How To Be An “R”

AGENDA Day Before Game Pre-Game During The Game After The Game

Day Before Game Communicate with crew about: – Where to meet – When to meet (approx 25 mins before gametime) – What to wear (have your patches!) Provide Cell Phone numbers in case issues arise Set the expectation!!!

Pre-Game (w/ crew) Meet 25 mins before gametime All games are important! Do not take any game lightly Converse with your crew: – About who the coaches are – Your expectation for the game intensity – Any potential things that might arise – If required…ask your crew to be prepared to discuss situations (i.e. Faceoffs / Crease Play / Head Shots). Get them engaged. Make it a conversation, not a lecture! Discuss any special situations regarding the game, the field, or rules clarifications TRY to come onto the field without a bag…it makes it easier to get off the field at the end.

Pre-Game (w/ Coaches) Home Team 1 st – Find the Head Coach and Introduce yourself 1 st / partner(s) 2 nd – Provide Game Cards – REQUIRED (Coaches have a right to know who you are)! – Request Captains and In-Home – Certify “That all players are equipped per NFHS rules” – Discuss special situations (Anthem / Half-Time / Sr. Night / Field Situations) Visiting Team 2 nd – Repeat above, and ensure that the Head Coach is aware of the special situations discussed above LACROSSE IS A COMMUNITY. BE FRIENDLY, BUT RESPECT THE BOUNDARIES. PERCEPTION IS OFTEN FAR WORSE THAN REALITY Talk to the Table: – Set your expectations regarding end of quarters / penalties – Set your expectations regarding the book – penalties and goals! Captains: – Introduce crew – Introduce the teams – Shake hands / flip the coin – Identify the outcome

During the Game Line Up – Introduce yourself and the crew – Set the expectation – Get the game going! The “R’s” major responsibility during the game is to help resolve any issues amongst the crew. The “R” has the final say! The Officiating Crew has the responsibility ON FIELD – OFF FIELD issues are to be dealt with by the Home Team DSA or AD. Don’t take off field stuff into your own hands Communicate with the coaches. Be Respectful. – Understand the roles and responsibilities of the HC and Asst. Coaches Communicate with the crew…provide feedback (not criticism) as needed. Be Respectful! Finish the game! Get off the field! Go Home!

But Wait…There Might Be More…After the Game Finish the game! Get off the field! Communicate with the crew…provide feedback (not criticism) as needed. Be Respectful! – If there is feedback for everyone, provide it – If there is an issue with a specific Official, provide feedback 1-on-1 – If there is a “major” issue, discuss with Rob/Marty Ejections / Major Issues (On field or Off) / Special Situations – Report to Rob / Marty – Be DETAILED (ensure you have #s/names) – Other issues (field/bench personnel/coaches etc.) AND…

Some Rules To Live By….

10 Commandments of Officiating (Harold Buck) 1.Thou shall communicate 2.Thou shalt be a great dead-ball official – Live Ball Officiating = Reactive – Dead Ball Officiating = Proactive – Avoid Coaching 3.Thou shalt prevent problems 4.Thou shalt know how to use the “lesser foul” – Understanding is CRITICAL…know when to escalate or de-escalate 5.Thou shalt protect player safety – HEAD SHOTS / HEAD SHOTS / HEAD SHOTS 6.Thou shalt not be “too good” 7.Thou shalt be aware of the situation 8.Thou shalt be professional 9.Thou shalt cover your butt 10.Thou shalt enjoy yourself

The 5 B’s (Bob Duggan) 1.Be Early 2.Be In Shape 3.Be the Rules and Mechanics Expert 4.Be in Perfect Uniform 5.Be a Trainer

MARC (Tic-Toc Tillman) M echanics A ppearance R ules C ommunication

FINALLY….

Have A… …And do it again the next day! or