board. I am also extremely fortunate to serve as a trainer/coach on PAVO’s camp staff. And I serve as a mentor and trainer for our New England Region USAV Referee Advancement Program. REFEREE: What are the personal rewards of training officials? DUBOIS: My goal will always be to help others. There were those who did it for me, and I want to continue that, even to the point of helping others surpass my achievements. I really feel I won’t have to worry about losing assignments if I continue to develop great people. Plus, if the people I train get to work in the conferences I work in, I’ll have good relationships with those I work with. It’s about the succession plan. Players, coaches, organizers — every phase of the volleyball community is working hard to promote the game of volleyball and to increase its popularity. As someone once said, “Leave this world a better place than how you found it.” I hope to leave that legacy in volleyball.
VOLLEYBALL
Pro-Active
continued from p.30
CASEPLAYS Tape Over Jewelry Play: During the pre-match warmup period, the referees notice a player from team A has placed a bandage or athletic tape over an ear piercing. Ruling: Players are not permitted to participate in warmups or the match while wearing jewelry, including a piercing, even if the item is covered or taped. An exception is made for medical alert or religious medallions. The referees should instruct team A’s coach to tell the player to remove the piercing or jewelry. For NCAA and NFHS, it is appropriate for the referees to manage this situation through the team’s coach instead of handling it directly with the player. Referees should be diligent in identifying illegal equipment or uniforms during their pre-match duties. Under NFHS rules, if the player fails to comply, an unsporting conduct sanction (yellow card) may result. In USA Volleyball adult competitions, players are permitted to wear jewelry provided there is not a safety hazard (NFHS 4-1 Pen. 1, 4-1-6; NCAA 7.2.2; USAV 4.5.1). Center Line Fault Play: After a team A player plays the ball, she falls to the floor and slides across the center line. Her upper body is touching the opponent’s court, but both of her feet are still on and above the centerline. She does not present a safety hazard or interfere with the opponent’s play. Ruling: Under NFHS rules, while the ball is in play, a player may only touch the opponent’s court beyond the center line with one or both hand(s) or feet provided a part of the hand(s) or feet remain on or above the center line (9-5-7). For both NCAA and USA Volleyball, this play is legal provided that part of the body remains on or above the centerline and the encroachment does not present any interference or safety hazard (NCAA 15.2.4.2; USAV 11.2.2).
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Do you invest in yourself? Do you attend camps and clinics, the annual PAVO convention and other channels of advanced training opportunities? Are you trustworthy? Do you keep your availability updated so your assigners don’t have to reassign your turnbacks? Are you the referee more focused on yourself and what you need to do to look good to others? If that’s the case, it will clearly show to your partners, assigners and others who observe your work. And your movement up the career ladder in volleyball officiating will be stymied. If you do everything to support your team and make it look good, you’ll look good. Appreciate. Do you appreciate the tremendous opportunity we as volleyball officials have to be a part of this great sport, and to associate with our wonderful cadre of partners across the country? Do you stop to appreciate your assigners? Or do you complain about your assignments or the partners with whom you’ve been paired? If that is where you are, stop it. You don’t have to be a referee. If it’s not making you happy, move on. Do you always thank your partners for their work when a day is done? Are you appreciative of the feedback they offer, or are you quick to defend your actions? How about a thanks to the game managers who take care of your on-site needs? And the trainers who have helped you
learn the “professional” way to go about your business. Practical professionalism tips. Officials are public figures. Moms who watched you referee their daughter’s matches are watching you 24/7/365. Your professionalism is on the line. Stay classy. Treat your partners like subordinates and you’ll lose their respect. Treat them like colleagues and you’ll earn their respect. See your team’s perspectives; ask for feedback if you’re the team leader. When receiving feedback, don’t be defensive. Listen. If you hear something that seems contrary to what you’ve learned, stick it in your bonnet and later ask a valued mentor or senior official about it. When mentoring officials, avoid using your own examples. Give examples in third-person to avoid any semblance of ego that may dilute your message in the receiver’s mind. When it comes to social media, avoid interacting with coaches, which might paint you with a bias. Avoid talking about your assignments or your accomplishments. Don’t post comments about your matches, recent outcomes, partners or coach conduct. Avoid bringing attention to yourself. Let your work speak for itself. Dale Goodwin, Spokane, Wash., has officiated college and high school volleyball for more than 30 years. He founded the advanced training program for his Spokane board and continues to serve as a trainer. He served 15 years on the PAVO Board of Directors and is a member of the PAVO Hall of Fame.
Timeout Tips for R2s By Patsy Burke
I
nitiating a timeout is easy enough when you are the second referee, especially if you are alert to requests and anticipate the need for the timeout. When you hear a request or see the coach signal a timeout, immediately sound two short whistles while signaling the timeout.
Follow that signal with the indication of which team called the timeout. Start your watch and also make sure the visual clock has started. Why start your watch? You’re covered if there is a sudden equipment malfunction that affects the visual clock, even for a moment, and the time is lost off the clock; you have it on your watch.
Timeout lengths vary by rules codes, as well. NCAA women. The default is 75 seconds. Coaches may agree to modify the length to 60 or 90 seconds, and in a match that is broadcast, the media often requests a 90-second timeout, which is permitted by rule. The R2 uses a warning whistle when there are 15 seconds remaining in the timeout. To end the timeout, the clock operator will sound the horn or buzzer on the timing device. NFHS. Timeouts are 60 seconds, and the R2 gives a warning whistle with 15 seconds remaining. To end the timeout, the clock operator will sound the horn or buzzer on the timing device. USAV. The rules allow only a 30-second timeout, and no warning whistle is used. Timeouts end with a strong whistle by the R2.
When there are just a few seconds left in the timeout, if the teams are not preparing to return to the court ready to play, remind them verbally. If a team delays returning to the court once time is expired, a delay sanction would be in order. Once the timeout is over, move to the receiving team’s side with your whistle in your mouth, signal the number of timeouts taken by each team and give the court back to the first referee so play can begin. During a timeout, an excellent R2 will: • Check that the score on the scoresheet matches the visible scoreboard. • Confirm how many timeouts each team has taken. When a team has used both timeouts, the R2 should inform the coach with the appropriate signal when the timeout ends.
• Note the number of substitutions each team has used. Knowing the number of substitutions used increases efficiency on notifying teams as they near the maximum number allowed. Also, note any “recurring” substitutions that might be coming up shortly after the timeout. • Verify with the assistant scorer/ libero tracker whether the libero for each team was on the court when the timeout was called. • As time expires, return to your base position, quickly scan both benches for any issues, and give the “ready” signal to the first referee that play can resume. Patsy Burke, Daphne, Ala., serves as the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) state volleyball rules interpreter and director of the AHSAA state officials camp.
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SOCCER
EDITOR: DAN HELDMAN
dheldman@referee.com
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
Hilary Crisman of Bellingham, Wash., stops play for injured players. An NCAA rule change for 2018-19 allows video review to determine whether violent conduct occurred and to identify all participants.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW By Todd Abraham
T
he NCAA has finalized the 201819 rules and made a number of changes impacting both the administration of the game and the conduct of the match. Most of this year’s changes are administrative in nature and involve pregame duties of the referee. The changes also expand video review (rule 5.7) to include situations of violent conduct in addition to the previous three situations:
34 | REFEREE August 2018
5.7.3.1 - Determining whether a goal has been scored. 5.7.3.2 - Identifying players for disciplinary matters. 5.7.3.3 - Determining whether a fight occurred and identifying all participants; (NEW) 5.7.3.4 - Determining whether violent conduct occurred and identifying all participants. This change requires the referee to be fully versed in the difference between serious foul play (SFP), which is not reviewable, and
violent conduct (VC) which may be reviewed. SFP must be a direct free kick foul against an opponent, between players competing for the ball and committed on the field of play. VC may be against anyone (opponent, teammate, official, spectator), involve not competing for the ball, may be on or off the field of play and the ball may be in or out of play. Rule 5.5.1.10 was added stipulating that the coaches do not have to agree to use video review. If the host game management confirms
DALE GARVEY
NCAA Rule Changes for 2018-19 Expand Video Review
COURTESY OF THE STIRLING SMITH MUSEUM
video review is available, it will be used in that match. As it has been since video review was introduced, the referee has the discretion to utilize video review in one of the four allowed situations. Should a ball become defective during the taking of a penalty kick, the NCAA rules now align with IFAB and require the retaking of the penalty kick. Another area where the NCAA rules and IFAB laws are now aligned is when an indirect free kick is awarded to a team and the referee fails to provide the proper signal (hand raised straight up over his or her head). Should the ball go directly into the goal, the indirect kick shall be retaken (it is no longer a goalkick for the defenders). An additional area of alignment prohibits an “own goal” from being scored directly from a kickoff, now that the ball no longer has to go forward on the kickoff. To discourage further misconduct, the NCAA rules now require an ejected player, coach or other bench personnel to leave the venue and be out of sight and sound with the exception of the athletic trainer, who is permitted to be in a designated spectator area if he or she is ejected. When a red card is issued, the referee must ensure the ejected individual leaves before the game is restarted. An approved ruling was added to the rulebook this year to clarify that a pass back to the goalkeeper that is saved with the goalkeeper’s hands to prevent the ball from entering the goal is not considered denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). The goalkeeper should not be ejected in this situation. The proper restart is an indirect free kick to the opponents at the point where the goalkeeper touched the ball with his or her hands (except inside the goal area). A.R. 12.7.4.6.a - A defender deliberately passes the ball back to the goalkeeper who deliberately handles the ball inside the penalty area to prevent it from entering the goal. (1) Is this legal? (2) Is this denying an obvious goal-scoring
opportunity? (3) What is the restart? (4) Is the goalkeeper guilty of misconduct? Ruling: (1) No. (2) No, this is a technical violation and there is no offense against an opponent. (3) An indirect free kick from the spot where the goalkeeper touched the ball, unless the touch occurred inside the goal area at which time the indirect free kick is taken on the six-yard line. (4) No. Administratively, the NCAA rules now allow for goalkeepers to wear the same color socks as the opposing goalkeeper. The goalkeeper’s socks must be different from the opponent’s field players. Players serving a suspension may now sit on the team bench, however, they must not be in uniform. Coaches serving a game suspension are prohibited from appearing in the venue from 60 minutes before the scheduled start of the game until 30 minutes after the game ends. The coach shall remain in an area out of sight and sound. Other administrative changes now permit the following as approved markings on the field provided they do not obscure any of the required field markings and are not in the penalty area: • NCAA, team or conference logos, names or abbreviations. • Two commercial logos (one in each half of the field), not larger than 15-by-15 feet square. • Noncommercial, commemorative logos (e.g., players’ names or numbers for senior day). Additional administrative changes: • Expand the coaching area to within 5 feet from the touch line. • Permit an institutional and conference logo/patch and the flag of the institution on the front or sleeve of the jersey. The logo/patch/ flag may not exceed 2¼ square inches. • Permit bands to play and the use of musical instruments/artificial noisemakers at any time during the game. Todd Abraham is the NISOA senior director of instruction, national rules interpreter and past president from Glencoe, Ill.
SIDELINE International Rules Tried in College Play U.S. Soccer tried something new this year in its Spring College Program. Instead of the NCAA clock running down, a re-entry rule allowing players to leave and return and unlimited substitutions, the six participating men’s programs — five from the ACC, plus Georgetown — played friendlies using the rules of international soccer. Aligned with FIFA’s Laws of the Game, the referee kept the clock and, when necessary, added stoppage time. Overtime and penalty kicks were available, if necessary. There was no re-entry, and substitutions could only take place at three moments of their choosing (and not halftime). Georgetown Coach Brian Wiese said following traditional rules is “on everyone’s mind. It’s more like what the game should be.” SOURCE: WASHINGTON POST
DID YOU KNOW? The world’s oldest surviving soccer ball was found at Stirling Castle in Scotland. The ball had been kicked high and lodged in the rafters of the Queen’s Chamber during James V’s reconstruction of the castle in 1537-42. It was discovered during reconstruction work in 1981. It’s made from leather and an inflated pig bladder, which allowed it to survive all those years. It is currently on display at Stirling Smith Museum. SOURCE: THE STIRLING SMITH MUSEUM
REFEREE August 2018 |
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TEST YOURSELF In each of the following, you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for IFAB, NFHS or NCAA rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 81.
1. B3 commits violent conduct during the break between the first and second overtime periods and is sent off (disqualified). a. B3’s team must play down a player. b. B3’s team does not have to play down a player. c. Whether or not B3’s team has to play down a player is up to the referee. 2. Team A is given a direct free kick inside its own penalty area. Seeing an opportunity if the kick is taken quickly, A17 kicks the ball while several team B players are still in team A’s penalty area. The ball leaves the penalty area but rebounds from A25 back to B11, who is still in team A’s penalty area. B11 turns and volleys the ball into the net. a. B11’s contact with the ball was illegal. Play is restarted with an indirect free kick for team A. b. A25 interfered with the direct free kick. The restart must be retaken. c. No violations occurred in the scenario. The goal counts and play restarts with a kickoff. d. A17 cannot take the kick while any opponents were in the penalty area. The kick must be retaken. 3. Team A was awarded a penalty kick and, as part of the preparation process, A5 was identified as the kicker. A5 takes the kick but a defender illegally encroaches into the penalty area and a goal was not scored. a. A5 is required to do the retake. b. Any eligible team A player can do the retake. c. Only a team A player acceptable to the referee may do the retake. d. There is no retake — for this infraction, play is restarted with an indirect free kick for team A.
36 | REFEREE August 2018
Substitution Satisfaction A
t the upper competitive levels of the game, where substitutions are handled strictly in accordance with Law 3 (i.e., limited, no right of return), managing the process is not very difficult. In youth games (aside from regional and national tournaments where they do tend to use Law 3), it can be another matter entirely. Law 3 is designed to make the process easy, rare, trackable and (in practice) assisted by signboard technology. None of this is available to the referee officiating the usual youth (and often adult amateur as well) game. The required process is deceptively simple. At a stoppage (which stoppages, however, are set by local rules), a team wants to replace A11 with A9. Someone (usually the coach) makes this desire known to the team-side assistant referee (AR1) who determines if it is a legal substitution opportunity, and then signals the request to the referee by holding the flag sideways between the hands and above her head. The referee gives permission for A11 to leave the field, then gives permission for A9 to enter the field. Assuming the process has been followed, the substitution is successfully completed when A9 enters the field. At that point, A9 becomes a “player of record” and A11 becomes a “substituted player.” Knowing when the substitution is completed is vital in the case of red card misconduct by either A9 or A11 because, under the Laws of the Game, a sent-off “player of record” requires that the carded player’s team play down (i.e., restarts with one fewer player for the remainder of the game). A sent-off substitute or substituted player does not trigger such a result. NFHS rules differ on this slightly in that, if the sending-off of a player of record occurs during the midgame or similar break, there is no requirement to play down. What makes substitutions more difficult in a game which, (a) does not use straight Law 3 requirements
and/or, (b) does not have supportive technology? First of all, there is the problem of “mass” substitutions. Simply needing to keep track of both teams requesting multiple simultaneous substitutions increases the possibility of confusion which, in turn, can lead to restarting play without realizing that one or the other team has too few or too many players on the field. Too few is probably not directly a problem but too many can be disastrous. Multiple simultaneous substitutions also are associated with errors in procedure, errors which are intended to simply hasten the process or are the result of simple forgetfulness. For example, Law 3 requires that the player leaving receive the same permission to leave that the incoming substitute requires to enter. All too often, a simple single wave of the hand is used to stand in for both permissions. Another example is ignoring the requirement that the incoming substitute may not enter the field until the departing player has left. This mistake in particular makes it difficult to clearly delineate when the substitution is over — a transition which is critical to knowing at any given moment who is a “player of record.” It’s all too easy to say, well, all you need to do is follow the protocol laid out in Law 3 and this wouldn’t happen. While correct, it doesn’t help the referee who feels the need to get the game restarted as quickly as possible, a tendency made all the more powerful when it seems as though one team is using substitutions to slow up the game for its own reasons. The result is haste — a leading cause of errors. Whenever possible, follow the protocols strictly — require the incoming substitute to wait for a signal to enter and don’t give that signal until the departing player has left the field. Second, there is the problem of substitution mechanics. The teams are on one side of the field and you may be on the other side, looking away from the team side of the
20/20 PHOTOGRAPHIC
field. How do you know when a substitution request has been made? AR1’s signal is silent (the flag above the head) so is AR1 supposed to yell something out? Not professional (but, of course, the professionals have all that dandy helpful equipment). It also may not even solve the problem if there are many understandably raucous spectators expressing their joy at their child’s play (and your excellent officiating). Standard USSF referee mechanics call for the flag to be dropped once you have seen the signal, agree that the opportunity is legal and begin managing the process. OK, how do you know when it is over? Are you supposed to keep looking at AR1? At the midfield line, where the substitute is coming on? Counting off and on to make sure they balance? Depending on where you are on the field at the time, this might be fine but is not always possible, at least not without having to keep turning around or twisting your neck all out of shape. What’s going on in the part of the field where, until just a moment ago you were focusing your attention, where the restart is going to happen (e.g., a throw-in or goalkick)? The solution here is to use your ARs, both of them, including AR2 who would otherwise have no substitution management responsibilities at all, and throw in some teamwork mechanics. All this needs to be covered in the pregame discussion. While there are alternatives, consider the following. Get into the habit whenever there is a stoppage at which a team could legally substitute (remember, you have to know the local rules) of quickly glancing over toward AR1 before the restart occurs to see if she is signaling you about anything. Many referees have adopted the practice of advising the coaches to send a substitute to stand just off the field at the midfield line as a request to substitute (with no need to shout). Alternatively, if you are not “naturally” looking at AR1 who is signaling for a substitution, your pregame discussion might include requesting that AR2 (at whom you probably are looking) to simply raise
John Hill, Richland, Mich., signals that a substitution has been requested, but this is only the first step in a process requiring good mechanics and teamwork.
the flag straight up and then, having gotten your attention, point across the field at the signaling AR1. That solves the problem of starting the process but what about finishing it? Here again, you can use your ARs but this time throwing in some teamwork (which definitely needs to be covered in the pregame). Come up with some signal from AR1 that would indicate that a substitution is complete. It can be anything (though USSF training prefers that it not include continuing to hold the flag above the head) — simple eye contact and then a nod of the head or holding the flag down behind the body while the substitution is occurring and then bringing it around to the front when it is over, or using the fingers of the visible hand to show the number of substitutions being made and then
closing the hand when all have been completed. Use what works. Try a couple out to see which you prefer. But what about when you are “naturally” not looking toward AR1 — and you don’t want to be looking back all the time? Again, use AR2. In the pregame, indicate that, when you are looking at AR2, AR1 uses whatever signal you have settled on and AR2 simply mirrors it — all silent, no looking around, you whistle for the restart knowing that the substitutions are completed. Setting up and using mechanics to ease the process of unlimited substitutions without technology assistance can save you a lot of time, trouble and back/neck aches, not to mention decrease the possibility of potentially serious errors. Not a bad investment. *
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SOCCER
Profanity at Substitution Play: At a stoppage for a cautionable foul by a red player, the red player directs profane language to the referee. A red substitute had reported to the assistant referee in anticipation of substituting for the expected caution. Ruling: What happens next depends on the specific sequence of events. If the referee beckons the substitute onto the field before the profanity and the substitute has entered the field as a result, the substitution has been complete under the IFAB Laws of the Game (3.3) and the team does not play down. Under NFHS rules (3.3.3 Sit. F), the substitution was completed when the player was beckoned and the subsequent red card for profanity will not result in the team playing down. The same is true under NCAA rules (AR 3.6.1.c) except in the last five minutes of play when stopping the clock marks the transition to a player of record. If the referee does none of these things until after the red card is given for profanity, then the team must play down. Immediate Free Kick Play: The referee whistles for a stoppage of play caused by a direct free kick foul. The opposing team sees what it considers to be a good opportunity to score if they kick the ball immediately while the opponents are in disarray. The kick is taken and a goal is scored. The team scored against protested the restart with the argument that, among other things, there hadn’t been a whistle to restart, they hadn’t had a chance to retreat the minimum distance, and they were expecting a ceremonial restart because the foul was allegedly reckless. Ruling: None of these reasons can be justified under any of the Laws or rules in use (see, for example, NCAA AR 13.1.1; NFHS 13.3.1.C). The default decision for any free kick restart is that it can be taken immediately if that is desired by the team in possession. This is one of the reasons why referees are advised not to bring a card out unless it is simultaneously made clear that a restart cannot be taken except by a separate signal by the referee.
38 | REFEREE August 2018
‘But I Got the Ball, Ref!’ By Dan Heldman
H
ow we wish we had a dollar for every time we heard that on the field. The only thing more common is, “But it wasn’t me, ref!” There seems to have grown a notion that the Laws of the Game forgives almost anything if you just get the ball. Not surprisingly, there are many players, coaches and perhaps spectators as well who had read just enough of the Laws of the Game, long enough ago, to have acquired this excuse. Unfortunately, they misunderstood the language in Law 12 which first appeared in 1995 as one of several offenses considered to be a direct free kick foul: A player
... (g) when tackling an opponent makes contact with the opponent before contact is made with the ball. And there it stayed until it was dropped entirely in 2008-09. Arguably, one of the reasons it was dropped was because it was so often mistakenly given as an excuse for committing mayhem during or after making contact with the ball! What replaced it was a general prohibition of any tackle committed carelessly, recklessly or with excessive force. Clearly, making contact with an opponent before making contact with the ball was intended to fall under one of (or, more correctly, any one of) these three categories.
Kristina Lang, Bellingham, Wash., watches the tackle closely. Note the possible danger from the trailing leg, which could make the tackle illegal.
DALE GARVEY
CASEPLAYS
Part of the problem is that “tackling” is, like “charging,” an integral, ordinary and usually entirely legal part of the game. U.S. Soccer’s referee training program adjusted accordingly to identify characteristics of a tackle which should be considered in deciding the line where a legal tackle begins edging into a foul. In a 2011 memorandum, USSF stated: • Getting the ball first does not make a tackle legal. • Not getting the ball first does make the tackle illegal. • Getting the ball first but following through with the rest of the body in a careless or reckless manner or using excessive force does make the tackle illegal. • “Getting the ball” cannot be used as an excuse for committing a tackle which is out of control.
More specifically, and this remains guidance to be followed today, the referee should note the following elements in making a decision. The speed of the tackler can be relevant if it is beyond the general speed of play or if the speed becomes an indicator of the tackler being “out of control.” The direction of the tackle issue has now settled into a comfortable approach that does not automatically label as unsafe a tackle performed from behind, but tackles from behind do raise a greater level of concern when the circumstances result in the tackled opponent being unaware of and thus unable to defend against the contact. (“Behind” includes any direction which would not ordinarily be visible to the opponent.) The height at which the tackler’s foot (either one) makes
contact with the opponent’s body — before, during or after contact with the ball — is not only an element of the foul itself but also of any misconduct (caution or red card) by the perpetrator. Similarly, any contact with an opponent with studs exposed should be considered not only an element of the foul decision but an almost certain indication of excessive force. The more of these elements present in any given tackle (including but not limited to making contact with the opponent before making contact with the ball), the more likely there should be a whistle for a foul, the less likely advantage should be applied, and the more likely a send-off should accompany the decision. Dan Heldman is Referee's soccer coordinator. *
REFEREE August 2018 |
39
GETTING IT RIGHT
INSPIRATION, MOTIVATION, ELEVATION
Soccer Referee Challenges Players By Steven L. Tietz
V
eteran soccer official Ben Glass likes a good argument from time to time. That makes sense, seeing that he has won more than a few of them as an award-winning attorney in the Fairfax Station area of Virginia, as well as neighboring Washington, D.C. But he wants people to be civil in their disagreements, especially on
the soccer pitch. So he has convinced many high school teams in his area to take part in the Ben Glass Law Northern Virginia Varsity Soccer Sportsmanship Challenge. He is using $13,000 of his own money as seed money to see if he can start infiltrating civility into the mountain of bad attitudes and hostility by coaches, players and fans that he says has been building toward soccer referees over the past few decades. Teams that accepted the challenge by March 9 are eligible to win a $500 award if they go through an entire season, including playoffs, without receiving a yellow or red card due to unsportsmanlike conduct. The Virginia prep soccer season started March 12.
Glass, who is famous for distributing free informational packets so people can better understand soccer’s laws, has promoted the project by distributing numerous boxes filled with knit caps, teddy bears and a ceremonial coin (as shown in the photo). So far, the idea has taken hold, as 26 of the 30 boys’ and girls’ teams in the 15 area high schools around where Glass lives and works had taken the pledge by mid-March. At least one team in every school has signed up. “For now, it seems we’re getting a lot more support for referees,” he said. “I heard from one of the large coaches meetings that everyone was talking about it. We all get into arguments (over sports). What I’m trying to start here is a conversation.” Glass sees that’s a very good thing. He has been a soccer official since 1974 and has “witnessed a steady decline in sportsmanship and respect for opponents and sports officials. This decline of sportsmanship has (helped) created a referee shortage that threatens the future of the game.” “Ejection rates here are horrible,” he added. Glass’s initiative takes after a series of other statewide and nationwide programs that are trying to cut into the increased coarseness of youth sports. He will take his ideas to the NASO Summit this summer in New Orleans, where he’ll be part of a discussion panel. He knows his ideas are not novel, but he’s hoping they can help move the ball forward a bit. “I’m hoping other companies take this up,” he said. “It would be cool if a real (nationwide) sportsmanship program came out of this. You get to know each other better, it’s less likely you’ll get into an argument.” Steven L. Tietz is a longtime sportswriter from Milwaukee.
Starting Them Young in Oklahoma The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association sponsored eight basketball and football camps in May and June. Todd Dilbeck, assistant director of officials, said more than 300 officials attended the camps, which are mandatory for playoff consideration. “The situation we’re running into, we have great veteran officials who have put their time in … so we need to train some young ones who can carry on that tradition.” Proving his point is the fact that an eager 9-year-old was among the basketball campers at one site. “We had another whose mother showed up and he was sitting up in the stands doing the signals,” Dilbeck said. “I said, ‘Somebody get him a whistle and get him out on the floor.’ He was a natural.” SOURCE: KSWO.COM
Four NIRSA Officials Work Special Olympics Four college students affiliated with the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) served as officials at the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle in July. Jordan Leslie, Eastern Illinois University; Haile Stewart, University of Tennessee; Mia Stewart, Cornell University; and Dustin Sturdivant, Stephen F. Austin University; officiated the flag football competition. They were selected as part of NIRSA’s ongoing partnership with Special Olympics after having proved their excellence, skill and commitment not just on their own campuses but at NIRSA regional and national tournaments as well. “I take great pride in officiating and work tirelessly training, studying and learning new techniques to be the best official I can be,” said Leslie, who has umpired Little League baseball since he was 15. “There is something about breaking down a play as it happens that just gives you a cool perspective on the sport. I love being a facilitator and steward of the game.” SOURCE: NIRSA
Have you heard an inspirational or motivational officiating story? Send your ideas to GettingItRight@referee.com
40 | REFEREE August 2018
N AT I O N A L AS S O C I AT I O N
OF SPORTS OFFICIALS
VISION ACTION IN
Associations Can Take Advantage of Unique Resources
L
ocal Association meetings for the fall sports are once again starting around the country, and local association leaders are once again struggling with the many challenges facing them. Thse volunteer presidents, treasurers, training chairs and others usually get elected or appointed to their positions without much, if any, training or preparations. Often, it’s simply a “figure-it-out-as-you-go” gig. But it doesn’t have to be that difficult. As part of its mission to educate and improve officials and officiating programs nationwide, the National Association of Sports Officials provides low-cost resources through the Association Advantage program that are specifically designed for local officiating associations. As part of NASO’s Association Advantage program, the NASO staff produces tools and leadership resources specifically designed to help local officiating leaders better run and manage local officials associations. There are no other resources specifically designed for local officiating associations anywhere else in the world. NASO uniquely provides such resources as: • The downloadable Guide to Local Association Management — The comprehensive “bible” for running a local officials association • The Association Advantage Online Database — Featuring
hundreds of topics covering more than 20 years of accumulated officiating association leadership knowledge. • Monthly editions of the Association Advantage Advisor — The only regularly published newsletter focused exclusively on improving local officials associations. Your association would receive those great resources at all levels of Association Advantage — including the Titanium level (which also gives all of your association members individual NASO membership), and the Diamond level (which comes with a comprehensive turnkey training program) — but if your local association is interested in becoming a better run organization, you might consider trying out Association Advantage at the Platinum level. The Platinum level provides you with the Guide, access to the database and the 12 monthly issue of Advisor for just $99 per year. Additionally, as a Platinum Association Advantage member, your association would qualify to receive NASO’s exclusive pricing for association liability insurance. Go to www.NASOadvantage. com for a complete list of membership benefits. More than 1,000 local associations nationwide have already joined. If you’d like to know more, please feel free to phone NASO at 800-733-6100.
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PROFILES
PERSONALITIES PLUS
By Steven L. Tietz
J
oshua Belzer has athletic dreams just like almost any other 14-year-old. A soccer aficionado, he would love someday to score the winning goal in the state title game for Cherokee Trail (Colorado) High School, where he will be a freshman this fall, but his dreams go much further than that. He thinks about what it would be like to be on the pitch as a referee for an MLS title game or for the FIFA World Cup, making that big call.
Joshua Belzer, 14, hopes to take the skills learned as a youth soccer referee and one day work the World Cup.
Belzer took another step toward that goal when he officiated in the President’s Cup Regional Tournament from June 11-17 in Utah. He has taken part in other regional tourneys in the past, but not one of this intensity. “I think being out there for a full week like this will be a great experience for me as a referee and person,” he said. Belzer has been a referee for three years, prepping for it nearly his entire life by watching countless videos of soccer officials in action. He got his love for the game from his father, J.B. Belzer, the coach at nearby Regis University. “Dad’s been my role model forever,” Joshua said. “He got me involved in soccer.”
Joshua became fascinated by officiating early on. “I like being in a position of control, watching the match from a different perspective,” he said. “I’m a soccer fan in general and I really love putting the Laws of the Game into play effectively.” Joshua started out as a recreational game coordinator for his club team and then worked with the program’s coordinator and staff to become a certified men’s and women’s official in July 2015. He now works regularly. Almost a little too much, maybe. “One day, I reffed three games, played one and then came back and officiated two more,” Joshua said. “I just have to make time.” He said repetition is the key to improvement. “I’m starting to get respect from other (older) officials,” he said. “I think it’s because my mindset is that I want to get better. I will listen to other referees because they want other referees to get better too.” Belzer is slowly working his way up the ranks, currently officiating U-13 teams and steadily earning the respect of players and coaches along the way. “I have to put in the time,” he said. “I just try to do each job very well.” Joshua will use high school to further his officiating dreams. He will try to balance playing soccer with officiating, while also working hard in school on his language arts skills. Knowing how much the Spanishspeaking world loves soccer, he will also focus on studying that language intently. His long-term goals include working for MLS and the Professional Referee Organization, while his shortterm goals include helping his parents by getting his driver’s license. He knows how many miles they have put in getting him to and from games. “I’m beginning (driving) lessons soon and they’ll be really happy when I get it (my license),” he said with a laugh. Stephen L. Tietz is a longtime sportswriter from Milwaukee.
50 Ways to Say ‘Play Ball’ Alan McCullough Age: 62 Sacramento, Calif.
Earlier this year, Little League umpire Alan McCullough was only seven states short of achieving a lifetime officiating goal: that of umpiring at least one game in all 50 states. In late May, he was making a tour of the northeast, with stops in Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. That would leave only Tennessee and Pennsylvania on his list. He was hoping his last game could be at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., as he has met the Series’ qualifying criteria. Even if he doesn’t make it there, he said it’s been a great trip. “I love doing this,” said the veteran registered nurse, “and I get a hot dog and a Coke after every game. What more could you need?”
The Sky’s the Limit Jess Vybiral Age: 22 Millcreek Township, Pa.
It can be a bit lonely as the only female official in Erie, Pa.’s thriving hockey community, but Jess Vybiral takes it in stride. She is a nineyear veteran of the profession and recently attained Level 4 status, USA Hockey’s top classification for referees. She has twice officiated the USA Hockey Nationals, among the most prestigious tournaments in the country. A recent graduate in criminology from John Carroll University, she picked up the officiating bug from her 21-year veteran father, Mike Vybiral. She is being recommended for work in NCAA D-III college leagues and has also worked in the National Women’s Hockey League. “I really think the sky’s the limit for Jessica,” said Eric Komorek, president of Erie Referees Inc.
Do you know a person or group who should be profiled? Send info to us at profiles@referee.com
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COURTESY OF J.B. BELZER
Pitching His Dream
THANK YOU TO OUR SUMMIT SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
CAUTION STOP SIGN AHEAD By Steven L. Tietz
The non-verbal communication tool sends a clear message — but some worry it’s like using a sledghammer when a flyswatter would do. But it’s like most things in officiating — use good judgment in its deployment.
C
heck out this portion of a discussion thread from a basketball referee online chat circa 2007: “Anybody ever notice how a lot of the talk about the stop sign goes something like this? ‘I gave the coach the stop sign and he kept on, so I gave him a ‘T.’” “My partner gave the coach a stop sign and a minute later the coach went crazy so my partner gave him his first ‘T,’ then I gave him his second ‘T’ a minute later.” The stop sign didn’t do anything to de-escalate the situation and the value of the non-verbal signal was called into question. Compare that viewpoint to this recent comment from Esse Baharmast, retired World Cup soccer official and current FIFA
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trainer of officials for the World Cup: “Absolutely, it (the stop sign) is still a powerful tool. At the international level we have players and teams from all over the world and they don’t speak each other’s language, so we need something like this that says, ‘Please stop. Do not come any further.’ “That way, the message is clearly conveyed.” In light of those diverging viewpoints, what does the “stop sign” signal mean and convey? Is it an effective de-escalation tool? An overused dismissive that often hinders communication in games? A socially inappropriate gesture conveying power and superiority that frequently heats up rather than cools down a given situation? All or none of the above?
The answers, it seems, are as myriad as the grains of sand on a beach, and they all depend on, as Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Associate Director Ken Seifert says, “the proper time and place.” As recently as the past decade, the tool — with the following description: “hand out straight from the chest, kept at eye level or lower” — was still commonplace in many sports on many levels. But some feelings toward it have changed in recent years. Social mores have changed and the lightning-quick advancement of social media magnifies every close call and perceived slight at light speed. There are certain sports where support for the signal is still rock-solid: international
CAUTION: STOP SIGH AHEAD
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Issaquah, Wash., official Tyler Blakney uses the “stop sign” to communicate with a coach.
has a similar issue to tennis with the first referee perched high on a stand. However, Joan Powell, coordinator of volleyball officials for the Pac12 Conference, said the signal “creeps in from time to time.” “It’s the kind of signal that makes you feel dismissed,” she added. “You’ve crossed a line.” But Powell added there is a reason for having a second referee at floor level in volleyball. That position is designed to make sure lines of communication remain open and that there is only limited need to use the “stop sign.” “First, you want to be able to talk to the captain,” Powell said. “Then if something develops, the second referee needs to learn how to corral a coach. Pre-empt any harsh ‘yak-yak.’ That way we can stop things from escalating, stop people from getting (yellow or red) cards. “We want those people
(officials) to say, ‘Talk to me!’ So get in between the coach and the first referee.” However, on an international level, Powell said variations on the “stop sign” can help keep things calm. “There was a USA Volleyball junior event and we had a complaint from a parent and a coach where they felt the umpire (first referee) was being dismissive,” Powell said. “They were Puerto Rican and there was a racial tone that they felt had crept in, a language barrier. In situations like that, hand signals seem to help out. “On the international level a wave of the finger in a certain way can be used to clarify (certain calls).” Baharmast emphasized how important it is for soccer officials to use other tools in conjunction with the “stop sign.” “The way you use it is
DALE GARVEY
soccer, certain levels of amateur baseball, even amateur basketball, where it is understood that the signal means “enough.” But elsewhere, that is not necessarily the case. In some realms of sport, it is felt that the sign is overused or even dismissive — its ability to de-escalate has passed. Players, especially on the professional level, demand to be heard. For many, the stop sign signals the opposite. This has become a major issue in the NBA, where player/official tensions ran high during the 2017-18 season. NBA administration said the stop sign used to be taught in the league’s officiating training program. “That’s not in their toolkit now,” NBA President of Basketball Operations Byron Spruell recently told ESPN. “We teach them that gestures and words matter. What is in their toolkits is that we want to be humble, and we don’t want to escalate situations.” Like the NBA, perceptions about the stop sign also affect the way professional tennis sees it, especially with the chair umpire sitting well above the players. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) does not like the signal at all. USTA officials say the optics of it are bad, especially with the social connotations of it looking like a police-style “halt” being issued by the umpires to the players. “While we have not formally restricted that gesture, we would discourage its use in most circumstances, especially dealing with kids or in a situation where the chair umpire is elevated above a player,” said Andrew Walker, USTA manager, community pathway. In NCAA volleyball, the signal is not commonplace either, partly because the sport
as important as your facial expression, the way you look at a player, whether you make eye contact or smile or frown,” he said. “Even the way you use your whistle, whether it’s a short, sharp blast, or a long, drawn-out signal. It’s all part of player management. “It also matters how a player approaches you, too. If he is walking up to you in a peaceful manner, then there’s no need to use it, but if he’s running at you all agitated then you put your hand out and try to head off a problem.” Proponents are adamant that if used properly, it is still effective in keeping emotions in check at games. Seifert, who is also director of officials for the MSHSAA, is solidly behind it. “When it comes to that (the stop sign) I’ve seen both
sides of the hand,” he said, referring to the 14 years he spent as a junior college basketball coach as well as his current 14-year run as a smallcollege basketball official, “and with that said, I do understand that officiating is a human relations business. “Though we have no formal policy toward it (in Missouri), we encourage everyone, at any time, to use non-verbal forms of communication as a positive way of getting their message through. As a coach, in common terms I understood that when I saw that signal, I knew that that particular individual had had enough of me. Their cup was full (at that moment). “But I also knew that I could bring up another issue (with him or her) at a later time. That signal I felt
Veronica Perez of Los Angeles communicates to a player using the “stop sign.”
DALE GARVEY
never hindered my ability to communicate a different issue. “When I was an official, looking at the back of my hand, I always thought its effectiveness depended upon the situation, because every situation is unique. I found it effective only in the right time and place. You overutilize it, it will lose its effectiveness. It can be seen as an abuse of authority. “I know they’re having problems in the NBA (with it), but be careful of what you wish for, because if it is discouraged, I’m not sure there’s another form (of warning) that we have. We would have to go straight to the penalty phase and the players would like that even less.” In the past, Referee has been a cautious proponent of the signal. In a 2009 column, it was noted the “stop sign” could be used in a multitude of situations: defusing a coach in a confrontational situation; telling a coach or player in a non-confrontational situation, “I’ve heard you, I got your point, but let’s move on”; calming down a player who has been fouled flagrantly. One writer stated: “If you use it sparingly, the offender and others will know that a warning has been given. Then if the offender acts up again (and) is whistled for a technical foul, you have visual proof (possibly on videotape) that the offender was previously warned.” Both Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) Assistant Director Jeff Cluff and NCAA National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating J.D. Collins provided support for that contention. Cluff, who is director of baseball and all officiating for the UHSAA and who has been a high school, junior
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CAUTION: STOP SIGH AHEAD
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Ruben Chavira of Ontario, Calif., indicates he has heard enough.
“I tell our officials to use all their communication skills first,” Collins said. “Of course, be a good listener, but if a coach comes at you, give a clear and decisive stop sign. It should tell the coach that he or she can only come so far and if the official is pushed, and the coach keeps coming at you, then it is a technical foul.” As noted, the less it is seen, the more effective it will be. “If you’re in the habit of using it a lot, using it almost every time, then there’s a problem. Then you haven’t done enough to communicate (with that coach),” Collins said. “Use it (only) if they’re berating you or if they’re harping on the same subject over and over again because it is taking your attention away from what should be your primary focus, which is calling an effective and fair game.” Collins said he learned the signal from the late officiating legend Jim “Boomer” Bain. “He told me to give them a clear and decisive stop sign,”
Collins said. “‘Make it clear enough that a person in the top row of the stands can see it,’ he said to me. “And we do continue to use it as a teaching point, something we go over every year. We find that some do it well and others need a little help. We want them to use it in a clear and concise way. Don’t make it a casual turn of your back or wave of the hand.” Ultimately, officials need to apply to the stop sign the same thing that’s applied to the use of other communication tools: good judgment. It may be appropriate for some situations or only inflame matters. “There are different ways of doing things,” noted Baharmast. “We work with players from a wide variety of cultures — Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe — and to manage all those players, we have to use all the tools at our disposal.” Steven L. Tietz is a longtime sportswriter from Milwaukee. *
MATT BROWN
college and NCAA Division I baseball umpire for more than a decade, said his state’s association has no formal policy on the stop sign. From his personal standpoint, he said if an umpire is communicating well with the teams he or she is working with, he or she shouldn’t have a need to use it. “I really don’t necessarily use it a whole lot,” he said, “but there are certain situations where it is of value. I still believe it works. Along with the correct language it still does what you want it to do as an umpire. Coaches will usually understand.” Cluff described a scenario of a coach chirping about balls and strikes. “On the first level (warning) I would use the mask, take it off and give a look,” Cluff said. “And on the second level I would use a loose definition of it (the stop sign) and that should let the coach know that I am done with this particular issue. I have drawn a line in the sand. “It would be like saying, ‘If you continue like this you will leave me no choice but to eject you.’” Cluff said the stop sign is not used much at all in higherlevel collegiate games. “Most coaches respect what we’re doing,” Cluff said. “It’s only in the cases of misapplication and missed calls that things get heated. You use a mix of verbal and non-verbal signals to get your point across. But I have used it a lot more on the high school and JUCO level. Overall, as far as I’m concerned, I don’t think it’s in decline and I think we’re careful not to overuse it.” Collins said as far as NCAA men’s basketball is concerned, there is no policy for its use or nonuse. Like others, he just advises people not to wear it out.
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RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
BALK THIS WAY By George Demetriou
I
n many cases, not much happens after a balk. The runners get to advance one base, a defensive coach may squawk, but all playing action ceases. The latter is guaranteed in a high school game because the ball is immediately dead on all balks. Under NCAA and pro rules, the ball is also immediately dead if the pitcher hesitates and retains possession of the ball when he hears an umpire say, “That’s a balk.” However, if the pitcher continues and pitches or throws to a base after a balk, the ball remains live until playing action has ended and runners may advance beyond the base to which they are entitled at their own risk (NFHS 5-1-1k; NCAA 9-3 Pen. (1); pro 6.02a Pen.). A balk, of course, is simply an
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illegal act by the pitcher with a runner or runners on base. Umpires must not only know when to keep the ball live, but they must also understand allowing the ball to remain live can create a variety of scenarios with some tricky interpretations. When a balk causes the ball to be immediately dead, any count on the batter remains the same. The batter can never be awarded first on a balk (NCAA 9-3 Pen.; pro PBUC 8.9-1). Pickoff. If the pitcher balks and continues by throwing to a base and the ball is caught, that is the end of playing action; the ball is dead and any out is voided. In NCAA and pro, if the ball is overthrown and all runners advance at least one base, the balk is ignored. Runners may advance beyond the base to which they are entitled at their own risk. The umpire will call the balk in the usual manner,
but should not call time until all play has ceased (runners have stopped trying to advance and/or a fielder is in possession of the ball in the infield). If all runners do not advance one base, the balk penalty is enforced (NCAA 9-3 Pen. (2); pro PBUC 8.9-7). Play 1: With runners on first and second, F1 attempts a pickoff at first base. He balks prior to his release of the ball as R1 and R2 run on his first movement. F3 catches the pickoff throw and then throws wildly into left field in an attempt to retire R1. R2 scores on the continuation and R1 advances to third base. Ruling 1: The ball is dead when F3 catches the ball and the balk is enforced. Play 2: With R1 on first, F1 attempts a pickoff. He balks prior to his release of the ball and throws wildly to F3. R1 touches second and continues to third. F3 recovers the
BOB MESSINA
What Happens Next Is Different in NFHS vs. NCAA and Pro
QUICKTIP We all know the importance of a pregame conversation with our partners. But what about a frank and honest postgame evaluation? That immediate feedback can be vital to making improvements that elevate your future performance and status for securing higherlevel assignments. Ask your partners how they thought you did, and then take their comments as constructive criticism without getting defensive or making excuses.
BY THE NUMBERS Number of umpires enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame
10 Umpire Year Elected (Years Worked in Major Leagues) Al Barlick 1989 (1940-43, 1946-55, 1958-71) Jeff Macias of Phoenix points at the pitcher and calls a balk. Depending on the rules code, the ball will be dead immediately or play will continue, with the team on offense allowed to advance beyond where it would have been awarded because of the balk.
Nestor Chylak 1999 (1954-78) Jocko Conlan 1974 (1941-64)
ball and throws to F5, who tags R1 sliding into the base. R1 is (a) safe, or (b) out. Ruling 2: In either case the play stands. R1 may advance beyond the base to which he is entitled at his own risk. In a high school game, the balk was called as the pitcher overthrew to first. The lone runner made it to third and was returned to second because the ball was dead by rule. The defensive coach came out to argue the balk and would not accept the explanation. Finally, the umpire said, “OK, Coach, you’re right. That wasn’t a balk.” The umpire then let the play stand and allowed the runner to retain third base. A runner who misses the first base to which he is advancing and who, prior to the next pitch, is later called out on appeal is considered as having advanced one base for the purpose of the balk rule (NCAA 9-3 Pen. (1) AR;
pro 6.02a AR 2). Pitch. If the pitcher continues as the balk is called and the ball is batted and all runners (including the batter-runner) advance, the balk is ignored and the play stands. If the pitch is batted and not all runners (including the batter-runner) advance, the pitch is canceled and the balk is enforced. There are no options for either team. The results of the play determine whether the balk is enforced or ignored (NCAA 9-3 Pen. (1); pro PBUC 8.9-2). If such a pitch is not batted, there are two possibilities. First, if the batter either swings and misses or he doesn’t swing and the pitch is caught by the catcher with no advance, the balk is enforced (NCAA 9-3 Pen. (1); pro PBUC 8.9-3). Next, if the pitch is not caught by the catcher and the result is ball four or strike three and all runners
Tom Connolly 1953 (1901-31) Billy Evans 1973 (1906-27) Doug Harvey 2010 (1962-92) Cal Hubbard 1976 (1936-51) Bill Klem 1953 (1905-41) Bill McGowan 1992 (1925-54) Hank O’Day 2012 (1895-1927) SOURCES: MLB, BASEBALL ALMANAC
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TEST YOURSELF In each of the following, decide which answer is correct for NFHS, NCAA or pro rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 81. 1. The umpires’ jurisdiction completely ends: a. When the final out is made. b. When they leave the field. c. Ten minutes after they leave the field. d. Thirty minutes after they leave the field. e. When they leave the game site. 2. Right-handed B1 lifts his left foot as the pitch is delivered and steps into an outside pitch. B1’s left foot comes down with the toe on the plate and his heel on the chalk of the batter’s box. The pitch is fouled. a. Foul ball. b. B1 is out. c. B1 would be out even if he took the pitch. 3. As the bottom of the third inning is about to start, the plate umpire notices the first-base coach’s box is unoccupied. The PU should … a. Proceed to say, “Play.” b. Declare a strike on the first batter. c. Tell the offense to get a coach in the box and proceed with the inning. d. Tell the offense to get a coach in the box and wait for him before proceeding with the inning. e. Give a team warning. 4. With no one out and R1 on first, B1 hits a screaming line drive down the right-field line. R1 is approaching second when F9 makes a sensational catch and fires wildly to first in an attempt to double up R1. R1 has not touched second when F9’s throw goes into dead-ball territory. The base umpire yells, “Two-base award,” and points to third. R1 starts for third and is standing on second as his coach yells, “Retouch first.” R1 retreats to first and touches all bases in the proper order. a. R1 must remain at second. b. R1 is entitled to third. c. R1 must remain at first since he touched second before retouching first. d. R1 is out. e. R1 is out on appeal.
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advance (including the batter-runner), the balk is ignored and play proceeds without reference to the balk; the result of the play stands. If the pitch is not caught by the catcher and only the runners advance (not the batter), the balk is “acknowledged,” the pitch is canceled and any play on the runners, who may advance beyond the base to which they are entitled at their own risk, stands (NCAA 9-3 Pen. (3) AR 2; pro PBUC 8.9-8). Play 3: With a runner on second and a 2-2 count, F1 balks but pitches wild. B1 swings for strike three and (a) makes it to first, or (b) is out at first base. R2 advances to third. Ruling 3: In (a), the balk is ignored. Both R2 and the batter-runner advanced one base. In (b), the balk is enforced. The batter-runner did not advance one base. R2 is awarded third and B1 is still at bat with a 2-2 count. Play 4: With a runner on first and a 1-1 count on B1, F1 balks and
throws a wild pitch that allows R1 to advance to second. Ruling 4: The pitch is nullified and the balk is enforced because the batter did not advance. B1 remains at bat with a count of 1-1. R1 remains at second. Play 5: With a runner on first and a 2-0 count, F1 balks but pitches wild and B1 swings for strike one. R1 advances to second and continues to third where he is (a) out, or (b) safe. Ruling 5: The pitch is nullified and B1 remains at bat with a count of 2-0. In (a), R1’s out stands and in (b), he remains at third. On the surface, the balk rule simplifies matters in NFHS, but if the pitcher continues his delivery after the balk and a home run follows, it might very well be the offensive coach who will argue the balk was not to be. George Demetriou, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the state’s NFHS rules interpreter. *
Take Care of Business By Jon Bible
A
friend told me about an umpire who worked a state high school championship game and encountered a pitcher using the illegal hybrid stance, which has been a point of emphasis in recent years. The umpire was in a tough spot. Obviously he had ability and guts or he wouldn’t have received that assignment. Should he ignore the problem on the theory that no one wants to raise a stink at playoff time, especially when he knows that a lot of grief will come his way if he enforces the rule? (How many times have I heard “We’ve done that all year and no one has said a word”?) Or should he do the right thing and enforce this black-andwhite rule? The umpire opted for choice B, and there was the expected reaction. He weathered the storm, but afterward he asked how in the world that pitcher could get that far along in the season without anyone calling
him on the illegal stance. When we don’t take care of business, we do a tremendous disservice to umpires who do. Maybe we do this because we don’t know the rules like we should. Perhaps we want to be nice guys who don’t make waves or we’re young and lacking in confidence. Whatever the reason it’s wrong. When Umpire X lets things slide this week, he sets Umpire Y up for a hard time next week when he goes by the book. Now, I don’t mean that we should be a stickler for enforcing every rule as written. I and others have preached endlessly about applying the advantage-disadvantage philosophy in rules enforcement. I’m also not for a second suggesting that we move away from it. But things like illegal hybrid stances are not governed by this philosophy; if something is flatly illegal, and especially if it’s a point of emphasis, it cannot be allowed. A few years ago, raising the upper limit of the strike zone from the belt,
JIM WHITE
where pro and college umpires had called it for years, became an NCAA point of emphasis. For a while, umpires who changed heard a lot of noise from coaches, but the problem was exacerbated by umpires who didn’t change because they didn’t want to endure the grief. Eventually everyone got used to the new zone and the griping stopped, but the transition would have been smoother and quicker if every umpire had gotten on board from the start. In addition to hurting fellow umpires, not enforcing rules properly puts players and coaches at a disadvantage. As a pitcher, for example, I reasonably assumed that if one umpire let me do certain movements without calling a balk, others would as well. But that didn’t always happen, so I had to familiarize myself with the umpires who called my games so I’d have some idea of who would call what. It shouldn’t be that way. Ideally, we should be interchangeable cogs, in the sense that enforcement procedures ought not to vary much — we’re humans, so we’ll never be 100 percent on the same page — depending on which umpires are there on any given day. Taking care of business doesn’t just apply to rules enforcement. Player and coach conduct also fits in this category. If one umpire allows people to continually gripe about calls, especially demonstratively and vocally, and even worse hurl epithets, they are causing problems for others who draw the line where it should be drawn. There are plenty of resources available to umpires who want to learn better game management techniques, how much to tolerate and how to shut things down when necessary; we all owe it to each other to become skilled in these areas and then to take a firm stand when the situation calls for it instead of taking the easy way out by looking the other way. What about mechanics? In the 1980 College World Series, one of the six umpires was a headstrong veteran who prided himself on doing things his way, the consequences be damned. There was neither a crew chief nor a mechanics manual then
One Last Look B
efore a half-inning begins, remember to check the field and backstop for stray baseballs. That’s especially important before the top of the first inning. Teams often use old, discolored baseballs for infield, outfield and batting practice. Those “experienced” balls can sometimes blend in with the warning track, grass and other areas surrounding the field. The last thing you want is a fielder inadvertently (or purposely, for that matter) picking up one of those strays and throwing it to make a play on a runner. If you’ve been busy between innings recording lineup changes or getting a drink of water, you can miss seeing a warmup pitch thrown to the backstop. That’s an even bigger recipe for disaster since it’s a game ball and could easily be confused for the one that’s supposed to be in play. Greg Lentz, Carmel, Ind.
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BASEBALL
Oops Play: R1 attempts to steal second, and is called out. R1 sees the ball on the ground and proceeds to third. F6 makes no play. The umpire then realizes the ball was dropped and belatedly changes his call to safe. Ruling: In NFHS, the umpire should rectify his error by returning R1 to second if he judges F6 would have immediately retrieved the ball had the runner been called safe. In NCAA and pro, R1 keeps third because the defensive player should have realized the ball was loose (NFHS 10-2-3L; NCAA interp.; pro interp.). Overrunning First Play: B1 draws ball four and runs to first base at full speed. When he reaches first, he overruns the base without feinting toward or attempting to advance to second. F2 throws to F3, who tags B1. Ruling: B1 is not out (NFHS 8-2-7; NCAA 8-5i Exc.; pro 5.09b4 Exc.). Game Over? Play: The home team trails, 4-3, in the ninth inning and is batting with one out and runners on second and third when B1 singles. R3 crosses the plate to tie the score, but R2 is thrown out. He is ejected for arguing the call. His team has no eligible substitute, and the ejection leaves his team with only eight players. Ruling: In NFHS, the home team can continue with eight players; the most recent batter not on base must run for R2. In NCAA, the home team immediately forfeits the game. In pro, the inning continues, but if it ends in a tie the home team forfeits because it will not be able to put nine players on the field (NFHS 4-4-1f Note 1; NCAA 5-12g; pro 7.03b).
so the common practice for umpires from different parts of the country was to discuss various options for play coverage and go with the majority since no one had the authority to mandate anything. Five of us did what we had agreed to, but this sixth guy went his own way. Eventually, as we feared, a base was uncovered because he wouldn’t rotate as we had agreed, and another umpire had to call a close play from about 50 feet away. Naturally, all hell broke loose. I was off that game and one of the Games Committee members found me in the stands, took me to the dressing room and demanded to know what was going on. I had to fess up, the result being that the committee jumped on this guy and he was never invited back. And, naturally, he was mad at us for getting him in trouble, when he caused the whole problem. A multiyear friendship between us went
down the drain after he ripped me a new one and I fired back. Now, of course, there are mechanics manuals for all levels of ball. Part of taking care of business is knowing the mechanics, attending clinics and being willing to do what’s mandated although it may deviate from what we think is best. Being a maverick doesn’t help anyone. Umpiring is tough. People are going to yell at us. Especially if we’re inexperienced and unsure of ourselves or, at the other extreme, the go-along-to-get-along type, it can be tempting to not want to rock the boat by doing what the powers-that-be want us to do. But the see-no-evil, easy-way-out approach leads to great inconsistency among umpires and makes life difficult for those who do the right thing. Don’t be that kind of umpire either. Jon Bible, Austin, Texas, worked six Division I College World Series. *
Time in Between W asted time between halfinnings can add up. Consider that allowing an extra 90 seconds
every half-inning of a typical seveninning high school game adds roughly 15 minutes of dead time.
Remember George Brett Play: B1 hits a double. F2 picks up the bat and appeals to the umpire that the pine tar is beyond the 18-inch mark. The umpire agrees. Ruling: Pine tar does not qualify as doctoring the bat. The bat is removed from the game, but the play stands (NFHS 1-3-5; NCAA 1-12e Pen.; pro 6.03a5, PBUC 3.9). MLB umpire Tripp Gibson (left), along with Mike DiMuro, monitors time between innings with a stopwatch.
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BILL NICHOLS
CASEPLAYS
Umpires can appropriately move things along. Here’s what’s outlined in the rules: NFHS At the beginning of each subsequent inning, the pitcher may warm up by using not more than five throws, completed in one minute (timed from the third out of the previous half-inning). In either case, the umpire-in-chief may authorize more throws because of an injury, ejection or inclement weather (6-2-2c Exc.). NCAA For nontelevised games, teams have 90 seconds to be ready to pitch and to have a batter ready to step into the batter’s box after the end of each half-inning. For televised games, the time shall be 108 seconds between each half-inning unless specified by NCAA or conference
contract provisions. The clock shall start when the last defensive player crosses the foul line nearest his dugout and stops when the pitcher begins his windup for the first pitch to the first batter of the inning (Appendix F). Pro MiLB – Inning breaks are 2:25, with the first batter encouraged to be in the box and alert to the pitcher with 20 seconds left on the inning break timer. Effective May 1, if a pitcher fails to begin his windup or begin the motion to come to the set position in the last 20 seconds of the inning break, the batter will begin the at-bat with a 1-0 count; likewise, if the batter isn’t in the box and alert to the pitcher with five or more seconds remaining on the inning break timer, the batter will begin the at-bat with an 0-1 count. Umpires will have the authority to
grant extra time between innings should special circumstances arise. The inning break timer begins with the final out of the previous halfinning, or after God Bless America or any other patriotic song is played in which all action in the ballpark stops. MLB – Inning breaks of 2:05 for a local telecast, 2:25 for a national broadcast; or 2:55 for a tiebreaker or postseason game. Players can be excused from the above time limits under special circumstances, such as an injury or equipment issues. The timer will start on the last out of the inning, unless the pitcher is on base, on deck or at bat, in which case the timer shall begin when the pitcher leaves the dugout for the mound. If the final out of the inning is subject to replay, the timer begins when the umpire signals the out. * CONTRIBUTING SOURCE: MLB.COM
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OVERSEASONE BY TIM SLOAN
BENEFITS AND LANDMINES AWAIT THOSE WORKING MULTIPLE SPORTS
M
ore and more, we seem to lose sight of the fact kids might be playing three sports just for the fun of it. Now, it’s, “What’s the one thing that will give you the most success and potentially offer the best payback?” Is the same mindset permeating officiating? Last year’s Referee survey found that about 38 percent of officials work more than one sport, and these people have a host of reasons why they do. These range from the need for more money to the simple wish to contribute more to what they love, the world of sport. Somewhere in there is a subgroup that hopes working a variety of sports will help them find one where they can climb to a high level and win spoils that go with it. Whatever the motivation, it’s a fair question to ask whether working multiple
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sports is a growth experience or a blueprint for mediocrity. Mediocrity? A world-class heptathlete can run, throw and jump better in toto than most women. In the interest of full disclosure, however, she’d also finish up the track against the best sprinters, lose to the best jumpers and envy the best throwers in an Olympic final. Is it, then, a copout for her to crow about being “the best secondbest at everything”? Does she not deserve a Mercedes, too, as a prize for all her (not quite good enough) hard work? Many people get more satisfaction from doing a lot of things well than being a conqueror at only one. The same goes for officials working multiple sports. The problem is whether the skills needed to work one sport well become poor fits, or even obstacles, when trying to take up others.
In my own case, I’ve worked five different sports at the high school level or above, but never more than three at once. We all have acquaintances who do even more than that. For me, the thought of hitting the big time in one sport may have been a motivation early on. As I started a family and developed more responsibilities at work, though, I realized I had neither the level of determination nor the raw ability to make it happen. From my perspective, I had a life, no matter how much fun officiating might be. So, I came to grips with working a few sports I really liked and cultivated the changing scenery from season to season. It’s always been important to me that I could work a game, go home at a decent hour, fall into my own bed and forget about it; no one owned me. I also learned that, like a decathlete,
ED?
over-seasoned
I wasn’t a natural at some sports but had the wiring to become proficient at them all with practice and a focus on improvement. That included learning something from one sport that I could apply to making me better at another — something which might be easier said than done. In the pharmaceutical world, there’s a term called cross-contamination. It can occur when the right ingredients wind up in the wrong product, causing an unwanted effect. It’s not that a blood-thinning agent is bad for you, but it’s a big problem if it sneaks into your meds for a bleeding ulcer. By analogy, we could imagine the problems a great basketball official might have if trying to apply those exact same instincts and skills to football: The quick, unflinching decision he needs on a drive to the hoop might be “too quick” when deciding if a hold affected the play and merits a flag. For balance, some habits transplant well between sports: Basketball officials might transition to volleyball better than others because both sports call for that quick incident recognition and whistle; in the same scenario, a rugby official might come across as uncertain and indecisive because he’s been programmed to think twice and whistle once to get the job done. None of this suggests you’re doomed to discomfort and discontent if you try working more than one sport; you just have to realize that one size does not fit all as you migrate between sports. The key to succeeding as a multisport official is adaptability and it applies to all facets of the avocation: judgment, presentation, game management and conditioning. That’s because a big part of credibility is your acceptance by the people you serve. If you don’t portray the image people expect, you
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it means we’re more likely to succeed at sports where our own wiring is suited to the decisions we’re required to make.
immediately attract scrutiny and maybe even suspicion. Coaches and players want to be the trendsetters, so they become Sheldon Coopers when it comes to us: they want everything to stay the way they’re used to. Be ready to adjust your approach to fit the image. Let’s look at these performance elements and see how we can evolve within them. Judgment is the most obvious evidence of your knack for calling a game. Take baseball or softball, for example. A lot depends on how well you can picture a virtual, pentagonal prism. Then you decide, within a half-inch or so, if a rapidly moving sphere has intersected it. To do this consistently, the spatial part of your forebrain must be up to the job. Calling pass interference in football is a different challenge. First, you move to the best position to observe the play as it happens; that’s the easy part. Then you weigh the often-conflicting facts of what you saw against the applicable rule; that’s harder. Finally, you decide the legality of the play and do this all in about one breath. That’s the cognitive side of your brain at work, with a little help from your memory of the hundreds of similar plays you’ve witnessed before. Each sport calls upon a different combination of spatial and cognitive thinking and every brain has a different capacity for each: Few of us can draw a flower with our left hand while solving calculus with our right, so we must learn to make best use of what we’ve been given. In practical terms, it means we’re more likely to succeed at sports where our own wiring is suited to the decisions we’re required to make. I’m known as a person who describes my world in words, but wears a green and a blue sock to work. Meanwhile, my wife sees the world in
pictures, making for fascinating debates over gardening and the bank book. Not surprisingly, I’ve done better at sports requiring some quick reasoning, like football, soccer and basketball. By comparison, I was never great at baseball because my strike zone wasn’t consistent. If you’re struggling in a sport, consider switching to one that’s more like one you’re enjoying. Presentation is the advertising arm of officiating. An NHL supervisor once told me the players commonly form their perception of the officials by their skating ability. The more a referee or linesman looks like he could play the game, the bigger the break they get while cutting their teeth in the league. Players associate skating skill with knowledge of the game and thereby with credibility of calls. On another note, it’s always interesting to look at newsreel coverage of games from decades ago. In many cases, the mechanics were laughable, the positioning haphazard and the uniforms illfitting. These details have been improved and standardized as a function of scrutiny to the point where presentation is now a qualifier, not a differentiator, for an official. This means that while you might get away with calling holding a little more loosely or being firmer on handballs, you won’t get far by being a visual maverick. If you have your own way of signaling a foul or determining the length of your trousers, get over yourself and get in line. If you find yourself suffering through harsher criticism than your colleagues in a sport, look at how you come across. If you won’t blend in or, in some cases, can’t blend in, the sport may not be for you; find a better fit. Game management skill separates the wheat from the chaff. There was a time an official would walk into any
how many sports are you officiating this year? 0
2.26%
1
59.83%
2
23.38%
3
9.14%
4 5+
3.60% 1.79%
venue and what he or she decided, went — end of story. Players didn’t have to like you but they were well advised to learn to live with you. A lot of that was because officials were more expendable; if they didn’t look after themselves, nobody else would, either, so they had to be more forceful. Today, most sports understand both the importance of officials in presenting the product and the investment required to shape them to that aim. Leagues regiment officials more, as a result, implying an endorsement of them. It makes the leagues more sensitive to complaints about officials. That means officials are expected to endure what the league tells them to from the participants; it sure helps if they can handle that. If you don’t like hearing a lot of bad words, don’t work college football. If you think your actions require no explanation, avoid refereeing rugby. To succeed at more than one sport, your character should be amenable to each one. Personally, I don’t think that kind of emotional flexibility is a character trait you can turn on and off in the locker room; you come to the game with it as a product of your life experiences. Hall of Fame umpire Doug Harvey worked his first major league game at Dodger Stadium. When asked
what he thought of the place beforehand, he estimated it would have taken him sixand-a-half hours to plow, back home. Harvey had a reputation for never losing his temper on the field. The first sport officials take up is often the one they enjoyed most when they were playing. As a result, it probably suits their mental makeup well and they learn their basic game management skills in a “familiar” environment. From there, they learn how to apply those skills farther from their comfort zones as they grow into other sports. It follows that the more sports you work, the more you’ve found out about yourself to help you flourish. Conversely, if you find yourself suffering through games and dreading assignments, you may have found your limit; stop torturing yourself and step back. It’s OK. Every sport requires a different kind of conditioning — some of it physical and some mental. Without question, soccer requires superior conditioning at the highest levels and, perhaps not surprisingly, soccer officials have one of the lowest median ages. It’s also been said volleyball officials could come from a tournament with clean, dry uniforms but need someone to help brush their teeth. The level of sustained, mental focus required transcends most other
A majority of sports officials still choose to work just one sport during the course of a school year (above). Choosing to add more sports can mean some benefits, but also can lead to some drawbacks if you’re not careful.
sports. Fortunately, preparing the legs often helps prepare the brain for sustained activity, so if you maintain your physical fitness, virtually any sport should be easier to work. Where some officials struggle is in knowing when to quit. At the tail end of your career, your body’s suitability to the task can fade both unpredictably and quickly. Prior to that, you’ll go through a phase where your recovery time after a game becomes much greater, regardless of fitness level. The solution for many people is to work fewer games or to use more ice, but a better bet might be to switch to a sport that’s less demanding. Sports like swimming and wrestling require an athletic appearance that a conditioning program benefits, but don’t tax the body as much. Don’t quit football entirely because the Friday night varsity games are too soon after the Tuesday middle school games; take what you’ve learned about player control, judgment and professional behavior from your primary sport and substitute some of it into a less demanding one. The new perspective you gain may even help you in both sports. I knew of a fellow, years ago, who figured out that he could make more money refereeing every day than working a nine-to-five job. He lived in a metro area where he could call a game virtually every day of the week — so he did! He worked something like 300 days out of the year — and it showed. He wasn’t sharp, never quite clean, always a step behind the play … and tolerated more than coveted by his employers. Multi-sport officiating is a sickness if you don’t find a way of keeping it within your grasp. Tim Sloan, Davenport, Iowa, is a high school football, basketball and volleyball official, and former college football and soccer official.
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SOFTBALL
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
Is that coach too close to the play? If the covering umpire isn’t sure, can he or she get help from another umpire? Whether that help may come automatically or must be solicited depends on what level of play is involved.
UNSOLICITED ADVICE By Mike Brewer
F
rom the very first camp that any official attends, what phrase is always uttered by clinicians and coordinators? “Get the call right!” In 2018, that phrase took a new meaning for collegiate softball umpires. The methodology of how to go about getting to the correct solution changed. Crew members are now allowed to come in unrequested to come to the correct resolution. In all other codes of softball, umpires make a judgment call. If the coach disagrees, the coach asks the calling umpire for assistance
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from another umpire. The fellow crew member would come forward with any pertinent and absolute information, thus giving the calling umpire the opportunity to change his or her call. The only time that a calling umpire would not go to his or her partner would be in the cases where he or she has 100 percent certainty that the correct ruling was made initially. That still happens today across the entire softball landscape. Under the new philosophical model put forward in the CCA umpires manual, the non-calling umpire may give unsolicited
information in the following cases: • If a home run is fair or foul. • Home run vs. ground-rule double. • Foul tip vs. foul ball. • Catch or no catch on a foul fly ball. • Ball dropped or juggled on a tag or force play. • Spectator interference. • Interference by coach or on-deck batter on a foul fly. • Coach assisting a runner. • Catch and carry. • Umpire jeopardy. (When an umpire’s inappropriate signaling causes incorrect actions by the
DALE GARVEY
Help From a Partner May Come Without a Request
teams. An example is ball four with a runner stealing from first base — catcher throws down and umpire calls out — runner jumps up and leaves the bag running to her dugout. Defense realizes it is ball four and tags her. The umpires’ actions caused inappropriate behavior by the runner. The runner would be placed back on second base and the batter-runner on first due to the base on balls on the play.) • Definitive knowledge the calling umpire didn’t see his or her play. While the list may seem lengthy, most of those plays were plays for which all umpires would seek assistance. However, there are a couple of notable differences. Starting in 2018, NCAA umpires are allowed to change a legally batted ball that is declared foul, but only on “dead-ball awards (i.e., out-of-the-park home run, ground-rule double, and hit-bypitch)” (11.5.2 NOTE). Note that doesn’t change the fact that a dead ball may never be “resuscitated back to life” but rather it acknowledges the ball is already dead and therefore the initial ruling may be corrected if necessary. Another notable difference is in the knowledge of a crew member seeing the play on which he or she is ruling. That is actually a more common situation than you might think and one that, if executed properly, can be a real crew-saver. Below is an example of how that could come into play: Pickoff play at first base. U1 calls R1 out. PU clearly sees that F3 did not have possession of the ball upon applying the tag on R1. In that scenario, PU had definitive knowledge. U1, although in correct position to judge the play, simply couldn’t see the ball come out of the glove as it was on the other side of a sliding R1’s body and F3’s glove. By PU coming in and offering the vital information, that example of crewness is vital to managing the game properly and confidently. “But I don’t work NCAA!” you exclaim. Everything written above is written as guidelines when working NCAA games, or games that use
NCAA rules. What about USA Softball or NFHS or any other code that you might work? Could those principles work in those games as well? Mostly, yes. While not explicitly written in any other umpire manual, the goal of umpires has always been to get the call right. For years, all codes have allowed for situations in which the crew can come together to render a correct resolution to all plays. However, the difference now is in the process and philosophy. While the NCAA is allowing umpires to offer unsolicited information in specific instances, the other codes still do not have that language in their manuals, nor is it taught at any of their sanctioned camps and clinics. So take that same pickoff situation described earlier. Could the umpires in a game using any other code of play follow the same procedure? I submit that, even though it is not directly spelled out in a manual that says you can, there is also nothing stated that you can’t, either. Remember though, each manual and each rule set is written to address that desired audience. My suggestion? Pregame it with your crew. If you have definitive knowledge, give a look or a small tell that only you and your crew know. In the non-collegiate game, if an umpire were to follow the NCAA process on that play, it may look like the PU is “dominating” the other umpire(s), thus creating a situation in which crew credibility takes a hit. It looks better in those instances for the calling umpire to seek out assistance of the crew. Getting the call right is always of paramount importance. There is never a substitute for proper rules and mechanics knowledge, nor is there ever a substitute for standing up for your own call and/ or judgment in all situations. Yet umpires must understand and be willing to seek, offer and accept information that may be crucial to getting the call correct and help the crew gain credibility. Mike Brewer of Milwaukee umpires NCAA softball at all levels, high school and ASA.
BY THE NUMBERS In 2007, Chaska won a best twoof-three Minnesota State High School League playoff series over Mankato West, but it took some doing.
19 16 482 483
Innings needed to decide game one. Innings needed to decide game two. Pitches thrown in the two games by Chaska’s Brynne Dordel. Pitches thrown in the two games by Mankato West’s Kendra Huettle.
QUICKTIP A catch occurs when a fielder gains possession of a batted, thrown or pitched ball in her hand or glove. To be a legal catch, the fielder must hold the ball long enough to satisfy the umpire that she has gained complete control. There is no actual time associated with “long enough.” Long enough can be almost immediately or span several seconds as a fielder somersaults on the ground as a result of diving for the ball. While different rulebooks contain different words, all agree that control is required for a catch.
THEY SAID IT “If, in their haste to get to third base for a possible play on the lead runner, an umpire abandons the trail position too soon, they are of little help on a pulled foot, may completely miss a lane interference and will have no credibility on a ball possibly thrown out of play.” — Emily Alexander, legendary softball umpire
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SOFTBALL
TEST YOURSELF Each of the following includes a situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for ASA, NFHS, NCAA or USSSA rules and which might vary. Solutions: p. 81.
1. No run can score on the third out of an inning: a. When any runner is out on a force play. b. When made by a preceding runner for failing to touch a base. c. When made by a proper batter who is declared out for batting-outof-turn. d. All of the above. 2. R3 is on third base and R2 on second base with no outs. B1 hits a ground ball to F5. Attempting to play on R3 at the plate, F5 throws toward home. But her throw strikes R3, who is running completely in fair territory as she nears the plate. R3 scores and R2 and B1 each advance one base. a. R3 is out if the umpire judges she interfered with the throw. b. R3 is out only if she intentionally interferes with F5’s thrown ball. c. The ball remains live and in play unless R3 intentionally interferes. d. R2 is returned to second base and B1 is awarded first base if R3 is declared out for interference. 3. Fast pitch. R2 is on second base with two outs. B1 bats with three balls and two strikes as F1 delivers an inside pitch. B1 begins her swing but the ball strikes B1’s hands. The ball rolls into fair territory, where it’s fielded by F1. a. The ball is live and in play. b. The ball is dead. c. B1 is out if the umpire judges that B1 offered at the pitch. d. B1 is charged with strike three if the umpire decides B1 offered at the pitch and she may attempt to reach first base on the uncaught third strike. e. The ball is always dead when a pitch strikes the batter. 4. R1 occupies first base when B1 hits safely to right field. F9 fires to F5 at third base to play on sliding R1. F5 tags R1 before the base but F5 loses possession of the ball, which rolls into the third-base dugout after B1 rounds first base and while R1 is touching third, resulting in the umpires declaring a dead ball. a. R1 is awarded third base. b. R1 is awarded home. c. B1 is awarded second base. d. B1 is awarded third base.
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Safe at Home (and in the Field, Too) By Paul Jacoby
O
ver the years the NCAA has done many things to try to protect players and prevent injuries. But I have had a couple of incidents this season that make me think they could do more. In the last two years, the NCAA instituted new rules concerning field safety. The first required that the wood, concrete or brick backstop be padded from dugout to dugout. That was designed to help protect mainly the catcher. The second required the addition of netting or fencing on the field side of the dugouts not less than six feet from the floor of the dugout except for the designated entrances and exits to the field. That one I know was needed as I saw on occasion girls in the dugouts get hit (some in the head) with line drives. Another safety rule implemented this year deals with maintenance of the field. Home teams may drag or rake the field after a complete inning. That is intended to improve the playing surface for the safety and well-being of the student-athletes. Field safety starts with the recommendation on the layout of all new fields. When a new field is constructed, the NCAA suggests home plate should be located in the southwest corner of the field, and a line drawn through home plate, the center of the pitcher’s plate and out to centerfield will extend to the northeast. That helps keep the sun from getting in the batters’ eyes. Anyone who has umpired softball realizes how much effort is made with bat safety. Sometimes I feel like an accountant as I use the NCAAapproved bat list before each and every game. Bats are checked to make sure they are not damaged, illegal, altered or non-approved. The NCAA does periodic barrel compression testing on all bats to make sure exiting and new models are not hitting the softball at too great of an
exit speed. In 2018, the NFHS relieved the umpires of having to make bat checks. At the pregame meeting, coaches are required to verify that their players are legally and properly equipped and are using legal game equipment. There is required protective equipment for offensive players, student-athlete base coaches and catchers. There is also optional protective equipment for both offensive and defensive players. Neither the catcher nor any defensive player may wear any highly reflective, mirror-like chromefinish helmets of any color. This follows the rule already in place prohibiting these type of helmets worn by offensive players. Common sense would not allow anything that would reflect light and possibly harm vision of players. The NCAA tweaked its hit batter rule because it felt there was an alarming increase in the number of hit batters. Too many batters were padding up, crowding the plate and being rewarded with a free base. The rule now states that a batter hit in the “river” (the area between home plate and the batter’s box) without making an attempt to avoid the ball will just result in a “dead-ball ball.” By not giving offensive players such a big reward, it is hoped they will try to get on base the traditional way and not via being hit by a pitch. The college obstruction rule has been changed dramatically in hopes that it will decrease the number of contacts between defenders and baserunners. The new wording, which is virtually identical to NFHS wording, states it is obstruction to impede the progress of a batterrunner or a runner unless the defender has possession of the ball or is in the act of fielding a batted ball. That allows a runner a clear path to the base if the defensive player is receiving a throw and does not have
possession of the ball. Players are now being taught to catch the ball first before blocking the base and making the tag. Rulemakers continue to have concerns about collisions, and philosophy on deliberate crashes is now more in line with NCAA baseball and Major League Baseball. I still am seeing quite a few collisions around first base; also a number of first basemen are getting their foot or heel stepped on by batter-runners. The double first base, which is used in high school and other associations, might eliminate the vast majority of problems with runners coming down the line. A play happened the other day that sent shivers through me. A right-handed hitter turned on a pitch and sent a screaming line drive that
struck the third baseman in the face. She could not move or react and she was sent backward. As I called time and ran over I realized she had been wearing a mask (it was on the ground next to her) which I’m sure saved her from serious injury. In softball, with the bases at 60 feet apart, the third and first basemen routinely play in front of the bag, which puts them in harm’s way on pulled balls. Pitchers are even closer as they start at 43 feet before releasing the pitch. With girls getting bigger and stronger and balls coming off the bat faster, there is less time to react. I would like to see all pitchers, third basemen and first basemen wear a facemask and it wouldn’t be a bad option for the middle infielders. In the same vein there is the risk of commotio cordis when a
player is struck in the chest with a ball. Commotio cordis, a type of ventricular fibrillation, is the secondleading cause of cardiovascular death for kids who play sports. There are many chest protector models on the market albeit some disagreement as to how effective any of them are. Catchers wear chest protectors; why not pitchers and infielders? Think of all the advancements in equipment and rules to try to make every sport safer. There was a time when ice hockey goalies didn’t wear masks and players had no helmets or visors, which are now mandatory. As the game of softball evolves there will be more scrutiny on player safety. I’m all for it. Paul Jacoby is an ASA and NCAA softball umpire and former softball coach from Wildwood, Mo.
Celebration
MAY LEAD TO CONSTERNATION
It’s difficult not to have a certain appreciation for youthful enthusiasm as shown by this team’s celebration at home plate, but celebrations are touched upon in some rules codes. USA Softball has no rule for coming out of the dugout and congregating at the plate on a home run. Plate umpires should
use good judgment to keep players in foul territory so they can see all runners touch the plate. In NCAA, offensive personnel must stay in foul territory when congregating at the plate. If they enter fair territory, it is
a team warning for the first offense. For any future offenses, the batter-runner is declared out. The NFHS casebook deals with the situation in 3.6.6G. In that example, a batter hits a home run out of the park. As she touches third base, her team comes out of the dugout to congratulate her. According to the ruling, it’s legal, but the bench personnel cannot obstruct the umpire’s view of the batter touching home plate.
DALE GARVEY
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CASEPLAYS Runner Retreats to Avoid Tag Play: R3 is on third base and R1 is on first with one out. B4 hits a ground ball to F4. When F4 attempts to tag R1, R1 runs back toward first to avoid the tag. F4 then overthrows F3 at first base and the ball goes into foul territory. R3 scores, R1 advances to third and B4 safely makes second. The defensive coach claims that R1 should be declared out for running the bases in reverse order. Ruling: It is legal for R1 to run the bases in reverse order providing R1 was not attempting to make a travesty of the game or confuse fielders. A runner attempting to avoid a tag is not guilty of trying to confuse the fielders (USA Softball 8-3D; NFHS 8-3-6 Pen.; NCAA 12.2.10; USSSA FP 8.18P; USSSA SP 8-5E Effect).
U1 Handling Throws From Imaginary Box W
orking first base is an art. There is no one magic position when batted balls are thrown to first base from the “imaginary box,” the area directly in front of the plate to just in front of the pitcher’s circle with a line perpendicular to each baseline. U1 must read the play, which fielder is covering first and then react. When F3 is covering and stretching toward home, U1 can move to achieve a 90-degree angle to the throw and first base from position POSITION A
Runner Returns to Third Play: R2 is on second and two outs. B1 singles to right, scoring R2, who legally touches third base and the plate. However, the thirdbase coach claims R2 missed third base. As R2 is racing back for third, R2 is tagged out by F5 about five feet before third. Does the out stand? Ruling: The out does not stand but the run does. A run legally scored cannot be negated by subsequent action taken by that same player (USA Softball 5-5A1; NFHS 2-49, 9-1-1; NCAA 1.47, 6.1.2; USSSA FP 4.2; USSSA SP 5-5). Coach Is Ejected Play: A coach is ejected for arguing balls and strikes. The coach leaves the field immediately, then takes a position in the front row of the stands between the dugout and the backstop. Is the coach allowed to sit in that proximity? Ruling: No. The ejected coach must leave the playing field and is prohibited from sitting in the stands. Protocol says the coach must be out of sight and sound of the field. In some codes, an ejected coach is allowed to sit beyond the home run fence. The coach may not communicate with anyone involved in the game, including the umpires (USA Softball 4-8B; NFHS 3-6-20; NCAA 13.2 Effect; USSSA FP 3-Ejected; USSSA SP 5-9 Effect).
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“A” in the first-to-second baseline about 18 feet from the base. U1’s focus will be on F3’s foot and its relationship to the base. If F3 is up close and F4 is covering, U1 will move to primary position “B” one or two steps from the baseline to avoid crossing in front of F4 during the play. Also, F4 usually will stop at first base to take the throw, so position B provides a good look at all the elements of the play.
U1
F3
A
THROWN BALL
IMAGINARY BOX
F2
POSITION B
U1
B
F4
THROWN BALL
IMAGINARY BOX
F2
F3
A Good Move on a Bad Throw By Anthony “Corky” Carter
M
ove into position, set yourself, follow the ball, make the call. Those are simple instructions in the world of umpiring. For the most part, when they are followed, they enable an umpire to render a judgment on a play. One component of that series is to set yourself. I find that when an umpire fails to make the correct call, it’s usually a function of the umpire not being set. When he or she isn’t set, he or she often moves too close to the play or is moving. When umpires are moving when they make the call, it distorts their vision. One of the best ways to ensure you don’t move on the play is to put your hands on your knees. Get into position, stop, place your hands on
your knees, see the play, make the call and signal. Again, the same series of steps as previously described, just with a little more detail. So what do you do when the play is at first base (with no other runners) and the throw is just a little off line? After all, you’ve been taught to set yourself so you can make a good call. When the throw is off line, it’s likely the first baseman will try to tag the runner. Even if you are set in a good position, at the proper angle and distance from the play, it may be hard to detect the tag. Neither your location nor where the throw is coming from is a concern. You have to be ready to move toward the first-base foul line. That gives you the better vantage point of seeing the tag on the runner. Never mind that you may be
moving when you make the call. You are only trying to see the tag on the batter-runner. Since the tag will be waist-high or above, the fact that you are moving won’t adversely affect your call. You’ve got to make up a lot of ground in a couple of steps, so your move toward the foul line has got to be quick and decisive. That is the best you can do in that situation and it looks great when you make the call because you are close to the first-base line. The only other option is to ask for help from your partner, who will be at a greater disadvantage. When the throw is off line, make that move! Anthony “Corky” Carter, Brentwood, Tenn., is a longtime slow-pitch umpire, instructor and USSSA Hall of Fame umpire.
CBOA TU California Association Created in 1918 to Fill Need for Quality Basketball Officials
T
he year was 1918. Barely a quarter century had passed since Dr. James Naismith had invented basketball, but the sport had already spread from a gymnasium in Springfield, Mass., across the breadth of the North American continent. There was already a need for quality officials and the Southern California Basketball Officials Association was created to help fill that void. The organization was officially founded on April 1, 1918, while the world was engulfed in World War I. A century later, the California Basketball Officials Association is an industry leader in the areas of training officials and standardizing officiating practices. Its membership is spread across 26 units, or chapters, that serve much of California. There are also two aligned groups in Wisconsin and one in Texas (at one time, groups in Nevada and Hawaii were also aligned with the CBOA). The organization is renowned for its extensive training programs. In cooperation with NASO, it distributes training materials to its members through various channels. Today, members can pick up a rulebook or customized mechanics manual, visit an online portal, or perhaps view instructional plays on their smartphones. But years before the partnership with NASO was formalized at the start of the 2006-07 basketball season, the CBOA was focused on providing first-rate training for its membership,
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a focus that evolved in part out of necessity. For much of its history, the organization focused its efforts in and around Los Angeles (the LA unit is still flourishing and involved in CBOA today). In the wake of the post-World War II population boom in Southern California — the state’s population more than doubled between 1940 and 1960 — there was a need for more officials, and it became problematic for officials already on the rolls to drive into downtown Los Angeles for meetings. The SCBOA began broadening its scope, first in Southern California and over time throughout much of the rest of the state. With the expansion came a need for enhanced training. In 1977, the organization established an executive council whose mission was in part to upgrade instruction and officiating standards. Enter Dr. Bill White, whose efforts became the foundation for much of what the organization has done since to enhance the training of officials. White started officiating in 1976 and was elected as president of the SCBOA four years later. He had a long career on the court in what was then the Pac-8; he worked games for John Wooden at UCLA. He served as the coordinator of officials in seven sports for the California Collegiate Athletic Association, an NCAA Division II conference. But his biggest contributions to officiating were in the area of instruction and training. In 1987, he was named the CBOA’s instructional
chair, a post he would hold for some two decades. For much of that time he was also the state basketball rules interpreter for the California Interscholastic Federation, which until 1981 did not conduct a state basketball tournament. White’s assuming of the instructional chair’s post marked the start of the organization’s modern era. It also coincided with a name change — the Southern California Basketball Officials Association became the California Basketball Officials Association. Each year, White, who had a long career in education, would produce an officials manual for the association, containing a treasure trove of information on rules, mechanics and other officiating insights drawn from White’s considerable experience. John Lozano, an LA unit member who previously served as the CBOA’s instructional chair and is now the group’s president-elect, points out that White began his work in the era before personal computers and cell phones, in effect passing down his officiating knowledge and preserving that knowledge for future generations. “Back in the ’70s and early ’80s (what was then the SCBOA) would publish a roster and a qualification test,” Lozano said. “Bill was able to pull together a lot of information about basketball and establish a baseline manual that was a basis for CBOA when we started publishing a training manual.” White’s experience and knowledge allowed him to cull information from a variety of sources. When he began his work, there was just one set of rules in the U.S., administered by the National Basketball Committee of the United
URNS 100 By Rick Woelfel
States and Canada. White would regularly attend the committee’s annual rules meeting. “Bill put together different articles that summarized rules dialogue and discussion,” Lozano said. “He did that out of his bedroom office. He was an NCAA official; he had resources that he could draw from. He pulled together a training manual. He did a lot of cut and paste. It was very labor intensive. We would review the manuscript as necessary.” Once the manual had been
reviewed, White would arrange to have it professionally printed and distributed to the membership. Armed with his manual, White reached out to local associations throughout the state, preaching the gospel of standardization. He notes that not everyone wanted to buy what he was selling; different local groups had their own ways of doing things. “I used to go up and meet with the various (associations) and talk about the rules,” White says. “It was a hard sell to unite the state. They
BOB MESSINA
CBOA members (from left) Deanna Butler, Santa Clarita; Burt Nelson, LaCrescenta; and Juchelle Wardlow, Lake View Terrace. With 3,300 members, CBOA is a leader in training.
just didn’t want to get together in basketball officiating. “There were people who ran a particular area. Instead of one system, somebody could be 10 miles away and running a different thing.” Over time, the influence of the CBOA spread and it has moved toward becoming a statewide organization, with units from San Diego to as far north as Redding. By the mid-2000s, the idea of a partnership with NASO had become appealing, and today the CBOA works with NASO to get its materials into the hands (or computers) of its members and allied organizations. There have been some growing pains to be sure. Frank Obregon is in the midst of his second two-year term as president of the CBOA. He joined the organization’s executive board not long after the partnership with NASO took effect. “Knowing what I know now, membership benefits could have been explained better,” he said. “We probably did not explain the benefits of the partnership as well as we could have. But we overcame that.” Today the organization has a membership of approximately 3,300. Perhaps 20 percent are members of more than one unit to allow them to be eligible to receive assignments in more than one locale (near home and near their work for instance). Obregon would like to see CBOA continue to expand. Expansion would likely bring the organization more revenue and a way of carrying on the mission of Dr. Bill White to upgrade the level of basketball officiating, not just in California, but wherever the game is played. Rick Woelfel is a freelance writer from Philadelphia.
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EDITOR: SCOTT TITTRINGTON
stittrington@referee.com
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
FRONT AND BACK By Scott Tittrington
T
he NFHS Basketball Rules Committee opted for tweaks, not seismic change, during its annual April meeting in Indianapolis. Two minor rule changes, a casebook clarification and a handful of points of emphasis will go into effect for the 2018-19 season. The rule changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS board of directors and made public in May. Referee thanks Theresia Wynns, NFHS director of sports, officials and staff liaison to the rules committee, for reviewing this information.
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Backcourt (9-9-1 Exception) According to rule 9-9-1, “A player shall not be the first to touch the ball after it has been in team control in the frontcourt, if he/she or a teammate last touched or was touched by the ball in the frontcourt before it went to the backcourt.” The committee opted to create an exception that reads, “A pass in the frontcourt that is deflected by a defensive player so that the ball goes into the backcourt may be recovered by a player of either team located in the backcourt,” even if the offensive player in the backcourt touches the ball before the ball touches the floor.
Prior to adoption of the exception, the ruling under such circumstance would have been a backcourt violation. The important element to remember for this exception is the status of the players. When the ball is deflected into the backcourt by the defense, the status of the ball is considered in making a ruling. Play 1: Team A has the ball in the frontcourt. A1 dribbles the ball off his/her leg, and the ball rolls into the backcourt, where it is first touched by A1 or a teammate. Ruling 1: Backcourt violation. Team A was the first to touch the ball after it had been
BOB MESSINA
NFHS Amends Rule Regarding Backcourt Violation
An exception to rule 9-9-1, approved by the NFHS for the 2018-19 season, means Mark Clayton, Woodland Hills, Calif., must know who last touched the ball in the frontcourt, and who is able to legally recover it should it deflect into the backcourt.
in team control in the frontcourt and was last touched by team A in the frontcourt. Play 2: Team A has the ball in the frontcourt. During A1’s dribble, B1 knocks the ball off A1’s leg and the ball rolls into the backcourt, where it is first touched by A1 or a teammate. Ruling 2: Backcourt violation. Team A had team control in the frontcourt and, after the deflection, was the last to touch the ball in the frontcourt. Therefore, team A cannot be the first to touch the ball in the backcourt. Play 3: Team A has the ball in the
frontcourt. A1’s pass is deflected by B1, contacts the floor in the frontcourt and rolls into the backcourt, where it is first touched by A2. Ruling 3: Legal play. The ball was last touched in the frontcourt by team B, meaning team A can be the first to touch it now that it is in the backcourt. Play 4: Team A has the ball in the frontcourt. A1’s pass is deflected by B1, and next contacts the floor in the backcourt, where it is first touched by A2. Ruling 4: Legal play. The ball was last touched in the frontcourt by team B, meaning team A can be the first to touch it now that it is in the backcourt. Play 5: Team A has the ball in the frontcourt. A1’s pass is deflected by B1 and is caught before it returns to the floor by A2, who is standing in the backcourt. Ruling 5: This is now a legal play, covered by the new exception approved by NFHS. Previously, this would have been a backcourt violation on team A because, by rule, when A2 touched the ball it still had frontcourt status, meaning team A was the last to touch the ball in the frontcourt and the first to touch it in the backcourt. Now, as soon as the ball crosses from the frontcourt back over the division line, even if it is airborne, team A may be the first to touch and retrieve the ball without penalty. Ball (1-12-1c) In response to a new basketball that came on the market featuring a dimpled cover — picture an orange, basketball-sized golf ball — that received a waiver for use in the 2017-18 season, NFHS opted to deny a waiver for the upcoming 2018-19 season and specified the language of the rule regarding a legal ball. Rule 1-12-1c now states a legal ball “shall have a deeply-pebbled, granulated surface with horizontally shaped panels bonded tightly to the rubber carcass.” This is in addition to the other provisions in rule 1-12-1 that spell out what is necessary for a legal ball. Play 6: Team A requests the use of a dimpled ball that otherwise meets the requirements for a legal ball, arguing it had a waiver to use
BY THE NUMBERS The number of NCAA women’s Final Fours worked by each of the 10 officials selected to work the 2018 event in Columbus, Ohio:
22 — Dee Kantner 18 — Lisa Mattingly 11 — Denise Brooks 8 — Lisa Jones 6 — Joe Vaszily 4 — Brenda Pantoja 2 — Penny Davis 1 — Amy Bonner,
Michael McConnell, Karen Preato
THEY SAID IT During a Feb. 25 broadcast of an NBA game between the 76ers and the Wizards, ESPN play-by-play announcer Adam Amin singled out the officiating crew as “the most athletic in the NBA.” When his broadcast partner, Doris Burke, questioned that assertion, Amin countered with the following information, showing he had done his research and was not just shooting from the hip: • Derrick Stafford (30th NBA season) played four seasons of baseball and two seasons of football at Morehouse College, an NCAA Division II school in Atlanta, in the 1970s. • Matt Boland (15th NBA season) is an accomplished golfer who has competed in several PGA events and worked as a PGA professional. • Tony Brown (16th NBA season) was an all-state basketball player at Amos P. Godby High School in Tallahassee, Fla.
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TEST YOURSELF In each of the following, there are at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA men’s and NCAA women’s rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 81.
1. When there is a malfunction of the game clock such that the clock froze for five seconds, when is the last time in which the time on the game clock may be adjusted to the correct remaining time? a. During the first dead ball after the malfunction. b. Before the period or extra period ends. c. Any time before the game ends. d. The game clock cannot be corrected due to a malfunction. 2. When shall the timer sound a 15-second warning horn? a. Before the expiration of time before the start of the game. b. Before the expiration of any intermission, excluding the halftime intermission. c. Before the expiration of any timeout. d. Before the expiration of time to remedy a lost contact lens. 3. The length of the intermission before an extra period shall be what length? a. 30 seconds. b. 60 seconds. c. 75 seconds. d. The length of a media timeout. 4. Which of the following is true of a jumper for a jump ball? a. The jumper may touch the ball before it reaches its highest point. b. The jumper must jump and make an attempt to tip the tossed ball. c. The jumper may face any direction. d. The jumper must not leave his or her half of the jump circle in order to make a second tip of the tossed ball. 5. All are true of establishing legal guarding position on a moving player without the ball, except: a. Time and distance are required to establish an initial legal guarding position. b. The distance given by the opponent of the player without the ball must be two strides. c. The guard must have established initial guarding position before the opponent left the court when guarding an airborne player. d. The guard shall give the opponent enough time and distance to avoid contact.
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the ball — which does not have an NFHS authenticating mark — during the previous season. Ruling 6: The ball is not legal and may not be used. Play 7: The coaches for team A and team B mutually agree to use a dimpled ball. Ruling 7: The ball is not legal and may not be used. Play 8: Team A requests the use of a ball that conforms to all the requirements of rule 1-12-1 except it does not include the NFHS authenticating mark. Ruling 8: The ball is not legal and may not be used. Casebook additions A handful of new plays were approved by the committee and the board of directors for inclusion in the official 2018-19 casebook. While none of these are actual rule changes, one particular new caseplay related to legal screens (rule 4-40) will help clear up what, for many NFHS officials, has been a point of contention. The new play clearly spells out that, in addition to the requirements for a legal screen listed in rule 4-402, the screener must also have legal
position on the playing court. In other words, if a screener is standing on a boundary line, and there is illegal contact between the screener and the player being screened, a foul should be called on the screener, who does not have legal screening position. Points of emphasis The committee identified several points of emphasis for the 201819 season, including concussion recognition; proper procedures for blood issues; coaches monitoring injuries; coaches having primary responsibility for making sure players are wearing legal uniforms and are legally equipped; rule enforcement in the areas of traveling, legal guarding position and establishing possession during loose-ball situations; and officiating professionalism and the use of proper rulebook terminology. Those areas will be detailed in the 9/18 issue. Scott Tittrington is an associate editor at Referee, and officiates high school basketball, baseball and football.
It’s Not Our Job to Play Matchmaker By Darrell Young
“W
e’ll be matching calls tonight.” This idea has been in full motion for more than a decade. Let me give you an example. “If there is a block/charge play at one end of the court, and then a block/charge play happens at the other end of the court, then the same call should be made on the second as was made first.” This philosophy is promoted in the name of consistency, supposedly making the officials appear non-biased as they have just made the same call for each team. In reality what has happened at this point is the opposite of fair. The statement has been softened in recent years to say, “If the play looks
the same or similar.” In my opinion this philosophy is used by officials who are more interested in how they appear than getting the call right. The Michigan High School Athletic Association Officials Guidebook states: “Officiate according to the rules and manuals adopted for MHSAA competition. Admit and correct one’s own errors, hold to correct but unpopular decisions, and support the decisions of other officials. “Hold to and maintain the basic tenets of officiating which include honesty, integrity, neutrality, respect, sensitivity, professionalism, discretion and tactfulness.” There is no mention in the guidebook about matching calls. If we are more concerned with how we appear than the integrity of the game,
then one might question if we should be officials at all. When a play is in front of an official is it honest that a previous play be considered when judging a rule, or advantage/disadvantage? This philosophy is used by otherwise very good officials. Are these officials dishonest? It seems they have justified their decisions to appear fair and honest to others. Those who may disagree remain silent for fear of being ostracized. Below are 11 good reasons not to match calls: 1. Matching calls is not an NFHS philosophy (nor should it be). 2. Matching calls is a tactic for officials to give the illusion of fair play-calling. Fair play-calling is not achieved by matching calls. The only way calls can possibly be the same for every play is if every play would be the same. (What a boring game that would be.) The problem is that no two plays are ever the same. 3. To bring outside influence into play-calling, that is to consider anything other than the play in question such as any previous “similar” play, is to invite bias that leads to ambiguous calls. Therefore, each play should be judged on its own merit. 4. To match another person’s call is to assume the first call was not only correct, but also that the play you are judging is the same. No two plays will ever be the same. 5. Consistency means all officials are in agreement as to the amount of contact that should result in a foul, and nothing else. Matching calls assumes equal skill levels between teams, disregards and discredits the talent and skill level of the better teams and individual players, and rewards unfairly the team with less talent or skill by calling the teams the same. If a game is called cleanly, the lesser-skilled teams get the calls they deserve, and the greater-skilled teams likewise. Matching calls eliminates fairness. Fair means accurately called games. 6. When deciding a block or charge, the amount of contact is not part of the criteria used. Degree of contact varies with the speed of
5 MINUTES WITH FRANCINE MARTIN New NFHS Basketball Rules Committee chair shares her thoughts. Resides: Topeka, Kan. Experience: Elected chair of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee in July 2017. Assistant executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association in Topeka, Kan., since 2004, where she currently oversees boys’ and girls’ cross country, boys’ and girls’ basketball and softball, and serves as the officials’ liaison. Previously served on the NFHS Official Advisory Committee from 2008-11 and was a member of the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee from 2010-13. Her four-year term as chair will continue until 2021. REFEREE: Can you describe the learning curve as the new chair of the committee? MARTIN: Obviously as the chair, I think it’s important that a person have a good understanding of the rules, the rulebooks, the casebooks. I think you spend a little more time in the rulebooks. That kind of heightens your interest in going back in the rules and making sure you understand them very well. REFEREE: Plenty of focus is put on the annual rules committee meeting in April. What do the other months on the job look like? MARTIN: The biggest thing is just listening to what other states, other coaches, other officials are telling you about, what they think the state of the game is. The biggest thing between now and our next meeting is to be a good listener to the states, the coaches, the officials, and bring that information to the committee. REFEREE: As the committee chair, your role is to steer the committee through the process. However, do you have any personal goals you would like to accomplish during your tenure? MARTIN: I think the biggest thing, obviously you
have 10 people (on the committee) with very diverse backgrounds — when they leave the meeting to feel like their views and that they were heard and they were all considered in a respectable way. We have to agree to disagree agreeably. The goal is that we are a very cohesive group and that we work together. As a committee, come to a consensus that we will do what is best for the game of basketball for both the men and the women. REFEREE: This year’s points of emphasis specifically mention “rules review” and the need for officials to fully understand certain rules. What is the impetus behind that? MARTIN: It doesn’t matter what the sport is, you have a trickle-down effect from other levels of play. The rules for different levels get misinterpreted at the high school level, and vice versa. Let’s focus on doing the best that we can to administer the rules as written. And then, if necessary, go through the rules-change process. Before you make a change to any rule, I think it’s important to know that we are enforcing the rule correctly. That starts with using the right terminology when it comes to rules. REFEREE: What are items to keep an eye on for the rules committee in the near future? MARTIN: There will continue to be a discussion about the shot clock and whether or not it is something that is needed in high school basketball. I think there will continue to be discussion about the arc under the basket. I think there will continue to be discussion about legal guarding position. I think there will continue to be discussion about whether there is the need to reset fouls at the start of each quarter in an effort to speed up the game. I think those are the hotbutton topics. REFEREE: Sometimes there appears to be a disconnect between administrators and officials regarding what rules are best for the game. What do you wish officials knew about the process? MARTIN: The officials’ job is really between the lines and to administer rules based on playing action. Administrators are concerned about the bigger picture of being able to provide a positive learning environment for student-athletes. As an official you’re trying to please a variety of different people. And sometimes you just can’t do it.
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CASEPLAYS
Illegal Substitution Play: Following an out-ofbounds violation by team A, team member A6 leaves the team bench and runs onto the floor without reporting to the table or being beckoned onto the floor to replace player A1. The officials do not notice and administer the throw-in to team B. At this point, team B’s head coach makes the officials aware that A6 illegally entered the playing court. Shall A6 be penalized? Ruling: Although A6’s entry into the game is illegal, A6 became a legal player when the ball became live when the throwin was administered to team B. Because the discovery of the illegal substitution came after the ball became live, the illegal entry by A6 shall be ignored (NFHS 3-3-2, 3-3-3, 6-1-2b; NCAAM 3-6.1.c, 3-6.1.d, 6-1.2.b, A.R. 41; NCAAW 3-6.1.c, 3-6.1.d, 6-1.2.b, A.R. 51).
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Whether your partner has ruled block or charge on a previous crash play should have no bearing on how you choose to rule when you have a whistle on the next such collision. Matching calls is a bad philosophy rooted in an officiating crew wanting to look good instead of getting the call right.
the players involved. Block/charge involves only whether the defense has established or maintained legal guarding position before a shooter is airborne. Any previous play is irrelevant because all block/charge plays have some similarity. 7. To match calls would mean that the rest of the game is based on the first call made in each scenario. If an official doesn’t agree with the first call, he or she would have to go against his or her conscience the rest of the game. No one should be expected to do that. 8. Matching calls means, “I don’t call what I see, I call what I think you see.” 9. The real game is missed by an official when he or she calls the fouls that look like what is called by their partner(s), instead of what is actually happening. You get the appearance of bias either way, defeating the claimed purpose of matching calls. 10. When “matching calls” we assume no one sees what we are doing. However, parents and others in the stands are passionate about the games they attend. They know when we call plays poorly. It ultimately undermines their confidence in the officials on the floor when they do not call a clean game. A parent would rightly say, “You’re not calling a fair game! You’re matching calls for the sake
of appearance! My team deserves better than that!” The same applies to coaches. Again, defeating the purpose of matching calls. 11. Matching calls looks like the dumbing down of officials. If an official is truly skilled, those skills will be reflected in an accurately called game. Matching calls cannot substitute for a highly skilled, conscientious official, which the teams deserve. Officials should work diligently to increase their skills and maintain good physical condition to meet the needs of the game. Matching calls profoundly and negatively affects the quality of the sport of basketball overall by reducing the demand to be skilled and accurate in the calls. Skilled officials drive players to be the best athletes they can be, since they know calls will depend on their ability to play, not what looks equitable for the sake of appearing unbiased. When appearance becomes more important than skill, accuracy and honesty by officials, the game of basketball heads on a downward spiral and the officials matching calls are to blame. Darrell Young is from Burton, Mich., where he is part of the Saginaw Athletic Officials Association and the Genesee County Coaches and Officials Association. He has officiated basketball for 22 years.
DALE GARVEY
Stepping Across Boundary Line Play: Team A scores, and B1 grabs the ball and steps out of bounds to begin team B’s throw-in anywhere along the endline. A2 is inbounds standing in front of B1 and is defending the throw-in. While A2 is aggressively waving his or her arms and jumping around while defending the throw-in, and before B1 releases the ball, A2 accidentally steps out of bounds, but does not make contact with the ball or with B1. What is the result? Ruling: In NFHS and NCAAM, opponents of the thrower-in shall not have any part of their person beyond the vertical inside plane of the boundary line before the ball has crossed that boundary line. The result is a violation, and team B shall receive another throw-in. In NFHS, a team warning for delay shall be given to the offending team and reported to the scorer (NFHS 9-2-10; NCAAM 9-4.3). In NCAAW, it is not a violation, but a team warning for delay shall be issued and reported to the scorer, and team B shall receive another throw-in (4-9.1.g, A.R. 156).
17,487
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ALL SPORTS
EDITOR: JEFFREY STERN
jstern@referee.com
FOR ALL SPORTS, ALL LEVELS
Ben Bayer, Maple Valley, Wash., provides pointers to campers at a baseball camp. Whether you’re a novice, an intermediate official or even a veteran, there is a lot to learn at clinics. As the old saying goes, “When you’re through learning, you’re through.”
THE FIX IS IN
Improvement Is a Day, Week or Month Away f someone told you a way to get better at officiating by tomorrow, would you do it no matter what it was? How about if it took a week, a month or a year to see results? It’s safe to assume most of us want to improve and be great officials. But is getting there worth your time and effort? How much time you are willing to devote to improvement is totally
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up to you. There are some quick fixes — ways you can improve by the time you wake up in the morning — and other ways to get better that will take some dedication and effort over the long haul. Apply the following ideas and you’ll get better. Whether you are new to officiating or getting close to hanging it up, you can upgrade your game by putting the short-term or
long-term plans into action. Who knows? Maybe the official you see in the mirror will be ready for his or her first big varsity assignment, state tournament or college match-up. Get Better Tomorrow • With most people being able to instantly communicate via smartphones, a quick confirmation
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only takes a minute or two. Although you may get your games six months in advance, it is always a good idea to double-check what time the game starts and your partner(s). Surprise is often an official’s biggest enemy, so don’t be caught off guard by the 4 p.m. game that you thought started at 7 p.m. • Knowledge is power! Take 20 minutes out of your day to better your officiating knowledge. Often an official will review a particular situation or rule only to have that very thing play out in his or her game the next day. Keep it fresh and fun by using a variety of educational and teaching materials. • We all have an idea of how we look when we officiate. However, when we actually watch game video of ourselves working, it isn’t always as we thought. Bottom line, no tool is more useful than video in helping to improve your game. Sure, take a close look at your judgment calls, but also pay attention to the way you carry yourself on the field. We are in the perception business, and as they say, perception is reality! • Practice makes perfect, right? Not necessarily. If you are doing something over and over again, but it isn’t correct, you’re just wasting precious time. Whether you’re just starting out or trying out a brandnew signal or mechanic, take a few minutes and practice the right way in front of the mirror. See how you really look. Do your mechanics look strong? Use the mirror to help you project the image you want when it matters. • None of us rolled out of bed one day and started to officiate. We all have someone who nudged us to put on that striped shirt or chest protector. Take a few minutes and give that person a call. Say thank you and have an officiating talk. Chances are that person will have more words of wisdom to offer. • Take a few minutes and test your rules knowledge. None of us want to misapply a key rule during crunch time. Staying current on rule changes, new mechanics and the latest officiating philosophies often makes the difference between
good and great officials. And the difference between the postseason and “waiting ’til next year.” Get Better Next Week • If you know ahead that there is a potential for games to be postponed due to weather within the next week, notify the assigners that give you games of your availability dates beyond the day(s) the forecasted storm strikes. Even if there isn’t a storm brewing and you would like to fill an open date or two, email or text the assigner(s) with your availability. Assigners want to know your open dates, especially if you are a quality official. If other officials sustain injuries or become ill, you will likely be at the top of that assigner’s list to step in, and he or she will appreciate it. • If the season is near and there is a call-out for officials to work a scrimmage, do it, even if you’ve worked a couple of scrimmages already. It’s a great way to get into the mindset of that sport and sharpen your skills. That will make you better, and that’s the most important ingredient to prepare yourself for the big games on your upcoming schedule. Take a scrimmage opportunity as a chance to exhibit the three Rs: renew, refresh and rejuvenate. It’s a time to give whatever it may be — whistle, flag, card — and your mind some exercise. • Be prepared to not only attend but to participate fully at meetings. Physical presence alone won’t help you improve skills or increase your schedule. Write down questions in advance to ask at the upcoming meeting. Did something unusual happen during a game? A play or ruling? Bring it up at the right time at a meeting. Is there a philosophical issue you’ve been wondering about? There are plenty of seasoned officials who will gladly share their advice. • The most successful officials are usually those who truly believe there’s always something to learn and sometimes that comes by reviewing rules. Read one chapter of the rulebook within the next week, and chances are you will learn
QUICKTIP Band members often present unique game management challenges. Trombone players are famous for playing “tah dump da dump” in time with the officials’ gait as they enter the court or field. And more than a few officials have been serenaded with “Three Blind Mice.” Those sorts of unsportsmanlike acts should not be ignored. But in most cases the best course of action is to let game management deal with the problem. Music critic is not in our job description.
THEY SAID IT “You can’t trust (referees). I asked a ref if he could give me a technical foul for what I was thinking. He said, ‘Of course not.’ I said, ‘Well, I think you stink.’ And he gave me a technical. You can’t trust ’em.” — The late Jim Valvano, North Carolina State’s men’s basketball coach
BY THE NUMBERS Although skewed due to a change in how they are catalogued, ejections reported to the Arizona Interscholastic Association in three sports rose sharply over the last two years.
358 2016-17 2017-18
285 241 160 172 74 Soccer
Basketball
Football
SOURCE: ARIZONA REPUBLIC
REFEREE
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ALL SPORTS
something that you did not know prior to the review. • Find ways to get recent video of yourself officiating. Take full advantage of the video and don’t just view the footage for call validation. Compare your positioning in each game during the week. Determine the cause for why you got something wrong or what may have caused you to miss something happening. Note your presence and body language and figure out ways to improve. • Attending local association meetings allows you to connect with other officials and experts. Try to either form a group of officials or become part of a group, so that you can make them your “go-to” people regarding any questions about specific plays, rules, assignments and whatever it might be related to your sport. They, in turn, will likely come to you for help as well. Having a group of officiating buddies in your sport is both fun and good for your mental health. Your friends are your network and they can help you advance with a good word to the right person. • Watching officials is an often forgotten way for improvement. There are at least one or two things, if not more, you can pick up from every official you observe. Find those things that other officials do
well and incorporate them into your game. Talk about the situations that occur in the games you watch and think about ways you may handle them. How would you apply a play you see at a different level to the games and levels you work? Get Better By Next Month • It’s one thing to go to the gym and do 30-60 minutes of cardio and then head for the showers. You probably won’t see a difference short-term, but if you can get into a daily routine for several weeks, it will make all the difference. Incorporate weights, classes, a good diet and even sessions with a trainer, if affordable, and make it a regular part of your week, every week. You will be a healthier, slimmer official sooner than you think. • It’s not uncommon for a group of officials to get together before the preseason test and review the questions and use a little “groupthink” to improve everyone’s score. What about during the season? Do you forget about getting together for rules or video review? Find willing participants and meet regularly. • Whether you receive evaluations from your supervisors or write down the notes and feedback from partners during your postgame
reviews, you can take a collection of those and review them to improve. Look back and if there are trends, work with your mentors and co-officials and make those a point of emphasis in your games. • As long as you aren’t in your first year, there are always officials with less experience than you. Take time to be a part of a camp or clinic and pass along your knowledge. If you’re more experienced, take time to do a training presentation for your association, if your group is seeking volunteers. Go outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to make a positive impact on other officials. • If you’ve never been to a camp, you’ve missed a golden opportunity. Beyond learning the latest rules, mechanics, techniques and philosophies, camps provide an opportunity to network with other officials and industry influentials. If you’re one who complains that the only people who move up are those who “know somebody,” camps are a chance to “meet somebody.” If you don’t have time to improve, make time. A few minutes here and long-term dedication there are possible, if that is what you want. Ready, set, go make a difference in your game.
How Video Has Changed Officiating By Jeffrey Stern
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ne of my favorite books is Instant Replay. The author, Jerry Kramer, was an All-Pro guard for the Green Bay Packers. In 1968, he kept a diary of what turned out to be a championship season. It was a breakthrough book for its time, full of behind-the-scenes information that let fans know what life as a pro football player was really like. A recurring theme throughout the book involves the team’s use of film to review players’ performance and as scouting material for upcoming opponents. In fact, Kramer’s
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observation that Dallas defensive lineman Jethro Pugh could be moved off the line of scrimmage in a shortyardage situation was a key element in the Packers’ victory in the famed Ice Bowl game that propelled Green Bay to Super Bowl II. Much of the anxieties involving watching film were centered on the players’ concerns about whether a mistake would be visible when coaches examined the tape after the game. “How’s that going to look on film?” was a common question. The modern official likely asks him or herself that same question during the course of a season. That’s
because advances in technology have drastically altered the way we go about our jobs. Although “Make it be there” is still a valid pregame admonition, it might be more correct to urge crewmates to “Make it so big it shows up on film.” After the game, when Kramer saw his block on Pugh for the winning touchdown on television several times, his thought was, “Thank God for instant replay.” It propelled his already stellar reputation into the stratosphere (and no doubt boosted sales of his book the next year). By the same token, officials often
feel a great sense of relief when one of their rulings is as obvious on the game film as it was on the court or field. I know I do. One of the concerns pro supervisors and major college coordinators have regarding the use of instant replay as an officiating tool is that officials sometimes adopt the attitude, “It doesn’t matter what I call because replay will straighten it out either way.” Another drawback to the explosion of technology is what is known as “officiating to the video.” Contact or violations that would (or should) be called are not being called because officials fear the video won’t support them. Whether or not that is a valid concern is debatable. It may vary from official to official, coordinator to coordinator and level to level. What is not in dispute is the glut of video available to us. When once we had to beg a coach to send a copy
of a game tape (including providing the tape or disc and a self-addressed stamped envelope), we are now able to view many of our games free online. In some cases, the video is posted before we return home. Talk about instant gratification. I have long been a fan of video as a review and training tool. I’ll admit that my first look at the tape of my own game involves finding the fouls I called and any close or controversial plays in which I was involved, just to see if I was correct. Call it vanity if you wish; I prefer to think of it as self-evaluation. I go through it a second time in its entirety and look for things that I may have missed during the game. It’s rare that I don’t look at a play multiple times to check my positioning and mechanics. As a longtime educational chair for our local association, I used video as a major part of our meetings.
Feedback from members indicated the video was the members’ favorite part of the meetings and certainly the portion from which they felt they get the most benefit. Video can also be used as a preparation tool. Find video of other games involving the teams and watch to get a flavor of their strategies and tendencies. Which players seem to garner the most attention from opponents? Do the teams do anything outside the norm (e.g. two passes and hoist up a three, hurry-up offense, etc.)? A little time on the front end can save you from being surprised on the back end. I have no idea what the next big thing in officiating will be. I doubt we have reached the zenith of technological or other advances. But I do know this: Video has made me a better informed, better educated and happier official overall. Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor.
FOR THE RECORD AWARDS, ROSTERS, NOTABLES
POSTSEASON ASSIGNMENTS
HIGH SCHOOL • Officials assigned to the Ohio High School Athletic Association 2018 spring championships were: Baseball — Bart Andrews, Daniel Asp, Norm Baker, Chad Barlow, Lee Barlow, Scott Barr, Nicholas Baucco, Jeffrey Baughman, Josh Biederstedt, Michael Blazevich III, Trent Boeckman, Bobby Bolin, Chet Cooper, Mike Cox, John Craig, Rudy Denius, Roger Dicks Sr., Daniel Duignan, Robert Eckert, Brian Fike, Danny Finn, Todd Fraser, Ronald Fuller, Glenn Harrah, Lance Jacob, Reggie Johnson, Tom Kemper, Kirby Kiser, Timothy Kuehner, Casey Mackay, Tim Maddocks, Donald Madzia, Bryce McCalla, Daniel McGinnis, Kevin O’Malley, Daniel Panepinto, Kevin Pickerill, Christopher Prokes, Richard Quintrell, Chuck Robinson, JT Schablein, Kirt Shay, Anthony Sheets, Jason Stechschulte, Kyle Stoughton, Ryan Thompson, Andrew Uy, Timothy Voyles. Boys’ lacrosse — Nick Adamski, Rick Barnes, Joel Bender, Pete Bluvol, Brand Closen, Kyle Closen, Doug DeVilbiss, Steve Donahue, Tom Gibbons, Doug Harriman, Tyler Harriman, Alan Howell, Timothy Hurlbut, Jeff Koepfler, Ed Lloyd, Tyler Mikolajewski, Tom Muellauer, Mark Osika, Terry Paulus, Walter Petry, Jim Rice, Dan Steingraber, Bill Stover, Alex Young. Girls lacrosse — Bill Andrews, Dee Arrington, Ronald Bate, Colleen Bender, Jessica Cemate, Lissa Fickert, Bill Gardiner, Evalyn Hammonds, Jesse Hunt, John Hunt, Kathy Jirus, Ann Marie Martin, Mike Piscitello, Ashley Stewart, Deborah Welch, Katie Ziegert. Softball — Darin Alexander, Aaron Arter, D. Justin Barzak, Lou Bennett, Paul Bevilacqua, Larry Black, Terry Bogard, Jeff Bowman, Dan Carnahan, John Davis, Todderick Davis, Deanne Finkel, Dominic Flaviani, Clark Froelich, Steven Fry, Tim Hallauer, Steve Hartman, Bernard Hensley, Andrew Holloman, Paul Jeremiah, Kim Johnson, Richard
Keys, Rick Merb, Chad Miller, David Miller, Anthony Montana, Brent Munn, Lucas Nagel, Jerry Norris, Cheryl Opperman, Walter Opperman, Matthew Orin, James Reneau, Raejene Riley, Todd Rini, Robert Roach, Edwin Roberts Jr., Carmen Rodriguez, Gary Russell II, Pamela Schultz, David Scott Jr., Max Smeltzer, Wallace Stuchul, Jose Travis, Rolly Weber, Michael Young, Carolyn Zeisler, Robert Ziefle. Track and field — Gretchen Acker, Mike Althoff, Terry Armstead, John Austin, Andris Baltputnis, Timothy Barrett, Bruce Benedict, John Betts, Jamie Bialecki, Steve Bruns, Rick Campbell, Stephen Canby, Margaret Celedonia, Joseph Chester, Renay Choma, Larry Cogan, James Craig, John Cusher, James D. Fox, William Duckworth, Jim Dunbar, Kelly DunkleDetillion, Wayne Ferne, Julie Gavreau, John Gibbons, Douglas Gilbert, Joseph Graf, Harold Grice, Thomas Halbedel, Donald Hange, Eunie Harrell, Karen Hegarty, David Hershey, Robert Hodgson, Phil Horvath, Roger Hosler, Steve Hurley, Margie Iagulli, Edward Katzman, Kip Kinn, Amy Kramer, Jackie Krieger, Robert L. Jones, Troy Lewis, Anthony Longino, David Madaras, Diane McClellan, David Meuleman, David Milkovich, Ed Miller, Lee Mitchell, Nicholas Molnar, Gary Muckenthaler, Danny Neely, Michael Nissenbaum, David Pearce, Thomas Pierson, Kenneth Prince, Lori Pyers, Michael Raddish, Dennis Riddle, Rodney Russell, Dennis Sabo, Thomas Sapp, Mary Lou Scherer, Lester Trittschuh, Terri Tutt, Ron Weaver, Sharon Wiegand, Penny Zuber. • Officials assigned to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association 2018 spring championships were: Baseball — Jeffrey Adkins, Scot Allison, Robert Bauer, David Bullard, Terry Carter, Kevin Claycomb, Dave Davis, Lorhn Frazier, Dean Hardin, Chris Hendrick, Carl Johnson, Anthony Molihan, Doug Roher, Pete Runyon, Keith Shartzer, John Wells. Softball — Brad
Atwell, Terry Baldwin, John Bloomer, Wade Branscum, Chris Brawner, Darrell Burks, Jonathan Carver, Steve Chasteen, Stacy Engle, Jim Gutterman, Greg Hall, Stanley Hall, Ronnie McGuffey, Don Pack, Mark Pence, Gavin Ramsey, Kevin Rengering, Bill Renzi, Bart Rison, William Roark, Chris Robinson, Brian Thomas, Larry Thompson, Donnie Whitehead, JJ Wright. • Officials assigned to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association 2018 spring championships were: Baseball — Traye Anishanslin, Port Angeles; Glenn Campbell, Woodinville; David Crayne, Kelso; Mitch Crowe, Kennewick; Dennis Duke, Moses Lake; Dane Johnson, Bellingham; Michael McDowell, Shelton; Mike McQuery, Lynnwood; Sam Minton, Lynnwood; Tim O’Brien, Oak Harbor; Michael Sargeant, Bremerton; Greg Tate, Walla Walla; Marc Taylor, Spokane; Joel Thompson, Vancouver; Ken Weyrick, Moxee; Frank Wintersteen, Spokane. Soccer — Liban Ali, Lynnwood; Michael Blondin, Olympia; Patrick Bodine, Federal Way; Jesus Cobarrubias, East Wenatchee; Matthew Connolly, Seattle; Jason Damschen, Newman Lake; Alex Evenson, Auburn; Ryan Fairhurst, Snohomish; Mike Hohnholz, Camas; Tracy Ikenberry, Richland; Henry Klos, Lynden; Liam Leonard, Sammamish; Jeremy Matthew, Bremerton; Jesus Mejia, Lynnwood; Michael Peters, Bonney Lake; Julian Tafolla, Puyallup. Softball — Craig Adams, Spokane; Jess Aguilar, Tacoma; Steve Andersen, Snohomish; Wesley Benight, Yakima; Marty Boles, Spokane; Graig Bolton, Puyallup; Scott Buser, Lakewood; Michael Carlson, Spokane; John Carney, Mt. Vernon; Wallace Chocklon, Covington; Brad Clark, Acme; Charles Coburn, Pacific; Hal Cooper, Blaine; Jasmine Devereaux, Spokane; Tom Dillon, Redmond; James Dills, Napavine; Maximo Escalante, SeaTac; George Floyd, Vancouver; Josh Francis, Snohomish; Mike Garvison, Vancouver; Arnie Garza, Kennewick; Joseph Gosselin,
Camas; George Gunn, Kent; Chris Harvey, Moses Lake; Tyler Haueter, Yakima; Tom Haydon, Spokane Valley; Brian Hedlund, La Conner; Timothy Henderson, Richland; Donald Hough, Kirkland; Lloyd Jones, Olympia; Robert Justice, Auburn; Jan Karnoski, Longview; Tom Kelly, SeaTac; Mark Kolander, East Wenatchee; Scott Koopman, Richland; Craig Larsen, Napavine; Joe Loftgren, Vancouver; Wayne McDonald, Shoreline; Dan Miller, Chehalis; Alan Moore, Lynden; Richard Moore, Castle Rock; Frank Nemec, Mill Creek; Davis Nicksic, Kirkland; Mike Partlow, Puyallup; Jake Perry, Spokane; DJ Postle, Pullman; Scott Prince, Montesano; Scott Ramsey, Bremerton; Bruce Richartz, Colville; Ryan Rippet, Soap Lake; Jason Schmidt, Lacey; Larry Schreckengast, Okanogan; James Shank, Moses Lake; William Shuck, Federal Way; Chad Smith, Lake Stevens; William Smith, Port Orchard; Joe Spencer, Port Orchard; John Stansell, Quincy; Tom Stone, Yakima; Timothy Taylor, Sunnyside; Victor Walker, Walla Walla; Amy Wertz, Puyallup; Mike Wilson, Bainbridge.
OBITUARIES • John E. Soffey Jr., 76, of Naples, Fla., died May 12 after a long illness. He began his career as a college football official in 1972 with the Eastern College Athletic Conference. From 199194 he was an onfield referee for the Big East Conference, the supervisor of officials for the Atlantic 10 Conference from 1995-97 and then returned to the Big East as coordinator of football officials from 19982007. He was inducted into the Capital Region Football Hall of Fame in 2011. • Lee Joseph, 83, of Los Angeles, died May 9. He was a longtime Pac-8 football official, having worked the 1979 Rose Bowl as a head linesman. He also officiated high school basketball and track. He was a former administrator, assigner and principal in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He has a son and two nephews who are football officials. Do you have any rosters, assignments or awards that warrant mention? Send info to us at ForTheRecord@referee.com
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ROSTERS 2018 Minor League Baseball Rosters Here are the umpire rosters for the full-season minor leagues, as provided by Minor League Baseball.
Triple A
International League Ryan Additon, Davie, Fla. Erich Bacchus, Germantown, Md. John Bacon, Sherrodsville, Ohio Sean Barber, Lakeland, Fla. Adam Beck, Winter Springs, Fla. Blake Carnahan, Crystal River, Fla. Ryan Clark, McDonough, Ga. Scott Costello, Barrie, Ontario Reid Gibbs, Glendale, Ariz. Eric Gillam, Roscoe, Ill. Travis Godec, Roanoke, Va. Christopher Graham, Newmarket, Ontario Nic Lentz, Holland, Mich. Shane Livensparger, Jacksonville, Fla. Dan Merzel, Durham, N.C. Brennan Miller, Woodbridge, Va. Brian Peterson, Newark, Del. Charlie Ramos, Grand Rapids, Mich. Jeremie Rehak, Monroeville, Pa. Jeremy Riggs, Suffolk, Va. Richard Riley, Alexandria, Va. Skyler Shown, Owensboro, Ken. Alex Tosi, Lake Villa, Ill. Jansen Visconti, Latrobe, Pa. Chad Whitson, Dublin, Ohio Ryan Wills, Williamsburg, Va. Michael Wiseman, White Lake, Mich. Pacific Coast League Sean Allen, Fresno, Calif. David Arrieta, Maracaibo, Venezuela Ryan Blakney, Glendale, Ariz. John Bostwick, Moorpark, Calif. Mike Cascioppo, Escondido, Calif. Nestor Ceja, Arleta, Calif. Paul Clemons, Oxford, Kan. Matt Czajak, Flower Mound, Texas Ramon De Jesus, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Derek Eaton, Elk Grove, Calif. Blake Felix, Fort Worth, Texas Bryan Fields, Phoenix Clayton Hamm, Spicewood, Texas Javerro January, Southaven, Miss. John Libka, Port Huron, Mich. Nick Mahrley, Phoenix Ben May, Milwaukee Lee Meyers, Madera, Calif. Roberto Ortiz, Kissimmee, Fla. Clay Park, Georgetown, Texas Sean Ryan, Waunakee, Wis. Chris Segal, Reston, Va. Jason Starkovich, Greeley, Colo. Brett Terry, Beaverton, Ore. Nate Tomlinson, Ogdensburg, Wis. Junior Valentine, Maryville, Tenn. Clint Vondrak, Reno, Nev. Lew Williams, Riverbank, Calif. Tom Woodring, Las Vegas Alex Ziegler, Metairie, La.
Double A
Eastern League Derek Gonzales, Mesa, Ariz. Rich Grassa, Lindenhurst, N.Y. Aaron Higgins, Elk Grove, Calif. Justin Houser, Mattawan, Mich. Ben Levin, Cincinnati John Mang, Youngstown, Ohio Chris Marco, Waterdown, Ontario Taka Matsuda, Seiyo, Japan Jacob Metz, Edmonds, Wash. Thomas Roche, Hamden, Conn. Greg Roemer, Richfield, Ohio Randy Rosenberg, Alexandria, Va. Mike Savakinas, Fairborn, Ohio Chris Scott, Davidsonville, Md. Sean Shafer-Markle, Grand Rapids, Mich. Patrick Sharshel, Castle Pines, Colo. Derek Thomas, Cape Coral, Fla. JC Velez, San Juan, Puerto Rico Southern League Brock Ballou, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Matthew Bates, Harrison, Tenn. Brandon Butler, Costa Mesa, Calif. Cody Clark, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Chase Eade, Meridianville, Ala. Tyler Jones, Charleston, S.C. Reid Joyner, Purcellville, Va. Alex MacKay, Evergreen, Colo. Dave Martinez, Bayonne, N.J. Edwin Moscoso, Santiago, Chile Jose Navas, Lara, Venezuela Jonathan Parra, Carabobo, Venezuela Anthony Perez, Murrells Inlet, S.C. Ben Sonntag, Tampa, Fla. Matt Winter, Hubbard, Iowa Texas League Grant Conrad, Carl Junction, Mo. Jonathan Felczak, Puyallup, Wash. Jeffery Gorman, Hayward, Calif. Jose Matamoros, Waupun, Wis. Kyle McCrady, Longview, Wash. Malachi Moore, Compton, Calif. Cody Oakes, Oelwein, Iowa Tyler Olson, Overland Park, Kan. Justin Robinson, St. Louis Andrew Stukel, Duluth, Minn. Kyle Wallace, San Antonio Brian Walsh, San Pedro, Calif.
Single A
California League Andrew Barrett, San Tan Valley, Ariz. Matthew Cowan, Saint Clair Shores, Mich. Ricardo Estrada, Menifee, Calif. Darius Ghani, San Jose, Calif. Joseph Gonzalez, Glendora, Calif. Luis Hernandez, Lennox, Calif. Zachary Neff, Greenville, S.C. Randy Wilmes, Creighton, Neb.
Carolina League Isaias Barba, Hawthorne, Calif. Alan Basner, Lawrenceville, Ga. Mark Bass, Madisonville, La. Matthew Brown, Conway, S.C. Jason Johnson, Kingsport, Tenn. Austin Jones, Charleston, S.C. Raul Moreno, Villa De Cura, Venezuela Benjamin Phillips, Redondo Beach, Calif. Dane Poncsak, Columbus, Ohio Michael Snover, Little River, S.C. Florida State League Jhonathan Biaretta, Barquisimeto, Venezuela Samuel Burch, Seminole, Fla. Matt Carlyon, Drums, Pa. Mike Carroll, Spring, Texas Tanner Dobson, Littleton, Colo. Lorenz Evans, Morton, Ill. Emil Jimenez, Coro, Venezuela Louie Krupa, Sault St. Marie, Mich. Brandon Mooney, Greenville, N.C. Robert Nunez, Largo, Fla. Mark Stewart Jr., Lake Worth, Fla. Midwest League Marcelo Alfonzo, Los Guayos, Venezuela Phil Bando, Stevenson Ranch, Calif. Jake Botek, Defiance, Ohio Jake Bruner, Gretna, Neb. Trevor Dannegger, Ballwin, Mo. Steve Hodgins, Bowling Green, Ky. Steven Jaschinski, Burlington, Ontario Ty Krauss, Glendale, Ariz. Tanner Moore, Omaha, Neb. Alex Nash, Atascadero, Calif. Kyle Nichol, Moseley, Va. Taylor Payne, Platte City, Mo. Chris Presley, Modesto, Calif. Ben Rosen, Thornill, Ontario Lance Seilhamer, Papillon, Neb. Harrison Silverman, Dublin, Calif. South Atlantic League Hardlen Acosta, Sanchez, Dominican Republic Matthew Baldwin, Annapolis, Md. Jonathon Benken, Lilburn, Ga. Brandon Blome, Adairsville, Ga. John Budka Jr., Oradell, N.J. Benjamin Fernandez, Cape Coral, Fla. Garry Kelley, Jonesboro, Ga. Jude Koury, Youngstown, Ohio Forrest Ladd, Lafayette, La. Scott Molloy, Cranston, R.I. Christopher Silvestri, Chesterfield, Va. Kelvis Valez, Ensenada, Puerto Rico Anthony Warner, Sandy, Utah Justin Whiddon, Savannah, Ga.
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LAW
ISSUES AFFECTING OFFICIALS
Between a Rock and a Hard Place By Alan Goldberger In Greek mythology, two immortal sea monsters were said to have terrorized mariners attempting to navigate the Strait of Messina in the Mediterranean Sea. Scylla devoured anyone and anything within reach. Charybdis snared her victims by generating a treacherous oceanic whirlpool that swallowed the waters of the sea together with all hands on deck! Whatever route was chosen, disaster in some form lurked. Fast forward 2,700 years and thousands of state tournaments later, and consider the plight of today’s high school sports officials. They are often caught between the “rock” of enforcing rules strictly and the “hard place” of interpreting the rules sensibly, and are literally all that stands between the ideal of safe competition and the specter of injury. Yet rules
To avoid legal trouble, enforce safety-related rules all the time. contain restrictions on uniforms and personal adornments that sometimes conflict with athletes’ religious practices or beliefs. For example, NFHS basketball rules permit headwear required for religious reasons as long as the requirement is documented to the state association. Failure on the part of a school to follow the rule can lead to pernicious consequences. Such was the case not too long ago in a couple of late-season high school basketball games. In each game, officials declined to overlook the rules requirement to display a state-association rules waiver for religious headwear. The rule involved, according to the NFHS, is in place as a safety precaution and so that state officials are aware of
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any equipment that is not included in a standard uniform. After the game, the coach told the news media that nobody had informed her about the applicable rule, and that the athlete involved had been permitted to play all season wearing a hijab as required by her religious faith. If true, officials failing to enforce the rule did nobody, including their fellow officials, any favors. For their diligence in enforcing the rule, the officials were rewarded by this statement issued by the state high school association: “Unfortunately, the officials made a strict interpretation of the National Federation of State High Schools playing rules for basketball instead of the spirit of the rule designed to ensure safety and competitive fairness. There should have been no denial of participation.” The public statement from the state association leaves officials wondering when a “strict interpretation” of a safety-related rule is in order, and when officials should forego the rule. Why are the officials at fault? Had the athlete’s school corresponded with the state high school association, a waiver would have permitted the athlete to participate by simply displaying the document to the officials. This failure to follow the rule somehow was translated into blaming the officials for enforcing the rule as it was written. A more suitable course of action would be for the schools involved to provide rules training by the state high school athletic association to schools and their administrators and coaches. To avoid legal trouble, enforce the safety-related rule. All the time. Alan Goldberger is an attorney and official from Florham Park, N.J. This column is for informational purposes and is not legal advice. *
The Perception of Impartiality An official’s conduct before, during and after the game must convey the perception of impartiality. Officials need to understand that impartiality and the perception of impartiality are two different things. We sometimes forget that people are watching us from the moment we arrive at a game site until the moment we disappear from view, and sometimes long afterward. So we need to be sensitive to the perception that can be formed by a casual remark or action. Before the game, such things as extended conversations with one coach on the court or field can be misinterpreted. Remarks to spectators — inappropriate under any circumstance — often will be misconstrued to give the impression an official has a bone to pick with a particular team or athlete.
Safety Checks Lessen Liability How far must officials go to ensure a safe playing environment? Reasonableness and foreseeability are keys to an official’s liability when it comes to safety issues. An official can be liable when he or she has not comported himself or herself in a reasonable manner. The official’s liability is limited to those things that are the foreseeable consequences of his or her actions. Speculative harms are not foreseeable. An official can only show that he or she controlled the game by showing vigilance in all things. Officials who pass on safety rules, fail to enforce safety calls, don’t address rough play and appear to lack the capacity to call a game could pay a price in court. Officials have to show that the totality of their actions was reasonable. A reasonable official fulfills his or her mandatory safety checks. He or she also does something that the courts call “controlling the game.”
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LEADERSHIP RESOURCES Association Advantage Membership to Association Advantage provides officials, associations and their leaders the tools to conduct wellrun meetings, education resources for officiating training and access to years of association management articles. Plus, the association will receive 12 issues of Referee magazine, monthly Advisor newsletters, Click e-newsletters, massive discounts on training materials and optional insurance coverage exclusive
to membership. For additional membership information, contact Ken Koester at 262-632-5448 or visit the Association Advantage website at nasoadvantage.com.
TRAINING RESOURCES Referee Training Center — The largest library of officiating training materials in the world. Rules study, mechanics updates and materials on important topics can all be found in one location 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with sample chapters and video samples. Discover it all at refereetrainingcenter.com.
MISCELLANEOUS Follow Referee magazine on Facebook and Twitter Get officiating-related news from around the country, participate in conversations with Referee staff and fellow officials, and find out about new products and special offers from us and our partners.
QUIZ ANSWERS FOOTBALL 1 — Both – d (NFHS 10-2-2; NCAA 10-1-4, AR 10-1-4 IV) 2 — Both – d (NFHS 10-2-5b; NCAA 10-1-5 Exc., AR 10-1-5 III) 3 — NFHS – b (3-4-7); NCAA – a (3-3-2e-4, 3-4-4) 4 — Both – a (NFHS 10-3-2; NCAA 10-2-2c-2) 5 — Both – c (NFHS 4-2-3c, 8-5-2a Exc.; NCAA 4-1-2b-1, 8-5-1a Exc.) SOFTBALL 1 — All – d (USA Softball 5-5B, 7-2D-2 Effect; NFHS 7-1-2 Pen., 9-1-1 Exc.; NCAA 6-1c, 11-11; USSSA FP 8-2, Interp.; USSSA SP 4-6, 7-1E Effect) 2 — USA Softball – a, d (8-7J-3); NFHS, NCAA, USSSA FP, USSSA SP – b, c, d (NFHS 8-6-10d; NCAA 12-9g Effect; USSSA FP 9-18F; USSSA SP 8-5B) 3 — All – b, c, e, (USA Softball 7-4G, 7-4I, 7-6A, 8-1F Effect; NFHS 7-2-1, 8-1-2b Pen.; NCAA 11-16,
12-3b-3; USSSA FP 8-3B, 9-5D) 4 – All – b, c (USA Softball 8-5G Exc. 1, Effect; NFHS 8-4-3f Exc. 1; NCAA 12-7a-5 Effect; USSSA FP 9-15D-2; USSSA SP Off. Interp.) BASKETBALL 1 — All – b (NFHS 5-6 Exc. 3, 5-102; NCAA M/W 5-12.5) 2 — All – c (NFHS 2-12-3, 2-12-4; NCAA M/W 2-10.1, 2-10.10) 3 — All – b (NFHS 5-7-1; NCAA M/W 5-6.1, 5-9.2) 4 — All – c (NFHS 6-3-7; NCAA M/W 6-2.5, 9-8.1) 5 — All – b (NFHS 4-23-5; NCAAM 4-17.5; NCAAW 10-4.5) BASEBALL 1 — NFHS, pro – b (NFHS 10-1-2; pro Interp); NCAA – e (3-6k) 2 — NFHS, NCAA – b (NFHS 7-3-2; NCAA 7-10a Pen.); pro – a (6.03a1) 3 — NFHS – a (3-2-1); NCAA, pro – d (NCAA 5-2b; pro 5.03a)
4 — All – e (NFHS 5-2-2b1, 8-25, 8-4-2q, 8.2.5A; NCAA 8-6a Nt 2; pro 5.06B4i Cmt., MiLB 6.12, MLBUM 5.12) SOCCER 1 — IFAB, NCAA – a (IFAB 3.6; NCAA AR 12.5.7.b); NFHS – b (12.8.2.f) 2 — All – c (IFAB 13.3; NFHS 13.3.1.c; NCAA 13.2) 3 — All – b (IFAB 14, ATR 14.4; NFHS 14; NCAA AR 14.2.1.b) VOLLEYBALL 1 — NFHS, NCAA – b (NFHS 10-43-2; NCAA 12.3.1.1.2); USAV – a (19.4.2.2) 2 — All – c (NFHS 6-4-3b, 6-4-6 Pen. 2; NCAA 10.3.2; USAV 7.3.5.3) 3 — All – c (NFHS 5-5-3a, 5-5-3b, 5.5.3 A; NCAA 19.3.7, 19.3.7.2; USAV 24.2.2) 4 — NFHS – b (10-3-6c); NCAA, USAV – a (NCAA 11.3.2.2, 11.3.6.1.1; USAV 15.7, S10.3.4)
AUGUST
FLASHBACK 40 YEARS AGO …
1978
• Hockey referee Stephen Dowling files a $2.3 million lawsuit against the federal government, the NHL and the World Hockey Association because he believes there is a conspiracy to hire only Canadian referees to officiate pro hockey games.
30 YEARS AGO …
1988
• A how-to guide on creating a rating system for basketball officials that can be used by associations is introduced. The rating system had to be fair, conducive to a positive learning experience, required educated raters and the entire process had to be responsible to the general membership of the organization.
20 YEARS AGO …
1998
• Major League Baseball umpire Durwood Merrill is named the 11th NASO Gold Whistle Award recipient. In 1979, Merrill got a call on Christmas Day about a poor family in his hometown of Hooks, Texas, that had no food. Along with son Mickey, he convinced two store owners to open their businesses so they could purchase food and gifts for the family. That day spawned Merrill’s further volunteer work.
10 YEARS AGO …
2008
MISSION Referee is a magazine written from an officiating perspective, blending editorial credibility and business viability. It educates, challenges and inspires officials at the youth, recreational, high school, collegiate and professional levels in all sports, with emphasis on baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball. Referee is the journal of record for officiating and takes informed positions on selected issues. The magazine provides a forum for its readers, facilitates the flow of information, raises public consciousness about officials’ roles and serves as a catalyst for improved officiating worldwide.
• What are some of the toughest calls in sports? Referee asks the question to officials in all sports. In basketball it was the dreaded block/charge; football, where to spot the ball on a quarterback sneak; baseball, the “pole-bender,” was that a home run or a foul ball? Our softball umpires however believed their most challenging call was if the batter contacted the ball outside the box.
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LAST CALL
A PERSONAL STORY BY PHIL GIANFICARO
About-Face The face. I saw the face. I recognized it. That face. That pained, contorted, bit-the-side-ofyour-tongue, swallowed-somebad-medicine, forgot-it-was-yourwife’s-birthday face.
Because that face used to belong to me. After 10 years as a youth baseball coach — technically, more than 30 baseball seasons, since each one encompassed spring, summer, fall and, some years, summer travel leagues — I’ve gone to the other side. The dark side. Because, you know, umpires wear blue, sometimes black. I’ve begun my umpiring career. A 60-year-old rookie with much to learn: Where to position myself on the field predicated on the number of runners on base and number of outs. I was getting accustomed to keeping track of balls and strikes, outs and innings with a hand indicator device, and being reminded by the veteran homeplate umpire not to be looking at the indicator while the pitch is delivered, lest I’m interested in a hardball lobotomy. Sprinting clear across the diamond to make sure I
That face. That pained, contorted, bit-the-side-of-your-tongue, swallowed-some-bad-medicine, forgot-it-was-your-wife’s-birthday face. The face belonged to a youth baseball coach watching the game through a fence while standing in front of his bench along the firstbase line. His pained face was caused by a close call in the infield that went against his team. A call made about 100 feet and one fence away from him by an umpire — me — standing five feet away from the play. I recognized the face.
can definitively see if the sinking line drive is caught or trapped by an outfielder. Chugging from near first base to third, to stay ahead of the baserunner to get the best view if there’s a close play at the bag, and scanning the bleachers for a respiratory therapist. Making sure to watch that the first baseman’s foot stays on the bag while listening for the ball smacking his mitt.
After having played the game and watched the game, 10 years coaching the game and 10 more covering the Phillies as a reporter, I assumed I knew most of the rules. Hey, as a kid I won the Cherry Street Strat-O-Matic championship three years in a row going away. That has to count for something, right? I’ve been around the game a while. But umpiring, I learned recently in our fall league, is not coaching. As someone once noted, just because you know the words to ”(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” doesn’t make you Otis Redding. I used to be that coach. I used to have that face. I was the one wondering how in the name of 20/20 vision I was able to see from 100 feet away that the umpire clearly blew the call from five feet away. How did he miss it? Cataracts? Narcolepsy? Pretty woman waving at him from the bleachers? He blew the call, I was certain, and I made the face. And it wasn’t my wife’s birthday. But I did bite my tongue. The play in question that caused the face I used to wear to appear on the coach’s face was a close-butclearly-missed swipe tag during a rundown between first and second base. As I trotted back to my position behind first base after the play, I glanced at the coach. Saw the face. Knew it well. My coaching days are over. The face is now on the other foot. Phil Gianficaro is a columnist with the Burlington County Times in Willingboro, N.J. This column originally ran in that publication and is reprinted with permission. Gianficaro umpires for the Towamencin Youth Association in Montgomery County, Pa. * Do you have a personal officiating story to tell? Send your story or queries to lastcall@referee.com
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