Before, during, and after the game pro- active communication responsibilities for Lacrosse Officials Consistency in communications between games 1.

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Before, during, and after the game pro-active communication responsibilities

for Lacrosse Officials

“Consistency in communications between games”

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Before the game…

• Contact each member of your Officiating Team prior to arriving at the field.– Confirm time and location of game.– Confirm when and where to meet for pre-game.– Discuss weather forecast / uniform.

• Reach out no later than 12PM (noon) the day of the game.

• This should not placed solely on the “Referee”.– Phone– Text– E-Mail

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Contacting the home school…..

• Print out the Arbiter “Game Details” page for the game. Carry this in the car on game day.

• Are the other official’s numbers in your cell phone?• Click on “Site” and write down the email address

and phone # of school contact.• Email the school contact to inform them you’re on

the game and confirm location and start time. Provide your contact info and attach your PIAA clearance as a pdf file.

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Game Day…• Meet at the pre-determined time and location

– Call your partner(s) if you’re running late!

• Things to Do / Pre-Game discussion– Uniform for the day.– Equipment checks – how many and when?– Rules clarification (InterAc vs. PIAA).– How to handle coaches if necessary?– How to handle a fight if necessary?– Previous experience(s) with the opponents.– How we are going to “Call It Today”?– How to consistently manage “face-offs”?– Walk onto the field together (@ least 20 min before game time)!– Stretch Out / Warm-Up!

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Pre-game with the Coaches“You’ll never have a second chance to make a first impression”

• Talk to the Home Team Coach First... Introduce yourselves Give them the officials “line-up card” Read the PIAA certification (not for the InterAc) Fill out your game day scorecard Ask / discuss any other details (e.g. national anthem, line-up, etc.) How to handle inclement weather / lightning? How will you be compensated? Any rules clarifications / questions? Do NOT judge previous calls!

• Talk to the Visiting Team Coach next.. (repeat)

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On the Field• Check the Field– Goals and nets– Field markings– Conditions (e.g. mud, creases)– Obstructions (e.g. soccer goals, etc.)

• Check with the Table Personnel / Score Book– The table is at least 6 yards from the field if possible.– Any rule changes from last year to review with the

Table personnel?– Keeping track of personal fouls & minutes

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On the Field with the Players

• Call for Stick Checks (far mid-field)• Call Captains for the Coin Toss (5 min before

game time)– Introduce yourselves to the Captains.– Read the PIAA certification / sportsmanship.– Administer the Coin Toss.

• Call the Teams for the Line-up– Any expectations from the Referee?

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During the Game…• Three types of communication

– Audio (whistle and verbal)– Signals / Body position– Eye contact

• Audio (whistle and verbal)– Whistle to start / stop play, vary volume and length.– Talk to your partners during play.

• “I’ve got your sideline Mark”, “Thanks Dale”• “Whadda ya think Dale, are they stalling?”• “I’ve got your goal Mark”, “Thanks Dale”, “I’m back Dale”

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During the Game…

• Signals and Body Position– Know your signals and use them! Over-emphasize!– Announce (signal) your fouls to your partner(s) first.– Be in the right position for the call and to start play.– Show your partners that you’re ready to re-start play.– Adjust your field position to maintain your 3 man “triangle” or keep

your diagonal “string” (2 man) and keep all play in front of you.

• Eye Contact– Make eye contact throughout the game esp. on starts / re-starts.– Watch your partner(s) position frequently.

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During the Game…• During time-outs

– Which team called the time-out, how many left, what time in the game?– Did they get the ball in the offensive zone before calling the time-out?– What count do they get on the re-start, if any?

• After a goal– What color team and which # player scored?

• Between quarters and at half-time (be proactive)– Confirm the score and penalty situation with the Table.– Are we keeping players safe?– Even or un-even face-off? Penalty time remaining?– Everything ok (e.g. coaches, players, contact, sportsmanship)?– Are we calling the game consistently?

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After the game…• The game ends………

– Confirm the score.– Leave the field together after the teams cross on their way to their

benches.– Do NOT discuss the game further with coaches, players, fans, etc.– Get to a “quiet” place and share constructive feedback.

• Did you keep the players safe?• Did your Team communicate well?• Were your calls consistent?

– In the event of an ejection(s) / fight:• Reach alignment on the sequence of events and details.• Contact your assigner immediately after the game.• Confirm who will fill out and submit the PIAA paperwork.

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Quiz Question #1

• If it takes two men two days to dig two holes, how long does it take one man to dig half a hole?

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Quiz Question #1 - Answer

• If it takes two men two days to dig two holes, how long does it take one man to dig half a hole?

• You can’t dig half a hole, once the first shovelful of dirt is removed it is a hole.

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Quiz Question #2

• Which of these topics (with others) do you discuss in your “pre-game” with your crew?

Field conditions?How you’ll consistently manage face-offs?How to handle a fight?Where you’re going for “post-game”All of the above.

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Quiz Question #2 - Answer

• Which of these topics (with others)do you discuss in your “pre-game” with your crew?

Field conditions?How you’ll consistently manage face-offs?How to handle a fight?Where you’re going for “post-game”?All of the above.

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Quiz Question #3

• Which topics do you discuss with each coach in your “pre-game” with them?

Read the PIAA Certification (if PIAA contest)?Field conditions?Where you’re going for “post-game”?If there will be a national anthem and line-up?All of the above.

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Quiz Question #3 - Answer

• Which topics do you discuss with each coach in your “pre-game” with them?

Read the PIAA Certification (if PIAA contest)?Field conditions?Where you’re going for “post-game”?If there will be a national anthem and line-up?All of the above.

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Quiz Question #4

• What conditions should you check?Goals and nets?Clarify field markings?Is the field playable (e.g. muddy)?Obstructions (e.g. soccer goals)?Dangers (e.g. grates, etc.)? All of the above.

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Quiz Question #4 - Answer

• What conditions should you check?Goals and nets?Clarify field markings?Is the field playable (e.g. muddy)?Obstructions (e.g. soccer goals)?Dangers (e.g. grates, etc.)? All of the above.

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Quiz Question #5

• How many times should you read the PIAA certification before a PIAA contest?

Once.The what?????Three.

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Quiz Question #5 - Answer

• How many times should you read the PIAA certification before a PIAA contest?

Once.The what?????Three.

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Quiz Question #6

• Who originally said,“The will to win is not nearly as important as the

will to prepare to win.”?Mark CassidyKevin SchaeferBobby KnightDale Biegel

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Quiz Question #6 - Answer

• Who originally said,“The will to win is not nearly as important as the

will to prepare to win.”?Mark CassidyKevin SchaeferBobby KnightDale BiegelA well conducted, thorough communication plan is

“preparing to win”!

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Have A Good Game !