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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 Biegel

A well conducted, thorough communication plan is “preparing to win”!

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Have A Good Game !