Keys to Consistency

What is consistency? Merriam-Webster Dictionary (on-line): “2a : marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity : free from variation or contradiction c : showing steady conformity to character, profession, belief, or custom ”

Why is it important? Game flow  Allow players and coaches to adjust their play to how the game is being officiated.  What is a foul, what is not a foul. Specific to leave of play  What is a foul for a U-12 game, might not necessarily be on at the high school varsity level. (i.e. body contact)

Crew Consistency All officials need to be “on the same page”.  Allows for better game flow  Same calls are being made regardless of field location or official  Officials need to be “on the same” as one another  Adjust to one another  A good pre-game is a big step towards reaching this goal  Crew communication

Personal Fouls Must call all personal fouls, regardless of the game situation  Player safety is paramount.  This is particularly true with slashes and contact around the head & neck area.  Don’t be “too good”. If it looks ugly; then it is. Error on the side of player safety. Especially true at the younger ages, where the focus is on skill development.

Technical Fouls The following needs to be consistently called:  The foul that creates an advantage or disadvantage.  Does not have to be a “big” foul. Example: The little push from behind that sends an opponent out of bounds.  The foul that everyone sees.  If the grandmother in the 75th row can see the player step on the sideline, you need to make that call.  Have a little flexibility in this area.  Game management calls (for more experienced officials).  In a lop sided game, perhaps not “seeing” an attack man from the losing team toe the midfield line.

Consistency Questions To aid with the crew’s goal of being consistent, ask the following questions of yourself and fellow officials during time-outs and between periods:  What have we called?  Why did we call it?  When did we call?  Where did we call it?  Who did we call it on?  Who made the calls? (Advance concept)

A Tip for Consistency Rich Tamberrino, a highly respected COC official provides a great suggestion:  Break the game down into segments and strive to be as consistent as possible within each segment.  Any misjudgments, miscues, mistakes must be forgotten and the officials has to move on before the next segment starts.  For example: High school game (4 — 12 minute quarters, officiate the game in 12 – 4 minutes segments (for a total of 12 segments).

Final Thought Curtsey of Buzz Lynn, current US Lacrosse COC District 3 Governor, USL Men’s Officials Training Working Group member and retired COC official. “Don’t wake up the coaches!”  This is achieved by being consistent so that the coaches and players know what to expect during the game.