Game Management MCFOA Meeting – 9/13/2010 Jeremy Valentine

What is Game Management? Many aspects of the game that establish a positive (or negative) perception of the crew on the field Many aspects of the game that establish a positive (or negative) perception of the crew on the field The “Little Things” that no one notices that make our lives a lot easier The “Little Things” that no one notices that make our lives a lot easier Without them, we would have no chance of providing a positive contribution to the game. Without them, we would have no chance of providing a positive contribution to the game.

It’s All About Perception! The perception of the crew is established LONG before the opening kickoff! The perception of the crew is established LONG before the opening kickoff! –Referee’s confirmation –Interaction with Athletic Office personnel. It is imperative that the crew responds to the Referee’s s and requests promptly so he can contact and request the correct information in a timely manner! It is imperative that the crew responds to the Referee’s s and requests promptly so he can contact and request the correct information in a timely manner! –Parking and other Information

It’s All About Perception! First Impressions are EVERYTHING! First Impressions are EVERYTHING! –You can only make it once! Be on TIME (which means early!) Be on TIME (which means early!) Look and act PROFESSIONAL Look and act PROFESSIONAL Treat your host, locker room, and anyone else you may meet with RESPECT Treat your host, locker room, and anyone else you may meet with RESPECT –You never know who that person is, or may report to!

It’s All About Perception! Once you establish a good first impression, MAINTAIN it throughout the day Once you establish a good first impression, MAINTAIN it throughout the day –Clock Operator, Chain Crew, & Ball Boys (if available) Pre-games –Meeting the AD, Supervisor, or Principal

The Little Things That Count! Ball Persons Ball Persons –They will make or break your crew ALL sideline officials need to meet and have a thorough pre-game with the ball persons on your sideline! ALL sideline officials need to meet and have a thorough pre-game with the ball persons on your sideline! –Learn their names, write them on your card, and call them by their name for the entire game. I have yet to meet a ball boy who has the name “Ball” or “Football” I have yet to meet a ball boy who has the name “Ball” or “Football” –Has to be the same, rehearsed, SOLID pre-game every week, no matter how good they look.

The Little Things That Count! Ball Persons Ball Persons –Discuss: Importance of their job (Make or Break!) Importance of their job (Make or Break!) They are part of YOUR crew! They are part of YOUR crew! Game balls stay in THEIR hands unless they are on their way to an official Game balls stay in THEIR hands unless they are on their way to an official Hand-offs or SHORT tosses are the only way to deliver a ball Hand-offs or SHORT tosses are the only way to deliver a ball Footballs NEVER hit the ground…(why? Remember, It’s all about PERCEPTION!) Footballs NEVER hit the ground…(why? Remember, It’s all about PERCEPTION!)

The Little Things That Count! Ball Persons: Ball Persons: –Discuss: They need to stay focused on every play. They need to stay focused on every play. YOU need to keep them engaged on every play! YOU need to keep them engaged on every play! Make themselves visible Make themselves visible –Your crew’s game will become exponentially easier with a solid pre- game for your ball persons

Measure Up To the Task! Chain Crew Chain Crew –Most of the time are at least three to four football savvy individuals. USE THEM WISELY! Tell them to give vocal queues for the HL Tell them to give vocal queues for the HL –Say “First Down” as you run by for obvious calls –Say “Close” if they think it’s close to the stick so you can take a good look –Yell “Flag” if there is a flag thrown –Have the Down Box operator say the down and distance to you EVERY play –Tell him what that tape means so you don’t have to look!

Measure Up To the Task! Chain Crew Chain Crew –Again, a standardized pre-game is necessary! Get a good line to break the “I’ve been doing this for 30 years attitude!” Get a good line to break the “I’ve been doing this for 30 years attitude!” Be sure you cover: Be sure you cover: –Safety (Drop them ASAP!) –Movement (Not until you’re told!) –Communication (Every Down) –Measurements Again, get their names, REMEMBER them (or write them down) and call them by name all the time. Again, get their names, REMEMBER them (or write them down) and call them by name all the time.

It’s Almost Time Clock Operators Clock Operators –Meeting is usually in the press box vs. on the field –Remember PERCEPTION! Whatever is said with them around WILL be repeated to anyone and everyone in the press box –A standard pre-game is once again REQUIRED!

It’s Almost Time Clock Operators Clock Operators –Game Clock Discussion: Get press box location, field blind spots, recent issues with the time systems, etc. Get press box location, field blind spots, recent issues with the time systems, etc. Can they hear the PA in the press box? Can they hear the PA in the press box? Discuss timing rules. Discuss timing rules.

It’s Almost Time Clock Operators Clock Operators –Game Clock Operator: Be sure they: Be sure they: –Disable any automatic horn or buzzer –Disable the 1/10 th second display if possible –Know the half time length and when to start the clock –Know to stop the pre-game clock at 1:00 and set it for the next quarter Tell them where the start/stop signals may be coming from on the field Tell them where the start/stop signals may be coming from on the field

It’s Almost Time Clock Operators Clock Operators –Play Clock Operator: Be sure they: Be sure they: –Know when to start the clock –Know what to do if delay is or is not called

What is Game Management? They are there to make YOU look good! They are there to make YOU look good! Utilize them correctly and it will happen! Utilize them correctly and it will happen! Good luck! Good luck!