Getting Yourself Getting Yourself on the on the

““Radar Screen”Radar Screen”

Referee magazine September 2005

They’re Watching They’re Watching – Assignors, GHSA observers and supervisors

• The people above are on the lookout for the BEST officials to put into games at various level of competition

• While they see dozens of officials working games throughout a season, how can YOU stand out APART FROM THE CROWD ?

# 1Have Fun :

• It’s is ALWAYS a privilege, not a right to officiate a game

• Don’t be afraid to smile or laugh – especially be able to laugh at yourself

• However, we can’t forget to present a more serious tone when it is called for

# 2

Be Eager To Learn :

• Keep a list of your strengths and weaknesses

• In each game, get better in at least one area of your officiating

# 3Officiate Before & After The Game:

• If we wait to start officiating when the game starts – it’s too late

• We start the morning of our game, on the way in our car, the moment we arrive on campus

• Being prepared continues into the pre-game conference

• After the game, how do we leave the floor and exit the gym to our car?

# 4

Dress For Success:

• Make a great FIRST impression – it’s the ONLY one that you will ever get with a person

• Take the EXTRA time to look sharp – people will notice your attention to detail

# 5

Manage Your Business:

• It’s your job to make their (assignors, … ) job easier

• Keep your out dates update and contact information current

• Show up on time to games

# 6Network:

• People TRUST the people they know the best

• Get to know officials outside your immediate circle

• Join professional organizations at the state and national level

• Work games in the off season and scrimmages

#7 ALWAYS BE CREDIBLE:

• Admit when a mistake as been made to a coach, assignor or supervisor

• Empathy is a valuable tool when it comes to a stressful situation

• Coaches are under a lot more pressure than we often realize

#8

DO THE RIGHT THING !! DO THE RIGHT THING !! :• You are going to get booed anyway

• You might as well get booed for doing the right thing

• Make the unpopular call when it needs to be made