Code of ethics

Pre Test disruption of concentration, to gain an

advantage over one's opponent while still
1. Gamesmanship is defined as: observing the rules in a sport or game.
a. Conduct (such as fairness, respect for c. All
one's opponent, and graciousness in d. None
winning or losing) becoming to one 2. Why study sports ethics?
participating in a sport. a. good deal of scholarship has been
b. The use of aggressive or dubious tactics, produced on the subject
such as psychological intimidation or
 b. there are practical reasons 10. Documents that outline a sport organization’s
c. it gives an advantage to the SMP basic values and beliefs are known as which of
d. All ……. the following?
3. Parenting Tests: a. Strategic plans
a. Forces us to confront the possibility that our b. Mission statements
choice will be publicized to the world and will c. Codes of ethics
become a factor in how we are judged. d. Constitutions
b. Asks what would you do if you knew your kid 11. Whether making decisions about ethical
was looking over your shoulder? dilemmas or making decisions about other
c. Asks us to treat others the way you would like business issues, what are some common
to be treated. concerns?
d. All a. Identifying the right problem
4. Virtue ethics asks: b. Using an organized decision making
a. What actions are correct? model
b. What kind of person should I be? c. Gathering pertinent information and then
c. What should I do based on the situation? making the best decision based on that
d. All information
5. A theory is: d. All
a. A coherent group of tested general 12. Sport ethics refers only to on-the-field conduct
propositions, commonly regarded as and not to sport-business practices.
correct, that can be used as principles of a. True
explanation and prediction for a class of b. False
phenomena. 13. What does it mean when we say sport is a
b. A philosophically coherent set of mirror of society?
propositions (for example, utilitarianism) a. The same societal issues we see in society
which attempts to provide general norms will be seen in sport.
for the guidance and evaluation of moral b. Societal issues are absent from sport.
conduct. c. Society places a high value on the sport
c. Believes that the rightness of the action is industry.
determined solely by the amount of good d. Athletes deserve different treatment
consequences they produce. because society often singles them out as
d. All role models.
6. Rights and Justice balances the act between 14. What are the four levels of corporate social
the employees’ rights. responsibility?
a. True a. Social, legal, economic, ethical
b. False b. Economic, legal, ethical, philanthropic
7. Kantian Ethics is defined as: c. Philanthropic, political, ethical, economic
a. “An action is right if an only if it produces d. Legal, ethical, moral, constitutional
the greatest balance of pleasure over pain 15. Ethical theory is:
for everyone.” a. A coherent group of tested general
b. “There are some things we ought to do and propositions, commonly regarded as
others we ought not to do by virtue of correct, that can be used as principles of
being rational.” explanation and prediction for a class of
c. “Act so that you treat humanity, whether phenomena.
in your own person or that of another, b. A philosophically coherent set of
always as an end and never as a means propositions (for example, utilitarianism)
only.” which attempts to provide general norms
d. Concerned with righting a wrong. for the guidance and evaluation of moral
8. Which of the following reflect(s) key sports conduct.
ethics topics and issues? c. Believes that the rightness of the action is
a. Inclusive facilities and equipment determined solely by the amount of good
b. Employment and hiring practices consequences they produce.
c. Salary caps d. All
d. Inclusive facilities and equipment AND 16. Justice is concerned with meeting a legal
Employment and hiring practices requirement.
9. An ethical dilemma occurs when it is unclear a. True
as to which course of action to take or when b. False
reasonable people disagree on what should or 17. Organizations operate on ______ different
should not happen. levels when measuring Corporate Social
a. True Responsibility.
b. False a. 1
b. 2
 c. 3 evaluate ideas, traits, and actions in the
d. 4 social worlds created around sport.”
18. Utilitarianism is defined as: d. A situation in which a difficult choice has
a. “An action is right if an only if it produces to be made between two courses of action,
the greatest balance of pleasure over pain either of which entails transgressing a
for everyone.” moral principle.
b. Believes “there are some things we ought 24. An ethical dilemma can be defined as
to do and others we ought not to do by a. "The discipline dealing with what is good
virtue of being rational.” and bad or right and wrong or with moral
c. “Act so that you treat humanity, whether duty and obligation."
in your own person or that of another, b. Certain principles that seem to make
always as an end and never as a means absolute and universal claims; the central
only.” concept of ethics
d. Concerned with righting a wrong. c. “…an interrelated set of norms or
19. Principles are defined as: standards that are used to guide and
a. a person's principles or standards of evaluate ideas, traits, and actions in the
behavior; one's judgment of what is social worlds created around sport.”
important in life. d. A situation in which a difficult choice has
b. Standards of good and evil, which govern to be made between two courses of action,
an individual’s behavior and choices. either of which entails transgressing a
c. An accepted or professed rule of action or moral principle.
conduct 25. What constitutes “crossing the line” from
d. All gamesmanship to cheating when it comes to
e. None spying in sports?
20. Respect for persons is defined as: a. Stealing signals
a. “An action is right if an only if it produces b. Signaling pitches to a batter from the
the greatest balance of pleasure over pain opposition
for everyone.” c. Scouting an opponent’s games
b. Believes “there are some things we ought d. Videotaping games of upcoming
to do and others we ought not to do by opponents
virtue of being rational.” 26. Ethics can be defined as
c. “Act so that you treat humanity, whether a. "The discipline dealing with what is good and
in your own person or that of another, bad or right and wrong or with moral duty and
always as an end and never as a means obligation."
only.” b. certain principles that seem to make absolute
d. Concerned with righting a wrong. and universal claims; the central concept of
21. Values are defined as: ethics
a. A person's principles or standards of behavior; c. “…an interrelated set of norms or standards
one's judgment of what is important in life. that are used to guide and evaluate ideas,
b. Standards of good and evil, which govern an traits, and actions in the social worlds created
individual’s behavior and choices. around sport.”
c. An accepted or professed rule of action or d. All
conduct 27. If your sport organization is facing an ethical
d. All dilemma, calling a trusted colleague at another
22. Moral Values are defined as: organization is an example of which step in
a. A person's principles or standards of the ethical decision-making model?
behavior; one's judgment of what is a. Gathering all pertinent information
important in life. b. Consulting with peers
b. Standards of good and evil, which govern c. Looking for a win-win solution
an individual’s behavior and choices. d. Evaluating the decision over time
c. An accepted or professed rule of action or 28. Sportsmanship is defined as:
conduct a. Conduct (such as fairness, respect for
d. All one's opponent, and graciousness in
23. Morals can be defined as winning or losing) becoming to one
a. "The discipline dealing with what is good participating in a sport.
and bad or right and wrong or with moral b. The use of aggressive or dubious tactics,
duty and obligation." such as psychological intimidation or
b. certain principles that seem to make disruption of concentration, to gain an
absolute and universal claims; the central advantage over one's opponent while still
concept of ethics observing the rules in a sport or game.
c. “…an interrelated set of norms or c. All
standards that are used to guide and d. None
 29. Sport Ethics can be defined as b. Asks what would you do if you knew your
a. "The discipline dealing with what is good kid was looking over your shoulder?
and bad or right and wrong or with moral c. Asks us to treat others the way you would
duty and obligation." like to be treated.
b. certain principles that seem to make d. All
absolute and universal claims; the central 32. Keating’s definition of Sportsmanship
concept of ethics includes all but the following:
c. “…an interrelated set of norms or a. truthfulness
standards that are used to guide and b. diligence in taking advantage of
evaluate ideas, traits, and actions in the opportunity
social worlds created around sport.” c. self-control and respect
d. A situation in which a difficult choice has d. courage
to be made between two courses of action, 33. Profanity in sports:
either of which entails transgressing a a. is acceptable
moral principle. b. is, generally speaking, frowned upon in
30. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is most circumstances
a. Ethical nature of the sport organization as c. is sometime allowable due to intense
a whole competition
b. A concept in which companies integrate d. is OK when trash talking
social and environmental concerns into 34. Publicity Tests:
business operations and in interaction with a. Asks what would you do if you knew your
their stakeholders on a voluntary basis kid was looking over your shoulder?
c. Going above and beyond legal b. Forces us to confront the possibility that
expectations our choice will be publicized to the world
d. All and will become a factor in how we are
e. None judged.
31. The golden rule: c. Asks us to treat others the way you would
a. Forces us to confront the possibility that like to be treated.
our choice will be publicized to the world d. None
and will become a factor in how we are
judged.

Introduction
Sports officials play an important role in regulating sport to ensure the safety of participants and others
involved in the game.
Sports rules and regulations are constantly developing to improve the experience for participants, and to
provide spectators with greater enjoyment and, often to provide the media with greater levels of excitement.
Governing bodies have realised that the more exciting their sport is, the more popular and marketable it is,
which can lead to more people participating at a competitive level. Governing bodies are responsible for the
rule changes and are responsible for enforcing them throughout their sport.
Governing bodies have recognized that match officials are often former players or those with practical
experience of the game. However due to the changing nature of sports, which have become faster and more
physically demanding, they have turned to the younger generations to start officiating as early as possible.
Rules, laws and regulations of a selected sport
Each sport has their own governing body which regulates and manages their sport nationally. The governing
body is responsible for setting and publishing rules and regulations regarding their sport, covering the
following:
 Court / pitch layout
 Playing surface
 Fouls and sanctions
 Number of players
 Substitutions
 Timings
 Facilities and equipment
 Safety
 Scoring
 Methods of victory.
Duties of a Sport Official
Roles of officials
The role of an official is to control a match / game and ensure the safety of participants throughout. These
are issues that the official is in control of.
The role of an official varies in each sport, and depends on the job description which determines what their
individual role is. This may include being the judge, the timekeeper, the arbiter, the scorer and so forth.
While sports officials frequently incur the wrath of players, coaches and fans, they play a vital role in any
organized sporting contest. Without them, games could evolve into chaotic events where rules are repeatedly
broken and players' safety becomes jeopardized. Good officials are fair-minded and impartial and have a
thorough understanding of the sports they officiate.
Rule Enforcement
Officials must have a thorough knowledge of the rules of the sport and be able to enforce them during play.
This can involve studying the sport's rule book, as well as attending classes or seminars. Some sports
organizations review and update their rules annually, so continuous study is often necessary
Safety
Officials are responsible for ensuring that the sport is played safely. This may involve intervening in
altercations between opposing players and administering penalties or ejections if warranted, and possibly
reporting flagrant behavior to league officials. They also check players' uniforms and equipment to verify
compliance with safety rules.
Timekeeping
While officials typically do not keep the time in sports that use a clock, they keep an eye on the clock to
ensure it is started and stopped properly. If discrepancies arise, officials direct the timekeeper to make the
necessary corrections.
Field Inspection
Officials may be required to inspect the playing surface before a contest to ensure that it is properly
configured and that there are no safety hazards. They may also direct facility workers to perform tasks
during a contest, such as when a baseball umpire orders a grounds crew to cover the field with a tarp during
a rainstorm.
Communication
Officials need strong communication skills since they often have to explain rulings to coaches or players. In
the case of football officials, they are required to communicate the details of a penalty to the entire facility
via microphone. They are required to communicate well with other officials to ensure proper teamwork.
The Game Official: Qualities that Make Game Officials Great
If you plan on working as a referee or other sports official, you know that there are certain things that you
need to be able to do. Any game official needs to be able to keep up with the sport’s physical demands,
including when it comes to reflexes and eyesight, and be familiar and up-to-date with their sport’s rules.
There are courses and conventions that teach these things and many others to potential game officials.
What about what goes on in a referee’s head? There are a lot of mental and psychological demands of game
officials that don’t get as much focus as the physical ones. Part of this is because so many of these traits are
considered innate or part of who someone is rather than something that can be taught. However, there are
ways to work on the following important qualities:
1. Respectful Communication
Not everyone is going to like you, and you’re not there to make friends, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t
be respectful. Good communication helps keep the game flowing and helps the players, coaches, and other
officials be clear on what’s going on. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect, but with some distance. Be
receptive to questions, complaints, and attempts to communicate with you, and make sure that you clearly
communicate with them, whether through your game’s approved signals or through other means.

2. Integrity

You can’t be biased in this business. Your job is to conduct a match regardless of what players, coaches, or
spectators feel. Keep your opinions private—don’t talk about players or teams that you might see again in
the future, don’t bet on matches, and don’t get into positions where conflicts of interest could end up
compromising your on-the-job values. Athletic events might be your passion, but it’s also your job—keep
the two separate, and everyone will appreciate it.

3. Common Sense

Common sense gets easier with experience. Sure, you have to know the rules for your sport, but every game
is different, and when a situation arises, you need to know how to handle it. Your knowledge of the rules
combined with your experiences on the field make a formidable combination when it comes to making
decisions on the field and thinking of ways to improve your own game.

4. Confidence

Confidence is as much about how you feel as what you project to everyone around you. Look confident in
your body language and happy to be there and other people will see and respect that. You’re going to be
making decisions that affect games, and that can be a nerve-wracking prospect, but the trick is not letting
your nerves, past or present, affect your belief in yourself and your job. Maintain a positive attitude, be firm
but respectful, and make your decisions as soon as it’s possible to get the full picture to show that you know
what you’re doing.

5. Consistency

Players, coaches, and spectators like knowing what to expect, so be reliable and consistent in your decisions.
Make sure that your interpretations and decisions make sense in whatever situation you’re in and that your
decision-making process is as stable as possible. A stable state of mind helps as well when you’re dealing
with a high-energy situation, which brings us to our next point of:

6. Serenity

A lot of a game official’s success on the field is about remaining calm when other people aren’t. You need
to be able to keep your head on straight in high-pressure situations ranging from a bad reaction from the
crowd to a fight on the field. Focus on being in the zone while you’re on the field, and leave the reactions of
other people out of it. Keep your decisions objective and free from the fear of upsetting anyone, and don’t
lose control of your own emotions.

7. Preparation and Training

There might not be that many workshops where you can practice concentrating, staying calm and confident
under pressure, and maintaining relationships. However, learning all you can about the job can help get one
thing off your plate
Activity: 3.
Roles and responsibilities of an official activity
Complete this activity by identifying 6 roles and responsibility of an official and describing what each
includes:
List all the roles that an official in your selected sport would perform.

1.

6.
2.
The roles
of an
official

3.
5.

4.

Describe each role as listed above making reference to your sports rules.

1.____________________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________________

5.____________________________________________________________

6.____________________________________________________________
 List all the responsibilities that an official in your selected sport has.

1.

6. 2.

The
responsibil
ities of an
official

3.
5.

4.

Describe each responsibility as listed above making reference to your sports rules.

1.____________________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________________

5.____________________________________________________________

6.____________________________________________________________
LC: Careers in Sport Officiating

Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Official Career

Job Description: Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide
penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition
judges.

“Is Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Official the right career path for you”?

1. What skills are required for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials Sports Officials?

 Importance Skills:
1. Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
2. Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
3. Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to
choose the most appropriate one.
4. Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future
problem-solving and decision-making.
5. Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
6. Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to
make improvements or take corrective action.
7. Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they
do.
8. Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
9. Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
10. Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate
for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
11. Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
12. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related
documents.
13. Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to
develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
14. Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
15. Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
16. Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
17. Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
18. Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
19. Systems Evaluation - Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions
needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
2. What knowledge is needed to be an Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Official?
 Importance Knowledge:
1. Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design,
teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
2. English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the
meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
3. Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and
personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services,
and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
4. Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in
strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production
methods, and coordination of people and resources.
5. Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability,
personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the
assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

3. Work Styles
 Importance style:
1. Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
2. Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger,
and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
3. Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high
stress situations.
4. Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
5. Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
6. Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured,
cooperative attitude.
7. Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement
goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
8. Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
9. Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to
considerable variety in the workplace.
10. Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
11. Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
12. Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being
personally connected with others on the job.
13. Concern for Others - Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being
understanding and helpful on the job.
14. Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little
or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
15. Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related
issues and problems.
16. Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to
work-related problems.
 CARER IN SPORTS OFFICIATING
WORKING AS A SPORTS OFFICIAL
What Does a Sports Official Do?

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to
help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties according to the rules of the
game.

1. Duties

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials typically do the following:

 Officiate sporting events, games, and competitions

 Judge performances in sporting competitions to determine a winner
 Inspect sports equipment and examine all participants to ensure safety
 Keep track of event times, starting or stopping play when necessary
 Signal participants and other officials when infractions occur or to regulate play or competition
 Settle claims of infractions or complaints by participants
 Enforce the rules of the game and assess penalties when necessary

While officiating at sporting events, umpires, referees, and other sports officials must anticipate play and
position themselves where they can best see the action, assess the situation, and determine any violations of
the rules.

Sports officials typically rely on their judgment to rule on infractions and penalties. Officials in some sports
may use video replay to help make the correct call.

Some sports officials, such as boxing referees, may work independently. Others, such as baseball or softball
umpires, work in groups. Each official working in a group may have different responsibilities. For example,
in baseball, one umpire is responsible for signaling balls and strikes while others are responsible for
signaling fair and foul balls out in the field.

Regardless of the sport, the job is highly stressful because officials often must make split-second rulings.
These rulings sometimes result in strong disagreement expressed by players, coaches, and spectators.

Many umpires, referees, and other sports officials are primarily employed in other occupations and
supplement their income by officiating part time.

How to Become a Sports Official

Educational requirements vary by state and are sometimes determined by the local sports association.
Although some states have no formal education requirements, other states require umpires, referees, and
other sports officials to have a high school diploma. Training requirements also vary by state and the level
and type of sport. All sports, however, require extensive knowledge of the rules of the game.

2. Education and Training

Each state and sport association has its own education requirements for umpires, referees, and other sports
officials. Some states do not require formal education, while others require sports officials to have a high
school diploma.

For more information on educational requirements by state, refer to the specific state athletic or activity
association.
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials may be required to attend training sessions and seminars before,
during, and after the season. These sessions allow officials to learn about rule changes, review and evaluate
their own performances, and improve their officiating.

3. Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

To officiate at high school athletic events, umpires, referees, and other officials must typically register with
the state or local agency that oversees high school athletics. They also typically need to pass an exam on the
rules of the particular game. Some states and associations may require applicants to attend umpiring or
refereeing classes before taking the exam or joining an association.

Some local associations may require officials to attend monthly association meetings.

Other associations require officials to attend annual training workshops before renewing their officiating
license.

For more information on licensing and certification requirements, visit your state’s high school athletic
association website or the National Association of Sports Officials.

4. Advancement
Most new umpires, referees, and other sports officials begin by officiating youth or freshmen high school
sports. After a few years, they may advance to the junior varsity or varsity levels. Those who wish to
advance to the collegiate level must typically officiate at the varsity high school level for many years.

For some umpires, referees, and other sports officials, working in professional sports is the biggest
advancement. Some officials may advance through the high school and collegiate levels to reach the
professional level. Some sports, such as baseball, have their own professional training schools that prepare
aspiring umpires and officials for a career at the minor and major league levels. In this system, umpires
begin their professional career officiating in the minor leagues and typically need 7 to 10 years of experience
before moving up into the major leagues.

Standards for umpires and other officials become more stringent as the level of competition advances.

5. Other Experience
Umpires, referees, and other sports official must have immense knowledge of the rules of the game they are
officiating. Many officials gain the knowledge of the game by attending training sessions or camps that
teach the important rules and regulations of the sport.

Some officials may also have gained this knowledge through years of playing the sport at some level.
However, previous playing experience is not a requirement to become an umpire, referee, or other sports
officials.

6. Important Qualities

1. Communication skills. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have good communication
skills because they inform athletes on the rules of the game and settle disputes between competing
players. Some sports officials also must communicate violations and infractions to opposing team
players, coaches, and spectators.
2. Decision-making skills. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must observe play, assess
various situations, and often make split-second decisions.
3. Good vision. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have good vision to view infractions
and determine any violations during play. In some sports, such as diving or gymnastics, sports
officials must also be able to clearly observe an athlete’s form for imperfections.
4. Stamina. Many umpires, referees, and other sports officials are required to stand, walk, run, or squat
for long periods during games and events.
5. Teamwork. Because many umpires, referees, and other sports officials work in teams to officiate a
game, the ability to cooperate and come to a mutual decision is essential.
 16 Unwritten Rules of Officiating
Every official knows the importance of the rules of the game. Regardless of sport, there are some unwritten
rules you should follow as well.

1. When you “think” you saw something, YOU DIDN’T.

There are times you will be focused on action in your coverage area but something on the farthest edge of
your peripheral vision will draw your attention. “Gee whiz,” you’ll say to yourself. “That looked like a
foul, but I didn’t see the whole thing. My gut says it was a foul. Better safe than sorry. I’m going to call
it.” Missing a call is never a positive thing. But most assigners, coordinators and observers will tell you
that failing to call something that did occur is more acceptable than calling something you aren’t
absolutely positive happened.
Gut feeling is a valuable officiating tool. Many times your instincts will guide you in the right direction.
But your eyes trump all. See what you call and call only what you see. Period.

2. The CAPTAIN is not always the team leader.

For whatever reason, the so-called team leader or “captain” can sometimes be anything but a player that
will help you to defuse a situation and respond positively with other players during a game. That player
can often be the one causing problems for you and others. When that’s the case, make every effort to
demote that captain. Tell the coach that you need another player to serve as captain because the current
captain isn’t doing his or her job. Or tell the captain that he or she will no longer be serving as the leader
for his or her team for that game because of his or her actions. Just because a player attends a captains’
meeting before the game doesn’t mean that he or she will be the player with the best sportsmanship.

3. Keep the game MOVING?

There are few officials who want to be on the field or court for a really long game. However, there are some
games that are just going to be longer than others. That football game that features two teams that throw the
ball on every down and have porous defenses can result in a 63-60 shootout that legitimately takes every bit
of three hours to finish. What is not acceptable is for officials to be the cause of a game going long. Do
everything possible to make a dead ball live again or to get the clock running as so as possible. That doesn’t
mean neglecting important duties or rushing teams. It does mean being efficient with recording substitutions
or enforcing penalties, hustling to your next position and getting the next play started or the next pitch
thrown

4. Provide COURTESY to players when it’s needed.

While an official should strive to keep the game moving, there are times when you need to it slow down.
A baseball or softball catcher works extremely hard during a game and that hard work generally keeps
you from getting hit. So when you see him or her get hit and in pain (but not enough to bring out the
certified athletic trainer), take some extra time — dust off a clean plate or walk the ball out to the pitcher.
Buy that catcher a few minutes and, in turn, he or she will probably appreciate it and work even harder
for you the rest of the game. The same thing can sometimes apply to other sports when tensions get high.
Take a moment to put the ball in play and use that time to give a friendly reminder as opposed to a
premature penalty. When you feel the situation has had a moment to calm down, blow the whistle and get
the game moving.

5. Give a LONGER LEASH to those in charge.

Maybe more important is the flip side of this rule: Those who aren’t in charge don’t get a long leash. Yes,
you should listen to head coaches and managers who give their thoughts to you about a call or situation —
as long as they don’t cross the line. Communication, including listening to perceived grievances, is part of
game management.
But assistant coaches, players and other bench personnel should not be given the same patience or privilege.
Unsportsmanlike talk and actions by those individuals need to be addressed right away. If warranted, you
can give head coaches a chance to take care of other game participants. But if they don’t take care of
business, you need to step up and penalize appropriately.

There has to be some form of hierarchy of tolerance. And head coaches are at the top. Use preventive
officiating whenever you can and tolerate a bit more from them. Work with them until their behavior
becomes a distraction.

6. Give the BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT to those who have earned respect.

There will be times — probably in every game — when you get questioned on a decision you made or a
penalty you called. How you respond to that question should be determined in part by how you are asked
Think about the ranting, raving head coach. Anything that doesn’t go exactly how he or she wants, and the
blame is pointed toward you or your crewmates. You are to blame for his or her team’s woes. Now think
about the coach who worries about his or her team throughout the game but doesn’t get upset at you when
penalties are reported. Instead, that coach focuses on “coaching” his or her players.
In a tight moment, both coaches question a call. The coach who doesn’t go ballistic on every call deserves a
more thorough response than the lunatic. It is as simple as that.
Because it is so out of character for that calmer head coach to question a call, maybe he or she saw
something that didn’t make sense or was done wrong by the rule. Taking the time to acknowledge the
concern or clarify a ruling is time well-spent. The ranter may have seen the same thing, but doesn’t deserve
the benefit of the doubt since that coach has been on your case about everything.

7. Look COACHES in the eye.

Police will tell you that suspects who lower or turn their heads when providing alibis are withholding
information. It is difficult to obfuscate when you are looking someone right in the eye.
Whether you are introducing yourself to the coach before the game or answering his or her question during
the course of play, communication should be done face to face and straight on. Even if you are delivering
bad news, you will have more credibility and gain more respect by looking the coach in the eye.
Understand that advice applies only when the ball is dead, such as during a timeout or other intermission. If
you need to communicate with the coach during play, keep your eyes on the action and wait for action to
cease.

8. WHEN IN DOUBT, do what is expected.

An official takes on the task of applying mainly descriptive rules to fluid situations, but there are times in
games when that official may not be immediately certain what action to take after observing a play or an
incident. Rulebooks will spell out the intent and guiding principles of the rules and the better officials figure
out how to apply them equitably, in context. But there are times when an official faces doubt at the moment
he or she is expected to make a call or no-call. When that happens, it’s best to do what is expected.

Does it appear that a player sustained a possible concussion even though he or she does not have a loss of
consciousness after a play? If there is any doubt, it is best to take that player out of the game to get checked.
Should a baseball or softball umpire call a borderline pitch a ball or strike? It is expected that the umpire
follow through by calling that pitch a strike. A basketball referee may have doubt when two players collide
and go flying to the floor. Block or charge? Rule one or the other.

In any event, do not try to run away from the play or shrug your shoulders. You’ll lose credibility fast.
Officials will never be 100 percent sure of what they see 100 percent of the time. That’s not humanly
possible. In those gray-area moments when a call is necessary, do what is expected and make the call or
ruling with a clear conscience.

9. Answer QUESTIONS, not statements.
“That’s a bad call.” “That was a interference.” “He pushed him.”
What do all those comments have in common? Ding, ding. You’re correct if you answered, “They are
statements that coaches say/yell/shout, etc.”
Coaches say a lot to officials during a game. And much of what they have to say, whether it is a valid point
or not, does not need a response. Statements don’t need an answer from officials. Often the only time you
need to respond to a statement is when you are delivering a warning or a penalty for one that crosses the
line.

What deserves a respectful response when time permits is a legitimate question. Officials can save
themselves a lot of headaches and heartburn by answering only what is asked.

10. Don’t answer the question you don’t have INFORMATION about.

You don’t need to answer every question, though. That most often relates to a coach asking a question about
a play called by a crewmember. If you don’t know what happened, don’t guess. If you don’t have
information, tell the coach you’ll find out for him or her at halftime or suggest the coach talk to your partner.
Whatever you do, make sure you are supportive of your partner.

Sometimes a coach or player may ask you about a rule or situation that you are not sure about. If you don’t
have the knowledge or information you need, don’t guess at the answer. You’ll lose all credibility if you
answer the question wrong. Instead, seek assistance from a partner or find out the answer after the game and
get back to the coach. Then vow to study the rules more, so that you can answer that question that might
come up in the future.

11. Get the game going after a MISTAKE or EJECTION?

Sure, ejections and mistakes are a big deal. But it is the responsibility of officials to make sure they don’t
become a huge deal and negatively impact a game.

When your game has a situation, such as an ejection or a rule controversy, the best thing you can do is to get
the next pitch thrown or the next play started. Once game action resumes, players, coaches and fans will
typically worry about that action and forget about the situation that caused the problem in the first place.
While participants will be forced to move on when action resumes, officials should keep the
mistake/ejection in the back of their mind. Don’t dwell on what happened but keep in mind that it could lead
to future issues. Managing the game by making sure your presence is felt even more after ejections for
fighting, for example, is a good way to prevent future problems.

12. CREW TALKS should lean toward official with angle or experience.

Because coverage areas sometimes overlap, there are going to be situations in which more than one official
has a call. What happens when you’re the other official and those calls conflict? If you are in the role of
ultimate decision-maker, which way do you go?

To begin, the officials involved must express certainty. If either indicates doubt, go with the other
crewmember. “I think” is not acceptable. There is a difference between calls and opinions.

If neither backs down, consider the angle or proximity to the play. Was one official significantly closer than
the other? Was one straight-lined? Position and distance are key considerations.

If you’re still at an impasse, lean toward the more experienced official who has likely seen that play more
often and knows how best to cover it.

13. Be 100 percent sure if making the UNEXPECTED CALL.

Several years ago, a baseball state championship turned on a base umpire’s call. With two out, a player
whose double seemingly drove in the winning run was called out for missing first base. The run was
nullified, the inning ended and that team wound up losing the title.
The coach argued, but within the bounds of sportsmanship, asking the umpire if he was certain. “I am
positive,” the umpire said. “I would never make that call unless I was absolutely sure.”

Afterward, the coach acknowledged the umpire. “He’s a good umpire,” the coach said. “If he was that sure,
he must have seen it.”

It’s never a good idea to enforce an arcane rule just to let everyone know that you know the book. But if it
needs to be called, sell it and be prepared to back it up with confidence. The more unusual the situation, the
more sure you must be.

14. Don’t insert yourself or disrupt GAME RHYTHM if it’s not necessary.

Back off. If you’re an official — no matter the sport — and you somehow don’t feel “in the game” because
little if anything to rule on has occurred in your coverage area, back off. Don’t be that official with a quick
whistle or flag, looking for something, any kind of violation or penalty, to make it look like you’re “in the
game.” Back off. It’s better for you, the crew and the game.

Many officials think they aren’t doing their job if they don’t enforce the rules, especially if they haven’t
been heard from early in a game or an extended period of time during the game. It will be an uncomfortable
situation for many, but the better officials know when to stay out of the way and call only what needs to be
called. Under no circumstances should an official ignore fouls that involve safety of the players, but being
too quick to insert yourself when you don’t need to will result in too many flags or whistles for minor
violations or for phantom violations that are better handled with preventive officiating.

Making a call or ruling can be very straightforward and easy. But withholding a flag or whistle in a situation
that is close but doesn’t warrant you to stop the game takes discipline and confidence. At some point the
game will need you and when it does, be ready. In the meantime, back off.

15. Let the PLAYERS help you make the call.

Generally, players are not award-winning actors. And as you go down from the professional level, to
college, to high school and eventually to sub-varsity, the acting skills are dramatically worse.

One of the toughest calls to get right in baseball or softball is the high-and-tight pitch that may have hit the
bat or the hand first. Read the batter’s reaction: If the batter immediately screams, “Ouch!” and drops the
bat, there’s a pretty good chance it hit his or her hand. But if the batter doesn’t react as the ball rolls into fair
territory, in all likelihood, it’s a fair ball. Read the reaction of the player and use that to provide you the
additional information to make a correct call.

If a player hustles to save a ball from going out of bounds, even if you didn’t see which player it touched
last, you have an indication of the right call.

In this age of flopping and diving, the “rule” is a little tougher, but reading players’ initial reaction to many
plays will often still help you when you need it.

16. When a game is obviously over, CONCENTRATION needs to be stronger.

In most any sport, there are games that are decided early on, sometimes in the first quarter or early innings.
It’s about that time when teams will start going through the motions, if they haven’t already, and that makes
it easy for officials to do the same.

Thoughts of home, work, meetings or your next game can easily grab your attention instead of the game in
front of you. That’s the time to increase your focus as much as possible. Don’t allow yourself to be
distracted by anything. Focus on the game and use it as an opportunity to improve.
A blowout situation offers officials the perfect time to work on certain mechanics or habits or to experiment.
Above all, don’t physically quit on the game. Continue to hustle even though you may have the urge to loaf.
Apply personal pride, vanity or your competitive streak. Draw upon any inner strength or collection of
emotions or memories to stay in the game. Do anything necessary to keep your focus and not let up.