Below are some points to keep in mind when officiating any sport at any level. All officials must have a good working knowledge of the rules and mechanics. Very successful officials have an understanding of the human relations aspect of their jobs which is just as important as knowing the rules.

BE COMPETITIVE

The players give maximum effort, so should you. Tell yourself "I'm not going to let this game get away from me. I am better than that". You are hired to make the calls that control the game - Make them!


HAVE YOUR HEAD ON RIGHT

Don't think your striped shirt grants you immunity from having to take a little criticism. It's part of officiating. Plan on it. Successful officials know how much to take.


DON'T BE A TOUGH GUY

If a coach is on your back but not enough to warrant a penalty, then stay away from him or her. This is especially true during time-outs. Standing near an unhappy coach, just to "show him", will only lead to further tensions. Some officials develop irritating characteristics know as a "power trip". Don't be one of them.


GET INTO THE FLOW OF THE GAME

Each game is different. Experienced officials can feel this difference. Concentrate on the reactions of the players. Take note if the tempo of the game changes. A ragged game calls for a different style of officiating from a smooth one.


DON'T BREAK

If you don't like to be shouted at, don't shout at someone else. Be firm and confident using a normal relaxed voice. This technique will do wonders in helping you to reduce the pressure. Shouting show the players that you have lost control - not only of one's self, but especially of the game.


SHOW CONFIDENCE

Cockiness has absolutely not place in officiating. You want to EXUDE confidence. Your presence should command respect from the participants. As in any walk of life, appearance, manner and voice determine how you are accepted. Try to present the proper image. Sometimes the best referee/umpire is the one that nobody knows what they look like when the game is over.


FORGET THE FANS

As a group, fans usually exhibit 3 characteristics: ignorance of the rules, highly emotional participation and delight in antagonizing the officials. The fans have a security blanket that they use well, that is, the referee does not know who they are and there usually isn't much that the referee can do when they become annoying. Simply accepting the fact that they WILL bother you will help you ignore the fans, unless they interrupt the game physically or stand in the way of you doing your job.


ANSWER REASONABLE QUESTIONS

Treat coaches and players in a curtious manner. If they ask you a reasonable question, answer them in a polite way. If they get your ear by saying "Hey ref I want to ask you something," and start telling you off, interrupt and remind them of the reason for the discussion. Be firm but relaxed AND POLITE no matter how ignorant the participant is.


CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY

Do not obviously threaten a coach or player. This will only put them on the defensive. More importantly, you will have placed yourself on the spot. If you feel a situation is serious enough to warrant a threat, then it is serious enough to penalize, without invoking a threat. Obviously some things you say will be a form of threat, but using the proper words can make it subtle.