25 Important things to know about Officiating 1) For all but a few of us, officiating is an avocation, not our profession. 2) 90% of officiating is being a “people person”. 3) Officiating is seldom fair. 4) Keep player safety # 1. 5) Don’t make excuses. 6) You have an obligation to hold yourself to a higher than normal ethical standard.

25 cont. 7) Expect criticism and learn how to handle it. 8) Officiating builds skills for a lifetime. 9) Never let your signals convey your emotion. 10) Understand the intent of the rules, not just the rule. 11) If your going to blow the whistle, blow it hard. 12) Understand that you will make mistakes.

25 cont. 13) Don’t criticize other officials. 14) Be professional. 15) Know your role. 16) Be prepared. 17) Continuing study is a requirement. 18) Body language will do you in quicker than a lack of knowledge 19) You don’t care who wins. 20) You must have a reverence for the rules. 21) Pre-game meeting. 22) Don’t carry over feelings to the next game. 23) Remember where you came from. 24) You referee who you are. 25) Carry out your responsibilities in a way that brings credibility to the officiating profession.