2004 Football Meeting9/15/04

Games – Tom FriederReview New Rule Impact

– Coach Calling Timeout– Conference at Sideline– PSK Rule Change– Visible Play Clock Count

• Identifying Keys for 5-man Crews• Your Pre-game Activities – Make a Good First Impression• What’s a Foul?

– POST Philosophy– Position Review – What Do You Look For?

• How to See What You’re Looking At• Personal Performance Principles

New Rule Impact

• Coach Calling Timeout

• Conference at Sideline

• PSK Rule Change

• Visible Play Clock Count

Identifying Keys for 5-man Crews

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REFEREE: read opposite tackle when

ball is snapped.LINESMAN &

LINEJUDGE: Read tackle or first

ineligible to your side.BACK JUDGE: Read tackle on strong side.

UMPIRE: Read center and Guards.

READS

Initial Reads

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PRIMARY & SECONDARY KEYS OR READ

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Strength to Left

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Strength to Right

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STRENGTH (LJ)

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TRIPS

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TRIPS

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BALANCED

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BALANCED (LJ) - QB SPRINTS TO L - BJ OBSERVE 83

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MOTION CHANGES STRENGTH

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MOTION - STRENGTH SWITCHES TO LJ

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MOTION - LINESMAN REMAIN STRONG SIDE

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MOTION CREATES TRIPS TO LINESMAN’S SIDE

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MOTION CREATES TRIPS TO LINESMAN

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MOTION CHANGES STRENGTH TO L’S SIDE

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MOTION CAUSES TRIPS TO L’S SIDE

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PUNT

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BALANCED FORMATION - LJ DECLARED STRONG

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ZONE COVERAGE AFTER R HAS ADVANCED 5 TO 7 YDS

READ DETERMINES PASS

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ZONE COVERAGE AFTER R HAS ADVANCED 5 TO 7 YDS

READ DETERMINES PASS

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ZONE COVERAGE AFTER R HAS ADVANCED 5 TO 7 YDS

READ DETERMINES PASS

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Running Play: Back Judge Responsibility

LARRY THOMAS, MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION, INC.

Recognize Strength of FormationKey: Tight End

Read TackleRead Keys

Locate POAOfficiate in front of POA

Short – Move up to Cover PileLong – Cover ball carrier and

pile

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THANK YOU FOR STUDING THIS PRESENTATION

LARRY THOMAS, MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION, INC.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS• Prior To Arrival

• Upon Arrival

• Pregame Visit With Coaches

• Pregame On The Field

• Non-verbals

Your Pre-game Activities – Make a

Good First Impression• Contact AD before game (card or call)

– Provide arrival time and driver’s name• Get names of AD and head coaches• People are watching from time you pull into the

school• You are officiating when you pull into town

– Even earlier if you dress at home

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Upon Arrival• Officials should arrive at the site of the game at

least 1 hour before the scheduled game time.– Lateness in arrival is intolerable in officiating.– If you’re not early – you’re late

• Some are habitually late – people don’t like working with you

• Officials should report directly to the game management, thereby assuring them that the officials are present.– Present a professional appearance and take a business-like

approach.– Inquire about any unusual conditions.

• Pre-game

• Half-time

• Field and equipment

Look Like A Ref - Setting Yourself Apart

• Clean, polished shoes every game• Neat cuff on knickers• Sock – as much black between top strip and knickers as there is between bottom

stripe and shoe• White or black turtleneck – all the same• Real football gloves!• Zip the shirt – no t-shirt showing

– trim your t-shirt• Shorts under knickers so stripes don’t show through• Fitted hat• 2 flags• 2 beanbags• 2 whistles, extra lanyard• Down indicator• Clean jacket (black and white, not black and kind of white)• BJ – timing device(s)• Ref coin• Linesman – two clips

– One marks the 5-yard line nearest the rear stake– Other can be used while moving chain

• Mark location of the downmarker – serves as double check

Do we think before we do?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - On The Field

• All Officials:– Enter field together at least 30 minutes before game time.– Perform duties in business-like manner.– Performance and tempo sets tone for way in which game will

be officiated.– Inspect playing field and pylons.

• Referee:– Coordinate the inspection of playing field and pylons.– Direct game management to remove or repair any hazards on

or near field.– Secure and approve game ball(s) with NFHS Authenticating

Mark.– Meet with Timer, PA Announcer

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - On The Field

• Umpire:– Check player equipment.– You are the final authority on legality of equipment.– Do not permit use of any illegal equipment.– Towels or streamers?

• Linesman:– Take care of game ball(s) after referee has approved.– Check line-to-gain equipment.– Ensure that chain is marked at halfway point with tape.– Meet crew and remind them of their duties and responsibilities (with

umpire as a witness).

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - On The Field• Line Judge:

– Check starting time.– Be sure an auxiliary stopwatch, which records accumulated time, is

available.– Assist in getting game started on time.

• Back Judge:– Responsible for securing correct time and carrying an accurate

watch.

• All Officials:– Stay busy, or at least look like it

• Don’t gather

• If one shotgun blast will get you all – you’re too close together

– “Officiate” team offensive warm-ups• Gives you an early look

– Warm up• Do some running and stretching

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Visit With Coaches

• Crew:– Visit each head coach

• Address him by name – “Coach Jones”• Everyone introduces themselves• If you’re on his sideline – tell him

– Even if you know the coach well, refer to him as “Coach.” It is a business meeting as opposed to a social event.

• Give coaches list of officials names, positions and registration number.• Notify then of time to be ready for introductions• Notify them of length of intermission.• Confirm time of coin toss.

– Ask head coach to verify that all players are legally equipped and ask if any players need inspection

• Secure any documentation– Ask about any unusual plays or formations– If a coach describes a play that involves something illegal, point out the

problem. • If the coach tries to argue the legality of the ploy or insists he’ll run it in spite of your

warning, end the conversation with a statement like, “That’s your choice, Coach, but I want you to know that if you run it as described, we’ll have to flag it.”

– Secure name of coach who will be responsible for sideline control – Secure name and numbers of captains and ask if he has a preference as to

which captain will do the talking

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Visit With Coaches

– Remind the coach about the emphasis on sportsmanship• NFHS rule 1-1-5 requires referees to “explain to the head coach(es) and

captain(s) that everyone is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship throughout the game.” Ask for the name of the “get back” coach.

– A coach may say, “We watched film of their last three games, and number 70 holds on every play.”

• A suggested response is, “Thank you, Coach. We appreciate the heads up.” Be polite and sincere, but don’t promise to pay special attention to the matter or otherwise indicate you took the bait.

– Some coaches will bring up plays from previous games and ask if they were handled correctly.

• Don’t provide a lengthy interpretation or criticize another crew. Remember that some coaches will (inadvertently or purposely) leave out key elements of the play. Try to end that conversation with a non-committal statement such as, “I’d have to see it in person to give you a good answer.”

– Depending on certain factors, there may be other things to cover, such as any contingencies for the game in case of weather problems. Umpire:

– Wish him good luck

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - On The Field

• The Coin Toss:– Discussion –

When should you hold it?

– Federation Mechanics

• Get captains at 5 minutes before game time

• Toss occurs at 3 minutes before game time

• Getting Captains– Remove

Helmets

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - On The Field

• Alternative– Referee faces

scoreboard

– Others escort captains

• As per diagram or switch LJ and U

The Coin Toss – continued• Have captains face

each other with their backs to their sideline.

The Coin Toss – continued• Alternative

The Coin Toss – continued• Have captains introduce themselves to each other• Introduce the crew (by name) to the captains• Show coin to spokesman

– Point out which is heads, which is tails

• Instruct visiting captain to call toss before you flip it• Inform captains if coin is not caught, you will toss again• Umpire steps forward to witness toss• Ask for captain’s call• Repeat the call, then toss the coin

– Catch it and turn it over (or not). Just do it the same all the time• Winner of toss may choose to kickoff, receive, defend a goal, or defer his choice

to the second half– NASO recommends not giving the option to “kick”

• If captain defers– Place hand on his shoulder and give “declined” signal to press box

• Place captains in position facing each other with backs toward goal they will defend

• If choice is to kick or receive – only the first selection is signaled• If choice is to defend a goal

– Point both arms toward the goal being defended– Give the appropriate signal for the other team

• Remind captains of sportsmanship• Dismiss captains

FIRST IMPRESSIONS – After the Coin Toss

• Officiating crew should gather in the center of the field to confirm and record captains choices and kickoff positions.

• If not completed, Linesman and Umpire meet with chain crew

• Go back to work – don’t just stand around• Do it the same for second half

• Overtime– Mechanics are the same except for choices

• Offense, defense, end of field– Signaling choices

• Have teams line in the direction they will be going• Tap the shoulder of the toss winner and give first down

signal in the direction you will be going.

7/25/00 Jerry Bovee, UHSAA 43

Crew/Team Concept

• Communication is Key – discuss it• Final Reminders

– Hustle don’t hurry!– See it all, don’t guess.– Each play lasts about 7 seconds-be sharp– Dead ball officiating– Watch people, not the ball! Off-ball coverage– Dispense Character & integrity tonight– Be Professional– See the ball before you blow a whistle– Let’s have FUN!

Non-Verbal Communication

• You are communicating the minute you arrive at the site or walk on the field.

• How you carry yourself, how you look – what your body says – sends a powerful message.

• Body language encompasses all non-verbal communication.

• 75 to 90% of communication is non-verbal

What Does This Official’s Body Language Tell You?

• Physical nervous reactions to doubt – they let people “see you sweat.”

• Common cues– Sideward eye movement– Shaking your head– Head tilted to the side– Tense mouth– Pursed lips– Touching forhead, mouth or chin

• Men’s common cues– Rubbing the chin, tugging at ears– Rubbing forehead, cheeks or back of neck

• Women’s common cues– Putting a finger on lower front teeth with mouth

slightly open– Finger under the chin

• Baseline, emotionless face reflecting calmness

• What it means– Sends a strong emotional signal: “Do

Not Disturb”– We adopt such neutral faces to keep

others a polite distance away, such is malls, elevators, etc.

•A self-comforting posture used to alleviate anxiety and social stress.•What it means

•With arms and elbows pulled tightly to the body, reveals acute nervousness or anxiety•Held less tightly with elbows elevated and projecting away from body, it presents a guard-like stance, suggestive of arrogance, dislike or disagreement

• Produced when people are irritated. A nonverbal cue that the body is ready to defend against those who overstep their bounds.

• Often observed when athletes just lost a game or got beat on a play

• What it means– Keep away from me

• Do– Make eye contact– Face the coach

• Tells coach you have confidence and won’t be stared down.

• Shows respect and that you are willing to listen

– Hold arms either relaxed at side or crossed behind your back

• Conveys openness and lack of fear or anxiety

• Don’t– Look or walk away

• Shows disrespect• May be seen as fear

– Cross arms• Shows defensiveness

• Eye Contact– Often an emotional link is

established as two people simultaneously observe each other’s eyes. Thus, eye contact rarely lasts longer than three seconds before one or both viewers experience a powerful urge to glance away. Breaking eye contact lowers stress levels.

• What does it mean? – It shows you are paying

attention and in that regard can be viewed as a sign of respect. Stare too long or too intently and eye contact can be viewed as a sign of aggression.

When meeting coaches and captains before the contest …

• Do – Smile and make eye contact with

them, offering handshakes. Stand erect, but relaxed with your hands at your sides. Such actions show an approachable openness and that you are human and not the dark evil force out to punish them.

• Don’t – Take a nonchalant posture,

indicated by a slight slouch, putting your weight all on one leg or turning your body at an angle away from the coach or player. That shows indifference to the game and to the participants. Do not look around the field or gym while meeting coaches and players, as that indicates distraction and a sense that you don’t want to be there.

When spectators are yelling crude and obnoxious taunts

at you …• Do

– Continue to stand tall and show confident facial expressions as that will show both the players, coaches and fans that negative remarks are like water off a duck’s back. Focus your eyes on the field or court, even when there’s no play occurring.

• Don’t – Turn to look directly at a heckler

(unless it’s come to the point at which you need to identify the person for removal from the premises). Avoid outward signs of agitation, such as bristling your posture, wringing your hands or shaking your head.

•Go to an area away from players and coaches•Stand erect, yet relaxed•Blank face expression•Arms folded is okay as long as you don’t pace or shuffle your feet nervously

•Maintain good posture• Don’t sit down unless its an extended break such as halftime AND you are visibly removed from onlookers•Avoid standing with arms on hips

•Indicates aggressive anxiety•Avoid pained or annoyed facial expressions

• Do– Take partner aside– Huddle close, folding your arms across

your chest• Tells onlookers to stay away

– Casually hold hand near mouth to muffle your voice and helps camouflage any unconscious facial contortions.

– Nodding the head is fine as it indicates agreement with your partner

• Don’t– Avoid huddling near players– Don’t send easily read cues of

disagreement such as shaking your head, drooping shoulders, pointing at partner, throwing your hands up.

– Avoid facial expressions of any kind, especially rolling eyes or grimacing. Even happy expressions such as smiling or patting him on the shoulder could be misinterpreted.

What’s a Foul?

• POST Philosophy

• Position Review – What Do You Look For?

POST

• Point of Attack– If the foul is here, it has an impact on the play

• Obvious– If everyone sees it, you better call it

• Safety– Clipping, Facemask, etc.

• Talk-to– If it’s not a P, O, or S - it’s a T

What Makes You Throw a Flag?• What do you look for?

– Umpire• Holding• Illegal blocks

– Wings• Illegal formation• Pass interference

– Back Judge• Delay of game• Pass interference

– Referee• Roughing• False start, illegal shift by backs

Judge Pass Interference

How to See What You’re Looking At• Two types of vision

– Tunnel• Concentric, to the center

– Peripheral• To the sides

• Drive down the road and look at the car in front of you– You see it has a license plate but can’t read it– Focus on license plate – you can read it but can’t see the car’s rear window

• Usually use peripheral– We perceive what’s happening around us but don’t focus on any one thing– Like watching the field– About 180 degree field of view

• Test by holding your hands straight out– This is your early warning system, flinch vision

• Tunnel vision is very different– Not bad – different– Field of vision reduced to 3 degrees– If you’re concentrating on looking at the ball – you miss the clip or facemask

• Preventing tunnel vision– Keep eyes moving

• If you move eyes every 2 seconds, you won’t drift into a fixed stare• Once your eyes lock onto an object for 2 or 3 seconds, your vision converts to tunnel

• Having trouble – keep your eyes moving

Personal Performance Principlesfor Sports Officials

• Be competitive. The players give maximum effort; so should you – every game. Tell yourself, "I’m not going to let this game get away from me. I am better than that." You are hired to make the calls that control the game – make them!

• Have your head on right. Don’t think or act as if your uniform grants you immunity from having to take a little criticism, which goes with the territory. Plan on it. Effective officials know how much to take before responding. Knowing where to draw the line is critical.

• Don’t set up a showdown. If a coach is on your back but not enough to warrant a penalty, stay away from him. That is especially true during timeouts and other breaks in the action. Standing near an unhappy coach, just to show him who’s boss, will do nothing but lead to further tension and acrimony. Some officials develop irritating habits. Don’t be one of them.

• Get into the flow of the game. Each game is different. Good officials can feel that difference. Take note if the tempo of the game changes. A ragged game calls for a different style of officiating from a smooth one.

• Never bark. You don’t like to be shouted at, so apply the same philosophy when dealing with others. Be firm when necessary, but use a normal relaxed voice. That approach works wonders in helping you reduce the pressure. Shouting indicates a loss of control of both yourself and the game you’re working.

• Show confidence. Cockiness has absolutely no place in officiating. You want to exude confidence. Your presence should command respect from the participants. As in any walk of life, appearance, manner and voice determine how you are accepted. Try to present the proper image.

• Forget the fans. As a group, fans tend to exhibit three characteristics: ignorance of the rules, highly emotional partisanship and delight in antagonizing the officials. Accepting that will help you ignore the fans and concentrate on the job at hand (unless fans interrupt the game or stand in the way of you doing your job.)

• Answer reasonable questions. Treat coaches and players in a courteous way. If they ask you a question reasonably, answer them in a polite way. If they get your ear by saying, "Hey ref I want to ask you something," and than start telling you off, interrupt and remind them of the reason for the discussion. Be firm, but relaxed.

• Choose your words wisely. Don’t obviously threaten a coach or player; if you do, that will put them on the defensive. More importantly, if you threaten, you have placed yourself on the spot. If you judge that a situation is serious enough to warrant a threat, then it’s serious enough to penalize without invoking a threat.

• Stay cool. One of your goals is to establish a calm environment for the game. Nervous, edgy officials are easily spotted by fans, coaches and players alike. Avidly chewing gum, pacing around or displaying a wide range of inappropriate emotions prior to or during a contest will make you appear to be vulnerable to the pressure.

The Season Is Heating Up

Work Hard

Be Professional

Be Safe

Have Fun