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From Court to Court: “In the same way no case before a lawyer is exactly the same, no athletic contest before a referee is the same.”
BASKETBALL HIGHLIGHT THIS
PUBLISHER’S MEMO
Self Portrait
Almost five decades ago, I coined the phrase, “You referee who you are.” I have used it a lot since then and so have many others. That phrase has become part of our lexicon within this industry. An aside: Around the same time, I coined the phrase, “You gotta learn to love it when they boo,” but that is a different story I will tell you sometime. Hah!
As it was back in the mid1970s, “refereeing who you are” still is a shorthand way to say that your character, leadership skills, behaviors and habits all play out when you officiate. For example, if on a patterned basis you arrive late for work each day, you likely will have trouble being on time to meet your partners for the drive over to the game. If your computer files are a jumble, well, the maintenance of your online officiating schedule will likely be wanting. You don’t suddenly change just because officiating is involved.
You can learn a lot about people by observing them. Virtually all of us act in habitual ways and those habits can give any observer a darned insightful picture of who we are. Having habits makes plenty of sense if only from an efficiency standpoint. When we do something in repetition we become better at it, taking less time than before. This use of repetition plays out in all manner of ways: from choosing a restaurant, food store and place to pick up a newspaper in the morning. We generally gravitate to “sure things.”
In officiating, the more “sure things” we can define for ourselves the more successful, effective and even happier we will be. As officials, we don’t like surprises, do we? If you think about it, the incredible amount of time we spend studying rules, learning mechanics and, of course, the time we spend watching and evaluating videos are all for the
purpose of preventing surprises or at least minimizing them. We use repetitions — those experienced during our assignments and the digital “reps” we get through video training — to “hone the habit.”
In officiating, the ability to “connect the dots” is an essential skill to have. Having such provides you with the opportunity to anticipate certain things. You can use the ability to defuse situations and people — in a manner more timely than you could otherwise. If you understand the history between two teams, that gives you the ability to focus on that context. If you know certain players or coaches act out on a regular basis, you can come into the game with a special focus on that potential — ready to keep things calm.
And then, how about that critical matter known as selfevaluation — the getting to actually know yourself? Knowing what tickles you or what bruises you is potent knowledge. Through this introspection, you can seek to avoid or seek out select engagements or assignments. Be wise and be smart about such matters. “Wise” is knowing what to pick. “Smart” is knowing when.
Yes, while we all relish comfort, easy assignments if you will, it is the assignments fraught with bad history and vibes that fill out your character sketch. As stated by the late esteemed motivational speaker Wayne Dyer: Go the extra mile, it is never crowded there. Let folks see the full picture of who you are as a sports official. Discomfort is often the agitation of growth. It can be habit forming. The picture is yours to paint.
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Trent Anderson of Kalamazoo, Mich., does not stop officiating just because there is a pause in play. Dead-ball situations still demand much of officials and can prevent problem situations from turning a game sour.
No Dead Ends Keep Officiating, Even When the Action Stops
Just because the whistle is blown, time is called or play is otherwise halted does not mean officials can take a break, too. Staying on top of the action can help officials catch conduct that can lead to increased ill will among participants — and a game quickly turning sour. So how do you prevent problems from developing during dead-ball situations? Here are a few tips.
Obtain information about the teams. If pregame media coverage of the game or chatter via the officiating grapevine indicates there was a brawl or other incident the last time the teams met, you will go into the game with your antenna up. If you can find out who worked the game, talk to those officials and find out what
happened. When you take the court or field for the rematch, step in at the first sign of trouble.
Get out in front.
As Yogi Berra said, “You observe a lot just by watching.” Some dead-ball issues are the culmination of multiple minor disagreements. Are players jostling each other away from the ball? Is there an agitator who is constantly chirping at opponents? Those could be harbingers of bad things to come. Preventive officiating in the form of a subtle but firm verbal warning can quell a potential disturbance.
Observing the teams during warmups can also provide clues that trouble may be on the horizon. Are they staring at each other from opposite sides of the court or field?
Be especially alert during stoppages. Keep an eye on players during lulls in play. Substitutions and end of half/quarter/inning situations are not routine. Players have to cross each other’s paths during the exchange. A player leaving the game or going to the bench may want to take a parting shot at an opponent.
Players who have been ejected or fouled out are already unhappy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they leave the game without incident.
Be alert whenever players are forced to congregate in a confined area. If the basketball lanes have to be cleared for a technical foul, other players will be milling around midcourt. A corner kick in soccer means players in the penalty area.
They will bump and push to get into preferred position. Do not let it get out of hand.
Let players know you are in the area.
If a police cruiser is parked at the side of the road in plain sight and the police officer is pointing a radar gun at passing motorists, you can bet feet will be moving from the accelerator to the brake. Your presence in the vicinity of players is analogous to the cop on the beat. Use your voice to let players know you are around. A simple, “OK, the play’s over,” lets the players know they are being observed.
Do not stop officiating.
A common mistake among inexperienced football officials is to drop the flag for a foul, then let the rest of the play continue without covering it.
Similarly, when a runner makes a hard but legal slide into second base,
he or she often becomes entangled with the fielder. That may or may not lead to a problem if either player takes umbrage. Depending on how many umpires are working the game, the umpire covering the base or a partner is responsible for observing that action when the relay throw is on its way to first base.
Keep your head on a swivel.
Do not stare at the spot where the ball went out of bounds or into the stands. Never in the history of sports has the ground or empty space committed a foul. Make a visual scan of your coverage area after making that determination.
Another foible is to be more concerned with the ball than the players. Your job is observer, not retriever. Once action has settled down and players have dispersed, you can concern yourself with finding a ball to put into play
Prepare in the Offseason
If you have a true passion for officiating, you hate the offseason. You would much rather be out on the court or field, making the calls and plying your craft.
But if you really want to excel in this avocation, there is no such thing as the offseason. Your preparation for the next season begins the minute your current season ends.
Sound extreme? Maybe. However, there are plenty of things that must be and can be done in the time between seasons that will help you once the action resumes.
Check your calendar.
If family gatherings such as weddings, graduations or reunions are coming up, take steps to clear those dates before the assignments come out. If you use an electronic assigning system, block any days that conflict with other functions or make note of them so when your assigner tries to schedule you, you can decline.
If you travel to conventions or know you have a business trip at the same time every year, be sure you do not
take a game on those days. And do not get caught making arguably the worst mistake, double-booking yourself. If you have been given a game date in advance, consider yourself unavailable for another game on that day.
Inspect your gear.
A long season can result in wear and tear on equipment and uniforms. If something needs to be replaced, order it before the next season to avoid the rush and supply squeeze. That is especially important if you wear a popular size that will fly off the suppliers’ shelves.
Review your season.
Were you happy with your performance last season? Take some time to think about how you handled situations. If the results were positive, cement it in your mind so you call upon that experience next year. Did things go south a few times? Think of alternative methods that might lead to better outcomes.
Many officials keep a journal during the season, recording plays or rules that merit review. The offseason is a perfect
Get help from team personnel.
If you observe a player becoming agitated, head off trouble by asking for help from a teammate or the player’s coach. Most captains are elected to their positions by virtue of their leadership abilities. Get them involved. “Captain, will you please talk to number 33? You will help your team avoid a penalty.”
Officials should not offer opinions on who should play and who should sit. “Coach, if I were you, I’d get number 15 out of there before your team is penalized,” is not appropriate. But letting a coach know that a player is pushing the sportsmanship envelope gives the coach a chance to deal with the troublesome player.
The vast majority of fouls and other illegal acts occur when the ball is live. But the great officials are those who ensure they are staying on top of dead-ball activities, too.
time to view film of your games. You will have more time for a thorough look because you are not rushing to games and association meetings as well as dealing with the normal hustle and bustle of life.
Stay connected.
If you have a regular partner or crew, touch base with them occasionally. We do not always remember events clearly in the heat of the moment. Check with them to refresh your memory regarding odd plays or situations. Perhaps a frustrated partner or crewmate is contemplating dropping the sport due to some negative experiences. A little encouragement from you could keep him or her in the ranks. After all, we have all been there. Just as you could have used a mental boost during tough times, so could he or she.
You may think the next game is months off, and it is. But the time will fly and a new season will be here before you know it. Prepare yourself now and you will enjoy it even more when it arrives.
From the Desk of Sam Davis …
Tips on Handling Unsportsmanlike Behavior from Spectators
Officiating family,
You are critical in maintaining fairness, safety, and respect within competitions. However, situations may arise where spectators display unsportsmanlike behavior, creating challenges for officials and participants. This email provides guidelines on managing these situations effectively while upholding professionalism and ensuring a positive environment.
1. Remain Calm and Professional
When faced with unruly behavior, it is essential to remain composed. Spectators often look for reactions, and your calm demeanor can defuse tension. Avoid engaging in arguments or responding emotionally.
2. Communicate Clearly with Event Staff
Before the game or event, familiarize yourself with the policies and protocols for spectator behavior. If an issue arises, coordinate with security personnel, event managers and/or coaches to address the behavior
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promptly. It is their responsibility to enforce spectator conduct.
3. Issue Warnings when Necessary
If a situation escalates to the point where it interferes with the event, you should warn the offending individuals through the appropriate channels. In most cases, warnings should be delivered by event staff or security to avoid confrontation.
4. Request Removal if Behavior Persists
If spectators continue to behave in a way that disrupts the event or endangers participants, you have the authority to pause the event and request the removal of those individuals. Communicate your decision to event personnel promptly and ensure the process is handled professionally.
5. Document Incidents
After the event, document any significant incidents involving spectators. Include relevant details such as what was said, how the behavior was managed, and any actions taken. This information will be valuable for followup and for improving future events.
6. Promote a Positive Culture
Whenever possible, encourage sportsmanship from the beginning of the event. Pregame announcements about respectful behavior can set the tone and remind spectators of their role in supporting athletes positively.
While managing unsportsmanlike behavior can be challenging, your role as an official is to create a safe and fair environment for all participants. By staying composed, following protocols, and working closely with event personnel, you help ensure that the focus remains on the athletes and the spirit of the game.
Thank you for your dedication and professionalism. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.
Sam L. Davis MHSAA Director of Official Services
Check Out This Conflict of Interest Checklist
Conflicts of interest can be tougher judgment calls than any you see in your games. It has been said if you have any inkling an assignment presents even a hint of a conflict of interest, you should pass it up. But like a lot of things in life (and officiating), there are some gray areas.
Your association or governing body may have hard-and-fast rules that eliminates the guesswork for you. For others, it is akin to a Rubik’s Cube. Which way to turn?
The following is a sort of checklist that can guide you as you decide if you are facing one of those problematic situations. Let your good judgment prevail.
Does the game involve your alma mater?
If you are a recent graduate, it is an easy call. What is difficult is defining “recent.” Many believe officials should avoid officiating games at their alma maters for at least five years after graduation. Sometimes a longer hiatus will be necessary, especially if you were a
star athlete or other recognizable figure at the school. If the coach you played for is still in charge, that could be a factor. After all, having him or her coming up to you and giving you a hug before you work the game will not get you off on the right foot with the other team or its fans.
Are family members involved?
Block schools your kids attend or those for which a family member (spouse, parent, etc.) teaches or coaches. If you have family ties to the school, chances are you are going to know a lot of people at the school, and that is a conflict to avoid.
Are there business considerations?
If your boss’s kid goes to a school and you have an opportunity to be assigned there, think twice. Sports can turn even the most benevolent bosses into lunatics, especially when their kid is involved. Same if you have a customer or business connection with athletic children. Your real paycheck is more important than the game fee.
Is there bad blood?
If you have had a run-in with a coach or player that may cause trouble for future games, your assigner is probably aware of the issue. But if not, you should have that discussion. If the assigner feels you can handle the situation, take the assignment and handle the game with professionalism regardless of how the coach responds.
Do you make the assignments?
Some assigners assign themselves to games, particularly top games, because they feel they can handle them best. That assigning action screams “conflict of interest.” If assigners want to officiate, they should do so in conferences in which they are not assigning games. If they do not, assigners will rightfully lose the respect of the officials they are assigning. Assigners will also have no place to turn if a situation arises during the game, since they have to regularly work with the schools.
MHSAA Officials Conflict of Interest Policy
Neutrality is paramount for an official to maintain integrity and credibility, and avoiding even the appearance of partiality should be considered in every assignment accepted in both the regular season and postseason tournament. It is the official’s responsibility to notify their assigner (regular season) or tournament manager (postseason tournament) when a possible conflict of interest arises, so that a possible change in assignment may occur. All potential conflicts are not equal and depend on the sport and the circumstance. An official’s residence should not be considered a conflict of interest. Additionally, it will not be considered a conflict if a student participating in the “Legacy” Program officiates contests at their junior high/middle school.
The following list is not exhaustive, and officials should use their best judgment in determining whether a conflict exists. Some potential conflicts include:
1. The official’s child attends or is a recent graduate, i.e., within 4 years of a participating school.
2. Official (or immediate family member) is a current or former staff member, i.e., teacher, coach, employee, or board member, at a participating school.
NOTE: An exception may be considered for cross country, track & field, and/or swimming & diving.
3. Official serves in a formal advisory capacity for a team in the specific sport within 12 months of officiating a participating team.
NOTE: This is not intended to discourage officials from participating in preseason sportsmanship programs, being invited to discuss rule changes or interpretations or officiating preseason scrimmages.
4. The official has a close connection or relationship with the coach of a participating school.
5. The official is a recent graduate, i.e., within 4 years, or a closely connected alumni of a participating school.
6. The official is a varsity coach in the sport he/she officiates.
NOTE: Varsity coaches are limited to officiating only in the first round of the sportspecific postseason tournament.
Potential school conflicts should be routinely updated in the MHSAA system.
The Sweet Notes of Crew Harmony
When any game assignment arrives, all sorts of questions usually race through an official’s mind. First, who’s playing? Great teams? A rivalry game?
Second, where is it being played? Is it the old crusty gym across town? The loud and raucous stadium?
But one question that does matter to officials is, who are my partners? The answer can either cause a sigh of relief or a host of anxiety. The names might conjure memories of blown calls, inadvertent whistles and petty arguments over who had the better angle to make the call.
It’s best to take a deep breath and remember two key words: crew harmony. Those two words speak volumes for you as you strive to be successful every game, season after season. No official is an island. Officiating is a people business and people must be in harmony to achieve common goals.
A crew is only as good as the crew itself. If one crewmember doesn’t
perform well, the game will be evaluated as not being well officiated. Crewmembers must be on the same page in order for the crew, and thus each individual, to be successful.
So how do you do it, especially on nights when it seems your crew is not in the same book, let alone on the same page? Mutual respect as officials and, more importantly, as human beings, is the first necessary ingredient.
While all crewmembers must know their responsibilities to the crew and to each other, it is the crew chief who must take the initiative in building harmony. In all sports it is usually the veteran. It is every veteran’s responsibility to help younger crewmembers without a condescending attitude and to create the “family” atmosphere crucial to crew harmony.
The process begins with a phone call when the games are first assigned. It may be an icebreaking introduction,
a friendly reunion of paths crossing or a straightforward discussion about the game and the travel plans. If possible, traveling to a game together, be it in a car across town or on a plane across country, is a good way to begin establishing harmony.
The pregame conference is then the main forum for building the harmony that will carry the crew throughout the game. It’s the crew chief’s responsibility to make each person feel comfortable in the pregame. No one should feel intimidated or overwhelmed by another official or they’ll be hesitant and not make the calls that need to be made. The idea is to elevate a new or less-experienced official to a higher level.
One way to do that is to have the new or less-experienced crewmember begin conducting the pregame. The more you let that official participate and throw out ideas, the more comfortable he or she will feel. With a more veteran crew, egos must be put aside for the good of the unit.
When the game begins, the process of building crew harmony continues. No raised eyebrows, negative body language or outward criticism can be tolerated if the crew is to work productively as a team, and thereby earn the respect of the players, coaches and fans.
When there is friction between partners or dissension among crewmembers, the crew chief should file a report with the assigner or coordinator with an honest assessment of why it didn’t work.
And then move on to the next assignment, with the next partner or set of crew members, and with a total commitment to getting it right — together.
Lacrosse officials get together during a break action to check in and make sure they are on the same page as a crew. (R-L) Crathman Stephens, Lathrup Village, Mich., Branyon Vasquez, Spring Lake, Mich., Doug McDonald, Canton, Mich., and Maeve Montgomery, Holland, Mich.
THE GAG RULE
SAY WHAT?
“Man, we’re in the second round of the playoffs. Emotions are always gonna be high … that’s just a look. Come on. That’s a bad technical. Come on, man. What has this game come to?”
— Reggie Miller, during a TNT broadcast of the 2024 NBA Playoffs series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, after Anthony Edwards was issued a technical foul.
SNAP SHOT
pulling for the third team
This group wasn’t supporting Austria or France during their UEFA Euro 2024 group stage match. They showed up at Düsseldorf (Germany) Arena in June backing referee Jesús Gil Manzano, assistant referees Diego Barbero Sevilla and Ángel Nevado Rodríguez, and fourth official Mykola Balakin.
SURVEY SAYS
THEY GET IT
“I guess the lack of information on this issue is related to our reluctance to identify how we’re evaluating an individual employee. No employer wants to do that. I understand fans are interested in the topic. I think it’s important to understand that there is a detailed and ongoing evaluation process in the current umpire agreement. And, on the whole, I think our umpires do an unbelievable job in an extremely, extremely difficult role.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in an interview with Dallas Morning News during the 2024 season.
THEY SAID IT
“I think all coaches should take a test so they understand refereeing and I think all referees should take a test so they understand coaching. And I think all journalists should have to take a basketball quiz. Anybody that tweets should have to do it and if they say something so moronic as that then they should have a probationary status where they can’t tweet for like three months. I think it would help society.”
— Purdue men’s basketball coach Matt Painter during a press conference at the end of the 202324 basketball season.
THE NEWS
N.H. Passes Assault Legislation
CONCORD, N.H. — At the end of July, New Hampshire became the 23rd state to pass legislation aimed at protecting sports officials from assault or harrassment. Gov. Chris Sununu signed into law legislation aimed at protecting umpires and referees from attacks or threats at sporting events. Senate Bill 327 will go into effect Jan. 1.
The bill defines a sports official as anyone enforcing the rules at a sporting event, whether or not they are paid or a volunteer.
The new law will allow judges to ban people from athletic competitions if they’ve been convicted of assault, harassment, stalking, mischief, reckless conduct or threatening a sports official on the field of play or immediate vicinity. The length of the ban can vary depending on the circumstances and fans, players or coaches who are convicted of certain offenses against officials could be banned from participating in amateur or professional sports for a period of time. Repeat offenses may lead to a lifetime ban, according to the legislation. The bill says a ban for a first offense for someone convicted of abusing a sports official cannot be more than a year. Those who violate the ban could be held in criminal contempt and face a fine of $1,000 per violation.
State Sen. Lou D’Allesandro, a former college athlete and coach, was
THE WIRE
Wrong Replay Leads to Incorrect Call
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) acknowledged a wrong call was made Aug. 31 on an illegal shot during a third-round U.S. Open match between Anna Kalinskaya and Beatriz Haddad Maia because chair umpire Miriam Bley was not shown the relevant replay by the video review official. Eleven minutes into the match, Kalinskaya hit
the prime sponsor of the bipartisan bill. Co-sponsors included State Sen. Donovan Fenton and Sen. Denise Ricciardi.
“People can become overly agitated and frustrated while participating or watching these sports, and often those reactions can be directed at our sports officials,” D’Allesandro said in a statement.
Russell Cloutier of Keene, who is a baseball, soccer and hockey official at both the youth and adult levels, wrote to the House Judiciary Committee in favor of the bill.
“I have seen first-hand instances of harassment and threatening behavior, both directed at myself and other colleagues,” he told the Keene Sentinel “Although I have not experienced a case of extreme behavior, I have heard of, and seen footage of, instances where sports officials have actually been chased and/or harmed by spectators, parents, coaches who lose control of their civil behavior, and certainly lose perspective of the importance of good sportsmanship and setting examples for others — especially for children who must witness these incidents.”
There have been several news reports over the past several months of parents assaulting sports officials in Ohio, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi and California, just to name a few.
See “Legislation” p.17
NEW YORK — MLB umpire Nick Mahrley sustained a concussion and was carted off the field after being hit by the barrel of Giancarlo Stanton’s broken bat during a game Aug. 25 between the Colorado Rockies and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Mahrley was slated to undergo more testing and would not work again until the second series of the next week at a minimum, according to MLB. The play occurred in the fifth inning of the Yankees’ 10-3 win over the Rockies. Stanton’s bat shattered on a single to left field off left-hander Austin Gomber,
See “Mahrley” p.16
a drop shot that Haddad Maia ran forward to try to reach. She hit the ball at about the same time it was landing on the court; the ball went over the net and Kalinskaya, seemingly distracted because she thought there was an issue on the play, awkwardly swung her racket and whiffed. Kalinskaya challenged the play, but Haddad Maia was awarded the point. The angle Bley saw during the replay did not allow
her to see whether the ball came off Haddad Maia’s racket and hit on her side of the court before flying over the net, according to USTA spokesman Brendan McIntyre. Haddad Maia ended up winning the match, 6-3, 6-1.
Man Accused of Assaulting Umpire
A 41-year-old Poland, Ohio, man was charged with misdemeanor
assault after allegedly striking an umpire during a men’s league baseball game Aug. 11 in Boardman, Ohio. According to the victim, who was umpiring first base, a coach yelled at him, “Thanks for getting out of your (expletive) car, blue,” and the umpire ejected him. The coach then walked up to the umpire, pushed him with two hands and struck him with a fist in the right side of the face. Officers
NEW GUIDES FOR SEASON (PRE)SEASON
Hall Back With U.S. Soccer in Education Role
Brian Hall has worn many kits in a soccer officiating career that spans more than four decades. On Aug. 5, he officially made his way back to U.S. Soccer, rejoining the national governing body as its new director of refereeing education and development.
“One of the great things about this job is that, No. 1, it’s given me an opportunity to give back to an organization that has given me so much,” said Hall, who formerly served as U.S. Soccer’s manager of referee assessment and training from 2008-11.
“My job is to help every referee, every referee coach and every administrator be the best they want to be. To provide the training, education and development opportunities to help everyone within the refereeing ecosystem be the best they want to be.”
The 63-year-old California native also served as the first director of referees for CONCACAF for three years from 2011-14 and returned to that federation as its director of refereeing from 2016-22. Between those two stints, he worked as the match official development
manager for the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), with a focus on the identification, training and development of second-tier professional officials in the U.S. who had aspirations of advancing into MLS.
In his new role, Hall will work under the direction of Kari Seitz, the longtime FIFA head of refereeing who left that post in January to become U.S. Soccer’s vice president of refereeing. For now, Hall is based out of New York, but will eventually relocate to Atlanta once U.S. Soccer’s new headquarters and training center are completed.
“Brian brings not only decades of experience leading the education of referees, but also brings an energy and passion for his work that is unparalleled,” Seitz said.
Prior to his various administrative duties, Hall worked as an onfield official, starting his professional career as an assistant referee in the North American Soccer League when he was just 19 years old. He worked as a FIFA referee from 1992 until reaching mandatory retirement age in 2007, including two matches during the 2002 World Cup in Japan. He was also the MLS Referee of the Year in 2003 and from 2005-07.
Mahrley continued from p.14
and the barrel of the bat struck Mahrley, who was working the plate. Mahrley immediately fell to his knees, though he was able to alertly track the conclusion of the play before time was called.
Mahrley remained at home plate for several minutes, being attended to by medical personnel, before being strapped into a stretcher and carted off through the loading dock in leftcenter field.
Hunter Wendelstedt, John Tumpane and crew chief Marvin Hudson, who moved behind the plate, finished the game as a three-umpire crew.
“That was a tough one,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “When you see a neck brace and a stretcher, those are not at all good things. Hopefully, Nick will be OK. Those umpires are good guys. They’re a big part of our game, and they’re exposed every night behind the plate, just like a catcher.”
Mahrley umpired his first major league games in 2017 and was a call-up umpire until becoming an MLB full-timer for the 2023 season.
SOURCE: MLB.COM
observed a small red mark on the umpire with minor swelling on his cheek. The coach denied striking the umpire, but did admit the pushing occurred.
Hawaii NCAA Summer League Founder Dies
Former basketball official Pat Tanibe, a fixture in Hawaii basketball for nearly 50 years, died Aug. 3 of undisclosed health issues. He was 85. While Tanibe
was on the court for many of the island state’s signature assignments — including the Maui Invitational, Rainbow Classic and Chaminade’s upset of Virginia in 1982 — he was best known for starting the NCAA summer league in Hawaii. The program, which has been on hiatus since 2019, allowed Hawaiian basketball athletes playing on teams in the continental U.S. to come home during the summer and get work. After retiring from his oncourt career in 2008, Tanibe became
assigner of officials for the Pacific West Conference and was inducted into the Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame in 2018.
Longtime College Basketball Referee Dies
Longtime NCAA Division I men’s basketball referee Raymond “Raymie” Styons Jr. died Aug. 4.He was 66. Styons played baseball at East Carolina University and was drafted by the San Diego Padres, playing three seasons of minor league baseball before retiring. Styons’ career
as a collegiate basketball official lasted 35 years. He worked in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), officiating 20 ACC tournaments and 17 NCAA tournaments. ESPN analyst and former D-I basketball coach Seth Greenberg issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “(Styons) was a tremendous official and even better person. Always met you with a smile. Was genuine real. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” The Virginia Tech men’s basketball program statement on X called Styons “a
Former Official Dan Wooldridge Dies
ROANOKE, Va. — Dan Wooldridge, who served the athletic community as a coach, officiating coordinator, conference commissioner and official, died Aug. 20 at Carilion Roanoke (Va.) Memorial Hospital. He was 90.
Wooldridge’s association with sports began from youth. He was a talented athlete and played three sports at Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg). After graduation, he became the first baseball coach at Roanoke’s William Fleming High School in 1957. He won two district titles in six seasons.
He left coaching to concentrate on college basketball officiating. He worked in the Atlantic Coast and Southern conferences for more than 20 years. He officiated the NCAA Division I men’s Final Four as well as the 1986 NCAA Division I women’s championship game.
Wooldridge was a referee at the Montreal Olympics in 1976 and was supposed to referee at the 1980 Moscow Olympics as well. The latter assignment was canceled because the U.S. boycotted those Olympics.
“I would say he and (the late) Paul Housman were the best two referees to ever come out of the Roanoke Valley,” D-I basketball
highly respected official and an even better person.”
NFL Tested Hawk-Eye in Preseason Games
The NFL is moving closer to replacing the chain gang with new technology to measure the line to gain. The league tested Sony’s Hawk-Eye system during some preseason games, according to Gary Brantley, NFL senior vice president and chief information officer. The system likely won’t be ready for full implementation until next season,
referee and Roanoke County resident Roger Ayers said.
In 1976, Wooldridge was named the first commissioner of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), a position he held until 1997. He also served as the Big East Conference coordinator of football officials from 1992-97 and Colonial Athletic Association coordinator of basketball officials from 1986-92.
“When I first got in the ODAC, he kind of took me under his wing,” Ayers said. “I was at a game at Roanoke College, scared to death. I got more scared when they said Dan Wooldridge was sitting behind the scorer’s table. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, Dan Wooldridge, he’s a legend.’
“After the game was over, he came in the locker room and he said, ‘You’ve got a real chance, but here’s some things you need to work on.’ I
Legislation continued from p.14
Many of these incidents went viral on social media.
According to the NASO National Officiating Survey, powered by Referee.com, 35,813 sports officials across all ages and sports showed more than half feared for their safety at some point because of coach, player
though it could happen sooner.
“We’re in the installation phase for all of our stadiums, really getting them calibrated and up to date,” Brantley said. “We’re really just getting to a place where this system is as accurate as possible and really calibrating across our multiple stadiums.”
The NFL has long used two bright orange sticks and a chain to measure for first downs, a method that will remain in a backup capacity.
SOURCES: ASSOCIATED PRESS, ESPN, KITV.COM, MAHONING MATTERS, PREMIER LEAGUE, SI.COM
couldn’t believe he took that much time with me; I was nobody.”
Wooldridge also officiated college football for 25 years. He was one of the officials for the Marshall football team’s 1970 game at East Carolina. The Thundering Herd’s plane crashed in West Virginia following that game, taking the lives of all 75 people on board.
“We were having dinner after the game,” Wooldridge told The Roanoke Times in 2015. “Sonny Randle was an assistant coach at East Carolina. He came to the restaurant where we were and came to the table and was crying. He told us about the plane crash. We all started crying and got up and left.”
Services were held Aug. 31 at Roanoke College’s chapel. It was a joint service as Wooldridge’s wife, Nancy, died during the pandemic and no funeral could be held at that time.
or fan behavior. Nearly 12% reported having been physically assaulted during or after a sporting event.
Twenty-two other states already have laws to protect sports officials and penalize offenders, including Arkansas, Alabama, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and more.
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BASKETBALL
KNOW YOUR THROWS
Understand Key Differences Based on Throw-in Type
By Tim Sloan
Everyone knows what throw-ins are. They’re subdivided into designated-spot and non-designatedspot; the former must be from within a three-foot-wide band designated by the official, while the latter can be from anywhere along the endline,
after a made basket. Think of the three-foot band as an imaginary carpet runner; we’ll roll it out at right angles to the boundary line and make it as long as we need to reach the nearest wall or bleacher.
The mechanics of either type of throw-in are the same: Players must have one foot on or over the throw-
in location when the ball is released; there is no limitation to how far back from the sideline or endline they must stand and there is no restriction on their movement (NFHS 4-42; NCAAM/W 7-6). That means they can have their back against the nearest wall, and they can’t violate by traveling or dribbling.
When administering a throw-in, Terry Smothers, Brigham City, Utah, must understand whether or not the thrower has to remain in a designated spot and what types of activities are legal for both types of throw-ins.
Play 1: A1 has a designated-spot throw-in on the sideline. B2, who is much taller, contests the throw-in. A1 (a) takes two steps to the side, (b) extends one foot off the three-foot lane while the other hovers over the lane, or (c) steps back to the nearby bleacher and throws the ball past B2. Ruling: Violation in (a); legal in (b) and (c). In (a), neither foot is over the “runner” when the ball is released. In fact, the official should stop play as soon as A1 leaves it (NFHS 7-6-3; NCAAM/W 7-6.8d). The proper signal is not traveling but an indication by pointing a finger from the runner to the spot where the player illegally moved. In (b), one foot is over the runner — even though it is not touching it — when the ball is released. In (c), A1 can legally move back along the runner to the nearest obstruction, significantly opening the angle to the court. A1 may even run back toward the boundary line to add force to the throw.
Play 2: While attempting to throw the ball in, A1 (a) jumps up and down several times to deceive B2, (b) bounces the ball on the floor, or (c) shuffles the feet. Ruling: Legal in all cases, provided A1 has at least one foot continually over the runner.
In the case of a non-designatedspot throw-in, our carpet runner is 50 feet wide — the limits of the sideline. Otherwise, there is almost no difference from the designated-spot throw-in as to how the throw-in can be made.
Play 3: After a made basket, A1 collects the ball and steps across the endline. A1 (a) backs up 10 feet, (b) runs 10 feet along the endline, or (c)runs along the endline near the corner before throwing the ball into play. Ruling: Legal in all cases. Note the limit of the endline is marked by extensions of the two sidelines; unlike in a designated-spot throw-in, A1 may not step beyond this limit even if still over the runner.
The rules also allow a thrower, during a non-designated-spot throwin, to pass the ball to a teammate who is also out of bounds so the latter may make the throw-in (NFHS 7-5-7a; NCAAM/W 7-4.6b).
Play 4: A1 has the ball out of bounds for a throw-in after a basket
and passes to A2, also out of bounds behind the endline. The ball is (a) caught by A1, (b) bounced to A1 who catches it, (c) bobbled by A2 and dropped to the floor before they catch it, or (d) caught by A2 after it touches the end wall. Ruling: Legal in (a), (b) and (c). A pass is defined as movement of the ball caused by a player who throws, bats or rolls the ball to another player (NFHS 4-31; NCAAM 4-25; NCAAW 4-19); all three actions comply with this definition. In (d), A1 has violated because the ball struck an object outside the court (NFHS 7-1-2a; NCAAM/W 7-1.2).
Provided the non-designated-spot throw-in is released into play within five seconds, team A players may cross the endline in either direction to confuse the defense and complete an open pass.
Play 5: After a basket, A1 is holding the ball out of bounds. A2, initially at the free-throw line, runs across the endline, establishing an out-of-bounds location. A1 then either hands or passes A2 the ball, runs inbounds and catches a throw-in from A2. Ruling: Legal, but be careful of the following:
Play 6: Same as Play 5 except A2 cuts through the out-of-bounds area and returns to the court to take the throw-in from A1. Ruling: Violation by A2 for leaving the court under his or her own volition and being the first to touch the ball upon returning (NFHS 9-3-3; NCAAM/W 9-3.1).
Allowing a pass along the endline was likely put in place to avoid trivial violations and keep the game moving. Whatever the case, the rule has inspired some imaginative set plays; if we understand the concepts in Plays 5 and 6, little can happen to surprise us.
One last thought is throw-ins shouldn’t be used as an advantage by the defense due to court limitations. Several of our examples assumed large acreage around the court when some barns offer very little room to maneuver. When the crew inspects the court before the game, they should identify any areas where a thrower won’t have three clear feet of room to make an uncontested throw-in (NFHS 7-6-4
QUICKTIP
We’ve all heard the saying that failing to prepare is preparing to fail. So be prepared this season by keeping “seconds” in your gameday bag: a second set of uniforms (shirt, pants, socks, shoes), a second set of undergarments (leggings, compression T-shirts) and a second whistle and air needle. You never know when you’ll need to tap into your extra inventory either to save your own night or that of one of your partners.
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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. After which of the following may the free-throw shooter break the free-throw line plane?
a. As soon as the free throw is released.
b. If the ball hits the backboard and then the ring, as soon as the ball hit the backboard.
c. If the ball hits the backboard and then the ring, only after the ball hit the ring.
d. After any of the above.
2. When does a disqualified player become bench personnel?
a. Immediately after becoming disqualified.
b. After the foul is reported to the table.
c. After the player is notified of being disqualified.
d. After the head coach is notified by an official the player was disqualified.
3. All of the following results in an interrupted dribble when A1 is dribbling the ball, except which?
a. The ball becomes loose after B2 knocks the ball away from A1.
b. The ball becomes loose after A1 loses control of it.
c. The ball becomes loose after A1 dribbles the ball off a foot.
d. The ball becomes loose after A1 dribbles the ball off a leg.
4. A1 is making a throw-in from the endline in team A’s backcourt. A1 throws the ball to teammate A2, who has one foot on the sideline in team A’s backcourt when first touching the ball. What is the result?
a. Throw-in violation, and team B receives a throw-in at the endline where the original throw-in was attempted.
b. Out-of-bounds violation, and team B receives a throw-in at the endline where the original throw-in was attempted.
c. Throw-in violation, and team B receives a throw-in along the sideline where A2 first touched the ball.
d. Out-of-bounds violation, and team B receives a throw-in along the sideline where A2 first touched the ball.
e. Out-of-bounds violation, and team B receives a throw-in at the 28-foot line along the sideline where A2 first touched the ball.
Note) or sufficient space to do so (NCAAM 7-6.8e). Where this is the case, they ought to inform the captains and coaches during the pregame meeting they will back up the defender appropriately.
Play 7: A1 has a non-designatedspot throw-in, contested by B2. The space between the endline and wall is approximately 18 inches. Ruling: The official should back up B2 to allow three feet between the wall and A1’s potential release point. The crew should also have told the teams before the game they would allow A1 to be on the court within this space
before releasing the ball. However, should A1 pass the ball along the endline to A2 but hit the wall with the pass, A1 has still violated as in Play 4, Situation D.
Some players, coaches and spectators are more likely to be astonished at what the rules we’ve covered allow in these situations. Don’t be like them; make sure you understand the details that apply here and act decisively.
Tim Sloan, Davenport, Iowa, is a high school football, basketball and volleyball official, and former college football and soccer official.
Following a score, more than one player for the team making the ensuing throw-in may be out of bounds, and there is no limit to the amount of times they may pass the ball to one another outside the endline, provided a five-second count is not reached.
Keep Calm and Ref On
By Matt Ciciarelli
All officials do it, even if they don’t admit it: As their schedule takes shape before the season, they look at the teams, the sites, the dates and anticipate the stakes that may dictate the tenor of a game. Are they rivals? Will the teams be vying for a league title? Perhaps one (or both) will be looking to gain some momentum for a late-season playoff push?
Any of those variables can add some extra juice to a game. If, however, the excitement surrounding the game turns it into what resembles an out-of-control, threering circus, it’s our job as officials to be beacons of calm and composure and restore order.
We’ve all been there … a heretofore well-played game somehow goes sideways without
warning. As a crew, we want nothing more than to get things back on track. To lower the temperature in the gym, lean on your crewmates, get back to basics and run the game at your pace. When faced with chaos, consider these tips to improve your game.
Before the Tip
There is a difference between being prepared for trouble and “looking for” trouble. But going into any game knowing “Murphy’s Law is always in effect” is a good mindset with which to start. In other words, understand on any given night, anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
Teams scout each other. Some coaches keep a book on how officials call games. There’s nothing wrong with doing your own homework and researching previous meetings
between the teams. Talk to fellow officials who may have been assigned to those games and comb through recaps from any news outlets that may have covered them. Take time to watch game films that are archived on the internet. This will help identify any issues that may cause tensions to boil over. Communication among crew members can start well before arriving at the gym. Share anything you read, anything you watch or anything you hear in the days leading up to the game or during your pregame meeting in the locker room.
When you arrive on the floor, do your best to get a feel for the atmosphere by observing the players (especially any interactions near midcourt during warmups), the coaches and the crowd. Communicate with team captains
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CASEPLAYS
Backcourt Violation
Play: A1 is holding the ball in team A’s frontcourt near the division line and is closely guarded by B2. B2 slaps the ball away from A1, and the ball deflects off A1’s leg before bouncing into team A’s backcourt. A1 quickly runs after the ball and recovers it in team A’s backcourt. Has a violation occurred? Ruling: In NFHS and NCAAW, a player shall not be the first to touch the ball in their backcourt when the ball came from the frontcourt while that player’s team was in team control, and that player or a teammate was the last to touch the ball before it went into the backcourt. Therefore, a backcourt violation shall be called on team A since team A had team control in its frontcourt, the ball was last touched in the frontcourt by A1, and A1 was the first to touch the ball in team A’s backcourt (NFHS 9-9-1; NCAAW 9-12.4). In NCAAM, either team may recover the ball in the backcourt when it has been deflected by the defense into the backcourt, even if the offense was the last team to touch the ball before it went into the backcourt. Therefore, even though the ball touched A1’s leg prior to the ball going into team A’s backcourt, no violation shall result since B2 deflected the ball away from A1 (9-12.4, 9-12.5).
Whistle During Shooting Motion
Play: A1 collides with teammate A2 in the lane while attempting to collect an offensive rebound. A1 falls to the floor and appears to be injured. The loose ball is collected by A3, and as A3 has begun the shooting motion to begin a try, but before A3 releases the ball, an official blows the whistle to stop play given A1’s injury and concern for the player being on the floor in the lane. A3 continues the shooting motion, and the ball enters the basket. Shall the basket count?
Ruling: The ball becomes dead immediately when the official blows the whistle, so although A3 had begun the shooting motion, since the ball was not in flight, the ball becomes dead and A3’s try shall not count (NFHS 5-82a, 6-7-5; NCAAM/W 5-11.2.b, 6-5.1.d).
and coaches during the pregame conference that any unsporting conduct will not be tolerated. It’s helpful to use “we” statements versus “you” statements. This sets the expectation the officials and both teams are going to work together on this night. It also avoids any interpretation of singling out players or teams.
“We are going to have a great game tonight.”
“We know this is an important game for both teams.”
“This game deserves our best effort, and we are going treat it that way.”
“We are going to work hard tonight. And we know you are going to play hard.”
During the Game
We control the pace of the game. Don’t underestimate how a few extra seconds during dead balls can help a crew run the game at the proper tempo. Communication among crew members — both verbal and nonverbal — and consistency can present a completely unified front.
In chaotic moments, our first instinct is often to overcorrect with a whistle on any possible occasion, fearing we may miss something. It’s a proven fact call accuracy goes down as we start whistling plays outside our primary coverage areas, so resist the urge to “reach” and stick with the basics of trusting your partners, calling the obvious and refereeing the defense.
As the temperature rises during a game, it’s important for the officials to lead by example and keep emotions under control in the heat of battle. Ronald Carter, Los Angeles.
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Be ow Look Out
It’s not every day officials witness the moment in time captured in this photo: a player who is horizontal to the playing court, hanging on to the basket.
Still, it’s always a good idea when working a game where above-the-rim play is a possibility to address during the pregame crew awareness of such situations.
First, what is legal regarding the grasping of the basket? None of the three rule codes state a player can legally grasp the ring.
Instead, they offer definitions for a dunk, which is a try for goal that involves driving, forcing or stuffing the ball through the basket (NFHS 4-16, NCAAM/W 5-1.6), and explain grasping either basket at any time during the game (NFHS) or during the officials’ jurisdiction
(NCAAM/W) and doing so in a manner that is not trying to prevent an injury is grounds for a player technical foul (NFHS 10-43; NCAAW 10-12.3b) or a class B technical foul (NCAAM 10-4.1e).
Of course, those rules require the use of officials’ judgment and a blending of officiating art and science in determining whether a “ring grab” during a dunk attempt is excessive in force or duration, and in understanding whether the player or any opponent is in imminent danger if the basket is released.
The officials should also take notice as to whether there are any other players in the dunker’s landing area and whether an extended ring grab is necessitated to avoid any collisions under the basket.
On this play, there should be a philosophical understanding the player needs to be able to return to a physical position of verticality before being expected to release his hold on the basket and return to the playing court.
However, if this player instead swings his body and does not prepare for landing, the officials then must be willing to recognize the grasp has become an unsportsmanlike act and be ready to administer the proper penalty of a technical foul.
Officials are fond of saying players are always becoming bigger, faster and stronger, and this type of play is a perfect example of that axiom, and our need to be prepared to rule when such athleticism makes its way into our game.
KEITH JOHNSTON
When a game gets away from your crew, what you should not do is equally as important as what you should do.
Dead balls are not the time to relax. If pressure is mounting, the most important times officials’ antennae should be up are: timeouts (especially when one team must pass the other team’s bench to get to its huddle), halftime, delays in play, and as teams are lining up for free throw attempts — if teams attempt to huddle in the lane before free throws, be aware of an opposing player that may be lurking to eavesdrop or any other unsporting actions.
An in-game meeting with the captains and coaches can be an effective tool in several ways. First and foremost, it is our chance to remind everyone to just play basketball and no further funny business will be tolerated. Secondly, it’s a visible way of transferring pressure of proper behavior to the teams. Everyone in the gym will see your crew is attempting to take control and it’s now up to the teams to adjust. If they don’t, and any technical fouls are called, nobody can say they were not warned.
Be a Referee, Not an Umpire
Lead by example, especially if you’re the senior member of the crew or the game’s crew chief. It may not be the way we like to call a game, but if it is careening off course, it may be necessary to step up and straighten things out.
Be your crew’s morale booster. Discuss the game during timeouts and offer supportive comments to instill confidence. Flush out any tough plays and learn from them. There is a time and a place for discussing plays or disagreements around questionable calls. On the
floor during timeouts is not it. Wait until after the game when you’re in the locker room.
When in Doubt … Don’t
Matt Ciciarelli, Hatboro, Pa., is a high school and college basketball official. KEEP
When a game gets away from your crew, what you should not do is equally important as what you should do. Some important “don’ts” to consider:
Don’t leave the players on the honor system. If the game has descended into chaos, trusting the players to “just play the game” has long since passed. All officials should have eyes on all 10 players at all times (dead balls, live balls, when players get tangled up on the floor or during held balls, players trailing in transition, etc.).
Don’t compound mistakes. Move past any incorrect calls that may not fit how the game is being called. Doubling down on a mistake will often make things worse.
Don’t guess. As was mentioned previously, trust your partners. You will have talked during your pregame about dual-coverage areas, double whistles and plays that block out the primary official. Now is the time to put all those words into action and be the best team on the floor.
Games that get away from us are inevitable. It’s OK to acknowledge to each other that it’s a tough night, but it doesn’t have to brand us as officials that can’t control a game. In fact, navigating the rough waters of an out-of-control game can be your time to shine and highlight your ability as a crew that can be trusted to run the game under any circumstances. As officials, it’s up to us to embrace that opportunity.
5 mins months
How can we better hold a potential recruit’s interest in officiating and prepare them for success in this endeavor?
in mins months
BY TIM SLOAN
By Tim Sloan
Maybe we aren’t doing this right. These days, everyone “gets” there’s a shortage of officials; it’s been in all the papers. At the same time, there’s no shortage of games to be played. The result has been a full-court press on how to meet the demand with a supply of new officials. To that end, Referee has teemed with tactics and strategies for sending new officials through the express lane to competency while short on experience and seasoning. The ambition in repopulating our ranks is to let everyone play who wants to. How we go about it sometimes has the wrong feel, though. It’s as if we realize the risk of using untested officials and then focus on keeping them from making mistakes rather than developing their talents.
By seeming to prepare them for the worst, some new officials have wondered what they got themselves into; they were swept off their feet into something for which they weren’t ready. Officiating has always been a tough avocation, but it goes better when one feels supported and that little voice inside of us whispers, “You’ve got this, you understand what it takes.” How do we get that message to new people, sooner? First, we should give them some positive reinforcement right from “first contact.” When a person walks up to us after a game and says, “I think I might like to take this up; how do I do it? Can I do it?” we should have the right answer. Too often, the response is to hand them off to someone instead of showing a little love: We give them the president’s phone number or direct them to the state website for registration information. For bonus points, we remind them it’s too late to work this year; come out to our first meeting next summer … we do everything but welcome them. For all the emphasis on us being trainers and mentors, could it be we don’t know how to be salespeople?
Never let a person who shows an interest in your product walk away that easily; reward their enthusiasm because it eventually rewards you. There are some good examples out there of organizations that have embraced this principle and have positive results to show for it.
A good place to start is NASO’s Say Yes to Officiating initiative. It’s overseen by Referee’s chief marketing officer, Jim Arehart, and has been in full bloom since 2022. He explains it’s designed to quickly connect people who might want to try officiating with someone who can indulge their curiosity and start them off on the right
BACK IN 5 MINS months
foot. It starts with prospective officials being referred to SayYesToOfficiating.com, operated by NASO. There they complete a brief questionnaire to share their sport of interest, place of residence and some contact information. NASO then assigns one of its 700 Game Savers to reach out. The Game Saver will be familiar with the situations in their area, answer their questions and direct them to the right contacts to begin.
Game Savers are volunteers, consisting mostly of officials and assigners, who donate their time to help enhance the officiating community. Their mandate is to let prospective officials peek behind the curtain instead of selling them a rulebook. Which Game Saver is assigned depends on the sport and the geographic location.
”We know that it’s done differently everywhere, so the best part about this is we’re having somebody who knows how to do it in Lansing, Mich., Fresno, Calif., or Seattle work with the person,” Arehart said. ”We’re not asking them to be their mentor and we’re not asking them to continue on and follow their progression. We’re just asking them to open the door and give them basic information on what they need to do. ‘Hey, you’re going to want to get a uniform here. You’re going to want to register with the state; here’s how you do that.’ You’re going to get a person who says here’s how it really works.”
Other organizations have developed online training programs for officials. These have the feel of the online degree programs offered by many universities. One example is offered by USAV as an end-to-end training platform for its officials, called #REFVOLLEYBALL. New officials are welcome to work through the program modules,
New recruits can benefit from having someone walk them through what it takes to become an official in their part of the country. Sydney Weinandt, Seattle; Hanif ZarrabiKashani, Seattle.
which navigate the rules, how the referees apply them and the mechanics they use. At first glance, this might seem like just tossing them a rulebook, again, but it’s more than that. The reality is people are seldom just walking past a high school and hear noise coming from inside. Upon buying a ticket and investigating, they witness their first-ever basketball game and instantly decide refereeing might be for them. No, prospective officials have had some other interaction with the sport beforehand, so they have some idea of the challenge. In a sport like volleyball, it’s soon apparent the R1 and R2 use highly structured mechanics to apply rules that are difficult to articulate and subjective to penalize. In this sense, #REFVOLLEYBALL works because it lays out what the officials are really doing. With that knowledge, new officials can make an informed decision to stick with it or move on.
Patrick Faerber has taken things a step farther with a program offering an immediate
Faerber is the training director for the Marietta Umpires Association (MUA), which covers high school baseball in the Atlanta area. He also works with the local youth association. Faerber’s group has developed a platform called Umpire Classroom, which provides the rules and mechanics essentials people need to call a baseball game. The cherry on top is that new umpires can soon get onto the field with enough training to be successful. It begins with letting people know they’re wanted if they might like umpiring. Faerber’s association posts its QR code on banners at the parks where they work, inviting prospective umpires to make contact. The QR code leads them to the association website and then a full-time recruiting director takes it from there.
“Their sole focus on the board is following up with someone who’s interested,” Faerber said. “They’re calling them, they’re emailing them and exposing them to Umpire 101.”
Umpire 101 is an introduction to umpiring which can be viewed online for a nominal fee. There’s also a primer for youth league umpires. Once the recruits complete the program, they can decide if umpiring is still for them. If it is, they begin a training program consisting of classroom and onfield sessions to prepare for the season. If they complete that training before the season, they can get work; if they’re only progressing in the training, they might still be assigned at the youth level. It works because participants learn enough to not look out of place and be accepted. Beyond Umpire 101, MUA has an extensive training program for returning officials.
A feature of Faerber’s approach is the use of satellite groups in preseason training.
“We do satellite groups a couple of times before the season where you’re assigned to a local group of anywhere from 5-20 umpires,” he said. "You go and meet with them, and you actually review the study guide. That takes a couple of hours, but we usually do it at a sports bar or something like that. So, the atmosphere is more casual. There’s no issue with that because we’re trying to build that camaraderie. And it’s just way easier to do that when you’re in a group of 5-10 than when you’re a group of 120.”
The outcome has been impressive, and the MUA has steadily refreshed and built its ranks with well-prepared new and experienced umpires. They make people feel like they belong. Faerber may have hit upon the magic word for evolving even more successful programs: camaraderie.
Yes, some officials take it up just for the money. Others are driven by a no-nonsense approach to get that future Super Bowl or World Series assignment. For many of us, however, we’re attracted
by how much fun it can be and that’s most often what prospective officials are seeking, too. It’s also what we might have been overlooking as the balance tipped to quantity over quality in filling the ranks. Experiencing the atmosphere of a game and having a positive effect on the outcome is where it’s at. Celebrating the event afterward cannot be discounted. What’s wrong with seeing a behind-the-scenes, day-inthe-life video of a crew at work when that QR code is clicked? An association could select a crew from the fold that personifies its values and then simply follow them through an assignment: Show them meeting at the Kohl’s parking lot, piling into a van and talking mechanics during the expedition to Timbuktu. Cut to them in the dressing room/ classroom/broom closet where they dress, then follow them out to the field and through their duties. Wire up one or two of them or listen in on an extra radio, matching what we hear to what’s seen on video.
dive into the nuts and bolts of officiating without having to wait for in-person training. ElleGrace Rodriquez, Havelock, N.C.
That’s what it’s really about, isn’t it? Again, if you select the right emissaries, it can do more to secure new officials than a stack of rulebooks and training manuals could ever achieve. So, it isn’t so much that the traditional approach to training has been wrong; it’s more that the stresses of recent years have made us think more about what it really takes to attract and retain good officials. When you have more officials than you need, you can make them jump through any hoop and cull the best. When you don’t have enough, you must become more assertive at appealing to potential newcomers. The groups we’ve looked at have shown that approach not only draws in more new officials but prepares them better for what it takes to stay. Share the walk with your new officials. You’ll be glad that you did. Tim Sloan, Davenport, Iowa, is a high school football, basketball and volleyball official, and former college football and soccer official.
One-hundred sports and officiating organizations provided financial support to making the Summit happen, and more than 40 organizations exhibited during the
THE INDUSTRY
OF
Atalanta, Ga., became the epicenter of the o ciating world for three days this past summer during for the 42nd annual Sports O ciating Summit. More than 425 o cials, leaders and administrators from the high school, collegiate, youth and professional ranks came together July 28-30 at the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center to focus on the hottest topics in o ciating all revolving around the event’s overall theme — “Sustain O cials, Retain O cials.”
Attendees had an extraordinary opportunity to learn, discuss, participate and socialize in anything and everything in the world of o ciating, especially in all topics related to retention, inlcuding what's currently working, what issues stand in the way, and how to develop new and innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing the industry.
NFL official Sarah Thomas (with NFL referee and NASO baord member Torbert) was presented with the 2024 NASO Inspire Award during the Celebrate Officiating Gala.
The Summit featured a roster of more than 90 speakers representing more than a dozen different sports from throughout the officiating industry, including representatives from national governing bodies, state high school associations, youth leagues, college conferences and pro leagues.
The Summit provides unparalleled opportunities to network, meet up with old friends and colleagues, and make new connections. Officiating leaders from local associations, state associations, national governing bodies, college conferences, pro sports, and many other organizations all mingled and compared notes.
event.
EVENT
The Georgia High School Association (GHSA) co-hosted the Summit with NASO, and presented Officiate Georgia Day on July 27, which had more than 1,600 high school officials register for the event.
THE YEAR!
In conjunction with the 2024 Summit and Officiate Georgia Day, Major League Baseball held a grassroots officiating clinic in nearby Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, providing onfield instruction for several hundred Georgia baseball umpires.
The Summit program showcased today's hottest officiating topics as well as new and innovative programs and services with the industry.
NFHS Chief Executive Officer Karissa Niehoff was on hand and provided insight into the state of high school athletics during the Officiating Industry Luncheon.
GHSA Officiating Director Ernie Yarbrough recieved the 2024 Mel Narol Medallion Award for his longtime support of NASO and its missions.
Bill Topp, president fo the National Association of Sports Officials, welcomed attendees to the three-day event during the 2024 Grand Opening ceremony.
SOUND ADVICE
Too Many Whistles Mean Trouble for a Crew
By Jon Bible
Aplay ends and three or four whistles sound. If onlookers didn’t know better, they might think they were at a tryout camp for drum majors or majorettes.
When a runner is ruled down or out of bounds, or a pass falls incomplete, only the covering official with the best look at the play should
blow the whistle. But that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes crew members not directly involved in the play echo the main whistle.
An official blowing the whistle when the play is in another official’s coverage area is ball-watching. That means players who should be observed are not.
Ball-watching also increases the chances of a premature whistle when,
for example, the ball is loose before the runner is down or before a punt receiver who has signaled for a fair catch has firm control of the ball. It’s hard to think of a greater nightmare for an officiating crew than an inadvertent whistle, which may cost a team rightful possession of the ball and cost the crew its credibility. In college and NFL games, instant replay can often fix these problems, but not
Lucas Hector, Woodinville, Wash., waits for a play to come to its conclusion before putting air in the whistle.
for most games at the high school and lower levels.
Once in my early years, I was the back judge in a five-official crew working a high school playoff game in the Houston Astrodome. The quarterback threw a short pass to a receiver near the goalline pylon, where the linesman was positioned. The receiver reached for the pass but bobbled it and it went high in the air, whereupon, for some inexplicable reason, the umpire hit the whistle — not a toot, mind you, but a fullthroated blast. Then, as luck would have it, a defender plucked the ball out of the air and took off downfield.
We had no choice but to stop play and give the ball back to the offense, which, by Murphy’s Law of course, scored on the next play.
As we left the field at halftime, we were subjected to a barrage of boos from many of the roughly 30,000 fans present and a withering verbal attack from the coaches of the offended team. There was nothing we could do about it as we had no defense.
What was the umpire doing chiming in on that play? Yes, if the receiver trapped the ball on the ground, the linesman couldn’t see it and the umpire had a perfect look, we’d want the umpire to run over, blow the whistle, forcefully signal incomplete and sell the call. But not on the play I described, when the linesman was six feet from both the receiver and defender and the umpire was at least 30 yards away.
From their first day on the job, officials are told to “see leather” before blowing their whistle. Even then we sometimes guess, such as when there is a scrum on a run up the middle and the ball is obscured by 10 or more bodies. On that kind of play, however, the odds of an early whistle are magnified if the umpire, referee, linesman and line judge all blow their whistles to signify the end of the play.
The referee and umpire should stay out of it, as they are in no position to rule on forward progress. As between the other two, one will likely be better positioned to see leather depending on how the runner is carrying the ball and only that official should handle the whistle duties.
As an aside, I used a finger whistle throughout my career just to lessen the chances of an inadvertent whistle. It saved me more than once. A warning, though: If you give such signals as touchdown, incomplete pass or stop the clock with one arm, it will drive evaluators nuts.
Line-of-scrimmage officials often use a lanyard whistle for false starts and a finger whistle for other plays. At the other end of the spectrum from too many whistles are no whistles. Until recently, officials in the pro and college ranks and sometimes even in high school often did not blow whistles at all when a pass fell incomplete. The rationale was the players knew when the play was over, so why blow them and risk the chance of a quick one?
There are two problems with that logic. First, it is not necessarily true all players know when a play ends. Pass receivers and defenders downfield, or blockers engaged with opponents, may be so wrapped up with each other they don’t know when the play is over and they might even unwittingly incur a penalty for continuing action in the dead-ball period.
Second, even if the official doesn’t blow a whistle, the action of raising an arm to start the 40-second play clock, signaling incomplete on a pass or to stop the clock on a run out of bounds kills the play every bit as much as a whistle does. That being said, one might as well accompany the signal with a whistle. The general practice is to do that.
Again, better to lay off the whistle if you don’t see the ball. A couple of running plays may end with no whistle if the offense is especially adept at faking handoffs and hiding it once it has been handed off.
In sum, we need a whistle at the end of plays — when we know the play has ended. And it needs to be a blast. But we only need one whistle, the calling official’s, not “me too” whistles from crewmates. Jon Bible is a replay official in the Southeastern Conference. A resident of Austin, Texas, he formerly officiated collegiate and pro football.
THEY SAID IT
“It’s just trying to … by the nth degree, continue to find ways to make us better. And whether it’s reviewing plays, being experts in the rules, managing games, all those things. So even Monday through Saturday, some of those areas, I just think we can never get enough of.”
— Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, on adding former NFL referee and ESPN rules analyst John Parry to his staff as a consultant
DID YOU KNOW?
In 1966, the NFHS deemed artificial hands, arms and legs as illegal equipment, based on a recommendation from the American Medical Association’s Committee for the Medical Aspects of Sports. Twelve years later, the rule was changed so state associations were allowed to authorize use of artificial limbs. In 1987, artificial arms were made legal by rule. In 2017, a rule was added calling for the ball to be declared dead when a prosthetic limb comes completely off the runner.
SIDELINE
Remembering Rogers
Have you noticed this patch on the hats of college football officials this season?
They are honoring the late Rogers Redding, who died in April. Redding officiated in the Southwest and Southeastern conferences, along with three college football national championships. He served as NCAA football secretary-rules editor from 2008-17 and national coordinator of college football officials from 2011-20.
sean mcdermott
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS and NCAA rules, which might vary. Note: In kicking situations, K is the kicking team, R the receiving team. Solutions: p. 81.
1. First and 10 on team A’s 20 yardline. A1 muffs the snap. A2 and B3 are both trying to recover the loose ball. B3 pushes A2 in the back above the waist trying to recover the ball.
a. A2 has fouled.
b. No problem.
2. A passer has fouled if …
a. He has any part of one foot in the neutral zone when he throws a forward pass.
b. One foot is breaking the plane of the neutral zone when he throws a forward pass.
c. Both of his feet are breaking the plane of the neutral zone when he throws a forward pass.
d. His entire body is beyond the neutral zone when he throws the pass.
3. Third down on team A’s 30 yardline. A1’s forward pass is tipped by eligible A2 at team A’s 28 yardline. The pass travels to team A’s 35 yardline, where it is caught by eligible A3 and advanced to team A’s 45 yardline. Before the pass left A1’s hand, ineligible A4 wandered downfield to team A’s 33 yardline.
a. No problem.
b. Illegal touching foul on A3.
c. Ineligible downfield foul on A4.
4. Second and 10 from team A’s 20 yardline. A1’s forward pass is intercepted by B2 at team A’s 45 yardline. B2 advances to team A’s 40 yardline when an official blows an inadvertent whistle. When play resumes …
a. The game clock starts on the ready.
b. The game clock starts on the snap.
5. K1’s kickoff is muffed by R2 at team R’s 11 yardline. The ball then caroms off an official who is standing inbounds at the seven yardline and rolls out of bounds there.
a. Foul on team K for free kick out of bounds.
b. Team R is considered to have touched the ball inbounds. First and 10 at its own seven yardline.
It’s About Time
By George Demetriou
Time is a critical element in football. Periods, intermissions and putting the ball in play have defined time limits and those are well understood. Set. The offense is required to be set for a full second after any shift. That cannot be measured with a stop watch. One technique is to say “one thousand one” to oneself after movement stops. In NFHS, when team A moves from the huddle to its formation, all players must come to an absolute stop and remain stationary simultaneously without movement of hands, feet, head or body for at least one second before the snap. Violations result in a live-ball foul for an illegal shift (7-2-6). In NCAA, if the offense never has all 11 players set for a full second, it is a false start (dead-ball foul) (7-1-2b-5).
Once a team is initially set, any subsequent shift requires a one-second stop. Under NFHS rules, a shift is action by at least one offensive player, while in NCAA it must be a simultaneous change of position by two or more players (NFHS 2-39; NCAA 2-22-1).
Substitution. A team A replaced player (NFHS 2-32-12) or departing player (NCAA 2-27-6c) must begin to leave the field within three seconds of when his substitute enters the huddle (NFHS 3-7-1; NCAA 3-5-2c-2). The responsible official observing an incoming substitute should monitor the time it takes a player to leave. If that doesn’t happen within the acceptable limit, it is a five-yard dead-ball foul for illegal substitution from the succeeding spot.
Catch. The NCAA definition of a catch (2-4-3) is somewhat specific. Although NFHS rule 2-4-1 is not as detailed, there has not been any stated intent to have a different requirement for a catch. Thus we can consider the catching of the ball as a three-step process: securing firm control of the ball, touching the ground inbounds and maintaining control of the ball long enough to perform an act common to the game. The NCAA rule states “long enough” means time to
pitch or hand the ball, advance it, or avoid or ward off an opponent. Forward progress. Although a crew rules on forward progress on just about every play, the rules say only “the end of advancement” (NFHS 2-15-1; NCAA 2-9-2). Consequently, judgment is required. When the runner’s voluntary movement appears to be stopped, the covering official should hesitate briefly. Nowhere is there a documented clue as to how long an official should wait before blowing the whistle, so the recommendation here is two seconds. Of course, there are several variables, including how many defenders have a grip on the runner, how vigorously the runner is attempting to break free and how far back the runner has been taken.
Contacting the snapper. When the offense is in a scrimmage kick formation, under NCAA rules a defensive player may not initiate contact with the snapper until one second has elapsed after the snap. In NFHS play, the limitation is not stated as one second, but as a prohibition on a direct charge into the snapper. The protection exists until the snapper is able to protect himself, moves to block or otherwise participates in the play. “Protect himself” means the snapper has time to look up and regain his balance, which roughly takes a second, so the rules are similar (NFHS 9-4-6; NCAA 9-1-14).
Spiking the ball. In NCAA, if the game clock is stopped and will start on the referee’s signal, the minimum time to spike the ball and still be able to run a play is three seconds (3-2-5). NFHS does not have a similar rule, but some associations abide by the preceding as a philosophy.
Penalty time. NCAA rules provide for a 10-second runoff in certain situations. Those include if the helmet comes completely off a player (3-3-10b2), a team has an injury (3-3-6f) or if a team commits a foul that stops the clock any time after the two-minute timeout in the second or fourth quarters (3-4-4). NFHS does not have any provision for subtracting time from the game clock. George Demetriou has been a football official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.
You Can Put Onside on Your Side
By AJ Haduch
Onside kick or not? That is the question.
A good rule of thumb: When in doubt, get in position for an onside kick. Chances are, most officials have been surprised by an onside kick at some point during their career. However, a good football IQ and good understanding of game situations and trajectory should do a good job informing a crew of when to be in position for such a play. It is all part of the art of officiating and takes some feel for the game.
Many times the crew will look to the referee for instruction about when to move into onside kick positions. Sometimes it may take crew discussion to determine final approach. In the time allotted after a score and before the ensuing kickoff, officials should convene with their sideline partners and review where each is positioned to start the play and who is owning what. Make sure to clear the sideline area prior to setting up for the play. Officials should position themselves at least one yard off the sideline and players and coaches should be behind the officials, not next to them. Linesman and umpire (NFHS) or line-of-scrimmage officials and deepwing officials (NCAA) should have a beanbag in hand from the beginning of the play and be prepared to drop it on the yardline where first (NFHS 6-1-7) or illegal (NCAA 6-1-3) touching occurs.
After counting players, and once all crew members are in position and ready to start the play, visual and/or audio confirmation should be made prior to the referee blowing the ready for play.
The lateral location of the ball at the time of the kick might help the crew anticipate what’s to come. With a balanced number of players on either side of the kicker and the ball in the middle of the field, you may not have a sense of where the kick is headed. But with an overload (minimum of four on each side to remain legal), or the ball placed at
or near either hashmark usually indicates the ball will be kicked to the wide side of the field.
When the kick comes toward a sideline, those officials naturally lose ability to have a wide field of vision. They should focus responsibility and zero in on touching, blocks and recovery. Officials on the opposite sideline benefit from a wide field of vision. They may have a better vantage point than their colleagues when it comes to determining legality of blocks and status of the clock.
Officials on team R’s restraining line should be ready to retreat in the event of a deep kick and should be alert to progress spots on the ensuing returns in those cases.
While a certain amount of leeway
can be afforded on a normal free kick, officials must treat team K’s free-kick line as a “pane of glass” for onside kicks. No team K player is allowed to be in advance of the free-kick line before the ball is kicked. Violations are dead-ball encroachment fouls (NFHS) or live-ball offside fouls (NCAA).
With the proper preparation, focus and crew communication, you can make your next onside kick experience much less stressful. Perhaps you may even turn the phrase, “I hope they don’t onside this one” into, “I am fully prepared to rule on this exciting play with my crew.”
AJ Haduch, Ypsilanti, Mich., is a line-ofscrimmage official in the Mid-American Conference.
CASEPLAYS
Disputed Ruling
Play: Before the snap, team A asks the referee for a coachofficial’s conference because it believes the penalty on the previous down was not enforced properly. Ruling: Whether or not a team has timeouts remaining, the timeout is granted when a team requests a conference to review a possible misapplication of a rule. The conference takes place at the sideline in front of the team box. There is no time limit, but the referee should use common sense to ensure the coach is not using the timeout as an opportunity to stall for time or otherwise improperly delay the game. If no change is made in the ruling, a timeout is charged to the team. If the team has no timeouts remaining, a delay penalty is assessed. If a change is made, the charged timeout remains an officials’ timeout (NFHS 3-5-7h, 3-5-11; NCAA 3-3-4e).
Roughing the Kicker
Play: Third and 20 for team A from its own five yardline. Quarterback A1 throws a backward pass to halfback A2, who gets off a quick kick. Is A2 entitled to the same protection as a conventional punter? Ruling: Any player of team A may legally kick the ball and is eligible for protection assuming it is reasonably certain a kick will be made (NFHS 9-4-5a; NCAA 9-116a). A quick kick is one example in which there is not reasonable certainty a kick will be made. As a result, team B is given more latitude than during conventional punting situations (NFHS 9.4.5B; NCAA AR 9-1-16 III).
Ineligible Catches Pass Play: Fourth and goal on team B’s three yardline. A1’s pass is muffed by eligible A2 in the end zone and caught by ineligible A3 who did not go downfield until the pass crossed the neutral zone. Ruling: Illegal touching in both codes. The penalty is five yards from the previous spot and loss of down. In NFHS, an ineligible team A player who bats, muffs or catches a forward pass that has not first been touched by team B is guilty of illegal touching (7-5-13 Pen.). In NCAA, an ineligible player may not touch a pass until it has been touched by an opponent or an official (7-3-11 Pen.).
Notations on Formations
By Judson Howard
Besides free kicks, all football plays start with a snap. When the offense lines up before a snap, there are specific rules and requirements for how they must line up and what they can do.
An offensive player is on his line of scrimmage when he faces his opponent’s goalline with the line of his shoulders approximately parallel thereto and his head breaking the plane drawn parallel to the line of scrimmage through the waistline of the snapper (NFHS 2-32-9; NCAA 2-27-4a). No lineman can be in the neutral zone when the ball is snapped, except the snapper, who may break the plane with a body part such as the hand, foot or head. Offensive players, specifically ends and wideouts, must be within a yard of the neutral zone at the snap to be considered on the line.
Be aware of offensive tackles cheating by being too far off the line. That gives them an advantage when trying to block an edge rusher. A suggestion upon the first instance is to warn them to move up and communicate the warning to the head coach. A flag for an illegal formation is justified if it is not remedied for subsequent plays.
A back is any team A player not having any body part breaking the plane of the waistline of the nearest lineman, except for the player receiving the snap (NFHS 2-32-3; NCAA 2-27-4d). No more than four players in formation may be backs (NFHS 7-2-5a; NCAA 7-1-4a-4). There is no minimum requirement for the number of backs as there is for lineman. Except for a scrimmage kick formation when the numbering exception is in effect, at least five linemen must be numbered 50 to 79 (NFHS 7-2-5b; NCAA 7-1-4a-3). These are usually interior linemen, but such numbered players can be on the end of the line. Ends and backs can have any number, but remember, they are ineligible by number no matter where they are
lined up if they are wearing 50-79.
Play 1: Fourth and goal at team B’s one yardline. Substitutes A1 and A2, wearing jersey numbers 56 and 67 respectively, line up in the backfield to add power blockers for an expected running play. Ruling 1: Legal. Either player may carry the ball or block, but both are ineligible receivers at the snap.
While in formation before the snap, team A players may stand, crouch, kneel or be in a two or threepoint stance. After a huddle or shift, everyone must come to a complete, simultaneous one-second stop and be motionless at the snap except one back who can be moving backward or parallel to the line (NFHS 7-2-7; NCAA 7-1-4b).
Before the snap in NFHS, only the snapper may lock legs with linemen next to him. All other linemen must have each foot outside the closest foot of the player adjacent to him when the ball is snapped (7-2-2). There are no NCAA restrictions for linemen locking legs with each other. Any number of players can be on the line, but someone must be in the backfield to receive the snap.
Play 2: Team A only has 10 players on the field. There are six players legally on the line and four backs. Ruling 2: There is no foul for having less than seven players on the line if the numbering requirement is met. If the requirement is not met, it is a live-ball foul for an illegal formation, resulting in a five-yard penalty from the previous spot.
Before the snap, a lineman on the end of the line can legally shift to the backfield, and a back can legally shift to a position on the line. Both must be motionless at the snap after shifting.
There are no formation or position numbering restrictions on the defense. If all team B players are on their side of the neutral zone when the ball is snapped, they can be spread out in any manner. Other than defensive movement intended
to make team A false start, team B players can be moving at the snap.
Team A players eligible to catch a legal forward pass are those who are on the end of the line and wearing a number 0 to 49 or 80 to 99. Also eligible are backs with numbers other than 50 to 79 (NFHS 7-5-6a; NCAA 7-3-3).
Play 3: A1 throws a forward pass to A67. He was initially (a) on the line, or (b) in the backfield. Ruling 3: Illegal in both cases. Because of his number, A67 is not eligible to be first to touch a forward pass, no matter where he lined up. The penalty is five yards plus loss of down.
A backward pass can be thrown by any player to any other player. There is no numbering restriction on the player receiving the backward pass or where he initially lined up. Judson Howard, Los Angeles, was an onfield and replay official more than 30 years, many at the NCAA Division I level.
This formation starts legal and remains legal. A3 becomes the end player on the line and is eligible if he is wearing an eligible number. A9 is the end player on the other side of the line and is eligible if wearing an eligible number. A5 becomes covered up and, therefore, is ineligible by position. Before and after the shift, team A has four players in the backfield.
LAST OF THE
WITH THE PAC-12 SEEMINGLY IN LIMBO AS SCHOOLS COME AND GO, WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE THE CONFERENCE’S OFFICIALS?
Mark
Duddy
John Love
After every season, college football officials routinely assess their performances and begin their preparations for the next season. They review rules, rehearse mechanics, watch film, attend clinics, monitor their conditioning and purchase new equipment — all with eager eyes fixed on Week 1 that is months away.
When the 2023 season ended, the Pac-12 Conference’s officiating staff faced an offseason that would be defined more by uncertainty and transition than improving their craft. The conference’s contraction from 12 schools west of the Rocky Mountains between the Canadian and Mexican borders to only a pair in the northwest corner of the country meant a good number of officials may never work another game on some of the West Coast’s most hallowed grounds.
“I’d go to the stadium and look around, realizing it might be my last time working in that stadium,” John Love, a 10-year Pac-12 football official, said about his conference work last season. “I took it in as much as I could and appreciated the opportunity I had because I didn’t know what to expect in the future.”
As last season’s Pac-12 schedule unfolded week after week, each official who worked on those campuses walked out of those locker rooms with a sense of nostalgia. Since Washington State and Oregon State stand alone as the survivors of a league whose roots extend back to 1915, the conference — which is retaining the name it has had since 2011 — needs no more than 25 people on staff to work the maximum of two games involving its schools on any given weekend this season.
“We all have people in our lives who aren’t officials and don’t understand how everything works in officiating,” said Love, who is in his second season working the referee position. “A lot of the people who know I officiate assumed that we would go with the teams. They thought since Washington is going to the Big Ten, then we would go to the Big Ten. They were surprised to find out it doesn’t work that way.”
By Marcel Kerr
“The biggest disappointment for me is the breakup of my crew,” said Duddy, now in his 13th season in the Pac-12. “I was extremely fortunate to be with a great core of individuals for my 10 years as referee. A couple of guys from the crew last season went to the NFL and some went to other Power Five conferences. We had such a great run together.”
OTHERS WAITED UNTIL THE END OF THE SEASON, AND IT’S KIND OF A CATTLE AUCTION AT THAT POINT. YOU PUT IN RÉSUMÉS, YOU WAIT ... THE PROBLEM IS EVERYONE HAS THEIR DIFFERENT OPINIONS ABOUT OFFICIALS, SO SOME REALLY GOOD ONES GOT LEFT OUT.
The Pac-12’s erosion began in earnest when UCLA and USC accepted invitations in June 2022 to join the Big Ten. A year later, Colorado announced its return to the Big 12, and Arizona, Arizona State and Utah found new homes there as well. Oregon and Washington shifted to the Big Ten, and then Stanford and Cal leapfrogged into the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
–STEVE STRIMLING
Love is one of three Pac-12 crew chiefs, along with Mark Duddy and Chris Wiggins, who did not transfer to a different conference.
“I was surprised when I heard UCLA and USC were going to the Big Ten,” Love said. “Of course, we wondered what that meant for the Pac-12 Conference at large. We had a whole season then with the Pac-12 looking for direction as to where it wanted to go.
LAST OF THE
I wanted to see how things would shake out.
“Then came the disappointment of hearing the other schools were bolting for different conferences. I began to wonder what all of that would mean for the officiating staff because we still had one season to go. We had a lot of curiosity about how it would affect us. Everyone was wondering what the next step would be for the officials.”
The next step entailed applying to the three Power Five conferences that absorbed those 10 Pac-12 schools. Love’s résumé shows he qualified to work other football in the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC or Southeastern Conference, but he took a less-aggressive approach with applying to other conferences after last season.
“I made some inquiries and started the process, but I didn’t follow up rigorously because I didn’t necessarily know how it worked,” he said. “The other
Referee Chris Coyte (shown working a 2022 Pac-12 game between Arizona State and USC) was among the officials who decided to leave the Pac-12 ahead of the 2023 season, finding a new home in the Big Ten.
conferences already had their officiating staffs and had other younger officials waiting to get in. So on the one hand, I wanted to be considered, but on the other hand, I realized I might be trying to take the spot of some younger official. That’s a tough thing because I don’t want to take a spot from other people.”
The receptor conferences needed to add more officials to their staffs, but excess supply for a limited demand left some Division I veterans with gaps among their Saturdays this fall.
“Everyone was not going to find a home,” said Steve Strimling, who spent 12 years in the Pac-12 as a field judge and referee before joining the Big Ten as supervisor of its command center after the 2022 season.
“There’s a lot of jockeying, and people were trying to help people get placed and making recommendations where they can. Some people were offered positions in the middle of the season, so they knew they were going to other conferences. I’m
sure that was a load off their shoulders.
“Others waited until the end of the season, and it’s kind of a cattle auction at that point. You put in résumés, you wait … the problem is everyone has their different opinions about officials, so some really good ones got left out.”
Strimling also assigns football officials to work Division III games in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as well as home games for the University of San Diego in the Pioneer League, a low-level Division I conference. He is utilizing some of the Pac-12 officials on those days when they are not working Washington State or Oregon State games.
“Some D-I officials are training to work different positions, so I’ll give them opportunities to work games rather than practices,” he said. “I have a pool of D-I officials who each will work one San Diego game. I’ve got enough games to give the Pac-12 officials some snaps.”
Strimling has twice evaded the ambiguity that conference realignment casts over an officiating staff. He worked in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) before a series of defections over a course of years compelled the WAC to stop sponsoring football in 2013. He pursued and landed a spot on the Pac-12 roster in 2012, and he executed a similar exit before the Pac-12’s clock struck midnight.
“I guess I’m either proactive or lucky,” he said about his timing. “I watched that process with the WAC from the outside, and those officials went in all different directions. Some people went into replay, some went into timing and some people retired.
“The stage in the WAC wasn’t as big as the Pac-12’s because the Pac-12 had bigger names. In the WAC, officials were still working to move up. If they were in the Pac12, they were in a Power Five conference. I think everyone who’s working college football has the goal of getting to a Power Five.”
Now that the Pac-12 no longer has Power Five status, it has lost much of its appeal as a destination for officials. But Love is determined to stay the course, citing how unpredictability closes no doors to any possibility.
“I believe the conference is striving to rebuild, and I’d like to be a part of that,” he said. “In today’s world of college football, you can read as many articles as you want and speculate what’s going to happen next. Well, what if teams all of a sudden change their minds and want to come back? For some of the guys who went to other conferences, that thought lingers in the back of their minds. Realignment doesn’t mean the teams are gone for good.”
With no trips to the L.A. Coliseum, the Rose Bowl or Autzen Stadium on his docket this season, Love is lending his presence to partner with the next crop of football officials.
“I’m helping out at the small-college level where I started so I can work games with up-and-coming officials,” he said. “I also have a couple
of alternate assignments on Washington State and Oregon State games, so I have about two-thirds of a full schedule. That’s more than I anticipated before the season began.”
More than half of the Pac12’s 2023 officiating roster found soft landings in other conferences. Those who remained or found themselves orphaned by the conference’s unraveling faced decisions about temporary hiatuses or permanent departures from the avocation.
“I’ve seen people have to step back for a year or two and wait for something to change,”
Strimling said. “Some are trying to find other avenues. I do give credit to the Pac-12 for doing their best to talk to every coordinator to help find homes for their officials.”
In spite of the Pac-12 shards scattered around him, Duddy applies a scientific approach to view his glass as half full.
“My background is geology, and I learned that the only constant is change,” Duddy said. “Every change provides opportunities, and we have to take advantage of them when they present themselves. You can either be a victim of the change or a victor who
Roscoe Meisenheimer (above left, shown working a 2023 Pac12 game between UCLA and Oregon State) and Mike McCabe (shown working a 2023 Pac-12 game between Oregon and Texas Tech) left the Pac-12 to officiate in the Big 12.
appreciates the change and grabs the other opportunities.”
Duddy’s onfield schedule this season has him working seven games involving Washington State or Oregon State. Regardless of what happens with the Pac-12 over the next couple of years, the outcome will not alter the 63-year-old’s outlook on his home stretch between the hashes.
“I don’t want to be the old guy who is making mistakes,” Duddy said about his goal of working through 2026. “We’ve got to have the respect of the coaches and players. A lot of that comes from our mental acuity and physical condition, so I keep myself in good shape by running, swimming and doing yoga. I want to leave the field still being competent and with my supervisor having no concerns about me.
“Years ago, I took someone’s place. Soon, it’ll be someone’s time to take my place, and I am preparing myself for when that time comes. I can’t be sad that it will end; I have to be thankful that it happened.”
Marcel Kerr officiates high school and college football, basketball, volleyball and softball. He lives in Atlanta.
KEEP IT FLYING
The Philosophy Behind Ballhandling Rules
By Rick Brown
Surveying the world of volleyball leads to an inescapable conclusion. Volleyball “purists” have lost the “tight hands” battle. Volleyball has evolved in a way that both honors the greater athleticism of today’s players and seeks to minimize the number of times a first referee’s (R1) whistle ends a rally before the ball is out of play.
The international game led the way in reducing the number of whistles for double hits with a single playing action as well as auto-whistles for longish hands. The intent was to popularize the sport by minimizing unnecessary ends to rallies that undercut top athletes’ ability to display their fan-pleasing skills and top-level training. Not wanting a rally ending on a minor double fault helped to extend rallies, proving successful in growing fan interest. Minor doubles in a single playing action do not appear to create an advantage, something affirmed by the NCAA in its ballhandling rules change for this fall.
The international game has influenced guidance for calling hands in USAV and college men’s matches and, to a somewhat lesser degree, college women’s volleyball. Regardless, our game is evolving, and how hands are being called is changing with it. Let’s take a look at where we stand in terms of the guidance offered by the major rulesets to referees in judging hand contacts.
High school volleyball was considered the last bastion of tight hands, even as hands were being called more loosely in the international, USAV and college realms. We are well into the second decade of the movement to lighten up on ballhandling. The move toward looser hands began at the high school level around 2010 with points of emphasis (POEs) that encouraged
Judging ballhandling is one of the most important jobs for first referees. Jeff Wong, Redondo Beach, Calif., must determine if there is prolonged contact on this attempt. And while the NCAA made rule changes this past season in regard to ballhandling, NFHS and USAV rules remain the same.
greater continuation of play. POEs for 2019-20 promoted greater flexibility in judging contacts that did not involve the ball coming to rest. As a rebound sport, volleyball has its flexibility in judging multiple contacts. The R1 not pre-determining illegal contact based on a player’s body position involves a commitment to not making decisions other than by use of vision, and striving to be consistent/reasonable throughout a match tends to result in fewer whistles. The concept of consistency has limited value without an element of reasonability. Matches that feature lower-level playing skills can result in too many whistles and result in the R1 taking over the match. This is not fun for the participants. Logically, we don’t whistle hands for a seventh-grade match at the level we do for a top skill-level varsity match. When the NFHS releases POEs, the guidance tends to focus on varsity-level play. Not all varsity programs have the same level of athletic skills nor do all coaches have a high level of teaching various skills in training their players in ball control. A looser-hands approach aligns with tailoring ballhandling appropriately to the level of competition. When refereeing a lower-skills match, we don’t apply the same standards as for a varsity match between two very skilled teams. To do so would mean the inexperienced athletes might stop attempting to execute the skills that their coaches are teaching because virtually every effort to play the ball with their hands would be whistled for a double hit or prolonged contact. This would make the match all about the first referee’s whistle, something no one wants. Continuation of play and the opportunity to play extended rallies aligns with players’ developmental needs. When we keep the ball flying by not having too tight of hands, we help grow the game. However, with two teams with skilled ballhandlers, coaches’ expectations may be that hands are called somewhat tighter. This is consistent with all clear double hits on second or third contacts being whistled as faults with the additional stipulation (NCAA only) that the ball be played next by a teammate and not directly
passed over the net to the opponent’s side. Even then, only second team contacts with a single playing action are at point; for NFHS rules, the R1 judges whether the contact should be whistled as a second ball double hit and not wait to see if the ball crosses the net to the opponent’s court.
What follows is guidance about the current state of ballhandling and what the NFHS believes referees should be aware of in striving for reasonability and consistency.
Generally, within the first eight to 10 rallies, or when the R1 has a marginal hands call to judge, the R1 has “told” the teams what to expect for the match.
Avoid surprising the teams. Don’t call a ballhandling fault early in a match you aren’t willing to call late with the set or match on the line. This leads to R1s seeking to carve out “wiggle room” to not insert themselves into a match and allow the players to determine the outcome. If you call marginal hands, from a consistency standpoint, you’re saying you are willing to call it late.
An R1 is less likely to allow a second or third hit to be sent across the net to the opponent’s side with multiple contacts, as that clearly disadvantages the opponent.
All balls that clearly come to rest on a body part should be whistled as faults. The R1 should look for informal help from the second referee (R2) on “slow plays” out of the net that often are better judged from a low position and contacts where the R1’s vision is screened. Referees must avoid assuming a ball can’t be played legally based on a player’s body position. We call only clear faults, and vision of the contact point determines legality.
The R1 does not judge player technique, ball spin or reactions from players, coaches or fans — only the contact point of the ball.
While less-severe judgment should be applied to a contact by a player making a challenging play, mishandled balls resulting in a blatant fault should be called regardless of an athletic effort to play the ball.
Other than a joust where opponents legally contact the ball above the net causing the ball to
QUICKTIP
Keep your air pressure gauge handy at the table in your tool bag to quickly check the pressure of volleyballs. This is especially important on days when you are working tournaments and multiple matches as regular play can quickly decrease the pressure below allowable standards. Between matches, quickly check to make sure the pressure of each volleyball is within range (4.3-4.6 PSI in NFHS and NCAA and 4.26-4.61 PSI in USAV) and add air if necessary to ensure the volleyballs are properly inflated to start each match.
SIDELINE
USAV’s New Program
In August, USAV announced a new program to produce more high-level referees. The National Officials Development Program is dedicated to identifying, recruiting and accelerating the development of high-potential referees to strengthen officiating at all levels. Referees participating will receive targeted evaluations to enhance their skills. Participants are invited to national-level events where they will receive advanced training from referee coaches.
TOOLS
Volleyball Referee Timer
Do you own an Apple Watch and are looking for a convenient way to time your matches? The Volleyball Referee Timer app is the perfect tool for you. The app aids referees in timing warmups, timeouts and the interval between sets. The app allows referees to choose the ruleset they are working that day and customize the timers for each match. The timer beeps (unless silenced), vibrates to alert the referee of upcoming actions and displays a description of those actions on the screen. The app was developed by referee Glenn Corwin and sells for $4.99. Go to timer.vbref.website for more details.
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. Team A attacks the ball, which lands near team B’s sideline. The line judge responsible for that line call signals “out.” The first referee is sure the ball contacted the line.
a. The first referee should call both line judges and the second referee over to the stand to confer before making a call.
b. The first referee should signal “out” since the line judge ruled the ball out and the line judge’s call should be accepted.
c. The referee should rule a replay since the referee saw the ball “in” but the line judge ruled the ball “out.”
d. The referee should award a point to team A and signal the ball “in.”
2. As team A enters the court to start a set, the coach realizes an incorrect player has been listed in the starting lineup after the lineup sheet has been recorded on the scoresheet. The coach would like to replace the starting player with another team member.
a. Allow the coach to change the lineup without any sanction or charged substitution.
b. Allow the coach to change the lineup and assess a delay sanction/unnecessary delay.
c. Allow the coach to make a charged substitution to have the desired player start the set.
d. Deny the coach’s request to change the lineup until after the first service is completed.
3. S1 serves the ball, which hits the top of the net and rolls over to team R’s side of the net. R2, a middle blocker, jumps to try to block the ball, but misses as the ball contacts the top net tape. R2 returns to the floor and then, as the ball is below the height of the net, contacts the ball, with no body part above the height of the net, sending it back across the net toward team S’s court.
a. Illegal block by R2.
b. Illegal attack of serve by R2.
c. Point for team R as the serve may not contact the net.
d. No fault, play continues.
e. Double fault/replay.
temporarily suspend between the players, no rule code allows the ball to come to rest; however, each uses slightly different verbiage in describing what is considered illegal (NFHS: come to rest/prolonged contact. NCAA: does not hit the ball cleanly — ball stops rather than rebounds; and USAV: caught/thrown).
A ball rolling along a player’s arm or leg is most likely to be a series of multiple contacts rather than prolonged contact. R1s should whistle a fault on first contact, including first contact after a block, only if the ball visibly comes to rest.
First referees must get their eyes quickly to the next point of contact to clearly view how the ball is played; following the ball tends to lead to judgments based on spin, which itself doesn’t produce a fault.
While the overall approach under all rule codes promotes looser
ballhandling on second contacts made with a single playing action, this does not mean that a player is allowed to mangle the ball without a fault being whistled. We are moving in the direction of the greater challenge dealing with determining when power tips are captured by an attacker and become throws because the ball’s momentum was stopped for too long, and the contact is longer than the R1 allows on a long-hands back-set. All rule codes are currently challenged to not allow unfair direction of the ball which deprives the defense of a chance to react because the ball is taken a second direction or thrown.
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, USAV Regional Referee and formerly a PAVO National Line Judge, working multiple D-I postseason matches.
Nine Quick Ways to Elevate Your Game
By Brad Tittrington
Tomost
casual fans and outside observers, volleyball officials just blow their whistles and point. The subtleties and the art of officiating are lost on them as they espouse the difficulty of officiating other sports like football and basketball. And while those sports might be more physically challenging, I’d argue volleyball is much more mentally taxing than either of those sports.
And if you are a newer official — or heck, even if you are a crusty veteran — you understand officiating volleyball isn’t as easy as the highlevel officials on TV make it out to be. There is a lot more to it than just blowing a whistle and pointing. For newer officials, when you first step on the court, there seems to be a lot swirling around and you find yourself just trying to tread water to stay afloat. Hopefully you are paired with veteran officials when you first
start out who can guide you and make some complex rules much easier to grasp. The most important thing when you start out is work on one thing at a time. Otherwise, everything is swirling in your head and you can be overwhelmed very quickly.
Most officials want to climb the ladder as quickly as possible. We all want that state tournament assignment or the opportunity to work a college match or someday maybe be on TV and work the Olympics. Whatever your aspirations, it’s important to do the right things to get noticed. Here are nine tips you can implement relatively quickly to help elevate your game and things a lot of officials tend to struggle with that may be holding them back.
1.Wear the Proper Uniform
This seems pretty self-explanatory. However, it never fails when you show up to a tournament or a high See “Elevate Your Game” p.46
PLANE AS DAY
This type of play happens a lot. Players from each team simultaneously touch the ball completely above the height of the net. On these types of plays, there are several things referees need to know to accurately rule on them.
Is black No. 6 or maroon No. 5 a back-row player?
As long as both are in the front row, this is a legal play by both and play continues. If one of them is a back-row player, it would be an illegal backrow block on that player as they are simultaneously contacting the ball completely above the height of the net. If both are back row, which is highly doubtful, it would be a double fault, which would result in a replay.
Is the ball in the plane of the net?
If so, meaning any portion of the ball has entered the plane, it is legal for both players to play it and this would be legal. However, if the ball is completely on black’s side of the net, maroon No. 5 could be guilty of reaching over. While the photo is slightly off-center, it appears the ball is indeed in the plane, making this legal.
If the ball goes out of bounds after this simultaneous contact, who is at fault?
All codes agree it would be the fault of the player opposite the side of the net the ball went out on (NFHS 9-4-6d; NCAA 14.3.2.2; USAV 9.1.2.2). For example, if the ball went out on black’s side of the net, maroon would be guilty of putting it there. If the ball goes out on maroon’s side, black would be the guilty party.
Does either player touch the net on the way up, during contact with the ball or on the way down after playing the ball?
If either player touches the net, it would be a fault. In NFHS, a player may not contact the net any time while the ball is in play. In NCAA and USAV, it is only a fault if a player touches the net during the action of playing the ball. In all codes, if the player’s hair touches the net, it is not a fault.
CASEPLAYS
Delayed Substitution
Play: Team A requests a substitution, but A1 is not ready to enter the court. The second referee denies the substitution and an unnecessary delay (NFHS)/delay sanction (NCAA/USAV) is assessed to team A. Ruling: Correct procedure in all codes. In NFHS and USAV, a completed rally must take place in order for a team to request another substitution (NFHS 10-2-7 Pen. 2; USAV 15.2.3). In NCAA, a second request for substitution is not permitted unless a timeout is called or there is a completed rally (11.3.3.2.6).
Not Enough Players
Play: Team A starts the match with six players. After the start of the second set, A1 twists her ankle and is unable to continue. Ruling: In NFHS, a team may play with fewer than six players, provided it starts the match with six. Each time the vacant position rotates to the serving position, a loss of rally/point shall be awarded to the opponent (6-4-5). In NCAA and USAV, a team that is declared incomplete shall forfeit that set to the opponent and if that team is declared incomplete for the match, it shall forfeit the match to its opponent (NCAA 8.5.2.2; USAV 6.4.3).
Captain Request
Play: After a long rally concludes and the ball is out of play, team A’s captain requests a lineup check. Ruling: Legal in all codes. When the ball is out of play, a team captain may ask for a lineup check or request a timeout (NFHS 6-32; NCAA 5.2.3.3; USAV 5.1.2.2, 5.1.2.3).
Legal Joust?
Play: A1 receives the serve and misplays the ball, sending it toward the net. Team A’s back-row setter jumps up to play the ball and ends up jousting with team B’s front-row middle blocker while the ball is in the plane of the net and completely above the height of the net. The first referee allows play to continue. Ruling: Incorrect in all codes. Since the ball is in the plane of the net and entirely above the net, once the ball is simultaneously contacted by a team B front-row player and a team A back-row player, the backrow player is guilty of an illegal block (NFHS 9-5-1c Note; NCAA 14.6.1 Note; USAV 14.6.2).
Elevate Your Game continued from p.38
school match and one of the officials is dressed just a little differently than the other. Officials want to be noticed by observers and evaluators for a chance to climb the ladder. Wearing the wrong uniform will definitely get you noticed, but for all the wrong reasons. Every state association and rule code has a different uniform requirement. Spend the extra few bucks and get the proper color shirt for the association you are working. You may be able to find a shirt off the rack at your favorite department store, but if it is the wrong shade, you will stand out. Wear the proper pants, shirts and shoes. Remember, you only get one chance to make a great first impression. You may be the best volleyball official in the world, but if you show up out of uniform, your credibility is already shot.
2.Make Friends
With the Table Crew
When you arrive at the site and get courtside, take a few minutes to introduce yourself to the table crew. Make the scorer, timer and libero tracker feel a part of the team. The table crew can make or break the match. Nothing can make a match go sideways quicker than a scoring issue. Take the time before the match to discuss how you are going to handle substitutions; proper protocols for prematch, substitutions, timeouts and between sets; and how to handle improper servers. Using proper protocols will save you a lot of headaches and will lead to consistency, which avoids confusion with the table crew, partners, and players and coaches.
3.Watch Teams Warm Up
The great Yogi Berra once famously said, “You can observe a lot by just watching.” Referees can gain an abundance of information during prematch warmups. Take the time to watch both teams warm up. This will help you figure out who the setters are, what kind of hands they have, who the big hitters are and give you some tendencies on what the teams like to run, and help you start to get
your eyes adjusted to the speed of the match. Not watching warmups and just jumping on the court blind can quickly catch you off guard as you won’t be prepared from the first serve. You can generally figure out pretty quickly from warmups what type of offense each team is running (5-1, 6-2, etc.). It also will start the process of figuring out alignments.
4.Know Your Setters
A lot of officials struggle with rotations and alignment. Even officials who have been refereeing volleyball for years struggle with this part of the game. When I first started, my mentors told me first to know the setters. The vast majority of back-row attack and blocking errors come from the setter. It is imperative you know if the setter is front-row or back-row on every play. Figure out who the setters are during warmups, find them on the lineup and know which position they are starting, then track them. Before every serve, mentally tell yourself whether the setters are front or back row. Then when you have an illegal back-row attack or block, you can quickly whistle it or give the signal to your partner if you are the second referee. Nailing that first one early in the match sets the tone and lets coaches know you are paying attention.
5.Use Proper Signals
Too many officials use the wrong signals, which confuses everyone. The proper signals are listed in the official’s manual for a reason. Those signals are expected each and every time to allow for consistency and clarity. For example, many officials still show the index finger to indicate the “1” in “10.” The correct signal for “10” is a closed fist, as shown in PlayPic A. Another example is the
way in which we signal “3.” The proper way is show the thumb, index and middle finger, as shown in PlayPic B on the previous page. The improper way of showing the third, fourth and fifth digits is offensive and vulgar in some cultures, which is why the signal for “3” is what it is on the international stage and has been adopted by all three rule codes. Use the proper one to show mastery of the signal but also to avoid a faux pas. Using the proper signals conveys the right message to players, fans, coaches and partners and will set you apart from officials who use improper signals. Signals are our quickest way to communicate to everyone and using the right ones avoid a lot of unnecessary issues. Practice in front of a mirror so you can see what your signals look like and it will help you perfect the look.
6.Talk to Coaches
It is important, especially as the second referee, to build a rapport with coaches. You are going to be near them for the entire match and effectively communicating with them is essential to the job. The best referees have the ability to defuse situations by being able to calmly explain calls and no-calls. The best referees also have the ability to head off issues before they arise. For example, if a team is getting close to an illegal alignment or there is any type of potential uniform or equipment issue, quickly talking to a coach can fix those situations so they don’t become an issue later.
7.Be a Good Listener
This goes hand in hand with the advice above. Coaches want to know they can communicate with you as an official. It has to be a two-way street. Acknowledge when a coach is speaking to you. Don’t just hear them; actively listen. This doesn’t mean coaches get to have running commentary on the match. It simply means if coaches have legitimate questions, listen and acknowledge you hear them. They may have seen something you didn’t or perceived something differently than you did.
Don’t take things personally unless they make it personal.
8.Draw Your Line
This goes along with the last two points. Communication is essential in order to facilitate a match. However, there are times when you as a referee have to set your limit and enforce penalties when those lines are crossed. Having to issue a conduct card doesn’t mean you have failed as a communicator. It doesn’t mean you are weak. Many coaches will test their limits to see what they can get away with. When they cross the line, address it. Otherwise, coaches will continue to push the limits and it makes it more difficult on the next crew who has to deal with that coach. Don’t be afraid to issue yellow cards (remember, they are just warnings and it lets a coach or player know they’ve reached your limit).
9.Get a Mentor/Be a Mentor
For new officials, finding a mentor is extremely important. Most veteran officials (if they truly care about the game and the officiating cadre) are more than happy to assist newer officials who have an interest in getting better. Pair up with someone you can trust who will give you valuable feedback after each match. They can also help you figure out where you are going and what to do before each match. When you are new, everything seems foreign. Having a mentor can help you navigate those rough waters. And if you are a veteran official, be a mentor to a less-experienced official. It helps you get in the rulebook and officials manual and stay on top of things as you discuss new rules and mechanics. Don’t be afraid that a new person is going to take your assignments. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to train the next generation of referees so when you step on the court with them, they are ready to go.
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.
GETTING IT RIGHT INSPIRATION,
BFOA’s Battle 4 Broward Blossoms
By Brad Star
Looking for a fun yet effective way to train your officials?
The Broward Football Officials Association (BFOA) has found a method that works.
In 2023, the Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based football officials association hosted its inaugural “Battle 4 Broward,” a seven-onseven tournament that provides a competitive environment for local high school teams while also serving as a forum for officials to begin obtaining training in crew-of-seven mechanics.
“I wanted to bring in all the local high schools into a competitive environment in which our officials could see competitive football and where we could get them trained in the mechanics,” BFOA president Zach Moncilovich said.
The idea for the Battle 4 Broward came to Moncilovich when he was working another seven-on-seven tournament in which the officials were struggling to keep the players in check.
“You had two officials per field trying to work these highly competitive, highly superb athletes,
and it was just a mess,” Moncilovich said. “You couldn’t see everything, and then the kids were acting up, and there was almost a fight after every single game. I was like, man, I really love the idea of teaching mechanics on this, but I think it needs to be done the right way.”
BFOA places emphasis in training its officials in crew-of-seven mechanics. While BFOA deploys five-official crews for most of its regular-season contests, it assigns seven officials to a few games each week. Meanwhile, all playoff games are assigned seven-official crews.
“That’s why we want to try to get everybody an opportunity to work crew-of-seven and get trained on it,” said Steve Epstein, a 40-year official with BFOA.
The Battle 4 Broward usually takes place a week before spring football practice starts in Broward County. BFOA had 24 teams sign up for the tournament in its first year; this past year, 32 teams signed up with 10 more on a wait list. The Battle 4 Broward has also attracted from outside of BFOA’s usual service area, including schools from MiamiDade and Palm Beach counties.
“It’s just been invaluable,” Moncilovich said. “We’re hoping over the years that we’re going to grow this into really one of the premier seven-on-seven tournaments in the state. This year, we were able to get over 15 college and NFL officials there training our (officials) and it was just something that was really beneficial to everybody involved.
“The competition is outstanding. You’ve got four-star prospects, threestar prospects all over the place, and it’s just a really fun environment and allows us to be able to train our (officials) and keep our sevenon-sevens under control, which has always been the hardest part.”
Brad Star is an assistant editor for Referee
Players in Stripes
This past July, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women’s basketball team donned stripes for the first time. More than a dozen members of the UWL squad spent a week learning how to officiate to help with a summer league tournament on campus featuring several La Crosse-area schools. Ali Sprangers, a junior on the team, has been a WIAA official for three years and enjoys serving in the role whenever she can.
“I love officiating,” Sprangers said. “I could see me doing this after I’m done with college. Obviously, it doesn’t work out during my season to referee a lot, but I’m looking forward to having more time once I’m done with my playing days to get on the officiating side of things.”
“It’s really hard to be an official,” junior Annika Gustafson said. “I think it makes me more empathetic for when I’m on the court toward the officials. ... A lot of parents and a lot of external forces coming down on you.”
SOURCE: WXOW.COM
ENYYSA Emphasizes Female Crews
The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) shined the light on its young female officials in July when it assigned three all-women crews to work the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) East Regional Finals at SUSA’s Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex in Central Islip, N.Y. A crew of Tatjana Budesheim, Cheryl Aronson, Stephanie Overton and Ashley Prevet officiated one of the semifinal matches, while Stephanie Loehr, Budesheim, Overton and Aronson worked the other semifinal. Prevet, Overton, Jennifer Dumaine and Loehr were on call for the WPSL championship game.
“Everything went very smoothly and the referees did very well,” Brendan Mullarkey, one of ENYYSA’s assigners, said of the crews and their performances.
SOURCE: ENYYSA
Have you heard an inspirational or motivational officiating story? Send your ideas to GettingItRight@referee.com
Officials receive instruction during the Broward Football Officials Association’s Battle 4 Broward tournament.
official NFHS mechanics manual produced jointly by the editors of Referee and the NFHS! Loaded with dozens of mechanics scenarios and featuring Referee’s exclusive PlayPic® and Mechanigram® graphics
SHOULD I WORK
Choosing to work a game often means wading through a gray area of conflicts of interest. It’s essential to navigate personal connections with unwavering professional integrity.
Webster’s Dictionary defines a conflict of interest as “a conflict between the private interests and the official responsibilities of a person in a position of trust.”
From the lowest level sporting contest to the highest professional game, sports officials are clearly placed in a position of trust. That is what it’s all about.
On the field or the court, we administer the rules, manage the game and make sure each player conforms to the rules. We also ensure both teams have an equal opportunity to win.
But with the explosion of social media and the availability of information about officials easily available to the public, new questions are being raised about ways to make sure the officials who work games, at all levels, are free of conflicts.
And governing bodies, assigners and officials themselves have been forced to scrutinize the issue more carefully.
The issue came to the forefront last spring in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament when veteran referee Tommi Paris was removed in the middle of the game between North Carolina State University and University of Tennessee-
Chattanooga when it was learned Paris had obtained her master’s degree in public administration from UT-Chattanooga.
An official who had worked an earlier game replaced Paris at halftime.
The NCAA instructs officials who are under consideration to work the tournament to disclose which institutions they attended or any other affiliations they might have to avoid a conflict. In a statement to Referee in April, Paris said she incorrectly thought that applied only to her undergraduate education. A past supervisor for her regular season assignments had told her grad school was only an issue if she was currently enrolled, she said.
During the season Paris had worked games involving her alma mater. N.C. State’s head coach, Wes Moore, said he felt badly for Paris and he admired Paris and her ability as an official.
“I would never doubt
WORK THIS GAME?
BY DAN RONAN
Paris’ integrity and those sort of things,” Moore said. “But I guess when they found out she had a degree from Chattanooga, that maybe made it a little bit stickier. I kind of hate that happened, because again, I would never question Tommi Paris’ integrity.”
Ultimately, conflicts of interest aren’t about a person’s ability to be impartial. It’s about the perception of their impartiality.
The old saying goes, “Perception is reality.”
People who manage the selection process for officials and officiating coordinators say, at the very least, more transparency and possibly additional guidelines are needed, and the issue is getting much more attention, at all levels.
“Conflicts have always been an issue,” said retired NFL referee Bill Carollo, coordinator of football officials for multiple conferences including the
Big Ten, the Mid-American, the Missouri Valley and the Pioneer League, as well as several NCAA Division II and Division III conferences.
“If you run a focused officiating group, you have to recognize it,” Carollo said, noting the pressure on officials has ramped up in recent years. “Even if you do not have a conflict, you will come across some controversial plays and calls, situations you are in and with social media and technology, people can find out very quickly a lot of information about you;where you went to school, where you live, if you made any donations, your tax history, everything.
“A lot of stuff is out there. It should be private but it is out there. Because of social media, fans have access to who is working games, where they are from, what school they went to, who they are married to, where their spouse went to school and where their kids went to school.”
To combat this, Carollo
said before the season all of the officials who work in the conferences he supervises must review and agree to a document that outlines 12 areas of potential conflict to prevent any questions.
Carollo said the parameters give officials a clear outline of what is and what is not acceptable.
If officials have a conflict, they will be moved off the game involving that school and reassigned to another contest.
Carollo said if the official, their spouse or partner graduated from a specific university, or received an honorary degree, they will be moved. They also cannot have a business relationship with the school.
Carollo also said officials are not specifically prohibited from using social media during the season, but they are not allowed to use the platforms to discuss their games online.
“We cannot prevent our officials from using social
SHOULD I WORK THIS GAME?
media. They can use it for family communications. That is fine,” he said. “But we do prevent them from using social media and talking about games, plays and coaches. If they violate this, they’re in jeopardy of losing assignments or being fired if it is a grave offense.”
Carollo and other coordinators insist that in today’s social-media-saturated society, even when an official is fair and impartial, the mere perception of a conflict can cause potential problems. The best course of action is to move off the game and accept another one.
While professional sports and major college conferences have clear-cut rules and procedures for handling potential conflicts, in this era where there is a severe shortage of officials, especially at the lower levels, the problem is more complex and difficult.
Also, while in many larger areas of the country assigners or conference commissioners can pick and choose where
Having
to place officials, in some parts of the country athletic directors or other school leaders contract officials individually. It is up to the officials to disclose they may have a conflict.
At the high school level, most state associations don’t get involved in selecting officials until the end of the season when it’s time to pick tournament officials. Then there is more vetting for potential conflicts.
Under the resources tab on its website, NASO provides a code of conduct that attempts to take the issue head on.
Among its statements are the following:
“Officials shall be free of obligation to any interest other than the impartial and fair judging of sports competitions. … Officials shall recognize that anything which may lead to a conflict of interest, either real or apparent, must be avoided. Gifts, favors, special treatment, privileges, employment or a personal relationship with a school or
team which can compromise the perceived impartiality of officiating must be avoided.”
Kristina Sage has a different challenge than her colleagues at the major college level. Sage is the new assistant executive director of the South Dakota High School Activities Association.
A former high school administrator and athletic director, Sage has been in the job for a matter of months. Since South Dakota is a lesspopulous state, the shortage of officials is more pronounced, and many games are still assigned by individual athletic directors.
“We expect the officials will share any conflicts they have with whomever hires them,” she said. “That is whether it is the athletic director or the assigners. We have both in South Dakota, but most of the games are assigned by the school ADs.”
Sage admits the system is not perfect and it comes down to a matter of trust and transparency. There often are longstanding relationships, developed over many years.
“If there isn’t trust, it makes things more difficult. Sometimes they don’t think there is a conflict and it can turn into one, and then it can be a headache for that local athletic director,” Sage said.
“I was a high school athletic director before this job, and when you are hiring, you know the crew chief, and you are not even aware of who the other crew members are and what their conflicts may be. But at the state tournament, there is a form, and they would disclose (conflicts). And if there is an issue, you might have to flip-flop a couple of crews or something.”
Sage says the challenges are more pronounced when it comes to sports where
no connection to either school helps Brian Ward, Simi Valley, Calif., avoid a conflict of interest.
there is a more limited pool of officials, including girls’ softball, which South Dakota just sanctioned this year. Again, transparency is the key. She says the state’s policies are a work in progress, and while it is not her top priority, it is one she and her staff will spend time reviewing. New guidelines may have to be developed.
“I think my staff and I will talk about this. Sometimes these are the only officials in this part of the state. There is a large distance between schools. You do get that, where people do know them a little better,” she said. “We might consider changing them or upping those requirements, and it’s a conversation we might have.”
The challenges are different in a larger state than they are in a smaller one. Beau Rugg, football administrator for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), said the issue of conflicts, or perceived issues of integrity, has not yet been an issue in his state. But that is because there is a lot of regular conversation between
Transparency with assigners means Washington state officials Yiyan An, Bellevue (left), and Tom Zhou, Kirkland, won’t face conflict scrutiny on social media.
If the official feels uneasy about it, whether I think it is a problem or not, if they feel uneasy about it, I am going to move them, because uneasiness is bad.
–BEAU RUGG
officials and his office.
“It has not been a big problem,” Rugg said. “We leave it up to our officials to let us know if they have a conflict. Then we can switch them and do what we need to do. They have complied very well. We have maybe one incident a year, where things will fall through the cracks
“If that does happen and I do find out about it, there will be repercussions for the officials,” Rugg added. “It is always based on how bad the situation is and it can go from a verbal reprimand to losing your certification. Most likely it will be a loss of game and it depends on your level. You might lose a regional or state game and if you’re a sectional or district official, you may not work the state tournament for a year.”
Rugg said Ohio has formal policies in place and they have worked so far.
The OHSAA defines a conflict of interest as “any situation which would cause a reasonable person to question the integrity or fairness of an official. Examples include, but are not limited to, officiating a game where a family member participates or officiating a game when the official works for one of the competing schools.”
Rugg said social media has
made more information about officials public. But often it is unfiltered, unverified or inaccurate. Rugg says many people who go looking on the internet for material often reach the wrong conclusions and assume officials are biased, not considering their experience and integrity.
“I will get things from fans. People that say this person lives hereor went to school here, and under investigation we find out they did not. That is the bad thing about social media. You get stuff and it may not be true, and I have had several of those,” Rugg said. “Someone will say an official lives in this town and they do not live anywhere near the school. We have to deal with those on a case-by-case basis and investigate.”
He adds most officials are aware a potential conflict can do severe damage to their careers, and they are now more inclined to pull themselves off of a game, rather than stay on it and risk being called out if there is a controversial call or situation that blows up.
“Sometimes things are pretty fluid, and you need to have a conversation, but it is important to be safe and ask. Because if I do not think it is a problem, it is not a problem.
SHOULD I WORK THIS GAME?
But if the official feels uneasy about it, whether I think it is a problem or not, if they feel uneasy about it, I am going to move them, because uneasiness is bad,” Rugg said.
While some associations and conferences have permanent bans on officials working games involving their former schools, Rugg believes there could be a 10-year statute of limitations, especially if the official has had no professional contact with the school during that time and the relationship took place when the official may have been in their 20s.
“Ten years is a nice barometer if you have no link to the school, and I realize people may disagree,” Rugg said. “I have friends who work in the Big Ten as officials and I live in Ohio, and I work the play clock here for football and I never see them, because one had a degree from Ohio State and the other had a minor connection to the school, and they just keep them away from here.”
For those areas of the country that use assigning commissioners, social media and perceived conflicts have added a new dimension to managing their calendars and placing officials at certain schools.
Oklahoma uses assigners during the regular season. While the system is not perfect, for the most part, it has worked because transparency is demanded, said Grant Gower, the director of officials for the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
Gower said his office begins working on vetting officials for tournament games using a variety of criteria, including asking officials who work high-level games some tough questions.
“We really have not had
Not having to worry about a conflict of interest allows Abigail Gutierrez, Commerce, Calif., to concentrate on the action and not on outside factors.
any issues when it comes to conflicts of interest, when it comes to playoff games,”
Gower said. “This is one of the areas I try to be very aware of. Where are the officials from? And in the football playoffs, I do not want a crew on a game where the crew may have had that team in the regular season. I do not want them seeing the same team multiple times.”
Gower recommends during the regular season, and especially during the postseason, officials be extremely cautious about their use of social media. Less is always more.
“Social media is one of the challenges and we convey this to our playoff officials,” he said.“When we make those assignments for football and basketball, many officials will post it, that they are honored to be selected for the state tournament. But I try to discourage that. Sometimes it is not the best thing for everyone to see that on social media.”
As an assigner for regular and postseason games, as well as an active basketball official himself, Al Winters, the president of the California
Basketball Officials Association, said his group has created an online disclosure form. Before the season, officials must share background information so conflicts can be avoided before schedules are created.
“California is a big state, and we need our officials,” he said. “But those schools you have direct conflict with, you cannot work, and when you get into the playoffs, we want to know. We also go as far as to look at how many times you have worked a school’s games. If you have been there a lot, you are not going to work those games.”
In the last 25 years, the landscape has changed. Officials are under more scrutiny. Almost every game, even at the lowest level, is being recorded on video, with clips on social media platforms in real time. The names and backgrounds of officials can easily be found with just a few clicks.
“The higher you go up the officiating ladder, the more scrutiny you find yourself under,” Rugg said.
“It is a lot easier to work a game where no one is going
those schools you have direct conflict with, you cannot work, and when you get into the playoffs, we want to know.
–AL WINTERS
to be throwing daggers at you,” Winters said. “It is tough enough with the way people perceive us and you do not want people saying things like, ‘He went to school there, or his child is there.’”
“Sometimes we get inquiries after the fact about officials,” said Gower, an active basketball referee. “If we had the information
With more schools in their area, Art Brown (left) and Trent Chaney, both from Dallas, have more schools to choose from, making it easier to avoid conflicts.
before hand, we might have made a different decision on the assignment. The big challenge is when we do not have the information.”
During his 20 years as an NFL official, Carollo worked two Super Bowls and eight conference championship games. He says the principles he followed as a college and NFL official to avoid conflicts worked for him and will be effective for all officials, no matter what level they work.
COI CHECKLIST
Officials should avoid accepting any assignment if any of the following exist:
The official is a student at one of the schools involved. Being an alum of a school is not necessarily a deal-breaker; conference policies often have a 10-year moratorium.
“I had friends — close friends of mine, roommates — that were working for the Green Bay Packers and I could not work those games,” he said. “I self-disclosed and you raise your games and say, ‘I am not going to do Packers’ gamesor a game where I had a conflict.’ It is not fair to them. It is not fair to me. The game is too hard. You just need to be honest and transparent. That is the key.”
Dan Ronan is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and retired two-sport official.
The official’s spouse is employed by one of the competing schools.
The official is related by blood or marriage as follows: (parent, stepparent, grandparent, child, stepchild, grandchild, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-inlaw, daughter-in-law, nephew/niece, resident of the same household) to a person affiliated with a team involved in a contest.
The official and any person affiliated with a team involved in a contest are present teammates or roommates or within the last five years, close business associates or personal friends.
The official’s spouse attended or worked at either school within the last five years.
The official has a child in school in one of the involved schools, or a child who graduated from one of the schools within the previous two years.
The official previously coached one of the teams or coached players on one of the teams in a different setting.
The official has given money to one of the schools in some manner, such as being a booster for one of the schools or being a member of an alumni association.
The official has previous blowups at one of the schools involved. While this may not disqualify an official from working the game, it is best to alert the assigner and allow that assigner to make the final decision.
SLIGHT OF HAND Processing a Possible Handball Situation
By Robert Kauffman
Aperson new to soccer might think a handball or handling violation is a simple thing to understand. They might say, “If the ball touches your hand or arm, it is a foul.” Soccer officials know this is not the case.
The key to a handling call is whether the handball is deliberate or not. While the wording of the rules defining handling the ball has changed over the years, the intent has remained the same. The rules are now in a form which makes it easier for the official to determine actions that are fouls and those that are not.
One of the old expressions used to make this determination was to say, “Did the ball touch the hand, or did the hand touch the ball?” In other words, was the handing of the ball a deliberate or inadvertent action? Three key things to look at in order to make an evaluation are, where were the player’s arms when the contact with the ball was made? Did the player move the arms toward the ball? And where and from what distance did the ball come?
When it comes to the positioning of the player’s arms, the key questions are whether the arms were in a natural position, or whether the arms were in
an unnatural position that would help to extend the arm’s reach and ability to get in the way of a shot or pass. If the player is not moving, this would normally mean the hands should be down near the sides. If the player’s arms are raised, or perpendicular to the body, that is a clear indication the arms were extended to try and block the ball, which is a handling violation. If the player jumps, the arms should again be close to the body. If the player jumps and the arms are straight up in the air, or out wide and perpendicular, the player is purposely trying to extend the reach to illegally block the ball. Players who are running
Assistant referee Vitali Hantsevich, Seattle, is well positioned to observe potential handling and provide information to the referee if it is needed.
will have their arms moving back and forth near their sides. If the ball hits them while the arms are in these normal positions, there is usually no violation.
If the player kicking the ball is right next to the player whose arm or hand is hit by the ball, it is more likely the contact with the arm is legal. That is unless the arm is in an unnatural position or the player has moved an arm to block the ball. If the ball is coming from a distance, the player should have time to move so the ball does not touch the hand and arms. If the ball hits the player’s arms from the rear, that is an indication the contact is inadvertent. That is unless the arms are in an unnatural position. If it is a free kick, and the defender has the arms crossed in front of the body for protection, it is clearly not an intentional handball. If the player uses the arms to direct the ball, it is a violation.
Say the player is falling or stumbling and the arms are in a natural position. If there is contact with the ball, it would not be a handling violation unless the player uses the arms to control the ball after initial contact. Contact would again be considered inadvertent if a player who is falling reaches out to protect themselves from the ground.
Recently rulesmakers have made it clear it is not a violation if a defender moves the hands toward the body for protection, as this is considered to be a reflexive action. That is the case if the defender is contending with a ball kicked from close range. The rules are made to allow the referee to call a foul for handling that is a deliberate attempt to gain an advantage.
Handling violations by the goalkeeper include:
•Touching the ball a second time in the penalty area, which results in an indirect kick.
•If the goalkeeper plays the ball a second time in the goal area with or without his hands or arms before it touches another player, and it prevents a promising attack, it results in a yellow card.
•If the second touching prevents an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the referee issues a red card.
•If the goalkeeper uses a controlled parry and picks up the ball, it constitutes an illegal second touching and the result is an indirect kick.
•If a shot deflects off the goalkeeper’s hands to the ground in an uncontrolled way, the goalkeeper can then pick up the ball. If a goalkeeper uses the hands to receive a pass back from a defender, award an indirect kick.
A goalkeeper who leaves the penalty area is another field player and all handball rules apply.
If a defender is guilty of a handball in the penalty area, it will result in a penalty kick. If the defender is guilty of a DOGSO violation with a deliberate handball, the result is a red card whether or not a penalty kick is called or if the goal is scored.
For offensive players, the rules concerning handling are the same as they are for a defender. If the hands are in a natural position, there is no violation. If the hands are in an unnatural position, a handling violation has occurred.
A recent exception to the rules on deliberate versus inadvertent handling occurs if the ball touches the offensive player’s hand or arm immediately before the scoring of the goal. In that case, the goal is disallowed, even if the contact with the ball was inadvertent. This should eliminate most controversies when a goal is scored directly after touching the goal scorer’s arms.
It is important to note how the area between the arm and the shoulder is defined in determining whether a handling violation has been committed. In all cases, the upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit. Anything above this line is considered to be the shoulder, which is allowed to contact the ball. This is going to be a difficult judgment, as a skilled player can do much to direct the ball with a shoulder above the armpit line, and it can be difficult to determine whether or not a part of the ball was played below the armpit line.
Robert Kaufmann, Glen Rock, N.J., is a lawyer who has been a high school, youth and senior amateur referee for 18 years.
“Some of the criticism we get around VAR is simply because people don’t like the final outcome. … I think they expected when this thing came in to always agree with the final outcome. That’s simply not possible, that’s not a position we can ever get to.”
— Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer for the Premier League, about the perceived lack of trust in the VAR system.
SOURCE: IRISH EXAMINER
THEY SAID IT QUICKTIP
Learning how to officiate advantage effectively separates an average official from a great official. A good rule of thumb is if the player in possession of the ball is fouled and is no worse off because of the foul, or possibly better off than before the foul, invoke the advantage rule. If the fouled player is worse off after the foul, call the violation.
Stephanie Frappart is a history maker. Not only in 2019 did Frappart become the first woman to referee a Ligue 1 match, in 2020 she was the first woman to officiate a UEFA Champions League game. Most recently she broke barriers again in 2022, becoming the first woman in the history of the World Cup to referee a match in the men’s tournament.
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 pregame inspection, the referee team observes the portable goals are not anchored or weighted down.
a. Play the game.
b. Do not start the game until the goals are properly anchored.
c. Do not start the game until the goals are properly anchored and file a report with the proper authority.
2. A substitute does not have to be at the scorer’s table prior to a legal substitution:
a. At any time, as long as they report to the scorer’s table prior to entering the game.
b. On a corner kick for the kicking team.
c. After a goal, as long as they report to the scorer’s table prior to being allowed to enter the game.
3. Early in the first half, the coach is cautioned for dissent. A few minutes into the second half a substitute enters the field and as the game is restarted the referee observes the substitute does not have shin guards.
a. The coach is cautioned (yellow card) followed by red card, second caution.
b. The player must leave the field and obtain shin guards.
c. Allow the player to put on shin guards during the next stoppage.
4. A1 passes the ball to A2, who dribbles in and scores. After the referee points to the center spot, the assistant referee is observed with the flag straight up. The assistant referee informs the referee A2 was offside when the pass was received.
a. Allow the goal.
b. No goal; restart with a drop ball.
c. No goal; restart with an indirect kick for team B.
Ready, Set, Go
By Dr. Joe Manjone
Preparing for a game isn’t as simple as it sounds. Administrative, mental and physical checklists should all be completed before stepping on the field.
The first of these requirements is getting the necessary approvals and documents, joining the required referee association, participating in required training sessions and being properly insured.
Next, become well versed with the rules and mechanics of the game and the officiating system being utilized by the league or association.
Other off-the-field preparation is needed and includes the procurement of the required uniform, shoes and equipment. This includes two whistles, two watches, red and yellow cards and a notebook for keeping match records. Additional equipment can include assistant referee flags with or without a buzzer/beep, headsets for communicating with other game officials, a ball air pump and fitness monitoring equipment.
Maintaining a fitness level equal to the athletes at your level is also essential.
Be knowledgeable how the game assigner communicates details about the game time, site, the competing teams, and the other officiating crew members, including their contact information. The contract may spell out some of those things. Respond to the assigner that the assignment is acknowledged and understood.
When match day arrives, make contact with the other officiating team member(s) hours before the game to make certain everyone is still available to work, what time they are expected to arrive, and what they are required to bring to the game.
The officials’ jurisdiction and onfield preparation begin when the officials arrive at the field of play and its immediate surroundings. Because of the abundance of required onfield pregame duties, officials should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start. However, because of other commitments, an official may have to arrive less than 30 minutes
prior to the start. The late official should communicate this with the other officiating team members and arrange for them to begin the completion of pregame duties.
Upon arrival at the field, the referee team should meet with the game administrator and learn where they will be located during the game. Next, inspect and approve the field and surrounding area noting any safety concerns, proper field markings, location of team bench and timer/scorer table, and proper placement of goals and corner flags. Other duties include inspection and approval of the game balls, inspection of players’ uniforms and equipment, providing instruction to the ball holders, obtaining both team rosters, and meeting with coaches and captains for instruction and coin toss. When inspecting the field, check for holes, open drains, team and timer areas, non-game objects and spectators standing or sitting closer than 10 feet from the field boundary lines or being behind either goal, and not sitting in a bleacher. Make certain the field is properly marked. Normal areas of concern are the goal, penalty areas and the penalty-kick line. If the markings, except for the penalty-kick line, are incorrect, the game can be played using the lines as is, but the problem is to be reported to the proper higher authority. If the penalty-kick line is incorrect, a proper placement of a penalty kick can be made at the time a penalty kick is awarded.
Inspection of the goals and corner flags should also be conducted at this time. The corner flag posts must be at least five feet high with a non-pointed top and an attached flag of a bright color. The posts must be placed at each corner and may be placed one yard off the touchline at midfield. The goals must be placed on the goalline with the rear of each goal post on the outer edge of the goalline. The net should be checked for holes and to verify the bottom is anchored to the ground so the ball cannot go under the net. The game should not be started until the goals are correctly placed and the nets are properly anchored.
The team and official areas must be at least 10 feet from the touchline. The official area extends five yards on each side of the halfway line. The team areas extend from 10 yards from the midfield line for a distance of 20 yards. Team-area markings are essential as the coaches and non-playing team members must remain within the team area unless they are warming up to enter the game, reporting to substitute or a coach who enters the field to assist an injured player.
Game balls must be inspected to ensure they meet required standards. The ball pressure must conform to the manufacturer’s recommendation which is printed on the ball. A simple test of putting pressure on the ball with the hands and making certain if the ball is hard rather than soft is often used to determine if air must be added. However, a ball pump that measures pressure is recommended. Three balls are recommended for high school and most contests, but at least five are required for NCAA games.
The game balls should be identical in size, make, grade and color and must be stamped with the approval of the game rule-making body.
In NFHS games, the actual inspection of uniforms and equipment is not required because the team’s coach is responsible for assuring players are properly and legally equipped. However, a cursory inspection is recommended to avoid future problems. In NCAA games, a player uniform/equipment inspection is required. Inspection items to look for are uniform colors, improper items and numbering (or lack of numbering) on the uniforms, shin guards not being worn or worn incorrectly, players wearing jewelry, and illegal or dangerous equipment being worn. Inform the player and coach of improper and/or illegal uniforms and equipment. Knowledge of uniform and equipment requirements provided in Rule 4 is essential.
The ball holders are an essential part of the game as they have the task
of quickly getting the ball back into play. Games without ball holders can result in many minutes of lost time. One of the officials should meet with the ball holders and instruct them to keep up with play and give the ball being held to the thrower or kicker prior to retrieving the ball that went out of play. If they are not aware where the ball is to go they should look to the nearest official for assistance. Because ball holders are normally volunteers, they should also be told of their value to the game and how much they are appreciated.
Team rosters are to be given to the referee at least five minutes before the game. These rosters must contain the first and last names and numbers of all players and substitutes, all bench personnel and all substitutes. The rosters should be checked for compliance, held by the officials throughout the game, and utilized to make any postgame reports.
The coin toss includes a meeting with captains and coaches. This
PRIDE WITH SHIRTS
CASEPLAYS
Location Location
Play: B1 illegally tackles A2 and denies an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO). B1’s leg makes contact with A2’s body outside the penalty area, but A2’s leg is already inside the penalty area. Ruling: The referee awards a direct free kick from the point where B1 illegally made contact with A2’s body. The body contact foul occurred outside the penalty area. A2’s leg location does not impact the ruling. B1 is ejected for DOGSO (NFHS 12-6-1c; NCAA 12.7.4.3; IFAB 12.3).
Too Much Coach
Play: B1 competes with A2 for the ball near the touchline. The referee decides to allow play to continue. Team A’s coach begins to angrily yell at the referee to stop play and award a free kick without using offensive, insulting or abusive language. Ruling: Unless there is a clear advantage, stop play and caution the coach for dissent. The game is restarted with an indirect free kick for team B (NFHS 12-5-1c; NCAA 12.4.3; IFAB 12.3).
Switch Kicker Play: Goalkeeper A1 saves a penalty kick near the end of the second half but the referee orders a retake because of an offense by the goalkeeper. Team B wants to change the player who will retake the kick. Ruling: Legal, provided the referee is notified as to who will be the new kicker (NFHS 14-14; NCAA14.2.1; IFAB 14.1).
Premature Celebration Play: A1 appears to score the winning goal at the end of the match and celebrates in front of team B’s fans without leaving the field of play. The assistant referee and referee confer and determine A1 was offside when they scored and A1 taunted the fans. Ruling: The goal is disallowed and A1 is cautioned (NCAA and IFAB). For a game played under NFHS rules, A1 is sent off. The game is restarted with an indirect free kick for the offside infraction (NFHS 12-6-1e1; NCAA 12.4.5; IFAB 12.3).
meeting can take place on the field near the official area or at midfield. The officiating team, captains and coaches should be introduced. Ground rules and rules pertaining to the contest can be discussed, and coaches and captains should be asked if they have any questions. For NFHS games, coaches are also asked to verify all players will be properly and legally equipped at the kickoff. Any questions of equipment legality should be determined at this time. The visiting team captain calls the coin toss, and the winner elects to defend the selected goal or kick off.
C It — Be It
By John Van de Vaarst
Let’s face it, it’s not easy being a soccer referee. Outside factors such as work/life balance, job stress and out-of-town tournaments are just the beginning. But once the game starts, the officials must put everything aside and focus. The C’s to soccer officiating are a roadmap to officiating a tip-top match.
The CHALLENGE of the First Call
Once the kickoff occurs, referees are faced with the challenge of making the first decision. Sometimes the decision will impact the rest of the game. These are called moments of truth. Knowing what to do and how to handle the situation so the game continues without incident is a challenge of the highest kind.
Be CAPABLE and CONFIDENT
Soccer officials must be capable and confident to make decisions quickly and ensure the players and coaches readily accept the decision. The first step is knowing the rules/ Laws thoroughly. A capable official knows them and how to apply them in various situations. For example, late in a game that will determine which team will be moving on to the championship, a player makes a cross into the penalty area and a defensive player, whose arm is in an unnatural
Finally, the head/center referee should have a pregame conference with the other official(s). This conference can include expectations of the officials and how the crew will cover certain situations that may occur in the game. Situations often discussed are the calling of offside, penalty kicks and fouls, and misconduct, substitution, and team and bench control.
Joe Manjone, Ed.D., Silverhill, Ala., is a former chair of the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee. He was inducted into the NISOA Hall of Fame in 2013 and is an active high school referee and a former collegiate soccer referee.
position, handles the ball. The referee observes an attacking player moving to the ball and is unimpeded to the goal. What does the referee do? Signal for a penalty kick or allow advantage so the attacker can score? If the latter is chosen, and the attacker scores, the game was decided by the players. If the attacker misses, then what? Not only does the referee need the capability to make the decision, they also have to have the confidence to do it quickly. This one decision could determine the outcome of the game.
Strong COMMUNICATION
A confident official maintains the ability to communicate clearly and professionally during highly stressful moments in a match. If a referee allows emotions to take over, they might raise their voice and say something that is not accurate or escalate the problem. A player commits a violent act, the referee sounds the whistle and sprints toward the player. The referee gets very close to the player, takes out a red card and waves it in front of the player in an emotional manner and yells, “I’m giving you this card!” The referee’s inability to communicate in a professional manner escalated an already tense situation. While it is very important to know the rules/Laws, as previously indicated, it is equally important to understand the See “C It” p.63
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!
In Tight Quarters
Challenges for the ball along the sideline can create a considerable amount of physical play. Here are some situations the officiating crew might encounter:
Orange’s extended arm is legal, but cannot push off or hold white.
4
2 3
Neither player can push off with hands or arms extended.
1
Orange is legally shielding the ball since it is within playing distance.
Impeding is a possibility, white may legally nudge orange from behind.
5
Assistant referee Christine Suter, Seattle, has moved sightly off the touchline to avoid interfering or being struck by the ball while in play.
C It
continued from p. 60
spirit of the game. Top-level referees know how to communicate effectively rather than defaulting to issuing cards. They know how to talk to players and coaches to lower the tension level even if there is disagreement with a decision. This approach normally leads to better game control and respect from the player or coach. A good rule of thumb is to ask, “What does this caution gain me?” If it does not assist in a better game, it is better to use good communication tools to rectify the problem.
Be CONSISTENT
All officials must be consistent with in-game decisions. What is a foul in the first few minutes is a foul late in the game. For example, the referee allows encroachment during the entire first half. Now late in the game, there is a foul by the team in the lead and they encroach to delay the restart and waste time. The referee advises the defense must move back and cautions one of the defenders for encroachment. If the referee had dealt with this earlier in the game, there would not be a need for the caution late in the game. The lack of consistency could create a serious situation if a team senses unequal treatment.
All C’s Lead to CREDIBILITY
As soccer officials gain experience, they develop credibility with players and coaches. They know what to expect before the first whistle, and how to effectively end a match. They gain a better sense when to issue cards quickly and when to communicate. They also know the first call through the last call must be consistent. Players and coaches will learn over time which crews are credible and which crews are questionable. Follow the C’s to become the credible crew and make the match enjoyable for everyone.
John Van de Vaarst, Ellicott City, Md., is Referee’s soccer coordinator.
Correction
A Test Yourself question in the 9/24 issue incorrectly listed measuring the ball pressure in ounces instead of PSI.
5 MINUTES WITH JOHN COLLINS
NCAA national coordinator of soccer officials discusses postseason assigning and settling into the role.
Resides: Ridgefield, Conn.
Experience: A member of PRO, a match assessor and a coordinator for 10 college conferences. He is a state instructor for U.S. Soccer and a former U.S. National, NISOA and NWSL referee.
REFEREE: What made you consider applying for the NCAA coordinator position last year?
COLLINS: I thoroughly enjoy intercollegiate soccer. Several years ago, I became a conference assigner and gained new skills in assigning. To me, the next logical step was to become the coordinator of soccer officials.
REFEREE: What are the basic requirements to be considered for an NCAA postseason assignment?
COLLINS: The first requirement is that by Sept. 3 the referee must take and pass the written test with a minimum score of 90%. The test can be taken twice and it is open book. The referee must also watch a video on sports wagering and gambling. Every referee that is being considered must also have a background check that also includes a credit check. Also, at the Division I level, the conference coordinators have the opportunity to provide an eligibility list which is considered as recommendations.
REFEREE: How do you identify potential postseason officials from all across the country?
COLLINS: I have six regional advisors that report to me and assist with assigning. Each of these individuals is responsible for a specific part of the country. During the early rounds when there are many assignments, they play a critical role in ensuring the best available people that have met all the requirements are assigned to the games. These individuals go to games and observe referees that may be possible considerations. Also, these individuals assist at various conference or organizational clinics and have an opportunity to meet the officials at these settings.
REFEREE: Are there any new developments within NCAA soccer that will help referees move up to the postseason?
COLLINS: The NCAA is now utilizing RefQuest as a tool to provide information to referees. This platform
has several PowerPoints and other lessons on various aspects of intercollegiate soccer. It is my desire to have as many referees as possible registered with it. This past year the registration with RefQuest went from 1,500 to over 5,000.
REFEREE: What are some of your goals as the new coordinator?
COLLINS: One of my primary goals is to change the culture of postseason assigning and the development of referees who are eligible for these assignments. I believe in a “boots on the ground” approach where the NCAA, through me, will support any college group that is conducting training. For example, the regional advisors participated in clinics in Indiana, North Carolina and Northern California. Also, last season, advisors assisted in the Women’s College Cup Summit that was hosted by NISOA. There are two key positions that will help me in developing new talent: the coordinator of soccer education and the director of assessment. Working together, they will help identify training needs that will then be addressed at various clinics, symposiums, online training, etc. I also want to identify future talent. I attend amateur tournaments, spring conference scrimmages, the U.S. Youth National Tournament and observe the officials working. Afterward, I reach out to them to ask them to consider moving into the college ranks if they are not already a member. It is not as important as to where they came from versus what they can do for intercollegiate soccer if they become involved. I believe the motto of the NCAA coordinator of soccer officials should be and will be “Leading with Excellence!”
RENDER A DECISION
The Ins and Outs of Base Appeal Plays
By Brad Tittrington
Umpires are tasked with a lot of things over the course of a seven-inning game. There are two important tasks that sometimes go unnoticed — watching every runner touch every base and keeping track of which runners are on which bases during conferences. These two things are extremely important because they factor in to something else umpires are tasked with — making decisions on appeal plays.
While appeal plays don’t occur in every game, they do happen quite a bit, especially at the lower levels. And when they do happen, umpires must know how to adjudicate them or risk losing credibility. This article will
focus on the most common appeals dealing with baserunners and the way to handle them.
It is important to first understand what constitutes an appeal. By definition, it is a play or rule violation on which the umpire does not make a ruling until requested by a coach or player (NFHS 2-1-1; NCAA 7.1.1; USA Softball 1 – Appeal Play; USSSA 9).
Next, umpires must understand there are two types of appeals, liveball and dead-ball, and it is important to not only know which plays fall under which category, it is imperative umpires know they are treated differently in how they are handled as well.
First, let’s break down live-ball appeals. The first thing to remember
is there is only one specific play that must be a live-ball appeal. This scenario involves a batter-runner attempting to advance to second base after making the turn at or overrunning first base. In this one specific play, a fielder must tag the runner before the runner returns to first base. Once the runner returns to first base in that situation, no appeal shall be granted. This scenario usually plays out when there is an overthrow at first base. The batterrunner runs through the bag, the ball is overthrown and the batter-runner makes a move toward second base. Umpires must make a decision at that time if the runner made an attempt at second base. Umpires don’t have to make a ruling yet, as no appeal has
After an appeal, umpires must make a decision and either indicate the runner is out or safe. Umpires may need to get together to get the call right and after that discussion, render the decision, such as signaling safe like Daniel Muniz, Long Beach, Calif.
been made, but they should make a ruling in their mind. Then, if a fielder grabs the ball and tags the runner before the runner returns to first, the calling umpire should signal safe if the runner did not make an attempt or signal out if the runner did make an attempt to go to second. Either way, the calling umpire should be prepared to explain the rationale to a coach.
The next most common appeal plays deal with missed bases or bases left too soon on a caught fly ball. This type of appeal can either be live or dead ball. For a live-ball appeal, any fielder while holding the ball can step on the missed base or base left too soon, or tag the runner who
committed the violation if that runner is still on the field.
One thing to remember is runners may advance during live-ball appeals. In all codes, if the defense makes a play on another runner, it still retains the right to make an appeal on the runner that missed a base or left too soon.
This type of appeal may also be a dead-ball appeal. In that case, once all runners have completed their advancement and time has been called, a coach or any defensive player (infielder only in USA Softball) with or without the ball may make a verbal appeal to the umpires. In the case of a ball being thrown out of play during the initial play, umpires must allow baserunners time to complete baserunning opportunities before allowing the defense the opportunity to appeal.
However, a runner may not return to touch a missed base or a base left too soon if that runner has left the field of play, a following runner has scored or the runner has reached a base beyond the missed base or base left too soon and the ball now becomes dead. In those three instances, if a runner does return to touch a base, that touching shall be ignored and the defense may still appeal.
One final appeal has to do with runners switching bases after a conference. The only code that lists this as an appeal play is the NCAA (7.1.1.5, 12.8.3). In NCAA play, if properly appealed before the end of the half-inning, each baserunner on the improper base is declared out and ejected and the head coach is also ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.
With all of these appeals, umpires need to understand a couple of important pieces of information. The defense has a right to appeal a missed base or a base left too soon up until the next pitch (legal or illegal). If it is the end of an inning, it must be made before all infielders have left fair territory and the catcher has vacated the normal catching position. On the last play of the game, an appeal must be made before the umpires leave the field.
The last piece of information umpires must figure out and recognize is whether an appeal
SURVEY SAYS …
53.64 Percentage of respondents who said they work full-time.
33.93 Percentage of respondents who said they are retired.
8.10 Percentage of respondents who said they work part-time.
0.02 Percentage of respondents who said officiating is their main occupation. SOURCE:
QUICKTIP
The spring season will be here before you know it. Make sure, if you haven’t already, to go on all your assigning platforms and block all of your dates. This includes anniversaries, birthdays, work events, etc. Also make sure you block out dates on all platforms as blocks don’t carry over from one platform to the other. Make sure you constantly check and re-check your schedules as things change quickly. It only takes a couple of minutes to update everything, but it saves a lot of headaches for assigners and yourself. Be proactive, not reactive.
TOOLS
Under Armour Playmaker
Half-Gallon
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is a key component for umpiring effectively. This is especially true when working long days in the summer. The perfect water bottle for those days is now available. The Under Armour PlayMaker Half-Gallon Water Bottle allows you to keep 64 ounces of liquid cold for up to 12 hours and comes with fence hooks for easy storage between innings. The all-black design makes it less noticeable and the double-wall foam insulation helps keep your liquids ice cold. The bottle sells for $29.99 and can be found at your favorite officiating gear retailer.
TEST YOURSELF
Each of the following includes a situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for NFHS, NCAA, USA Softball or USSSA rules and which might vary. Solutions: p.81
1. With R3 on third and one out, B3 hits a ground ball to third base. As F5 fields the ball, R3 returns to third base. However, the third-base coach moves to the baseline and starts running down the third-base line toward home plate. F5, thinking the coach is R3, throws the ball to the plate.
a. The ball remains live and play stands.
b. The ball is dead, B3 is ruled out and R3 is returned to third base.
c. The ball is dead, R3 is ruled out and B3 is placed on first.
2. B1 hits a ground ball up the middle to F4. F4’s throw to first base is high and causes F3 to jump off the bag to catch the ball. While F3 is in the air, B1 leaps for first base. In doing so, she leaps over the bag and never touches it. After B1 passes the bag, F3 comes down on the base with the ball.
a. This is a force out and the base umpire should initially rule B1 out.
b. The umpire should initially call and signal B1 safe.
c. B1 is ruled out if F3 tags B1 before she returns to first base.
d. B1 is ruled out if F3 makes a proper live-ball appeal by stepping on first base and indicating B1 missed first base.
e. The ball is dead and B1 is ruled out for missing the base.
3. B1 steps to the plate in the top of the first inning and is wearing a stud nose ring.
a. B1 must remove the ring.
b. B1 is legally equipped.
4. In the bottom of the seventh inning with the home team trailing, 5-2, with two outs and the bases loaded, B6 hits a long fly ball to left. F7 races back and knocks over the portable fence surrounding the field. She then steps onto the fence, which is now laying completely horizontal on the ground, and makes the catch.
a. Legal catch. Game over.
b. The ball is dead, the batter is entitled to a home run and all runners are awarded home. The home team wins, 6-5.
decision where a runner is called out is a timing play or a force out. If it is a force out for the third out or it is the third out on the batter-runner who never reached first base safely, runs can’t score. If it is not a force out, any runs that scored before the appeal would count (except obviously if one of those runs was the runner called out on appeal). Another caveat is if the runner called out on appeal is the third out, no runners who crossed the plate after that runner would be credited with a run.
Here are some plays to help illustrate some of these points.
Play 1: With the bases loaded and two outs, B6 hits a ball into the rightfield gap. All three runners score and B6 ends up on third base. The ball is returned to the infield and the pitcher throws the ball to (a) first base to properly appeal B6 missed first base, or (b) second base to properly appeal B6 missed second base. Ruling 1: In (a), no runs would score as B6 is the third out and never reached first base safely. In (b), all three runs would score as B6 reached first safely and the half-inning is now over.
Play 2: With the bases loaded and one out, B5 hits a fly ball deep to center field, which is caught by F8. All three runners tag and leave early before the ball is caught. F8 throws the ball back in to F6, who steps on second base to appeal R2 left early. R3 had already crossed the plate when F6 appealed and R1 is now standing on second base. Ruling 2: R2 should be ruled out for the third out of the inning. R3’s run would count as it is a timing play, not a force play, and R3 had crossed the plate before the appeal. However, the defense would have the right to do a fourth-out appeal by appealing R3 left third base too soon. If the defense properly appealed R3 leaving early for the fourth out, the run would come off the board.
Play 3: With two outs and R3 on third, B4 hits a ground ball to short. B4 oversteps first base without touching it before the ball arrives to first and R3 scores. F3 then (a) tags B4 off the base and verbally appeals B4 never touched first, or (b) stands on first base and verbally appeals B4
missed first base, but never tags B4 before B4 returns to the base. Ruling 3: In both (a) and (b), B4 is ruled out and since B4 never reached first base safely and is the third out, B3’s run does not count. A missed-base appeal can be made by either tagging the runner with the ball or by stepping on the missed base and verbally appealing.
Play 4: With runners on first and second and one out, B4 hits a fly ball to left field, which is caught by F7 for the second out. Both runners tag up, but leave the base before the ball is first touched, and advance to second and third base. F1 is holding the ball in the circle when the defensive coach tells her to throw the ball to first base to appeal the runner on first left early. F1 throws the ball to F3, who is not yet standing on the bag. Both runners take off to advance when F1 throws the ball. F3, seeing R3 advancing toward home, throws the ball home, but R3 beats the throw home. F2 then throws the ball to F3, who steps on first base and appeals that R1 left early. Ruling 4: R2’s run counts. An appeal may be made after a play is made on another runner. The defense could still appeal R2 (who scored) left early as well for a fourth-out appeal to take that run off the board.
Appeals can get messy quickly, as you can see from these caseplays. It’s important to understand the nuances of appeals and mentally walk yourself through different scenarios so you know how to rule on them when they happen in your game.
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.
CORRECTION
In the 9/24 issue, there was an incorrect answer for Test Yourself question No. 5 found on p. 81. The correct answer should have read: 5 — NFHS, USA Softball, USSSA – a (NFHS 6-2-2a Note; USA Softball 6A-6A; USSSA 6-1I-1); NCAA – b (10.13.1). It was erroneously stated “b” for NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA. Referee regrets the error.
Stay Within the Lines
There have been a lot of rule changes in all four major codes the past couple of seasons dealing with pitching and determining what is legal and what is not. One area that hasn’t changed is the legality of staying within the 24-inch width of the pitching plate. Here are some key points to remember regarding this rule.
1 Only the NCAA requires pitching lane lines to be drawn on the field (2.26). The lines are easy to see on a turf field, however the lanes tend to disappear on a traditional dirt field by the end of the first inning.
2
All four codes now allow both feet to disengage from the playing surface. However, both feet must remain within or partially within the 24-inch width of the pitcher’s plate
(NFHS 6-1-2c; NCAA 10.5.4; USA Softball 6A-3I; USSSA 6-1E-2 Note).
3
Pitchers normally will turn the non-pivot foot in order to stay within the 24-inch width of the pitcher’s plate and maintain legality.
4 Once the pitch is delivered, the pitcher’s feet may drag or hop outside the 24-inch width of the pitcher’s plate without penalty.
1 2 3 4
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.
CASEPLAYS
Pitcher’s Plate Deflection Play: With an 0-1 count, B1 hits a line drive back toward the pitcher. The ball strikes the pitcher’s plate and ricochets into foul territory between home and first base. The catcher then runs over and picks up the ball and fires it to first base, barely beating B1 to the bag. Ruling: In all codes, this is a foul ball. Even though the pitcher’s plate is in fair territory, if the ball settles untouched over foul territory between home and first or third base or is first touched in foul territory there, it is a foul ball, the same way an untouched ball that hit the plate and then rolled foul would be a foul ball. The batter should be returned and resume the at-bat with an 0-2 count (NFHS 2-24-1; NCAA 11.5.1.4; USA Softball 1 – Foul Ball; USSSA 3 – Foul Ball).
Two Plays at First Play: R1 is on first base with one out when B3 hits a ground ball to first. F3 fields the ground ball and as she is doing so, R1 returns to first base. F3 first steps on first base and then tags R1, who is standing on first base. Ruling: In all codes, only B3 is ruled out in this situation. Once F3 stepped on first base, the force is off and R1 does not have to run to second base. Since she is standing on first base when she is tagged and the force has been removed, R1 is ruled safe at first (NFHS 2-1-11, 8-2-2; NCAA 12.4.2, 12.9.2; USA Softball 1 –Force Out, 8-2B; USSSA 3 –Force Play).
Double Appeal
Play: R3 is on third base and R2 is on second base with one out. B4 doubles, scoring R3 and R2, but R2 misses third base and B4 misses first base. After all playing action is done, the defense appeals B4 missed first base and then appeals R2 missed third base. Ruling: In all codes, B4 is the second out on appeal for missing first base and R2 is the third out on appeal for missing third base. Since the third out is a timing play on the appeal of R2, R3’s run counts. The inning is over and the offense is credited with one run (NFHS 9-1-1; NCAA 6.2.3; USA Softball 5-5B; USSSA 4-2C).
R3, R2, Who’s Got Who?
The two-umpire system forces umpires to move a lot, especially when multiple runners are on base. One specific example of this forced movement occurs with runners on second and third, there is a ball hit to the outfield, the ball is caught and the base umpire did not chase. The movement depends on which code you are working.
In NFHS and USA Softball, the base umpire must work inside the diamond and get to a spot to see R2 tag, roughly
halfway between first and second base (as shown in MechaniGram A). Once the ball is caught, the base umpire has all plays on R2 at second and third base. It’s important for the base umpire to keep an eye on the ball to make sure to avoid throwing lanes, especially if there is a play on R3 at the plate. The base umpire should be prepared to move parallel to the baseline between second and third base and stay ahead of R2, if possible, to rule on any play at third base.
The plate umpire in this scenario must get away from home plate, staying in foul territory, and get in a position to rule on fair/foul, catch/ no catch, and watch the tag of R3 at third base. Generally this position will be first- or third-base line extended. After the catch, the plate umpire should determine what R3 is doing. If R3 immediately heads home, the plate umpire should get in position to make a call at the plate. If R3 does not immediately head home, the plate umpire should move to the holding zone between third and home and then be prepared to either move to third base and take any plays on R3 there or move back to the plate for any plays at the plate on R3 and R2.
NCAA and USSSA mechanics are similar to NFHS and USA Softball, but with a couple of tweaks. In these two codes, the base umpire can work either inside the diamond or stay outside the diamond (as shown in MechaniGram B on the previous page) to get an angle to see the tag of R2 at second base. After the catch, the base umpire has all calls on R2 at second or third base.
The plate umpire in these two codes should initially do just like the plate umpire in NFHS and USA Softball. The plate umpire must get an angle to rule fair/foul, catch/no catch and see the tag of R3 at third base. The only difference is if R3 remains at third, the plate umpire should commit all the way to third base and then be prepared to move back home if R3 advances. If R3 commits to home immediately after the catch, the plate umpire should initially move to the point of the plate and then adjust as the play develops to be able to see all the elements of the play.
No matter which code you are working, you must constantly move and adjust to the play as it develops. Not moving will cause you to be out of position and not able to get the view you need to rule on the tags of both runners or stay ahead of the play and make a ruling on a play at third or home. Umpires should communicate with each other to avoid having two umpires at the same location potentially making two different calls.
5 MINUTES WITH STEVE McCOWN
NCAA national coordinator of softball umpires discusses his role, the impact of video review and what the future holds.
Residence: Wylie, Texas Experience: Named NCAA national coordinator of softball umpires in Oct. 2021; worked the 2012 and 2013 Women’s College World Series; worked five World Cups of softball, the 2016 World Championships and was an alternate for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics; serves as a USA Softball deputy director for Regions 3, 4 and 5.
REFEREE: What are your overall thoughts on the coordinator position?
McCOWN: The position itself takes a lot more resources than what I anticipated. The first year was like drinking from a fire hose. The umpire program has a great staff and with the RefQuest partnership, we’ve vastly grown in our training, registrations, testing, assigning, recommendations, evaluations and the video review process. We continue to look for ways to improve.
REFEREE: Are there areas where you see umpires struggling?
McCOWN: With the direction from our NCAA Rules Committee and our rules interpreter, we’ve received and communicated some clarity on an obstruction rule that has been somewhat confusing the past four years. Our other challenge has been the inconsistency in uniform mechanics and signals across the country. Both are focus points this coming season.
REFEREE: There have been a lot of new faces emerging in the postseason over the past couple of seasons. Was that one of your goals?
McCOWN: Putting in new faces is actually not the premise of what we’re trying to convey. We want to promote those who have gone through a steady progression rather than setting up the shiny new umpire to fail. We obviously have to work in new faces and provide opportunities. We just have to be diligent in our progression.
REFEREE: new technology and its impact on the umpire program?
familiar with when and how replay can be used. This includes what types of plays are reviewable, the process for initiating a review, and how to interpret the evidence shown on replay. Second is communication and collaboration. Replay requires more collaboration between the crew on the field, replay staff or replay officials. Training emphasizes clear communication, both on the headset and in explaining decisions to coaches and players. Third is decision-making under pressure. Umpires have to make quick, accurate decisions under the scrutiny of multiple camera angles. Training focuses on using technology to make objective calls while also maintaining the flow of the game. Last is technology familiarity. Umpires are trained on the equipment itself — learning to operate the replay monitors, control playback and adjust angles. Familiarity with the system is key to making the right call efficiently. The introduction of replay has certainly added a new dynamic to umpiring. It can provide a safety net for officials, knowing that crucial calls can be reviewed, but it also introduces additional pressure. Overall, replay has the potential to enhance fairness in the game, but it requires ongoing training and adjustment for umpires to integrate it smoothly. As it continues to evolve, so will the umpire program.
REFEREE: Are there things you hope to accomplish with the national program that you haven’t yet?
McCOWN: Good question. We’ve just started a national database for umpire evaluations. It’s currently in the infancy stage, but it’s a great start to something we hope is going to gain momentum and help provide a platform for umpires who are working hard to grow in their vocation.
REFEREE: What has been the impact of adding a D-II and D-III regional advisor?
McCOWN: technology is definitely becoming a bigger part of softball, especially at higher levels like the NCAA. The training for umpires around replay is focused on several key areas. The first is understanding the rules and protocols. Umpires need to be thoroughly
Can you describe the Replay
McCOWN:
The addition has allowed us to give those umpires, conference coordinators and teams the attention they deserve. Although all divisions have some of the same basic needs, some of our audience do not need training or direction on things like replay or three- and four-person mechanics during the regular season.
audience
EDITOR:SCOTT
STICKY SITUATIONS
Hitting Aids, Forfeits Focus of NFHS Rule Changes
By Scott Tittrington
The NFHS Baseball Rules Committee approved two rule changes related to equipment and forfeits during its 2024 meeting in Indianapolis.
The new rule changes were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors for implementation during the 2025 high school baseball season.
Referee thanks Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of sports, sanctioning and student services, for reviewing this information.
Bats, Ball and Gloves (1-3-2c1)
A change to rulebook language clarifies what is legal for a batter to use on all bats — both wood and non-wood — to aid in being able to hold on to the bat.
Resin, pine tar or any drying agent are permitted to enhance the hold on the bat, not to exceed 18 inches from the base of the knob.
18 INCHES
KEITH JOHNSTON
An NFHS rule change for the 2025 season allows batters to use resin, pine tar or any drying agent up to 18 inches from the base of the knob toward the barrel on any bat.
The rationale for the change is to allow batters to have better control over non-wood bats so they do not slip out of the hands.
Play 1: As B1 is approaching the plate with a non-wood bat, F2 asks the home plate umpire whether the pine tar on B1’s bat is legal. Upon visual inspection, the umpire rules the pine tar (a) does not exceed 18 inches from the base of the knob toward the barrel, or (b) exceeds 18 inches from the base of the knob toward the barrel. Ruling 1: In (a), the bat is legal. In (b), the bat is not legal and is removed from play. B1 is not out for using an illegal bat, as he has not yet entered the batter’s box (7-4-1a).
Play 2: B1 hits a home run to tie the game. As B1 touches home plate, the catcher challenges the legality of B1’s bat, as it has pine tar above and on the bat off of the bat grip. Ruling 2: It is now permissible for pine tar to be on the bat and off of the bat grip, provided it does not extend beyond 18 inches from the knob of the bat. While B1’s bat has pine tar above the grip, it does not extend more than 18 inches from the knob of the bat and thus is legal. The home run counts.
Forfeits (4-4-1c)
The language of the forfeiture rule has been expanded to include situations when a team delays more than a reasonable amount of time in not obeying an umpire’s order to remove a player, coach or team personnel for violation of the rules.
Play 3: During the third inning, team A is leading, 3-0, when (a) F1 is ejected for intentionally throwing at B1, (b) team A’s head coach is ejected after a second occurrence of a team A player using an illegal bat, or (c) an assistant coach is ejected for stepping out of the dugout and yelling at U1 following a close play at first base. In (a), the player refuses to leave the field and in (b) and (c), the coach refuses to leave the dugout and allow the game to resume. Ruling 3: In all three instances, the umpires shall declare a forfeit and rule a 7-0 victory in favor of team B (4-4-2).
Scott Tittrington is an associate editor at Referee . He umpires high school and college baseball, and officiates high school and college basketball, and college football.
Coaches who do not leave the field in a timely manner following an ejection are subjecting their team to a possible forfeit under new language as part of rule 4-4-1c.
SIDELINE
Faerber Named Baseball Coordinator
Patrick Faerber, who has more than 15 years of umpiring experience at the professional, collegiate and high school levels, has been named the baseball content coordinator for Referee and NASO. The Alpharetta, Ga., resident assumes those duties effective with the 11/24 issue.
Following the conclusion of his onfield professional umpiring career, Faerber took on the role of assigning and managing his hometown park’s umpires in 2020. He advanced to oversee training for Marietta Umpires, Georgia’s largest high school umpire group, and joined the Georgia High School Association’s Baseball Umpire Development program as the director of rules training.
Faerber founded Umpire Classroom, a YouTube and online platform devoted to offering umpire training while developing the next generation of umpires and improving training programs for youth and high school associations.
Faerber also officiates high school basketball and football.
DID YOU KNOW?
Vanover celebrated his 69th birthday that day working the plate in an NL Central showdown between the Reds and the Pirates. Hall of Famer Hank O’Day and Bruce Froemming each worked on the field until they were 68.
Earlier this year, Vanover revealed the 2024 season would be his last, closing the book on a 30-year career that saw him umpire more than 3,400 MLB games.
Vanover’s historic age accomplishment may be shortlived, however. Umpire Phil Cuzzi, who is one week younger than Vanover, is expected to return for the 2025 season. If he does and works through late August, he would become the first septuagenarian to work an MLB game.
MLB umpire and crew chief Larry Vanover made history Aug. 22 in Pittsburgh when he became the oldest man to ever work an MLB game.
TEST YOURSELF
In each question, decide which answer is correct for NFHS, NCAA or pro rules. Solutions: p. 81.
1. At the pregame plate conference, the plate umpire issues a warning to both teams for any player throwing a bat while participating in the game.
a. That is the correct protocol. A player who throws his bat will be ejected on the first offense of the game.
b. That is not the correct protocol. An umpire may issue a warning to both teams at the first instance a player is observed throwing his bat.
c. That is not the correct protocol. An umpire may issue a warning to only the team of the offending player at the first instance a player is observed throwing his bat.
d. That is not the correct protocol. The umpire will handle thrown bats on a case-by-case basis.
2. Lineups become official when:
a. The head coaches provide the lineups to the plate umpire.
b. The head coaches exchange lineups with each other.
c. The plate umpire accepts a lineup card.
d. The lineup cards have been exchanged, verified and then accepted by the plate umpire during the pregame conference.
e. When the umpire hands a copy to each coach.
3. To be considered in fair territory, a fielder (other than the catcher) must have:
a. Both feet touching fair territory.
b. At least one foot touching fair territory.
c. Both feet in foul territory, but reaching over into fair territory.
d. One foot in the air over fair territory (jumping from foul to fair territory).
4. A legal baseball must:
a. Have only the NFHS Authenticating Mark.
b. Have only the SEI/NOCSAE mark.
c. Have both the NFHS Authenticating Mark and the SEI/ NOCSAE mark.
d. No specific mark is required to meet rulebook specifications.
NCAA Rule Changes
While changes have been made in college baseball regarding where a coach can use the one-way electronic communication device, the catcher is still the only defensive player who may be on the receiving end of any direct oral communication.
By Scott Tittrington
Head coach responsibility for ethical behavior, timing/ action clock requirements and safety headline the topics receiving attention from the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee this past offseason as part of the sport’s biannual rules change cycle.
The following rule changes, crafted by the committee and approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel, will go into effect at the beginning of the 2025 season. Referee thanks Randy Bruns, NCAA baseball secretary-rules editor, for reviewing this information.
Electronic Devices
(5-16 Note 1 and Pen.)
The language regarding the use of a one-way communication device has been changed so the device is now permitted to be used from the dugout, coaches’ boxes or a position player on the field for the purpose of relaying a pitch or play call. Previous rulebook language allowed for its use only from the dugout to the field.
The rationale for the rule change is it allows for play calling when a team is on offense to occur outside of the dugout.
Play 1: The umpires notice the offensive team’s head coach, standing in the third-base coaching
box, is using an electronic device to give a play call to B1 before he enters the batter’s box. Ruling 1: This use of an electronic communication device from the coaching box is now legal.
In addition to the change to the rule, the penalty for any violation of the requirements spelled out in rule 5-16 has also been tweaked. The violator(s) and the head coach shall be ejected from the game for any violation. Previously, only the violator(s) were the target of any penalty, and on a first occurrence umpires were required to issue a warning.
The rationale is it increases the penalty to align with the NCAA baseball code of ethics and the expectation of full compliance with the intent and spirit of NCAA rules.
Play 2: The umpires notice (a) F2, or (b) F1 has an earpiece and is receiving direct verbal pitch call instructions from the pitching
coach sitting in the dugout. Ruling 2: Legal in (a). In (b), the pitching coach and head coach are ejected from the game upon discovery. Only the catcher may receive direct oral communication through an earpiece.
Rule 9-2e states it is a violation for pitchers to possess or have any foreign substance on their person. The penalty for this violation has been changed to require the ejection of both the pitcher and the head coach. Previously, only the pitcher was subject to ejection.
Again, the rationale is it increases the penalty to align with the NCAA baseball code of ethics and the expectation of full compliance with the intent and spirit of NCAA rules.
Play 3: The umpires check F1’s glove and discover a sticky substance on the outside webbing. F1 tells the umpires he is using the
substance to get better grip on the baseball. Ruling 3: F1 and the head coach are ejected from the game.
Two changes have been made regarding administration of the 20-second action clock.
First, batters must now be in the batter’s box, alert and ready to hit within 12 seconds. Previously, batters needed to be ready within 10 seconds. The two-second change promotes the safety of hitters by not requiring them to be alert to the pitcher so early and for so long in the sequencing of the 20-second clock.
Second, rule language has been added to address when a pitcher starts a preliminary motion or motion to deliver a pitch before the batter is alert and ready to hit. On a first occurrence, the plate umpire
CASEPLAYS
Ping Pong
Play: With o ne out and R2 on second, B3 hits a bounding ball toward F5, who deflects it to F6, who is in position to field it when it accidentally hits R2 advancing to third. Ruling: The ball is live and in play. A runner is not out when struck by a deflected ball unless the interference is intentional (NFHS 8-4-2k, interp.; NCAA 6-2e, 8-5k; pro 5.06c6, 6.01a11).
Train Wreck
Play: With one out and R2 on second, B3 hits a ground ball to F6. In advancing to first base, B3 runs in a straight line from the batter’s box to first base two feet in fair territory. He collides with F3who is drawn off the bag toward home by F6’s errant throw. The ball gets away but remains in play. R2 scores and B3 advances to second. Ruling: This is a natural collision caused by the shortstop’s errant throw. The ball is live and in play. The rules do not specify where the throw has to originate in order to enforce the runner’s lane violation; however, common practice suggests the throw must come from the plate area or the right side of the infield between home and first base (NFHS 8-4-1g; NCAA 7-11p; pro 5.09a11).
Omitted Triple Play
Play: With the bases loaded and no one out, B4 attempts a squeeze play and bunts a popup that charging F3 is in position to easily field. Realizing this, B4 intentionally deflects the ball so F3 cannot make a play on it. At the time of the interference, each runner had reached his next base. Ruling: The rules only provide for two outs to be called on this play (B4 and R3) even though a triple play is most likely (NFHS 8-4-2g; NCAA 8-5e; pro 6.01a7).
Footsie
Play: The pitcher places his entire pivot foot in contact with and parallel to the pitching plate and his entire non-pivot foot in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitching plate. Ruling: That is a legal set position (NFHS 6-1-3; NCAA 9-1b; pro 5.07a2).
shall call “time” and issue a warning. A pitcher shall receive only one warning.
With no runners on base, the warning is assessed and any subsequent violation results in a ball being awarded to the batter. With any runner on base, the initial warning also serves as the one “reset” for that at-bat and any subsequent violation results in a ball being awarded to the batter.
Play 4: With a runner on first base and the action clock showing 15 seconds, F1 begins to come set while B1 is standing with only one foot in the batter’s box and adjusting his batting gloves. Before completing his set, F1 makes a pickoff attempt at first base and R1 is tagged before returning to the base. Ruling 4: A warning is given to F1 for starting his preliminary motion before B1 is in the batter’s box, alert and ready to hit. The pickoff attempt is ignored.
Play 5: Following the events of Play 4, the count is now 3-1 on the batter. F1, not happy with the signal he is receiving from F2, steps back off the pitching plate. Ruling 5: A ball shall be awarded to B1, as F1 already used his one reset for the at-bat when he was warned for starting early with a runner on base.
ABatter’s Box Rule
Former rules 7-1d and 7-1e, known as the batter’s box rule and designed to speed up play by controlling the actions of the batter between pitches, have been removed from the NCAA rule code (see PlayPic A). The various rules related to the action clock and timing requirements made these rules obsolete.
First, Second and Third Bases (1-7b)
The Division I, II and III baseball committees now have the option to permit the use of the double first base in their respective postseason tournaments.
Bat Testing (1-12g, Appendix G)
At the D-I level, all non-wood bats will be required to undergo bat testing prior to the start of play for each date of competition. D-II and D-III will continue to require bat testing prior to the start of play of each series or single date of competition.
In conjunction with the new testing requirement, the bat testing compliance sticker for each day of competition is required to be placed by each team on the lineup card given to the plate umpire.
The former rules related to when a batter is allowed to leave the batter’s box are no longer necessary given current NCAA rule language regarding the action clock and when a batter must be alert to the pitcher.
Ejection and Post-Participating Ejection (2-26e)
A player listed as a relief pitcher will now serve a two-game suspension following an ejection. A player listed as the starting pitcher will continue to serve a four-game suspension following an ejection.
The rationale for the rule change is relief pitchers operate and are available to participate in a manner more similar to a position player — who is suspended for only one game due to an ejection — than a starting pitcher.
Fight Rule (5-15c)
New rule language has been added to the fight rule stipulating players already on the field in the vicinity of a potential altercation will not be penalized if they are judged not to be participating in escalating or inciting the altercation.
Team personnel who leave their position to go to the vicinity or participate or incite an altercation will continue to be subject to ejection.
Batter Becomes Base Runner
(8-2e Exc.)
A clarification has been added to the rule language regarding what is considered stepping in front of home plate by a defensive player during squeeze play/steal of home situations.
If the catcher or any other fielder steps on or in front of any part of the plate without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or the bat, the pitcher shall be charged with a balk, the batter shall be awarded first base on the interference and the ball is dead.
Force-Play-Slide Rule
(8-4c Penalties)
When ruling a violation of the force-play-slide rule (see PlayPic B), it is now a delayed dead ball until the play is completed.
The rationale is to allow the play to continue after the ruling as this is a reviewable play, and if this ruling is overturned, it would allow the play at first base on the batterrunner to remain.
When there is a possible violation of the force-play-slide rule, it is now a delayed dead ball until the play is completed, allowing the play on the batter-runner at first base to remain should the slide ruling go to review and be overturned.
Pitching Positions (9-1a)
Clarified language has been added to the rule language regarding what a pitcher may legally do when pitching out of the windup. The new language states during the delivery of the ball to the batter, the pitcher may take one step without gaining ground toward home plate and one step forward toward home plate with the free foot.
Pitching Violations (9-2b Pen.)
Language has been removed that previously stated if the pitcher dropped the ball with no one on base, it is a no pitch if the ball does not cross the foul line. In all instances, this is now a ball awarded to the batter, and if there is a runner on base, it remains a balk.
Pitching Violations (9-2i)
A pitcher is now allowed to throw an unlimited number of warmup pitches within the
120-second window between innings. Previously, pitchers were limited to five warmup pitches between innings, no matter how much time remained on the clock.
Pitching Violations and Pitch/ Between Innings Clock Protocol (9-2i, Appendix F)
A relief pitcher is now allowed to throw an unlimited number of warmup pitches within 150 seconds. The clock starts when a new pitcher who is entering the game, either at the start of an inning or as part of a mid-inning pitching change, crosses the warning track or otherwise leaves the bullpen area if the bullpen is on the playing field.
Also, a pitcher warming up in the bullpen must immediately leave the bullpen when signaled by the umpire. If the pitcher does not do so, the clock shall start.
Removing Pitcher (9-4b Note 2)
If a new pitcher enters the game due to an injury or ejection, he may take his warmup pitches either from the bullpen mound or the pitching mound on the field. If he elects to do both, the relief pitcher timing protocols shall be followed.
PROFILES
Chairman of the Court
By Steven L. Tietz
One consequence of the nationwide officiating shortage is the industry being forced to quickly push young officials through the pipeline. The belief is these inexperienced officials often have an increased chance of folding under the pressure of working higher-level contests so early in their careers.
Connor Nowosatka, a district chair of officials for the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is proof young officials can indeed thrive at the highest levels.
A native of Saginaw, Mich., Nowosatka transitioned into officiating after his career as a competitive tennis player ended. He has officiated NCAA tournaments and many other major Division I collegiate matches.
Heady stuff for a 22-year-old in an avocation where the average age is much older.
“I was 16 in 2018 and had started working as a certified official for USTA Junior events and was working (collegiate matches),” Nowosatka said. “I began to officiate higher-level junior tourneys. … People worried that I couldn’t handle that, but my local district chair said I would be fine.”
His local district chair was right.
“Now I’m thinking, here I am being paid to fly all over the country to cover matches, it doesn’t seem too bad,” Nowosatka said with a laugh. “You can’t learn to do this just reading about it. You go out there and learn, fail and then try again until you get it right.”
A recent graduate of Central Michigan University, Nowasatka comes from an officiating family. His father, John, was a D-I hockey referee.
“Officiating is in our family blood,” John said.
“I remember Dad doing local kids games, and I would go with him to watch and I got to be friends with his (officiating) buddies,” Connor said. “I watched how they worked.”
He cut his officiating teeth in high school in the challenging world of youth basketball. That was not to his taste, but he was hooked.
“I wanted to stay active,” he said, “and I remembered watching the (tennis) umpires (as a player) and I thought, ‘How do you become that?’”
The USTA held events in Saginaw, which gave Nowasatka a toehold.
“I found learning modules and took tests,” he said. “I contacted the district chair and he was eager to have me. In a year, I was working more tournaments.”
He quickly got noticed and was selected for the USTA U16 to U18 Nationals held in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 2021 with help from his mentor and umpire, Doug Rice.
After that, he did well in other big tourneys and was sent to the USTA’s “Center of Excellence” for training and a series of test matches. That boost allowed Nowasatka to work pro-circuit events as a chair umpire.
Now his career is at full speed. Along with USTA district chair duties, Nowasatka is also a referee and assigner for Michigan High School Athletic Association state events.
“For me, it’s the people I love the most,” Nowasatka said. “If my story can inspire or help (bring more young people in), that would be great.”
Steven L. Tietz is an award-winning sportswriter from Milwaukee.
Little League Lifer
Michelle DeRosa stays busy as a multisport official — she works softball, baseball, basketball and volleyball. DeRosa is heavily involved in Little League, having played softball as a child and now volunteering as a Little League softball and baseball umpire. She recently had the opportunity to be part of a 16-umpire, all-female crew at the 2024 Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series in June in South Williamsport, Pa.
“Nothing feels as good as giving back to your community and giving back to the kids,” DeRosa said.
Her advice to other women looking to join the avocation?
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it,” she said. “You find yourself a good support system, find a female official/ mentor, and they’ll support you through the process.”
SOURCE: LITTLE LEAGUE
Sights Set On the NBA
Matthew Portillo Midland, Texas
Just four years after becoming a basketball official at the age of 17, Matthew Portillo has caught the NBA’s attention. Portillo was recently accepted into the NBA’s officiating training program, which is known for its selective process. At 18, Portillo was hired as an official at the college level and has worked as high as the Division II level.
“I think it’s very important to get younger officials,” Portillo told the Midland Reporter-Telegram (Texas). “I think the younger generation is an important part of our success.”
SOURCE: MIDLAND REPORTER-TELEGRAM
Do you know a person or group who should be profiled? Send info to us at profiles@referee.com
Michelle DeRosa Valparaiso, Ind.
At just 22, Connor Nowosatka, right, has officiated NCAA tournaments and many other major college tennis matches.
BASKETBALL VIDEO TRAINING
YOU
KICK SIX
By BOB FULTON
The ground shook beneath the feet of Auburn’s Chris Davis on Nov. 30, 2013 — quite literally — when he crossed the goalline for the score that toppled top-ranked Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
Auburn fans rocked JordanHare Stadium as Davis returned a missed field goal attempt 109 yards on the game’s final play to secure a 34-28 victory over the two-time defending national champions and provide what Mike Vaccaro of the New York Post called the most exciting finish to a sporting event “in the history of mankind.” Seismographs in the vicinity actually registered the intensity of the crowd reaction.
ESPN. “But the Kick Six just made it unbelievable. That’s what I was thinking as I ran off the field: Oh my god. Did that just happen?”
A.J. McCarron’s school-record 99-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper had given Alabama a 28-21 lead with 10:28 remaining. Auburn answered with 32 seconds left when Nick Marshall threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Sammie Coates. When Cody Parkey added the tying extra point, the game was seemingly headed to overtime.
Matt Austin’s crew recalls the 2013 Iron Bowl and its stunning last play.
backfired big time. As Griffith lined up for the kick, field judge Blake Parks and back judge Steve Patrick positioned themselves underneath the goalpost. When Auburn called timeout before the snap, Parks and Patrick took the opportunity to go over every eventuality.
“I will never, ever do a game with as exciting an ending as that one,” said umpire Rodney Lawary, now in his 13th season as a Southeastern Conference official. “Nothing will top that Iron Bowl. The atmosphere was just electric.”
And Davis provided the final jolt. The crowd of 87,451, along with a national television audience, was held spellbound as the No. 1 Crimson Tide (11-0) and No. 4 Tigers (10-1) provided nonstop, pulsepounding thrills even before Auburn won the game with a play that would come to be known as the Kick Six.
“It was a classic even before that,” said referee Matt Austin, now a college football rules analyst for
But the rivals would first wring every last bit of drama from those final moments of regulation. Following the ensuing kickoff, the Crimson Tide ran two plays to their 38 with seven seconds remaining. On third and one, T.J. Yeldon raced 24 yards on a draw play, stepping out of bounds at the Auburn 39 just before the stadium clock hit zeroes.
Alabama coach
Nick Saban argued vehemently that one second remained.
“I was on his sideline,” said linesman Tim Sistrunk. “He was pretty animated, saying, ‘Hey, there’s a second left.’ As (Yeldon) was going out of bounds, I did glance up and see that there was a second left. I told him, ‘Coach, you’re gonna get your second back.’ Of course, I knew replay would put it back on.”
What took place in that final second would prove pivotal, for Saban’s decision to have Adam Griffith attempt a 57-yard field goal
“We literally spent the entire timeout talking about every possible thing that could come,” said Parks, who now works as an SEC replay official. “We talked about if the field goal was blocked, if the ball landed in the end zone, if it rolled into the end zone, if it went out of bounds. We had everything covered — except if somebody was gonna return it. We just didn’t ever consider the fact that the guy would return it. We’d never seen it before.”
Griffith’s kick was short and off to the right. Davis fielded the ball nine yards deep in the end zone, directly in front of Parks. He started upfield, veered left, tightroped down the sideline and then picked up a wall of blockers in front of the Auburn bench.
“He was coming back toward me,” said Lawary, who was positioned behind the defensive line at the start of the play. “My job during kicks is to ensure that there’s no blocking below the waist or blocking in the back. So as I turn, I’m seeing those Auburn players knocking those Alabama players down. I see one block. Oh, that’s a legal block. I see another. That’s legal. Then another. That one’s legal, too. And the crowd’s getting louder and louder the closer he gets to midfield.”
By then it was apparent that no one was going to catch the speedy Davis, certainly not the lumbering linemen Saban had sent in to block on the field goal attempt.
“Here comes the return and now I start backing up at a 45-degree angle to keep a nice perspective just in case something were to happen,” Austin recalled. “I’m thinking, my god, he’s gonna go all the way with this because there’s nobody between him and the goalline except me. Once he scored, it was deafening. That was the loudest environment I’d ever been in.”
The return of a missed field goal was such a rarity that Austin and his fellow crew members had never worked a game that featured one.
“I officiated close to 30 years total and that was the first time that I’d seen a field goal returned — ever,” Sistrunk said. “I’m thinking the topranked team in the country just got beat on a play none of us had ever seen before.”
Davis’ touchdown triggered a veritable deluge of humanity. Jubilant Auburn fans poured out of the stands, flooding the field. Austin, Lawary, Sistrunk, Parks, Patrick, side judge Bobby Moreau and line judge Mike Taylor were like salmon trying to swim upstream against the current, struggling through the mob to reach their van, parked nearby.
“It was a stampede of people,” Parks said. “A security guard found me, got me by the back belt loop and pulled me in the right direction. We just started to run, bowling people over. When I got to the van, I realized Matt was missing. Somebody in the security team joked that the fans probably have him down in the end zone, stripping him for souvenirs. It turns out he was waiting for replay clearance.”
Line Judge
and his blockers as
returns a missed field goal for the winning touchdown in the 2013 Iron Bowl between the Tigers and Alabama. Left: Auburn fans, jubilant over their team’s upset of the top-ranked and undefeated team in the nation, storm the field at Jordan-Hare Stadium after replay confirmed the winning touchdown.
Once Austin rejoined his colleagues, all quickly agreed they’d just participated in something truly epic.
“That’s the most thrilling game I was ever part of,” Sistrunk said. “That one will probably be talked about for years to come. You know, it’s funny how time flies — games kind of meld into one another. But that one, it definitely stood out for all of us.”
Indeed, it’s unlikely they’ll ever forget the day Chris Davis made his dramatic dash to the end zone and spoiled unbeaten Alabama’s bid for a three-peat. A day the ground literally shook beneath their feet.
Bob Fulton is a freelance writer and author of the book The Summer Olympics: A Treasury of Legend and Lore. He resides in Indiana, Pa.
Above:
Mike Taylor trails Auburn runner Chris Davis
Davis
VERBATIM, DON’T DEBATE ’EM
Using the Right Words Repeatedly Can Calm Situations
By the Referee editors
Most of us have heard the phrase, “What you don’t say can’t hurt you.” While that is true at times, the following is also on point: “What you do say can help you.”
Good officials open their mouths when it’s needed and they use their voices to help manage players, coaches and situations in their officiating.
Following are 11 phrases every official should remember. Incorporate them into your officiating vocabulary at the right time and they will help you to say the right thing.
1.“The rule is …” When you’re
dealing with coaches and players who don’t know the rules as well as you do (and that’s most of them), having that phrase ready is a must. It helps to educate participants and can prevent future arguments. Showing your confidence and knowledge will give participants more trust in you.
The key, of course, is you actually have to know the rule before you can rattle it off authoritatively. You don’t have to recite verbatim, but explaining it in a way that makes the player/ coach understand you know the spirit and intent of the rule will earn you respect and end disputes.
2.“I’ll take a look at that play.” Sometimes you will see it one way
and the coach will see it another way. You’re confident in your call, but the coach is insistent.
Rather than continuing the backand-forth banter, telling the coach you will review the play is a good alternative. It often quiets the coach and shows him or her you want to get better by reviewing video or the rule. A quick check of the rule can be accomplished at halftime. If you’re right, let the coach know but avoid an “I told you so” attitude. If you’re wrong, say something like, “I’m glad I got to check so I can get it right next time.”
If the review comes after the game, depending on local custom, you may
Water polo referee Jeff Russ, Long Beach, Calif., listens to a coach’s complaint. By maintaining a calm demeanor, Russ prevents the situation from getting heated.
need to contact the coach in the days following the contest to let him or her know what your review revealed. Working through an athletic director or administrator of some sort is always good practice. Again, if you were right, be modest but thorough in your explanation. If you were wrong, own up to it.
3.“If it happened the way you said it did, I made a mistake.” Another possible way to quiet a coach is by admitting a mistake or the possibility of a mistake. If you’re not sure if you got it right, it’s OK to admit it. Coaches and players will respect you for it — as long as you aren’t making and admitting mistakes too often.
4.“My partner had a better look at it.” Never throw your partner under the bus. One way to support a partner’s call is to tell the coach your partner had the best angle on the play. It’s the truth. You’re not judging your partner’s call by doing so and you’re acknowledging the coach’s concern. Plus you’re not giving the coach a chance to cajole you into overturning the call. If the coach asks why you can’t make the call, you say, “I had different coverage on the play.” Do not say, “That’s not my call.”
5.“That’s enough.” Sometimes enough is enough in regard to complaints, so officials need to say that. You may want to supplement the warning with the “stop sign,” an upraised hand that indicates you’ve heard enough. And if the coach doesn’t take the hint, the phrase should be followed by a penalty. Sometimes warnings and talk don’t cut it. Taking action is necessary.
6.“Let’s play.” One good way to move forward is by getting the game going again as quickly as allowed by rule. By telling the participants to start action by putting the ball into play, you can end further dialogue and help everyone move on. Once action resumes, attention will shift from the play in question to the current action.
7.“What did you see?” There are times you will need to huddle up with officials after a call, if rules allow. After all, the goal is always to get it right. Collect information from your partners by asking them what they saw on the
play. Use the information to stick with or reverse your call.
That is also a great question for a coach in a debate about a judgment situation. It often gets the coach focused on the play in question and can take a bit of the emotion out of the discussion.
8.“Take it easy.” Making your presence known and saying something as simple as that to players when you sense a game is getting a little heated and tempers are beginning to flare are very important. You can prevent a fight with your voice, so use it.
9.“Nice job.” Officials don’t need to be cheerleaders, but complimenting players on great plays or acts of sportsmanship is part of game management. It is part of being an active leader. If a player helps a fallen opponent get to his or her feet or goes out of his or her way to avoid unnecessary contact, acknowledge it. Positive reinforcement is a great tool.
10.“Keep your focus.” Say that to yourself and to your partners when necessary during a game. Maybe it’s a blowout in which your mind can become easily distracted. Maybe it’s a tight contest and you need to be focusing on specific things. A reminder can help.
The same phrase can be said to a player who is visibly upset and seems to be considering mayhem. By directing his or her attention back to the task at hand, you can maintain game control.
11.“Let’s talk about the game.” Don’t let your partners slip out after a game without telling them that you want to have a postgame. Talk about the play in which you had a double whistle. Ask about your judgment in regard to a close ruling. Your memory of the game is the sharpest right afterward, so don’t let the educational opportunity pass you by.
Some officials talk because they like to hear the sound of their own voices. They ramble on and on. While talk can be taken to the extreme, that doesn’t mean it’s not important. The right phrases at the right time can see you through some critical situations in your career.
Is it time to open your mouth?
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After you determine who handles assignments and who is responsible for filling “emergency” reassignments, make an occasional courtesy call or email at a strategic time of the day. Early to mid-afternoon on game days is a typical “crisis” time for assigners who have been stood up. If you are available to work that evening, contacting the assigner may enhance your chances of being selected as a replacement. Even if there is no emergency that day, your call or email may be remembered.
THEY SAID IT
“I’m the referee, but the team would be worse if I was just thinking about me. Everyone of us has to buy in. Otherwise we fail together.”
— Clete Blakeman, NFL referee
Brawl Game? Let Cooler Heads Prevail
By the Referee editors
Doyou know a fight when you see one? Is the only sign a bunch of players swinging their fists at each other? What if none of those connect? What if it’s an open hand, a type of slap rather a closed fist?
The definition of fighting may vary from sport to sport. Because there are consequences for the players when they’re ejected for fighting, it behooves officials to be circumspect when ruling on a potential fight.
You don’t expect a fight before a game, but you should prepare for it. Incorporate the discussion into your pregame. Discuss if there is tension between the two teams, or whether two players have a personal rivalry. Does one team have a “go-to” player? If so, he or she could be a target for the other team — trying to draw that player into a situation that causes him or her to retaliate.
In the pregame, identify roles. Decide who should watch the sidelines and which officials should step back and take numbers if a scuffle ensues.
In and of itself, “breaking the fight up” holds a distinct set of issues. Do you wade in and get between them? Should you step back and watch?
Rick Molen, Bonney Lake, Wash., steps between players before a disagreement turns into a fight. Recognizing rising tensions and addressing them before things erupt can prevent a full-out fracas.
Although dealing with players is critical, you must also protect yourself.
Don’t forget that last part. You are critical to the game, and getting yourself hurt is not the end goal. An operative word once a fight breaks out is “containment.” You want to
contain the damage like an oil spill. Action does not occur in a vacuum. If you eject a player from one side, typically (but not always) there is one from the other team that should get tossed, too.
Afterward, confer and share. Once things settle down, huddle up and discuss what each of you saw. There is no need to make a hasty decision. Keep the coaches away and teams separated. Use common sense. Inform the coaches who is ejected and why.
Postgame work means tons of paperwork. It starts with you and your crew in the locker room afterward. Give everyone a chance to speak their piece and describe what they saw, so you can agree on events and how to communicate with your assigner or the state association. Discuss what each official did and why. The pregame was about what you “could” do. The postgame is what you “did” do.
A fight causes consequences for everyone — the players, coaches and officials. You don’t want to throw the word “fight” around carelessly, but once you’re in the fray, with the right preparation, judgment and decisionmaking, you’ll get out of it with minimum fallout.
Lots of Value in Scrimmages
By Lucia Perfetti Clark
Many officiating organizations require that members participate in scrimmages, sometimes for no pay, prior to a season. While many can work a sport year-round and therefore there is no time for “rust” to settle on them, scrimmages are still a great opportunity.
Teams scrimmage to get ready for the season, to learn about their own teams and to practice new rules and mechanics.
For officials, scrimmages
are a one-stop shop for service, mentorship, relationship building, experimentation and skill development. They represent low stakes for teams and officials because the outcome doesn’t count. Officials are allowed to make mistakes at scrimmages. We all learn better from corrected mistakes. There’s no harm and no foul in botching a call at a scrimmage. Other benefits:
New rules. If your sport has instituted a rule change, make sure it gets practiced in the scrimmage. Some rule changes affect contests
immediately from start to finish; other rule changes need some help. Scrimmages are the time to manufacture plays and scenarios so everyone can see how the rule change gets translated from paper to play.
Arrive early so your crew can discuss the changes with the coaches, make suggestions about how to practice the new rule and go over what it means for the teams and strategies. When the regular season starts, that practice will pay off and there won’t be any bumbling with new penalty administration.
Make time to stay afterward and teach the new rule to the athletes. Not only does that give them knowledge, it builds valuable rapport going into the season.
Mentorship. Every team wants to get in a few scrimmages prior to the season and that means there is a scrimmage for every official at every level. That also means there are opportunities to mentor up-and-coming officials on more challenging play than they might be used to. Scrimmages can be the rare combination of high skill, fast speed and low stakes. Don’t waste those opportunities by giving them all to the crews who will work those games during the season.
Make sure the scrimmage is handled with a seasoned crew member and use it to bring along someone who is moving up. If your organization has an active organized mentor program, that is the time for assigners to assist that program and proactively assign the scrimmages to those mentor pairs.
Experimentation. “How’d they come up with that rule?” Sound like a familiar preseason question? Rules are made in conference rooms by committees, but putting them into practice, taking the rule change and playing out the myriad ways the change unfolds in a game, is left to officials. Maybe your initial conception of how the rule is called or enforced is off. Scrimmages are the time to apply the rule so any adjustments to what has been prescribed can come out in a preseason memo to fellow officials or reported to the appropriate agency as a heads up.
Skill development. Finally, is there something about your typical mechanics that can be altered in a scrimmage to promote skill development? When officials want to make the jump to a three-person system, they need to also be able to lead to their left. While it would be nice if that was “just flipping around everything you do,” the application
is not that simple. It can be hard to make the transition from a twoperson to a three-person system and getting that experience can be hard.
A scrimmage is an opportunity for officials working one system or position to work another. For sports or organizations that always put the more experienced official on the coach’s side of the field or court, scrimmages are a great time to put the less-seasoned official by the lions.
Game management is something every great official needs to know and something that cannot be simulated in a classroom or taught in an online course. Scrimmages are the low-stakes opportunity to give newbies a chance to learn how to manage that sideline. Seize the opportunities that scrimmages provide.
Lucia Perfetti Clark lives in Baltimore. She is a national rated women’s collegiate and high school lacrosse official and trainer.
SEE THE CALL. MAKE THE CALL.
FOR THE RECORD
AWARDS, ROSTERS, NOTABLES
OLYMPICS
•The following officials were selected to officiate their respective sports at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris: Volleyball — Hamid Al-Rousi, United Arab Emirates; Stefano Cesare, Italy; Denny Cespedes, Dominican Republic; Fabrice Collados, France; Scott Dziewirz, Canada; Epaminondas Gerothodoros, Greece; Angela Grass, Brazil; Ivaylo Ivanov, Bulgaria; Wael Kandil, Egypt; Wojciech Maroszek, Poland; Juraj Mokry, Slovakia; Sumie Myoi, Japan; Nurper Ozbar, Turkey; Karina Rene, Argentina; Vladimir Simonovic, Switzerland; Wang Ziling, China.
Beach volleyball — Giseli Amantino, Brazil; Giovanni Bake, South Africa; Brigham Beatie, United States; Rui Carvalho, Portugal; Davide Crescentini, Italy; Sylvain Druart, France; Brian Hiebert, Canada; Robert Leko, Serbia; Wang Lijun, China; Jean Mukundiyukuri, Rwanda; Agnieszka Myszkowska, Poland; Jose Maria Padron, Spain; Charalampos Papadogoulas, Greece; Juan Carlos Saavedra, Colombia; Mariko Satomi, Japan; Osvaldo Sumavil, Argentina. Soccer — Referees: Ramon Abatti, Brazil; Adel Al Naqbi, United Arab Emirates; Edina Alves, Brazil; Dahane Beida, Mauritania; Emikar Calderas, Venezuela; Espen Eskas, Norway; Yael Falcon, Argentina; Drew Fischer, Canada; Katia Garcia, Mexico; Mahmood Ismail, Sudan; Bouchra Karboubi, Morocco; Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh, New Zealand; Yu-jeong Kim, South Korea;
Francois Letexier, France; Said Martinez, Honduras; Glenn Nyberg, Sweden; Tess Olofsson, Sweden; Tori Penso, United States; Ilgiz Tantashev, Uzbekistan; Rebecca Welch, England; Yoshimi Yamashita, Japan. Assistant referees: Liban Ahmed, Djibouti; Sabet Obaid Al-Ali, United Arab Emirates; Ahmed Alrashadi, United Arab Emirates; Rafael Alves, Brazil; Lyes Arfa, Canada; Neuza Back, Brazil; Michael Barwegen, Canada; Isaak Bashevkin, Norway; Mahbod Beigi, Sweden; Fabrini Bevilaqua, Brazil; Mary Blanco, Colombia; Makoto Bozono, Japan; Guillerme Camilo, Brazil; Emily Carney, England; Joanna Charaktis, Australia; Diana Chikotesha, Zambia; Maximiliano Del Yesso, Argentina; Francesca Di Monte, Italy; Karen Diaz, Mexico; Jan Erik Engan, Norway; Timur Gaynullin, Uzbekistan; Fatiha Jermoumi, Morocco; Walter Lopez, Honduras; Brooke Mayo, United States; Cyril Mugnier, France; Bernard Mutukera, Solomon Islands; Kathryn Nesbitt, United States; Elvis Noupue, Cameroon; Franca Overtoom, Netherlands; Misuk Park, South Korea; Mehdi Rahmouni, France; Christian Ramirez, Honduras; Sandra Ramirez, Mexico; Facundo Rodriguez, Argentina; Migdalia Rodriguez, Venezuela; Jerson Dos Santos, Angola; Andreas Soderkvist, Sweden; Almira Spahic, Sweden; Naomi Teshirogi, Japan; Isaac Trevis, New Zealand; Andrey Tsapenko, Uzbekistan; Stephen Yiembe, Kenya; VAR: Khamis Al Marri, Qatar; Mahmoud Ashour, Egypt; Ivan Bebek, Croatia; Lahlou Benbraham, Algeria; Jerome Brisard, France; Rodrigo Carvajal, Chile; David Coote, England; Carlos Del Cerro
Grande, Spain; Rob Dieperink, Netherlands; Leodan Gonzalez, Uruguay; Tatiana Guzman, Nicaragua; Ovidiu Hategan, Romania; Kate Jacewicz, Australia; Katalin Kulcsar, Hungary; Daiane Muniz, Brazil; Guillermo Pacheco, Mexico; Hector Palette, Argentina; Daneon Parchment, Jamaica; Sivakorn Pu-Udom, Thailand; Paolo Valeri, Italy. Wrestling — Marwa Abdalla, Egypt; Edmar Abdoelaev, Netherlands; Mehdi Bashirzadeh, Iran; Kamel Bouaziz, Tunisia; Juan Camacho, Mexico; Marcia Chiasson, Canada; Halil Cicioglu, Turkey; Marius Cimpoeru, Romania; Rafael Galva, Puerto Rico; Carlos Garcia, Spain; Pavlina Georgiou, Greece; Casey Goessl, United States; Ferenc Gyarmati, Romania; Ismael Hadi, Iraq; Sherif Halawa, Egypt; Thomas Hammer, Norway; Joonas Hietala, Finland; Amal Imani, Morocco; Tsong-Rong Jang, Taiwan; Zaza Jibladze, Georgia; Samuel Julian Jr., United States; Eshpulat Khidoyatov, Uzbekistan; Nedyalko Kireziev, Bulgaria; Kuninori Koike, Japan; Demetra Koutsopodiotis-Gauthier, Canada; Christos Liakos, Greece; Jiwoo Lee, South Korea; Igor Ligay, Kazakhstan; Zvonko Ocic, Croatia; David Rey, France; Nima Sadeghi, Iran; Vaclav Scheiner, Czechia; Ramona Scherer, Germany; Karl-Peter Schmitt, Germany; Levent Sen, Turkey; Stanislav Sernek, Slovenia; Asif Shiraliyev, Azerbaijan; Antonio Silvestri, Germany; Valiantsin Siulzhyn, Belarus; Gabriella Sleisz, Hungary; Linn Sjostrom, Sweden; Jian Sun, China; Susanna Sylstad, United States; Nikola Torbica, Serbia; Belkacem Trai, Algeria; Melanie Tran, France; Charles Villet, South Africa; Mehmet Yucel, Turkey; Atay Zeynel Lutfu, Denmark; Yerik Zhumabekov, Kazakhstan.
Rugby — Ben Breakspear, Wales; Finlay Brown, Scotland; Craig Chan, Hong Kong; Talal Chaudhry, Canada; Maggie Cogger-Orr, New Zealand; Paulo Duarte, Portugal; Morne Ferreira, South Africa; Gianluca Gnecchi, Italy; Francisco Gonzalez, Uruguay;
Nick Hogan, New Zealand; AJ Jacobs, South Africa; Reuben Keane, Australia; Ano Kuwai, Japan; Maria Latos, Germany; Adam Leal, England; Cisco Lopez, United States; Tyler Miller, Australia; Lavenia Rawaca, Fiji; Kat Roche, United States; Tevita Rokovereni, Fiji; Jeremy Rozier, France; George Selwood, England; Jordan Way, Australia.
Field hockey — Dan Barstow, England; Sarah Bennett, Zimbabwe; Lilian Chee, Singapore; Amber Church, New Zealand; Christian Deckenbrock, Germany; Laurine Delforge, Belgium; Adrian Della Mattia, Argentina; Ben Goentgen, Germany; Gareth Greenfield, New Zealand; Marcin Grochal, Poland; Hannah Harrison, England; Kays Kanyangarara, Zimbabwe; Alison Keogh, Ireland; Gabriel Labate, Argentina; Hong-Zhen Lim, Singapore; Xiaoying Liu, China; Martin Madden, Scotland; Ayanna McClean, Trinidad and Tobago; Aleisha Neumann, Australia; Zeke Newman, Australia; Eddie Nishizawa, Japan; Frank Oti-Mensah, Ghana; Sylvie Petitjean, France; Raghu Prasad, India; Irene Presenqui, Argentina; Sean Rapaport, South Africa; Reyah Richardson, Trinidad and Tobago; Lorena Rinaldini, Argentina; Steve Rogers, Australia; Annelize Rostron, South Africa; Sonja Schwede, Germany; Tamara Standley, Australia; Cookie Tan, Singapore; David Tomlinson, New Zealand; Coen Van Bunge, Netherlands; Jonas van’t Hek, Netherlands; Wanri Venter, South Africa; Rogier Warris, Netherlands; Adam Webster, Australia; Rachel Williams, England; Sarah Wilson, Scotland; Emi Yamada, Japan.
MILESTONES
•San Diego’s Dylan Cease threw a no-hitter July 25, defeating Washington, 3-0. Umpires were Ramon De Jesus, plate; Junior Valentine, first base; Adrian Johnson, second base; and Paul Clemons, third base.
•San Francisco’s Blake Snell threw a no-hitter Aug. 2, defeating Cincinnati, 3-0.
Umpires were Malachi Moore, plate; Chad Whitson, first base; Bill Miller, second base; and Scott Barry, third base.
AWARDS & HONORS
• Bob Rose, Longview, a 35-year football and basketball official, and Steve Simonson, Cashmere, who has officiated basketball for 42 years, are the 2024 inductees into the Washington Officials Association (WOA) Hall of Fame. Other awards presented by the WOA at its annual state day in August — Thomas A. Cross Service Award: Jim Ryder. Officials of the Year: Bill Reynolds, baseball; Mike Wold, boys’ basketball; Molly Mahan, girls’ basketball; Bobby Beaulac, football; Micheal Johnson, gymnastics; Trey Dohman, fall soccer; Jeremy Gerking, spring soccer; Shaun Pederson, fastpitch softball; Pam Bobiles, slowpitch softball; Jocelyn Chen, spirit; Katie Savage, volleyball; Daryl Eygabroad, wrestling. Meritorious Service Awards: Bobiles, Robert Braun, Jason Crider, Suzanne DePoe, Jim Erickson, Jeff Hawley, David Hood, David Jones, Stephen Latimer, John Macauley, Joe McKenna, Bill Miele,
ROSTERS
Bret Peck, Jeff Pohjola, Paul Rohrbaugh, Rory Schilling, Patrick Sievers, Ryan Sorensen, Kent Stanford, Joel Taylor, Eric Weisberg, Brett Wortzman. Scholarship Awards: Darci Dalziel, Nathan Elbracht, Matthew Meadows.
•Longtime basketball official Larry Wendel was inducted in June into the Hooptown USA Hall of Fame in Spokane, Wash. During his 49-year career, Wendel has refereed over 5,000 high school, college and recreational league games. Hooptown USA recognizes those who have had a significant influence on basketball in Spokane and greater Eastern Washington.
•The Oklahoma Officials Association Hall of Fame welcomed its 2024 class in July: Robert Breedlove, Stillwater; Terry Brannon, Cushing; Terry Conder, Calera; Johnny Johnson, Bixby; and Jerry Dark, Nash (posthumously).
•The 2024 inductees into the Alabama Sports Officials Foundation Hall of Fame are Pat Adkison, football, softball, baseball, basketball, wrestling; Alan Cosby, basketball; Don English, football; George Evans, basketball, football;
National Women’s Soccer League
Mickey Haddock, football, baseball, softball; Mike Murphy, basketball; Steve Newton, football; Keith Robertson, football, baseball; Kathy White, volleyball; Bill Young, basketball, baseball, football, softball.
OBITUARIES
• Don Stanford, 82, of Decatur, Ala., died July 12. Stanford’s officiating career spanned 50 years and included basketball, softball, football, track and volleyball at the high school and college levels. He officiated 50 Alabama High School Athletic Association state finals in basketball and football. He also worked ASA/ USA Softball games for 35 years.
• Ron Boltz, 87, of Phoenix, died July 19. Boltz spent 23 years as a sports official, most recently umpiring girls’ fastpitch softball.
• Rick Rogers, 61, of Sebringville, Ontario, died July 21.Rogers, a former fastpitch and slowpitch softball athlete, saw his playing career end after suffering two broken legs and a shattered spleen in a car crash. After years of surgery and rehab, Rogers returned to the softball diamond as an umpire,
Below are the 2024 NWSL officials. Some referees also act as VARs at times, and assistant referees as AVARs. Those officials are listed only as referees and assistant referees.
Referees
Elijio Arreguin
Nabil Bensalah
Alex Billeter
Danielle Chesky
Matthew Corrigan
Alexis Da Silva
Sergii Demianchuk
Greg Dopka
Joshua Encarnacion
Ricardo Fierro
Gerald Flores
Elton Garcia
JC Griggs
Lorenzo Hernandez
Brad Jensen
Adam Kilpatrick
Katja Koroleva
Abdou Ndiaye
Alyssa Nichols
Elvis Osmanovic
Becky Pagan Calin Radosav
Laura Rodriguez
Jeremy Scheer
Natalie Simon
Thomas Snyder
Brandon Stevis
Eric Tattersall
Shawn Tehini
Matt Thompson
Anya Voigt
Assistant Referees
Art Arustamyan
Darren Bandy
Seth Barton
Melissa Beck
Ethan Buege
Zeno Cho
Christian Clerc
Eric Del Rosario
Tom Felice
Fernando Fierro
Jennifer Garner
Sharon Gingrich
Melissa Gonzalez
Rhett Hammil
Austin Holt
Noah Kenyawani
John Krill
Brian Marshall
Seth Martin
Stephen McGonagle
Zach McWhorter
Ricardo Ocampo
Salma Perez
Ben Rigel
Matthew Rodman
Fermin Sanchez
Bennett Savage
Chris Schurfranz
Matthew Schwartz
a passion he pursued for the past 15 years.
• Terry Turlington, 84, of Dexter, Mo., died July 25. In an illustrious officiating career that spanned 1962-2012, Turlington worked college football in multiple conferences including the Big Eight, Missouri Valley and Metro and Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association. He began his career as a field judge before moving up to referee and eventually served as a replay official. According to an obituary, Turlington officiated in every major bowl game during his career.
• Dick Bestor, 82, of Fond du Lac, Wis., died Aug. 1 due to injuries suffered in a bike accident. Bestor was a longtime college basketball official who reached the Division I level, including working games in the Big Ten Conference. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. Bestor was also inducted into the Fond du Lac Softball Hall of Fame as a player in 2000.
Do you have any rosters, assignments or awards that warrant mention? Send info to us at ForTheRecord@referee.com
Matthew Seem
Nicholas Seymour
Amilcar Sicaju
Cameron Siler
Jeremy Smith
Joe Suchoski
Matt Trotter
Tiffini Turpin
Katarzyna Wasiak
Seun Yinka-Kehinde
VARs
Kevin Broadley
Karen Coulson
Jorge Gonzalez
Kelsey Harms
Robi Hullner
Alejandro Mariscal
Younes Marrakchi
Samantha Martinez
Katherine McCormick
Adorae Monroy
Kevin Terry Jr.
AVARs
Jozef Batko
Craig Lowry
Tony Obas
Maggie Short
Christopher Spivey
Tom Supple
Kaili Terry
Benjamin Wooten
LAW ISSUES AFFECTING OFFICIALS
Eligibility Matters
By Alan Goldberger
Everything we know about officiating tells us officials’ legal and ethical responsibilities are more involved now than at any time in the history of officiating. For this reason, and in the face of a spate of conflicting governing body regulations and the recent influx of state legislation that affects school, recreational and youth sports, all officials need to consider the question of “game day eligibility.” The law can impact a wide range of matters: uniforms, religious and cultural attire, headgear, medical devices and even hairstyles. Without question, game day eligibility will vary widely from place to place, and from sport to sport. Officials organizations and sport governing
Officials associations across the nation need to do their part to keep officials aware and current.
bodies need to take steps to inform all working officials of applicable rules, medical and special-needs accommodations and modifications, and legislative imperatives in effect. If this does not happen, each ineligible team member starting or substituting in a game represents a potential liability situation for the officiating crew involved. What’s more, any athlete who is denied entry into a game or removed from competition for reasons that are unjustified under current law or regulations also represents a potential legal challenge for officials.
Still, all officials know that athletes must be properly attired and properly equipped before participation. Proper attire includes the prescribed uniform as well as other attire that complies with the governing body or sponsoring organization’s requirements for such things. This includes participants wearing uniforms and equipment that are rules compliant.
Lastly, the details of graphics and wording on uniforms, mascottype symbols and other motivational adornments to uniforms and equipment must comply with the rules so as not to have the effect of taunting, baiting or denigrating opponents.
Problems arise, however, when officials who know better look the other way in matters of uniform, equipment and accommodation requirements. Officials are legally and contractually obligated to conduct the game or competition in accordance with the playing rules. As to playing rules regulating personal contact and unsporting acts, officials are required to penalize rules infractions so minor violations don’t ripen into more egregious violations. It is important for officials to know the limits of denial of participation as well as the legally permissible reasons to deny or terminate participation. The maze of playing rules, regulations and statutes governing sports participation, particularly in the areas of alleged unlawful discrimination or medical or disability accommodation needs, can present challenges for officials at all levels.
Governing bodies that have adopted the NFHS rules codes will find an acknowledgment that state associations may implement accommodations due to special needs or unique and extenuating circumstances. In some states, an athlete may modify the uniform to comport with the athlete’s religious, medical or cultural beliefs.
Game officials need to be apprised of all rules modifications affecting a program or a game — and necessary accommodations must be communicated and necessary approvals obtained — well before game time. Finally, officials associations across the nation need to do their part to keep officials aware and current.
Alan Goldberger is an official and attorney from Fairfield, N.J. This column is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Player Pass, Please
Here’s an example of one soccer league’s bylaw provisions that contain extensive and explicit directions to officials regarding game day eligibility.
The provisions state substitutes and late arrivals after the start of the game must present their player passes to the referee upon substitution into the game, and the player must sign and list the shirt number on the lineup forms at any time deemed convenient by the referee (before the game, during the game, at halftime or full time).
The bylaws also require the referee to document violations so offending teams can be fined for not being ready to play at game time: “Should either team be unprepared to play at the time set by the league scheduling secretary, the referee shall allow a grace period of 15 minutes after scheduled kickoff time. The referee will report to the league and the delinquent team will be fined … and the game will be played. After the 15-minute grace period, the game will be forfeited.”
Showcase Safety
In today’s sports environment, the landscape is dotted by travel teams, business ventures that sponsor free-standing “tournaments” or so-called “showcase” events for young athletes, and other noneducation-based athletics. Officials need to pay attention to the terms of their engagement. Given the nature of some of these competitions, organizers sometimes ask officials to set aside rules. But with rules related to the safety of the athletes, officials who “play along” do so at their own, considerable risk.
‘Unofficial Business’
One association advises referees: “If you are the last game of the day on that particular field, remind parents of both teams to break down the field.”
Aside from the obvious cardinal offense of gratuitous communication with any spectator, let alone parents of the athletes, what official in their right mind would accept postgame functionary duties and interactions with spectators after a game they have officiated?
SOURCE FOR ABOVE SIDERAIL ITEMS: ALAN GOLDBERGER
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QUIZ ANSWERS
BASKETBALL
1 — NFHS – c (9-1-3e); NCAAM/W – b (9-1.1.c)
2 — All – d (NFHS 4-14-2; NCAAM 4-12.4; NCAAW 4-11.4)
3 — All – a (NFHS 4-15-5; NCAAM 4-13.5; NCAAW 4-12.5)
1 — NFHS – c (3-3-1c and Pen.); NCAA, pro – d (NCAA 7-11n; pro 6.04, interp.)
2 — NFHS – d (1-1-2); NCAA, pro – e (NCAA 4-4a; pro 4.03d)
3 — All – b (NFHS 1-1-4; NCAA 5-4; pro 5.02c)
4 — NFHS – c (1-3-1); NCAA, pro – d (NCAA 1-11; pro 3.01)
MISSION
FOOTBALL
1 — Both – b (NFHS 2-3-5b, 9-3-5b; NCAA 9-3-4b-1)
2 — NFHS – b, c, d (7-5-2b); NCAA – d (7-3-2a)
3 — NFHS – c (2-31-3); NCAA – a (2-19-3a)
4 — Both – b (NFHS 3-4-2c; NCAA 3-3-2d, 3-3-2f)
5 — Both – b (NFHS 6-1-9, 2.29.3; NCAA 4-1-3k, 6-2-1, 6-2-2)
SOCCER
1 — All – c (NFHS 1-4-1b; NCAA 1.9.1; IFAB 1.10)
2 — All – c (NFHS 3-4-1b; NCAA 3.7.1; IFAB 3.3)
3 — NFHS – a (4-4-2); NCAA, IFAB – b (NCAA Pen. 4.1.1; IFAB 4.6)
4 — All – c (NFHS 5-1-2; NCAA 5.6.2; IFAB 5.2)
SOFTBALL
1 — All – c (NFHS 8-6-16a Pen.; NCAA 12.17.4.2 Eff.; USA Softball 8-7M Eff.; USSSA 8-18AB)
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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.
FLASHBACK NOVEMBER
40 YEARS AGO … 1984
• Former NBA referee Norm Drucker sues the league over unpaid pension benefits. Drucker — who refereed in the NBA from 1953-69, the ABA from 1970-76 and then returned to the NBA following the merger — claimed he was owed $15,000 in benefits from his first NBA stint. The NBA argued Drucker forfeited his pension from his initial stint by joining the ABA.
1 — All – d (NFHS 5-4-3a-3; NCAA 19.2.2.3; USAV 23.2.1)
2 — All – c (NFHS 10-1-4; NCAA 10.1.1.8, 11.3.3.1; USAV 15.3.2)
3 — All – d (NFHS 9-5-1c, 9-6-5, 9-6-6; NCAA 14.5.2, 14.6.1, 14.6.6; USAV 13.2.4, 14.1, 14.5)
30 YEARS AGO … 1994
• Ron Zetcher is named coordinator of Missouri Valley Conference baseball umpires, replacing Dave Yeast, who held the post since 1992. Zetcher officiated basketball, football and baseball at the high school and college levels.
20 YEARS AGO … 2004
•After taking a job with the Pennsylvania State Gaming Commission, NFL official Sanford Rivers retires to avoid a potential conflict of interest between the two positions. Rivers broke into the NFL in 1989 and served as a head linesman for 16 seasons. A highlight of his career was working Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999.
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.
•The Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) hires Katy Meyer as its deputy executive director. Meyer, who has over three decades of experience as a volleyball official in both indoor and sand/beach, domestically and internationally, was later promoted to executive director of PAVO in 2016.
From Court to Court
Attorneys and referees are professionals not exactly known for their likability. Referees are frequently blamed for biased calls or outcomes that don’t favor a fan’s favorite team. And lawyers — well, let’s face it, no one looks forward to calling a lawyer. As I went through law school and my first two years as a practicing attorney, I have realized the two professions have much more in common with each other than their negative perceptions. In fact, I have found the two professions build on one another and hold quite a few similarities.
The two professions also demand attention to detail.
Both professions require extensive knowledge of rules and laws. Ed Hochuli is a former NFL referee and lawyer. He was famous for giving articulate explanations of penalties to stadiums filled with tens of thousands of people. His eloquent explanations may not have persuaded fans their favorite team did in fact hold the defense, but it did show how knowledgeable referees need to be in their profession. A referee’s job is to enforce the rules of the game and make sure the playing field is fair using knowledge of the rulebook. An attorney’s job is to zealously and ethically advocate for a client’s interest and serve as a guide to help navigate complex legal landscapes. For referees to effectively carry out their duties,
they need to have extensive knowledge and be able to mentally cite and recall the rules of the game. Similarly, an attorney will cite and use black-letter law, statutes and case opinions to effectively argue and advocate for a client. The rulebooks, black-letter law, statutes and case opinions come in black and white. However, the enforcement of such rules and laws is anything but black and white.
In the same way no case before a lawyer is exactly the same, no athletic contest before a referee is the same. Here is where both referees and lawyers earn their pay. Anyone in the state of North Dakota is subject to the laws of North Dakota, just like every basketball team in the NCAA is subject to enforcement of the NCAA rulebook. However, any sports fan knows every rule infraction in an athletic contest is not enforced, just like not every violation of the law is enforced in North Dakota. Each profession requires the lawyer, judge or referee to navigate gray areas.
For example, the reasonable person standard used in a negligence case is not straightforward. It is often a gray area for the lawyer to demonstrate a client is not liable for damages because he or she acted as a reasonable person should. In a basketball game, it is illegal for a player to kick the ball intentionally. Nonetheless, whether or not the player was striking the ball with a foot on purpose is a situational judgment call. Lawyers, like referees, “earn their stripes” on their ability to navigate the areas where there is no clear right or wrong answer.
The two professions also demand attention to detail. In the officiating world, it is expected your uniform fits, you show up on time and communicate with partners. The smallest detail can set you apart. The same can be said for the legal profession. No client would be thrilled to see an attorney show up to court with unkempt hair and a suit that could double as a parachute. In both professions, the “little things” matter. In addition, most sports officials are required to pass some sort of certification every year. This often
involves a deep dive into the rulebook and interpretation of the rules, noting the differences between “and” and “or,” and applying obscure rules to vague hypotheticals. The same can be said about the practice of law, considering whether statutes or cases are referring to elements or factors, and figuring out how to apply the law to a client’s case in the most favorable way. Both fields require a precise understanding of rules and the skill to apply them effectively in real-world situations.
One of the more challenging roles of a sports official is communicating with players and coaches in high-stress competitive environments. Officials need to explain their decisions, give rule-based reasoning, analyze situations objectively and empathize with the players’ and the coaches’ points of view. Lawyers need to do much of the same. Lawyers need to often explain very complex legal issues and consequences to their clients, who are often in an emotionally charged situation. In the courtroom, lawyers must give legal reasoning and explain why their argument is the correct one under the law. Further, lawyers are doing their clients a disservice if they do not objectively look at their situation to provide the most adequate advice. Lastly, as with almost any conflict situation, a lawyer needs to empathize with clients and the opposing side to gain perspective on where that individual is coming from to gauge the best subjective outcome for a client.
Both professions require dedication, expertise, communication skills and a commitment to upholding rules and laws. Through their shared qualities and responsibilities, the two professions demonstrate the importance of professionalism in their work.
Ethan Johnson is an attorney based in Fargo, N.D., with Reitan Law Office, PLLC. He currently practices social security disability and personal injury law. He referees D-II men’s basketball in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. This article was previously published on the SW&L Attorneys website and has been adapted with permission.
IT’S OFFICIAL
november 2024
NFHS Provides Association Advantage Memberships for All State Associations
In an effort to provide additional education resources to officials, the NFHS has partnered with NASO to purchase the Association Advantage program for all state associations.
Association Advantage provides information and educational resources, bringing local and state groups together nationwide and fostering the exchange of ideas among association leaders and members. Association Advantage includes a website featuring the largest and most comprehensive online database of officials association resources and articles; the updated Advantage Guidebook, a 184-page manual to aid groups in all phases of their operations; an information and consultation program that provides associations with information, advice, or a consultation with an outside professional on legal, financial or administrative issues; and the monthly Advisor newsletter, which includes news, features and tips on such topics as assigning, evaluations, recruitment and retention, meetings, bylaws, discipline and legal topics all related to running an officiating organization.
NASO created the Local Officials Administration Network (LOAN) in 1990. It was renamed the NASO Organizations Network (NASO-ON) in 2003
before finally settling on Association Advantage in 2014.
“The NFHS is excited to provide NASO Association Advantage membership to the officiating liaisons for all 51 member state associations,” Dana Pappas, NFHS director of officiating services said. “The tools that states will receive through this membership will help them with the administration of their statewide officiating programs and will assist them in providing guidance to their local associations and chapters. We are thrilled to be able to give this gift of resources to our membership.”
For the last year, the NFHS and Referee have worked together to publish officials manuals in a number of sports. Referee also continues to publish the NFHS Simplified and Illustrated rulebooks in five sports and added sports to its lineup of preseason guides.
Jim Arehart, Referee chief marketing officer, said providing Association Advantage to states was important in the education of officials. “It’s a resource available nowhere else,” he said. “State associations and their staff are not only the direct conduit to local associations, but to every official in the nation.”
Pappas said, “NFHS CEO Dr. Karissa Niehoff was introduced
to the Association Advantage when the NFHS and NASO teams met in January 2024 in Racine and immediately believed that the program was something that would benefit our membership.
“She committed to providing this resource to each state association as a gift from the NFHS back to the state offices, to assist in and enhance association management from the state office level, down through the local associations or chapters.”
Rob Wigod, an NASO board member and former commissioner of the California
Interscholastic Federation
Southern Section, sees mutual benefit in the arrangement. “It is a truly win-win situation for officials, state associations, NASO and the NFHS,” he said. “In this way, we are all working together to provide the best education, training, support and insurance coverage for our officials.
“As someone who worked in a state association for 23 years, and is now currently serving on the NASO Board, I am truly excited to see NASO and the NFHS continue to strengthen our relationship in a variety of ways. To have our organizations continuing to partner in exploring and expanding opportunities in service to our officials is a tremendous benefit for all involved.”
IT’S OFFICIAL - november 2024
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, Salt Lake City, 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.
The following is an excerpt from Topp’s speech for the NASO Summit’s 19th Officiating Industry Luncheon, presented in partnership by the NFHS and NASO. It offers his views on the NFHS partnership and the officiating industry.
TState of Officiating Industry
brand it as yours with the NFHS, and also customize it. Take advantage of that opportunity, I think your officials will appreciate it.
here’s an NFHS staff commitment here at the Summit that’s exciting for us. We’ve had more NFHS staffers here than at any time in Summit history, and it really signals where this partnership is going. Thank you for making the commitment and thank you for being here.
With those partnerships we have content opportunities. We talked about content with the newsletter program, the books program. We have more sports being covered than ever before with our partnership. We have customization opportunities for state associations with our partnership that were never out there before. … What that means for your officials is important. You know the old days when you got your officials manual, and if your state did some different things, you might’ve gotten a three-page addendum or something like that, or a handout? You had to stuff it in the back of your book and remember it. You don’t have to do that anymore. Your state can customize your manual and put those addendums and those changes right within the manual, within the official NFHS manual, with the help from our staff in Racine. It’s really a unique opportunity to
The NFHS has made a commitment to Association Advantage. Association Advantage is NASO’s information and support for local officials associations and other organizations that run and manage officials. The NFHS is providing an Association Advantage membership to every single state high school association (see page 1) so they can take advantage of that content and help local officials associations. So, we really appreciate that as well.
We’ve been to the NFHS Summer Meetings a lot in the past as a vendor, but at the recent Boston Summer Meeting we were given an opportunity to be up on the big stage with them. That’s a big deal. It’s important for NASO and it signifies it’s no longer a vendor relationship, that it’s a partnership, and we greatly appreciate that opportunity to be in front of that audience.
More important than any of that, our spirit is aligned more so than ever before. What they are doing, all those things they are doing for sports officials, aligns with what NASO is all about. To me that’s the most exciting part about this.
NASO is having a good year. You know about 30,000 — an all-time high. How did we get there? It’s driven by group membership. That’s the exciting part. Groups as small as 25 coming into NASO collectively, groups as large as 9,000 coming into NASO collectively. That’s
what’s driving the growth. I’m pleased to report to you that for the first time we have all major college conferences in football coming into NASO collectively. We’re very proud of that. The latest to join is the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Why are they doing that? Why is this all happening? Well, it’s advocacy, it’s protection, and it’s education — the three hallmarks, the three legs of the stool for NASO. Yes, insurance is one of the most important things we do, but everybody is figuring out it’s way more than that. We’ve been positioned now in this industry through a lot of hard work, we’re who people turn to when they have a problem. I’ll tell you, we have as many nonmembers calling us for help as we have members. But they’re thinking of NASO. Something happened in that local officials association, or to that official, and they’re thinking of NASO, and they find us and ask, “Can you help?” And we always do, member or non-member, because if we help the nonmember, we think there might be a pretty good chance they’re going to become a member. That’s coming through MICP, the Member Information and Consultation Program, where NASO members can call our staff and get support with needs of local associations and individuals. We field more than 300 inquiries a year through MICP where we can connect people to experts in the industry, whether that’s attorneys, tax accountants, other people who have special expertise in those areas to help you do what you do.
The National Officiating Survey is a form of advocacy. It speaks, it is a voice. The most exciting part about that
survey is that it was your voice, not NASO’s voice. We’re just the facilitator. It’s your voice being heard by all these organizations, changing their policies and practices because of what you all said. To all of the organizations that helped us get that survey out, we are indebted. The Say Yes to Officiating program, a form of advocacy, continues to be a great resource to get free materials to help your recruiting efforts.
All that is coming because we’re trusted. We’ve worked hard to build that trust with your organizations. We don’t take that lightly. We will work hard to continue to have the trust of this industry to be leaders.
The recruiting efforts are commendable. As we said at the opening, the retaining efforts must follow or we’re going to be recruiting until the cows come home. (A nice Wisconsin saying there for you.) We need more windshield time, as we call it. Personal time with our young officials. All the support material that you see here is great, but we need personal relationships. It’s relationships that are critical to keeping those people interested and involved in officiating.
The Summit provides all those same things, as you’re seeing now, as you’re experiencing today and you’ll experience through the rest of it. Because we are all reaching beyond ourselves, we are including all in the conversation, we’re doing it with respect and professionalism. We’ll continue to work hard to earn your respect. We will continue to lead this officiating industry that we love so much, and do it on your behalf, and we will do it together. Thank you very much.
In addition to the most comprehensive liability insurance coverage, a full subscription to Referee magazine and special discounts at hotels and uniform suppliers, NASO members receive the best possible individual price on most books, DVDs and other training products from the Referee Training Center.*
Up Your Recruitment With the ‘Say Yes’ Website
Are you tasked with being the recruitment arm of your local association? Are you in charge of the officiating department at your state association office? Do you just enjoy officiating and want to share the experience with others? Whatever the case may be, you have likely felt as if you were driving a car down a deadend street at some point during your recruitment journey.
The good news is NASO is here for you! Through its Say Yes to Officiating campaign, there are ready-made solutions for your recruitment challenges to keep you moving along.
How-To Guides
Read, download, print and distribute informative, free guides to help you plan and execute your next campaign. Get the Word Out is a practical recruitment piece for local officials associations. How to Keep Good Officials details proven retention strategies. Mentoring in Officiating helps you identify, develop and nurture mentors to increase the likelihood your new officiating recruits remain engaged and committed.
Public Service Announcements
Based on a minidocumentary that premiered during the 2021 Sports Officiating Summit @Home, NASO created a series of public service announcements that are “TV commercial-sized”
and ready to use during any in-game entertainment, web stream or televised broadcast.
Co-branding opportunities are available, and your organization’s logo can accompany NASO’s on the videos which are downloadable and free for any organization.
Social Media Resources
Officiating and social media don’t always have a good working relationship.
Handled correctly, however, social media outlets can prove to be powerful tools for recruitment. When it comes to recruiting young people especially, social media is key. A handy, free guide developed by NASO takes you step-by-step through the process of using social media in your campaigns. Utilize this detailed, seven-step social media plan.
Presentations
Perhaps you have the chance to be in front of a group of officials at a local officials association meeting or in front of a group of non-officials at a school or community event. Whatever the case, feel free to view, download or customize PowerPoint presentations such as Why Say Yes to Officiating
and Why We Officiate. The former will open eyes to the benefits of the avocation, and the latter will serve as a celebratory reminder of why we officials do what we do.
Branding
Take advantage of many great resources to print, post or hand out. All available and downloadable from the website. Brand your recruitment, retention and mentoring resources with your logo and use any of the materials to help the effort of getting people involved in officiating. If it’s time that you up your officiating recruitment game, turn to Say Yes to Officiating at sayyestoofficiating.com for valuable officiating recruitment resources.
The Referee Voices session at Sports Officiating Summits allows presenters to tell a story or give an insight — making you feel good about sports officiating. One of the presenters at the 2023 Summit was Michol Murray.
Murray’s officiating career is a lesson in resilience: Always getting back up, no matter what sort of setbacks befall you. Having dealt with recurring leg injuries, she has fought her way back to the basketball court on several occasions.
Basketball was not Murray’s first love. She played soccer in her youth, but at the urging of her father and some friends, Murray joined her high school basketball team as a sophomore. By her junior year, Murray had secured a scholarship to play D-I basketball at the University of San Diego.
Murray described her college career as “unremarkable,” due to a nagging injury to her right tibia.
“My doctors and I tried everything, crutches, casts, contraptions attached to my leg, but nothing helped,” she said. “Year after year it continued to return. So I was given two options. The first one, I could get a metal rod in my leg which came with its own host of issues, or I could quit playing.
“So I chose the latter.”
Being unable to play meant Murray would have to find another way to fulfill her scholarship. She started working for the USD athletics office; part of the job was to officiate USD alumni basketball games, which was her first experience in officiating. With her coach’s encouragement, Murray joined an officials
A Lesson in Resilience
association. Her first year did not go as she hoped.
“That first year was horrific,” she said. “I absolutely hated it. I could not believe people were getting paid $30 a game to get yelled at. …”
Murray finished the season but quit the following year. She found a way to stay involved with the game she loved by becoming a shot clock operator.
“The funny thing about being a shot clock operator is I still was communicating with officials on a pretty frequent basis and I saw a different side, and that side rekindled that fire within me,” Murray said.
Things took off for Murray during her second officiating stint. A local high school referee, Terry McIntyre, took Murray under his wing. McIntyre helped her enroll in camps, and by the time she was finished with those camps, she was hired by every lower-level college conference in her area. She was picked up by Division I the following year.
Murray got off to a good start in Division I, getting more games and being hired by conferences. But then, out of nowhere, she started losing games.
“Luckily a mentor came around at that time and helped me with some of the perceptions that were out there about me in officiating — I wasn’t taking it seriously enough,” she said. “Trained me. And slowly … things started to turn around.”
Then, in 2017, Murray received a phone call she wasn’t expecting: She was invited to work her first Final Four.
“You have to understand, at that point I was just happy to
REFEREE VOICES LIVE
get to the NCAA tournament,” Murray said. “I was happy if I got a second round. Little did I ever think in my wildest dreams that it was in the realm of possibility that I could work a Final Four.”
Murray was called back to work her second Final Four in 2019. But disaster struck during the first half of the game.
“I was going to make a foul call, the first foul call of the game,” Murray said. “I blew my whistle, I went to put my arm up, and then I felt my femur detach from my lower leg. At that moment the entire stadium started to spiral around me and I realized that I was falling. “
Murray was attended to on the court and then carted away.
“I looked around to try to take it all in, because I didn’t think that I would ever be back,” she said. “I didn’t even think I would be able to officiate ever again.”
But by the time she landed in Phoenix the next day, Murray vowed she would return to officiating in some capacity. She managed to return just eight months after her injury.
Since recovering, Murray has officiated two more Final Fours in 2022 and 2023.
“The funny thing about officiating is everything is great until it’s not,” she said. “So often we judge success by others’ accolades and their accomplishments. But what if we look at it from a different perspective? Instead of measuring success by accomplishments, the true measure of success is when that person gets knocked down and they continue to get back up.”
If you’d like to view other Referee Voices on various topics, go to referee.com/voices.
From the Chair: Lisa Jones
It Only Takes a Spark
Growing up on the south side of Phoenix in the ’70s, I played tackle football (yes, without pads), ran 100-yard dashes in the street (barefoot on scorching pavement), boxed — with socks filled with clothes that you had to hold onto while you punched — and played basketball in the dirt and on a ring we had to readjust on the roof every day before we played, all in one day! The super “tomboy” was on her way, fueled by the sheer joy of playing sports.
As in every story, there are always obstacles to overcome. The first one that I can recall is getting hit by a car at age 5. No, I wasn’t running across the street without supervision; I was sitting on the street curb making mud pies using fresh dirt, some cardboard “cookie sheets,” and the water falling off my oldest sister’s car as she washed it.
My dad told me to go inside and put on some shoes, which I did. A few minutes later, as I watched him leave and head to work, I walked back outside and continued playing in the water. That’s when it happened, and the next thing I knew, my sister was driving us in her newly washed car to the emergency room. I spent many days in the hospital and was homeschooled for a year as I recovered.
I learned many lessons from that experience, but none were as concerning and scary as being told I may need more surgeries so the scar could move with me as I aged. and that my ability to run
and jump might be affected. As my mom explained this to me, my eyes welled with tears as all I could think of was not being able to go outside and play all the sports I loved!
Despite this early setback, I didn’t let it define me or my love of sports. I later played on the boys’ soccer team in grade school and the girls’ basketball team starting in sixth grade. My high school teams became state champions in badminton and basketball as I went on to earn a full scholarship at Arizona State University.
After graduating from college, I was able to use all the sports I played, using that athleticism to become a firefighter. Along the way to an over 27-year firefighting career, I coached my alma mater’s high school girls’ basketball team for three years. I wanted to give back to my community and mentor the girls in my program. I returned every cent I made into the program and loved every minute of being a taxi, bank, confidant, big sister, social worker, tutor, mentor, and basketball coach.
In the meantime, I was also a weekend warrior. I played basketball in tournaments and adult leagues every week. After one of these games, Marla Denham, a former supervisor in the Big Sky Conference, asked me if I would consider becoming a basketball official. At first, I said “not a chance.” Something like, “I would not be caught dead in those polyester pants.” But I took a chance, and that spark started me on the path to one of the most amazing careers ever in women’s basketball. And it was that spark
that took me to NASO.
Three years ago, I received a call from Barry Mano, NASO founder and Referee publisher, asking if I was interested in serving on the NASO Board. After doing some research, I learned NASO is an indispensable pillar of the sports we cherish and is dedicated to uniting, celebrating, developing, and protecting officials across all sports.
I have since learned that members of the staff work tirelessly on your behalf, trying to determine new ways to recruit and retain officials by developing initiatives like Say Yes to Officiating by creating excellent content to educate our members and supporting legislation that prosecutes people who become physical with officials, effectively making our workplaces safer. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity as this was in complete alignment with the hope I had to become involved in officiating in a way that was bigger than myself.
My first official call with the board was during COVID19; the world had yet to return to meeting in person. I met everyone on a Zoom call from my rental car in front of the school I was to work a game at later that evening. I quickly learned the members of the board I met that day are the best of the best, and serving on the board has been a tremendous honor. The board members inspire me to do more and be better in all we do for our community. The camaraderie and respect we enjoy are unmatched by any other leadership group I have
ever participated in.
In addition to my role as a board member, I am thrilled to have been entrusted with the chair position for the upcoming year through the 2025 Summit. This opportunity fills me with excitement and a sense of responsibility to lead with integrity and a deep commitment to the betterment of all sports officials. I am eager to collaborate
with fellow board members to help pave the way for a vibrant and safer future.
On behalf of the entire NASO Board of Directors, I wish you all good health and many opportunities as you pursue your goals and dreams in officiating. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your service and dedication. Thank you for allowing us to serve such
Build Up Your Association
Creating an officiating association takes a lot of hard work. The basic articles of incorporation must cover a wide range of responsibilities, including a structure of governance and bylaws, and there is also the need to recruit members.
Once those duties are fulfilled and the association is established, however, the work does not get any easier. How do you make your association bigger and better?
Reputation is everything.
Officials talk, and they aren’t afraid to let other officials know if their association is doing good work and taking care of them. Does your association have a reputation for conducting its business in a fair and transparent manner? For having its officials’ backs when something goes sideways? For making sure officials are paid on time and treated well by schools/organizations? Building a strong reputation is the first step in building up your association.
Remember your place.
Tearing down another association is never the right way to secure your own foundation. Give officials good reasons to join your group, not bad reasons to avoid another one. Highlight your strengths, not their flaws. You want officials who want to join you because of the great work you are doing,
Recruit, recruit, recruit.
You can’t afford to accept the status quo and say, “We’re good.” You should always be on the hunt for new officials to join your ranks. As an association, you need to figure out what recruiting activities
ASSOCIATION ADVANTAGE
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an exceptional group of people. I wish you much success!
Lisa Jones of Salt Lake City has been a women’s D-I college basketball referee for more than 20 years, including 11 Final Four assignments. She is also a former WNBA official. Jones is a retired Deputy Chief of the Phoenix Fire Department and retired Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Phoenix.
work for you and embrace them. If you wait until officials start retiring or leaving for other reasons to begin filling gaps, it’s already too late.
Retain, retain, retain.
By the same token, the reason your association exists is because of the current membership. Do not neglect them. Give them reasons to stay, including training and education, advancement opportunities, mentorship and any other benefits that let them know they are valued. Make sure they are getting as much bang as possible for the bucks that are their dues.
assigning, legal issues and best practices specific to local officials association management.
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NASO continues to be the leading voice for sports officials across the country. As a byproduct of that, various media, educational, government and news outlets feature NASO in reporting efforts or contact NASO for comments on matters that affect sports officials. Many organizations lean on NASO for important projects across the sports officiating landscape as well as feature various officiating leaders connected to NASO. Here are some recent examples of NASO impact:
High School Fall Sports in Georgia Boosted by Summit Officiate Georgia Day 2024 was historic not only in the 1,700 some registrations through the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), but the impact of the officiating industry event of the year in Atlanta. The statewide officiating-focused event held July 27 preceded the 42nd Annual Sports Officiating Summit which has featured stops in every pocket of the country.
For the second time, and first since 2011, the Sports Officiating Summit was held in Atlanta. NASO partnered with the GHSA and the NFHS to bring the event to the state’s capital city.
Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), the regional PBS and NPR affiliate, covered the event and reported on the significance to the local officiating community
NASO in the News
at the outset of the 2024-25 school year.
“The big week has arrived,” wrote GPB’s Sam Crenshaw. “The players and coaches are prepared, same for the bands and cheerleaders. Perhaps no group is better prepared for the start of this season than the officials thanks to a very special international gathering that took place in our state.”
“Perhaps no group is better prepared for the start of this season than the officials thanks to a very special international gathering.”
GHSA has nearly 500-member high schools and thousands of registered sports officials serving dozens of sanctioned sports.
“We started this process four years ago,” Robin Hines, outgoing GHSA executive director, told GPB reporters. “NASO is a great organization which is an advocate for our officials. We have partnered with them, for many, many years, but to have the opportunity to host here in Atlanta is a really big deal and to be able to have ‘Officiate Georgia Day’ is a huge success. We couldn’t be happier.”
Technology, education, networking, gear, awards and more were all part of the multiday event split between the Cobb Galleria Centre and the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel.
Former
NASO Board Member Takes on NORCECA Role
Pati Rolf, director of officials for USA Volleyball, was recently named President of the Rules Commission for
the North American, Central American and the Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA).
Rolf recently served on the NASO Board of Directors from 2020-24. Her term ended in July.
NORCECA was founded in 1966 when national federations from 12 nations and territories in north and central America joined forces. Shortly thereafter the governing bodies of the United States and Canada joined the federation, and the organization has been legally recognized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) since 1968. Today, NORCECA is one of five federations that make up FIVB. NORCECA’s stated objective is to enforce rules and regulations of FIVB, administer volleyball contests, govern appointment of referees, control the transfer of players, promote the welfare of members and promote the sport of volleyball.
FIVB serves as the governing body for the International Olympic Committee’s administration of volleyball. In 2028, the United States will host the summer Olympics for the fifth time. The Olympics hosted in Los Angeles falls within the geographic territory of NORCECA and will be the first global event of this magnitude for which Rolf will be in the position.
sports section
HOW TO AVOID BURNOUT DURING THE SEASON
by Leah Berard
Burnout isn’t just for CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. It’s now common in our overstimulated and overloaded society (both adults and kids alike). And, many times, people are not aware they are suffering from it, and it’s probably not fully understood by sports officials either. The first step is recognizing it’s happening to you. The second step is coming up with an action plan to deal with it in a productive manner to get out from underneath what may feel like a dark cloud when someone is experiencing it.
Caused by both internal and external factors, such as high stress levels, overcommitment, unattainable expectations and physical exhaustion, many symptoms are the same or like those of depression. And although those who suffer from depression should seek professional help, there are many “self-help” ways officials can prevent burnout from occurring in the first place. Some of the physical and emotional symptoms to watch for include loss of interest or enthusiasm for officiating (or anything you typically enjoy), overwhelming exhaustion, decreased energy or confidence, anger/irritability, inability to focus and lower level of performance than previously exhibited (or inconsistent). Here
are some tips to help sports officials avoid “the big bonk.” Practice self-care. Sports officials work under stressful conditions both during the week as well as the weekends, with consecutive hours of continued high levels of stress on game day. To help combat this burdensome overload to the system, it’s important to engage
just chill out and do nothing in a typical day. As the mind and body have a reciprocal relationship, with one directly affecting the other, it is essential to allow yourself time to relax and take breaks when you start feeling overwhelmed and stressed. A few minutes of doing this goes a lot further in the long run by acting as the
As the mind and body have a reciprocal relationship, with one directly affecting the other, it is essential to allow yourself time to relax and take breaks when you start feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
in activities that promote daily physical and mental health, such as exercising/moving your body, eating healthy/ well-balanced meals and getting enough sleep (7-9 hours is the sweet spot for most adults). Other stress-reducing activities besides exercise include meditation, mindfulness and connecting with nature. They are free, accessible ways to lower stress levels and act as a respite from the suffocating feeling of burnout. Take mental breaks. Many sports officials work full-time jobs, have kids and spouses/ partners as well as officiate several sports. After putting in all that time, there often is minimal to no time left to
foundation to create healthy, energizing brain boosts. The daily grind during the season can take its toll both physically and mentally if the brain never gets a break. Implementing breathing techniques as a tool for relaxation is invaluable, and it’s as easy as downloading an app to your phone or computer (and free).
Be realistic. Don’t make unrealistic demands of yourself (or others). Setting realistic goals can help sports officials manage time as harmoniously as possible to balance their professional and personal lives as well as their extra-curricular passions/pastimes. The “more is better” attitude is a fallacy. Your brain needs a rest too. And it’s
IT’S OFFICIAL - october 2024
not healthy to overload yourself with grandiose expectations that are burying you by trying to attain all of them. Toward the end of the season, it is particularly important to loosen the reins on the expectations in general and aim for lighter, more fun goals. By setting realistic goals, you have time for all your professional and personal responsibilities, which will help you avoid the dreaded burnout syndrome as the season enters the home stretch.
Communicate. As officials, we all know communication is key to success on the field or court; however, putting it into practice can be a bit more challenging. Officials are conditioned to communicate in all situations and under pressure-fueled situations. Yet, it can still be difficult to open up to those closest to them. Take a step back from the emotions and evaluate what they mean. When they are effectively communicated, burnout loses its hold and severity. Officials are in the business of performing at a high level, and it’s natural to feel frustration, anxiety and disappointment at some point during the season grind. Whether it be family, friends or colleagues/crewmates, having a support system in place is crucial. Self-awareness and anticipation early on may also very well prevent burnout later when it might be the worst possible timing (think playoff assignment, etc.).
Be (and stay) positive. In a world where social media is the peanut gallery (think Statler and Waldorf from The Muppet Show) for anything and everything that’s happening anywhere and everywhere, it’s common for officials to become the talk of the armchair critics. Officials already must have
thick skin to deal with criticism from coaches, spectators and players. Scrutiny from the media adds another layer, and officials must have a positive attitude to not let it get them down. If the inner critic isn’t silenced by the doubt creeping in, and it becomes a constant energy zap, it can contribute to burnout. A way officials can combat the noise in these moments is to focus on their strengths and to work on the controllables. If an official does find they are dwelling on unwarranted criticism, reaching out to the support system of colleagues/crewmates is the answer (as well as the reason one should exist).
1. Pause before responding. Let the other person get more words in if he/she wants. Don’t cut him or her off; that only exacerbates the situation. In responding, avoid using words like “but” and “however” because they usually cancel out the first part of a sentence, lessening the message. “I understand the situation but we’re going to have to … ” is an example of how the word “but” lessened the effect of the initial positive statement “I understand.”
There is no shortage of available tools to get help if life starts feeling overwhelming. The key, like anything else, is to develop balance to keep all aspects of an official’s life running like a well-oiled machine.
Leah Berard, St. Paul, Minn., officiated international rugby and now officiates high school and college football.
BASKETBALL
Manage the Conversation
The following is an excerpt from Say What? How to Respond to Players and Coaches, available at store.referee.com.
As a new high school basketball season beckons, so does the need to understand how to have productive conversations with players and coaches during the heat of competition.
Use these tools to help manage your conversations with coaches and players and achieve an outcome that works for all parties.
2. If a coach or player is begging, listen to that person. If a reply is necessary, reply with an even tone. Be brief. Do not use sarcasm or put-downs. Acknowledge that you’ve heard and understood the complaint. That’s not an admission of guilt or error on your part; it merely shows the person you are listening. Many times, all the person wants is to be heard.
3. You may be able to smile or use humor to defuse a potentially volatile situation. Be careful; what you think might be funny may not be to the other person, thus adding to the problem. However, smiles and a deflective word can work in the heat of battle. An official who can chuckle or smile is in control. An official who can’t see the humor in a situation may be perceived as uptight. However, officials shouldn’t get into joke-telling. It’s simply too dangerous because people differ in what amuses them. What you might think is a great joke might offend the listener. Try humor sparingly and make it as light as possible.
4. Don’t ever utter the phrase, “It’s just a game.” Few phrases turn participants to rage quicker than that one. Remember, they’ve worked all week, all season and all their
careers for that game. It is critically important to them, no matter what the sport or level. That phrase is often interpreted by coaches and players as a flippant “I don’t care” response. Basically, it is demeaning.
Follow these tips when dealing with players and coaches and the relationships developed will be positive for the game.
FOOTBALL
Job One (and Two)
By George Demetriou
“It’s hard to remember your job is to drain the swamp when you’re up to your ears in alligators.” Maybe you’ve heard that saying before. Said differently, it’s hard to do a good job when you don’t understand what is expected of you. The role of a football official can be divided into primary and secondary responsibilities.
Fairness. Officials are primarily administrators. Their job is to ensure the game is played fairly and to keep it moving smoothly. The purview of the official can also be described as a judge and, like it or not, that’s part of the job. Some officials view themselves as police officers. While there are similarities between an officer of the law and a football official, the “sheriff mentality” is to be avoided. One of the stereotypes of police officers is they are inclined to make their presence known, whether they need to or not. Examples include back judges who call false starts, wings who call encroachment on the opposite defensive end and referees who offer their opinion on pass interference 30 yards down the field.
Safety. A second responsibility of officials is to ensure player safety. In the big picture, that is clearly the single most important thing an official is expected to do. It is often taken for granted, but nothing is subordinate to player safety.
The official shares safety responsibility with the coach. “Are your players legally equipped?” That question must be asked before every game. After that, it is the official who must be constantly on the lookout for safety violations. Safety goes beyond equipment infractions. Promptly stopping the game when an apparently injured player is observed and ensuring the player receives care are essential acts. Stopping the game when conditions become unsafe, such as a lightning storm, is ultimately the officials’ call.
Promote sportsmanship. An official promotes sportsmanship by enforcing the rules regarding that subject and setting a positive example. That is an inherent part of the official’s primary responsibility, but there are additional contributions that can be made in that area.
Officials are in position to reinforce positive acts. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging a great play or recognizing a gracious act, such as an exceptional effort to avoid hitting the quarterback or staying off the pile. These compliments should be offered in a low-key manner. Officials cannot resort to cheerleading.
Officials can also set a sporting example in the manner with which they deal with coaches. In theory, coaches should be invisible. After all, the game is for the players. However, just like the officials cannot for the most part control how well the players play, they
cannot control coaches. Accept a double standard: Coaches may rant and rave; officials cannot. When a coach loses control, the official must remain a steadying influence.
Help players develop. That is a risky proposition and a credible argument can be made it is not something to be expected of an official. When it comes down to the state championship game, or just about any varsity game, assisting in the educational experience of the players is clearly a secondary objective.
For certain, officials must not coach players. There is a fine line between “coaching” and preventive officiating. There are different opinions on what constitutes coaching, but don’t let that deter you from cautioning a player. Letting a player know his actions are close to being interpreted as a violation of the rules is smart officiating. Care must be taken to not threaten or accuse anyone. As a general rule, the less said to players, the better; it’s an indication the game is progressing smoothly. Building rapport with the participants is part of good officiating. A big taboo is criticizing or threatening players. An official should note infractions and penalize them according to rule. It is inappropriate to lecture to a player who has committed a foul.
If a player persists in being argumentative, keep cool and try to resolve the matter without using a flag. Start with the captain; he may be able to get the riled player under control.
In summary, please remember the official has been hired to ensure the game is played fairly and safely. The official can also make
significant contributions in the development of players, especially with regard to sportsmanship.
George Demetriou has been a football official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo.
SOCCER
Slide Along
By John Van de Vaarst
The slide tackle, except for at very young ages, is a perfectly legal play where a player attempts to take the ball away from another player by sliding along the ground, within the ball handler’s peripheral vision, and contacting the ball before anything else. Here are a few examples of how to handle slide tackles that go wrong.
The momentum of the slide tackle could cause the attacker to fall over the legs of the defender. This is still a legal play provided the legs are near the ground and the attempt was clearly to play the ball. Slide tackles become even more prevalent when the ground is wet, and the player making the tackle could slide further and faster as a result of the wet field conditions.
If one leg is extended upward, it is more than likely a tripping foul. When the referee sounds the whistle for this incident, the defender, teammates, coaches and fans will often let the referee know in no uncertain terms “they got the ball first!” which may be a true statement, but the raised leg caused the tripping foul.
Slide tackles from behind the player with the ball are almost without exception illegal. It is almost impossible to slide between the legs and make contact directly with the ball.
IT’S OFFICIAL - october 2024
In these instances, contact will normally be with a leg first and a tripping foul is usually the decision. Also, this type of slide tackle can cause injury since the player with the ball does not know the tackle is about to happen and cannot adjust their body to prepare for it. Depending on the type of game and how hard the opponent moved toward the attacker, a caution or even an ejection could occur.
However, the referee must be cognizant of what is happening with the other leg. The player can easily sweep around the back of the leg and strike the opponents Achilles tendon and end the season or even career of the opponent. If this is observed, there should be no doubt that the player committing the slide tackle must be ejected (red card). Remember every referee has the duty to ensure player safety.
A slide tackle that makes contact with the ball but the other leg is kicking the knee or area above the shin guard is illegal. This can cause injury and, if not addressed quickly by the referee, retaliation from the other team often follows. The first time this type of tackle occurs the referee should stop play for the foul and, at a minimum, warn the player this type of play will not be condoned.
A very dangerous type of slide tackle is when the opponent slides toward the player, makes contact with the ball, the other leg is straight and the cleats are pointing directly at the opponent’s leg. This is clearly an attempt to injure, and a caution (yellow card) should be issued along with the foul.
If a player slide tackles and has both feet straight and making contact with the cleats in the leg of the opponent, more than likely, this should result in an ejection (red card). This is a deliberate attempt to cause a serious injury and has no place in the game. If this is not dealt with immediately, there will be retaliation by the player’s teammate or the player. Never allow a player to “show” cleats in an attempt to injure.
A more subtle way to seriously injure an opponent is what appears to be a perfectly legal slide tackle where the leg makes contact with the ball.
The slide tackle can be a beautiful play to dislodge the ball from an opponent. However, it must be done legally and not be an attempt to cause injury. Call the foul and enjoy listening to “they got the ball first!” and quietly smile to yourself knowing you got it right. Also, if the foul was an attempt to injure, either purposely or accidentally, make sure the punishment fits the crime. Do not allow this type of behavior in any game. John Van de Vaarst is Referee’s soccer coordinator.
VOLLEYBALL
Postseason Prerequisites
By Brad Tittrington
As the regular season winds down and we turn the page to the postseason, there are several things to understand. Here is a quick guide of the things to be aware of as the calendar rolls over and you make a push to state tournament time. Have fun. The teams have earned a right to be in the postseason and guess what, so have you. The regular season can be a grind. Once the postseason begins, enjoy the experience. Normally there are a few days off between the end of the regular season and the opening rounds of the playoffs. Let the excitement
of the postseason refresh you. Clear your mind, relax and soak in the moment.
Trust your partners. During the postseason, you may be working with officials you don’t work with often, or at all. Remember, the state association picked them for a reason. Trust your partners and work together as a team. Remember, there are three teams on the court — the two competing and the referees. Be the best team on the court. Dance with what brought you. You made it to the postseason and got selected for a reason. Be you and don’t change just because it is the postseason. Do the same things you did during the regular season that got you selected. If you try to set a new line for ballhandling or what coaches and players can and cannot get away with, you risk being inconsistent and having your game fall apart. Trust what got you to this moment.
Be a role model. Remember, not everyone is going to get selected to work the postseason. There are only so many slots and those slots get fewer as the postseason progresses. Work every match like someone who didn’t get selected is watching and trying to figure out how to get selected. Show those officials why you got the assignment and do things the right way.
Stay off social media
Remember, in the postseason, officials are under even more scrutiny. While we should never post where we are working at any point in the season, it is especially true in the postseason. Nothing good comes from posting where you are working or where you recently worked. While you should be proud of the assignments you get, posting on social media can get you in trouble quickly. Don’t use it as a way to showboat and don’t give
fans or coaches the opportunity to track you. Posting your assignments are a quick way to make sure you don’t get any more. Now, this doesn’t mean after the season is over you can’t post a photo of your crew at the state championship. Just don’t post ahead of time when and where you will be working.
Leave a lasting first impression. When you reach the postseason, you may be working teams and coaches you are unfamiliar with working. This gives you a chance to make a good first impression. Make sure your uniforms are clean and you arrive to the location presentable. Show teams you are professional, you understand the gravity of the moment and you are up to the challenge. Coaches are even more stressed in the postseason. Don’t give them reasons to be stressed about the officiating.
It’s OK to be nervous. Working the postseason is exciting and can cause nerves to get the best of you. You should be excited and it is OK to feel those nerves. A lot of times, the nerves quell once the first whistle is blown. Those nerves show you care and understand the moment. Embrace it. Remember, pressure is a privilege.
Never stop learning. Just because you got selected to work the postseason doesn’t mean you don’t have anything else to learn or improve. It’s been said, “When you stop learning, you stop growing.” When you get the opportunity to work with other referees you maybe haven’t worked with before, take the time to learn from them. Make sure to have a proper prematch and postmatch and pick their brains. There is always something to learn from others and add to your arsenal as a referee. And don’t be afraid to share things as well, even if it is
IT’S OFFICIAL - october 2024
your first postseason. Reflect. When the final whistle has blown and your season comes to an end, take time by yourself to reflect on the season. Write down things you did well and things you’d like to work on for next year. Do it now while it is fresh in your mind. If there is a rule or mechanic you are struggling with, spend some time in the offseason to work on it. Be honest with yourself in your evaluation. While it is important to understand your deficiencies, it is even more important to celebrate your victories. Too often, referees reflect only on the negative and forget to celebrate the positives. Celebrate your wins and let those fuel you to be even stronger when next year rolls along. 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.
mistake has occurred when the timer improperly starts the game clock. Officials shall correct such a mistake. The throw-in shall end when the passed ball legally touches an inbounds player. Because the throw-in had not ended when the official blew the whistle to correct the timing mistake, play will resume with a throw-in on the endline, and team A will retain the right to move along the endline. The game clock shall be reset to the time on the clock when the ball was at A1’s disposal for the throw-in (NFHS 4-42-5a, 5-10; NCAAM/W 2-7.6, 5-12.1, 7-6.5).
caught. F9 throws to F6 covering second who tags the base before R1 can return. Ruling: The ball is live and in play. R1 is not out at this time. To retire the runner, he or his original base at time of pitch (first base) must be tagged before he returns (NFHS 8-2-6b; NCAA 8-6b1; pro 5.09c1).
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BASKETBALL
Timing Error During Throw-in
Play: A1 has the ball out of bounds on the endline after a successful try by team B. A1 releases and rolls the ball up the court. The ball is still rolling untouched and is nearly to the division line when the administering official realizes the clock has started but the ball has not been legally touched by any player. The official blows the whistle to stop play. What shall the game clock be set to and where is the throw-in administered? Ruling: A timing
Delay Following Goal
Play: Team A had previously been issued a delay-of-game warning after A1 interfered with the ball after a goal. Later in the game, A2 bats the ball away from team B players after team A’s goal, keeping team B from promptly making a throw-in. What is the result of A2’s action? Ruling: After a team warning has been issued, attempting to gain an advantage by interfering with the ball after a goal results in a technical foul. It does not matter if it is the same player or a different player who committed the first delay and the second delay for that team. In NFHS, it is a team technical foul charged to team A (10-2-1e). In NCAAM, it is a class B technical foul charged to A2 (10-4.1.l). In NCAAW, it is team technical foul charged to team A (10-12.3.a.4).
BASEBALL
Which Base?
Play: With R1 on first and one out, R1 is running on the pitch. B3 smashes a line drive into right center. F9 makes a spectacular catch. R1 is approaching third when he realizes the ball was
Play: With R1 on first, R3 on third and one out, R1 is running on the pitch while R3 holds. B4 bunts a pop-up that F3 is in position to field and likely turn an easy double play. Realizing this, B4 intentionally runs into F3 preventing him from making the catch and doubling up R1. Ruling: Double play; in NFHS, B4 and R1 are declared out. R3 remains at third. R1 is the second out because he obviously would have been doubled up. In NCAA and pro, it is also a double play. B4 and R3 are declared out and R1 is returned to first. Even though the likely double play would have involved B4 and R1, the rule stipulates that batterrunner and the runner closest to home should be declared out (NFHS 8-4-2g; NCAA 8-5e; pro 6.01a7).
Too Late
Play: In the bottom of the last regulation inning of a tied game, with R3 on third there is one out and a 3-2 count on B3. B3 checks his swing and it is ruled ball four. B3 advances to first. The offensive coach announces a pinch hitter. The defensive manager steps out of the dugout and informs the plate umpire he wants to intentionally walk the pinch hitter. Before re-entering his dugout, the coach asks the plate umpire to get help on the last half-swing. Ruling: That is not a timely appeal because the intentional walk serves as the first pitch to the next batter
(NFHS 10-1-4a, interp.; NCAA 3-6f, interp.; pro 8.02c Cmt 3).
Taunting
FOOTBALL
Play: Fourth and 10 for team K from its own 30 yardline. R1 catches the punt at his own 40 yardline and breaks into the clear. At team K’s 10 yardline, just before crossing the goalline for a touchdown, R1 taunts K2. Ruling: In NFHS, the touchdown counts, but R1 should be flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Team K has the choice of having the 15-yard penalty enforced on the try or on the succeeding kickoff. In NCAA, R1 is flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and the penalty is enforced from the spot of the foul, negating the touchdown. In both codes, the foul is a “counter;” a second unsportsmanlike foul in the game will lead to R1’s disqualification from the game (NFHS 8-2-4; NCAA AR 9-2-1 II).
Downing a Punt
Play: Fourth and 10 on team K’s five yardline. K1’s punt hits the ground at team K’s 40 yardline. If the ball has stopped rolling, what does team K have to do to down the ball? Ruling: In NFHS, the ball is declared dead if a team K player touches the motionless kick. In NCAA, touching isn’t enough. In college play, the ball must be possessed in order for team K to down the ball. If no player on either team appears ready to play the ball, the ball should be declared dead (NFHS 4-2-2f; NCAA 4-1-3e).
SOFTBALL
Batting Out of Order
Play: The batting order for team A is Abel, Baker, Charles,
Daniel, Edward, Frank, etc. With no outs, Abel is on second base and Baker is on first base. It is Charles’ turn to bat, but Daniel erroneously bats and hits into a 6-4-3 double play with Abel advancing to third. Team B appeals batting out of order. Ruling: In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, proper batter Charles is declared out for failing to bat and Daniel’s time at bat is negated. The out on Baker — the runner forced out at second — stands and Abel is returned to second base. Play resumes with two outs, Abel at second base and the next batter is Daniel, the player scheduled to bat following Charles (NFHS 7-1-2 and Pen. 1 and 2 and Eff.; USA Softball 7-2D-2 Eff.; USSSA 9-10A). In NCAA, proper batter Charles is declared out for failing to bat, the at-bat of improper batter Daniel is nullified, all runners return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch and all other outs are negated. The next legal batter is Daniel, the player scheduled to bat following Charles (11.19.3 Eff.).
Batter-Runner Steps Back
Play: R1 legally breaks for second base on the pitch. B2 hits a fair ground ball up the first-base line. F3 fields the ball but as she attempts to tag B2, B2 steps back toward home to avoid the tag. R1 has reached second base at the time B2 stepped back toward home. Ruling: In all codes, B2 is ruled out for stepping back toward home plate. In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, R1 is legally entitled to occupy the base reached at the time of the infraction. Therefore, R1 is entitled to remain on second base. In NCAA, runners must return to the last base occupied at the time of the pitch, therefore R1 is returned to first (NFHS 8-2-5 and Pen.; NCAA
12.5.7, 12.10.4; USA Softball 8-2H Eff.; USSSA 8-17G).
SOCCER
In the Parking Lot
Play: After the match has ended and, if appropriate, the referee signs the scorebook and is now entering the parking lot. A1 approaches the referee and uses abusive language while complaining about how the referee controlled the game. Ruling: For games played under NFHS and NCAA rules, the referee still has jurisdiction to caution or eject a player. In this instance, it would be an ejection for abusive language. The referee’s jurisdiction does not end until they have left the site of the competition. For NFHS the referee has power until they leave the field of play and its immediate surroundings. For NCAA, the site is defined as field, locker rooms, parking areas and surrounding areas of the athletic facilities. For a match played under IFAB, the referee’s authority ends when they leave the field of play. The referee should still report the incident to match administrators.
Penalty Kicked
Play: At the end of a playoff game the score is tied and the winner must be determined by penalties. During the course of taking the kicks a player from team A is ejected. This means team A has one less kicker than team B. Ruling: The NFHS TieBreaking Procedure explains team A must use all players who have not participated in the first five kicks. Five different players must participate. For NCAA, team A will have the option of reducing their number of kickers by one. For IFAB, the team with a greater number of kickers
must reduce its number to equal the opponents and the referee must be informed of who was excluded.
VOLLEYBALL
Wrong Server
Play: Team A substitutes A1 for A2. After the substitution, A1 serves two points and then serves the ball into the net. Team B serves for a point, and it is then discovered that A1 entered the wrong position in the service order for team A. What actions should be taken to correct this situation? Ruling: In all levels of play, the referees must cancel the illegal substitution by team A and instruct A2 to return to the court for A1. In all three codes, no points are removed or awarded, and team B continues to serve. Because the team at
IT’S OFFICIAL - november 2024
fault is receiving and it is after the opponent served, all points are retained (NFHS 10-3-7 Pen. 4, 10.3.7C; NCAA 13.2.3.5; USAV 15.9.2.3b).
Expelled/Disqualified Libero
Play: Libero A1 is expelled/ disqualified for unsporting behavior during set one. In NCAA/USAV, only one libero is designated for the set. Ruling: In NFHS and NCAA, that player is ineligible to re-enter for the remainder of the match, the libero is replaced on court by the player the libero replaced and the team will continue play without a libero (NFHS 10-4-3d; NCAA 12.3.1.2.1). In USAV, if the libero is expelled, that player may not re-enter in that set. If the libero is disqualified, that player may not re-enter the match. In either case, the coach or captain may re-designate as libero for the
remainder of the set any other player (replacement player excepted) not on the court at the moment of the re-designation (19.4.2.1, 21.3.2.1, 21.3.3.1).
Conduct Between Sets Play: While teams are changing courts after the end of set two, A1 makes an obscene gesture toward spectators. Ruling: Unsporting conduct that occurs between sets is sanctioned at the start of the next set (NFHS 12-2-9e and Procedure for Unsporting Conduct Violations; NCAA 6.1.2, 6.4.3; USAV 21.3, 21.5). In all codes, this should result in a penalty (red card) to A1. The second referee must ensure the coach is aware the sanction has been assessed. In NCAA, the sanction is only enforced for the set; in NFHS and USAV rules, sanctions carry over for the entire match.
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