Effective Pre-Game Preparation for Sports Officiating
Ensure smooth officiating by following this comprehensive pre-game routine. Covering everything from confirming game details to inspecting the field, these steps help you focus on the game, block out distractions, and be fully prepared. From checking weather conditions to reviewing rules and equipment, this guide covers key aspects to enhance your performance as a sports official.
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Presentation Transcript
Why the Need for a Pre-Game? Focus on the game about to be played Block out the day s issues and distractions, i.e. work, family, etc. Important part of the official s pre-game is a proper warm-up
Pre-Game Keys 24 hours prior to game time: Confirm game time and location with home team s head coach (Referee). Check with HC about any pre-game or halftime activities. Umpire should check-in with Referee. Email or text is fine, with confirmation email or text reply. Otherwise call. If referee does not hear from Umpire, Referee contacts Umpire Confirm time, location and level of game Arrange meeting location for pre-game. Ideally, officials will meet for a pre-game 30 minute before game time. Don t leave home/work without all needed numbers Partner(s), assignor, coaches, AD, etc.) in your cellphone
Morning of Game If there are any weather issues (snow, rain, etc.) Referee should call home team s Head Coach/ Athletic Director/ Team Liaison to confirm game is still being played Note time and location if there is a change Communicate with partner(s) as needed
30 Minutes to Game Time Meet partner(s) Agree on uniform (shirt sleeves or long sleeves, jackets or pants, etc.) Officials must be dressed alike! Review rules for level of competition Is this a high school varsity game or a U11 game? Review Points of Emphasis (POE) and any new rules or mechanics memos from the league or assigning authority. Team tendencies (if known). If any situations have arisen during the season and you were unsure how to handle them talk about it Discussion should be interactive with all officials participating Make sure you have all of your equipment: 2 whistles, 2 penalty flags, pencils, scorecard, tape measure 20-second timing device (if level of play requires it) Coin (if referee for the toss)
20 Minutes to Game Time Inspect the field Look for hazardous or dangerous issues on or near the field. Could include: Exposed sprinkler heads, soccer goal posts, football blocking sleds, fences, storm drains, spectators too close to the sidelines, people (KIDS!) playing behind the goals Look for areas of mud, where surface changes from grass to dirt, etc. Check goal nets for holes Meet with both coaches at the bench-side wing line Only the Referee should be speaking (including questions from the coach) Exception is the other officials introducing themselves
20 Minutes to Game Time (cont) Introduce yourselves. Get the numbers of captains and in- home. Perform the coach s certification. Double check if there are any pre-game or halftime activities. Confirm the face-off time. If there are any issues with the field, point them out to the home team head coach End the conversation with the sportsmanship message: We would like to request your assistance in emphasizing sportsmanship today. As officials we are required and will enforce all sportsmanship rules for players, coaches and spectators. Good luck today and have fun. Shake hands, and then meet with the table personnel and give them their instructions
20 Minutes to Game Time (cont) Timer length of periods, penalties, etc. Scorer player fouling out Cover any specifics as needed Ex. What to do if a player leaves early from a time serving foul While the Referee is talking with the table personnel, the Umpire should be available for equipment checks. He should do this on the far side of the field, at the intersection of the midfield line and the wing line. Referee will join the umpire when he has finished communicating with the table personnel If there are still pre-game items that need to be discussed the officials can use this time to finish those discussions
5 Minutes to Game Time Call for captains for coin toss. Do not use your whistle Officials introduce themselves to the captains and the captains to each other Referee explains any special rules Referee gives short talk about sportsmanship and expectations of the captains This is not the time for a rules lecture or a seminar. Keep it brief! Referee conducts the coin toss; visiting team call it before the flip Winner has choice of goal to defend first or first alternate possession (AP) Referee rotates players so their backs are to the goal they will defend to start the game, and taps the shoulder of the team who has AP
Limited Pre-Game Time Alternatives Call partner(s) night before and review some of the pre-game items If carpooling, talk during the ride to the game site Pre-game via cellphone (hands free device) as you are driving to the game Finish pre-game as you walk to the field or while inspecting the field
Finally.. Game Time! Have fun, work hard, and have a great game!
Questions? Contact: Your LOA s certified trainer USL Official s Education staff at officials@uslacrosse.org Thank you for viewing this presentation Good luck in your next game!
