Using Wireless Communication Devices

IMPROVE CREW COMMUNCIATION

Motivates Officiating Crew Quick Decision Making Proactive game management tool Direct contact regardless of official’s location on the field Everyone is well informed Motivates Officiating Crew Officials are fully involved Ability to directly support/coach each other during the game (cooperation) Reduce Faults Confirm critical game information Communicate fast and directly relevant information Professional Players and coaches appreciate technology because it increases good decisions and the performance of the officiating crew Development of Officials By letting officiating educators communicate with new officials during a game, they can give instant feedback on specific situations on the field. This helps develop the skills of the new officials. An officiating educator, using a communication system, is able to watch the official’s actions and behavior. If needed, the officiating educator is able to give instant advice and instructions to the official.

GENERAL USE The use of crew communication devices is voluntary and not mandatory The decision on whether to implement the use of a crew communication device is solely the decision of the Referee In order for a crew communication device to be used, all officials of the crew must wear one Referees must facilitate clear communications and expectations with regard to the crew’s use of the device

GUIDELINES All communication devices must use a “push to talk” setting/mechanism All communication on the devices must be directly related to the contest using only appropriate and professional language.  Officials are mandated to refrain from any inappropriate language, derogatory statements or comments in reference to any player, coach, fan, etc. Crews must ensure that the channel or frequency of the communication devices is operating on DOES NOT interfere with any communication devices of the coaching staffs and/or game administration.  It is the crew’s responsibility to avoid channel or frequency conflicts with any other party

PREGAME COMMUNICATION Coordinate a testing of the crew communication devices to ensure proper operation and connectivity to all officials’ devices on the crew Preparation and securing of both teams and/or captains for the coin toss

GAME COMMUNICATION The use of crew communication devices SHALL NOT replace any NFHS approved mechanics, crew communication signals, or other signals designated by the NFHS Game Officials Manual. Crew communication devices are permitted in order to maintain the tempo of a game, allow more timely communication between officials and coaches, as well as between the officials.  Increased attention to detail and consistency is a product of crew communication devices when used appropriately and professionally.

SOME APPROPIATE TIMES TO USE Ball placement Player conduct concerns Clock management Confirmation of rulings Goal line reminders Penalty enforcement options Confirm line to gain Unusual situations Player foul reporting Preventive officiating Sideline issues Timeouts

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES Crew communication devices may be used during dead ball periods only.  Refrain from using during a live ball period, after the ready for play, and especially when the snap or free kick is imminent.  Refrain from using crew communication devices when Referee is communicating or signaling to the press box, with a head coach, or game administration. The crew communication devices are not a substitute for the desired verbal communication that is necessary at times during the game between head coaches and the Referee. Crew members must keep communication short and to the point. Keep chatter and unnecessary comments off the devices.  Total Conversation = Less Is More. 

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES Assume that everybody in the stadium can hear you; these are using standard 2 way radios. Don't let the radios substitute for good mechanics and crew signals. While you assume that both ADs are listening, you can't assume that the rest of your crew is. They are not a substitute for a crew conference.  If the BJ and wing need to decide whether we have a catch or an incomplete pass, they don't use the radio for that.  If both wings have a pre-snap flag, they should still come in and make sure they both have the same foul.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES It's possible for anyone nearby to stumble onto your channel and listen to you. So, it's always a good idea to be careful about what you say.  You never know if the prom queen's grandmother is listening to you! Remember most radio systems are not secure from the public and you need to be careful of the language you use while speaking. DO NOT say anything you would not say over the PA system

Dos Alert U/R for offensive substitutions LJ and/or B alert R on clock status Out of bounds plays After penalty administration 4 minutes (if no visible game clock) 2 minute timing at end of half 1 minute Relay foul information Relay coach’s decision on penalty enforcement Relay lateral ball position after touch back or on try Alert crew to timeouts Relay timeouts remaining

Dos Alert crew to potential fouls and game situational awareness Alert crew to injured player Alert U/R to get offensive linemen up or defensive linemen back Alert to double stakes Getting pertinent information to coach What the fouling player did What the R is saying to the other coach Unusual situations

Dos Relay any coaches’ concerns to other officials Watch holding Timeout after the next play Etc. Speak clearly and calmly Use only when necessary to improve crew communication Charge after each use

Don’ts Use in place of already established signals and routines Use system for idle chatter that is not related to the game Talk on the system when referee is making announcement Use to question another official’s ruling unless you want the flag or ruling to be changed Use when snap is imminent Shout into the microphone