A. Set high expectations for your crewmembers.
B. Set higher expectations for yourself.
C. Never rush an injury.
D. Keep moving forward in the game.
E. Compliment your crew.
F. Move past problems.
G. Don’t regress.
H. At time of high stress, take a deep breath.
A. Charged timeouts.
B. Officials’ timeout.
C. First downs/movement of chains.
D. Time between periods.
E. Penalty enforcements.
F. Time needed to reset ball and give the Ready for Play.
G. Halftime.
H. Measurements.
I. Coach/official conferences.
A. Establish your authority and credibility by confidence.
1. Wear your uniform minus flags.
2. Act like you want to be there.
3. Be business-like.
4. Be assertive, but not overbearing.
5. Listen to questions and concerns.
6. Respond professionally.
7. Don’t engage in discussions about “last week’s crew.”
8. Stress the importance of good sportsmanship.
B. Plan your meeting in advance.
1. Prepare an agenda.
2. Prepare cards with typed names of crew and position.
3. Allow time for questions/comments.
4. Anticipate what might happen.
5. Take notes.
6. Don’t waste time, finish and depart.
7. Share information with crew and review any situations presented.
A. Ready for Play – develop a routine.
1. Check the box.
2. Check the ball.
3. Signal for play.
4. Check watch/timer (if 4 man crew).
5. Count offense.
6. Check clock.
7. Check huddle.
8. Check offensive formation.
9. Select position.
10. Focus.
B. Ball mechanics.
1. Practice handling the ball.
2. Set timed goals for resetting the ball.
3. Work together so everyone wins.
C. Crew responsibilities.
1. Head Linesman.
a. Must work with chain crew before toss.
b. Discuss first downs/penalties.
c. Movement of box and chains.
d. Establish his authority.
e. Communication.
2. Line Judge.
a. Work with ball boys.
b. Establish his authority.
c. Communication.
3. Back Judge.
a. Work with timer.
b. Check personal timing device.
c. Watch punters/place kickers.
d. Communication
D. Penalty enforcement.
1. Referee must look decisive – the longer it takes, the less credible it appears.
2. Crew duties
a. Cover the ball
b. Cover the flag(s)
c. Communicate with referee
d. Check enforcement spot
e. Check distance
f. Check down/line-to-gain
g. Relay information to benches
3. Referee duties
a. Listen to reporting official
b. Understand the call - repeating it back to official
c. Preliminary signal
d. Give offended captain best options – in succinct terms
e. Communicate decision to Umpire
1 If accepted, discuss where penalty is enforced and distance of enforcement
2 If
declined, retrieve ball and reset
f. Final signal
g. Ready for play
A. Coaches
1. Show respect
2. Consider their perspective
3. Keep discussions brief
4. Allow emotions without violating your code of ethics
5. Talk only with the head coach
B. Players
1. Show respect
2. Praise efforts and sportsmanship
3. Criticize when appropriate
4. Establish authority
5. Use repetitive phrases
a. Balls away
b. Stay off the kicker
c. Watch your hand
d. Watch your heads.
C. Crew
1. Share all information with crew
2. Communicate constantly during game (cannot be overemphasized)
3. Verbalize assignments
4. Believe that each play is going to be the most important of the game
5. Keep crew loose and have fun
6. Underscore dead-ball-officiating
7. Praise good effort/hustle/call