ONE OR MORE? Pluses and Minuses of Working Multiple Sports

By the Referee editors

Multisport and single-sport officials have their own reasons why they’ve made those choices. Many single-sport officials would rather be the best they can be in one sport than simply being average in two or three. It’s the same concept you’ve likely seen some overzealous parents use in steering their children to a specific sport. Little Johnny or Jenny needs to get that college scholarship, so they must pick one sport and “concentrate” on it. It doesn’t matter the poor kid is only 9 years old.

On the flip side, others feel working multiple sports improves their overall officiating. For example, learning how to defuse a situation with an angry baseball coach can be very beneficial when you find yourself on a hostile sideline in football or basketball. Having aboveaverage “people skills” is what often separates top-tier officials from the others. Honing that skill in different environments can only help your officiating.

This is not to imply working a single sport should be frowned upon. Single-sport officials can get variety by working multiple levels within that sport — usually but not always college and high school. It works for them, and they can be very skilled at both levels.

If you officiate a number of different sports, or if you work multiple levels within a sport, there are a few things you need to remember.

Above all else, you need to be attentive to detail. When you fail to pay attention on or off the field or court, even for a moment, bad things tend to happen. Knowing what rules apply when, setting goals and engaging in self-reflection are a few things that multisport and multilevel officials must consider.

If you work multiple levels within the same sport, it is imperative you are able to differentiate between the different sets of rule codes. A penalty in a high school football game might be enforced completely differently in a college game. Many officials throughout the country work a high school game on a Friday night and a small-college game on Saturday. In addition to rules differences, consider the varying levels of intensity, the skills of the athletes, the dissimilar mechanics and different officiating philosophies. All are important ingredients in making that transition.

Most officials set goals for themselves. Officials might have different goals in the different sports they work. A young soccer referee’s main goal might be to work a full schedule of varsity games. A 25-year volleyball veteran might want to work the state championship match. Whatever your goals are, try to keep everything in perspective. And be realistic.

Every official has dreams of where he or she wants to go, but it often requires catching a break. You can’t control everything, so worry about the things you can. You can manage your attitude, preparation, conditioning and work ethic. And when you catch the break that gets you closer to your goal, in whatever sport you’re working, take advantage of the opportunity.

Juggling different sports and/or levels can be very time-consuming. Responsible officials who are effective time managers set themselves up for success. Those officials are usually able to critique their work through a productive self-assessment. Officials are often hardest on themselves, and being able to take a serious look in the mirror will help in your development.

If you are able to get your hands on video of your games, do it. There is no better way to learn than by watching yourself work. We all have an idea of how we look, how we move on the field, etc. However, what we see on video might be completely different than what we picture in our mind. We can tell if we are really getting into correct position. Feedback from a partner or supervisor is one thing, but seeing it for ourselves really hits home.

An honest self-evaluation cannot be overlooked. As you often rush to leave the field or gym to get to the next game or as you move into the next sport season, don’t forget to take some time to reflect. The best in the business have the ability to critique themselves and make changes where necessary. They know what works well for them and what they need to improve upon. Sitting down and seeing the “little things” on video gives officials the chance to make proper adjustments. It will pay dividends in the future.

Being able to balance different sports and levels takes a high level of commitment. It is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. If you work a single sport or many (or multiple levels), take the time to make sure your house is in order. Once the chaos of your season(s) arrives, you’ll be ready. *

SURVEY SAYS …

Are the majority of assigners for whom you work ethical and professional?

Yes93.8%

No

6.2%

SOURCE: SURVEY OF 65 REFEREE READERS

Quicktip

When studying the rulebook, read some part of it each day, including during the offseason. Make it as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. If possible, read it right before you go to bed. Some studies have proved memory retention is enhanced by studying right before sleeping.

They Said It

“It’s the greatest relief in the world. Now I can take my glasses and put them on and see what’s going on in the world.”

— Dusty Boggess, upon his retirement as an MLB umpire in 1963. He went out on top; he was named the NL’s top arbiter that year

SOURCE: SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

DID YOU KNOW?

Three of Dr. James Naismith’s original 13 rules of basketball were written with instructions to the officials in them. Rules 9, 10 and 11 gave specific mention of the duties of either the “referee” or the “umpire.” The referee was originally responsible for keeping track of the time during the game.