Game Management, Communication and Teamwork

Overview Game Management Communication Teamwork = consistency Clock Setting the Tone Expectations Communication Non-verbal: comportment, whistle talk Verbal: Coaches – concise, professional tone, non-reactive, language of the rules, signals Players – concise, tone Partner: eye contact, signals Teamwork = consistency Pregame discussion Postgame discussion

What is Game Management? Managing the clock Recognizing and handling fouls Setting the tone of the game Handling Unsportsmanlike Behavior Responding appropriately to players, coaches and spectators Management is a skill that can be learned

Game Management Managing the Clock Make friends with the TIMER Clearly go through expectations/duties with the timer Define what it means for them to communicate to you if something is wrong Knowing their name may help when you need to get their attention Give clear TIME OUT signals Management starts when you arrive at the game. Hand out the Pre-game sheet. This will help with your duties prior to the game. Handout: pre-game

Game Management Managing the Clock Start the game on time Be AWARE of the time on the clock Have the off ball official check with the visible clock each time the clock is stopped and started Keep a back up clock when you can Communicate with your partner when cards are released Know if the clock has an audible horn

Game Management Managing the Clock Listen closely for coaches or players to call a TO especially in close games. The table may call a coaches request for a timeout with 2 blasts of the horn. Time outs are 2 min long Sound the whistle at 1:45 Start play at 2:00 Penalize teams that are not ready When a TO is called during live play, make all players stand, position players for restart, then dismiss to benches In addition to TO, make sure halftime is the agreed upon length and teams are on the field and ready to start on time.

Game Management Recognizing and Handling fouls Know the rules Call the fouls Be consistent Penalty Administration and Fouls are covered in previous lessons but it won’t hurt to reemphasis that you should know the ‘language of the rules’ and continue to enforce them consistently and fairly.

Game Management Recognizing and Handling fouls Card dangerous play. Keep the game safe! Penalty Administration and Fouls are covered in previous lessons. Ask if there are Questions Review the cardable fouls and those that are not required cards but can be carded if excessive or repeated.

Game Management Setting the Tone of the Game Be prepared for anything as soon as the game starts Call the game tight early Make the calls in the midfield rather than hold for advantage Address the coaches’ questions The first 5 -10 mins will ‘set the tone’. Addressing the coaches’ questions may mean that you tell them you will answer later, not immediately. Have the ability to end  the conversation in a respectful way,"Coach, we can further discuss this at a time out, halftime or after the game,"

Game Management Setting the Tone of the Game Communicate spatial expectations: Demand 4 meters of space on foul set ups Have all players “STAND” on 8m set ups so you can clear them properly Move players off lines (draw)  Address creeping early in the game Penalize when needed – use your GREEN card Green card – what are the steps for ‘Delay of Game’ cards.

Game Management Address Unsportsmanlike Behavior Immediately USL Rulebook: There is concern that increasing incidents of unsportsmanlike behavior on and off the field are putting the foundations of girls’ lacrosse at risk. The beauty of this sport comes from girls working together to achieve a skilled, strategic competition between teams while respecting each other, the officials, the coaches and the rules. The committee encourages coaches, players and officials to work together to preserve the spirit of girls’ lacrosse. Positive and sportsmanlike conduct by all is necessary for the integrity of the game. Directly from USL Rulebook

Things to consider…. Verbal Non-verbal Officiating Tools Communication Things to consider…. Verbal Non-verbal Officiating Tools -“Whistle talk” - Cards What is Whistle talk – Loud and strong for ‘big’ fouls and softer for ‘common fouls’. No-verbal communication? Body language may give the wrong signal – ex. Disagreement with partners call. (don’t do that). ex. Signal to your partners that you will cover this area, if they are blocked out. Verbal communication may be a short ans. To a coach or player.

Communication Verbal: Communicating with Coaches Be Calm Be Professional Be Confident Listen Use the language of the rules to answer questions Activity : Coach Interaction Practice and know the “language” of the rules…give an example of things you have heard that do not speak the language of the rules (‘that is not legal!) Look up in the rule book the definition of the slash and empty stick check. Now when the coach asks, you repeat the definition. Make sure what you say is what you are calling. A dangerous shot is a major foul against the GK, while a dangerous propel is a major foul that also has to be a yellow card. Checking towards the head is different than check to the head. (major foul vs. cardable major foul) Concentrate on Comportment scenarios, Umpire-Coach relations, and Communication with coaches.

Communication Communicating with Players Answer questions Diffuse volatile situations Be clear and concise Respect players Emphasize safety at all times Dos Yell at players Escalate negative emotions Threaten with cards Coach players Don’ts On the field, keep your verbal communication to a minimum. Give foul called, what color & number who will get the ball, what color & number needs to move for the penalty and what direction everybody else should be moving away. Tone of voice - ask your partner what you sound like when giving directions. Does it sound like you are yelling? Barking at the players? Are you too quiet? Are you too “wordy”? Don’t respond to spectators during a game - resist that urge!

Communication Non-verbal NON –VERBAL COMMUNICATION Body language SPEAKS volumes! SPEAKS LOUDLY What are you saying without actually saying it? Have class take turns “saying” things non-verbally Show some subtle ones like looking at the ground, putting hands on hips, etc.

Communication Non-verbal Whistle Talk Loud and bold for BIG fouls Short and sweet for restarts, boundaries Cards USE them Big whistle to stop clock, efficient mechanics When giving a card do not lecture.   Demonstrate the card giving process.

Communication Non-verbal Comportment - What is that anyway?! Affirmative, supportive body language Calm, pleasant demeanor Assertive, not aggressive energy Confidence & Competence Non-reactive behavior Positive Attitude Attentive Another form of non-verbal communication is this concept of comportment – what exactly is that? Discuss definition of comportment, (‘personal bearing or conduct; demeanor; behavior’) then roll slide

Game Management, Communication and Teamwork You are not alone … Work with your TEAM! Have a clear and complete pre-game discussion every game Be supportive and encouraging and always be diplomatic. They are your only friend(s) during a game, don’t “lose” them. Smile - What a stress reliever!

Teamwork Pre-Game Field Coverage [C, Lead, Trail] Shared areas & double whistles False starts on the 8m arc Restraining Line: calls, set ups hand-offs Draw responsibilities, [counting] Warnings, clock management New rules, unusual situations, etc., etc. Demonstrate (using experienced officials) a pregame discussion.

Teamwork During the Game Check in with partner(s) throughout the game make eye contact, use directional signals talk through unusual incidents (when the clock is stopped) Support your partner(s)! Don’t challenge them in front of others Trust them to make calls Discuss each point as they appear on the slide.

Teamwork Post Game Leave the field together Post game discussion talk through unusual incidents what could you (as a team) have done better? what could you personally have done better? Consistency

Game Management, Communication and Teamwork…one final note: