Last fall, football official Patrick Kepp lost parts of both his legs. This fall, he plans to return to the field.
38 SPORTSMANSHIP: BAD TO WORSE
How do we fix this issue that is killing sports?
50 SMARTER, NOT HARDER
The true secret to officiating is following the do’s and avoiding the don’ts.
78 YOU ARE THERE: BATTERS UP
A pitch with two batters in the box came right before a famous 1974 dugout-clearing brawl.
ON THE COVER
Age: 57
Occupation: Accountant
Officiating experience:
11 years of prep football including three state championships; 17 years of prep basketball; and eight years of NCAAW basketball at the D-I and D-II levels.
COLUMNS
18 FOOTBALL
Pigskin Precision: Good Ballhandling Makes Your Crew Look Sharp; Crewness Brings You Close to Greatness; Muff, Touch and Bat Similar But Not Identical; That’s On Me: Official’s Timeouts
32 VOLLEYBALL
R2 ≥ R1: Habits of Highly Effective Second Referees; Two for One Special; Prevent Defense
44 BASEBALL
We’re All Done Here: Certain Situations May Still Lead to Forfeits; Take Care of Everything on Your Plate; Tag, You’re It … Or Maybe Not
54 SOCCER
Proactive Positioning: Be One Step Ahead During Routine Goal Kicks; Dog, So?; Sharing Is Caring; Writing on the Wall
64 SOFTBALL
Blue Blocker: How to Nail Interference Calls When We’re the Cause; Don’t Let Fake Tags Slide By; Timeless Truths
70 BASKETBALL
The ABCs of the AP: Handling the Arrow Not as Simple as It Seems; NCAA 2024-25 Rule Changes; NFHS 2024-25 POEs
80 ALL SPORTS
Mirror, Mirror: Unflattering Habits You May Not See in Yourself; Time to Swear Off Bad Language; Your Whistle Can Do the Work
4 PUBLISHER’S MEMO Our Golden Opportunity
12 THE GAG RULE Letters: Safer Sports; Snap Shot: When the Boss Comes to Town
14 THE NEWS
MLB Umpire Appeals Gambling Suspension; Soccer Group Boycotts High School; MacDowell Named NCAA Volleyball Coordinator; Maxwell Named to NFHS Position
62 GETTING IT RIGHT Mirabal’s Movement; Getting Greener; Gibson Gives Back
76 PROFILES
Ryan Led the Way; The Defuser; Low-Strike Larry
84 FOR THE RECORD
NBA Finals and NHL Stanley Cup Officials; NCAA Baseball Championship Officials
Weather to Play; NFHS Lightning Guidelines; On the Side of Safety
85 CLASSIFIEDS Camps/Clinics/Schools; Equipment/Apparel; Leadership Resources; Training Resources
88 LAST CALL
What Officiating Has Given to Me: “I hope to continue officiating for many more years … watching the accomplishments of our youth with a front-row seat.”
SOCCER HIGHLIGHT THIS
Steve Piercy Honolulu
PUBLISHER’S MEMO
Our Golden Opportunity
In less than two years, this magazine will breathe the rarified air of having been published for 50 consecutive years. So very few monthly, bimonthly or quarterly magazines have ever reached that threshold. Our first issue was January 1976. That came to pass after a year of intense work finalizing the concept; rounding up sufficient funding from private investors; my wife, Jean, agreeing that we would live on her teacher’s salary for a few years; finding some cheap office space and then hiring a couple employees.
A little more than three years later Referee was able to provide the seed money that underwrote the birth of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). Today, NASO has more than 30,000 members and has become revered and respected as the leading advocate on behalf of sports officials.
OK, with that background, let’s get back to the 50th anniversary of Referee. The question I have is this: Do what to celebrate? Second question should be: Celebrate what? Allow me to offer some of my thinking at this stage.
First and foremost, in my mind, is this: We should take the magazine’s 50th anniversary as a watershed moment to celebrate officiating as a whole. Yes, the magazine would be a part of that of course. But instead of the total or even the main focus being on the magazine and its accomplishments, how about we do a broad-based celebration of officiating as a whole … especially covering the last 50 years? Is it not time for us to celebrate this thing we do, this thing that brings so much value to those who organize, play, coach and manage competitive sports? Isn’t it time our value to that equation gets recognized and properly feted?
Sure, celebrating this magazine and what it has come to mean to the industry it helped create is a cool idea, one that warms the heart. But as
the guy who started this publication, I would feel even more pride if we can take the opportunity to celebrate the past 50 years in officiating beyond the publishing of Referee. It should be less about us and more about you.
We will be having targeted meetings about this topic within our shop and with select individuals outside our walls. Already we are in consultation with organizations that specialize in the building, promotion and support of such an undertaking.
One thing we know for sure is the in-person site for this celebration will be at the NASO Summit in Grand Rapids, Mich., in the summer of 2026. The timing could not be better. That is true for this reason: Mark Uyl is the executive director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and a former baseball umpire. He is also a current NASO board member and serves NASO as its treasurer. All MHSAA officials are members of NASO. Thus, the Grand Rapids Summit in 2026 will be a unique intersection for us, a special opportunity to celebrate 50 years of sports officiating and to celebrate 50 years of Referee magazine — your voice in sports officiating for the past 48 years.
While the “main event” of this 50th anniversary recognition will be on the ground in Grand Rapids, our digital reach and tools at our disposal will allow thousands of you to join in the celebration … to add in your own feeling and perspective.
Isn’t it about time we reflect on, show reverence to, what we have brought to the table as sports officials? Isn’t it about time we congratulate each other for our passion and commitment? Isn’t it about time we shout it from a mountaintop?
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Editorial Contributors
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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.
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Valuable Values
Officials who follow a set of values, in addition to the rules and mechanics of their sports, are more respected and sought after than those who don’t. Here are six values for consideration:
Be flexible.
Flexible means “pliable, not rigid and responsive to, or readily adjustable to changing conditions.” The games have changed in many ways over the years. Rules, mechanics and signals have been altered. You must keep up with the times.
You have heard the phrase, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
However, many veteran officials have changed their style and mechanics to keep current. Be flexible in your officiating. Work to adopt modern techniques designed to improve coverage. It may be difficult, but old dogs do learn new tricks.
Be impartial.
Impartial means “unbiased, equitable and not favoring one more than another.” Do not officiate any game in which you have an affiliation with either team. At the pregame meeting, be sure not to call a more familiar coach by name and refer to the other as “Coach.”
If you miss a call, it is probably because you were not concentrating.
Do not let it eat at you or your concentration will be on your error and not on the play at hand. Bear down and get your mind back in the game. Teams quickly forgive players who make mistakes. Officials are rarely afforded that consideration.
Be reliable.
Reliable is defined as “suitable or fit to be relied on and trustworthy.” You will quickly gain respect from your peers when they know they can rely on you. Reliability means accepting games when possible, arriving at the game site on time and having a good pregame. Be ready to offer help when requested and be in position for
Gregory Rubick, Gladstone, Mich., remains accessible to a coach with a reasonable question. That’s one of six values that can be valuable to officials.
calls for which you are responsible. Make the tough call when it has to be made.
You will become accepted when coaches and players know they can rely on you to manage their game fairly and impartially. It is satisfying to hear, “Good. We have Mary tonight. She always gives us a good effort.”
Be supportive.
Support is defined as “to uphold by aid or countenance and to take the side of, especially in a dispute.” Be supportive of your partner or crewmate. Coaches will come to you to complain about a call your partner made. They will want you to change the call. That is unacceptable. Make it clear to coaches they must talk to the official who made the call. Your partner may decide to come to you for help. If that occurs, have a private discussion and tell your partner what you saw. Remember, if a change is to be made, the official making the original call changes the decision. Should a partner make a call you do not agree with, wait for an opportune time to discuss the situation, such as halftime or when there is a break in play later in the game. Better yet, talk about the play after the game in the locker room or parking lot. If a rule is involved,
check the book after the game when it is fresh in both your minds.
When a crewmate is involved in an argument, do not let coaches and players gang up on him or her. Let the head coach and your crewmate discuss the situation one-on-one. Be supportive and move all others away from the discussion.
Be tolerant.
Tolerant means “inclined to tolerate, forbearing and capable of enduring.” Officials must be tolerant. In volatile situations, you must gain control as quickly as possible. Your tolerance will be tested. Try to understand why the coach is arguing. Perhaps he or she did not see something or does not understand the rule. Often a quick explanation will calm the coach down to the point at which you can have a normal discussion.
It is prudent to delay or prevent a confrontation. As a plate umpire, dust off the plate to talk to an unhappy catcher or batter. Ask to wipe sweat off the ball if it’s necessary to say something to the coach. Talk to a player or coach during a break in the action. When done discreetly, no one else will realize you are managing a problem. During an argument, be aware of your body language. Do not challenge a player
or coach, point fingers or jab anyone in the chest. Avoid rolling your eyes or looking up in the air. The best officials are not only good at calling pitches, violations and fouls, they have the people skills to defuse tense situations.
Be approachable.
Approachable is defined as “capable of being approached” and “accessible.” Are you approachable? How well do you communicate with coaches, players and other officials? You must expect confrontations. You will be challenged on rule decisions. Be prepared.
Remember, the coach may have a legitimate complaint or your crew may have misinterpreted a rule. Do not tell a coach, “Don’t come out here on that call,” or, “Don’t argue a rule you don’t know.”
Conduct the discussion with dignity. Though the coach may be screaming, remain calm. Do not lower yourself to an out-of-control coach’s level of behavior. It is preferable to respond rather than react to the coach’s comments.
Think about the values described here and how they will help you reach your goals in officiating. Developing good values makes you a better official, a better partner and a better person.
2024-25 Registration Now Open
The MHSAA is accepting registrations online or by mail for game officials for the 2024-25 school year.
The MHSAA registered approximately 8,700 officials for the 2023-24 school year, an increase of nearly five percent over 2022-23 as the ranks continue to build back toward pre-COVID totals.
All officials who register may sign up for up to two sports as part of their registration. Officials also will receive membership in the National Association
of Sports Officials (NASO), which comes with a variety of educational and training resources and the NASO’s Shield liability insurance that will provide $6 million in coverage for officials while they are working both MHSAA and nonMHSAA events. Coverage becomes binding and applicable as soon as your renewal is processed.
For new and returning officials, a $70 fee covers registration for up to two sports. Officials may register for additional sports at $16 per sport.
To avoid a $30 late fee, all fall sport registration applications must be received by Aug. 19, 2024. Winter sports registrations must be received by Nov. 18 to avoid the late fee, and spring sports registrations must be received by March 24, 2025.
Online registration can be accessed by clicking here. More information about officials registration may be obtained by contacting the MHSAA by phone at (517) 332-5046 or by e-mail at register@mhsaa.com.
Stifle That Yawn! There’s a Game Going On
At any sporting event, you’re likely to hear someone holler from the stands, “Keep your head in the game!” Well, that heckler might not be referring to the athletes on the field or court. He or she might be talking to the officials.
Games at all levels are taking longer to complete and what used to be easy games to officiate in terms of time can now be drawn-out affairs lasting longer than two or three hours.
You can be sure that each season you’ll have at least one or two outstanding games, ones that will keep your focus and attention right to the final play. But you can also bet you’ll have some stinkers, too — games that simply drag on or ones that are over before they begin because one team is far superior. It might be easy to stay focused early on, but how can you stay attentive in those types of games or contests that seemingly won’t end? And how can you maintain
concentration in those lengthy contests even when the score is close?
Here are some other ideas:
Talk to yourself. Don’t be selfconscious. It’s unlikely fans will see or hear you talking to yourself anyway. But it’s a way to try to maintain focus. If it’s football, repeat the down and distance. In baseball or softball, recite the count. Do anything to keep in the game. If you don’t, you could be lulled into complacency and not be ready for the next play.
Some officials say they talk to themselves when they know they’ve blown a call as a means of refocusing and getting their minds off the blown call. But it works even if you haven’t kicked one.
Anticipate what might happen. Repeat game situations in your mind. If it’s a sport that has down time between plays, consider what plays might be run or what a team might try to do. It will keep your mind from wandering and help
make you a better official. But an official needs to maintain a balance, too, because everyone needs a mental break during a game and that down time between plays might be your only chance.
Remember the embarrassment factor. Think about how mortified you’ll feel if you miss an easy call because you lost focus. The fear of embarrassment can be a motivator to stay in the game. Don’t forget that you’re being paid to do the job. Earn your pay by doing the job 100 percent.
Hydrate. If you’re hot and thirsty, you could lose focus, especially if all you’re thinking about is getting a drink.
Tony Winston, Lansing, Mich., remains actively involved in the play before giving a signal and direction. When games go long or are uncompetitive, officials must fight the urge to be lax.
Walking is a Step in the Right Direction
Yogi Berra said, “You observe a lot by watching.” Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare counters, “You gain a lot by walking.”
A good run, a workout on an elliptical or treadmill or a bike ride are all great methods of keeping yourself in game shape. Yet many health professionals strongly believe walking is the best workout of them all.
Even something as simple as walking needs to be done the correct way, however. Here are some tips from Wheaton Franciscan to keep you on the right path.
Choose the correct shoes. Comfort is key. Not all shoes are made equally. Consult professionals at a shoe or sporting goods store. They’ll match your foot to the type of terrain you’ll be walking on.
Accessorize. A pedometer or a device such as a Fitbit can track
how many steps or the distance you travel.
Track your heart rate. A heart monitor will help to keep you in the right cardiovascular zone. Or find your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220 and aim to work between 60 percent and 80 percent of that number. A portable music player can provide you with music and tempo to walk to (be sure to keep the volume low enough that you can hear traffic and other sounds).
Add some weights. A weighted vest is the best option because it centers the weight. If you use handheld or ankle weights, be careful they don’t disrupt your normal, natural movements.
Try some poles. Recent studies have shown that Nordic walking (walking with poles) burns more calories, increases oxygen
Texting at the Wrong Time
More than twice in recent seasons (including twice in one week), I’ve had partners who are more concerned about their cellphones than conducting a pregame.
Some people call it “phubbing” as in “phone snubbing.” Whatever you call it, it’s distracting and rude. I believe once you enter the locker room and begin your pregame, you should have the respect for the game and your partners and put the phones away. One partner was actually trying to conduct a pregame while getting and replying to texts.
Another was having a texting conversation as my partner was trying to conduct our pregame. At halftime, the first thing he did was get on his phone and text. We were walking out the door to go back to the gym for the second half when his phone dinged. He ran back in to get his phone so he could read his text and reply as the third official and I were walking down the hallway.
I get it. We are all busy and socially connected. I can be just as guilty of using the cellphone more often than I should. But there are
limits. When being on the other side of it, it’s noticeably rude.
If you’re having a conversation with someone whose head is down and whose thumbs are moving swiftly on a phone, they don’t hear you. What they are communicating is, “What you are saying is not important to me.” We have to be more communicative one-on-one than we are cellphone to cellphone.
Look at it this way: If you were having a conversation with a friend or peer and your three-year-old walked up to you and interrupted, you would say, “Hold on a second, honey. Daddy is talking,” and you finish your conversation. Why is it your phone gets more respect than your three-year-old?
When I was phubbed, I tried to point it out in a joking way, but to no avail. The comment I get is, “I’m listening. Go ahead.” Truth is, they’re not listening. Once they’re texting or on their phone, it doesn’t matter what somebody says. They’re going to finish that conversation because to them it’s more important than the officiating matters at hand.
consumption and can be 46 percent more efficient than normal walking.
Stretch. Spend time warming up before and cooling down after you walk with a few simple stretches to help flush lactic acid out of your muscles and reduce stiffness.
Pay attention to your breathing. Start your walk with a few deep breaths. When you start to walk, breathe in a pattern that relates to your steps.
Use your arms. Keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle, relax your shoulders and pump those arms.
Mix things up. Try interval speeds. Mix up your normal pace with a variety of taking smaller steps, then longer strides. Brief “bursts” during a walk can double your calorie burn. For variety, try sideways walking. Even a few steps sideways work a different set of muscles in your hips and legs.
Technology is great. But there is a time and place. Be respectful of your partners and ditch the phone until after the game.
quick tip
Project confidence even if you do not feel it. You might be nervous about the rivalry game that is about to start. You might be a little unsure if you are ready for your first varsity game. No matter what doubts you have, come across with a belief in your abilities. If it is a close call, sell your decision … even if you are unsure about it. Participants do not need to know what is going on in your head. It is OK to fake it if you have to.
Make Your Own Luck
Luck has been defined as what happens when preparedness meets opportunity, and opportunity is there all the time. Question: When opportunity comes, will you be prepared?
Educator and author J. B. Matthews wrote, “Unless a man has trained himself for his chance, the chance will only make him look ridiculous.” How much time are you spending on your own selfimprovement as an official? When it comes time for the last play of the big game, will you be ready for that defining moment?
Here’s a simple formula for making your own luck: Set a single goal, go to work on it until it is 100 percent complete. Repeat. Here are some ways to do just that:
The 30-minutes-a-day routine. Take out a blank sheet of paper and write your present, primary goal at the top of the page. Then, spend some time jotting down ideas you can use for improving your lot in officiating. For example, if your goal is to work the finals of your sport for your particular league or level, write down some ideas on how you can make that dream a reality.
That is an extremely effective way to jump-start your career, especially if it has gotten stagnant or blasé. Do that for 30 minutes a day (or an hour if you can), five days a week. If you do that for one year, you will have spent 130 hours thinking of ways to improve your officiating and your life. That equals 3-1/4 extra 40-hour weeks devoted to thinking and planning.
Your goal has yet to be fulfilled. Your job is to bridge the gap between where you now are and the point you wish to reach. By spending time thinking, you’re exercising your mind. Like physical exercise to build muscles, your mind begins to develop and expand by mental exertion. Take full advantage of that power, because your mind is waiting for you to discover those hidden gems lurking all about you.
The weakest key skill method. No matter what you do, there’s always something to work on —
something to improve. What is that one thing for you? In your officiating, what is the one key skill you could develop that can help you become a more effective official?
It could be the simplest, most mundane thing: holding your shoulders back, looking up, communicating more. It may be more concentration and focus. It could very well be more physical conditioning or better health or eating habits. Take an objective look at where you now stand as an official. Identify your weakest skills, and pick your weakest key skill. Then set a goal to become better at that one skill until you’ve mastered it.
Now, that sounds elementary, but it is actually one of the most effective ways of improving your officiating. By eliminating one of your weakest skills, you move closer and closer to improving on all your other skills. Sure enough, once you begin working on your communication skills, your awareness improves, your concentration increases and your confidence soars. Every improvement works on all of your other gifts as well. Remember that every new discipline affects the rest of your disciplines.”
Once you’ve mastered that one skill and feel like you’ve got the hang of it, ask yourself, “Now, what one skill would help me the most in my officiating?” And once again, set it as a goal and set out to work on it. If you follow the process of improving on your weakest key skill, you will be absolutely amazed at what happens. Partners begin to compliment you on your calls. Your supervisors will be impressed at the job you’re doing on the field or court. Your life outside of officiating will begin to improve. You see more opportunities to take advantage of and things to work on. By becoming better at just one thing at a time, you will begin making your own luck.
The pregame and postgame review technique. Before you hop into a contest, ask yourself what one thing you can go to work on that day. Once you come up with that answer,
make it a point to focus singlemindedly on that skill all game long. Once the game is over, ask yourself, “What did I do well today? What would I have done differently if I had to do that game all over again?” Your answers to the first question become your strengths, and answers to the second question become items to work on. You could always ask those questions to your supervisor, evaluator or even your partners if you have trouble coming up with some answers. Once you decide what your strengths and weaknesses are, pick one weakness to work on next game. Your strengths are simply things you have already mastered. You may even be surprised to find that you did something well that you weren’t particularly good at before. Great job. Finally – and it should go without saying – if you accomplish something you’ve worked really hard for, celebrate. Live it up. The very best way to get even hungrier for your next big assignment or task is to reward yourself for the discipline you put forth in achieving your goals. Remember that the harder you work on what you want, the harder it will work on you. Start creating your own luck today.
quick tip
Reading the rulebook without knowing the definitions is like starting to read a murder mystery from the middle. If you don’t know the suspects — or in the case of the rules, the definitions — the terms used in the rest of the rulebook aren’t going to make sense. When studying the rulebook, go to the definitions first. A thorough understanding of the definitions allows you to figure out who’s who and what’s what.
MEMBER BENEFITs & services
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LETTERS
Safer Sports
Your article “Safer Sports” (5/24) detailed training required under federal law following the US Olympic Gymnastics sexual abuse case. As a USSF referee since 2011, I have completed that training annually multiple times. Each time, I have had thoughts of “what a waste of time” and “if only the training was pertinent to referees and contained situations pertinent to us, not coaches or team administrators.”
Jonny Joseph Los Angeles
“Let the Officials Officiate.”
–The title of an April opinion piece from Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey, a mother, volleyball coach and editor emeritus of the Sandpoint (Idaho) Reader
WHEN THE BOSS COMES TO TOWN
Active players — certainly. Retired players — yes. But officiating leaders the subject of jersey fandom? Such was the case during a May UFL game between the Michigan Panthers and Memphis Showboats at Ford Field in Detroit. Mike Pereira (shown in the photo), former VP of officiating for the NFL and current rules analyst for FOX, co-directs the officiating and rules operations for the UFL.
SURVEY SAYS
In a tone deaf move, Wisconsin Super Sports didn’t do our industry any favors by including icons of officials on its Dairyland In-Pack Chance Promotion. Please, leave us out of these games of chance that closely resemble gambling.
MLB Umpire Appeals Gambling Suspension
NEW YORK — MLB umpire Pat Hoberg has been off the field since spring training and MLB said he is being disciplined for allegedly violating the league’s gambling rules.
Hoberg, 37, is appealing and per The Athletic, Commissioner Rob Manfred will hear the appeal.
“During this year’s Spring Training, Major League Baseball commenced an investigation regarding a potential violation of MLB’s sports betting policies by Umpire Pat Hoberg. Mr. Hoberg was removed from the field during the pendency of that investigation,” the league’s statement said. “While MLB’s investigation did not find any evidence that games worked by Mr. Hoberg were compromised or manipulated in any way, MLB determined that discipline was warranted. Mr. Hoberg has chosen to appeal that determination. Therefore, we cannot comment further until the appeal process is concluded.”
Hoberg became a full-time MLB umpire in 2017, though he made his debut in 2014.
“I am appealing Major League Baseball’s determination that I should be disciplined for violating the sports betting policies. While that appeal is pending, it would not be appropriate to discuss the case,” Hoberg’s statement said. “That said,
THE WIRE
Umpire Pressing Charges in Coach Attack
A Georgia baseball umpire is pressing charges after reportedly being punched June 16 during the 2024 Perfect Game 18-and-under National Championship game at Milton (Ga.) High School. Fred Miller, 77, told Atlanta media outlets that a coach from the Reign travel baseball team punched him in the
I have devoted my adult life to the profession of umpiring, and the integrity of baseball is of the utmost importance to me. I look forward to the appeal process, and I am grateful that the Major League Baseball Umpires Association is supporting me in the appeal.”
Like baseball management, managers, coaches and players, umpires are covered under MLB’s Rule 21 and the regulations are posted in clubhouses and the umpires room in every stadium. It reads:
(1)“Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has no duty to perform, shall be declared ineligible for one year.”
(2)“Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who
See “Suspension” p.17
Soccer Group Boycotts Illinois High School
An officials association in Illinois is taking a stand against abusive behavior.
The United Suburban Soccer Officials Association (USSOA), a Chicago-area officials association, will boycott games at New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.) High School this season. USSOA President Michael Moore has issued direction to officials in the organization to not accept games at New Trier for the fall 2024 and spring 2025 season, according to a news release.
“The behavior of the New Trier coaching staff during the 2024 Girls’ 3A State Finals and the abuse of the soccer officials for years is unacceptable,” Moore said in the release. “We are forced to take this action to drive accountability.”
During the 3A girls’ state finals match, the New Trier coaching staff dissented the officials’ team calls for over 60 minutes of the match, left the coaching area multiple times and went more than 40 yards from their bench harassing the officials who were assigned to the game, according to the release.
This was not an isolated incident, as New Trier coaches
See “Boycott”p.16
back as he walked away. Moments earlier, Miller had ejected a player who repeatedly cursed at him. The game was halted after the attack and forfeited in favor of the East Cobb team.
Milton police initially responded, but at the time Miller said he didn’t want to press charges. After speaking with fellow umpires, he later changed his mind. Because the incident happened on school property, Fulton County Schools
Police took over the investigation. The coach was later charged with simple battery. The coach was also a part-time assistant baseball coach at Galloway School in Atlanta. In the wake of the attack, the school said he is now no longer employed by the district. Perfect Game released a statement condemning the coach’s actions and noting he had been suspended pending an investigation.
Triple-A Moves Entirely to Challenge System
Triple-A baseball switched to the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system for the remainder of the 2024 season, MLB announced in a mid-June memo. This moved away from having the ABS call every pitch during three of a team’s six games each week. MLB has been experimenting with so-called “robot umpires”
MacDowell Named NCAA Volleyball Coordinator
Ryan MacDowell, who has 24 years of experience with college volleyball officiating, has been named the NCAA’s national coordinator of Division I women’s volleyball officials. He replaces Steve Thorpe, who stepped away in August from the position he held since 2017.
“It took me a good day before I kind of realized, ‘Oh my gosh, I just made a huge change in my career path,’” MacDowell said. “Now I really have to start figuring out what I want to do. It was kind of a shock, but in a good way. It was exciting news for sure.”
MacDowell steps into the supervisory role after an illustrious oncourt career. He worked as an NCAA women’s volleyball official since 2000. During that span, he worked 10 NCAA tournaments — including three semifinal matches and the 2018 national championship match — and numerous conference tournaments. Stepping away from the court was something that weighed heavily on MacDowell.
“I put a lot of thought into that,” he said. “It really wasn’t for me necessarily the right time as much
as it was the right reason. As far as still officiating, I think I still had a few years left in me at a high level. However, when a position like this comes into your purview, it’s one that is the right reason to step away.”
MacDowell is hoping to build on the success of Thorpe in his new supervisory role and plans to rely on his skills developed as both an official and trainer with the NCAA and USAV. MacDowell will be able to draw from his experiences utilizing new technology and the management skills he developed while actively refereeing, and pass along those insights to the next generation of officials.
“While technically in my position I am just in charge of the NCAA Division I referees, in reality I think that the training that we can build will translate to all levels of volleyball refereeing,” he said. “That is what I am most excited for — the training and the teaching.”
MacDowell’s success as an oncourt official and being able to translate those skills into a teaching role, along with his track record of successfully training officials at both the NCAA and USAV level, are what most impressed the NCAA and ultimately led to him being selected for the role.
Boycott continued from p.14
have a long history of verbally abusing officials, according to the release.
New Trier’s athletic department did not return a request for comment.
The New Trier girls’ soccer team went on to win the 3A state championship over St. Charles North this past spring. The school’s boys’ soccer team did the same in fall 2023, defeating Lyons to take home the state title.
The action by USSOA is intended to penalize the poor sportsmanship demonstrated by New Trier’s coaching staff, according to the release. Both the assigner and the school have been notified of the action, and the assigner will not penalize referees who decline New Trier games.
A similar situation took place in Utah last fall. After an October game at Skyridge High School, five football referees had trash thrown at them and a fan allegedly punched one of them. That led a body of nearly 500 referees from the Utah High School Activities Association and Utah High School Football Officials Association to boycott games at the school.
since 2019, testing the system in every Triple-A ballpark for the last two seasons. The challenge system gives teams the ability to challenge two pitches per game. The challenge must be initiated by the batter or catcher. If successful in overturning the umpire’s call, a team retains the challenge. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who had previously said he wanted ABS in the major leagues in 2024, more recently said its deployment would likely be delayed until at least 2026, citing “technical issues in terms
of the operation of the system.”
NFL Hires SEC Referee as Umpire
The NFL hired SEC referee Scott Walker to the umpire position. Walker, who officiated as an umpire in the USFL in 2023 and a referee in the United Football League in 2024, will reportedly join Bill Vinovich’s crew. Walker was the referee in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, between Oregon State and Notre
Dame on Dec. 29, 2023. He was an alternate on the Fiesta Bowl the prior season.
Peach Belt Conference Names Coordinator
The Peach Belt Conference (PBC) on June 3 named Tasha Smith as the new supervisor of women’s basketball officials. Smith serves as the coordinator of officials for the Sunshine State Conference and Gulf South Conference, both regional Division II neighbors of the Peach Belt. She will work for the PBC in their consortium
with the South Atlantic Women’s Basketball Officiating Alliance (SAWBO), which includes the Atlantic Coast, Big South and Southern conferences, among others. Smith currently works as a collegiate official in the ACC, SEC, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and Conference USA.
Coach Sues Hockey Groups, Referee
A minor league hockey coach in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is suing three hockey organizations and a referee alleging his lifetime
Maxwell Named to NFHS Position
INDIANAPOLIS —
The NFHS announced in June the hiring of former WNBA basketball player
Monica Maxwell as its new director of sports. She officially joined the NFHS staff in her new role Aug. 1.
Maxwell, an East Chicago, Ind., native, will serve as staff liaison, rules interpreter and editor of NFHS publications in basketball, field hockey and girls’ gymnastics.
“I am honored and excited to join the NFHS family, and I look forward to working with such a talented team and contributing to the continued success of the NFHS,” said Maxwell in a news release announcing her hiring.
“We are thrilled to have Monica join our staff as director of sports,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS. “She has a rich background as an athlete, coach, athletic administrator and state association administrator.
“Monica’s addition to the staff will allow us to shift some administrative
Suspension
continued from p.14
shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.”
responsibilities among other directors and to create a more equitable division of tasks.”
Maxwell returns to central Indiana after serving as an assistant executive director for the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) since 2022. While in that role, she was a member of the NFHS Basketball and Softball rules committees. She also spent time on the NFHS Women’s Leadership Committee and the committee addressing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
“I learned so much from the amazing staff at the OSAA, and I want to thank Peter Weber and the entire staff for welcoming me in,” Maxwell said. “However, Indiana is home, so this opportunity for me is nothing short of a dream come true. I look forward to diving into the work.”
Prior to moving to the West Coast, Maxwell worked as the director of athletics at Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis during the 2021-22 school year. Her athletic administration career has also included
In his 10-year MLB career, Hoberg has umpired 1,094 regularseason games and he has received seven postseason assignments, working 27 games, including the 2022 World Series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the
two stints serving as the district athletic director in her hometown of East Chicago (2007-10 and 2017-21) and at Guion Creek Middle School in Indianapolis (2010-13). During her first stint with the East Chicago schools, she also earned her master’s degree in science, physical education and athletic administration from Indiana University.
In her new role with the NFHS, Maxwell will also be able to call upon her own career as a former athlete and coach. She is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University, where she was named Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 1995-96 as a member of the Lady Techsters’ women’s basketball team. She would twice earn allconference honors before moving on to play four seasons in the WNBA for the Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics.
After her playing career, she was an assistant basketball coach at Pike High School in Indianapolis, Tulane University in New Orleans and CalState Northridge in Northridge, Calif.
Houston Astros. The Des Moines, Iowa, native has received high praise for his plate work. One unofficial umpire rating system, umpscorecards.com, said he had a perfect game and did not miss a pitch during the 2022 Series.
coaching ban was unfair for an on-ice dispute that escalated outside after the game. David Brown’s suit alleges the hockey groups didn’t follow their own processes. Further, Brown’s suit seeks damages from a referee for “defamatory statements.”
Brown was banned after being ejected from a March 5, 2023, game. The referee reported Brown made a threat following his ejection and, after the game, parked his truck so he couldn’t back out and struck the driver’sside window of his vehicle with
his hand. Brown claims things didn’t happen as the referee reported.
Rugby Player Handed Lifetime Ban for Attack
A Namibian rugby player has been banned for life from playing the sport after attacking a match official. The Namibia Rugby Union also issued a three-year ban on all rugby activities, including coaching, refereeing, and administration.
The incident occurred on May 18 during a match between
Grootfontein Rugby Club and the Reho Falcons. While the player’s name hasn’t been released, video footage captured the moment he charged toward the referee and tackled him to the ground. The referee responded by issuing a red card and abandoning the match due to safety concerns.
VAR Easily Survives Premier League Vote
While there is much complaining about video replay in the English Premier League, there was no support to scrap the video
assistant referee (VAR) when such a proposal came before club ownership in early June. Clubs voted 19-1 to keep VAR. The Wolverhampton Wanderers brought forward the motion to scrap it, noting, “Our position is that the price we are paying for a small increase in accuracy is at odds with the spirit of our game, and as a result we should remove it from the 2024/25 season onwards.” SOURCES: MLB.COM, FOOTBALLZEBRAS.COM, PEACHBELTCONFERENCE.ORG,
PIGSKIN PRECISION
Good Ballhandling Makes Your Crew Look Sharp
By George Demetriou
It was the championship game for the local semi-pro league with a crew of six officials. A pass was intercepted and the down ended near the sideline. The side judge promptly called for a new ball, but the ball assistants were nowhere near to be found. After what seemed like an eternity, they were located behind
the team area playing catch. Even the most thorough plan may go awry when youngsters are involved.
The following is a ballhandling procedure guaranteed to make your crew look good if it’s properly executed.
Having competent ball assistants and briefing them properly before the game is essential. In an ideal situation there are at least four footballs
available and four ball assistants, two on each sideline. It also makes it simpler if there is a league- or state association-mandated ball that is used by both teams. If each team has its own football, the procedures described below will have to be modified so a particular team’s ball always goes out and comes in from its own sideline unless there is a ball assistant for each team on each sideline.
Bob Frazier, Yeadon, Pa., (left) and Keith Foster, Philadelphia, meet with one of their ball assistants before a game. When dealing with young ball helpers, it is often helpful to ask them to describe their duties. That way, they don’t feel they are getting yet another lecture from an adult and will feel more like a part of the team.
When requesting a ball from a ball assistant, the official should establish direct eye contact with the ball assistant and then ask for the ball verbally and non-verbally (i.e. clapping hands together or placing hands in front of the body as to catch the ball). The ball assistant should be instructed to toss the ball to the official with an underhand toss only after the official has requested the ball.
The ball should be changed whenever it becomes dead outside the top of the numbers (nine-yard marks) or after any change of possession. If the ball becomes dead in the field of play, the old ball is left in place until the new ball is properly positioned at the succeeding spot. The new ball is brought in by the deep official on that sideline (sixofficial crew) or by the back judge (five- or seven-official crew) and thrown directly to the umpire, who should be mobile enough to range between the tops of the numbers. Ball assistants should be instructed to stay off the field to decrease the chance they’ll run on the field at an inappropriate time or be in position to get injured. Balls that become dead outside the field of play should be left there for the ball assistants to retrieve. Not only is it unnecessary for an official to chase after the ball, doing so prevents the official from dead-ball officiating.
In many areas it’s customary for a ball assistant to put a ball behind a goalpost when a try or field goal is being attempted. It can be easily accessed when the try ends while the ball assistant retrieves the one that was kicked.
When the ball becomes dead between the tops of the numbers, the umpire (in most cases) will be able to directly retrieve the ball without assistance. On incomplete passes, a deep official must assist.
Inclement weather. If the field is wet, the ball may have to be changed more often than described. Wet ball procedures should include a towel (black is preferred) for the umpire.
than enclose it like a mummy. It takes longer to unwrap when it’s needed, and the ball will absorb more water when exposed to more wet towel.
The umpire may wish to hold the ball and keep it covered between plays, then place it on the ground when the offense comes to the line.
The relay. When the ball is relayed between officials, it should always be thrown underhanded so that it can be caught waist high. Many officials cannot accurately throw the ball more than 10-15 yards. It takes more time to run 10 yards and then throw the ball another 10 yards than it takes to throw the ball 20 yards; however, when you consider there is a high probability the 20-yard toss will go awry and have to be chased, it’s quicker to get close enough to ensure a smooth toss. It also looks much better.
When the play ends out of bounds or in a side zone, the official tossing the ball should ensure players returning to their side of the line will not get in the way.
If players are still in the way, the official should pause until they clear the area, or the official should move a couple of steps to find a clear path. Never try to “thread the needle” between players or try to throw over their heads. Both officials and players have on occasion been hit in the head by errant tosses. If the ball ends up on the turf, it could be accidentally kicked, wasting further time. In the process the crew risks looking like the Keystone Kops and worse yet, injury may result.
When a team employs a hurryup offense, the umpire must range farther than normal to retrieve the ball. All other officials must be in position to observe the snap when the ball is spotted. That avoids creating the appearance the officials are holding up the game.
In summary, ballhandling has nothing to do with how accurately the game is called but will go a long way to enhance crew credibility and can appreciably reduce down time between plays.
SAYS
What is your toughest call?
Targeting/ helmet contact Holding Catch/ no catch
SOURCE:
DID YOU KNOW?
Since the NFL instituted its sudden death overtime procedure in 1974, only 29 regular-season games have ended in ties. The most recent tie game occurred Dec. 4, 2022, when the New York Giants and Washington Commanders played to a 20-20 draw. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who joined the NFL in 1995, are the only current NFL team that has never recorded a tied game.
TOOLS
NFHS High School Game
Football Officials Manual
The ball assistants should also have towels. Encourage them to cover the ball with the towel rather
George Demetriou has been a football official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. * 56 % 22 % 22 %
Referee and the NFHS have partnered to create a new blueprint for high school football officials. The NFHS High School Football Game Officials Manual 2024-25 features the NFHS mechanics for crews of four, five and seven, brought to visual life with more than 100 Referee-branded MechaniGrams. Officiating principles, terminology and the official NFHS signal chart make this manual a one-stop
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. R1 makes a valid fair catch at his own 40 yardline, but K2 is flagged for kick-catching interference. Time for the first quarter expires during the play.
a. The period is extended whether or not team R accepts the penalty.
b. The period is extended only if team R declines the penalty.
c. The period is extended only if team R accepts the penalty.
d. The period is not extended.
2. Team A is attempting a try. Before the ready, team A requests the ball be placed on the right side hashmark. Team A is granted a timeout. Team A’s captain asks to have the ball moved to the center of the field.
a. The ball may be moved.
b. The ball may not be moved.
3. Third and goal from team R’s seven yardline. K1 is in position to kick and K2 is on one knee at team R’s 14 yardline. K2 takes the snap and, without rising, throws a forward pass to eligible K3, who drops it.
a. It will be team K’s ball, fourth and goal from team R’s 14 yardline.
b. It will be team K’s ball, fourth and goal from team R’s seven yardline.
4. Team A’s coach requests the halftime intermission be shortened to nine minutes. Team B’s coach is agreeable.
a. Not allowed; there must be mutual agreement by the administration of both schools before the game.
b. No problem as long as the game has not yet begun and the referee agrees.
c. No problem as long as the first quarter has not yet ended and the referee agrees.
d. No problem any time if the referee agrees.
e. The referee must refuse the request.
5. Which of the following is true regarding the free kick following a safety?
a. Team K cannot score if the kick goes between the uprights and above the crossbar.
b. Team K may put the ball in play via punt, placekick or dropkick.
c. All players of team K must have been between the nine-yard marks after the ready and before the kick.
d. All of the above.
Crewness Brings You Close to Greatness
By Joe Jarosz
Allcrews strive for it. The best crews capitalize on it. It’s the often intangible feeling that becomes palpable in crunch time. It’s a phenomenon football officials might call crewness. Whatever name you give it, how do you build it? How do you maintain it?
Get to know each other’s position. You may be a back judge and have no aspirations of ever working the referee position. Or you may be a wing official and deathly afraid of the dangers of working umpire. Whatever the case may be, and even if you have never and will never work one of a crewmate’s positions, expand your understanding of their responsibilities and how your positions might overlap. Expanding your understanding of what each other is doing on the field will make the crew stronger.
Commit to being honest with each other. Benjamin Franklin is credited with the saying, “Honesty is the best policy,” and it plays well into a football crew’s dynamic. Each member of the crew has to be humble enough to take constructive criticism from others and each has to be brave enough to give it. There’s something to be said about being tactful in those situations, but done the right way, that dynamic is important.
Consider the timing of your communication and read the emotion of your crewmates before offering opinions. Experience and ability are sure to vary throughout a crew, but everyone should feel free to express opinions and be willing to hear them. Honesty will make the crew more trusting.
Stick up for one another. Have each other’s back and never throw a crewmate under the proverbial bus. The believability and integrity of the crew depend on it — and there are few characteristics of officiating as important as believability and integrity.
There will be times throughout a game or season when players or coaches attempt to drive a wedge between the crew. But truth be told, most of us are competitors. It’s what makes us good officials. Never allow yourself to fall into the trap of appeasing a coach or player if it comes at the cost of sacrificing the group. Sticking up for one another will forge a bond within the crew.
Forget the X’s & O’s occasionally. We should never lose sight of the fact we’re hired to do a job. But we do that job better as a crew when we get to know each other more on a personal level. You don’t have to be best friends with your crewmates, and sometimes your personalities may not mesh well off the field, but knowing more about each other’s family, career and hobbies might just take the trust and understanding to a whole new level. Take time to take care of each other. This might be before or after a game, during travel or even in the offseason. Forgetting about rules, mechanics and philosophies of football and getting to know each other a little more personally will make the crew experience more positive.
Celebrate individual and crew successes. A rousing “Way to go!” can often lighten the mood and lift spirits in what can be an often sobering avocation. Take time to celebrate when members of the crew make a great call on a close play or when the crew masterfully sorts out a messy enforcement. Do it even on the field in the heat of battle, though not demonstrably. Officiating football is difficult and that’s why it’s not for everyone. Take pride in your work and that of the crew. Celebrating each other’s successes will build crew camaraderie.
Joe Jarosz is an assistant editor at Referee. He officiates college and high school football, college and high school basketball and high school baseball. *
Muff, Touch and Bat Similar But Not Identical
If it looks like a muff, it can’t be anything but a muff, right? Well, not necessarily.
Both rule codes make it clear a muff is a positive act — a failed attempt to catch or recover a loose ball (NFHS 2-27; NCAA 2-11-2).
In order to muff the ball, it must be touched. Touching differs from a muff in that touching may be unintentional and may result from being touched by the ball (NFHS 2-44; NCAA 2-11-4). Batting — the intentional striking of the ball with the hand or arm — is another type of touching. As with a muff, a bat is an intentional act (NFHS 2-2; NCAA 2-11-3).
Three different definitions, yet an act by a player may meet more than one of those criteria.
For instance, the player in the PlayPic may be batting, muffing or
touching the ball. If he is a team R player, the ball is loose as the result of a kick and he intentionally made contact with the ball, he has touched and muffed the ball. If he struck the ball, he muffed, touched and batted the ball.
Why is that important? Officials need to know which of those acts has occurred so they can rule on subsequent action. If the ball is muffed, it may or may not become dead upon recovery, same as if it is touched. If the ball is batted, it may be a foul, depending on where the bat occurs, the direction the ball is batted, the type of loose ball involved and which team did the batting.
Knowing whether the ball has been muffed, touched or batted is a must, as is knowing how those acts differ and how they are defined. *
That’s On Me: Official’s Timeouts
By Judson Howard
Officials give a timeout signal for one of three reasons: to stop the clock after a play ends when the rules call for a clock stoppage, when a request for a team timeout is granted or when you declare an official’s timeout for specific game situations. This column will cover the latter.
Injury. A player injured during a play and needing medical aid must leave the field and remain out of the game for at least one play (NFHS 3-510a; NCAA 3-3-5a-1). A charged team timeout cannot “buy” the player back into the game.
Bleeding player. This includes blood saturated on the uniform or an open wound. That participant must get appropriate medical attention and is required to stay on the sideline until the blood issue is resolved (NFHS 3-510c; NCAA 3-3-5a-4). You should also halt the game if an official is bleeding. Concussion. Should you discover any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behavior consistent with a concussion, the player cannot return to the contest until cleared by an appropriate health care professional (NFHS 3-5-10b; NCAA 3-3-5a-3).
Helmet coming off. When a player’s helmet comes completely off his head due to game action, he must leave the game for at least one down. The exception is if the helmet was dislodged due to an opposing team’s helmet foul, like a grasped facemask. If the player who loses the helmet is the runner, the ball becomes dead immediately. An NCAA player can remain in the game if either team takes a timeout (NFHS 3-5-10d; NCAA 3-3-9a).
Measurement. An official’s timeout is taken if a measurement is needed to determine whether or not the previous play reached the line to gain (NFHS 3-5-7a; NCAA 3-3-2e-7).
Hot weather. If a game is played in extreme heat or humidity, an official’s timeout may be taken for players to get fluids from team attendants. That is especially important in early season games and summer scrimmages. Unlike NFHS, NCAA rules do not specify excessive heat and humidity as a reason for an official’s timeout; it could come under the category of a discretionary timeout (NFHS 3-5-7g; NCAA 3-3-2e-12).
Equipment. In NFHS, if required player equipment is missing, illegal
or improperly worn, stop the game to remedy the issue (1-5-5, 3-510e). There is no timeout for that reason in NCAA, but the equipment problem must be remedied before the player may participate again (1-4-8).
No visual field clock. If game time is kept on the field, call timeout to notify teams when approximately four minutes (NFHS) or two minutes (NCAA) remain in either half (NFHS 3-3-1, 3-5-7d; NCAA 3-3-8b).
Based on the clock status when an official’s timeout was called, the clock will next start on the snap or referee’s ready signal. A specific timing rule may dictate what to do with the clock. In that case, such a rule takes precedence.
Other reasons to stop the clock are after an inadvertent whistle, the game clock (or play clock in NCAA) becomes inoperative, when players delay getting up from the pile after the ball is dead, time running off the clock while officials are digging into the pile to determine who recovered a fumble, to correct obvious game clock errors and when a media timeout is granted.
Play: An illegal handing foul is called. Officials march off five yards and repeat the down. Team B’s coach calls timeout to ask the referee about the possible misapplication of a rule. Ruling: Since the conference will result in a change (loss of down added to penalty enforcement), it is now an official’s timeout (NFHS 3-511; NCAA 3-3-4e).
In the above situation, a timeout is charged to a team only when no change is made to the ruling. If the team had no timeouts remaining in the half, a five-yard penalty for delay of game is assessed (NFHS 3-6-2c; NCAA 3-3-4e).
To indicate an official’s timeout, referees should tap their hands on their chest after giving the timeout signal.
Judson Howard, Los Angeles, is a replay official in the Pac-12 Conference. He officiated more than 20 years, many at the NCAA Division I level. *
for 2024
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This is the comprehensive guide you need to be ready to work High School football this season. All new and recent rule changes broken down, Points of Emphasis clarified, and tough situations made simple – all in a full-color, magazine-sized annual guide. Includes hundreds of caseplays and quiz questions!
Rules & Mechanics Changes
CASEPLAYS
Fire Drill
Play: Team K tries to rush its field goal team onto the field. When the ball is snapped, three team K players are still moving into position and never come to a complete stop. Ruling: In NFHS, the ball remains live and team K is flagged for an illegal shift (7-2-6). Under NCAA rules, the officials should stop play at the snap. That is an illegal shift that converts to a false start. Team K is penalized five yards (7-1-2b-5).
Huddle Question
Play: Team A has 11 players in the huddle. A1 calls a play and the offensive linemen break from the huddle and go to their positions, but the backs and receivers remain in the huddle. A12 enters the huddle and A4 leaves immediately. Ruling: That is legal. A4 left immediately when he was told he was replaced. In NCAA, if A4 was still in the huddle when the huddle broke, team A would be guilty of illegal substitution (NFHS 9-6-4c; NCAA 3-5-2c).
Inadvertent Whistle
Play: Second and 10 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 the whistle. Ruling: In both codes, what might have been a serious injustice is remedied by the momentum rule. Had B2 gone into the end zone on his own volition, the inadvertent whistle would have resulted in a safety. Instead, team B will begin a new series at its own three yardline, the momentum spot (NFHS 8-5-2a Exc.; NCAA 8-5-1a Exc.).
Downed Kick
Play: Fourth and 10 from team R’s 30 yardline. An untouched punt is bouncing inside team R’s two yardline. K1 recovers the ball with one foot on the goalline and the other in the field of play. The ball does not break the plane of the goalline and it’s on or over team R’s one yardline when it’s recovered. Ruling: The position of the ball when it becomes dead determines the status of the ball. Under both codes, team R would start a new series, first and 10 at its own one yardline (NFHS 2-26-3, 4-2-2d-1; NCAA 2-12-2, 6-3-6a).
Just Off Target(ing)
Some of the elements of targeting are present on this play, but the ones lacking are important.
1
The defender has left his feet, or launched, which is one of the recognized indicators of targeting.
2
There is no contact with the crown of the helmet, nor is there contact to the runner’s head.
3
There likely is forcible contact to the neck of the opponent, which is one of the criteria for targeting.
1
4
The runner may want to pass, but is a runner by definition. In NCAA, a runner is not defenseless, and only contact with the crown of the helmet would be a foul option. NFHS defines a passer as a player who throws a legal forward pass, so roughing the passer would not be a correct call. Ah, but the defense doesn’t get away scot free.
NFHS 9-4-3j and NCAA 9-1-2a state it’s a personal foul to strike an opponent with a forearm.
2 4
3
Evaluation Enunciation
By Jon Bible
Whencurrent and aspiring major college officials are evaluated, certain terms continually crop up. Those of you interested in moving up might like to know what they are and what they mean.
Sponge is a positive designation for an official who is always interested in soaking up information. They’re constantly in the books, seeking input from fellow officials, watching video and attending clinics (not just to network).
Needs more snaps describes an official who has potential but isn’t deemed capable of working at the level to which they aspire. One of the knocks on newer officials today is some want to climb the ladder before they’ve learned what to do through on-the-job training. Doesn’t take criticism well is one of the worst labels an official can get.
It refers to someone who, when an evaluator critiques them, gets their nose out of joint or has an excuse for what they did. If you’re going to work at a higher level, you’ll need a thick skin because evaluators can be tough. It’s best to take what’s said, say, “Thanks, that makes sense” or something similar and move on.
Can’t finish the game refers to officials who aren’t in sufficiently good condition to keep up their tempo in the closing stages of a long game on a hot, humid day. Evaluators want to see officials who are on top of things in all four quarters, and overtime if necessary. Has rabbit ears applies to wing officials, in particular, who hear the rants from coaches. Ignore it until it gets personal or enters the realm of your integrity. Candidates won’t be attractive to evaluators if it appears they pay too much attention to the noise around them.
Ball watchers seem to watch the runner instead of expanding their vision to see what’s going on around him. That habit may be enough to doom a candidate. Evaluators also want to see officials who are great dead-ball officials.
Too technical means call the big stuff that matters and let the small stuff go. Overly technical officials aren’t likely to be chosen by collegiate conferences or survive if they are. They’re ready is the highest accolade aspirants can get. It means the evaluator thinks they’re the complete package in terms of appearance, experience, conditioning, dedication, football savvy, rule and mechanics knowledge, judgment and personality. Jon Bible is a replay official in the Southeastern Conference. A resident of Austin, Texas, he formerly officiated collegiate and pro football. *
PATRICK KEPP 10-8
In police radio lingo, to be 10-8 is to be back in service. College football official and police sergeant Patrick Kepp lost parts of both his legs while trying to apprehend a fleeing motorist. But thanks to doctors, therapists and his own moxie, Kepp is planning a comeback. Does he think he’ll make it? 10-4.
By Dan
Ronan
TKepp will attempt to do
to return to the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), along with the Ivy and Patriot leagues, as an NCAA football line judge after sustaining catastrophic injuries. He suffered those injuries less than one year ago while performing his job duties as a Montgomery County (Md.) police sergeant.
Early on the morning of Oct. 18, 2023, a number of officers were pursuing a 19-year-old motorist, who was well known to police for his dangerous driving and attempts to bait police into a chase. He was driving more than 110 miles per hour on Interstate 270 northwest of Washington. Kepp was nearby and radioed he could aid his colleagues in the high-speed and potentially
officials and his doctors say he is steadfast in his determination and that Kepp is a source of courage and inspiration to them.
Just six months earlier, Kepp had charged the suspect when he fled from an attempted traffic stop. He was arrested for driving 136 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Kepp developed a plan to stop the suspect. Realizing the suspect wanted the police to chase him, Kepp coordinated with other
officers and they took positions up and down the crowded highway to monitor the suspect and wait for a moment to stop him.
As the other officers tracked the driver, Kepp was outside his police cruiser, on the road and in the dark, attempting to deploy stop sticks — razor-sharp devices designed to puncture the driver’s tires. It was then the police report said the suspect deliberately drove his car into Kepp. The driver could see Kepp as he was illuminated by his vehicle’s headlights. It’s believed the driver was going more than 100
Friends, police officers, fellow was dangerous pursuit. 55 took the vehicle’s miles per hour.
“I’ve been hit, I need fire and rescue,” Kepp calmly said into his police radio. Going into shock and losing massive amounts of
blood, his fellow officers and paramedics saved his life.
“I just vividly remember looking, seeing at that time something was wrong with my right leg,” he said. “I didn’t know anything about my left leg. I came to rest sitting up and I saw there was blood on my fingers.”
The crash was so violent Kepp’s legs were crushed. His right leg was severed. His badly damaged left leg was amputated in surgery.
He was taken by medical helicopter to a shock trauma unit in Baltimore, where he began his long medical journey that has taken him to this point. And less than one year later he is finalizing his treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
The suspect was free on bond and awaiting trial on the earlier charges at the time he struck Kepp. He now is being held without bond and is awaiting trial on a long list of charges, including attempted first-degree murder, that could keep him in prison for the rest of his life.
Typically, the famous medical center just outside of
Patrick Kepp got his start in football officiating in 2009. He quickly advanced into the college ranks, working 2021 and 2022 NCAA FCS playoff games. The 2021 crew included (from left) Thomas Beck, Jeff Pumphrey, Matt Smyth, Jason Farnsworth, Kepp, Henry Wimberg, Brian Campbell, John Reed, Bob Bittner and William Schoen.
Washington treats the president and only the most badly wounded military personnel. But with the help of Maryland Congressman David Trone and others, Kepp has been receiving the same care and rehabilitation as those severely wounded servicemen and women. The high-tech medical institute is known worldwide for the legendary work it provides when it comes to prosthetic limbs.
Kepp has been a Montgomery County police officer since 2014. He graduated second in his academy class and is now the supervisor of the department’s Alcohol Initiatives Unit. He has received numerous commendations for his work, especially in the fight against impaired driving.
“I try not to dwell too much on the incident,” Kepp said. “I’m trying to move forward. Getting better, the police force and football are what I am concentrating on. That’s my focus.”
To do that, Kepp is involved in a rigorous rehabilitation process with a team of military doctors, physical therapists, prosthetic limb designers and others who are working daily to
do everything they can to get him back into a police car and onto a football field this fall.
“It’s called the Military Advanced Training Center (MATC), and it’s basically the high-speed type of physical therapy center, which is where all the soldiers and others go at Walter Reed when they have these serious injuries,”
Kepp said.
According to Walter Reed’s website, “The MATC uses a sports medicine model which offers much of the same sports and exercise equipment found at the finest sports rehabilitation training rooms across the country. Many of the same fitness drills practiced by professional athletes are used to work on core strength, balance and stability.”
Kepp is an up-and-coming college football official, with serious aspirations of working in a Power Five conference. He’s been an official for more than 20 years, starting with youth and high school baseball, but for the last 15 years he has focused exclusively on football.
“I started football while I was still doing baseball, and
they pretty much made me make a choice between football and baseball. I picked football,” he said.
Kepp quickly climbed the ranks through the tough, highly competitive Catholic Conference in Washington and the suburban Montgomery County school system, which has a long history of producing top-level college and NFL officials. Kepp was busy every weekend and he saw a path to move forward quickly.
“I started with the Washington District Football Officials Association in 2009,” he said. “I did two years of completely working the high school circuit. You know, busting my butt, going to all the scrimmages that I was assigned. I was trying to get seen and trying to move up. I actually got some varsity games in my first year.”
On and off the field, Kepp is a highly motivated person. “My typical day now is to wake up, get ready and eat. Then it’s down to physical therapy in the MATC and do that for several hours,” he said. “Then I go to lunch, and I do another workout after that. Then there is occupational therapy and sometimes I go back and do more physical therapy on my own.”
At Walter Reed, Kepp has been following that regimen every day since December and the hard work is paying off. He is already successfully walking with custom-made prosthetics and his doctors have cleared him to increase his activity level to include running. To get where he is today, Kepp has endured 10 surgeries.
With the help of his family, fellow police officers and sports officials, he now begins the challenge of getting back on the football field and officiating a fast-paced, sometimes dangerous game with prosthetic legs.
“I’m 37. I still feel like I am pretty young and have the ability to do it,” he said.
“What’s happened in the last several months and the injury is definitely a setback. I know a commissioner of any sort is going to want to see me work with prosthetics before they say, ‘Yeah, we want this guy on the field or in a Power Five conference.’ I have to be realistic about that. You don’t want someone to go out there and literally fall over, or not being able to move, or anything like that.”
“He’s an awesome man, and he’s my hero now,” said Brendon Johnston, one of Kepp’s best friends, a lieutenant in the Montgomery Police Department and a collegiate field judge. “We met in 2009, when he started officiating and was in training class. We started hanging out, we became good friends, on and off the field. We were doing high school games together and in 2014 he became a police officer and went through the police academy.
“Patrick is a standup guy. He’s a great official and a great police officer.”
Johnston recalls a conversation the two friends had at the hospital, just hours after his first surgery, when Kepp expressed his goals to get back on the field, sooner rather than later.
“The first thing he mentioned to me when he came out of surgery, after the initial shock, was his motivation to return to football,” Johnston said. “He told me, ‘I’m coming back. I’m going to get back on the field.’”
Since entering the college ranks the two friends have not worked a college game together, but they have officiated numerous scrimmages. During the season they talk every day about rules and game management situations.
“The Saturday after his accident was going to be the first college football game that we got to work together and we were both really excited about it,” Johnston said.
Kepp lost part of both legs on Oct. 18, 2023, when a suspect crashed into him while he was setting up stop sticks on the interstate.
That weekend, Stony Brook was hosting the University of New Hampshire in a CAA game and, as a field judge, Johnston would have been on the same sideline as his longtime friend, but about 20 yards downfield.
Chris Smith, CAA coordinator of officials, is closely watching Kepp’s rehabilitation and said he will be welcomed back on the field if his doctors believe he is ready to go. For now, Smith is cautiously optimistic. Still, Smith is not doubting Kepp’s will to return.
“He absolutely has the determination to do this,” Smith said. “And I think it’s been for him, probably a source of strength to focus on the future and not dwell on the past. You have to have a goal. I am not going to be the one that says he can or cannot do this. We know the challenges. They’re pretty obvious. Can he move? Can he cover the game? The game is unpredictable. We’re dealing with young, fast athletes, size and mass, and the game moves fast. This is a significant undertaking and a huge challenge. But let me repeat, I am not going to be the person that says he cannot do it. And as we get closer to that happening, we will have that discussion and see where things stand.”
Smith believes before the incident Kepp was on track to move to a Power Five conference. In fact before the accident, Kepp moved a step closer by joining the Sun Belt Conference supplemental staff and worked a game in that conference last fall.
“Patrick has been working for us the last three years and I have seen firsthand, he is a very good official, with very good rules knowledge and very good personality,” Smith said. “And he’s very good as a communicator, especially with our coaches.”
Smith said that is especially
important for a sideline official, with the coaches just a few feet away and often commenting to those officials regularly about how the game is being played and officiated.
“He is standing right next to the sideline. So sometimes he’s got those guys right in his ear,” Smith said.
As Kepp continues his grueling rehabilitation at Walter Reed, he is preparing for the 2024 football season just as he has the past 15 seasons. Later this summer when the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens open their training camp, Kepp plans to officiate scrimmages and practices to get ready.
“Those players are exceptionally fast and that will be a good test for me,” he said.
In March, he received a standing ovation from his colleagues at the Blue Ridge Officials Association Conference in Roanoke, Va. He walked to the podium on prosthetic legs just five months after the nearfatal incident.
“He is a remarkable person,” said Jim Corpora, a retired Atlantic Coast Conference official and now officiating coordinator of NCAA Division II and III conferences. Corpora said he admired Kepp’s “perseverance and his willingness to put everything out there. To try to get this done, I don’t even have the vocabulary to describe it.
“This is just special,” Corpora said. “You know, I am sure he would be the first to say he’s lucky to be alive. But at the same time, he’s going to do everything he can to try to try to make this happen. It’s possible he’ll do this and it’s awesome.”
Kepp said as he goes through his rehabilitation at Walter Reed he is working closely with his medical team to tailor his program and his treatment, including the use of custom-designed prosthetics that can help make this return to football possible.
“When I came here to Walter Reed the physical therapist, the doctors, everybody talked about, ‘What do you want to do?’” Kepp said. “People have a traumatic injury, and they ask, “Do you want to walk again? Or run marathons?’ I made my goals very clear from the beginning. Mine is get back on the field and officiate Division I football and they have had that in the plan the entire time.”
The prosthetic legs are high-tech, Bluetooth enabled and able to be adjusted with an app on his phone. Because of their design and the fact Kepp is wearing long black pants and athletic footwear, it’s unlikely the coaches and players would know he has prosthetic legs.
“The technology is absolutely ridiculous. And
At left, fellow officials rally for Kepp’s recovery by wearing bracelets bearing his name. Kepp was honored during a Jan. 21 Baltimore Ravens game. He received a hat signed by NFL referee Ron Torbert and crew, and got a pregame onfield handshake from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who is wearing a Ravens jersey.
that is a function of being here at Walter Reed,” he said. “The prosthetics don’t hurt. I’m home on the weekends and I just finished taking my dog, Iris, an Australian Shepherd, for a mileand-a-quarter walk.”
Kepp admits there are no guarantees he will be back on the field for the beginning of the season, but for now his therapy team says he’s on track and they will make a final decision in late summer on his progress and then move forward, if he is ready.
“Before I went down to the Blue Ridge clinic, I asked for a re-evaluation. I have had a few since then,” Kepp said. “I asked my physical therapist, ‘Do you think I’m going to do this?’ I put my cards on the table with her and she said, ‘Absolutely.’ Every time I meet with the therapist I ask the question, ‘Is football still going to be on the table this year?’ And they’ve said they see no reason why not.”
Kepp’s determination to return to the football field is not his only goal. He expects to resume his law enforcement duties in one capacity or another later this year. He intends to be back in his patrol car as soon as he returns to the football field.
“Right now, we are figuring out what setup of the actual prosthetics is going to be best for running on a football field, the side-to-side, the walk-tosprint type of thing, versus necessarily maybe what I’ll wear at work, where it’s more of a static environment,” he said.
Kepp’s coordinators and fellow officials admit they are dealing with a remarkably tenacious person, who has endured the challenges of one of the worst injuries a person can suffer and is determined to bounce back.
And if he’s not on the field this fall, the CAA plans to have
Kepp remains determined to get back on the football field and back in a patrol car. His rehab activities show those goals are in sight.
him work as a replay official until he is medically cleared to return. Everyone wants Kepp in a college football stadium in one capacity or another this fall.
“We are going to embrace Patrick’s contribution to football, whatever that is,” Smith said. “His medical team will talk with us later this summer.
“He is a very valuable person. And when he walks into a room, officials gravitate toward him. And that’s very gratifying and powerful and I think it’s important for him.”
“I want to be back on the field,” Kepp said. “On the sidelines, on the field, with the guys, working the game, front and center. It’s where I am going to be.”
Dan Ronan is a Washingtonbased journalist. He’s a retired NCAA baseball umpire and small college and high school basketball referee.
R2 ≥ R1 Habits of Highly Effective Second Referees
By Rick Brown
Whenhigh school assigners choose not to designate first and second referees (R1 and R2, respectively) for each match, the officials have to discuss and agree. Both may want to be R1 for the varsity match, believing it’s the more prestigious role — standing on the platform, controlling the match. This perception seriously downplays the value a highly effective second referee brings to a match.
The R2 position is not only equally important, in many ways it requires a more diverse range of skills to contribute to a wellmanaged match. When positions are pre-designated for a single match, selection of the R2 is often the first consideration based on the assigner’s assessment of which official would work best with the coaches. And for college matches where the Challenge Review System is in place, who is perceived more effective in working with review technology to produce a quality review within a range of acceptable timing. Assigners are also typically aware of the temperaments of their referees and which partner may be more likely to resolve coaches’ concerns for the betterment of the match.
Referees typically have more experience on the stand, making it a goal of aspiring R2s to learn how best to serve and protect the R1 as the “ultimate partner.” As the mobile referee, R2s are charged with using their position on the floor to move intelligently for angles to help get calls right and be visible with help.
One of the top qualities of effective second referees is the ability to transition smoothly to get to the blocking team’s side of the net. Adriana Morales, Long Beach, Calif., keeps her eyes on the action as she transitions to the other side of the court to get the best view of the play.
HESTON QUAN
That same mobility is used to move smoothly to respond to a coach’s question or concern, and be positioned to absorb the typical reactions that occur during most matches, not just highly competitive ones. To properly serve and protect, the R2 must be aware of situations where a coach is likely to react to a decision, and be appropriately responsive and present to intercede if a coach yells across the court at the the R1.
Another habit is driven by the beliefthe R2 should project “approachability” from the moment of arrival courtside and prematch greetings to create an atmosphere conducive to questions and concerns. Establishing approachability helps set the R2 as the go-to person for an explanation of a call, rather than an unproductive coach-to-R1 interaction. It also helps encourage cooperation with a variety of other people who also have important responsibilities for making matches go smoothly.
This goes beyond coaches and players and embraces respect for the support staff at the officials’ table and event administration. A smile goes a long way to help get through tough moments.
Many skills have to meld to contribute to a highly effective R2. Ideally, these skills develop into habits, honed by experience and honest feedback from partners and observers. R2 skills are hard-earned, with quality training serving as a starting point. Referees have to gain experience from working matches, further developing skills that arethen enhanced by active participation in postmatch debriefs, approaching these openly to learn from discussions of challenging plays. Discussions with peers and mentors contribute along with diligent study of rules, casebook situations and interpretations, learning proper mechanics, positioning, signaling and effective communication skills.
Learning each rule code requires achieving in-depth knowledge of rules that are linked to other rules and avoiding confusing different rules, signals and techniques from other rulesets. Rule mastery leads to proper application based on what the referee team observed.
This is tied to yet another element of communication. It takes more than rule expertise. The R2 must learn to translate how the pertinent rule was applied to a given playing action so a coach gets just the right amount of information to understand, even though the coach had a different angle on the play and a different opinion of what occurred.
Another skill is applying smooth movement during rallies in timely transitioning to secure the best angle on the blocking side to see through the net as plays develop on the other side. This has to be done without sacrificing primary R2 responsibilities such as net, centerline and antenna fault decisions.
From a position back from the post, the R2 is responsible for assisting with possible back-row and libero faults, as well as down balls on attempted floor saves. Good angles promote good partnering, allowing the R2 to offer timely informal help based on prematch agreements, assisted by the R2 understanding the information the R1 needs, when and what is needed, and how to be visible while maintaininggood eye contact. The R2 uses angles to see playing actions to understand what the R1 logically viewed in making decisions. This facilitates the R2’s responses to coaches’ questions. Used properly, headsets are a very helpful supplemental tool for quick information sharing and getting calls right. Headset use requires a commitment to learning how and when to verbalize help. It also allows the R1 to inform the R2 regarding information the coach is asking, which shortens discussions.
Having a broad spectrum awareness of everything on and around the court must be matched by being able to differentiate what is important from what is tangential. This helps referees avoid “majoring in the minors.” This skill is honed from experience where the R2 anticipates appropriately but doesn’t intrude with an answer or response before a coach has had the chance to react or even ask a question. R2 scans that identify safety issues require immediate action, while responses to minor issues can be delayed to a more appropriate time
BY THE NUMBERS
22,004
Number of registered volleyball officials compiled from 36 state high school associations for the 2023-24 fall season. Up 4% from the previous year (21,144) and above the pre-pandemic numbers from 2018-19 (20,777).
SOURCE: NFHS OFFICIATING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
THEY SAID IT
“I heard a rumor that the Big Ten is trying to procure it. I don’t know that they’ll have it for the ’25 season, but I did hear that they are trying to get it for the Big Ten, so I think it’s soon, and I think it needs to be. Because these athletes are more powerful, agile, quicker and it’s harder and harder for those line judges to get it right.”
— Pro Volleyball Federation CEO Jen Spicher on the Bolt6 technology used in the professional league this past year, and what the future of that technology might look like.
SOURCE: WOWT (OMAHA, NEB.)
TOOLS
Volleyball Rules Challenge
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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 NFHS, NCAA or USAV rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 81.
1. When must rosters be turned in prior to the match?
a. No roster requirement.
b. Five minutes prior to the start of the match.
c. 10 minutes prior to the start of the match.
d. At the prematch conference with coaches and/or captains.
2. What is the maximum number of players allowed on a team for a match?
a. No limit.
b. 10 players.
c. 12 players.
d. 15 players.
e. 20 players.
3. Although a team must have six players to start a match, a team may continue playing with fewer than six players due to injury, illness or disqualification.
a. True.
b. False.
4. During timeouts, team members may use volleyballs off-court, past the endline, in order to warm up.
a. True.
b. False.
5. Prior to the first set, starter A1 becomes ill during the national anthem, runs to the bathroom and is unable to start the match.
a. Team A must start the match with five players since A1 is listed as a starter.
b. Team A may enter another player in place of A1 without penalty and is not charged a substitution.
c. Team A may enter another player in place of A1 but is assessed an unnecessary delay/ delay sanction, even if there is no significant delay.
d. Team A may enter another player in place of A1 but is charged a substitution.
6. After a long rally, team A requests a substitution. After the substitution is completed, team A’s coach requests a timeout. After the timeout, team A’s coach requests another substitution. The second referee should allow the second request for substitution.
a. True.
b. False.
or even ignored. Anticipation of coach reactions is enhanced by training, experience and the understanding of what occurred during a rally. It links to the R2 learning to listen first before responding.
The key to first listening effectively for meaning before responding enhances the R2’s ability to reflect what the coach was saying. When coaches feel the R2 has listened and understood a concern, they may become calmer and more receptive to the R2’s response. The R2 is then better able to translate the rule or rules in question to playing actions during the last rally which the R1 observed through the net. Broad-scale communication skills are required to defuse emotions. Active listening suggests the listen-first approach to help R2s better understand what a coach saw and what caused the coach’s reaction
When the R2 understands a coach’s concern after a question, the coach is allowed to reasonably vent, which puts the R2 in a better position to absorb the emotion. Paraphrasing to the coach what the R2 understood allows the coach to clarify and converse rather than yell. The R2 better understands what the coach saw from a particular angle and shares what the referee team observed on the playing action along with short-phrasing the language of the rules applied. The R2 has to approach the coach and set up at a distance that allows listening with a lowered volume. Relaxed body language with head tilted toward the coach and an open facial expression helps absorb the emotion of the moment. Side-by-side rather than more confrontational face-to-face positioning — open toward the sideline and R1, helps to de-escalate and allow space for control to re-emerge.
Maintaining self-control is essential in handling unusual plays where coach reactions have to be managed. When tensions rise, the R2’s ability to work comfortably with a host of stakeholders may be put to the test. This includes coaches, players, support staff at the table and event management. This enables non-blaming recovery from
uncomfortable situations, is a critical skill in facilitating a match and absorbs some of the emotions that are part of competitive sports.
The R2 has to have the ability to defuse situations knowing others have a different angle on a play than the officials, then translate what the referee team viewed on a given playing action and what rule(s) were applied to the observed “fact pattern.” Succinct, understandable rules verbiage is priceless. The more tense a match becomes, the calmer the referees need to be to avoid overreacting and to absorb the natural emotions of the game. This leaves the R2 in a better place to acknowledge comments, respond to (real) questions, warn when it gets personal and/or comes close to the R2’s “line in the sand” and penalize insanity, including planned acts of unsporting conduct beyond a first reaction.
Despite a highly facilitative best effort, the R2 must also master the art of holding people reasonably accountable for sporting conduct during the match, differentially handling an occasional, understandable reaction to a call or non-call from frequent reactions that serve to disrupt match flow and are unacceptable. The R2 knows when behavior approaches the referee’s line and has to be warned or penalized. In the real world of competitive volleyball, the R2 understands the emotion of the match and responds accordingly.
Finally, an effective R2 learns to interact, albeit infrequently, with players — whether addressing some minor unsporting act not yet worthy of sanction, monitoring a court wipe or addressing a potential injury. All of these can provide opportunities to connect through interaction and humanize the relationship, which can potentially build some capital later in the match as things get a bit more tense.
Rick Brown, Westerville, Ohio, is a longtime girls’ and boys’ high school volleyball referee, working 22 state tournaments. He is a state and local rules interpreter, former USAV Regional Referee and formerly a PAVO National Line Judge, working multiple D-I postseason matches. *
two for one Special
Two teammates go to play an errant ball. They make contact with the ball at the same time (1) and the ball goes in the air and back toward the court on their team’s side (2).
Is this legal? And if so, what is legal for the two (or more) players who contacted the ball to do next?
Luckily for referees, all three codes treat this play exactly the same. First, it is legal for teammates to simultaneously touch the ball. And in doing so, it is only counted as one team hit (unless it is during a block, then it is not counted as a hit at all). Second, any players involved in a simultaneous hit may be the next player to touch the ball again, as long as the simultaneous contact was not the team’s third hit. In this photo, No. 11 or No. 2 can legally contact the ball, again assuming this simultaneous contact is not the team’s third hit (NFHS 9-4-6b; NCAA 14.3.3; USAV 9.1.2.1).
If only one player obviously touches the ball in this instance, it is not a simultaneous contact, even if another player is close by. In that instance, the one player who obviously touched the ball is considered to have made the contact and is excluded from making the next team contact. If in doubt, rule it a simultaneous contact.
CASEPLAYS
Incorrect Server?
Play: After the first referee authorizes service, A1, who is in the service area with the ball, recognizes it is actually A2’s turn to serve. A1 immediately tosses the ball to A2, who enters the service zone and quickly serves the ball; this action all occurs within the time allowed for service (five/eight seconds). The served ball lands untouched on team B’s court. The first referee signals and awards the point to team A. Ruling: Correct procedure in all codes. A1 never served the ball out of turn and A2, the correct server, was able to complete the serve in the allotted time. Therefore, there is no fault or penalty and the serve by A2 is legal (NFHS 8-1-1, 8-25; NCAA 13.1.3.3, 13.2.2, 13.2.3; USAV 12.4.4, 12.6).
Simultaneous Contact
Play: A team A front-row player and a team B front-row player legally and simultaneously contact a ball above the top of the net. The ball then rolls along the top of the net and contacts an antenna. Ruling: The first referee should whistle and signal a replay. Because of the simultaneous contact, both players are responsible for the ball contacting the antenna, causing a double fault and a replay should be awarded (NFHS 9-4-6d, 9-8-1, 9.4.6A; NCAA 14.3.2.2; USAV 8.4.3, 9.1.2.2).
Horn Sounds During Play
Play: A timeout ends early and both teams return to the court ready to play. The ball is served and team B’s errant pass sends the ball toward team B’s bench. As the ball is over team B’s bench and clearly headed out of bounds, the timer’s horn sounds, because the clock operator failed to turn it off when the timeout ended early. Ruling: The ball is ruled out of bounds and team A wins the rally. Although the ball was still in the air when the horn sounded, it was clearly not reachable, so the horn did not interfere with team B’s opportunity to play the ball (NFHS 9-8-1a, 9.8.1C; NCAA 16.1.2; USAV 8.2).
Prevent Defense
By Brad Tittrington
At the high school level, it is our duty and obligation to uphold the rules of the sport to ensure a fair contest between the teams. And while we are tasked with this honor, there are things we can do in order to prevent teams from committing mistakes and stopping issues before they ever begin.
Prematch. There are several things we can do during this time to prevent issues from rearing their ugly heads come match time. Preventing issues during the pregame is a great way to stave off potential headaches and chaos once the match actually starts.
First, referees should check the uniforms of both teams during warmups to make sure they are legal. Referees should also confirm with coaches during the prematch conference all players are legally equipped to make sure the match starts properly and avoid having to issue any penalties due to illegal uniforms or equipment. This includes having coaches make players remove any illegal, non-conforming jewelry before the players ever step on the court.
During the prematch conference, it is a good idea to remind coaches to submit rosters and lineups. This is simply a gentle reminder to both coaches in order to avoid any unnecessary delays and penalties.
In regard to rosters, the referees should count the number of players listed on the roster and count the number of players on the court in order to make sure all players are listed. Most of us are probably not very good at doing this as we tend to carry on a conversation with our partner or simply look at the starting lineups to start memorizing rotations. However, injuries and other issues throughout the season can cause the roster to change and a coach may forget to add someone. During this quick roster check, verify the numbers are accurate as well. This can be difficult sometimes because players wear warmups over their uniforms and you may not be able to see the number.
One quick way to prevent issues is
to double check the starting lineups of both teams to make sure the coach has designated a floor captain, all numbers listed are actually players listed on the roster, and there is a libero number listed and it isn’t a duplicate number of a starting player. Make sure all information is correct before handing it to the scorer’s table as you can quickly solve a lot of problems in this time frame.
Before each set, the second referee should make sure the scorer writes down the rotation correctly on the scoresheet. Also make sure the starting lineups contain legal numbers listed on the roster. Between sets, the second referee should make sure the same numbers appear, and if they don’t, make sure the new numbers are legal players listed on the roster. Also see if the libero is listed for each set and double check with a coach if for some reason one isn’t listed to make sure that was not a mistake by the coach. When the libero goes on the court before each set, the second referee should double check to make sure the number on the libero’s uniform matches what the coach wrote on the lineup. This can also save a lot of headaches and takes very little time. During the set. There are also things referees can do during actual match play to prevent major issues. The three things listed in the NFHS Officials Manual are asking a coach to redesignate a playing captain when a substitution or replacement removes the current captain, warning the serving team of possible screening infractions, and notifying coaches when they have used their 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th substitutions.
When it comes to captains, many coaches will either put an “A” next to their alternate captain or the coach will simply inform the second referee who the alternate captain will be when the playing captain is off the floor. If the coach lists the libero as the playing captain, the second referee should ask who the alternate will be when the libero is not on the floor. This can speed up the process so there is no delay during the set.
In terms of screening, notify the team captain or the coach if there is an issue before assessing a penalty. Allow the team an opportunity to correct an issue (if one exists). An early warning will generally clean up any issues so you don’t have to deal with them at a crucial time in the match.
Finally, second referees should communicate to scorers during the prematch that the scorers should notify them when a team takes its last four substitutions. This allows the second referee to communicate that information to the coach to hopefully prevent the coach from making a request for substitution when the team has none left. Second referees should also ignore a coach’s request for a timeout or substitution after the first referee has whistled for service. If the second referee does blow the whistle, an unnecessary delay must be assessed. By ignoring it or simply telling the coach it is too late, the second referee can prevent the delay. The same holds true if a team tries
to request a second substitution during the same dead ball or during the same timeout. Simply ignore the second request and tell the coach “No” to prevent having to assess an unnecessary delay.
All of these things will help build rapport with the coaches and make your matches go smoother. They will also alleviate a lot of headaches that you will eventually have to correct if you choose to ignore them.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He referees college and high school volleyball, umpires D-I softball and officiates women’s college and high school basketball and high school football. *
Heather Pickett, Torrance, Calif., gives a player the stop sign in order to slow down the substitution process. This use of preventive officiating ensures the scorer correctly writes down the numbers and makes sure the team does not do anything improper, which could delay the match.
WHAT EVERY OFFICIAL NEEDS TO KNOW
BY LEAH BERARD
SPORTSMANSHIP: BAD TO WORSE
SURVEY RESPONDENTS SAY SPORTSMANSHIP HAS GOTTEN WORSE. HOW DO WE RIGHT THE SHIP AND FIX THIS ISSUE THAT IS KILLING SPORTS?
It’s been over four years since the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape for sports officials. The youth, prep, college and professional levels saw all or parts of their seasons canceled, and since play has resumed, officials have had a lot on their plates.
Needless to say, everyone — fans, coaches and athletes — were ecstatic when sporting events returned. However, some of those individuals may have been a bit too excited, and their actions have come at the expense of officials.
Since fans have been allowed back in sporting venues, there has been a noticeable spike in poor behavior at every level of competition. Much of the misconduct has been aimed at officials.
The 2023 NASO National Officiating Survey, powered by Referee.com, has helped quantify
just how bad sporting behavior has been in recent years. Of the 35,813 officials who took part in the survey, 68.61% believe sportsmanship is getting worse. That’s an increase of nearly 12% from the 56.98% of the 17,487 respondents in NASO’s 2017 survey who thought sportsmanship was getting worse. The percentage of officials who think sportsmanship is getting better also dropped significantly, falling from 15.91% in 2017 to 10.14% in 2023. Officials agreed sportsmanship is worst at the youth competitive level, with 49.73% of respondents indicating they’ve had their worst experiences there. The youth competitive level includes travel teams, wherein parents and coaches pay for their teams to enter tournaments. As such, parents seem more likely to complain when an official’s call goes against their team and they feel they aren’t receiving their “money’s worth.”
Ernie Yarbrough, Georgia High School Assocation (GHSA) assistant executive director and coordinator of officials, said dealing with parents has gotten scary.
“Until we make parents understand their behavior is unacceptable, we’re still going to see these same (behavioral) issues,” he said.
OF THE 68.61% OF RESPONDENTS WHO THINK SPORTSMANSHIP IS GETTING WORSE, 7.31% CONTINUE TO PUBLICLY CRITICIZE OTHER OFFICIALS AND 10.28% HECKLE OFFICIALS AS A FAN.
56.98%68.61% 2017 2023
SPORTSMANSHIP: BAD TO WORSE
The “Wild West” of Youth Sports: THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF THE COMPETITIVE LEAGUES
The word “accountability” is regularly brought up and talked about in most professional settings these days. Accountability starts at the top and trickles down, and there must be checks and balances to ensure follow-through happens at all levels. Having no consequences for actions directly correlates to the rise of poor sportsmanship and behavior, specifically at the youth competitive level.
“The problem is, there’s a lack of structured discipline, and the lack of accountability at the youth travel club level carries into middle schools and high schools,” Yarbrough said.
The lack of training of coaches chosen to run travel clubs adds fuel to the fire. Unlike many coaches of middle school and high school teams, many travel team coaches are not certified educators. The academic-based youth athletics system is a different model with more systems in place to hold all the shareholders accountable (if the behavior violation takes place at a school activity).
Sportsmanship seemed to be trending in the right direction before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
in 2020-21. Since restrictions were lifted, though, sportsmanship seems to have deteriorated more than ever. Dan Meeson, head of referee and technical development for the English Football Association, said during the 2023 NASO Sports Officiating Summit it seems “fans have forgotten how to behave” since returning to the stands.
With fewer people in attendance and handshakes eliminated, behavior was much better. The GHSA permanently abolished handshakes, and it has also taken away courtside seating at basketball games due to increased physical incidents. Outside of volleyball and
usually softball, Yarbrough said all boys’ and girls’ sports are regularly dealing with sportsmanship issues.
During the COVID season of spring 2020, the states that didn’t shut down high school sports observed better behavior by parents, who perhaps appreciated sports more. Now, they don’t know how to sit back and seize the moment enjoying their children playing sports.
“People don’t know how to act right post-pandemic, and no one is holding them accountable for their actions,” said Todd Stordahl, Washington Officials Association (WOA) commissioner.
ALTHOUGH ABOUT 40% OF OFFICIALS BELIEVE THAT PARENTS CAUSE THE MOST PROBLEMS WITH SPORTMANSHIP, ABOUT HALF OF RESPONDENTS BELIEVE THAT COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPROVING SPORTSMANSHIP.
The Proof Is in the Video:
The bad behavior has gone beyond poor sportsmanship; it’s become a learned behavioral issue that sometimes escalates into physical assault.
With an increase in disrespect for authority in society overall, and with the absence of having policies and consequences in place to hold unruly parents accountable, parents are behaving worse and not holding either themselves nor each other accountable. So how do we get parents to go back to acting like the adults, and treating other humans with respect?
THE NEED FOR OFFICIALS TO WEAR BODY CAMERAS
Reveal Media body cameras to show the proof is in the pudding … or video.
Utilizing video evidence and holding the mirror up to the perpetrators to try to tackle the ongoing sportsmanship issue is one approach to protecting game officials from abuse and assault. In the state of Washington, about 100 basketball officials began testing
Although wearing body cameras is one way to boost officials’ confidence and sense of security to properly do their job, they certainly can’t do it without the help of school administrators and their superiors. Officials associations may play a role in shaping up sportsmanship, but they are one small cog in the big machine.
Coaches are probably the most powerful piece of the machine, as they create the environment and lead the way by example of their behavior toward officials. The sportsmanship of the spectators is often a direct reflection of the coaches. Change will only occur if everyone in the machine, from superintendents to
“People need to see how they are acting before they will believe it,” Stordahl said. He said they must take more drastic measures, as nothing they’ve tried so far has helped combat the issue. And if officials truly are the first line of defense in the war against bad behavior, this gives them another weapon in the fight.
DO OFFICIALS PENALIZE SPORTSMANSHIP ISSUES DIFFERENTLY DURING BIG GAMES, PLAYOFFS, OR CHAMPIONSHIPS?
Many in the industry are disappointed that we’ve reached a point where officials need lines of defense such as body cameras in order to protect themselves.
“It has gotten worse and I don’t understand why it is and how we got here,” said Dana Pappas, NFHS director of officiating services. “I honestly thought it would be better postpandemic, but it’s not.”
DOES THE LEVEL OF SPORTSMANSHIP CHANGE DURING BIG GAMES, PLAYOFFS, OR CHAMPIONSHIPS?
athletic directors to officials, has accountability.
“I have believed from day one that the first line of defense in sportsmanship is coaches,” Yarbrough said. The key for success is found in coaches, with the support of athletic directors and school administrators, finding a way to educate and empower the parents (and other spectators).
THE COGS IN THE WHEEL
“It’s an adult problem in a kid’s game,” Pappas said.
“Attacking the issue from every direction is the only way to create and affect change.” To do just that, the first annual NFHS Officials Consortium was held in 2022 to identify and bring together the stakeholders from national governing bodies at a variety of levels.
IN YOUR LAST SEASON, HOW OFTEN DID YOU USE THE FOLLOWING METHODS TO ADDRESS POOR SPORTSMANSHIP?
SPORTSMANSHIP: BAD TO WORSE
The shortage of officials isn’t a new phenomenon. It has been brewing for decades. And it doesn’t seem like a coincidence the officiating shortage has been exacerbated as fan behavior continues to deteriorate. A prime example was when 10,000 hockey officials out of 30,000 across Canada opted to quit during or after the 2021-22 season due to abuse, according to CBC News Canada.
According to NASO’s survey, 2.7% of officials retired from officiating earlier than they originally planned due to the pandemic, while 11.4% of officials cut back on the number of sports they officiate due to the pandemic. Whether increasing bad behavior had an impact on those numbers is unclear, but the state of sportsmanship has added to the challenge of replacing the veteran officials — and the experience and mentorship they provided — that the avocation lost during the pandemic.
Jason Nickleby, assistant director and coordinator of officiating services for the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), took the blueprint from the NFHS and gathered local stakeholders to educate them and show them the power of the students in this crusade. The idea was the more grassroots-led the policies are, with all stakeholders given a place at the table, the greater the chance to create change. As previous penalties, such as fining a team $250 fine for poor sportsmanship, weren’t a big deterrent to combat bad behavior, it made sense to enlist those who may have a big effect on the parents, spectators and players — the students, who are also probably the biggest loser from incidents of poor sportsmanship by adults.
MSHSL has a Student And Leadership Team (SALT) in place, and there are now studentdeveloped behavior expectations to hold violators accountable.
“If we want buy-in and best practices, the messaging needs to come from the peers of those people we are trying to reach,” Nickleby said.
Yarbrough stressed there are resources out there for officials to Officials Have the Tools:
Ron Nocetti, executive director of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), shared a similar strategy at the 2023 NASO Summit. The CIF released several public service announcements read by students and played prior to games.
“(The PSAs) were done from the perspective of our students, and it’s powerful,” Nocetti said. “When you put the students out there doing it, fans and parents listen.”
Many younger officials struggle to endure in this avocation amid the verbal abuse and public scrutiny. Handling the intense in-person criticism that can come with officiating isn’t easy. It’s imperative the industry finds a way to equip new officials with the skills and tools to handle tough situations.
Although sportsmanship looks different at each level, the reality is sports at all levels are sharing the same pool of officials, and it’s going to take a larger coalition of people to change the narrative. As professional sports teams share the same pool of officials from the bottom up, they are also stepping up to be a part of the solution. Some teams, like the Atlanta Falcons with their Arthur M.Blank Family Foundation, offer grants to recruit and train officials; the GHSA recently received one of those grants for $50,000.
HAVE YOU EVER STEPPED IN TO BREAK UP A FIGHT DURING A GAME?
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INJURED AS A RESULT OF BREAKING UP A FIGHT?
DO YOU FEEL OFFICIALS ARE TREATED UNFAIRLY BY THESE INTEREST GROUPS?
help combat the shortage as well as the interconnected sportsmanship meltdown. Professional sports teams have the resources, as well as the huge social media influence, that makes its way into collegiate and youth sports. Pro teams see the importance of “stocking the pond” with a bigger pool of officials, as it will affect them at the top if potentially good officials are being driven away before they even get a chance to prove themselves due to bad behavior. It all trickles down until it eventually swims back upstream.
With all the tools and policies either in place or in the process of being put into place, officials don’t have an excuse to not hold the violators accountable. It’s time to step up to the plate and lead the charge in this battle against poor sportsmanship.
There are certainly more questions than answers about how to combat the trending toxic behavior happening in sports, particularly in youth competitive sports. However, it’s clear there are many people across the country attempting to change the narrative through new methods. Officials can either write their role into the sportsmanship story, or they can wait in the wings and be
“As far as I’m concerned, it starts with officials, and school administrators play a big role as well,” Nickleby said. He reiterated the importance of officials utilizing the available tools to report and track the behavior, which creates a documented track record of repeat offenders to nip issues in the bud before the rookie or younger
officials must deal with them. Although some officials may not know about or feel comfortable reporting sportsmanship incidents, it is their job to know and do it.
HAVE YOU EVER ...
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
written about by someone else. And school administrators can support the cause by being a part of the solution with unwavering support for policies and penalties put in place to hold accountable the people who act out.
Leading the charge in shaping the way spectators and players act falls on coaches, and they should accept the challenge to change the way people act toward one
“Officials are their own worst enemies sometimes,” Nickleby added. “There is more possibility for growth for officials to help combat the sportsmanship issue.”
another. Sports are very powerful, and they bring out strong emotions in people. Now is the time for those in positions across all sports to save themselves and right the (sportsman)ship as an accountable, united front. Leah Berard, St. Paul, Minn., officiated international rugby and now officiates high school and college football. *
BASEBALL
RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY
WE’RE ALL DONE HERE Certain Situations May Still Lead to Forfeits
By George Demetriou
The NFHS recently removed infractions by spectators as a reason for forfeiting a game. However, it remains a plausible scenario. A forfeit should always be a last resort, and umpires must understand when to end a game and when not to. Except where noted, the material applies equally to NFHS, NCAA and pro rules.
Forfeits were much more common in the early days of professional baseball than they are today. In 1871, six games were forfeited within two months. There was at least one forfeit almost every year from 1882 until 1909. Many of the forfeits were because one team failed to appear for a game or refused to continue
playing. There was even a forfeit during the 1885 World Series. St. Louis pulled out of Game 2 to protest the umpiring. The high rate of forfeits slowed after 1910, with only one forfeit every few years. Recently, they have become extremely rare with only five since 1960 and none since 1995.
No Show
Teams that fail to show for a game are likely the first thought that comes to mind for a forfeit. It is almost always the visiting team, but on at least one occasion, the home team failed to show. When the umpires went into the school to find the players, it was discovered they had gone elsewhere to play a road game. Teams going to each other’s school, with or without umpires
at either site, have also occurred. Under NFHS rules, state associations are authorized to specify the time frame and/or circumstances for which a forfeit can be declared. In NCAA and pro, the waiting period is five minutes with an exception for unavoidable circumstances. A team has 30 minutes after the end of the first game of a doubleheader to show for the second game (NFHS 4-4-1a; NCAA 5-12a; pro 7, 7.03a1).
Delay
Tactics designed to delay or shorten the game are also grounds for a forfeit (NFHS 4-4-1d; NCAA 5-12d; pro 7.03a2). Much of the motivation to do that disappeared with the advent of stadium lighting. But reasons remain teams way behind
KEITH JOHNSTON
Coaches are entitled to respectful discussions with umpires about certain plays. However, if Jeremiah Clark, McKinney, Texas, believes a coach is purposely trying to delay a game or refuses to resume play, the umpiring crew is empowered by rule to declare a forfeit.
before the game becomes official could possibly slow the game in the hope darkness, weather or a curfew will terminate the game causing it to be replayed in its entirety. Likewise, teams that are ahead could stall to have an official game terminated with their victory.
The last time a delay forfeit happened in MLB was July 18, 1954. In the second game of a doubleheader, the visiting Philadelphia Phillies were leading St Louis, 8-1. With darkness approaching, Cardinals manager Eddie Stanky brought in three new pitchers in the top of the fifth inning. Umpire Babe Pinelli then declared a forfeit. In a lighted stadium, stalling could only work if there was a curfew, but no major league city has been regularly subject to a general curfew in recent decades.
Noncompliance
Refusing to resume play is an unlikely scenario, but also a forfeitable offense. NCAA and pro state the limit as one minute after the umpire calls “Play,” while NFHS leaves that open to interpretation as to a reasonable amount of time (NFHS 4-4-1c; NCAA 5-12c; pro 7.03a4).
Additionally, the rules allow a forfeit if a team willfully and persistently violates any rules of the game after warning by the umpire (NFHS 4-4-1e; NCAA 5-12e; pro 7.03a5). The only fathomable inclination for that is seemingly the same as for delay tactics previously described.
Insufficient Players
All codes require nine players to start a game, but if a team is unable to
continue with nine players, the codes differ on when the forfeit occurs. In NFHS play, a team may continue with eight players; an automatic out is called when it’s the missing player’s time to bat. A team playing shorthanded can return to nine players if there is a late arrival. The forfeit occurs if they get down to only seven players (4-4-1f).
In a college game, it’s a forfeit if a team does not have nine eligible players remaining. In professional play, the forfeit is declared when a team is unable to field nine players or the vacant spot in the order comes to bat (NCAA 5-12g; pro 7.03b).
Safety
It’s important to remember the umpires are responsible for the conduct of the contest, but controlling crowds and crowd reactions are the responsibility of home management. As previously mentioned, the NFHS has removed spectators from the reasons for a forfeit. Nonetheless, if spectators begin to interfere with the conduct of a contest, cause an official to become distracted through continual and unrelenting verbal abuse, or berate players, coaches or officials in an unacceptable or vulgar manner, the umpires should stop the action, report the spectator(s) to the home school administration or the nearest uniformed security officer and ask they be restrained or removed from the facility. If the home school administration or uniformed security
In NFHS play, if a team starts a game with nine players, it may drop to eight and continue to play. In NCAA and pro, not having nine eligible players remaining results in a forfeit.
THEY SAID IT
“That’s something that he has to be mindful of. He’s just slow. So it burned him today.”
–Washington manager Dave Martinez, after Nationals pitcher Kyle Finnegan was cited by MLB umpire Hunter Wendelstedt for a full-count pitch clock violation that resulted in a based-loaded, walkoff walk, giving Colorado an 8-7 victory on June 22. It’s the first game decided by a pitch clock violation in MLB history.
QUICKTIP
Even if you have had a conversation with the rest of your crew about what uniform color (black/blue) or style (short-sleeved shirt/longsleeved jacket) you are planning to wear in advance of a particular game, bring all of the available options with you to the locker room anyway. Murphy’s Law dictates someone will arrive, only to discover they are missing a shirt, it’s unexpectedly dirty or has a hole in it. Always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
SURVEY SAYS
A recent Facebook poll conducted by Referee asked baseball umpires whether they would support a formalized pitch clock process in high school baseball to speed up the pace of play. The 197 responses broke down as follows:
59% 41% Yes no
TEST YOURSELF
In each question, decide which answer is correct for NFHS, NCAA or pro rules. Solutions: p. 81.
1. The visiting team batting order is Abel, Baker, Charles, Daniel, Edward. Charles had batted leadoff the entire season and goes to bat first, striking out to begin the game. Baker comes to bat next and doubles. The home team head coach appeals that Baker batted out of order.
a. Rule Daniel out, remove Baker from second base and bring Edward up to bat.
b. Legal play. Baker was listed as the second batter and batted in the proper order.
c. Rule Baker out and bring Daniel up to bat next.
d. Rule Baker out and bring Charles up to bat again.
2. Frank is listed as the P/DH in the fifth spot of the starting lineup. In the third inning, George replaces Frank as pitcher, but Frank remains in the game as the DH for George. An inning later, the coach would like Frank to return to pitch.
a. This move is not permitted. Frank may remain in the lineup as the DH but cannot return to pitch.
b. This move is legal, but the DH role is terminated for the remainder of the game and George will be substituted for.
c. This move is legal, but only George may serve as the DH.
d. This move is legal and Frank may become the P/DH again.
e. A P/DH is not permitted.
3. An intentional base on balls can be awarded upon communication from:
a. The head coach of the defensive team.
b. The catcher of the defensive team.
c. Any coach of the defensive team.
d. Any of the above.
4. Which of the following final judgments are specifically mentioned in the rules as those which cannot be argued?
a. Fair or foul.
b. Safe or out.
c. Hit by pitch.
d. A and B.
e. A, B and C.
is unwilling or unable to comply and the umpire does not believe the contest can be safely continued, the umpire should declare the contest suspended at that point.
NCAA rules also provide for situations that are so out of control the contest cannot be safely continued, including situations created by brawling players. If both teams are equally at fault, a double forfeit may be declared with the culprits serving a four-game suspension (5-12h).
Pro rules require the home team provide police protection sufficient to preserve order. If anyone enters the playing field during a game and interferes in any way with play, the visiting team may refuse to play until the field is cleared (4.07b). Almost all recent MLB forfeits have been the result of fans disrupting the game to a point where the stadium staff could not control them. One case involved souvenir baseballs being thrown onto
the field and another involved fans in center field waving their straw hats and reflecting the sun into the eyes of the batter.
The most interesting forfeit of all time was probably Disco Demolition Night — a Chicago White Sox promotion at Comiskey Park — on July 12, 1979. Attendees were to pay 98 cents admission and bring a disco record. The White Sox had hoped for a crowd of 20,000, but instead drew 50,000. At the climax of the event, a crate filled with disco records was blown up on the field between games of a twilight doubleheader. Many of those in attendance had come to see the explosion rather than the games and rushed onto the field after the detonation. The playing field was so damaged by the explosion and by the fans, the White Sox were required to forfeit the second game to the Detroit Tigers.
George Demetriou, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the state’s rules interpreter. *
Take Care of Everything on Your Plate
By Jon Bible
Evenif we’re adept at calling pitches, other things can affect whether we succeed as a plate umpire. These, in turn, can influence how people treat us and whether they give us the benefit of the doubt on close pitches and plays. Here are a few:
1. How we walk to the plate matters. People form impressions of us and our ability long before the first pitch is thrown. A longtime coach told me if he didn’t know an umpire, he sized up whether he could work based on how he walked to the plate. Turn-offs included if the plate umpire seemed cocky or scared. If the plate umpire seemed confident and poised, the coach thought well of that umpire.
A huge no-no is to acknowledge people in the home dugout as we walk by. The visitors may think
they’re going to get homered; for us to appear buddy-buddy with the home team exacerbates that feeling.
2. When you get to the plate and the coaches approach, don’t toss your mask (and protector, if you use the balloon) on the ground to free up your hands. That looks bush league and can make people wonder who the heck this person is.
3. Scrutinize the lineup cards to be sure they contain the proper number of players, two aren’t listed at the same position, there aren’t duplicate names and, if a designated hitter is used, it’s reflected. This can prevent issues later on.
4. If a designated hitter is being used, carry a laminated copy of the rule and refer to it if needed (hopefully you can read it). I’ve pulled it out more than once and not only did the pillars of society not crumble, but it quelled any debate.
5. Ask home coaches to discuss the ground rules. We want to appear in command, but it’s their park; it’s not a good look if we misspeak and have to be corrected. Also, asking them to do this communicates we know being in charge doesn’t mean we have to run the whole show.
6. Watch your mouth. Not everyone appreciates politically incorrect stories or jokes. I also remember an umpire in an early season game who said these would be the first pitches he’d see, thus admitting he hadn’t worked scrimmages. It only took a couple of questionable calls for one of the coaches to throw that in his face.
7. Ask the catchers if their pitcher throws anything unusual. This will alert you to the unexpected.
8. Take some warmup pitches in the first inning. This bolsters the impression you’re preparing and lets you focus on honing your timing. A coach once told me umpires who don’t do this send the message they think they’re so good they don’t need to.
9. Some umpires try to establish a rapport with catchers by chatting them up. Beyond saying hello and trading names, I didn’t talk much. My attitude was they have a job to do and so do I, and my yakking with this captive audience (how many will say shut up?) will give them one more thing to throw in my face if things get rough. That happened to me in pro ball. Also, most coaches don’t like us talking too much with their players.
10. Don’t put your hand on the catcher’s back when you assume your position. Pro umpires can do this because pro catchers expect and can deal with it. Not so in amateur ball, where it can be a distraction and another thing for them to gripe about.
11. Don’t make them frame pitches to get a strike called. That works in pro ball, but not in amateur ball where catchers aren’t so adept. We shouldn’t ring up strikes if they catch pitches in the dirt or cross-body, but we’ll be out there forever if we let things like minor flips of the mitt keep us from calling strikes.
12. Don’t copy MLB umpires by not using an indicator. They can do it
because the scoreboards are accurate; often they’re not in amateur ball. I’ve worked games where we had to consult the official scorer to get the count because the plate umpire worked sans indicator, and we can’t always be sure they’re right (or honest).
13. Use preventive umpiring. If, for example, a pitcher is barely pausing in the set position, tell the catcher to get him to come to a better stop. A mark of a top-flight umpire is the ability to sense a problem brewing and head it off calmly and unobtrusively. I involved the head coach between innings: “Coach, your pitcher is close to balking. Worse and I’m calling it. Please take care of it.” Then he has little room to gripe if the pitcher goes too far and I have to ring him up. If the other coach complains you’re coaching, tell him you’ll extend him the same courtesy if the roles are reversed.
Understand, I’m talking about borderline cases. If it’s an obvious balk, call it. If you miss one, by the
way, sidle over to the coach between innings and tell him you slept through it but won’t miss another one. Otherwise, you effectively tell the pitcher that what he did is OK; before nailing him, put him on notice it wasn’t and you messed up.
14. If a coach goes to the mound to talk with his pitcher, don’t be nearby when he returns to the dugout. Chances are he’s upset with the pitcher, you or both of you; why give him an easy target to yell at? If he replaces the pitcher, don’t go to the mound to get the reliever’s name; get it from the catcher or write his number on your lineup card. And don’t be there when the replaced pitcher leaves the mound; he’s likely not a happy camper either, and now you’re a sitting duck for a verbal blast.
Jon Bible, Austin, Texas, worked seven NCAA Division I College World Series. In 2019, he was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in Lubbock, Texas. *
Introducing yourself to catchers, as Matt Perez, Trabuco Canyon, Calif., does here, is a common courtesy that is the sign of a good plate umpire. However, it’s a good idea to keep additional in-game communication to a minimum so you both can focus on doing your jobs.
CASEPLAYS
No Impact
Play: B1 pops up near the firstbase line and F3 calls for the ball. F1, who was looking at the ball, runs into B1 and obstruction is signaled. Ruling: Obstruction of a batter is ignored if the batter-runner is obstructed before reaching first base and an infield line drive or pop up is caught as there is no impact on the play (NFHS 8-4-1b; NCAA 6-3d2; pro 6.01h).
Short Outing
Play: Jones, the starting pitcher for the home team, feels a pull in his elbow during his warmup throws, is not able to face the first batter and is removed from the game. Ruling: Jones has not met the pitching requirement for a starting pitcher, which in NFHS and NCAA is facing one batter and in pro is facing three batters. In NFHS, Jones retains his re-entry eligibility and may later return to play another position but he may not pitch. In NCAA and pro, Jones is out for the duration of the game and cannot return at any position (NFHS 3-1-1 Pen.; NCAA 5-5b; pro 5.10d).
Lost Opportunities?
Play: The visiting team has used one defensive charged conference when the game enters the first extra inning. Ruling: The team has one remaining conference in NFHS, three in NCAA and five in pro (NFHS 3-4-1; NCAA 6-5f, 9-4a; pro 5.10f).
Not Enough
Play: With no lights on its field, the home team wants to play a doubleheader but is concerned about not being able to complete both games. Two five-inning games are proposed. Ruling: That is not legal. Two seven-inning games constitute or can constitute a doubleheader (NFHS 4-2-2b; NCAA 5-8a3; pro 7.01a Exc.).
Hats Off
Tag, You’re It … or Maybe Not
By Scott Tittrington
AnMLB play earlier this season again demonstrated why definitions are so important when it comes to umpires reaching appropriate decisions.
The play in question occurred during a June 23 game between Toronto and Cleveland when Justin Turner of the Blue Jays was originally ruled out after sliding into second base while trying to advance on a wild pitch. During his slide, Turner’s helmet came off, and upon replay review, it was revealed the tag by the Guardians’ Daniel Schneemann was actually applied to the wayward head covering, which was wedged between Turner’s torso and second base.
The NFHS, NCAA and pro rule codes all state a baserunner is out when touched by a live ball securely held by a fielder while the runner is not touching the base (NFHS 8-42h; NCAA 8-5i; pro 5.09b4). Simple enough, right? So what is your ruling on the play offered above? Does the play as described meet that criteria?
Play: R3 scores on B2’s double, which remains in play. As he approaches the plate, he deliberately removes his helmet. Ruling: In NFHS, it is a delayed dead ball. The offensive team receives a warning that the next violator from that team will be ejected. In NCAA and pro, there is no penalty associated with such helmet removal (NFHS 1-5-1 Pen., 5-1-2e; NCAA 1-15a; pro 3.08a).
An examination of the rulebook definitions gives us our answer. According to NCAA rule 2-83 and the pro definition of terms, a “touch” is the contacting of any part of an opposing player’s or umpire’s body, clothing or equipment. However, a note/comment in the respective codes states equipment should be considered worn by a player or umpire if it is in contact with its intended place on the person.
In the example above, while Turner’s helmet is touching his body, and Schneemann’s tag is applied to Turner’s helmet, the law of transitive property does not mean the tag has been applied to Turner, because that helmet is not in its intended place upon his head. In other words, by rulebook definition, Schneemann never touched Turner.
As such, the original call on the field was overturned and Turner was ruled safe. The same ruling would be correct according to NCAA rules. NFHS rules do not specifically address this situation. *
VISIONINACTION
Are You Confident That You’re Covered?
Not All Officiating Insurance Programs Cover You Like NASO Does
Imagine these scenarios and potential outcomes:
• A softball player blamed the umpires for not recognizing poor field conditions that they said resulted in a fall and subsequent injury. After litigation, more than $18,000 was paid out.
• A soccer player fell and struck his knee on a rail that surrounded the running track. The player it was too close to the playing field for safety and the official should have recognized it. $14,000 was paid when the lawyers got involved.
• A basketball player sued for injury alleging the slippery conditions on the floor led to a serious knee injury. Officials were removed from the lawsuit but not before they incurred $32,000 in legal fees.
Actually, don’t bother imagining those scenarios. They really happened. But the outcomes ended up being very positive for the officials involved because they were all NASO members.
Many officials think they are covered by the insurance of the league or athletic association through which they are working, but that’s not always the case. Don’t forget that by and large officials are independent contractors and are responsible for their own insurance protection.
Many other officials don’t carry any insurance at all and may not even be aware of that fact. Homeowners
insurance doesn’t cover you for your officiating endeavors. Your state association may have insurance protections for you, but it may only cover sanctioned high school games and not youth games, small college games or any other games you might officiate.
NASO recognizes that those gaps in coverage exist, and that’s why we have tailored the insurance protections that we supply to our members with that in mind.
Every member of NASO can rest assured that they are protected with liability insurance no matter what games they are working, no matter what level and no matter what sport. NASO members are covered for any game, any time, anywhere they officiate.
Better still, unlike other insurances, NASO liability coverage even goes beyond that. Everything you do as an official, umpire or referee — from assigning games, to working as a clinic trainer, to good old fashioned onfield or oncourt officiating — is covered with NASO membership.
NASO’s insurance program is preeminent in the officiating world. You simply will not find a more far-reaching and comprehensive insurance package. It covers officials working every game, every sport and at every level. Nobody else does that.
How does your liability coverage compare? It’s worth looking into.
ATTENTION REFEREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBERS
It’s time to join the rest of us in the National Association of Sports O cials. Not only will you continue to receive the world’s #1 o ciating publication, you’ll enjoy all of the additional benefits NASO members enjoy.
Go to naso.org/upgrade2024 to join NASO for the special introductory price of $119 and receive these two FREE books!
smarter, nOt harder
By the Referee editors
Officials are always looking for ways to unlock the secret to better officiating. While it takes a lot of hard work and putting in the reps, the real secret to successful officiating is working smarter, not harder. It is doing the little things well and avoiding certain pitfalls that can derail the journey. The true secret is following the do’s and avoiding the don’ts in order to be as successful as you can. Follow the right path and you’ll be better prepared, more respected and more efficient.
PRESEASON
Take Care of Paperwork
Register early and take care of tests so you aren’t rushing around the day the season starts.
Study in Groups
Connect with fellow o cials to prepare for upcoming certification exams.
Get a Physical
See your doctor to make sure you are physically capable of meeting the demands of the season ahead.
Work Scrimmages
Provides non-stress environments to get reps to be ready when it counts.
The time leading up to the first game might be the most important when it comes to determining how successful your season will be. Did you take the time to study the rules, take your certification tests, pay your association dues, etc.? All of these little things are more important
Forget to Update Availability Calendar
This is an easy way to annoy assigners and potentially cost you a full schedule.
Copy and Paste Test Answers
Failing to stay up to date on rule changes is a recipe for failure not only on an exam, but during games, matches and competitions.
Forget About Your Vehicle
Make sure your car is ready for the season. Don’t end up stranded on the side of the road. Get your car serviced before the first game.
Show Up Unprepared
A guaranteed way to embarrass yourself. Remember, you only get one first impression.
than you think in determining how your season will go. The upcoming months will be stressful on both your body and your car. Did you take care of both to make sure you don’t end up injured or on the side of the road unable to officiate? The couple of weeks before the first real game is
the time to make sure you are 100% ready to go. Don’t make the first game of the regular season the first time since the end of the last season you have turned your full attention to the sport. That is a major disservice to the players, coaches, partners and the entire avocation. Prepare.
PREGAME
Reach Out to Partners/School
Call the school and your partners to make sure you all are on the same page and have the correct game info.
Arrive Early
Tra c happens. Give yourself plenty of time to get onsite and get to the predetermined meeting place so you can have a relaxing pregame.
Have a Proper Pregame
Discuss new rules, mechanics and how you plan to manage the game. This makes you one cohesive unit ready to work.
Check Yourself in Mirror
Always check to make sure your uniform is crisp and clean and you look the part before you take the field or court. Make a great first impression.
An official’s actions a couple of days prior to the game and in the 30-90 minutes before the game are crucial in determining a crew’s success. This is the time to make sure
Assume Information Online Is Correct
When schools make changes, the o cials are often last to know. And sometimes schools don’t notify the assigner. Don’t be left out.
Show Up Five Minutes Before Game
When you rush to the game, the entire game feels rushed. You never have a chance to relax and get in the right frame of mind to do the job.
Go In Without a Gameplan
This sets your crew up for failure. Without a pregame, all o cials feel like they are on an island instead of a part of a well-oiled crew.
Show Up Unclean and Disheveled
This risks an unfavorable opinion from the coaches and players. No matter how correct your calls may be, a poor first impression dooms you.
everyone is on the same page with mechanics and management of the contest. Too often, officials overlook the pregame and walk onto the field thinking they can handle anything.
GAMETIME
Be
a Leader
If something is wrong, step up and fix it. Step on the field or court with confidence, but not cockiness, and lead by example. Iron sharpens iron.
Communicate
This kind of thinking — failing to take the time to review and prepare — leads to mistakes and takes away crewness. Use the pregame to form a cohesive unit.
Be a Follower
Don’t do something or go along with something just because someone else is doing it. You may all be wrong!
Be a Wallflower
The best o cials communicate e ectively. Use both verbal and non-verbal communication to ensure everyone understands you.
Hustle
Earn the money you are being paid. Hustling shows you care about working the contest and helps you get in proper position.
Manage the Flow
Keep the game moving. It is one of the jobs you are tasked with and everyone will be more appreciative when the game flows smoothly.
When the lights come on, it is time to shine. Step up, be confident and lead your team. Put everything you have worked for prior to tipoff, kickoff or that first pitch to work and
Don’t make your partners guess what you are doing or be the silent partner. Participate and be a good teammate to be a crewsaver.
Go Through the Motions
Nothing gets coaches more annoyed than o cials who don’t move and act like they don’t want to be there. It makes you less believable.
Be a Timewaster
Control the controllables and don’t allow the game to slosh along. By ignoring timing rules, you allow chaos to ensue and no one enjoys it.
be prepared to give 100%. Similar to the athletes, officials “practice” to get ready, but it is the game that means the most. Use your tools to manage the game effectively and
ensure everything goes smoothly. And most of all, enjoy it. Remember, officiating a game isn’t something you “have” to do, it’s something you “get” to do.
POSTGAME
Review Tricky Plays
Talk over any di cult situations that occurred and look up any rule questions so you are prepared next time you work a game.
Socialize With the Crew
Build rapport by grabbing a bite to eat with the crew after a game to celebrate a job well done.
Take Notes to Write Reports
Immediately write down pertinent information so you can accurately write out game reports with as much detailed information as possible.
Stretch and Hydrate
The body just got done with a strenuous workout. Take the time to stretch muscles and hydrate so you can recover and avoid injury.
Officials often forget there is still work to be done postgame. Just because the final whistle or horn has blown doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do. Take time with
Rush Home
Neglecting a postgame sets you up for failure the next time you o ciate. It also makes you a partner no one else wants.
Partake in Foolish Behavior
Someone is always watching. Be careful what you say and do in public as it can come back to hurt you.
Try to Go O Memory
Don’t think you can remember everything later in the day or the next day. This leads to critical errors that can make reports sloppy.
Get on the Cellphone
Nothing irritates partners more than a crewmate immediately jumping on the phone. Have a proper postgame before checking messages.
your partners to debrief about the game. Talk about anything unusual that happened and review the facts of situations that will require postgame reports to be submitted.
offseason
Organize Uniforms and Gear
Clean and press your uniforms and pack your bag at the end of the season to avoid stress.
Take a Vacation
Reconnect with your family and friends who have been neglected during the long season.
Make Time to Work Out
Schedule time in your calendar to take care of yourself to get in shape and reduce stress.
Read the Rulebook
Pick a chapter each week and focus on it to stay fresh on rules and all changes.
Determining how your season will go often is predicated on the amount of work, or lack thereof, you put in during the offseason. While it is important to unplug and
Take care of your business postgame and then worry about checking your phone. Be present until you leave the site.
Wait ’Til the Last Minute
Ordering uniforms/gear a week before the season starts? You may be out of luck.
Overindulge
Getting away is perfectly acceptable. Taking the entire o season “o ” will make it harder to flip the switch when the next season starts.
Ignore Nutrition and Exercise
Your uniform may not fit and you may not be able to keep up with the athletes.
Completely Ignore Your Sport
Rules and mechanics changes happen in the o season. Failure to keep up puts you behind everyone else.
recover at the end of each season, too often officials overextend that recovery period. Take a break, but also be mindful at some point you need to get back into the rulebook
and manual to keep fresh. The longer you wait to do these things, the more difficult it will be to get ready when the next season gets underway. *
The best-selling penalty manual is fully updated for 2024 with all the new NFHS rule changes. Explore multiple play scenarios with a direct visual representation with Referee’s exclusive MechaniGrams® and flow charts. Handy penalty summary and signal chart also included. Referee’s
PROACTIVE POSITIONING
Be One Step Ahead During Routine Goal Kicks
By Marc Block
Law
16.1.1 states, “A goal kick shall be awarded to the defending team when the entire ball crosses the goalline, excluding that portion between the goal posts and under the crossbar, either in the air or on the ground, having last been touch or played by the attacking team. A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team.” A seemingly short and simple Law to apply. But every simple Law has exceptional circumstances.
So what if, once the ball is placed by a player from the defending team, they were to pick it up and move it to another spot or the other side of the goal area? It is not handling, as the ball was not yet in play. There is nothing in the Laws saying the ball cannot be moved, but is it an act delaying the restart, and therefore a yellow card-worthy action? Probably not, but possibly given the time remaining in the game, the score of the game or the skill level of the players. The referee must determine if it is merely for getting players in the proper position or a time-wasting tactic. At the higher levels of play, it is more likely to be a time-wasting tactic and must be dealt with.
One option under IFAB Laws would be for the referee to verbalize, “I have the clock.” This lets the players know time may be added. In games played under NCAA/NFHS rules, the referee can stop the clock. If a referee does this once, it should be sufficient in letting all players know timewasting strategy will not be tolerated.
So what if an opposing player is inside the penalty area, either because the player chooses not to leave or the ball was played before they had time to leave? In the latter case, the solution according to the Laws is to let the play continue and see what happens. If the opponent interferes, touches or makes a challenge for the ball, retake the
Goal kicks may seem like a time to relax, but a good referee will anticipate different kick outcomes to attain optimal positioning to view the action.
goal kick. In the case of an opponent simply not leaving the penalty area, including remaining on the penalty area line, a bit of proactive refereeing can help. “Out of the area number 3!” Again, if the player is merely attempting to delay the restart, the player could be cautioned.
So what if the player kicking the ball into play were to play the ball a second time before it is touched by another player? This would result in an indirect free kick for the opponent, similar to any other restart except a dropped ball. Unless, of course, the “second touch” was with the hands. Then it would be handling and a direct free kick or penalty kick depending on where the ball was when it was handled. But if the goalkeeper did the handling, it would be a direct free kick outside the penalty area, or an indirect free kick if inside.
Some Helpful Tips
The positioning of the assistant referee at the end where the kick is being taken is very straightforward. Start in line with the goal area to observe proper placement of the ball. Once the ball is placed correctly, move level to the offside line. If the goalkeeper is taking the kick and everyone else pushes up, the assistant referee has some running to do. If another defender is taking the kick with the goalkeeper remaining in front of the goal, the assistant referee remains with the play.
The positioning for the assistant referee at the other end of the field is equally well defined. Start level with the offside line on their side, the second-to-last defender or the halfway line, whichever is closer to the other goal. Remember when hearing fans or even coaches, the best-kept secret in soccer is there is no offside offense when the ball is received directly from a goal kick. While everyone knows there is “no offside on a throw-in,” very few coaches, players or spectators know the same applies to a goal kick.
The referee has more to think about when choosing a position at the taking of the goal kick. Where do they need to go to see what they need to see? While the change in the Laws eliminating the requirement for the
ball to leave the penalty area to be in play did simplify some aspects for the referee, it certainly made others more difficult. The referee no longer needs to worry about observing the ball leaving the area and making sure the ball was kicked and clearly moved. It is much easier to see even with proper alignment.
Back when the ball did have to leave the area, most teams, especially youth, simply kicked it as hard and far as possible. Positioning was simple — get back toward the halfway line. Now there is more variety in how the restart is taken and therefore more to consider when finding the right position.
Will the ball be played short? Team tendencies often provide a good indication, as does the positioning of the kicking team’s players. The referee will need to be close enough to see what happens, especially if there are opposing players rushing in from the top of the penalty area. Be ready to run when a pressured defender clears the ball a long way.
Will the ball be played long? Read the positioning and body language of the kicking team’s players. Is the player taking the kick waving a teammate downfield? Are the strikers jostling for position around the halfway line and beyond?
If the ball is likely going long, the referee needs to be in position to see the “drop zone,” or the area where the ball will be returning to the ground and will be challenged for by the players. Jumping at, pushing, charging or playing in a dangerous manner are all possible issues as the ball nears and enters playable space.
The referee should never watch the ball in flight during this type of kick. Gravity will bring it down. The referee should be looking where players are gathering in anticipation of the ball coming to them. If referees observe this area, they will be able to observe any potential fouls or significant problems and be much more proactive.
Marc Block, Marlton, N.J., is a USSF National Referee Emeritus, Instructor and Assessor. He was the state high school rules interpreter and a video referee communicator. *
MLS red cards during the 2023 season 84
MLS red cards halfway through the 2024 season
49
MLS yellow cards during the 2023 season
2,207
MLS yellow cards halfway through the 2024 season
1,014
QUICKTIP
Officials sometimes interpret the Laws differently. Observe other officials and take back what you learn to discuss with your crew, your league and your association in-game situations that every official encounters. Discuss thought processes and different ways to handle observed situations. Rulebooks and visual diagrams are great resources. A good leader will be willing to share and present what you’ve learned. Often other officials will have questions or be confused by the same ruling.
THEY SAID IT
“I analyze the teams’ tactics, their free kicks, including blocks. It’s an indispensable wealth of information for when you take to the field. I wouldn’t say I’ve got a list of players who dive, but if somebody fools me only once, I get really annoyed.”
— Nicola Rizzoli, Italian Serie A referee from 2002-17 and FIFA listed referee from 2007-17.
SOURCE ESPN.COM
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following, decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA or IFAB rules/Laws. Solutions: p.81.
1. During the pregame routine the referee determines the ball pressure is 13.5 oz. The manufacturer’s recommendation is between 13 and 16 ounces.
a. Legal ball.
b. Illegal. It must have 14–16 ounces.
c. Illegal, but play the game.
2. In pregame warmups the referee observes a player has socks cut off below the ankle revealing another visible sock of a different color.
a. Socks cannot be cut.
b. Illegal because they are a different color.
c. Legal since it is below the ankle.
3. In a postseason match the score is tied. A winner must be determined. What procedure is used?
a. Two extra periods of 15 minutes each.
b. Golden-goal overtime.
c. Two 10-minute overtime periods unless otherwise stated.
4. When must the clock be stopped for substitutions?
a. Never. Time may be added.
b. During the last five minutes of regulation or overtime.
c. During the last 15 minutes of regulation or overtime.
5. Either team may allow a substitute to enter the field of play when there is a:
a. Goal kick for either team.
b. Throw-in for either team and the team taking the throw does not want a substitute.
c. Any stoppage of play.
6. Just as the ball crosses the touchline, B1 commits a reckless tackle on A2.
a. Caution B1 and award a direct free kick for team A.
b. Eject B1 and award a direct free kick for team A.
c. Caution B1 and restart the match with a throw-in.
Dog, So? On Interference, Don’t Stray From the Rules
By John Van de Vaarst
While in school, did you ever attempt to use the excuse that the dog ate your homework? Was it believable? Did your teacher question whether it really happened?
In a soccer official’s career, it may never happen, but a dog may run across the field and interfere with play as seen in the PlayPic. Don’t think it’ll happen to you? If not, why did the NFHS put a specific example in the rulebook?
As part of rule 14, penalty kick, the NFHS addresses such an occurrence.
14-1-7 Situation: Player A2 takes a penalty kick, but before the ball touches another player, or before the ball hits the crossbar or goal post, (a) a dog runs on the field and stops the
ball. Ruling: The kick is retaken.
The example of a dog running onto the field and interfering with the game is used by many instructors to gain the attention of entry-level students. Like everything else, the officiating team must be ready for anything to happen.
Outside interference can occur in many different ways and the referee needs to be ready to take appropriate action and ensure a proper restart.
At the start of a game the goalkeeper places a water bottle beyond the goalline and outside the goal. As play progresses and is at the opposite end of the field, the goalkeeper takes a drink. At that moment the play quickly reverses and is heading in the direction of the drinking goalkeeper. The goalkeeper drops the bottle and gets into position to be ready for a shot. But the goalkeeper dropped the bottle on the goalline against the goal post just inside the goal. An opponent takes a shot and the ball strikes the water bottle before entering the goal. Now
According to NFHS rule 9-2-1c, the game is restarted with a drop ball. That’s a very unusual situation no referee ever wants to be a part of and a tough ruling to make. what? NFHS ever
Play 1: A1 has the ball and is moving downfield. A2 was fouled moments earlier and is on the ground. A2’s parent runs onto the field to make sure A2 is not seriously hurt. Ruling 1: This happens more than you’d think and is another example of outside interference. The referee must stop play and professionally deal with the parent. Restart the game with a drop ball for team A since it had possession at the time of the stoppage.
Play 2: During a high school game, a parent is 10 feet behind the goalline and to the side of the goal. The parent’s child has the ball, is on a breakaway and getting ready to take a shot on goal from just outside the penalty area. The parent becomes overly excited and moves forward and onto the field to take a picture of the child as he or she is about to score. This distracts the goalkeeper. Ruling 2: The referee must stop the game and remove the parent from the field in a manner that will not create
a scene. The game is restarted with a drop ball for the attacking team since it had clear possession.
Play 3: The game is being played on a hot, sunny, windy day. Several of the fans have portable tents and umbrellas set up to protect them from the sun. A gust of wind takes one of the umbrellas or tents and pushes it onto the field while a team is on the attack. Ruling 3: Another example of something officials hope will never happen to them. If it does, the referee must stop the game, have the object(s) removed and restart with a drop ball to the team that had possession.
Interference from substitutions or bench personnel is more prevalent than the above situations. A substitute can cause problems for the referee and must be dealt with.
Almost without exception, the game is restarted with a free kick, or a restart for how the ball went out of play (throw-in, goal kick, corner kick, etc.). If a substitute does interfere,
more than likely, there should be a caution or ejection.
Another example: A coach is frustrated with how the team is playing. As the ball goes into touch near the bench, the coach throws a water bottle onto the field.
This outside interference must be dealt with and the coach is cautioned for the behavior. If the water bottle was directed at an opponent, the coach is ejected and the game is still started with a throw-in.
No official should ever say, “It cannot happen to me.” If one spends sufficient time as an official, odd events will more than likely happen. The key is to be ready for anything and deal with the problem in accordance with the rules under which the game is being played. Be prepared!
John Van de Vaarst, Ellicott City, Md., is a NISOA National Clinician, National Assessor and former State Level USSF Referee and Assessor. He is Referee’s soccer coordinator. *
CASEPLAYS
Spa in the Penalty Area Play: A1 and B2 challenge for a loose ball inside the penalty area. A1 is faster and plays the ball first, while B2 misses and carelessly steps on A1’s foot, stopping a promising attack (SPA). Ruling: For NFHS and IFAB the referee stops play and awards a penalty kick for team A.Although the foul resulted in SPA, B2 is not cautioned since a penalty kick was awarded. For NCAA, caution B2. (NFHS 12-7-3; NCAA 12.4.10; IFAB 12.3).
Accidental Handling
Play: B1 pushes attacker A2, who is in the penalty area and in front of the empty goal. A2 loses balance, falls down and accidentally touches the ball with the hand. A2 recovers from the push and manages to kick the ball and score. Ruling: The referee is to award a penalty kick. Advantage cannot be applied since A2 scored directly after handling the ball. In addition, B1 is ejected (red card) for DOGSO (NFHS 12-8-1d; NCAA 12.7.4.2; IFAB 14 – Introduction).
Clear the Area
Play: Attacker A1 is inside the opponent’s penalty area when a goal kick is taken. A1 does not make an effort to leave the penalty area watching the goalkeeper and the ball. After a slow and short kick, A1 sprints toward gaining possession. Ruling: The kick is retaken. Opposing players shall remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. This is not a cautionable offense (NFHS 16-12; NCAA 16.2.2; IFAB 16.2).
On My Whistle
Play: Team A is awarded a direct free kick close to the opponent’s penalty area. The referee clearly informs the attacking player(s) to wait for the whistle before restarting play, including pointing to the whistle, and approaches team B players to ensure they respect the required distance from the ball. At the same time, A1 takes a free kick before the referee gives a signal to do so. Ruling: The kick is to be retaken since the referee did not signal for play to restart (NFHS 5-3-1a; NCAA 13.2.2; IFAB 5.1).
Sharing Is Caring
By Dan Rudloff
Preparing for the season and for individual games is pretty much standard procedure. Making sure to be in good physical condition and reviewing the rules and mechanics are a given no matter the level of game. Contacting one’s co-officials to confirm the match time and place as well as establishing a pregame meeting time should also be standard procedure. Having a solid pregame meeting so everyone is on the same page should also be normal. But what else can be done to ensure the crew is as ready as it can be?
The officials are charged with managing the game and keeping it fair within the rules, but their purview also can shape it. At higher levels, just showing up at the appropriate time and place and knowing the rules is not enough preparation. What else could matter? Knowledge is essential to the crew before taking the field. Understanding the game has additional significant value to the teams involved is important to know before the game begins. A crew can
expect a higher level of intensity in a playoff or tournament compared to a run-of-the-mill regular-season game. Often assigners will note standings, league championship or playoff implications in correspondence to their officials. Clearly in terms of the success of the season, these games are where the rubber meets the road.
For college coaches, this is their livelihood. It is no longer a hobby or a secondary occupation. Being a conference champion and/or making the NCAA tournament at their level can have major implications whether a coach keeps their job or is considered for a higher-level opportunity. Pressure on coaches directing a winning program is greater than it has ever been. Thus, pressure on the officials is also greater than it has ever been.
Asking critical questions pregame will keep the crew one step ahead: Do the teams have an intense history with each other? Are they traditional rivals? Do the teams have a history of winning and moving to the playoffs? Are they from neighboring towns? Do
See “Caring” p.54
Officials have different experiences and different knowledge about certain teams, coaches and players. Seattle officials Derrek Faloe and Sydney Weinandt compare notes in the safe confines of the officiating room prior to a match.
SHIELD EXAMINATION
There will be times two or more opponents come together where one player shields an opponent from getting to a ball rolling out of play. The referee must process the entire situation. What must a referee consider? If there’s a foul, what are the penalties? The image illustrates what appears to be a simple decision ... but there’s quite a bit to assess.
Retaliation?
Will one of the players get frustrated and use reckless or disproportionate force to foul the opponent? Caution? Ejection?
1
2
Holding?
Is the white player’s arm extending and holding off the blue player?
Pushing?
Is the blue player pushing the white player off with a forearm?
3 4 5
Tripping?
Will the blue player trip the opponent from behind?
Shielding?
Is the white player legally shielding the ball into touch?
Caring
the coaches have a reputation of not getting along or causing trouble for other referee crews?
Knowing this information ahead of time prepares the crew to be alert for something intense to take place in the first few minutes and not be taken by surprise. Missing an early call from lack of knowledge about the opponents’ dislike for each other can set the game to ruin in a heartbeat from which it may never fully recover.
Knowing who the most important players are on each team is also important. If there is a premier attacker on one side, it could be the strategy of the other side to knock that player around a bit. Being armed with this information doesn’t necessarily buy the player more protection, but the road to persistent infringement may be shorter than it might be otherwise. Injuries, cautions and retaliation could be avoided if an infringement is addressed early. The tenor of the game can be better managed right from the start.
How about a player who has a reputation as an enforcer or an accumulator of warnings and cards? This knowledge can be crucial to maintaining an even edge to the game. “Bad actors” tend to remain bad actors especially when they know each game generally has a different set of officials. However, word does tend to get around leagues that certain players can create problems. If the crew knows who they are, they can be eyeballed and dealt with accordingly. Information like this can not only nip problem behavior in the bud but perhaps force the bad actor to concentrate on being a better player.
Everyone knows coaches who year after year are the tough ones to handle. Sometimes even an assistant coach (a “clipboard carrier”) is the designated coaching staff attack dog. Regardless of who it may be, their reputations do precede them.
Allowing coaches to rant early can make for a very long day for the entire crew. If team A’s coach is a problem, and team B’s coach is usually well-behaved, the latter
Writing on the Wall
Ceremonial
free kick wall
management is a critical component of game control. If officials set the proper tone early — the first time a ceremonial free kick is taken — it will help prevent issues with free kicks later in the match. Using a firm and professional manner helps establish the referee’s authority and shows the players how the game will be officiated.
The new 2024-25 NFHS Soccer Officials Manual lays out a wall management roadmap to use every time a defensive wall occurs. Below are key steps outlined in the manual. All ceremonial free kicks start with accurate ball placement. Having the ball in the wrong spot can provide an unanticipated advantage to one side.
Inform the players that play will not restart until you signal to do so. This can be communicated by raising
the whistle above the head in one hand and pointing to it with the other hand. While the players are claiming their territory, walk and talk with them. Make sure they understand where they can and cannot go.
The players need to establish a wall to your satisfaction, not the other way around. Once the wall is properly configured, promptly move off to one side or the other, remaining level or slightly in front of the wall as seen in the MechaniGram. Keep your eye on the ball, but also watch for encroachment by the defenders.
Free kicks are a tense time in the game. By remaining calm and using voice and presence, referees can keep command of the situation and prevent players from pushing the boundaries of what is a legal wall. It’s important to keep the game flow moving, but not at the expense of a proper wall. *
may feel a need to behave poorly to get a fair shake. And in a blink of an eye, the crew has double the trouble unless the leash is short on team A’s coach. Being ignorant of coach reputations for trouble can cause problems no one wants while officiating.
Make it a habit to ask these questions in every pregame conversation: Does anybody have anything to share about either of these two teams? Has anybody worked either of these teams recently? Is there a special player we need to know about? Is anybody likely to be a problem today? Does anyone on the crew have a history with either team or coaching staff?
Asking these questions does not mean any particular player or coach is to be targeted. It’s more like the Boy Scout motto for soccer officials, “Be prepared!”
Dan Rudloff, Chester, Pa., is a NISOA National Referee Emeritus and longtime high school soccer official who has officiated numerous high school state championships and NCAA playoff matches. *
MOR E PAGES
The official NFHS Soccer Officials Manual produced jointly by the editors of both Referee and the NFHS! Loaded with dozens of mechanics scenarios and featuring Referee’s exclusive PlayPic® and MechaniGram® graphics, this new resource is a must have for high school soccer officials.
YOU’VE NEVER SEEN AN OFFICIALS MANUAL LIKE THIS ONE!
GETTING IT RIGHT INSPIRATION,
MOTIVATION, ELEVATION
Mirabal’s Movement
By Cameron Baker
While the nation at large continues to struggle with a shortage of officials, local success stories of attracting new officials have popped up here and there. A coach in the Southwest is responsible for one of those programs.
Jory Mirabal, the head basketball coach of Magdalena (N.M.) High School, has been helping his basketball players become officials for 15 years.
“We started (officiating) our youth league games as far back as 2009.
Then they started refereeing more of our tournaments for youth leagues by 2012,” Mirabal said.
His efforts have been in concert with the New Mexico Activities Association’s (NMAA) campaign to register more officials in the state. Not only does it allow for the players to understand the game of basketball better, but it provides a natural transition for the players after their high school careers end.
“By the time we got to 2016, we really jumped in, got them certified and working with the NMAA to be able to officiate our sub-varsity games,” Mirabal said. “They don’t just (officiate games) for our community, they do it for the surrounding communities as well.”
Mirabal himself is an official.
He officiates track and field and is a former basketball official.
“They know that I’m there to support them,” he said. “When things get (tough), I’ll step in and have some conversations and we sit and talk after the games.”
Mirabal believes the players’ officiating experience has had positive oncourt effects, too. Since implementing this idea into his program, his team started winning more and has been able to maintain remarkable success. The team has not lost more than one regular-season game since 2018-19.
“I think we’ve won 10 district championships in a row, and I think we’ve only lost one district during the last 12 years,” Mirabal said. “We’ve won three state championships. … I don’t know if it’s a coincidence that our kids are involved in this type of activity that leads to them having a better understanding of basketball, but I do think there’s a correlation.”
With the success of this program in boys’ basketball, Mirabal, who is also the school’s athletic director, has started to implement it in other sports, including girls’ basketball and volleyball.
Some of his players have gone on to become college officials, and some of his current players are some of the more well-known officials in the area. However, officials don’t always receive a lot of support from players or fans.
“Unfortunately, they get to see the kind of dark side of adult behavior,” Mirabal said. “It’s just reality and they get to a point where it doesn’t really affect them.
“I’ve lost some kids because they don’t want to deal with it. It’s hard to deal with that negative behavior. But you know how it goes. We can’t let it discourage us from getting our kids involved.”
Cameron Baker was an intern in the NFHS Publications and Communications Department. Reprinted with permission of the NFHS from the March 2024 issue of High School Today *
Getting Greener
Several sports organizations in Nova Scotia have united to support young officials. The Green Arm Band Initiative, officially introduced in June, is designed to combat referee, umpire and official abuse. Those who wear the green arm bands are identifying themselves as new officials to coaches and players.
Multiple sports had dabbled with such programs in recent years, but this is thought to be “the first cross-sport unified voice in this matter,” according to Brandon Guenette, executive director of Baseball Nova Scotia. The eight provincial sports organizations involved in the unified initiative represent baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball and volleyball.
Two years ago, youth hockey officials in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, were among the first to experiment with the arm band initiative. The measure was implemented because 10,000 hockey officials out of 30,000 across Canada opted to quit during or after the 2021-22 season, according to CBC News Canada.
SOURCE: CBC NEWS CANADA
Gibson Gives Back
A native of Ironton, Ohio, retired MLB umpire Greg Gibson instructed at an umpire clinic in his home state in March. Gibson taught umpiring mechanics and shared life lessons with teenagers who attended the clinic, which was hosted by UMPS CARE Charities at the Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy.
“One of the things that officiating teaches you — and it’s critical when you get a job — is conflict management, and to get along with people, and teaches some responsibility,” Gibson told WXIX-TV. “It teaches so much about life, officiating any sport, and it also gives some of these kids a meaning.”
Gibson spent 24 seasons as an MLB umpire from 1997-2022. His most notable assignment was the 2011 World Series.
SOURCE: FOX19 CINCINNATI
Have you heard an inspirational or motivational officiating story? Send your ideas to GettingItRight@referee.com
Jory Mirabal, head coach of the Magdalena (N.M.) basketball program, also officiates track and field and formerly basketball.
BLUE BLOCKER
How to Nail Interference Calls When We’re the Cause
By Brad Tittrington
Umpires try to stay out of the way of play as much as possible. However, on a small diamond with players who are getting bigger, faster and stronger every year, it can be difficult. We do take up space and we have yet to figure out a way to disappear completely. So there are times when umpires are either contacted by the ball or a player. And when this happens, we need to know what, if anything, to do.
Thankfully, all the major codes agree on what does and does not constitute umpire interference, making it a little easier for those of us who work more than one code. And in reality, there are only two situations in which umpire interference occurs, which makes it pretty simple to adjudicate.
However, it doesn’t happen all that often, so when it does, we can get that deer-in-headlights look. When these situations occur, it is important to think about what just happened, remember the rule and then react accordingly.
Let’s take a look at the two instances where umpire interference comes into play, some tips to prevent it from happening and some misconceptions of the rule.
First, let’s delve into the two types of umpire interference. The first is very easy to understand and sort out. It involves a plate umpire interfering with the catcher trying to make a play on a runner. It occurs either on a steal attempt or a pickoff attempt, and the catcher
It is important for umpires to know when to kill the ball and when to allow it to remain live when it comes to umpire interference. Debbie Harris, Fountain Valley, Calif.
HESTON QUAN
either reaches back and contacts the umpire (usually in the mask) or the umpire bumps the catcher as the catcher attempts to throw the ball, as shown in PlayPic A on the next page. In these instances, it is always a delayed dead ball (NFHS 5-2c; NCAA 9.6.1.3 and Eff.; USA Softball 8-6f; USSSA 10-2C).
The first thing is to allow the play to continue, as we don’t want to kill the play and potentially take an out off the board. If the baserunner is ruled out as a result of the catcher’s initial throw, the ball remains live and there is no interference. If the baserunner is not out on the initial throw by the catcher, the ball is immediately dead and that baserunner and all other runners must return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. The most important word in the rule is initial. Here is an example of a play where it really matters.
Play 1: With R1 on first and F3 playing in, F2 catches a pitch and throws the ball to F4, who breaks over to first base in an attempt to pick off R1. F2 contacts the plate umpire’s mask on the throw to first base, but is still able to make the throw. R1 initially starts back to first, but realizing she won’t make it back safely, heads toward second base. F4 receives the throw from F2, swipes the glove down toward the base and then realizes R1 didn’t slide back into the bag and is attempting to get in a rundown. Ruling 1: Even though the possibility for an out via rundown exists, the baserunner was not put out on the initial throw. Therefore, the ball becomes dead and R1 is returned to first base.
In the above play, it is important to remember the initial throw part of the rule and explain it to the angry defensive coach who is not going to understand why you killed the play when the defense still had a chance to make an out.
In order to prevent umpire interference in this scenario, plate umpires should give catchers some space to work. Use warmup pitches and the first few pitches of the game to determine if you are too close to the catcher. If the catcher makes
contact with you on throws back to the pitcher, scoot back a touch to give the catcher more space. Remember, not all catchers are the same and you may need to give one catcher more space than another. Umpires should also get in the habit of stepping back on steal or pickoff attempts to create more space as well, though these plays develop quickly and it may be impossible to have time to step back to avoid interfering.
The other type of umpire interference occurs when a base umpire is hit with a batted ball (as shown in PlayPic B on the next page). It is important to remember interference in this instance only occurs under one circumstance — it must be a fair batted ball that strikes the umpire and it has not been touched by any fielder (including the pitcher) and has not passed a fielder (other than the pitcher). If it does pass a fielder (including the pitcher) and another fielder had an opportunity to make the play when it contacted the umpire, it is still interference. When interference happens in this instance, the ball is dead, the batter-runner is awarded first base and all runners advance a base if forced (NFHS 5-1-1f-1, 8-1-2; NCAA 9.6.1; USA Softball 8-1E-7; USSSA 10-1f-1, 2018 Interp.). NFHS does have a stipulation in its code that runners not forced are returned to the last base touched at the time of interference. This could potentially occur if a runner is stealing on the pitch, but it would be quite rare for a runner to have advanced to the next base before the ball contacted an umpire.
In all other instances, if an umpire is hit with a batted or thrown ball, it is not interference, the umpire is treated like part of the field and the ball remains live.
For base umpires, it is important to keep an eye on the ball in order to avoid interfering. Sometimes, the ball is just hit too hard and it’s impossible to avoid it. However, umpires should position themselves on the field to avoid being in front of a fielder, when possible, to avoid this from happening.
BY THE NUMBERS
12,324
SIDELINE
Maine Honors Fallen Umpire
The number of fans in attendance for Game 2 of the championship series of the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, the largest crowd ever for a championship final. Oklahoma defeated Texas, 8-4, to capture its fourth straight NCAA championship. The umpires for the game were Traci Laycock, Erin Peterson, Steve Gould and Chad Stears.
In June, the city of Lewiston, Maine, renamed a softball field in honor of Ron Morin, who lost his life during the Oct. 25, 2023, mass shooting. The city council voted unanimously to rename the Randall Road Softball Complex to the Ron Morin Memorial Fields.
“In addition to being a loving husband and father, Ron was a dedicated umpire to the softball community,” said Abigail Cote, Maine Strong Memorial Foundation president. “He touched the lives of many through his passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to fairness and sportsmanship. Ron was the embodiment of a great person, umpire and most of all, friend.”
Morin was a longtime softball umpire who was tragically killed while playing cornhole on the night of the shooting that claimed 18 lives.
SOURCE: WGME.COM.
Softball umpires, do you like the new NFHS rules on disengagement?
SOURCE:
TEST YOURSELF
Each of the following includes a situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for USA, NFHS, NCAA or USSSA rules and which might vary. Solutions: p. 81
1. The first and last name of the head coach must be listed on the lineup card submitted to the plate umpire at the plate meeting before the game.
a. True.
b. False.
2. A1 and A2 are wearing No. 0 and No. 00, respectively. The umpires should allow this as 0 and 00 are not considered the same number and 00 is a legal number.
a. True.
b. False.
3. Prior to the start of a single game, who is responsible for determining if the game shall be started due to the fitness of the grounds?
a. The umpires.
b. The coaches of both teams and/or the site administrator.
c. The home coach.
d. The team captains.
4. F1 begins with the non-pivot foot behind, and not in contact with, the pitcher’s plate. After taking the signal, F1 brings the hands together and steps back even farther with the non-pivot foot. The non-pivot foot lands, while the hands are still together, and does not move back again. This is an illegal pitch.
a. True.
b. False.
5. After receiving the ball from the catcher, the pitcher reaches down and picks up a handful of dirt in her pitching hand. The pitcher then drops the dirt back to the ground and immediately, without first wiping off the hand, touches the ball. This is legal.
a. True.
b. False.
6. With a left-handed batter up to bat, the on-deck batter, whose team is occupying the third-base dugout, moves over to the on-deck circle in front of the first-base dugout in order to be behind the batter. This is legal.
a. True.
b. False.
The first thing to do is allow the play to continue, as we don’t want to kill the play and potentially take an out off the board.
Coaches and fans have a misconception it is umpire interference if an umpire gets hit by a thrown ball or an umpire gets in the way of a fielder trying to make a play on a ball (thrown or batted). In these situations, it is not interference and the ball remains live. Because the field dimensions are small, this happens mostly on pop ups right behind the infield or in foul territory. Umpires become trapped by multiple fielders moving toward the ball and inadvertently contact a fielder. Unfortunately for players, this is not interference and umpires are treated as part of the field. It is why umpires should always know where fielders are, where the ball is and do everything possible to avoid being in throwing lanes to avoid contact.
There also is no such thing as
umpire obstruction. An umpire running into a runner is treated the same as if the runner tripped on the ground. There is no protection given to the runner. Umpires should always know where runners are to avoid this scenario.
Umpires should do everything possible to avoid getting hit. Pre-pitch preparation will prevent getting hit by the ball 99.9% of the time. There is still a small chance of having interference, even when you do everything right. But those instances are few and far between. But it is still important to know the rule and the ramifications when it does occur.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates women’s college and high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football. *
Don’t Let Fake Tags Slide By
Fake tags are a problem and need to be dealt with when they occur. They can be dangerous and cause injury. Runners are faked into believing a fielder has the ball and therefore may slide at the last minute (as shown in the PlayPic), believing a play is being made on them. In reality there is no play being made. Because of the safety issue involved with this rule, it is important umpires don’t overlook penalizing such action.
The good news for umpires is all four codes address fake tags and the penalty for them. Before addressing the penalty for such actions, it’s important to understand the definition. It is most basically defined as a fielder, without the ball, simulating a tag on a runner. NCAA and USA Softball rules expand a little further and state action that impedes the progress of a runner, such as sliding, slowing down or stopping (NFHS 2-20; NCAA 9.5.4.5; USA Softball R/S 19; USSSA 3-Obstruction).
When it comes to penalties, the codes differ slightly. In all codes, fake tags are considered obstruction. In addition, in NFHS, a team warning is issued the first time a
fake tag occurs. On the next and all subsequent occurrences, the offender shall be restricted to the bench/ dugout for the remainder of the game (3-6-2 Pen.). In NCAA play, subsequent violations by the same individual may, at the discretion of the umpire, result in a one-base award to the obstructed runner and all other runners advance a base if forced (9.5.4.5 Eff.). In USA Softball, continued fake tags should result in ejections. In flagrant cases where the sliding player gets hurt, the offending player should be ejected without warning (R/S 19B). In USSSA, the first offense is a team warning. A second offense and any subsequent violation result in the offender being restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game and the head coach is ejected (11.2A Pen.).
Remember, these additional penalties are on top of the basic obstruction penalty, which is a delayed dead ball and the runner is awarded the base the umpire determines the runner would have achieved had the runner not been obstructed, if they did not reach that base safely.
Because of the nature of this play and the risk of injury, it is
Because of the nature of this play and the risk of injury, it is important for umpires to nip it in the bud and penalize it as soon as it happens so it doesn’t lead to bigger issues.
important for umpires to nip it in the bud and penalize it as soon as it happens so it doesn’t lead to bigger issues. Generally, once it is called and coaches and players are aware it has been called, it will quell that behavior. And if it doesn’t stop, umpires have the tools to penalize the action further and remove individuals for continuing this poor behavior. *
CASEPLAYS
Out of Order
Play: In the bottom of the third inning, Adams bats and gets a single. The next batter due up is Baker, but Campbell bats instead and hits a home run. Baker then comes to bat and before a pitch is thrown to her, the official scorekeeper for the home team notifies the umpire that Campbell batted out of order. The plate umpire calls Baker out for failure to bat, takes the home run off the board, puts Adams back on first base and has Campbell come back to bat. Ruling: Incorrect in all codes. The home scorekeeper is not a member of the defensive team. Only the defensive team may appeal for batting out of order. The plate umpire in this situation should ignore the home scorekeeper and no infraction occurs until a member of the defensive team appeals. If the defensive team does not appeal, all playing action stands once a pitch has been thrown to Baker (NFHS 7-1-2 Pen. 1 Note; NCAA 11.9.2; USA Softball 7-2C Note; USSSA 9-10 Note).
DP/Flex
Play: At the pregame lineup meeting, the home coach notifies the plate umpire she is going to have her DP, Garcia, pitch to start the game. In the fourth inning, the coach notifies the umpire the Flex, Jones, is going to replace Garcia as pitcher. In the seventh inning, the coach wants to put Garcia back in to pitch. Ruling: In all codes, this is legal. Garcia has never left the game. Even though she was removed as pitcher in the fourth inning, she remained as the DP. Jones left the game once at the beginning of the game when Garcia became the pitcher and she is leaving again in the seventh, so she loses any eligibility to return to the game since she has used up her re-entry rights. Garcia may go back to the pitching position (NFHS 3-1-1, 3-3-2 and Note, 3-3-6; NCAA 8.2, 8.5.2, 8.6; USA Softball 4-3, 4-5, 4-6A, 6A-9, R/S 15; USSSA 5-1, 5-4, 5-5, 5-6).
Timeless Truths
By Paul Barrieau
Iam, by no means, a “great” umpire. I make correct and occasionally incorrect calls. I don’t even know what is used as the “standard of measure” on a great umpire these days. But I do know this — I fully appreciate the opportunity to protect the integrity of the game and will always do the best I can. I guess I have a little Ray Kinsella (Field of Dreams) in me because when I walk onto a field, I experience “the thrill of the grass.”
Now in my 16th year doing the job, I take a look back and consider the things that my mentors have imparted as “important” to the job at hand. I think these things are part of what all umpires should know and understand and they stand the test of time.
•Umpire comes from the French word “empere,” which means impartial or no preference. There are many reasons to be tempted to have a preference and if we let anything tempt us, we are not doing our job. We have a job to do and that is what is expected of us. We are the only ones who can protect the integrity of the game.
•Have the attitude, “I just want to get it right.” We cannot let our egos get in the way. If we blow a call, we must do what we can to correct it. Be known as an umpire who “just wants to get it right.”
•We are part of a “team” and there is strength in numbers. If we appear to be separate, we diminish our strengths.
•Our authority is the uniform that we wear. It is our badge. It informs all participants that we have the authority to manage the game to fair play. There is no need for emotional responses, arguing and “big body” postures. If we try to appear “tough,” sooner or later, that will be taken down. The more calm and controlled we are, the more authoritative we will appear to be.
•Privacy among ourselves is “holy ground.” Never ever call out a partner in front of everybody. When the game is over, have a conversation
about any incident. Be encouraging, not threatening. Don’t allow others to listen to your onfield discussions. When a partner calls you over for a discussion, wait until you are with your partner before you start talking. While talking, avoid shaking your head, pointing your finger, talking loudly or giving any indication about what you are saying. It’s a crew conversation that only the crew needs to hear.
•Be an official, not a spectator. There are moments in time when watching the ball is necessary. In most cases, the runners will let you know what is happening (catch or no catch). Remember your responsibilities (base touching, obstruction, interference, force plays, etc.).
•Do not shake your head on called balls. It shows preference. Shaking or nodding on pitches or plays can show a preference — remember “empere.”
•The count is for the pitcher and for your partner(s). It’s as simple as that. Giving the count when the pitcher has her back turned is useless. Be loud and clear.
•Prepitch preparation: Another “holy ground.” Don’t get too detailed on it as there is not enough time, but consider the situation and remind yourself of your responsibilities (chase area, tag ups, leaving early, illegal pitches, checked swing, etc.).
•It’s not about us. It really isn’t. We’d like to be more important, but anonymity is a worthy goal.
•After an illegal pitch, explain it to the coach first. If the coach wants to talk to the pitcher to explain, be there listening for a potential charged conference.
•Be short and concise with safe/ out explanations: “Coach, the ball beat/did not beat the runner.” It’s simple. We get ourselves in trouble when we try to overexplain things.
•Listen and communicate, don’t argue. Use phrases like, “What is your question coach?” Or, “What did you see coach?” We cannot assume the coach’s question on a play. If we go to a partner with the wrong question, we may have troubles.
•Communicate with partner(s). The more we communicate, the more professional and experienced we are perceived. And perception can go a long way. It is better to overcommunicate than leave partners wondering where you are and what you are doing.
•Give your brain a moment to receive and process what you saw. You would be amazed at how fast the brain can process a scenario. Remember: Stop, see the play, make the call.
•The “off the bag” call is important: If the runner is just safe, there is no need for the “off the bag” call. If the throw beat her and F3 is off the bag, well, you can see the importance of the two signals.
•If an obstructed runner is put out, signal dead ball and either award her the base she would have reached without the obstruction, or send the runner back to her previous base. If you call the obstructed runner out and then award the base to her, it will be more difficult to explain your call.
•Have a routine you use to get in your calling position. Notice what the pitcher does; how tall the batter is; where the catcher is positioned. Be set before the pitch is released and pick up the ball from the pitcher’s hand and follow it to the catcher’s glove.
•You cannot make up incorrect calls. You must move on. If you make a mistake, sometimes you can relay the message to the coach through the catcher. But don’t make it a habit.
•Don’t always wait for a coach to ask to go for help. If you need a better perspective from your partner, preempt the coach, “Coach, I got it. We’ll talk.”
•The play is not over until the ball is in the pitcher’s hand and in the circle. Until then, don’t move to
the next position and keep an eye on runners.
•We are expected to be professional, alert, non-partial and knowledgeable at all times. We are expected to start perfect and must get better from there.
•Keep your rulebook handy at all times. One of the most important sections is the definitions. Do you know the definition of a blocked ball? What is considered flagrant or malicious? Or even what constitutes interference? They are listed in the definitions section of the rulebook for a reason.
Paul Barrieau, Honolulu, is an NCAA D-I, USA Softball and high school softball umpire and is the author of two published books. *
No matter how many games you’ve worked there’s still STUFF nobody told you. Until now! Referee has collected all the STUFF you need to know to polish your game and present a professional image. Don’t work another game without all this valuable STUFF.
THE ABCS OF THE AP
Handling the Arrow Not as Simple as It Seems
By Tim Sloan
The use of the alternating possession (AP) principle is a classic example of a simple concept made difficult by some. AP is designed to eliminate the use of a jump ball wherever possible and has been in place since the 1980s. Jump balls are time-consuming exercises and difficult for officials to execute consistently. These days, it would also be argued the procedure increases the risk of injury. To avoid these issues, AP splits the difference; teams take turns making a throwin under the conditions where a jump ball would once have been warranted.
AP is designated by an arrow at the scorer’s table. The arrow is initially set toward the basket of the team that doesn’t control the ball first to start the game or at the beginning of any overtime. Thereafter, when an AP throw-in ends, the arrow reverses to benefit the other team.
There you have it, in a nutshell. The problem is unusual things happen during AP throw-ins that can ruin your night. You must understand how several definitions and rules apply to help sort things out.
First, let’s cover who manages the arrow. When my crew works a game, the referee makes sure the scorer — not the timer — manages the arrow and understands when to switch it. During the game, we look for good scorers to have their hand on the arrow, ready to do that as the throwin takes place. We then check back to
Signaling a held ball, as Jeff Arredondo, Los Alamitos, Calif., does here, will require the crew to initiate the alternating-possession procedure. What may appear to be a simple process can become anything but if the arrow is not handled properly.
verify they’ve switched it at the first opportunity. That’s because things can get a little hectic sometimes, so we also have a backup plan: Our threesome has taken to placing our spare whistles in the front pocket matching the arrow’s direction as we face the table. Between the four of us, someone is bound to notice a gaffe.
The rules don’t put a time limit on when the arrow can be corrected provided that’s done before it’s next used.
Play 1: After team B’s AP throwin ends, the arrow is mistakenly left pointing to team B. A held ball then occurs, and team B is incorrectly awarded the AP throw-in again. The officials realize the mistake (a) before the ball is at thrower B1’s disposal, (b)while at B1’s disposal, or (c) after the throw-in is caught by B2. Ruling: In all three rule codes, in (a) and (b) the officials may correct the arrow and properly award the ball to team A for the AP throw-in. The officials have always been able to correct their mistake before the end of the throwin. In (c), in both NFHS (7-6-6) and NCAAM (7-6.13), the officials may correct a throw-in given to the wrong team before the ball next becomes dead after the throw-in ends. In NCAAW, this is not allowed (7-6.13).
Play 2: Same as (c) in Play 1: The officials realize the arrow was incorrect (a) while B2 is passing or dribbling the ball, (b) after B2 has made a three-point goal, or (c) after another held ball occurs. Ruling: In NCAAW, it is too late to correct the error in (a), (b) and (c). In NCAAM, it can be corrected in (a), but not (b) or (c). In NFHS, in all three situations, we assume the scorer switches the erroneous arrow from team B to team A when B2 touches the throw-in. In (a), the officials stop play, correct the arrow in favor of team A and award the proper AP throw-in to team A. The arrow then switches to team B, again, once the team A throw-in ends. In (b), it’s too late to correct the arrow to team A and grant the original AP throw-in because team control ended once the try was released. The points are awarded, but they leave the arrow in favor of team A. In (c), it is again too late to correct the
previous throw-in or arrow direction because the ball became dead. With the arrow set in favor of team A after the incorrect throw-in, it remains set to team A for the new AP throw-in but (hopefully) switches to team B afterward.
These two plays illustrate how it gets more interesting the longer the officials wait to correct the error. If you’re worried the throw-in was given to the wrong team — even if you might be wrong — stop play and sort it out. Best, of course, is to tap your front pocket before every AP throw-in and confirm that it agrees with the arrow. Prevention is always best; never let the table ruin your night.
What if no one controls the initial jump ball? The arrow goes to the opponent of whichever team controls a live ball first.
Play 3: To start the game, (a) A1 taps the ball out of bounds, (b)A1 shoots technical foul free throws due to B2 dunking during the pregame warmup (NFHS), or (c) A1 legally taps the ball, but A2 and B3 then cause a held ball. Ruling: In (a), team B’s resulting throw-in yields team control when the ball is at B1’s disposal, which is also when the ball becomes live (NFHS 4-3-3a; NCAAM/W 6-3.2). The arrow is set toward team A at the time of disposal. In (b), the arrow is similarly set toward team B when whomever is making the ensuing throw-in for team A has the ball at disposal following the free throws (NFHS 4-3-3b). In (c), with no AP arrow established, the jump ball is reattempted, but A2 and B3 must be the jumpers in NFHS (7-3-2), while any two opponents may be the jumpers in NCAAM/W (6-3.5).
From the time A1 has the ball in control until the AP throw-in ends, there’s the possibility of a foul or violation by team A or B. If either team fouls or team B violates, the arrow remains pointing in the same direction. If team A violates before the throw-in ends, the arrow switches to team B and team B is awarded a non-AP throw-in for the violation (NFHS 6-4-6; NCAAM/W 6-3.7, 9-4). Any throw-in ends when the ball
BY THE NUMBERS
NBA Finals appearances by the 12 officials selected to work this year’s matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks:
17 — Scott Foster
13 — Tony Brothers, Mark Davis
12 — James Capers
11 — Zach Zarba
8 — John Goble
7 — David Guthrie
6 — Bill Kennedy
5 — Josh Tiven
4 — Courtney Kirkland, James Williams
2 — Kevin Scott
SURVEY SAYS …
A recent Facebook poll conducted by Referee asked basketball officials whether they prefer working games in quarters or halves. The 97 responses broke down as follows:
halves 29 %
quarters 71 %
THEY SAID IT
“Referees in general are under so much scrutiny, especially with social media and talking heads. Everyone needs someone else to blame for their issues, so we are the people they blame. I’ve got a really good therapist. I think everyone should have one. It helps.”
–NBA official Jenna Schroeder, in an interview with Elle
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following, decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA men’s and NCAA women’s rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 81.
1. A1 caused the ball to be out of bounds in each of the following, except which?
a. B2 bats the ball out of A1’s hands, the ball strikes A1’s leg and the ball goes out of bounds.
b. A1 attempts to pass the ball to A2, but the ball strikes an official who is standing inbounds, and the ball deflects out of bounds.
c. A1 touches B1, who is standing on a boundary line.
d. A1 touches the ball against a team B coach, who is standing on a boundary line.
2. A1 loses a contact lens during a live ball and calls a timeout because the lens is lost. The contact lens is immediately found, and A1 leaves the game and is replaced by A6. What should be done with the timeout?
a. Team A will be charged a 30-second timeout.
b. Team A will be charged with a full timeout.
c. Team A’s head coach can choose what length timeout to use.
d. No timeout is charged to team A since it was called solely due to a lost contact lens, and A1 was immediately replaced after the contact lens was found.
3. Which of the following is true when team members from each team leave the bench area when a fight has occurred?
a. The team members are disqualified (NFHS) or ejected (NCAA), regardless whether they participate in the fight or not.
b. A technical foul is assessed, and two free throws are awarded for each team member who leaves the bench area and participates in the fight, regardless of the number of team members who leave the bench from each team.
c. A technical foul is assessed, and two free throws are awarded for each team member who leaves the bench area that do not participate in the fight.
d. The head coach is ejected if any team members participate in the fight, regardless of the number who participate in the fight.
e. The head coach is ejected if any team members leave the bench area when a fight has occurred but don’t participate in the fight, regardless of the number who leave the bench area.
is legally touched (NFHS 4-42-5b; NCAAM/W 7-6.5). This is a simple enough call if team A violates by running out of bounds or throwing the ball out of bounds before anyone touches it. What happens, however, if touching the ball causes the violation? Is that legal or illegal touching? Does the arrow switch or not?
Play 4: A1 is inbounding the ball on a frontcourt AP throw-in. The pass is (a) caught by A2 over the out-of-bounds area, (b) caught by A2 while standing out of bounds, or (c)kicked by A2. Ruling: In NFHS, (a)and (b) is a throw-in violation, and (c) is a kicked ball violation. The arrow is set toward team B and team B is awarded a non-AP throw-in at the spot of the throw-in violation in (a) and (b), and the spot nearest the violation in (c) (4-42-5c, 7-5-2, 9-2-2, 9-2-3). In NCAAM/W, rule 7-6.5 covers throw-in violations and clarifies the throw-in team causes
the throw-in to end by committing a throw-in violation. In (a), no violation has occurred. In (b), it is an outof-bounds violation and handled the same as in NFHS. In (c), it is a kicked-ball violation. Team B is awarded a designated-spot throwin and team A does not lose the AP arrow (9-4.1b).
Remember, when a violation or foul occurs during an AP throw-in, the resulting throw-in is not an AP throw-in.
This article cites multiple different NFHS and NCAA rules, illustrating the nuances of this straightforward principle. Understand the principle of awarding the arrow and how the administration of an AP throw-in is different from others. Above all, keep the table tidy and most problems can be averted.
Tim Sloan, Davenport, Iowa, is a high school football, basketball and volleyball official, and former college football and soccer official.
NCAA 2024-25 Rule Changes
By Scott Tittrington
Boththe NCAA men’s and women’s basketball rules committees have opted for harsher punishments for game participants involved in the physical abuse of officials as part of their 2024-25 rule changes.
The proposed changes were approved this past offseason by the respective rules committees and the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel (PROP). They appear in the order in which they will also appear in each sport’s respective rulebook.
Class A Technical Foul (NCAAM 10-3.1.k, 10-3.2.h); Disqualifying Foul (NCAAW 10-14.1.a.6, 10-14.1.b.3, 10-14 Pen.)
Any player, substitute or bench personnel who disrespectfully contacts an official or makes a threat
of physical intimidation or harm will not only be ejected from the game, but also must serve a one-game suspension.
The rationale for the rule change is that prior to its implementation, other than the ejection portion of the penalty, there was nothing in the NCAAM/W playing rules that addressed any consequences for any individual who physically abuses a game official.
Both NCAA men’s and women’s basketball now align with other sports that prescribe additional suspensions for such acts, and the new rule aligns with a directive from PROP to rules committees to review their rules and penalties surrounding sportsmanship and ethical conduct and reaffirm those rules adequately address unsporting behavior during competition.
Instant Replay (NCAAM 11-3.1.a; NCAAW 11-2.1.a.1)
Officials in both rule codes will now be allowed to review whether a player’s last foot prior to leaving the floor was out of bounds prior to releasing a shot as time expired in either half (NCAAM), any quarter (NCAAW) or any overtime period.
Officials previously were not able to review whether a player was out of bounds unless that ruling was already made on the floor. The rule change allows officials another tool to assist in getting the call right on last-second shots, and does not add an additional review as the officials are already at the monitor reviewing whether the ball was released prior to the expiration of time on the game clock.
Replay (NCAAW 11-3.1.r)
In NCAAW play, any replay review, whether initiated by a coach’s appeal or by the officials of their own volition, must now take place immediately following the foul to
determine whether a successful field goal or free throw should count or be canceled when an off-ball foul is committed by either team.
A rule change prior to the 2023-24 season moved this type of replay review to the next electronic media timeout when the off-ball foul was committed by the defensive team during a successful field goal. The rules committee determined it is more beneficial for all reviews to be conducted in the same fashion and there was not significant benefit to delaying the review when the defensive team fouls. Scott Tittrington is an associate editor at Referee. He officiates women’s college and high school basketball, college and high school baseball, and football.
Starting with the 2024-25 season, an NCAA men’s or women’s basketball coach who makes disrespectful contact with an official is not only ejected from the game, but is suspended for the next game as well.
• Video Breakdowns With Voice-Over & Graphic Enhancements
CASEPLAYS
Changing a Designated Starter Play
: Prior to the 10-minute mark before the start of the game, team A properly submits to the official scorer the names and uniform numbers of team members who may participate. The numbers of the five starting players are included. Team A controls the opening jump ball and maintains control of the ball in its frontcourt for 15 seconds, after which the ball gets knocked out of bounds by a team B player. During this dead-ball period, the official scorer notifies the officials that No. 1, who started the game for team A, was not one of team A’s designated starters. What is the result? Ruling: Changing a designated starter except when necessitated by obvious injury, illness or blood on the uniform, or otherwise as allowed by rule, results in an administrative technical foul. In NFHS, changing a designated starter can only be penalized if discovered before the ball becomes live to begin the game. Since the changing of the starter was not discovered within the allowable timeframe, there is no penalty assessed (10-1-2a Pen.). In NCAAM/W, the infraction is penalized when discovered. Team A shall be charged with the administrative technical foul, any team B player shall receive one free throw (NCAAM) or two free throws (NCAAW), and play is resumed with a throw-in to team A at the point of interruption (NCAAM 10-2.2 Pen.; NCAAW 10-12.2.b Pen.).
Substitutes During Free Throw
Play: A1 is fouled by B2 during A1’s successful try for goal. A1 is awarded one free throw. Prior to A1’s free throw, there are no substitutes waiting at the table to enter. A1 attempts the free throw, which is unsuccessful, but B2, who is in a marked lane space, commits a free-throw violation. A1 is awarded a substitute free throw. Prior to A1 having the ball at his or her disposal to re-attempt the free throw, B3 reports to the table and wishes to enter the game. Shall B3 be allowed to enter?
Ruling: Since A1 will be awarded a substitute free throw under the same conditions as the first free throw, B3 (and any other substitute who has reported to the scorer) may enter the game due to B2’s violation (NFHS 3-3-1c; NCAAM 3-6.2.b; NCAAW 3-6.2.b).
NFHS 2024-25 Points of Emphasis
The NFHS Basketball Rules Committee has issued three points of emphasis (POEs) for the 2024-25 season. They are not listed in priority order and are considered of equal importance:
Warning for Delay
One of the officials’ roles is to ensure the game maintains an appropriate pace of play, including throughout the administration of penalties, throw-ins, free throws, etc. NFHS rules allow for officials to give an initial warning to teams that violate rule 4-47, which defines a warning for delay as an administrative procedure by an official that is recorded in the scorebook by the scorer and reported to the head coach. Warnings may be issued for the following:
• Throw-in plane violations;
• Huddle by either team or contact with the free thrower that delays the administration of the free throw;
• Interfering with the ball following a goal;
• Failure to have the court ready following a timeout; or
• New in 2024-25, failure to immediately pass the ball to the nearer official.
Any two delay warnings will result
in a team technical foul. The warnings do not have to be issued for the same reason or to the same player or team member to escalate to a team technical foul.
Officials must utilize the warning for delay as soon as the behavior occurs. Doing so allows the behavior to be addressed early.
Faking Being Fouled
“Faking being fouled” was added to the NFHS basketball rulebook 20 years ago as an unsporting foul committed by a player, resulting in a player technical. It continues to be a point of concern for the rules committee. As such, this year the rules committee added a warning (4-49) and defined faking being fouled as:
•Overtly embellishing the impact of incidental contact on block/charge plays or attempted tries for goal;
•Using a “head bob” to simulate illegal contact; or
•Using any other tactics to create an opinion of being fouled and therefore gaining an advantage.
A warning will now be issued for the first instance, lessening the severity of the penalty while continuing to address the behavior. A technical foul will be assessed to the team for each
subsequent occurrence. Officials will utilize the new signal No. 15 in the NFHS signal chart at the time the flop occurs. Providing officials with an opportunity to warn a player before issuing a technical foul will allow players to adjust their behaviors before receiving a harsher penalty.
Proper Procedures for Handling Blood
Previously, when an injury occurred that involved blood on a player and/or a uniform (as shown
in the PlayPic on the previous page), play was stopped immediately, and the player was directed to leave the game until the bleeding was stopped, the wound was covered, the uniform and/ or body was appropriately cleaned, and/or the uniform was changed before returning (3-3-7).
The situation can often be resolved quickly by covering the wound with a bandage and/or properly cleaning a uniform and/or player’s skin. A new rule for 2024-25 provides a team 20
adults wanted
IT’S
FANS ARE GOING TO YELL AT SPORTS OFFICIALS.
A SIMPLE FACT OF OFFICIATING LIFE.
seconds to address a player(s) who is bleeding or has blood on the uniform without being charged a timeout.
Officials should allow the player(s) to report to the sideline near the team bench before signaling the timer to begin the 20-second timer. If resolved within the 20-second time limit, the player will be permitted to remain in the game. If the issue is not resolved within 20 seconds, a coach may request a timeout to allow the player to remain in the game.
While fans will yell at officials, it certainly does not mean anything goes. It also means an officiating crew needs to have a plan in place for when a certain someone — or someones — cross the line from typical fan behavior to unacceptable fan distraction.
1 Prior to the game, identify who the game administrator will be for that particular contest. Make it clear to this person they are expected to protect and support the game officials and, if their assistance is requested, should perform these duties without question.
2
If a member of the officiating crew identifies a fan or group of fans who are starting to create problems, use the next break in the action to alert the game administrator to the situation. As much as we would like those administrators to already be on the case, the reality is they may either be too busy with additional duties to notice an emerging problem or may be reticent to take action without being requested to do so.
3
The on-floor officiating crew should do everything possible not to interact with spectators who are exhibiting unsporting behavior. While maintaining a safe and fair playing environment for both teams falls under the crew’s purview, policing bad
behavior in the stands does not, and nothing good will come from it. Again, once it reaches a level that prevents the crew from doing its job on the floor, it’s time to delegate enforcement to those who have been tasked with such responsibilities.
4 If game administration is either unwilling or unable to satisfactorily cope with problematic fan behavior, use whatever tools have been made available to the officiating crew via the rule code for the level you are working and whatever governing body is responsible for oversight of the contest. This may include stopping play until the problem is resolved, suspending play for the rest of the evening or declaring an early end to a contest.
Your first responsibility is to the game. However, when factors emerge that make it clear the game cannot proceed in a safe and fair manner — for the players, coaches and the officials — unpopular measures sometimes become necessary.
PROFILES
Ryan Led the Way
By Leah Berard
As the officiating industry looks toward the younger generation to fill the shortage, young officials might be feeling pressured to take on roles they can’t handle. For newer officials looking to get into the avocation, Ohio’s Patty Ryan stands out as an example to follow.
Ryan, a native of Columbus, began officiating girls’ basketball in 1961 at the age of 16 because there just weren’t any officials for girls’ sports.
“No one cared about the girls,” Ryan said. “I started officiating as a junior in high school as another way to stay involved with athletics.”
As the daughter of the late Jack Ryan — an Ohio coaching legend who was inducted into the state coaches halls of fame in baseball, basketball and football — it’s as if Ryan was destined to claim her own piece of Ohio sports history. After years of officiating girls’ sports, Ryan became the first woman to officiate a boys’ basketball game in Ohio in the late 1970s.
Ryan’s career included officiating women’s basketball in the Big Ten and Mid-America (DII) conferences, as well as a plethora of D-III
conferences that have since been renamed. In addition to basketball, she worked softball, volleyball and field hockey at the high school and collegiate levels.
“My top assignments were Division III national (basketball) semifinals and umpiring Division II (softball) quarterfinals,” Ryan said. “But probably my top accolade was officiating 11 state high school finals in Ohio in four different sports.”
Ryan never saw boundaries, and obstacles were welcome challenges to overcome. Due to a congenital anomaly, she was born without fingers on her left hand; however, her parents never treated her any differently while she was growing up and allowed her to believe she was just like other children. Nor did it keep her from playing sports — whether she was the only girl in her neighborhood playing basketball or the only girl in her Little League, she had a competitive bug that couldn’t be tamed.
That translated into her officiating career, which lasted more than two decades. Ryan hung up her officiating hat in 1982 and was inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Officiating Hall of Fame in 1997.
Ryan’s thick skin and unwavering support from her peers allowed her to endure sexist comments.
“When I started officiating boys’ varsity basketball, the most repeated comment from the stands was, ‘Go back to the kitchen, you forgot your apron,’” Ryan said.
The camaraderie she shared with her crewmates over the years gives Ryan, now 78, fond memories. One of her favorite officials to work with was Marie Anthony, who joined Ryan in the OHSAA Officiating Hall of Fame in 2015.
“I enjoyed working with Marie because we looked at the game similarly and she was consistent,” Ryan said.
Leah Berard, St. Paul, Minn., officiated international rugby and now officiates high school and college football. *
The Defuser
After 48 years of officiating high school basketball in Illinois, Keith Johnson has called it a career. His sendoff was the Class 3A regional semifinal Feb. 21 between Champaign Central and Urbana.
“Very satisfied, very gratifying career,” Johnson told The NewsGazette (Champaign-Urbana, Ill.).
“You know, it’s never easy to quit, but I pretty well prepared myself mentally.”
Known well among his peers for defusing tense situations, Johnson didn’t issue many technical fouls during his career.
“I’m good at talking everybody off the ledge,” he said. “You learn how to deal with people. The main thing is you just let people go, get it out of their system.”
SOURCE: THE NEWS-GAZETTE
Low-Strike Larry
Larry Alioto Peabody, Mass.
Longtime Boston-area umpire
Larry Alioto recently hit the halfcentury mark in officiating youth baseball. Alioto, longtime head umpire for Peabody West Little League, was honored June 10 with plaques and proclamations prior to a youth game.
Alioto hopes to teach children respect through his umpiring: “Respect for their teammates, respect for their coaches, respect for their umpires and respect for the game of baseball.”
He said he’s developed a reputation as “low-strike Larry” for his strike zone.
“I’m a low-strike umpire,” Alioto said. “I always give them the low pitch.”
SOURCE: WCVB CHANNEL 5 BOSTON
Do you know a person or group who should be profiled? Send info to us at profiles@referee.com
Keith Johnson Champaign, Ill.
Former official Patty Ryan was the first woman to referee a boys’ high school basketball game in Ohio.
BATTERS UP
A pitch with two batters in the box came right before a famous 1974 dugout-clearing brawl.
BY DAN RONAN
In a 26-year career as an NL umpire, totaling 3,743 regular-season games, Terry Tata says few stand out. Aside from the high-profile, postseason and special-event games, only select games are memorable and sometimes for the craziest reasons.
Sunday, Sept. 22, 1974. It was a cool, early fall day in St. Louis at the old Busch Stadium. Both the hometown Cardinals and visiting Cubs were enduring seasons in which neither would advance to the playoffs, and both teams wanted to wrap up the season and head home.
66-96, while the Cardinals were much better at 86-75 and in second place, 1½ games behind the Pirates. It was a good season, but not good enough. But then again, this was a Cubs versus Cardinals series, where anything can happen in one of baseball’s storied rivalries. Both had superstars, including future Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Ted Simmons. St. Louis also had colorful relief pitcher Al Hrabosky, “The Mad Hungarian.” The Cubs were led by outfielder Billy Williams, who would also be selected for Cooperstown, and hard-hitting third baseman Bill Madlock.
his at-bat in, according to a Los Angeles Times report. Madlock believed he had broken Hrabosky’s concentration.
Enter Crawford, who is standing outside the hitter’s circle and tells Madlock to get back to his at-bat.
“I was the secondbase umpire,” said the now 84-year-old Tata, who worked that day with crew chief Shag Crawford, John Kibler and Dutch Rennert. “The season was winding down. This was my second year in the National League, and it was Dutch’s first year. We had a fun time on that crew.”
After the game, Crawford told Chicago Tribune beat reporter Dick Dozer what happened.
“He (Madlock) didn’t hear me; I told him again,” the story said.
“The Cubs had slipped. They were not a contending team,” recalls Cubs play-by-play announcer Jim West, who is now 95 and living in his hometown of Baltimore after retiring as a longtime MLB and NHL announcer. “The Cubs and the Cardinals just didn’t like each other.”
The Cubs finished the year in sixth place in the NL’s Eastern Division at
A YouTube video preserves one of the craziest scenes in baseball history.
It’s another example of the toughness of that era, with the players and umpires not backing down from a fight. Obviously, the video still resonates with fans, as it has gotten more than five million views.
It’s the top of the ninth, the score is tied, 5-5, and Hrabosky is on the mound.
On WGN-TV in Chicago, West is almost matter of fact in his delivery. Madlock appears upset with Hrabosky’s habit of stepping off the pitching rubber and sometimes the mound, delaying the game. Madlock walks back to the on-deck circle to get the pine tar rag, and the next batter, Jose Cardenal, stands nearby.
Madlock is tiring of Hrabosky’s pre-pitch routine and just wants to get
“Now we’ve got Jose Cardenal into it with Shag Crawford, and (Cubs manager) Jim Marshall is out to chat with him. Pretty wild stuff,” West said as Crawford walked back to his position behind home plate, put on his mask and emphatically gestured to Hrabosky to throw a pitch. Madlock was not prepared to hit. “Now both managers have gotten into it, and (Crawford) says to pitch the ball and he called a strike on him. Wow, this is the strangest thing I have ever seen.”
That’s right. Marshall stood in the batter’s box and was not holding a bat while arguing with Crawford. Crawford went into his stance, Hrabosky threw a pitch and Crawford raised his right arm.
“They were yelling, and Shag told Madlock to get in the batter’s box, so he ordered the pitcher to pitch, and regardless of where the pitch was, it was a strike. And he couldn’t get to the plate fast enough and was practically swinging from the on-deck circle,” Tata said. “Hrabosky triggered it.”
West is still sharp and remembers the game. “I recall the confrontation and what happened during that at-bat,” West said. “Shag Crawford, the umpire, didn’t take anything. He was a tough guy, and I recall he was quite a well-known umpire and very good.”
Cardenal then joined Madlock in the batter’s box and, with two batters in the box, Hrabosky throws a pitch that knocks Cardenal down. Catcher Simmons then lets rip with a hard punch to Madlock’s jaw. Cardenal takes off his helmet and tries to embed it in Simmons’ head.
Chaos ensued for several minutes as dugouts and bullpens emptied with punches thrown. Fifty years later, it’s still considered one of the wildest brawls in baseball history.
Players were on the turf punching as the umpires formed a perimeter. Tata said they stayed out of the way and let the brawl end naturally as the players eventually ran out of energy.
“They were throwing haymakers. There were no headlocks,” Tata said. “If you get involved or entangled, you may take a haymaker to the temple. You try and break it up, as best you can, before it escalates. Once it explodes, you back off and pick out the people fighting. That’s what we did. Once they get going, you let them go.”
“Now, this is the strangest thing I have ever seen. Now, wait a minute. Hold on here,” West said, his voice rising. “Ted Simmons is getting into it. He’s throwing punches at Madlock, and down they go as the benches clear. Now, the ballplayers who at first were venting their anger at the umpire are throwing punches at each other as they pile
up just along the third-base side. Bill Madlock being forcibly restrained and being tackled by a teammate, Ray Burris, on the left side as they pile up and tangle up, and I believe I see (Joe) Torre in the middle of all of that.”
The 34-year-old Torre played third base for the Cardinals. He went on to a Hall of Fame career as the manager of several teams, including the New York Yankees, with whom he won four World Series titles. Later, he was named MLB’s chief baseball officer, overseeing the MLB umpiring staff.
After the game, Hrabosky made light of the fight. “My next pitch separated all three of them,” he said, grinning. “For some reason, that started a fight. And it was a good one.”
West believes Simmons instigated the fight. “He was a hard-nosed guy,” West said.
Tata speaks affectionately of his legendary crew chief Crawford, who worked 20 years in the NL. “Shag was an exceptional umpire,” he said.
To give you an idea of how much baseball has changed in 50 years, on that Sunday afternoon, almost 60 ballplayers, managers and coaches engaged in a wild brawl, and there was only one person ejected.
When the field was cleared, Marshall got run by Crawford for coming out of the dugout to argue
and protect Madlock in the early stages of the argument.
Simmons, who hit Madlock with a punch that would have made George Foreman proud, stayed in the game, as did Hrabosky, Cardenal and Torre.
“We couldn’t beat them playing. So I think we might have won the fight,” Madlock said years later.
“That’s one of the great fights right there,” then Cardinals first baseman and now Mets announcer Keith Hernandez said.
After the fight, Hrabosky sat the Cubs down in order.
Meanwhile Simmons came up in the bottom of the ninth and notched a walk-off RBI single to give the hometown Cardinals a 6-5 win.
Both West and Tata agree it was a wild day.
“There are some games you just never forget; this was one of those,” West said.
“Fifty years later, wow, I still remember that day,” Tata said with a deep laugh. “It was a Sunday afternoon; we were trying to get out of there and get to the airport.”
Dan Ronan is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist, and retired small-college basketball official and NCAA baseball umpire. *
In one of the most unusual sights in baseball history, NL umpire
Shag Crawford is in his stance as two Chicago Cubs’ players — Bill Madlock and Jose Cardenal — are in the batters’ box for the pitch. After the pitch, St. Louis Cardinals’ catcher Ted Simmons punched Madlock and even more chaos ensued.
MIRROR, MIRROR Unflattering Habits You May Not See in Yourself
By the Referee editors
For almost 50 years, Referee’s goal has been to provide tips and advice to help officials improve. Since most people find positive reinforcement most beneficial, material in the magazine is written to emphasize best practices. This column is an exception.
The goal here is to help you see how incorrect practices and mindsets may be hurting your career. If you see yourself in any of these behaviors or approaches, you are likely hurting your career.
You match anger with anger
When coaches question calls, they sometimes do it quite angrily. Officials cannot afford to respond in kind.
When you shout, the recipient will react the same way you do when someone shouts at you. Shouting indicates a loss of control. Try to stay cool. There will be situations in which a coach’s response will be infuriating and you’ll have to resist the temptation to shout back. Be firm with a relaxed voice. Do not appear to be the aggressor and never move rapidly toward a coach.
Retribution is another form of anger and must be avoided. Officials who intentionally make close calls against a team whose personnel are providing excessive commentary risk ruining their reputations and risking future assignments.
You cherry-pick assignments
Officials lucky enough to have first pick of assignments may accept only “plum” games — those in the better conferences and involving the perennially good teams. Others will delay accepting an assignment to see if a better one comes along later.
If you can only build enthusiasm
Ensuring a player’s pad is covered so it complies with equipment requirements indicates Steven Richard, Lakewood, Calif., has respect for the rules.
for a game based on the status or pay for the game, there is probably trouble. Every game is important.
Officials who overload their schedule with games at one or two schools are also heading for trouble. While they may be ensuring a full schedule, they run the risk of being tabbed a “homer,” an official who is biased toward the home team.
While being homered most often occurs in the imaginations of coaches who need an excuse for losing, it happens. The faulty logic is that by making calls the home team likes, the official is more likely to be invited back. Fortunately, just about every coach knows better. In the words of one coach, “I got an advantage tonight but he’ll never be on my list. I can’t take the chance of running into him on the road.”
You ignore “minor” rules
Like it or not, there is logic behind every rule in the book. What is the competitive advantage to a player wearing a towel larger than prescribed in the rulebook? That’s not for you to ponder. You’re in the enforcement division. Officials are not authorized to create new rules on the court or field. Personal opinions about the value of a rule are irrelevant.
If you become tired of enforcing rules regarding players failing to wear safety equipment and a player is injured because of it, three guesses who will end up in court.
You use the season to get into shape
Here’s a fun fact: Officials get older each season, but the athletes remain in their teens and early 20s. Forgive the sarcasm, but it is just as silly as thinking you’ll be as effective in the beginning of the season as you will at the end by using games as your exercise regimen.
And it’s not just about being able to keep up with play. Being in condition improves how you are perceived when you walk onto the court or field. If you look knowledgeable and professional, you will be treated as such. Show everyone you care about how you look.
You act in an arrogant manner
If you’ve had success in your officiating career — championship game assignments or advancement to higher levels — you have every right to be proud. But being a walking billboard for those triumphs, in the form of hats, polo shirts, jewelry and the like, will be off-putting to others. Constantly dropping names of wellknown officials with whom you’ve become acquainted and the leagues in which you work is irritating as well.
Expecting special treatment at game sites is another no-no. Expecting an athletic trainer to tape your sore ankle or demanding halftime refreshments over and above those offered will not endear you to game management.
You only work hard for the big games
Legendary NFL referee Jerry Markbreit says he once worked a high school game on a miserable, rain-soaked day. While his crewmates tiptoed around the puddles on the field trying their best to keep their white knickers clean, Markbreit ignored the conditions. He sloshed through the puddles and got down on the muddy turf to determine which team had recovered a fumble.
A scout for a college conference was in the stands to watch one of the other officials, but was so impressed with Markbreit’s hustle he recommended Markbreit for advancement instead.
We don’t always get to work games in perfect conditions with undefeated teams. But we have to work just as hard in the “downer” games.
Move with a purpose. By hustling, you will sometimes be exempted from criticism on questionable calls because it’s obvious you’re doing your best. Missed calls are often the result of poor positioning. It’s very difficult to call a play correctly when you haven’t seen the entire play or you viewed it from a poor angle. Most of the time, the angle is much more important than proximity. This column was adapted from a feature that appeared in the 9/99 issue of Referee *
QUICKTIP
Project confidence even if you don’t feel it. You might be nervous about the rivalry game that is about to start. You might be a little unsure if you’re ready for your first varsity game. No matter what doubts you have, exude assurance in your manner and body language. If there’s a close call, sell your decision … even if you’re unsure about it. Participants don’t need to know you’ve got butterflies tap dancing in your stomach. Show them confidence and they’ll buy what you’re selling.
you prefer your local association meetings to be in-person or virtual?
The term referee originated in association football (now known as soccer). Originally the team captains would consult with each other in order to resolve any dispute. Referees did not take their place on the pitch until 1891, when the umpires became linesmen (now assistant referees).
SOURCE: ASK.COM
THEY SAID IT
“The single thing that separates good (officials) from average ones is timing. If you allow everything to develop in front of you, then take that picture, you can go get it developed and bring it back with a decision. I think that’s what all officials should do. Your eyes are a camera and you’re taking a picture. If you start moving the camera, you take the picture a little too fast, which is where timing comes in.”
— The late AL umpire Steve Palermo DID
Time to Swear Off Bad Language
By Jeffrey Stern
When America was a kinder and gentler place, swearing was considered inappropriate and those who peppered their vocabulary with profanity were in the minority. Today, cursing is pervasive in movies, television, print and everyday language.
Sports is one area in which swearing is still supposed to be kept to a minimum. Restrictions and penalties for cursing appear in virtually every NFHS and NCAA rulebook. The rules apply to any player, coach, team official or athletic trainer. But most officials adopt a personal philosophy regarding what they will penalize, what will lead to a warning and what they will simply ignore. Part of that is because no one has been able to agree on a list of words that are universally profane. What is considered a mild epithet in some areas of the country is looked upon as a serious vulgarity elsewhere.
So what parameters should officials follow? Here are some suggestions:
Volume
If the obscenity is shouted loudly enough for spectators or other non-participants to hear, assess the appropriate penalty (technical foul, 15-yard penalty, etc.). You might not wish to convey you are so tolerant you will ignore obvious violations. Conversely, if the profanity is uttered so quietly you are the only one to hear it, a warning may be a sufficient reaction.
If the game you’re working is televised, be aware of microphones near the playing surface. They are there to pick up ambient sounds such as shoes squeaking on the court, the thud of shoulder pads and the crack of the bat. They can also send the spoken word over the airwaves. Be extra careful you use appropriate language when carrying on any conversation you have with a player, coach or crewmate.
Context
Sometimes it’s not what someone says, but how they say it. Obviously, you should penalize the player who swears as part of a personal verbal assault, e.g., “You are f------ brutal!” If the profanity is phrased differently and in a one-on-one conversation, some leeway is appropriate. Most officials would let a comment such as, “I just think that’s a horses--rule,” pass with only a suggestion the player use different language to convey the complaint. Likewise, a player’s under-the-breath reaction to their own misplay would be best ignored.
Level of play
The younger the player, the shorter the leash. Swearing is habitual. It is naïve to think a peewee league player who is penalized today won’t utter an onfield curse at the next level, but it sends a message officials at all levels of play will have little tolerance for swearing.
Target
Should swearing be penalized only if the curses are directed at officials or at opponents? It is not unheard of to penalize a player who
dresses down a teammate, but those situations are better handled with a quiet word to the angry player.
Something as simple as, “Remember, they’re on your side,” can work wonders.
When it comes to a coach berating a player with a series of curses, Referee recommends leaving the situation in the hands of the coach’s superiors. If a coach repeatedly curses players so loudly parents and spectators can hear, complaints will likely be directed to the athletic director, principal, superintendent or other school official.
Trash talk
In addition to cursing, trash talking has become more prevalent in sports. Players whose comments are intended to ridicule or demean opponents must be penalized. Such jibes include but are not limited to references to an opponent’s race, creed, gender, national origin or physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, deformities, etc.).
Players often engage in trash talk when the ball is not in play. It is crucial for officials to keep their eyes and ears open during deadball periods, when players are still in close proximity to opponents. If players know an official is in the area, they are less likely to engage in trash talk.
Gestures
In addition to verbal outbursts, officials should be prepared to penalize obscene or unsportsmanlike gestures. The meanings behind the upraised middle finger, choke sign and clutched crotch are universal and should result in a penalty.
Each sport has rules regarding celebrations, taunting and similar acts. Officials should acquaint themselves with those rules and react appropriately when faced with those situations.
Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor. He formerly officiated high school and college football and high school baseball. *
Softball umpire John Hennedy, Issaquah, Wash., discusses a play with a coach. When both parties can keep tempers in check, bad language is not a factor.
Toot Sweet: Your Whistle Can Do the Work
Officials who use whistles know how powerful a tool that apparatus can be. Because of its high pitch, shrill tone and ear-piercing decibel level, the whistle is the official’s most noticeable way of communicating.
Blowing the whistle communicates two possible messages: “Stop” or “Start.” Regardless of context, that’s what the whistle is saying — simple, direct and unambiguous. Depending on the circumstances, players know they should either stop whatever they are doing or resume playing the game. But even something as simple as blowing a whistle can lead to complications.
There are officials whose whistling technique leaves much to be desired. Rather than communicating decisiveness and resolve by a strong, confident blast, some sound more like a wheezing horse on its way to the glue factory. Most of those problems
are easily corrected and stem from improper technique — mostly from using the lips and throat to sound the whistle, rather than the diaphragm.
Musicians, especially singers and those who play wind instruments, quickly master the fundamentals of breath support. The diaphragm — the wall of muscle located under the front of the rib cage — is what musicians use to give power and substance to their sounds, and actors use to project their voices to the back of the theater. By supporting your tone with your diaphragm, which you do by breathing deeply and expanding your rib cage downward, you allow your entire torso to deliver air to your whistle. The result is a stronger, more easily controlled sound.
The whistle is more useful when used in a flexible, controlled manner to convey shadings of meaning beyond
the simple commands of “stop” and “go.”
Veteran officials learn to vary the tone of their whistle and convey a wide range of sentiments and commands, each with a subtle shade of meaning. The universal rule seems to be the louder the whistle, the greater the official’s displeasure at whatever just happened. If you experiment with a variety of tones, you will hear the wide range of messages that are possible.
With experience, you may come to appreciate the different meanings you can convey, especially when combined with the appropriate body language or facial expression.
There is, of course, no secret code or intricate musical vocabulary to use. You just need to be aware you can actually speak with your whistle, and then simply whistle whatever you mean. *
FOR THE RECORD
AWARDS, ROSTERS, NOTABLES
POSTSEASON ASSIGNMENTS
PROFESSIONAL
•The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks, four games to one, to win the 2024 NBA championship.
Referees for the Finals were Tony Brothers, James Capers, Marc Davis, Scott Foster, John Goble, David Guthrie, Bill Kennedy, Courtney Kirkland, Kevin Scott, Josh Tiven, James Williams and Zach Zarba Officials for preliminary rounds:
First round — Ray Acosta, Brent Barnaky, Curtis Blair, Brothers, Nick Buchert, Capers, Sean Corbin, Kevin Cutler, Davis, JB DeRosa, Mitchell Ervin, Tyler Ford, Brian Forte, Foster, Pat Fraher, Jacyn Goble, John Goble, Guthrie, Kennedy, Kirkland, Marat Kogut, Karl Lane, Mark Lindsay, Ed Malloy, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, JT Orr, Gediminas Petraitis, Scott, Aaron Smith, Ben Taylor, Dedric Taylor, Tiven, Justin Van Duyne, Williams, Sean Wright, Zarba. Conference semifinals — Barnaky, Blair, Brothers, Buchert, Capers, Davis, DeRosa, Ervin, Ford, Forte, Foster, Fraher, Jacyn Goble, John Goble, Guthrie, Kennedy, Kirkland, Lane, Lindsay, Malloy, Petraitis, Scott, Ben Taylor, Tiven, Van Duyne, Williams, Wright, Zarba. Conference finals — Blair, Brothers, Capers, Davis, Ervin, Ford, Foster, Fraher, John Goble, Guthrie, Kennedy, Kirkland, Lindsay, Malloy, Scott, Ben Taylor, Tiven, Williams, Wright, Zarba.
•The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers, four games to three, to win the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup.
Referees were Jean Hebert, Steve Kozari, Dan O’Rourke and Chris Rooney. Linesmen were Devin Berg, Ryan Daisy, Matt MacPherson and Jonny Murray. Officials for preliminary rounds:
First round — Referees: Francis Charron, Tom Chmielewski, Gord Dwyer, Eric Furlatt, Trevor Hanson, Hebert, Kozari, Pierre Lambert, Frederick L’Ecuyer, Chris Lee, T.J. Luxmore, Peter MacDougall, Michael Markovic, Wes McCauley, John McIsaac, Kendrick Nicholson, O’Rourke, Garrett Rank, Kyle Rehman, Rooney, Graham Skilliter, Francois St-Laurent, Kelly Sutherland. Linesmen: Shandor Alphonso, Steve Barton, Berg, David Brisebois, Scott Cherrey, Michel Cormier, Daisy, Kyle Flemington, Brandon Gawryletz, Ryan Gibbons, Trent Knorr, MacPherson, Jesse Marquis, Bevan Mills, Kiel Murchison, Murray, Bryan Pancich, Mark Shewchyk, Andrew Smith, Libor Suchanek, James Tobias.
Conference finals — Referees: Furlatt, Hebert, Kozari, O’Rourke, Rank, Rooney, St-Laurent, Sutherland. Linesmen — Alphonso, Barton, Berg, Cherrey, Daisy, Gibbons, MacPherson, Murray. •The Birmingham Stallions defeated the San Antonio Brahmas, 25-0, to win the 2024 UFL championship game. Officials were referee
Adam Savoie, umpire Daniel Gautreaux, down judge John Braun, line judge Darren Deckard, field judge Nicole Randolph, side judge Raymond Daniel, back judge Peter Buchanan and replay official Eric Oliver. Officials for the USFL conference championship (Birmingham 31, Michigan 18) were referee Scott Walker, umpire William Thomas, down judge Sergio DeHoyos, line judge Quentin Givens, field judge Eric Hartman, side judge Connor Clougherty, back judge Justin Staehr and replay official Jordan Craddock; officials for the XFL conference championship (San Antonio 25, St. Louis 15) were referee Jeff Heaser, umpire Cat Conti, down judge Cravonne Barrett, line judge Jeremiah Harris, field judge Michael Kennedy, side judge Gabriel DeLeon, back judge Donnie Aultman and replay official Oliver
COLLEGE
• Tennessee defeated Texas A&M, two games to one, to win the 2024 NCAA Division I baseball College World Series. Umpires were Linus Baker, Scott Cline (CC), Kellen Levy, Mike Morris, Shawn Rakos, Grady Smith (CC), Jake Uhlenhopp and David Uyl. Umpires for preliminary rounds:
Regionals: James Albert, Rick Allen (ACC), Matt Anderson, Baker (CC), Michael Banks, Craig Barron, Joe Blumenauer, John Bostwick, Jason Bradley, J.R. Brown, Seth Buckminster, Joe Burleson, Jon Byrne, Angel Campos (CC), Shane Cannon, Travis Carlson, Barry Chambers (ACC), Greg Charles (ACC), Joshuah Ryan Clark, Cline (CC), Dave Condon, Brandon Cooper (CC), Tim Cordill, Chris Coskey (ACC), Perry Costello, Danny Cricks, Brian deBrauwere (ACC), Adam Dowdy (CC), Jeff Doy, Travis Eggert, Kevin Elzey, Derrick Everett, Clint Fagan (ACC), Blake Felix, Mike Fichter, Chris Gonzalez, Manny Gonzalez, Eric Goshay, Jeff Gosney (ACC), Ray Gregson, Greg
Harmon (ACC), Joe Harris, Jason Harstick, Jeff Head (CC), Jeff Henrichs, Brandon Henson, Nathan Huber, Mark Hutchison, Darren Hyman (ACC), Javerro January, Danny Jimenez, Clint Lawson, Scott Letendre (ACC), Levy (CC), Mike Lusky (ACC), Jeff Macias (ACC), Joe Maiden, Brian Marine, Steve Mattingly, Bill McGuire, Stephen McMullen, Brian Miller, Derek Mollica (ACC), Morris (CC), Casey Moser (CC), Nicholas Mull, Ed Newsom (ACC), Kyle Nichol, Alex Ortiz, Brian Peterson, Frank Pflugardt, Rakos (CC), Wilson Raynor, Patrick Riley, Richard Riley, Tim Rosso, David Savage (CC), Josh Schepis, Donnie Smith, Grady Smith (CC), Joe Smith, Dave Soucy (ACC), Greg Street (CC), Kevin Sweeney (ACC), Nate Thompson, Uhlenhopp (CC), Uyl (CC), Billy Van Raaphorst (CC), Doug Vines, Mark Wagers, A.J. Wendel, Nathan White, Tim Winningham, Andrew Wolverton, Jeff Wright, Alex Ziegler.
Super Regionals: Allen, Barron, Bradley, Campos (CC), Chambers, Charles, Cooper (CC), Cordill, Coskey, deBrauwere, Dowdy (CC), Fagan, Goshay, Gosney, Harmon, Head (CC), Hyman, Letendre, Lusky, Macias, Marine, Miller, Mollica, Moser (CC), Newsom, Savage (CC), Schepis, Soucy, Street (CC), Sweeney, Van Raaphorst (CC), Wagers.
•Tampa defeated Angelo State (Texas), 8-3, to win the NCAA Division II baseball championship. Umpires for the series were John Bennett, Sarasota, Fla.; Mike Hinojosa, Revere, Mass.; Ryan Karle (CC), Topeka, Kan.; Gary Keller, Rock Hill, S.C.; Jim LeBeau, Waipahu, Hawaii; Steve Miller, Toledo, Ohio; Mark Moffett, Thornton, Colo.; and Tony Veltri, Fairmont, W.Va. Umpires for preliminary rounds: Regionals: Austin Adam (CC), Harrisburg, Pa.; Ron Adams, Baypoint, Calif.; Kenny Akin, Havanna, Ark.; Cody Allenbrand, Denver; Cole Allenbrand, Denver; Don Andrews, Ludowici, Ga.; Keith Atkinson, Lumberton, N.C.; Bennett; Bryce Brewer, South Williamsport, Pa.; Tyler Bullock, Swansea, Mass.;
Tom Clare, Ramsey, N.J.; Jim Courtney, Warren, Mich.; Casey Cowen, Pryor, Okla.; Bob Davis, Evansville, Ind.; Denver Dubreuil, Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Frank Endl (CC), Kenilworth, N.J.; Danny Everett (CC), Buford, Ga.; Kevin Flay, Lake Mary, Fla.; Nathan Foley (CC), Waco, Neb.; Steve Fuller, Harker Heights, Texas; David Gonzales, Clifton, N.J.; Julius Green, Charlotte, N.C.; Matt Herrera, Katy, Texas; Mike Herring, New York; Hinojosa (CC); Albert Jones, Mill Hall, Pa.; Scott Jones, Ventura, Calif.; Karle; Keller (CC); LeBeau (CC); Greg Losh, Culloden, W.Va.; Courtney Lowrance (CC), Van Alstyne, Texas; Tom Magier, Mount Sinai, N.Y.; Ethan McCranie, Moore, Okla.; Josh McNally, Edgerton, Ohio; Miller; Moffett (CC); Steven Oakes, Claysburg, Pa.; Todd Odell (CC), Eastlake, Ohio; Mike Paden, Conyers, Ga.; Ray Parrish, Lakeland, Fla.; Justin Penix, Huber Heights, Ohio; Brad Polk, Bolivar, Tenn.; James Purnell, Dyersburg, Tenn.; Jesus Rivera, Butler, N.J.; Derek Roberts, Bloomington, Minn.; Christian Rosenbeck, Gibson City, Ill.; Casey Sanchez, Orlando, Fla.; Nate Simmons, Hideaway, Texas; Ben Smith, Winfield, W.Va.; Kevin Spivey, Lilburn, Ga.; Nate Starr, Panama City, Fla.; Connan Strobel (CC), Andover, Kan.; Kirk Struble, Yakima, Wash.; David Thompkins, Birmingham, Ala.; Nick Thul, Basking Ridge, N.J.; Dom Toledo, Rio Rancho, N.M.; Lance Vaughn, Topeka, Kan.; Veltri (CC); Luis Villalobos, Denver; Tyler Wall, Corvallis, Ore.; John White, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Cody Whitehead, Bullard, Texas; Kedrin Wright, Ellenwood, Ga.
•Misericordia defeated Wisconsin-Whitewater, two games to one, to win the NCAA Division III baseball
championship. Umpires for the series were Justin Bertsche, Ohio; Will Bowers (CC), Rhode Island; Justin Burton, Virginia; John Grabowski, Missouri; Brett Koehler (CC), Texas; Russ Lundquist, Minnesota; Keith Petersen, Rhode Island; and JB Torres, New York. Umpires for preliminary rounds:
Regionals: Dan Adkins, Bertsche, Bowers, Denne Brodbeck, Burton, Chris Calkins, Jeff Clifford, Rodney Davis, Brian DiDomenico, Ryan DiMare, Curtis Dugar, Jim Enright, Mike Federer, Dustin Fields, James Fonseca, Brian Fuller, Grabowski, Ben Gray, Nathan Hamlett, Steve Hammond, Marty Hasenfuss, Phil Heim, Drew Hoagland, Luke Horn, Joe Iglio, Frank Iurilli, Chris Kane, Greg Kiewitt, Marvin King, Jeff Kinney, Koehler, Leon Kruset, Tim Kusniez, Pete Lakkis, Keith Lepionka, James Love, Cole Lumpp, Lundquist, Bryce McCalla, Garrett Moselle, Justin Murphy, Kyle Oldiges, Mark Piantedosi, Petersen, Bob Rachlow, Mark Rowan, Jason Schneider, David Schwartz, Andy Simons, Eric Slosek, Lucas Smith, Mark Snyder, Nick Staab, Greg Stanley, Ron Starsiak, Allen Stekl, Torres, Lyle Travis, Carl Villanueva, Jesse West, Kevin Wirth, Jon Wolfe, Bill Worthington, Brian Wroth
•These officials were assigned by the Minnesota State High School League to work 2024 winter sports championships: Wrestling — Tony Andres, Pierz; Brian Bakke, East Grand Forks; Kyle Ballard; Maple Grove; Bruce Barrett, Owatonna; Jeff Becker, Apple Valley; Spencer Beech, Minneapolis; Kevin Beehler, Becker; William Benson, Maple Grove; John Bergeland, Hugo; Taylor Defrang, La Crosse; Paul Fishbaugher, Rochester; Jeremy Frank, Nisswa;
Dustin Geiser, New York Mills; Steve Graff, Owatonna; Kirby Hanson, Red Wing; Gary Heydt, Clear Lake; Glen Hinz, Rosemount; Geoffrey Hjerleid, Byron; Jason Hyerdall, Shakopee; Jason Kelly, Brooklyn Park; Peter Knoble, Apple Valley; Scott Larson, Blackduck; Dennis Lenz, Royalton; Dwayne Lundtvedt, Decorah; Jim Lynch, St. Cloud; Jeff Mahoney, Lakeville; Greg Martin, Hutchinson; Joseph Morgan, Lake City; Matt Mraz, Barnesville; Dean Nelson, Mantorville; Joe O’Connor, Shakopee; James Peterson, Bloomington; Lukas Pohlmeier, Sauk Rapids; Jim Repke, Clearwater; Mike Roff, Champlin; Pierce Rothenbacher-Schmittdiel, Bethel; Craig Sanders, Princeton; Joel Scalzo, Plymouth; Ronnie Schneider, Roseville; Neal Skaar, Hayward; Scott Snobl, Barnesville; Matt Sogla, Rochester; James Stangler, Fridley; Matthew Stein, Hastings; Rod Stevens, Norwood Young America; Brady Storhaug, Golden Valley; Joel Toedter, Becker; Bradley Vanderveren, Apple Valley; Brent Weller, Perham; Jon Wheelock, Janesville; Terrence White, Maple Grove; Roger Wilson, Sauk Rapids; Leonard Woelfel, Mankato; Robert Zehnder, Brooklyn Center.
•These officials were assigned by the Georgia High School Association to work 2024 spring sports championships: Baseball — Michael Alred, Andrew Amerson, Macen Bailey, Chris Barnes, Gordy Bonner, Warren Boyer, Shannon Brown, Dustin Chitwood, Jeff Christie, Steve Cunningham, Drew Edge, Peter Gabriel, Ron Green, Calvin Griffin, Ben Helie, Brian Henry, Demario Holland, Lawrence Jeter, Gilbert Mayfield, Steve McDaniel, Alejandro Perez, Josh Perry, Jeremy Polivik, William Price, Eric Smith, Jason Taylor, Janet Thomas, Jay Truitt, Craig Trussell, Tanner Watkins, James Walden, Drew Wood.
Gymnastics — Tricia Burns, Jen Calabria, Jennifer Cannon, Traci Chu, Janice
Collins, Erica Dawson, Amy Eubanks, Laynn Froman, Veronica Jackson, Kendall Kerlin, Lisa Mitchell, Terri Norris, Tripp Norris, Tanya Richard, Sarah Sandwich, Margaret Stephens.
Soccer — Gary Abraham, Miguel Acevedo, Cameron Allen, Juan Carlos Arboleda, Ned Avies, Don Balfour, Hayu Bedane, Dan Benson, Tyler Bost, Ethan Bruns, Nicki Bunn, Margaret Burkett, Luis Aburto Contreras, Phil Conway, Blake Cwieka, Sergii Demianchuk, Garret Diduck, Hassan Doulfikhar, David Dreifus, David Ellion, Mary Fernandez, Sarah Fraser, Alex Gokhman, Brian Grozdanoff, Christopher Heintzman, John Herrmann, Fergus Hill, Kevin Huet, Paul Ilukor, Len Johnson, Whitney Johnson, Alvin Johnston, Ehsan Joya, William King, Glen LaFlamme, Patrick Lama, Mark Linderman, Brian Mabes, Bob Manning, Bruce Mattos, Chris McCorkhill, Blerim Mema, Sean Merfeld, Raymond Miles, Mustapha Moshood, Dustin Muzik, Larry Pachon, Lydia Ruiz, Michael Salvia, Gavin Smith, Jonathan Smith, Sterling Smith, Keith Southwell, Caleb Talkington, Benjamin Theisen, Benjamin Thomas, Matt Troy, Joseph Vera, Charles Wade, Joey Widener, Blake Williams, Wes Williams, Darryl Wolfe, Wayne Wright.
Boys’ lacrosse — Mike Colliver, Chris Foran, Brian Krause, Mark Lancaster, Jeffrey Leonhardt, David McCullough, Mike Montgomery, Taylor Robbins, Gregg Rubin, Stuart Smith, Raymond Stubblefield, Greg Thompson.
Girls’ lacrosse — Greg Burgard, Dave Clements, James Eubanks, Joe Fernandez, Sarah Grady, Naomi Hudson, Megan Lilly, Thomas Lilly, Carter Thomas, Melissa Thomas, Sarah Williams, Jon Woodham.
Softball — Tom Bills, Lee Gray, David Haulman, Kenny Lester, Greg Newell, Jim Rollins, Rana Smith, Sandy Strickland.
Do you have any rosters, assignments or awards that warrant mention? Send info to us at ForTheRecord@referee.com
Weather to Play?
By Scott Aronowitz
Officials devote an enormous amount of time preparing and training for our contests to provide the best service possible to the participants. In turn, that training and preparation serves to limit our liability. Additionally, there are instances where common sense should prevail regardless of preparation — none more important than when weather affects a contest.
Before you indoor officials stop reading, this still pertains to you because we have all seen water drip onto the indoor playing surface due to a leaky roof.
Now, a quick refresher on negligence: a party had a duty to the injured and failed to exercise the care a reasonable person would do in the circumstances. Failure to meet that
Better to let your common sense decide your fate, rather than a jury.
responsibility leaves a person open to a lawsuit for any resulting damages. The law does not require that for every injury there must be a recovery of damages, but generally imposes liability for a breach of a legal duty causing injury.
We have a duty to ensure the safety of the participants and our duty is generally triggered once jurisdiction commences. While this commencement depends on the sport, so does weatherrelated game management. For example, the NFHS Baseball Rules Book states umpire jurisdiction begins when the umpires arrive within the confines of the field, but the home coach decides whether the conditions are suitable for play. Once the game starts, the umpires determine whether conditions are fit for play. In high school football, the officials assume authority 30 minutes prior to the contest, but the rules are silent about jurisdiction over playing conditions. However, it is our duty to conduct a pregame inspection of the facilities.
Another essential aspect of game management is knowing when to stop a contest when treacherous weather — especially lightning — arrives. Technology has provided us with lightning-detection devices and mobile phone apps that assist in deciding to suspend play if a lightning strike is within 10 miles of the contest location. However, unless and until directed to do so by your governing body, you should never depend on the reliability of these devices. As such, hearing thunder or seeing lightning should always supersede information from a mobile app or lightning detection device.
Asking the participants if they understand the risks involved in voluntarily consenting to continuing the contest is not an option, and if a participant is consequently injured or killed, the official will not be relieved of his or her duty of protection. By continuing the contest, you have essentially assured the participants there is little or no risk of danger. School personnel can be helpful when making decisions regarding inclement weather. In Florida, for example, in no case may an official deny a request by a principal, or his/ her designee, to delay, suspend or postpone an outdoor contest due to inclement weather or imply that the contest will be forfeited as a result of such a request. More often, however, we face pressure from coaches and other authority figures who want to finish the contest.
Remember, the safety and welfare of all concerned is of paramount importance, and the official has the authority to terminate a contest when conditions warrant it. It is important to consider the repercussions of your action or inaction. Better to let your common sense decide your fate, rather than a jury.
Scott Aronowitz is an educator and attorney and lives in Fernandina Beach, Fla. He has officiated high school football for 20 years and was a college referee for seven years. He is currently a replay official in the Collegiate Officiating Consortium. This column is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. *
NFHS Lightning Guidelines
The NFHS provides the following guidelines for the suspension and resumption of play during lightning or thunder disturbances:
“a. When thunder is heard or lightning is seen*, the leading edge of the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play for at least 30 minutes and vacate the outdoor activity to the previously designated safer location immediately.
b.30-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning is witnessed* prior to resuming play.
c.Any subsequent thunder or lightning* after the beginning of the 30-minute count will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.
d.When independently validated lightning-detection devices or mobile phone apps are available, this technology could be used to assist in making a decision to suspend play if a lightning strike is noted to be within 10 miles of the event location. However, you should never depend on the reliability of these devices and, thus, hearing thunder or seeing lightning* should always take precedence over information from a mobile app or lightning-detection device.
*– At night, under certain atmospheric conditions, lightning flashes may be seen from distant storms. In these cases, it may be safe to continue an event. If no thunder can be heard and the flashes are low on the horizon, the storm may not pose a threat. Independently verified lightning detection information would help eliminate any uncertainty.”
On the Side of Safety
Many lawsuits have been filed alleging game officials acted unreasonably in exercising their general supervision of the game by allowing play to begin on a wet field or while it was raining.
If officials believe, following inspection of the playing area, that a player might get injured due to its condition, delay the start or do not play the game. Err on the side of safety. The decision should be reached in consultation with the gamesite manager.
CLASSIFIEDS
CAMPS/CLINICS/ SCHOOLS
* ATTENTION ASSOCIATION LEADERS!
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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. Member associations
also 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.
EQUIPMENT/APPAREL
* Purchase Officials
Supplies — Everything for Life Inside the Lines. Call 800-767-2233 or visit our website purchaseofficials. com for the best products and prices in the market.
* Ump-Attire.com — The #1 website for officials’ sporting goods. Now serving
1 — All – a (NFHS 7-1-1 Pen.; NCAA 7-11a4; pro 6.03b)
2 — NFHS – d (3-1-4b); NCAA –a (7-2b3, 9-4e); pro – e (6.03b)
3 — NFHS – d (2-4-3); NCAA, pro – a (NCAA 2-7, pro Base on Balls Definition)
4 — NFHS, pro – d (NFHS 10-1-4; pro 8.02a); NCAA – c (3-6f)
FOOTBALL
1 — NFHS – c (3-3-3a); NCAA – d (3-2-3a)
2 — NFHS – b (4-3-7, 4.3.6); NCAA
– a (8-3-2c)
3 — NFHS – a (4-2-2a Exc., 4.2.2A); NCAA – b (4-1-3b Exc.)
4 — NFHS – e (3-1-6c); NCAA – a (3-2-1b)
MISSION
5 — NFHS– a, b (2-24-6 through 8, 6-1-3, 6-4 Table); NCAA – d (2-165b, 6-1-2c-5 Pen., 8-4-1a)
SOCCER
1 — NFHS, IFAB – b (NFHS 2-2-1; IFAB 2.1); NCAA – a (2.1.3)
2 — NFHS – c (4-1-4d); NCAA, IFAB – b (NCAA 4.1.1; IFAB 4-2)
3 — NFHS – c (Sample Tie Breaking Procedure); NCAA – b (7.2.1); IFAB – a (4.2)
4 — NFHS – b (7-4-3); NCAA – c (3.8.8); IFAB – a (7.3)
5 — NFHS – a (3-3-3a); NCAA men's division I only, IFAB – c (NCAA 3.5.1; IFAB 3-3)
6 — All – c (NFHS 12-5-1f9; NCAA 12.1.2; IFAB 12.3)
SOFTBALL
1 — NFHS, USA Softball, USSSA –b (NFHS 3-1-3; USA Softball 4-1a1; USSSA 5-1B); NCAA – a (5.7.3)
2 — NFHS, NCAA – b (NFHS 3-22; NCAA 3.10.3); USA Softball, USSSA – a (USA Softball 3-6D; USSSA 2-8C)
3 — NFHS – c (4-1-1); NCAA – b (5.3.1); USA Softball, USSSA – a (USA Softball 5-2; USSSA 4-1)
4 — NFHS, USA Softball, USSSA –
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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 store.referee.com.
SEPTEMBER
FLASHBACK
40 YEARS AGO … 1984
• Georgina Clark becomes the first woman to umpire a Wimbledon final. Clark, who was in the chair for the match between Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, served as worldwide tour director for the Women’s Tennis Association from 1981-2005.
30 YEARS AGO … 1994
•Former Pac-10 official Jim Mercer, 62, dies after a battle with cancer of the esophagus. Mercer officiated both football and basketball in the Pac-10, working one Rose Bowl. He later became an observer of officials for the Pac-10.
b (NFHS 6-1-1, 6-2b; USA Softball
6A-1C and E; USSSA 6-1A, 6-1E-2); NCAA – a (10.1.1d, 10.2.1.2)
5 — NFHS, USA Softball, USSSA –b (NFHS 6-2-2a Note; USA Softball 6A-6A; USSSA 6-1l-1); NCAA – b (10.13.1)
6 — NFHS, NCAA, USSSA – b (NFHS 7-5-1; NCAA 11.1.1; USSSA 7-1A); USA Softball – a (7-1A Exc.)
VOLLEYBALL
1 — NFHS – d (7-1-1a); NCAA – a (10.1.1); USAV – c (4.1.3a)
2 — NFHS, NCAA – a (NFHS 6-1; NCAA 5.2.1.3); USAV – d (4.1.1b)
3 — NFHS – a (6-2-2); NCAA, USAV – b (NCAA 5.2.1.1; USAV 6.4.3, 7.3.1)
4 — NFHS, USAV – b (NFHS 11-24, 11.2.4; USAV 15.4.2); NCAA – a (9.2.3.3)
5 — NFHS – b (11-4-4); NCAA, USAV – d (NCAA 10.1.1.7; USAV 7.3.4)
6 — NFHS, USAV – b (NFHS 10-13; USAV 15.11.1.3); NCAA – a (11.3.3.2.6)
20 YEARS AGO …
2004
•Soccer referee Sonia Denoncourt retires to become a FIFA instructor. Denoncourt, who was the first woman to become a FIFA-accredited referee in 1994, officiated three World Cups (1995, 1999 and 2003) as well as the Summer Olympics in 1996 and 2000. A native of Quebec, she was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.
10 YEARS AGO …
2014
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 an 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.
•Former NHL referee Bill McCreary is elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. During his on-ice career from 1984-2011, McCreary worked 1,737 games, including 44 Stanley Cup Finals games and 297 total playoff games. He also officiated the 1991 and 1994 Canada Cups and the 1998, 2002 and 2010 Winter Olympics.
What Officiating Has Given to Me
I have been a soccer referee for more than 30 years and believe I can claim to have officiated on every pitch in New Hampshire. I have worked all levels of youth matches, adult leagues and college divisions throughout New England. This is a wonderful avocation, providing an opportunity to learn at each match about officiating and managing, gaining exercise, giving back to the community and experiencing the emotion of the joys (and sorrows) of the players: The good, the bad and the rewarding.
The good, the bad and the rewarding.
Some are heartbreaking:
There was a 12-year-old boy involved in an accidental crash on the pitch resulting in a broken arm. As he lay there, he asked his mother and coach if the ambulance crew, when they arrived, would know what to do (they did).
A college goalkeeper collided with an attacker and immediately fell motionless inside the penalty box. Being in Boston, the ambulance arrived quickly and drove right onto the field.
A high school defender, who was playing her heart out, all of a sudden stopped, appeared a bit dizzy and just collapsed. Play was immediately stopped and both the coach and athletic trainer were beckoned onto the field. She recovered quickly but sat out the rest of the match.
Some are definitely heartwarming: Of course, there are so many beautiful moments. During one Unified high school match, play stopped and one team requested a substitute. A moment later, I noticed a wheelchair being pushed across the field and I politely requested they go around the outside of the field rather than across it but was informed it was the substitute entering the field (boy, did I feel foolish). She moved right into an attacking position. They played for a few minutes during which the opposing aggressive keeper stopped several shots. I sauntered over to the defending coach and said, “I am not here to tell you what to do, but wouldn’t it be nice if the wheelchair player was to score a goal?” Within a couple of minutes, that player moved the ball forward and scored. And both teams celebrated with such excitement.
During the pregame introduction of players at a women’s college Senior Day match, there was a really surprising and heartwarming experience. Each of the senior players was presented with a bouquet of flowers. All of a sudden, one male presenter went down on one knee and proposed marriage to one of the players (she said yes). I later learned none of the players were aware of what was going to happen.
Some are challenging:
At a D-I college match at Dartmouth, I had to step up my game. It was 7 p.m. and my third college match of the day. This would be a more energetic, faster match than those of the D-II and D-III colleges earlier in the day, so I had to draw on all my reserves. I was an assistant referee (AR) for this match and doing well with positioning. On one attacking play, most of the players of both sides converged on the goal. One attacker took the shot through the mass of players and the next thing you saw was the ball flying out toward the corner flag. With a concentration on positioning, I could see through the crowd of players and watched the keeper dive sideways to
try to make a save on a ball that just barely crossed the goalline (I could see green grass between the ball and the outside of the goalline). A blink of an eye would have missed the ball entering the goal before being tapped out. I got the referee’s attention with the flag; he stopped play and came over so I could tell him the ball had entered the goal. He asked, “100%?” I replied, “100%!”
Some are very rewarding:
I was an AR for a U12 match and “mentoring” a new referee for her first match ever. We talked a bit before the match and she seemed to understand the game and what to do, but there was a good measure of nervousness, which was understandable. I walked with her to the center circle as the match was about to start and, halfway there, she asked me what she had to do first. I said, “Blow the whistle to start the match.” She did just that and officiated a beautiful match.
In New Hampshire, we have extreme weather even during soccer season. One weekend it started snowing during the first half of a youth match. As the snow accumulated on the pitch, the players were enjoying the challenge, as if having a snowball fight. But early in the second half, enough snow built up and the players were having a problem with slipping. For player safety, I blew the whistle to end the match — and the next thing I saw was a flood of players running and bellyflopping in the snow to slide into the goal. Nothing but smiles all the way around.
I hope to continue officiating for many more years, reaping the rewards of personal excellence, overseeing safe and fair matches and watching the accomplishments of our youth with a front-row seat.
Play hard! Play fair! Have fun! Mike Krebs, is a youth, high school and collegiate soccer official. A former resident of New Hampsire, he now lives in Issaquah, Wash. *
Do you have a personal officiating story to tell? Send your story or queries to lastcall@referee.com
IT’S OFFICIAL
september 2024
NASO Membership Reaches All-Time High
After nearly 45 years of serving sports officials, NASO is celebrating a new milestone. In June, the count of dues paying members hit an all-time high of 30,060. The non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization has been providing benefits and services for officials in all sports and at all levels since its founding in 1980.
Among NASO’s benefits provided to sports officials around the globe are its Sports Officials Security Program, a monthly subscription to Referee magazine — the voice of sports officials since 1976, a monthly printed newsletter, a monthly emailed e-newsletter, advocacy on critical issues affecting the officiating community, interactive sports quizzes and exclusive savings on equipment, rental cars, hotels and more.
“We want to thank all our members,” NASO President Bill Topp said. “Reaching a significant milestone like this is only possible because more than 30,000 people have committed to their own officiating and to the officiating industry as a whole. Our hard-working staff will continue to advocate, educate and inspire with our industry-leading benefits and
services. We greatly appreciate your confidence in us.”
An important factor in the growth of NASO’s numbers has been the development of the Group Membership Program. Groups of 25 or more officials can benefit from deeply discounted rates and NASO is able to provide additional benefits to associations via its Association Advantage Program. Among NASO’s longest standing group membership partners is the NFL officiating staff and administrators. Other large group members include nearly
3,000 California Basketball Officials Association members, nearly 5,000 members of the statewide Washington Officials Association, and nearly 9,000 registered officials with the Michigan High School Athletic Association.
“Every time an official takes the floor, field, court or mat they do so with the goal of excellence and objectivity,” NASO Board Chair Robert Smith said. “I hope that our society continues to recognize and acknowledge just how much work we put into every athletic competition
and the impact we have on the sports world. Hitting an all-time high membership level is one of the most exciting moments in the history of this great organization — it demonstrates a strong and undeniable commitment for the officiating community. There is a sincere respect for what NASO has done and for what officials bring to the table. I simply could not be more excited about the direction in which we are moving.”
6 Reasons for NASO Insurance
IGame calls
NASO serves individual and group members in all 50 states and dozens of countries across the globe. It remains the leader in the sports officiating industry for education, protection, advocacy and celebration of officials after nearly 45 years.
Editor: Julie Sternberg
Sports Editor: Brent Killackey
Graphic Designer: Dustin Brown
Contributors: Don Collins, George Demetriou, Alan Goldberger, Joe Jarosz, Patrick Rosenow, Tim Sloan, Brad Star, Jeffrey Stern, Brad Tittrington, Scott Tittrington, Bill Topp
NASO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lisa Jones, Chandler, Ariz., Chair
Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md., Vice Chair
Bill Topp, Racine, Wis., President
Dana Pappas, Lebanon, Ind., Secretary
Mark Uyl, DeWitt, Mich., Treasurer
*Ron Foxcroft, Hamilton, Ontario, Special Adviser
*Barry Mano, Racine, Wis., Special Adviser
Dean Blandino, Santa Monica, Calif.
Paul LaRosa, Hendersonville, N.C.
Jason Nickleby, Lake Elmo, Minn.
Sandra Serafini, Yachats, Ore.
Rob Wigod, Los Alamitos, Calif.
Gary Zielinski, South Jordan, Utah
*Non-voting members
NASO MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of NASO is to:
• Serve members by providing benefits and services.
• Improve officiating performance through educational programs.
• Advocate opportunities for officials and engage in programs to recruit and retain officials.
• Create alliances with organizations that benefit from healthy officiating programs.
f you’re a sports official, you know to expect the unexpected. Every time you take the field, there’s a chance something you’ve never seen before will occur. Especially if you officiate multiple sports and/or work a heavy schedule, you’re more likely to run into issues on the field — issues that could have legal ramifications.
Officials face more liability risk today than at any time in the past, but that is of no concern for NASO members. NASO has been providing the most comprehensive and farreaching insurance protection program for sports officials for over 40 years. NASO’s Sports Officials Security Program removes the risks non-insured officials take every time they accept a game assignment.
Why do you need NASO insurance? The list of reasons would be lengthy, so here are just a few:
General liability insurance coverage
This protects against thirdparty claims for bodily injury (participant), property damage, and personal (libel or slander) injury during sporting activities.
Assault
If you are assaulted while officiating (or after a game you officiated), NASO can help you find an attorney and assist with legal fees, medical expenses, lost game fees and wages, travel expenses and other reasonable expenses.
You’re covered if someone sues you because of a game call you made.
Assigners’ coverage
NASO liability coverage also includes officials who have their own individual limited liability company for purposes of assigning games and/or for handling payments for their own personal officiating, so you’re covered if someone sues you for a decision you made as an assigner.
All sports are covered
NASO doesn’t just service officials of the major sports like football, basketball and baseball. If you officiate a more obscure sport — such as pickleball, skiing or rodeo — you’re still covered.
NASO answers your questions
NASO’s Member Information and Consultation Program (MICP) is the most comprehensive source for officiating-related information. NASO members can utilize MICP to access a wealth of information from NASO’s Legal Library of thousands of officiating-related articles, columns and case studies.
Being dragged to court over a sporting event may seem unlikely, but if it happens, NASO’s coverage will take care of business. For more details about NASO insurance, go to naso.org/member-benefits/ insurance to access the Member Benefit Guidebook.
NASO Welcomes New Board Members, Chair
As NASO celebrates passing the 30,000-member threshold for the first time in its history, the organization has elected two new board members to help lead it to even greater heights.
In Jason Nickleby and Gary Zielinski, NASO has added to its board of directors two individuals who have made significant impacts across professional, collegiate and high school sports officiating.
Nickleby, of Lake Elmo, Minn., serves as assistant director of officiating services for the Minnesota State High School League. His officiating career spans several sports at different levels. Perhaps most well known as a NCAA Division I football center judge in the Big Ten Conference, Nickleby has also officiated high school and small college basketball and baseball, plus volleyball and softball. He has experience as an assigner and local association leader.
“I have been a member of NASO for almost 25 years and I never thought I would have the unique opportunity to serve my fellow officials as a member of the board of directors,” Nickleby said. “I am beyond grateful and humbled by the confidence in my ability to contribute in this capacity as we seek the best possible ways to break new ground and support the outstanding men and women of the officiating industry.”
Zielinski, of South Jordan, Utah, is the NBA Referee Operations Department’s Youth & Amateur Officiating Development Lead. Zielinski had a decorated career as an NBA referee, getting
his first experience in the league during the 1995-96 season before working as a full-time NBA official from 2001-18. He also worked in the WNBA for four seasons and the CBA for seven seasons. In addition to his position with the NBA, Zielinski is involved in youth officiating as a clinician and camp coordinator.
“I started my basketball officiating journey at a young age of 11, and in my early years I was gifted a Referee magazine and I read that issue from cover to cover,” Zielinski said. “I found a small bookstore that carried Referee and I took the bus to go get the new issue as soon as they got it in. Reading the articles sparked the fire in me to become an NBA referee. After an 18-year NBA referee career and now having the honor to be on the NASO board proves dreams can come true.”
Nickleby and Zielinski replace outgoing board members Robert Smith and Pati Rolf.
In addition to the new board members, the board elected Lisa Jones, NCAA Division I women’s basketball referee and former WNBA referee, as its new chair; NFL referee Ron Torbert as its new vice-chair; Mark Uyl, executive director of the Michigan State Athletic Association and former NCAA Division I baseball umpire, as its new treasurer; and Dana Pappas, NFHS director of officiating services, as its new secretary. Former California Interscholastic Federation-Southern Section commissioner Rob Wigod was also re-elected to the board while Fox 40 CEO Ron Foxcroft was re-elected as a special advisor. Sports
Legacy NASO is a new program whereby you may bequeath a gift through your will or trust that ensures you can take care of your loved ones first, and then leave whatever else you choose to make a big difference in the future of sports officiating.
LEARN MORE AT
The old adage “It takes money to make money” certainly fits when it comes to NASO membership. The good news for NASO members is it doesn’t take a lot of money in order to make money back from the money-savings benefits NASO offers. Here are some of the ways NASO helps members save money.
1. Protection from extreme court costs. The most important benefit of membership is NASO insurance. In today’s litigious society, officials are potentially one call away from a lawsuit that could cost millions of dollars. NASO members, however, have the most comprehensive Sports Officials Security Program available: General Liability Insurance Protection (providing up to $6 million per occurrence, with an overall policy aggregate of $14 million for claims for bodily injury, property damage and person injury), $30,500 Assault Protection Program ($25,000 medical reimbursement, up to $4,500 reimbursement of attorney’s fees and $1,000 for loss of game fees), $100,000 Game Call and Assigner’s Insurance, and access to the Member Information & Consultation Program (MICP). Without NASO membership, you can quickly see how much money you could be facing out of pocket if you are ever sued.
NASO Saves You Money
2. Hotel savings. Normally exclusively offered to pro and college teams and coaches, NASO members are the only group of officials to receive a sport rate of up to 25% off the regular room rate at participating hotels. The Marriott Athletic VIP Card is a valuable benefit for NASO members as the card allows members access to the world’s largest hotel company with nearly 6,000 properties in 120 countries and territories.
receive 20% off on all publications from NASO and Referee. From rulebooks to manuals, whether hard copy or digital, members have access to the Referee store at a much-discounted rate to continue learning and improving.
3. Car rental savings. NASO members save money on rental cars every time they travel, whether on business or for person travel. Through AVIS, NASO members receive a special discount every time they book online or over the phone. Members can combine exclusive NASO coupons with an already discounted group rate to achieve even bigger savings.
4. Educational material discounts. NASO members
5. Uniform and equipment discounts. NASO members automatically receive a 10% discount at Ump-Attire.com for all purchases. By using the same email address listed in your NASO account when you sign in to Ump-Attire. com, the discount is automatically applied to all purchases, whether online or over the phone. This includes all uniform, gear and equipment purchases.
6. Tax deductible. Your NASO membership cost is fully tax deductible from your officiating income each and every year. Make sure to include it when you fill out your taxes each year or notify your tax preparer.
As you can see, your membership comes with a host of cost-savings benefits, in addition to the top insurance coverage in the business. The savings can quickly add up when you factor in hotels, rental cars, equipment, uniforms and publications, not to mention lawyer fees (which we hope you never need to use). Take advantage throughout the year and watch those savings quickly add up.
Officially Speaking
Todd Stordahl, WOA Executive Director, on Officials using body Cameras
The more tools officials have at their disposal, the better — especially when it comes to dealing with behavior that crosses the line. That’s the mindset driving the Washington Officials Association (WOA) to experiment with the use of body cameras on game officials in Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) events. Todd Stordahl, executive director of the WOA, spoke with NASO about the decision to outfit officials with the technology and the early returns from its use.
NASO: What got the ball rolling on the idea of using body cameras for your officials?
STORDAHL: I think it was an article or quick blurb in Referee talking about Reveal Media doing a trial in the UK, so that got our attention. (WOA board member) Jeff Mattson bought a few cameras and put them on baseball umpires. We liked the resolution we saw from them. We didn’t like the insecurity of them. And we didn’t really have a protocol in place. Then we watched a Reveal Media webinar. Two WIAA staff members were also on the webinar. A few minutes after the webinar we got together and were like, why aren’t we trying this?
The decline in sportsmanship is dramatic since the pandemic. I can’t even compare the two. That’s sort of the reason we went down the path.
NASO: How did you roll out the program?
STORDAHL: We started discussions with Reveal after the 2023 NASO Summit. So it took some time to work out the details on the number of cameras, the financing, getting all the consents we needed to get set up. We got the cameras delivered in late December 2023, and got them out for our officials in January and February in basketball.
NASO: Is the use of the cameras mandatory or voluntary?
STORDAHL: We reached out to local groups saying, “Who wants to do this?” We want varying experience levels. The only thing where we want consistency is we want responsible officials. We don’t want the best officials in the group having them because those officials, trouble doesn’t follow them, or they know how to handle it.
NASO: How does the in-game body camera protocol work?
STORDAHL: The only times the cameras get activated for basketball is an unsportsmanlike team foul, fans or players coming onto the court, or any time we have to initiate our discriminatory behavior policy. In baseball and softball, it would be any unsporting act where you’ve issued a warning. In soccer, it would be a yellow card, unsporting behavior or fights. Otherwise, the camera is on but not actually recording. There is a de-escalation screen that has the WOA logo. When an official triggers it, the camera goes back and triggers the previous 30
seconds, so you get plenty of lead up to what led to the ejection. After the game the official goes home and using WiFi, that 30-second clip gets shot up to the cloud and we get it.
NASO: What is the WOA looking to establish through the use of the cameras?
STORDAHL: We’re not trying to stop all bad behavior because that’s not going to be possible. The hope would be if we can turn down the temperature a little bit in the activity. A great statement was told to me by one of our soccer officials regarding a coach who is always difficult. He said, “When I walked out and I had the camera on, he actually treated me like a human.”
So if we can get the attention of officials and assigners that the temperature has dropped, if we can stop the stupid behavior from getting crazy, I think it’s going to help in recruiting and retention of officials.
NASO: What have the early returns been from the program?
STORDAHL: The only game we had an ejection in a game with a camera involved a fight. So we had a video with a fight, and a great training video on a common foul and why it was not upgraded to an intentional foul, a great how-to video.
NASO: What are your early thoughts on how the program is working?
STORDAHL: I’m glad we’re doing it. It’s way outside the box. We will do surveys of the officials, but I have stories from the assigners that their groups last winter felt like it was a positive.
There is a shortage of officials across the country. One of the ways states are attempting to attract new members is to reach out to high school students to help fill the void. Three such states that have seen some success in recruiting high school students are Michigan (MHSAA), Kansas (KSHSAA) and Pennsylvania (PIAA). MHSAA Director of Officials Sam Davis, KSHSAA Director of Officials Scott Goodheart, and PIAA Associate Executive Director Pat Gebhart described some of the tools they’ve use and what that success has meant to their respective states.
1. What kind of efforts have you made in your state to encourage high school students to join the officiating ranks?
Davis: We have a Legacy Program since 2013 that allows high school junior and seniors to register for free to officiate with a mentor official. Since 2019, we have allowed freshmen and sophomores to register and officiate at the middle school and subvarsity level. Also, the MHSAA has a fast-growing classroom officiating program in partnership with RefReps.
Goodheart: One of the main things we have seen from our state association is encouraging officiating courses. Some are doing stand-alone officiating course work, but also encouraging and promoting the RefReps
officiating curriculum. There are some great things a person can get from the rulebook and content material, but RefReps shows the new way to teach and engage students as they begin sparking their interest into officiating.
Gebhart:
Recruiting posters have been placed in every Pennsylvania high school. The PIAA has created and handed out thousands of business cards to assist with recruiting and created and used a recruiting tent at our championship events. PIAA affiliated persons attend job fairs with regularity to recruit officials and we have created public service announcements that are played on radio, television and at contests around the Commonwealth.
The PIAA Board of Directors approved the creation of the Junior Officials Program whereby 16- and 17-year-olds can officiate seventh, eighth, and ninth grade contests. We have also waived the registration fees for students.
The PIAA has campaigned at yearly athletic director meetings to encourage ADs to assist with recruiting. We have also gone to online testing 24/365. PIAA districts are holding their own recruiting events whereby PIAA provides resources to assist. The PIAA Board of Directors has stiffened the penalties for bad acting players and coaches and has provided curricula resources to schools wishing to begin an officiating course in their school.
3 on 3: High School Recruitment
2. What have been the results of those efforts or programs?
Davis: Since the inception of the Legacy Program, we have seen 2,441 high school students become registered officials. This is our first year with RefReps and we are gathering data on vouchers extended and vouchers redeemed.
Goodheart: In our agreement with RefReps, any student that completes their certification of completion can send us that completion form, and then we will give them the ability to be a KSHSAA registered official for no cost in one sport. We are only in the second year of this, but we have already had more engagement from year one to year two. We continue to maintain momentum on these programs and find ways to have them implemented from our smallest schools to our largest schools across the state of Kansas.
Gebhart: The PIAA began monthly charting the number of officials we have registered. Since September 2022, the PIAA has increased its total number of officials by 1,200 officials to a total of 14,605.
3. Why is it important for your state to make concentrated efforts toward recruiting young people?
Davis: Certainly, our aging officiating population is a catalyst to drive us to get young people involved. It is also important to provide an opportunity for athletes to continue their love and passion for the sports they no longer compete in but can stay connected to by officiating. Additionally, young people are
SAM DAVIS
PAT GEBHART
SCOTT GOODHEART
What Questions Should You Be Asking?
By Carl Smith
Association boards are made up of people from all walks of life, and varied business backgrounds. All board members bring different experiences to the group, and that’s important. So, what matters do you think your board needs to address? Boards need board members to bring new ideas. Some boards are stagnant, while others remain vibrant, due to the passion brought by board members. Here are a few questions all board members should be asking.
1. Is the board transparent? Transparency is an important attribute of a strong board. It doesn’t matter if you have 10, 100 or 1,000 members, if you don’t have the integrity to do what’s best for your members, you’re going to fail! Boards are elected to handle business for the association. Members’ voices are heard every season when it’s time to vote.
2. Where did we come from and where do we stand currently?
As an association, are you a gathering of likeminded individuals who are loosely associated to officiate, but aren’t really a “formed” association? Are you incorporated? Nonprofit or for profit? Do you pay taxes? Unemployment (ESC), or
workers’ comp? These are all questions to answer.
If you’re a corporation, make sure your corporate records are up to date. These include business license, biennial reports (if your state requires them), tax records (have a CPA review them for clarity and accuracy), financial software (auditable by CPA also).
If your association has a bank account, you should have a debit or credit card for business expenses incurred by the association. You should also have an association email address that transfers with the position, and a P.O. Box that’s just for your association.
3. Where are we going?
As important as it is to know where you came from and where you stand, it’s also a great idea to have a solid plan for the future. When talking about your vision for the future, that encompasses
ASSOCIATION ADVANTAGE
Running a local officials association is demanding. You volunteer your time and effort to make it the best you can. But there’s no reason you have to do it alone. NASO Association Advantage exists to help you face any challenge and elevate your association in the process. Whatever challenges you have — training, insurance, legal issues, meeting help, bylaws and organization, membership issues and more — WE HAVE A SOLUTION TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.
PLATINUM & PLATINUM SHIELD
Association Advantage Platinum is the premier resource for maximizing the performance of your group, providing leadership and administrative resources to help you elevate your organization with a focus on training,
Carl Smith, Anchorage, Alaska, is a former assigner for the Anchorage Sports Officials Association. FROM OUR DATABASE
all board members, from the president through the members at large. How can you best serve all members of your association? How can you improve training at all levels of experience? How is your mentorship program looking? How is your perception out in the community, and what can you do to enhance that view? How is your recruitment and retention plan working? Are your bylaws up to date? Do you even have bylaws? Are you big enough to start thinking about incorporating? These are all questions worth asking. Nationwide, officiating numbers are dropping. If new members are received warmly and see their association is well run and looking out for their interests, it’ll be much easier to retain them.
assigning, legal issues and best practices specific to local officials association management.
TITANIUM & TITANIUM SHIELD
The Titanium solution is ideal for officials associations that want to maximize their organization’s performance while fully protecting both their organization and individual members.
DIAMOND
The most comprehensive solution for officials associations that want to fully protect both their organization and individual members, as well as provide full training and testing solutions with an emphasis on video. Association Advantage Diamond is the ultimate answer to every challenge your association faces.
To learn more, go to NASO.org/Advantage or call us at 262-632-5448
3 on 3 (CONTINUED FROM PG. 6)
some of the best ambassadors for good sportsmanship in athletics.
Goodheart: Recruiting, training, mentorship and retention have been my emphasis since I began last year. We understand the average age of officials is getting older, but like many entities throughout our country we want to keep veteran officials around to help serve in mentor capacities, but also have younger officials to have a good experience and a chance to succeed. … I feel officiating can give individuals great tools to utilize as a life skill whether it be from understanding rules, to conflict resolution and having to deal in tough situations, but ultimately
it comes with how you deal with people. Officiating can help kids understand how tough it is to make that “bang-bang” call in a split decision; that part is a humility piece and humanization piece that shows not all things work out perfectly in life. I have told a lot of officiating stakeholders, it will take a village for all of us to help with the shortage of officials from school leaders, league commissioners/ assigners, coaches, along with fellow officials. Our officials are probably our best recruiters of new officials. I always tell kids that I hope you play for as long as you can, but when your time is done playing competitively, consider officiating. If you want to be a coach, there isn’t a better
way to learn the rules than to officiate and to see the game from a different perspective. When I go speak to a class or group about officiating, I always share my story about how someone did it for me, someone is doing it for you, and I want someone to do it my for kids.
Gebhart: The PIAA patch is the most recognizable icon our association has, and by continuing to recruit officials who wear that patch we will be able to better serve our member schools with officials who are better educated to be able to continue to officiate. Getting new people into the officiating avocation is important as our cadre of officials continues to get older.
Basketball Referee Development Program ref-ology Joins NASO
Blast Equality Collab ref-ology is one of four organizations to recently join NASO through the Association Advantage program.
Based in Alameda, Calif., refology is led by Shelley Russi, a longtime women’s basketball referee and former supervisor of WNBA officials. In her 20 years as an NCAAW Division I official, Russi worked multiple NCAA D-I Women’s Basketball Tournaments as well as the Pac-12, West Coast and Big Sky conference tournaments.
In 2009, Russi founded refology with a goal of changing the way sports officials are developed. Whereas most referee training initiatives have long focused solely on rules knowledge, game management and mechanics, ref-ology trains
referees in the San Francisco Bay Area in the “whole person” concept. Russi hopes this method of training gives youth referees more satisfaction in their officiating while also developing skills that are applicable in other parts of their lives.
“We’re not a traditional referee association,” Russi said. “(We’re) trying to shift the culture in the officiating realm because people are so stuck to the systems that are there and the thought processes around what it’s supposed to look like. But we know with the shortage we have to make some adjustments.”
Making sure her members have access to insurance is an important piece for Russi.
“It’s really hard to get
insurance in the space when you’re dealing with referees and just in general,” she said. “It was really easy — much easier than I expected — with NASO helping me get the insurance and become an association member.”
Joining ref-ology as groups to join NASO Association Advantage at the Platinum Shield level are Central Coast Collegiate Baseball in California and MIHO Inc. in New York. In addition, Silver City Football Officials Association in Taunton, Mass., joined at the Titanium level.
sports section Double Duty is demanding
By Rick Woelfel
Any official who is dedicated to the profession deals with demands on their time and energy. For those who officiate multiple sports, those demands increase exponentially, particularly when seasons overlap, as they increasingly do.
The days of clearly defined sports seasons are gone, replaced by summer leagues, showcase events and tryout camps.
Officials hoping to climb the ladder in a particular sport are seemingly encouraged to focus all their efforts on that sport. Just as athletes are feeling pressure stated or otherwise, to specialize, so too are officials.
But there are those who thrive on the variety that goes with working multiple sports and the challenges that arise, particularly when seasons intersect.
When it’s time for postseason basketball, it might also be time for your baseball chapter’s preseason meetings. And at some point during the baseball season you might have to take a pause to attend a basketball clinic.
So, how should you approach working multiple sports without slighting anyone, in particular the athletes and coaches you’re working with? Everyone’s circumstances are different of course, but here are few thoughts that may be helpful.
• Prioritize. If you’re working multiple sports, which is No. 1 on your list? Are you working varsity football but only JV basketball? Do you have a better chance to advance in one sport than another? Does your job schedule lend itself to concentrating more on one sport than other? Often these decisions are dictated by outside circumstances that aren’t directly
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew. A lot of officials are looking to work as many games as possible. No news there. A lot of officials wind up taking on more assignments than they should. No surprise there either.
Working a game every day may seem like an ideal situation to be in. But sooner or later the pace will eventually
Getting to know the rules more intimately has an unquestionable effect on your confidence.
connected to officiating but need to be taken into account.
If your 9-5 job makes it tough to get away to work baseball games during the week, your opportunities to advance in that sport are limited. Your odds will likely increase if you focus on a sport that features more games on Friday nights or weekends, say football or soccer.
• Communicate. Be sure to stay in touch with your assigner(s). Be sure they know you’re working multiple sports and keep them advised of your open and closed dates. Doing so will enhance your relationship with them.
take a toll on you. You’ll find yourself dealing with physical and mental fatigue and your concentration won’t be as sharp. Simply put, you won’t enjoy officiating as much. Officiating can be a difficult task if you do enjoy it. If you don’t, it’s just about impossible.
• Don’t expect/demand favors Working at an elite level in one sport does not entitle you to similar assignments in another. If you’re working college basketball, you shouldn’t’t go looking for an easier climb if you’re looking to get to the same level in soccer without putting in the time and
IT’S OFFICIAL - september 2024
effort required. Don’t look for preferential treatment.
It’s true enough that if you’ve reached a certain level in a particular sport that you’ve likely acquired certain skills that are transferable between sports; time management, dedication to rules study, meeting deadlines, etc. Those qualities are certainly assets. But they do not guarantee assignments.
BASKETBALL
The ABC’s of the Officiating Alphabet
By the Referee editors
make it be big and something that needs a whistle for the wellbeing of the game (an alligator) and not something relatively small and insignificant that can be ignored (an ant).
• Meet your responsibilities. In officiating circles, taking care of business is about more than just working games. The job description includes attending mandatory meetings and clinics, filling out reports when required, paying dues to the appropriate sanctioning/ governing bodies, and making time to study the rules and mechanics of your sport.
If you’re working a second sport, the time required theoretically doubles and increases further if you’re working three sports or more. Don’t take shortcuts, do the offfield things that are expected of you. If you don’t, it will catch up to you sooner or later
• Strike the right balance. Your officiating ambitions should be balanced against obligations to your family, job, educational obligations, etc. If that equation gets out of balance, it’s a recipe for trouble.
Officiating multiple sports in today’s world requires an abundance of dedication and self-discipline. But with some advance planning and realistic expectations, it can also be a source of immense satisfaction. Rick Woelfel is a writer and podcaster from Willow Grove, Pa. Over a span of 50 years he officiated basketball, baseball, softball, and football.
Officials of all stripes are apt to slip into coded language and jargon when talking shop with their fellow arbiters. Sometimes, however, we forget that the people we are working with may not have the same level of experience as us or familiarity with this secret language we choose to employ.
For instance, here is a primer for the ABC’s a basketball official may encounter during a pregame discussion in the locker room, and what those acronyms/ idioms actually mean:
A to A/A to B
This is an official’s abbreviated way of discussing movement by a defensive player that creates contact with a ballhandler or airborne shooter. If the defender has legal guarding position and keeps it (A to A), then said defender has done nothing wrong and the offensive player is responsible for the contact. If the defender has legal guarding position but then moves from that position to a new position on or above the playing court (A to B), the defender is no longer legal and is responsible for the contact.
Ants and Alligators
This is a phrase shared during the officials’ pregame that conveys when it is appropriate for one member of the crew to reach outside his or her primary coverage area to make a call related to action in front of another official who does not have a whistle. The idea is simple — if you are going to grab something outside of your area,
ABCD
Officials love their acronyms, and this one stands for Always Be Closing Down. We always stress the concept of angle over distance when it comes to getting the proper look at a play. It is likewise true that we often create that best angle and help our credibility when we are closing down on the action rather than remaining stationary or, even worse, moving away from a play. Make the effort to step up and accept plays rather than expecting the action to come to you.
Ball Watcher
This is a derogatory term officials use to indicate a partner is watching the ball, no matter where it goes on the playing court, instead of keeping an eye on his or her primary coverage area. This puts the crew in a dangerous position, as it leaves multiple players unattended by the watchful eye of an official if everyone wearing stripes is focused on the ball. If the ball is not in your primary area, you should not be watching it.
Blarge
This is officials’ shorthand for one of the worst situations a crew can experience on a given play — a double-whistle scenario where one member of the crew preliminarily signals a blocking foul against the defender while, at the same time, a second official preliminarily signals a charging foul against the ballhandler. Officiating crews should use their pregames to determine what needs to happen to avoid
this situation (for example, a perimeter official “posting” with a stop-clock foul signal but no preliminary foul signal in all double-whistle situations), but also must use their pregames to discuss how to resolve a blarge situation should one occur during a game.
Close Down
We already stressed the need to always be closing down (ABCD). But what exactly does that mean? Officials close down when they perform two specific functions. The first is putting oneself in the best, most credible position to make a ruling on a play by stepping toward the action. By closing down, the official shows he or she is actively engaged in the matchup and has a good look at what’s taking place, rather than sitting back and taking a passive approach to officiating the play. The second is when a try attempt is headed toward the basket. All of the officials on the floor should move toward the basket, anticipating a missed shot and rebounding action, closing down on said action and being in the best position to rule on the play.
Closed Look
An official cannot (or more accurately, should not) call what he or she cannot see. Doing so amounts to nothing more than a guess (a closed look). As such, officials should always be working and adjusting on the floor to obtain a better view of the action, creating an angle that allows for an “open look” at what is happening. An official with an open look has much greater credibility when putting air in the whistle, because he or she is able to see all the necessary elements of a play.
Crew Saver
Sure, it would be nice if there is a member of your officiating crew that knows CPR. However, that’s not what this term implies in an officiating context. A crew saver is a ruling that an official is willing to step up and make to save the credibility of the crew and that shows one official has his or her partners’ backs. This type of call saves the crew as it is the correct ruling for the situation and may help prevent illegal play from escalating for the remainder of the game.
as “the end of advancement of the ball.” Forward progress is much more an art than a science. There is an exact spot when a runner steps on the sideline, but exactly when a runner in a scrum is stopped becomes a judgment call.
FOOTBALL
A Credible Crew
By George Demetriou
When it comes to playoff selections, a variety of methods are used by state associations. In some states, coach’s rankings are used either as the sole method or in part. In other states, the officials association makes the selections. Regardless of the exact method, the selections are subjective. No one has sure-fire method of determining the “best” officials. Nonetheless, it would behoove those officials with postseason aspirations, as well as those who want to get better, to have an understanding of the attributes of a quality crew. The late NFL referee Red Cashion once offered three indicators of crew performance, so here they are (plus one).
Forward progress. Correctly marking forward progress consistently throughout the game is probably the most important thing a crew does. Unless the play ends in a score or a touchback, forward progress must be determined on every play. The rulebooks offer very little on that subject. It is defined
No one will argue the spot after a 40-yard run; the offense will not care. Also, a quarterback sack is not likely to spur a protest from either team regarding the spot. However, when the play ends near the stake, especially on third or fourth down, or any down near the goalline, everyone will have an opinion. It is those plays where credible spots are necessary.
The two most common forward progress errors are failing to give progress when the runner is pushed, pulled or manhandled backward; and marking progress where the knee went down instead of at the location of the ball.
Dead-ball officiating. Some believe when the whistle blows to end a play, there is “nothing is going on.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Missing a holding infraction is not as devastating as missing a shot to the head after the ball is dead. Fighting players will ruin a football game. Officials must be able to sense trouble and take the necessary steps to prevent tempers from escalating. It is important to anticipate problems by observing how players behave after the whistle and using voice, whistle and physical presence to control players. Sometimes letting the players know they are being watched is a sufficient deterrent. The standards should be set early and remain consistent throughout the game.
Most dead-ball fouls occur within five seconds after the ball becomes dead. All officials need
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to keep their eyes on players until there is separation among opponents. Each official should gently pinch-in after the play, keeping all 22 players in view if possible. Each official also has a halo area and needs to keep his head up and observe it. Common errors include staring down at the progress spot and chasing after the football too soon. Those acts remove the official from dead-ball coverage and should only be undertaken after the players have cleared.
of the fouling player whether they have a microphone or not. That communication is important because it emphasizes the need for accuracy in calling fouls and deters phantom calls. Additionally, a head coach may expect to have reasonable and brief questions answered by the wing official.
George Demetriou has been a football official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.
up the first-base line in order to assist with potential running lane violations, interference, obstruction, a pulled foot at first or a dropped or trapped ball the base umpire may not be able to see.
Ball handling. Many officials scoff when they hear that; certainly it does not have the impact on the outcome of the game as do the preceding attributes. However, there is likely nothing that can make a crew look more incompetent than constantly fumbling the ball during an exchange and holding up the game as the officials retrieve it.
Sideline communications. Apparently, Red did not include that because it is not a visible attribute, but in some coach’s eyes, it is more important than the other three. The head coach is entitled to an explanation of all unusual rulings or situations. The explanation will usually be delivered by the wing official, but as necessary, may be given directly by the referee. The emphasis here is that communication is with the head coach only.
The head coach is entitled to the following information for all fouls: the type of foul, a brief description of the act, the number or position of the offending player, and the enforcement. For example: “Number 62 was called for holding; he pulled down an opponent. It’ll be 10 yards from the previous spot and second down will be repeated.” Referees should announce the number
SOFTBALL
Bunt and Run
By Referee e ditors
In the two-umpire system, bunt plays can require a lot of movement. This is especially true with runners on base. While the mechanics of covering a bunt play with a runner on first seem pretty straight forward, there are a lot of quick decisions that need to be made, especially for the plate umpire. The first decision a plate umpire needs to make is where to move in order to see the initial play on the ball. If the ball is bunted near one of the foul lines, the plate umpire must get to a spot either first- or thirdbase line extended in order to rule fair or foul. While moving to get a view of the ball, the plate umpire must also watch the batter-runner in order to rule on potential interference or obstruction calls. Umpires typically have a habit of rushing out from behind the plate in this situation and it serves the plate umpire better to have patience and let the play develop in order to keep a wide focus on everything that is happening. Once the ball is fielded, the plate umpire then needs to be able to trail the batter-runner
Once the play at first is completed, the plate umpire must then be prepared to move to third base for a potential play on R1. This is even more complicated if R1 was stealing on the pitch or is very fast. The plate umpire may not have a chance to close down the distance to the preferred distance of 10-12 (3-10 in NCAA) feet and may have to make a call from much farther away. In those instances, the plate umpire must first get the proper angle and then work on closing the distance. It is better to sacrifice distance over angle. The plate umpire must also wait until the play at first concludes before moving to the secondary position at third in order to be able to see all the elements of the play at first. If the base umpire needs help, the plate umpire needs to be in a credible position to help.
One final thing the plate umpire needs to be cognizant of is what happens to R1 once she approaches and rounds second base. It is not uncommon for the shortstop to be lingering near second base in this situation and the plate umpire needs to have a wide focus and use peripheral vision to pick up the possible obstruction that may occur near second base. With only two umpires, that is one call that is typically missed, and it can save the crew if the plate umpire can keep a wide vision field to see it. While the plate umpire is busy with multiple decisions on this play, the base umpire also needs to read and react to several possibilities as well. The initial movement of the base umpire
will depend on where the initial throw goes. If the defense fields the ball quickly, it may choose to try to get the lead out at second base. If the base umpire cheats to first too early, it will be nearly impossible to recover and get a good distance and angle to see the force or possible tag at second base. The same is true if the base umpire cheats to second and the initial throw goes to first. The base umpire needs to come out of the set position and read the play and let it develop before moving.
be reaching higher than the net; 3) the player(s) is/are attempting to deflect or intercept the ball coming from the opponent; and 4) the ball does not need to be higher than the top of the net when the blocking contact occurs, but the player(s) need to be reaching higher than the net. The rules verbiage varies slightly among the three rules codes, but those four elements are all integral parts of each (NFHS 9-51c; NCAA 14.6.1; USAV 14.1.1).
The most difficult situation for the base umpire is when the initial play is at first and it is a close play, requiring the base umpire to stay with the call at first longer, and then the defense throws quickly to second base to try to get R1 out if she rounds second base too aggressively. The base umpire has no chance to close the distance to second base in this situation and must work aggressively to get a good angle to the play at second. This is a scenario where the base umpire may need to get help from the plate umpire if the defensive coach requests help.
VOLLEYBALL
Back-Row Blocking Basics
By Referee e ditors
Back-row blocks are more common than one might think. To the casual observer, blocking is thought to be a player(s) at the net with hands above the head, palms facing the net and then jumping to prevent an attacker from sending the ball across the net to the opponents’ side.
All rules codes basically define blocking in a similar way with the emphasis on four key points: 1) the player(s) must be near the net; 2) the player(s) must
Unlike attack rules, blocking rules do not consider the location of the ball in relation to the height of the net. Only the reach of the player(s) at the moment of contact with the ball is addressed. Contacting a ball coming from the opponent while reaching higher than the top of the net at the time of contact is a block. When the player is completely below the top of the net at time of contact, it is the team’s first hit. Many referees consider “close to the net” to be within arm’s reach.
Back-row players usually know their status and rarely participate in blocking action because they are taught that it is not legal, at least at the higher levels. They are usually ready to either receive an opponents’ attack or play it off their front-row blockers’ deflection. Inexperienced players are more likely to commit this fault if they don’t understand rotations and positioning on the court.
When a back-row player participates in blocking action, it does not actually become an illegal back-row block until the ball contacts the back-row player, or the ball contacts a player in a collective block (two or more players next to each other who meet the definition of a block) if a back-row player is involved. If neither the back-row player or a teammate very near
or
IT’S OFFICIAL - september 2024
the back-row player contacts the ball, play on. An exception to that rule occurs when the back-row player is the libero. A libero is never permitted to even attempt to block, even if there is no contact (NFHS 9-5-6c; NCAA 12.1.2.2; USAV 14.6.6).
All codes have similar verbiage and interpretations for a player who is near the net, reaching above the height of the net and how opponents legally cause the ball to contact him or her. In that situation, the player is considered a blocker. A back-row player attempting to play a ball above the net is considered an illegal back-row blocker if the ball is attacked or blocked by an opponent into the back-row player while that player is reaching above the height of the net. That also includes simultaneous contact by the back-row player and an opponent with a ball that is in the vertical plane above the net. Consider the following scenario:
Play: A1 overpasses the ball to the setter, A2, who is a back-row player at the net. A2, with her back (or side) to the net, reaches higher than the net and attempts to set the ball to a teammate while the ball is in the plane of the net. An opposing blocker contacts the ball at the same moment A2 contacts the ball. Ruling: Illegal back-row block by A2. Likewise, if that opposing blocker contacts the ball first, and hits or blocks the ball into the back-row setter while the setter is reaching above the top of the net, it is also an illegal back-row block. The contact does not need to be intentional.
Keys to calling back-row blocks:
• Know the rules verbiage so you can clearly communicate the call to a captain and/or coach
when your call is questioned.
• Know whether each team’s setter is currently in the front or back row. The setter is often the number-one suspect during such a play. Remind yourself the location of each team’s setter before you whistle for service.
• Know whether the backrow player is reaching above the top of the net when contact with the ball occurs. The height of the ball does not matter during a block. If the player’s hands are below the top of the net at the time of contact, it is not a block and is considered one of the team’s three allowable hits.
• When a player passes the ball to a back-row setter near the net, peripherally read the trajectory of the ball as you focus on the setter. If you anticipate the ball will enter the plane of the net, be ready for the ensuing action by the setter and opposing blocker(s) to rule on the play. If the ball does not enter the plane of the net and the blocker(s) reach beyond the net, you will have to rule on a potential overthe-net fault.
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BASKETBALL
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 throwin, 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 all three rule codes, 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. In NFHS and NCAAM, the result is a violation, and team B shall receive another throw-in. In NFHS, a team warning for delay shall be given and reported 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 given and reported to the scorer, and team B shall receive another throw-in (4-9.1.g).
Goal or Not
Play: A1 steals the ball from B2 and has a breakaway scoring chance. As A1 approaches the basket, A1 attempts to dunk the ball, but after the ball passes through the ring, it gets caught up in the net, and pops back out through the ring. At no time did the ball pass through the net, nor did any player touch the ball to cause it to reject back out of the top of basket. Shall the goal count? Ruling: A goal is made when the ball enters the basket from above and remains in or passes through the basket. The basket includes the ring, its flange and braces, and the net. Since the ball did not pass through nor remain in the net, the goal shall not count, and play shall resume uninterrupted (NFHS 1-10-1, 5-1-1; NCAAM/W 1-14.1, 5-1.2.a).
BASEBALL
Extra Packaging
Play: B1 hits a one-hopper to F1 who gloves the ball. He cannot immediately get the ball out of his glove and tosses the
glove with the ball to F3. Ruling: The ball stays live and in play. The out is declared if the ball/ glove gets to first base before the runner (NFHS 8-4-1f, 2.9.1D; NCAA 2-16, 8-5i Note; pro 5.12, Catch Definition).
No Double Switch
Play: B1 is a switch hitter and decides to bat left-handed. F1 is ambidextrous and decides to pitch left-handed. Before the first pitch, B1 is granted “time” and switches to bat righthanded. Ruling: Legal; B1 may change batter’s boxes but F1 must face him as a left-hander (NFHS 6-1-1; NCAA 9-2k, pro 5.07f).
Not so Fast
Play: From the set position, F1 wants to change to the windup position. He breaks his hands, puts both hands to his side and realigns his feet. Ruling: F1 has balked. He must either lift his pivot foot in a step backward off the pitcher’s plate which must be in or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher’s plate or request “time” before moving his feet (NFHS 6-1-3, NCAA 9-1b, pro 5.07a2).
FOOTBALL
Scrimmage Kick Touched
Play: Fourth and 10 at team K’s five yardline. K1’s grounded punt is touched by K2 at team K’s 40 yardline. R3 recovers the kick, advances to team K’s 35 yardline and fumbles with (a) K4, or (b) R5 recovering at team K’s 30 yardline. Ruling: In (a), team R would likely choose to begin a new series at team K’s 40 yardline, the spot of first (NFHS) or illegal (NCAA) touching. In (b), team R may begin a new series at the spot of R5’s recovery (NFHS 6-2-5; NCAA 6-3-2).
Late Signal
Play: R1 catches K2’s punt at his 30 yardline and advances. During R1’s run, R3 gives a fair catch signal at team R’s 40 yardline. Ruling: There is no foul in NFHS. It is an illegal fair catch signal if the runner gives a signal after the ball is caught or recovered. If any other member of the receiving team gives a signal after the kick has ended, it is ignored. Under NCAA rules, any signal by a member of the receiving team after the ball has been caught or recovered is an invalid signal. There is no penalty, but the ball is declared dead when the signal is made (NFHS 2-9-5; NCAA 2-8-3, 6-53b).
used by mutual agreement of both coaches. If coaches cannot agree, a single base must be used (2.7). In USA Softball, a double first base is mandatory (2-3h). In USSSA, a double first base may be used but is not required (1-2c).
Passing a Runner
SOFTBALL
Catch?
Play: B1 hits a long fly ball to left field. F7 chases the ball down and makes a catch, then immediately collides with the outfield fence, loses the ball and falls to the ground. Ruling: This is a no-catch in all codes. The fielder must maintain the catch through the contact with the outfield fence. If a fielder collides with another player, umpire or fence, or falls to the ground and drops the ball immediately after a catch, it shall be ruled a no-catch and the ball remains live (NFHS 2-95b; NCAA 9.3.2; USA Softball 1 – Catch/No Catch; USSSA 3 –Catch).
Double First Base
Play: The umpires notice a double first base is in the ground as they walk the field during pregame field inspection. Ruling: In NFHS, a double first base may be used by state association adoption (1-2-1 Note). In NCAA play, a double first base may be
Play: With two outs and the bases loaded, B6 hits a home run. R1, thinking there was only one out, retreats to first, anticipating a tag up to second. B6 steps on first and then passes R1. When B6 passed R1, R3 had scored from third, but R2 had not yet crossed home. Ruling: The third out occurs the moment B6 completely passes R1. That is a timing play. Any runs that scored before the third out would count. R3’s would be the only run since she crossed home plate before the third out (NFHS 8-6-4; NCAA 12.4.3 and Note 1; USA Softball 8-7D; USSSA 8-18O).
SOCCER
Non-Factor
Play: A1 has the ball in the attacking half of the field. Several other team A players are in front of A1 but behind three defenders. The defenders move forward quickly to create an offside trap and leave the team A players in an offside position. A1 dribbles past the defenders and continues toward the goal. Ruling: This is a legal play since the team A players who did not have the ball did not gain an advantage or interfere with play. They are merely in an offside position (NFHS 11-1-3; NCAA 11.2.1; IFAB 11.2).
Follow the Rule
Play: Team A is awarded an indirect free kick from approximately 20 yards from
the goal. The referee fails to hold the hand above the head indicating an indirect free kick. A1 takes the kick and it goes to B2 who inadvertently puts the ball in their own goal. Ruling: This is a legal goal since the ball touched another player before entering the goal (NFHS 13-3-4; NCAA 13.1.3c; IFAB 13.2).
Delay Decision
Play: Team B is awarded a goal kick late in the game. The score is 2-1 in favor of team B. B1 places the ball on the right edge of the goal area for taking of the kick and then moves back in a position to take the kick. B1 then moves up to the ball, picks it up and moves it to the left side of the goal and starts the process again. Ruling: This is illegal. Once the ball is spotted, the ball shall be kicked. Since this is a delaying tactic, the referee
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has the right to caution B1, stop the clock for NFHS and NCAA games or add time for IFAB matches (NFHS 16-1-3; NCAA 16.2; IFAB 16.2).
VOLLEYBALL
Simultaneous Contact
Play: On team A’s second contact, both A1 and A2 contact the ball at the same time. The ball bounces off both players’ arms and goes straight up into the air. A2 then bumps the ball over the net. The first referee whistles, signals loss of rally/point for team B and signals four hits. Ruling: Incorrect ruling in all codes. When teammates contact the ball at the exact same time, it is permitted and considered one hit (except a block which does not count as a hit). Any
player may then attempt the next hit, including either of the two players involved in the simultaneous contact, provided the simultaneous contact was not the team’s third hit (NFHS 9-4-6b; NCAA 14.3.3; USAV 9.1.2.1).
Libero Serve
Play: Team R’s libero is in the left back position when team A wins the rally and will serve next. The libero goes into the serving position without leaving the court at the end of the rally. Ruling: Correct procedure. In all codes, the libero does not have to exit the court when becoming the next server in the order. The libero is allowed to serve in one position in the serving order (NFHS 10-4-5b; NCAA 12.2.2.3
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