It’s A Two-Way Street: Communication In Game Management

Communication in Game Management Officials Administrators Scorers Timers Coaches Players Others

Fellow Officials Build Rapport in Clinics, Scrimmages, Etc. Referee MUST contact crew with logistics a minimum of 24 to 48 hours in advance of game (Arrival, Pre-Game Topics, Parking, Uniform, Etc.) BEGIN PRE-GAME 30 minutes prior to the game (Earlier as determined by Referee) Consider Points of Emphasis, Game-Related Situations, Unusual Conditions in Gym, Etc. Warm Up Your Body as Well as Your Mind!

Fellow Officials INSTEAD OF SAYING… “You missed that call.” TRY SAYING… “Let’s talk about that last play. Tell me what you saw.” INSTEAD OF SAYING… “You are not calling the same game as the rest of us.” TRY SAYING… “We as a crew don’t appear to be on the same page; how can we fix that?”

Fellow Officials INSTEAD OF SAYING… “You are talking way to much to the coaches.” TRY SAYING… “We need to be mindful of how much we talk to coaches; our actions might be misinterpreted.” Mentor young officials with the same patience and understanding you wanted early in your career.

Administrators

Always be professional. Don’t be OVERLY friendly. Don’t be high maintenance. Make requests…not demands. This is crucial to positive game management. Everybody’s job is important. Allow them to do theirs! Keep your personal life to yourself. Be mindful of your surroundings.

NON-VERBAL MESSAGES WHEN WE… Jog (or worse – WALK) rather than sprint, THEY SEE… We can’t keep up…game has passed us by. WHEN YOU… Saunter rather than walk with a purpose, THEY SEE… An attitude; we don’t want to be there.

NON-VERBAL MESSAGES WHEN WE… Smile too much or have a nonchalant attitude, THEY SEE… We don’t take this seriously. WHEN WE… Never smile, THEY SEE… Irritable; too serious; no personality.

NON-VERBAL MESSAGES WHEN WE… Have overly dramatic or emphatic signals, THEY SEE… We are the show and want everyone to look at us. THE KEY – FIND A BALANCE BETWEEN FRIENDLY AND AUTHORITATIVE.

Others

Scorers and Timers

Part of the Officiating Crew and Approved by Referee Reminder to be Attentive Use Clear Signals Reminders on Substitutions Reminders on Bonus FTs Use of Precision Time

DIFFICULT SITUATIONS As the mediating force during a contest, difficult situations require you to take control to maintain the safety of everyone involved. If something occurs, take a deep breath and think about what you are going to do; then act. 1. Identify the problem and who is involved. 2. Address the situation; assert yourself and take responsibility for what you are saying. 3. Support your message with facts and then state what will happen. You must always be in control of your voice presence, body language and the situation. When you remain calm, the chances of getting others calmed down are greatly increased.

Effective Communication?

RESOLVING CONFLICT Listen before speaking. What they say is important to them; respect that opportunity. Only talk about the immediate issue – don’t bring up past plays or behaviors. Address the appropriate time to talk – Don’t be overly demonstrative; you are easy to see in your actions. Avoid personal or team insults. Never use crude or profane language – EVER! Communicate when things are going well, not just when there is an issue.

Effective Communication?

Coaches Coaches won’t always react to your communications – they may not have heard you, or they may be trying to spark a reaction from their team. When talking to a coach, try to say things like: “I saw the play this way…” “I didn’t see the play you were talking about, I was watching this match-up.” “Tell me what you are seeing that you think I am missing.” “Coach, I need you to stay in your box tonight. This is your one warning…stay in there for me.”

Coaches Respond to Questions, not Comments; Don’t Allow the Explanation to Deter You From Working the Game; Understand You May Agree to Disagree; Minimize Gestures; Be Firm, but Fair; Communicate, Warn and then Administer Penalties, if Warranted; Alert Your Partners.

Players Show Respect Establish Strong Lines of Communication Work with Coaches on “Minor” Issues Locate the Stars and the Trouble-Makers Understand Rule 10 and Administer Effectively “What You Permit, You Promote”

Ejections/DQs Fighting Taunting or Baiting Obscene Gestures Profanity Disrespectfully Addressing or Contacting Official Spitting at or Toward an Opponent, Official or Coach Biting Flagrant Contact

Ejections/DQs Alert Brad immediately after the game via or text message; Must be reported electronically to NCHSAA within 24 Hours or 1 working day; Work to be preventive, but know where to draw the line!

Summary Effective Communication is the #1 “Building Block” of good game management! Let’s do it well every time on the court!!