Training for the Chief Referee USRowing Annual Convention December 6, 2008 “Chief” USRowing Referee Committee 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Why chief referee?? Rule 2-102 requires that a chief referee be appointed Rule 2-103: Duties of the Chief Referee (*) assign the functions of all other race officials shall be President of the Jury shall verify the existence of safety requirements at the regatta site, and shall execute an appropriate document reporting his or her findings … shall perform such other functions as are assigned under these Rules Our focus is the chief referee for a USRowing registered regatta … 2008 USRowing Annual Convention 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

The USRowing registered regatta program is the means to providing the level playing field that is created by having licensed officials administer the Rules of Rowing Aside from insurance, registered regattas provide that … certain officials (starter, referee, etc.) must have a USRowing license  providing assurance of a consistent application and interpretation of the USRowing Rules of Rowing jury decisions can be appealed to USRowing via the Referee Committee The chief referee serves as the “on-site administrator” who must assure that the competition satisfies the intent of the Rules for fairness and safety. 2008 USRowing Annual Convention 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Today’s objectives for chief referee training: role and importance of the chief referee decision-making when confronted with adverse conditions conflict resolution 2008 USRowing Annual Convention 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Role & Importance of the Chief Referee USRowing Annual Convention Atlantic City, NJ December 6, 2008 USRowing Referee Committee 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

What is a successful regatta? Obviously - safe & fair Are there other elements to a successful regatta – Yes! How about making sure it’s fun? Advances the sport & the participants Athletes Referees & Candidates Assignments, scheduling & welfare Local Organizing Committee Volunteers Spectators Everybody was a “newbie” once! Contributes to the community (or at least doesn’t detriment) 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Chief Referees & Consistency 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Chief Referees – Rule 2-103(*) (a) The Chief Referee: (1) shall assign the functions of all other race officials at the regatta; (2) shall be President of the Jury; (3) may act individually as a race official as described in Rule 2-104 (“Officials”); (4) shall verify the existence of safety requirements at the regatta site, and shall execute an appropriate document reporting his or her findings and shall send it to USRowing headquarters; (5) shall perform such other functions as are assigned to him or her under these Rules. (b) If these Rules call for a decision by the Chief Referee, the Chief Referee may refer such matter to the Jury for resolution. (c) Assignment or appointment of race officials made by the Chief Referee, including members of the Jury, shall be subject to review and revision by the USRowing Referee Commission but shall not otherwise be subject to challenge, review or protest before the Jury or another race official. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Chief Referees – Rule 2-103(*) (a) The Chief Referee: (1) shall assign the functions of all other race officials at the regatta; (2) shall be President of the Jury; (3) may act individually as a race official as described in Rule 2-104 (“Officials”); (4) shall verify the existence of safety requirements at the regatta site, and shall execute an appropriate document reporting his or her findings and shall send it to USRowing headquarters; (5) shall perform such other functions as are assigned to him or her under these Rules. (b) If these Rules call for a decision by the Chief Referee, the Chief Referee may refer such matter to the Jury for resolution. (c) Assignment or appointment of race officials made by the Chief Referee, including members of the Jury, shall be subject to review and revision by the USRowing Referee Commission but shall not otherwise be subject to challenge, review or protest before the Jury or another race official. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

2-103 (b) If these Rules call for a decision by the Chief Referee, … Non-Decision Making 2-102, 2-103, 2-105, 2-202, 2-302, 2-503, 2-605, 2-606, 2-607, 3-201, 5-301, 6-103, 6-104, 6-106, 6-301, 6-309, 8-104, 8-105 Decision Making 2-201 Suspending Racing 5-206 False Entries 5-208 Illness of Competitors 5-310 Masters Nationals 6-108 Substitutions (Trials) 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Local Organizing Committee – Rule 5-102 (excerpts) Each regatta shall be sponsored by a local organizing committee, which shall be responsible for its operation. The duties and powers of the local organizing committee shall include: (d) determining the events to be offered at the regatta, establishing the applicable progression system, and where necessary, devising a progression system where the number of entries is beyond the capacity of existing systems; (e)… establishing the racing schedule; (h) providing for the course as described in Article VII of these rules; (i) providing for the comfort and convenience of competitors, teams, race officials, and spectators; (j) appointing a Regatta Director (Rule 5-103), a Regatta Secretary (Rule 5-104), a Control Commission (Rule 5-105)… 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Chief Referee Characteristics Safety Demonstrated commitment to having a safe regatta Rules of Rowing Knew the Rules (local rules, too) and enforced them Planning Proved to be prepared and organized Teacher Provided Referees the chance to learn and develop Accessible Located himself/herself to be easily seen or found 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Chief Referee Characteristics Temperament Kept an even temper Communication With Referees before the regatta Feedback Received and used feedback from the Referees Supervision Supervised the Referees Referee Assignments Made fair Referee assignments Problem Resolution Solved problems 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Chief Referee Characteristics Local Organizing Committee Relations Positive interactions with the LOC – partners Referee Assignments Rotated and, where practical, allowed time off the water Referee Duties Explained Referee duties and provided training where needed Conflict Handled protests, resolved conflict 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Results of Participant Survey Top 3 Interacted w/LOC Enforced the Rules of Rowing and the local rules Demonstrated commitment to having a safe regatta Bottom 3 Supervised the Referees Rotated the Referee assignments Kept an even temper Communicated with Referees before the regatta 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

What is “tone”? …the prevailing or predominant style, character, spirit, trend, morale, or state of morals of a place or period… 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

What “tone” isn’t… Yelling at crews Penalizing crews Excluding crews It’s not about sending messages! 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Examples of Regattas with Good & Not so Good Tone What were the characteristics you noticed? What about issues related to how the Referees worked together – or didn’t? What can you do to foster a good positive tone within your Referees? 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

In conclusion… 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Preparing for, and managing “adverse situations” USRowing Annual Convention Atlantic City, NJ December 6, 2008 USRowing Referee Committee 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Components of the Environment Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Safe Unsafe Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Safe Unsafe Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Safe Unsafe Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Safe Unsafe Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Safe Unsafe Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Safe Unsafe Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Regatta Risk Management Safe Unsafe Weather Skill Level of Crews Type of Boats on the Water Referees Volunteers Venue Logistical Support Time of Year Experience Level of Chief Experience Level of LOC Emergency Response Support 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Weather … … it happens, we cannot control it, but we can certainly plan for it. Season and Geography  general expectations of how expected conditions will affect: the safety and comfort of the participants, officials, and other technical staff the fairness of the competition Local Forecasting  necessary to plan specific contingencies reaction plans and facilities for severe weather responses prioritization of events and races alternate schedules 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Predicting the future … forecasting the weather for the regatta Season & Geography either rely upon your own knowledge and experience, or that of other trusted “experts” Local Forecasting monitor 3-5 days in advance, e.g. www.wunderground.com 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Planning for Weather-Related Contingencies Anticipated disruptions to the schedule re-order to ensure priority events compress centers and/or seed to a final only eliminate non-priority events Decisions start with pre-regatta consultation with other “interested parties” organizing committee coaches sanctioning organization Major regattas should, nowadays, have a weather contingency plan “in their hip pocket” that can be used to guide rational and defensible decisions when confronted with unsafe or unfair conditions. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Implementing a weather contingency plan… re: http://www.culcom.net/~weaserg/WEATHERCONT.HTM In the event of bad weather that could jeopardize the safety of competitors, the MSRA has established the following contingency racing plan for the regatta.  Safety and fairness are of central importance. The decision of the Chief Referee, the members of the Executive Committee and a representative from the LOC on races will be final.  Discussion from school administration, coaches, parents organizations, or athletes will not be permitted.  It is the responsibility of each program to inform their rowers, parents and coaches of the rules which could be put into effect. In the event that 1 to 4 cannot be implemented, the Chief Referee, the members of the Executive Committee and a representative from the LOC reserves the right to select events that can be run depending on the time, weather, and safety. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Managing acute threats to safety or fairness, e. g Managing acute threats to safety or fairness, e.g. unsafe water conditions, storm cells or fronts, etc. Decision time… stop some event classes (e.g. 1x or 2x) while continuing with others (e.g. 4+ and 8+) clear all competitors and personnel from the water 2,000 meter sprint course vs. 6,000 meter head race The Chief Referee can, and when necessary, should, make these decisions unilaterally when is it necessary for the Chief to act unilaterally? Practical considerations: how to implement once a decision is made how to make a “good” decision 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Rules of Rowing 2-201(*) If the Chief Referee finds that either of the requirements of safety or fairness described in Rule 2-101 (“Primary Duties of Officials”) cannot be met under then existing conditions, he or she shall stop or suspend all racing until such time as safe and fair conditions are restored. The Chief Referee, if possible, shall consult with the local organizing committee either before suspending racing, or as soon as practical thereafter. If the Referee or Starter… 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Implementing a decision to stop racing (whether some events, or all events) First decision is typically “stop launching crews” … communication is to the control commission and dockmaster Second decision is whether to implement a “staged shutdown” vs. an immediate evacuation of the racecourse a staged shutdown of the schedule is preferred if conditions will allow the safe completion of events already launched must determine whether to recall any events just launched ahead of the stop an immediate evacuation of the racecourse is implemented if conditions will not allow completion of racing for the crews already on the water recall crews in the traffic pattern for warm-up and approach to the start bring down crews staging for the start 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

clearing the racecourse … have a plan!! who needs to be informed of the decision to clear the racecourse, and how will this decision be communicated? e.g. dockmaster, marshals, start officials, and umpires will the various personnel who will manage the order to “clear the course” all do so following the same script? as necessary brief officials, staff, and competitors of the plan are there alternate “beach and take-out sites” that can and should be used? what information will be required to gain assurance that the course has been cleared of all competitors and personnel? 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Make a “good” decision to either continue racing, or to call a halt … the safety of each and every competitor who is entered in the event is the paramount concern if one crew cannot handle the conditions, then it must be considered unsafe for all the capability to respond quickly and efficiently if a crew is in distress enters into equation e.g. adequate rescue capabilities may justify tolerating a higher risk for a crew swamping in rough water while otherwise continuing racing aside from unsafe water conditions, evaluate whether a combination of wind, temperature and rain pose a risk for hypothermia when challenging weather conditions are present, everyone appreciates a decisive Chief Referee, even if they do not agree with the decision 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

In conclusion… 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Chief Referees & Conflict USRowing Annual Convention Atlantic City, NJ December 6, 2008 USRowing Referee Committee 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Causes Disappointment Embarrassment Frustration Perception of injustice Lack of knowledge of the rules Life ruined/future destroyed 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Do’s Defuse – express a desire to learn all of the facts Address head on Stay calm Take time if you need it to determine the facts Set a time to reconvene Allow doors to stay open (e.g. protest) 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Don’ts Yell Say things like “grow up”, “give me a break”, “are you kidding me?” or “how much air is there on your planet?” Place blame Duck responsibility Make the situation a win or lose proposition 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Decision Making If you feel your knee jerking you may be headed toward a mistake. Never forget the law of unintended consequences and that no good deed goes unpunished. Remember where you are – you must vary your style and approach to conflicts based on the environment. In the many instances you are dealing with people who are at a significant disadvantage to you… Don’t know the rules – coaches included Are younger, in some cases significantly They are often upset while you are coolly rational They have never been in this situation and you have They have no training to handle these situations and you do 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

The Chief Referee’s version of “presumption of innocence”. Let them row! 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Case Studies Weigh-ins Direct to finals without heat Overweight rules based, threats Direct to finals without heat rules based Overweight Medical Intervention Lane violation Weather delay/termination creative solution 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Weigh-ins Conflict: A coxswain missed the weigh-in window for the final by 12 minutes. The coxswain’s grandfather objected to the exclusion of his granddaughter’s boat from the race. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Finals, no heats Conflict: A competitor missed the heat and wanted to be included in the final. She missed the heat because she checked the schedule on the internet over the weekend before traveling to the regatta. At that time, the heat was scheduled for Thursday morning. The final schedule had the heat on Wednesday morning. She arrived Wednesday evening and requested inclusion in the final. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Overweight Conflict: At the end of the weigh-in window for the heat, the competitor was half a pound overweight. The competitor asked to race anyway. She said that it was her last race, her children were there to watch her and she wasn’t competitive anyway. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Medical Intervention Conflict: The coach/father of a competitor wanted her to race in three hours, despite a medical issue. The athlete passed out about 1,000 meters into her race. She was removed from the boat and taken to the medical tent. She regained consciousness before she got out of the boat but fainted again before reaching land. She was conscious at the time of the discussion with her coach/father and the Chief Referee. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Lane Violation Conflict: A boat left its lane on the Derby, CT course and was eliminated. The coaches argued that the boat was so far in front of the fourth place finisher that they did not gain an unfair advantage and consequently should advance. Coxswains had been alerted at the coaches and coxswains meeting that cutting the corner would result in exclusion. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

Weather Delay Conflict: High winds and snow delayed racing to the point where not all heats could be run. High stakes regatta and problems have sometimes resulted in litigation. The progression is dictated by the selection procedures. 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing

In conclusion… As Chief Referee, do you have to make every decision yourself? What other approaches can be used? Ombudsman Chef du Lac Jury 2007 Referee Training School: Rules of Rowing