The Pre-Game Conference Region 2 youth Tournament crew in Des Moines, Iowa in 2007

Objectives state the amount of time needed for an adequate and proper pre-game conference state the required elements in a pre-game conference state other elements that might be added to enhance officiating team performance state elements of post-game that are important to the satisfaction of the Instructor. At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

PRE-GAME TOPICS  Pre-game time allowance  Minimum time required  Maximum time required  Elements that should be included  6 categories  Elements that can also be added  5 categories  Post-game cool-down/discussion

Pre-Game Conference Minimum – 30 minutes prior to scheduled starting time Maximum – Whatever it takes after taking into account prior experience as a team game level and location/travel other factors that influence decision

Pre-Game Conference SHOULD ALWAYS INCLUDE: Pre-game Inspections Team Mechanics Game Administration Coverage of Boundaries Coverage of Infractions Coverage of Misconduct

MIGHT ALSO INCLUDE: Special Rules of Competition Team Tactics/Playing Styles Characteristics of Individual Players Personality of the Coach Pre-game Ceremonies Pre-Game Conference

PREGAME INSPECTIONS Field: Conditions of Surface Lining (Marking) of Field Goals and Nets Corner/Halfway Flags Game Balls Players: Equipment Roster/Cards Pre-Game Conference

TEAM MECHANICS Which Diagonal A.R.’s Zone of Control Mirror Flags Pre-Game Entry Start of Each Period Checks Positions and Signals For All Stoppages Pre-Game Conference

GAME ADMINISTRATION Pre-Game Conference Timing Recording of Goals and Cards Administration of Substitutions Duties of Fourth Official

GAME ADMINISTRATION Pre-Game Conference Injuries AR on walls Quick counter-attacks OT and PKs (sometimes)

COVERAGE OF BOUNDARIES Touchlines Goal Line The Goal…Good, Bad, Ugly Missed Flags on Boundary Decisions Pre-Game Conference

COVERAGE OF INFRACTIONS Pre-Game Conference Offside Fouls in General Fouls Near the Goal Penalty Kicks Called by the Referee Penalty Kicks Called by the A.R. Missed Flags on Infractions

COVERAGE OF MISCONDUCT Players on the Field Crowd Control / Security Pre-Game Conference

COVERAGE OF MISCONDUCT Mass Confrontations Pre-Game Conference

COVERAGE OF MISCONDUCT Substitutes/Coaches on the Bench Pre-Game Conference

Post-game – Paperwork Accept criticism/feedback - during cool-down - while re-packing - during travel - ONLY among team or with the assessor Limit non-team discussion of events Post-game Conference

SUMMARY Always have a pre-game. Always cover the MUST include items. Try to cover other items if working with new. Listen to other pre-games and learn. Don’t follow bad habits you may see. Experience – learn and progress. Pre-Game Conference