Professionalism and Preparing for the Game Rod Ammari

Remember the friendship, not the games Why do we officiate? Remember the friendship, not the games

Professionalism How do you arrive to a football game. What are you wearing? How are you dressed? Jeans? Shorts? Coaches and administrators will remember you based on a first impression. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression In the age of social media and cell phones, you are on stage from the moment you step out of your vehicle to the moment you leave the stadium/school facilities (and after) (bar, restaurant, work) What time do you arrive? How do you treat school staff? Ball Boys? Chain crew? Band director?

Weekly routine Continue to work out when the season starts Develop a system to keep yourself in the rulebook. Rules knowledge becomes important the later you get into the season and playoff spots are being determined Hydrate during the week Develop and maintain a stretching routine (very important the more “seasoned” the official)

Game Day Routine You need to get into a routine so every week is the same Pack your bag the same way every time so you know you did not forget anything (top to bottom, inside out, whatever works for you) You need to be prepared to focus for 5-6 seconds, 150-175 plays per game Hydrate (Hydration actually needs to start 2-3 days before the game) Eat a meal prior to the game Eat a snack at halftime (protein bar). Your mind needs fuel. You should be mentally exhausted after a game, not just physically tired. Carry something for between quarters (GU, Gatorade chews, small bar). Feed your brain. What time do you arrive at the game site (And how are you dressed?) Dress for the game properly. You only give a first impression one time.

Responsibilities during pregame Be prepare to have a meaningful discussion in pregame as it relates to your duties. During pregame, be focused and do not be dressing if possible. Discuss goal line coverage and pass coverage LJ – how are you going to communicate with the referee on first down, measurements, ball mechanics Discuss measurements Own your position. Don’t expect help. Expect to get it right. Don’t lie to a coach if you don’t see a play

Pregame responsibilities. What do you do when you go out on the field? DO NOT JUST STAND AROUND DURING PREGAME!!!! Find something to do to prepare for the game. Speak to coaches Inspect sideline, check pylons, 4 on your side and goal post cover Walk the 9 yard marks Instruct chain crew properly. Instruct the box man as to what the tape is for and explain questions to him. KNOW BEFORE THE PLAY if you are ahead or behind the tape. HL – Bring your own tape and place a piece on the inside bill of your cap for the chains. Also carry a zip tie in your hat. Identify medical personnel Watch passing drills at sidelines. Use this as a time to prepare your eyes for the game Watch BOTH teams running their offenses Know where your team locker room is so you can bring the team captains and the team out on time for the coin toss (and know how to get back to the field)

General Guidelines SLOW DOWN!!! Make it big. It should be obvious to everyone what you are calling Process the play. If you think it’s a foul, its not a foul Every officials job is to make the referee look good Always move with a purpose. is there a purpose for the movement? Ensure every foul enforcement is correct. Hustle, but don’t hurry Always communicate in a professional and courteous manner You are the calming influence when a coach is upset and wants answers

Three Phases of Preparation Before the game during the game After the game Rules study Make the call review film Realistic training don’t let anything have a mentor to help Scrimmages surprise you be critical of yourself Film review be wrong strong watch others film Crew discussions sell your calls help younger officials

Dealing with Coaches & Communication

Coaches are Used to Controlling - EVERYTHING Coaching Staff Players Playing time Scheduling Then for 2 -3 hours on game day, their control is handed over to 5-7 guys in stripes Exchange of power and control with the first handshake

How to deal with Coaches

What is the purpose of the meeting with the coach? You meet with the coaches before the game Discuss with the coach how you will communicate with him during the game Find out if he has a get back coach Discuss how foul information will be relayed Discuss who calls time out, and discuss how you will handle situations inside the red zone. Who can see a coach calling time out? What happens when the coach leaves the box to call timeout? Learning about the coaches you are working, what are their tendencies? Calm, yellers, do they want to be on the field?

If a coach asks for information about a call or situation during the game and you don’t have the information, get it when you can and make sure you always get the information back to the coach, even if its 2-3 plays later. Head coaches are usually given more latitude when “complaining” or ”arguing” with officials – BUT NOT ON THE FIELD Always try to keep the conversation with a coach to the sidelines. If a coach comes onto the field for a discussion, walk him back to the sideline while you are talking to him. He will usually follow you. DO NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE YOUR FRIEND. Anything you say to a coach will be repeated and the message will be delivered on their terms, not yours.

Sometimes no matter what you say, a coach will be unhappy and will need to vent. You must establish a tolerance on what and what is not acceptable to you.

AS AN OFFICIAL, you NEED TO BE ABLE TO READ THE MEANING AND CONTENT OF WHAT THEY ARE TRYING TO TELL US…AND RESPOND ACCORDINGLY

Are they trying to make a point, or are they trying to put on a show for the crowd?

Where is the line……..When is it crossed?

Even a coach who has been calm all game, can suddenly change his demeanor This photo is AFTER his team scored a touchdown