Note to presenters While there are slides provided for each module of the Introductory Officiating General Principles course, it is not intended that presenters use every slide, or rely solely on these for delivering the course. Please refer to the Introductory Officiating Presenter’s Kit for alternative delivery methods, including discussion groups, scenarios, case studies, role-plays, etc. Participants will become bored if they are expected to view every slide in this presentation. Please use these slides in conjunction with other delivery methods.

Introductory Officiating General Principles

Course content 1Self management 2Managing the competition environment 3People management

Module 1 Self-management

Ethical responsibilities Honesty/integrity Official’s Code of Conduct Junior Sport Policy Disability Action Plan Treating other people with respect For further information and training on ethical issues, go to

Dress and presentation Professionalism Dress on competition day Dealing with athletes, coaches and administrators

Preparing to officiate Physical requirements Basic mental preparation

Analysing performance Receive feedback from others Respond to feedback in a constructive manner Basic self-reflection techniques

Accessing officiating information Attend officials education and accreditation programs For further information on accreditation visit Work with a mentor Read books, magazines, newsletters, and the internet Contact organisations such as: Australian Sports Commission National and and state sporting organisations State government departments of Sport and Recreation

Module 2 Managing the competition environment

Legal responsibilities 1.Duty to enforce the rules 2.Duty to protect the participants 3.Duty to warn participants 4.Duty to ensure that the sport can be conducted safely 5.Duty to control and supervise the competition

Risk management Check for potential risks and hazards in the competition environment Inspect equipment Minimise risks during competition Enforce safety rules and control conduct of participants

Emergency management procedures Procedures for dealing with an emergency situation Limits to the officials role if not trained in first aid

Legislation that may affect officials Privacy Act 1988 Discrimination Act 1991 Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Sex Discrimination Act 1984 Child-protection legislation

Module 3 People management

Communication Communication techniques Verbal and non-verbal communication Listening and responding to athletes and others Communicating with a diverse range of people Verbal and written reports

Communication barriers Different perception of words and actions Only hearing what you want to hear Using jargon Not responding to questions Judging too quickly Looking for personal agendas Allowing emotions to blur the message Assuming ‘I’m right’ and not being open to other views Asking antagonising questions

Active listening Stop – Pay attention and do not interrupt Look – make eye contact and get on the same level as the person Listen – Focus on what the person is saying Respond – Restate what has been said and use open questions to prompt for further information

Teamwork Work as part of a team Roles of other officials Working with other officials

Conflict Conflict situations Minimising conflict Resolving conflict

Difficult people Try to stay calm and distance yourself personally from the issue Keep your voice quiet and calm, this may encourage the other person to do the same Do not argue back or trade insults (no matter how unreasonable they seem) Try to see past the emotions to define the actual problem and work at addressing the issue Use active listening skills to address the problem

Working with others Pierluigi Collina, 2002 World Cup Referee, said in terms of relationships with players. “We are not enemies on the pitch. There are two teams playing and the role of the referee is to help them play better”. “Once you have their respect you will also have their trust. And once you have their trust they will even accept the odd mistake”.

Dealing with abuse Preventative strategies Spectator comments and behaviour Procedures for dealing with spectator behaviour Support from others