FOOTBALL BASKETBALL ALL SPORTS SOCCER SOFTBALL SNAP SAY WHAT TIME TO MAKE 5MW NFHS ADDS CHATS WHEN? YOUR MOVE AMANDA ROSS INTENTIONAL WALKS

NOVEMBER 2017 // REFEREE.COM

POLITICAL

BASEBALL THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE OFFICIATING IT’S PROVIDENCE PG.20 SURVEY IN HISTORY PG.50 VOLLEYBALL WHAT’S MY LINE?

BASEBALL NFHS NEW RULES

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 1 9/13/17 2:54 PM Cliff_Keen.indd 2 9/13/17 3:09 PM CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2017 Volume 42, No. 11 Issue 493

38 FEATURES

20 THE ‘RHODE’ THROUGH PROVIDENCE Despite his rapid ascent through the ranks of the D-I hoops, referee Mike Stephens has never lost touch with his hometown roots.

38 CALLING YOUR CONGRESSMAN It wasn’t a typical game for the umpires who volunteered for this year’s Congressional Baseball Game. 50 17,487 OFFICIALS SPORTS COLUMNS HAD SOMETHING TO SAY The NASO survey of 12 BASKETBALL 4 PUBLISHER’S MEMO 78 FOR THE RECORD officials brought in Chat ’Em Up? When Is A Roof Over One’s Head NHL Roster a surprising amount It Appropriate to Talk of data and reveals to Players?; Straight 6 THE GAG RULE 80 LAW amazing insights into Jacket; Know Your Six Letters: A Movie Worth Words to Live By: Write who we are and what Seeing; Snap Shot: Mud Reports Right; Lawsuit we think. 26 FOOTBALL Slide; Your Call @facebook; May Be Filed Long After It’s a Snap (Or Is It?): Referee.com Poll the Fact Shenanigans May Precede, Prevent a 8 THE NEWS 81 CLASSIFIEDS Legal Snap; Fumble Me Ken Kaiser, Former MLB Camps/Clinics/Schools; This; One Play, Lots of Umpire, Dies at Age 72; Equipment/Apparel; Training Teachable Moments Umpires’ Protest Leads to Resources; Leadership ON THE COVER Meeting With Commish Resources 32 SOCCER ZAC WILES Penalty Area Pressure: 42 GETTING IT RIGHT 82 LAST CALL Naperville, Ill. Every Decision in the It’s No Accident That Umpire Strike Out: I’m quite sure Penalty Area Is a Big Chose to Live; Football With that a called strike didn’t Occupation: Paralegal Decision; ‘Stop the a German Accent cost anyone a scholarship Clock, Ref!’; 5MW: opportunity or the chance Offi ciating experience: Amanda Ross 66 PROFILES to be drafted. High school and college Talks Basketball, Calls volleyball of cial (D-I women’s 44 VOLLEYBALL Baseball; ‘Kung Fu’ Umpire volleyball line judge and D-III Et Tu, R2? Second Reaches Milestone men’s volleyball line judge). Referees Need Training, Formerly of ciated high Too; Round and Round school football and basketball. We Go; Fine Line: BASKETBALL HIGHLIGHT THIS MONTH Worked the 2016 IHSA girls’ Primary Duties of the JEFF MALET PHOTOGRAPHY/NEWSCOM (BASEBALL), VIPIS.COM (COVER), JIM WHITE (BASKETBALL) state volleyball tournament Line Judge and 2015 IHSA boys’ state volleyball tournament. 60 BASEBALL Walk on By: NFHS Rules to Allow Overrun of First on Base on Balls; NFHS Points of Emphasis for 2018

68 SOFTBALL Check This Out: Intentional Walks Are In, Equipment Checks Out; Here’s the Dish on Working the Plate; Coaching Up Coaches

74 ALL SPORTS Prep Step: Be Ready Free-throw situations are a popular time for players to want to ask to Make a Move When the officials questions. Officials should be open, approachable and Opportunity Presents willing to discuss matters when players and coaches ask questions Itself in a respectful manner. Dave Christian, Indianapolis.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 3 9/13/17 2:54 PM PUBLISHER’S MEMO Watch the video at referee.com/pubmemo

Chief Strategy Of cer/Publisher Barry Mano Chief Operating Of cer/Executive Editor A Roof Over One’s Head Bill Topp Chief Marketing Of cer Jim Arehart John Higgins owns over. His business and its employees, Chief Business Development Of cer a roofing company his family and John himself became Ken Koester in Omaha, Neb. long-suffering hostages to sports fans Managing Editor John is one of the acting like jerks, thugs and idiots. Brent Killackey most respected The NASO Summit was four Assistant Managing Editor NCAA men’s months off and was being held in Julie Sternberg Senior Editor basketball referees Louisville — and in case you forgot, Jeffrey Stern on planet Earth. Louisville is in Kentucky. Those of us Assistant Editor His officiating in the office were plenty upset with Tom Conroy experiences led him to name his the way John was being treated and Copy Editor company Rooferees. It also goes by we wanted to do something. We came Jean Mano Education Director the corporate name of John Higgins up with the idea of presenting John Margaret Domka Weatherguard Inc., for those of you with the NASO Great Call Award, Director of Design, Digital Media and Branding reading this who could use a new roof. not for a call he made on the floor but Ross Bray On Sunday, March 26, John was rather for the professional way he had Publication Design Manager on the crew that worked that Elite been handling the firestorm. Matt Bowen Graphic Designer Eight game between Kentucky and I phoned John with news of the Dustin Brown North Carolina. UK got beat, 76-73, award and told him we wanted Video Coordinator and the Big Blue Nation of Kentucky to present it during the Celebrate Mike Dougherty supporters went berserk. It felt Officiating Gala that closes the Interactive Media Developer Higgins had to be called to account. Summit. He had some hesitation but Michael Kielas Director of Audience Development One Kentucky-based radio sports- then agreed to join us in Louisville. Dan Olson talk host led the way to bringing It would be his first trip back to Event Planner/Marketing Coordinator John to that accounting. Full contact Kentucky since the “troubles” began. Nancy Short information for John and his business About 10 days before the Summit Comptroller somehow soon found a home on began I received a call from John. He Marylou Clayton social media. said the hate mail and death threats Data Analyst/Ful llment Manager Judy Ball After that catnip of information had started up again, apparently Director of Administration and Sales Support was given to the Wildcats of the Big because word had gotten out that he Cory Ludwin Blue Nation, well, what you might was coming to Louisville. Imagine, it Of ce Administrator have predicted did in fact happen. was almost four months after the fact Garrett Randall John’s business was trashed via social and Kentucky fans still felt a need to Customer Service Support Specialists Michelle Murray media. Many fake reviews of the work threaten him. What a fan-club badge- Lisa Burchell of Rooferees were posted. More than of-honor that must be! Transportation Services Assistant 3,000 communications containing hate John wondered what type of Bob Wemmert mail and death threats found their way security arrangements we might Editorial Contributors to John, his company and his home. develop. I got off the phone, spoke Jon Bible, George Demetriou, Alan Goldberger, Jerry A very short time after working the with our team, got intel from a Grunska, Judson Howard, Peter Jackel, Jay Miner, Tim Sloan March 26 game, John was notified that security person in Lexington, another These organizations offer ongoing he had been selected to work the Final from Louisville and decided, because assistance to Referee: Four. This assignment marked his of the risk, it was not wise to bring Collegiate Commissioners Association, MLB, MLS, NBA, NCAA, NFHS, NISOA, NFL, NHL, Minor League seventh Final Four appearance. Guess John to Louisville. We decided Baseball Umpire Development and U.S. Soccer. the guy can referee! to make the presentation some Their input is appreciated. But because of the threats being time after the Summit and not in Contributing Photographers made against him and his family, the Kentucky. The Gala audience first Ralph Echtinaw, Dale Garvey, Ken Kassens, Jack Kapenstein, Bob Messina, NCAA felt special security for him learned of this during the banquet. Bill Nichols, Ted Oppegard, Jim White was necessary. The security team The disappointment was palpable. Editorial Board assigned to John during his entire My job was to give in brief the back Marcia Alterman, Mark Baltz, Gloria Cox, Ron Huffman, Wade Labecki, B.J. Ligocki, time in Phoenix for the April 3 game story as I shared it with you in this Cheryl McCarthy Chiari, John O’Neill, Brent Rice, George was comprehensive and thorough. column. In early fall, John received his Toliver, Larry Warrenfeltz He worked the championship game recognition from us at a special event Advertising 2017 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405 between Gonzaga and North Carolina. in Omaha. Run out of a town, yes, but Phone: 262-632-8855 He left town in safety. not running away! [email protected]

The death threats and vituperation REFEREE (ISSN 0733+1436) is published monthly, $46.95 per year in U.S., $81.95 in Canada, Mexico and foreign countries, by Referee from Kentucky fans continued Peace, Enterprises, Inc., 2017 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405. Periodical postage paid at Racine, WI and at additional mailing of ces. throughout the Final Four and did not Postmaster: Send address changes and undeliverables to REFEREE, stop even after the tournament was P.O. Box 16447, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6447. Direct subscription inquiries, other mail to REFEREE, P.O. Box 16447, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6447. (818) 487-4549. © 2017 Referee Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. (USPS Publication #107790.) Subscribers: Send address changes to REFEREE, P.O. Box 16447, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6447. 4 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 4 9/13/17 2:54 PM NEW FOR 2017 BASKETBALL GOT 9 MINUTES?

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 5 9/13/17 2:54 PM THE GAG RULE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

LETTERS SNAP SHOT A Movie Wort h Seeing Mud Slide In Jay Miner’s article in the softball section of the 9/17 issue, Miner referred to William Bendix Umpire Jody Vick tries to stay dry while playing an umpire in a 1950’s “Grade B” film. calling the play at second base during a In fact, that movie from 1950 was titled “Kill the Umpire.” While I agree that it is a “B” movie, it Junior League Baseball Tournament in is a great one for any softball/baseball umpire to view and other officials would probably enjoy it Juneau, Alaska, in July. The game was as well. eventually postponed due to rain. Yes, there is a lot of slapstick comedy involved, but there is a great cast and the story revolves around someone who loves baseball so much that he keeps losing his regular jobs to go see or listen to games. When he is given an ultimatum by his wife that he needs to find a job in baseball to support his family, his father-in-law, a retired umpire, gets him into umpire school. Bendix’s character hates umpires, so he reports to the school and intentionally does poorly so he is thrown out. As he is preparing to return home, he goes to help out a youth sandlot game and finally learns how important umpires are to the game. He gets back into the school and goes on to become a minor league umpire with lots of excitement along the way. It is a movie definitely worth seeing by umpires.

Mike McGuire Palm Coast, Fla.

THEY GET IT “ Now I know, it’s not my job to make decisions during games, but that’s why I don’t judge REFEREE.COM POLL referees if they get it wrong. What would I know about how tough it is? It’s not as though I would Have you ever been required take grammatical advice from them in order to do my job perfectly. I don’t judge them just as I hope people don’t judge me if I happen to use a lazy split infinitive.” to take a closed-book test to officiate? — NRL.com writer Pamela Whaley on the criticism toward officials in the National Rugby League.

SOURCE: NRL.COM

SAY WHAT? “Impossible to stay immune in this situation, 5 games! It seems to me exaggerated and ridiculous, this is persecution! 82% Thanks to my colleagues for the support and the fans!” yes — Christiano Ronaldo after being suspended for five games for pushing referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea after being issued a red card.

YOUR CALL @ 18% no

How should NBA officials handle end-of-game situations where teams try to foul on purpose? What rule changes could be made to help officials manage these situations? Cameron Donaldson: I already closer to that goal. of bounds and use the old would say basketball needs 3-to-make-2 on shooting Rob Beaton: How about SOURCE: 2017 SURVEY OF 195 OFFICIALS a completely fundamental fouls. put the whistle away, unless change in rules. Have a it’s absolutely flagrant. Or Jan Korshavn: Using the game clock and when it hits impose a technical if there “unsportsmanlike foul” of zero … add a set number Tell Us What You Think is an offense. FIBA would solve this … of points to the winning Send email to two free throws and the ball teams (if tied then use that Dan Crites: On a common [email protected] from the side works. score). That is then the foul with less than two Send letter to: score you need to reach to minutes left in each half, John Mirgon: Foul shots. Editor, Referee, 2017 Lathrop Ave. win. The team winning has give the offended team Get the ball back. Racine, Wis. 53405 the advantage as they are one shot and the ball out Opinions expressed in “The Gag Rule” are not necessarily

those of Referee. Unless otherwise stated, letters sent NEWSCOM/KLAS AXEL STOLPE to Referee are intended for publication and become the “Like” us on facebook.com/RefereeMagazine to join the conversation. property of Referee.

6 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 6 9/13/17 2:54 PM •Nov_Magazine.indb 7 9/13/17 2:54 PM UNDER NEW THE NEWS OWNERSHIP

Ken Kaiser, Former MLB Umpires’ Protest Leads to Meeting Umpire, Dies at Age 72 With Commish

command of the rulebook and quick wit, but also embraced the limelight, often getting into confrontations A New Ref with players and managers, on rare occasions even challenging them to fights. is Making the Calls He did, however, form many lasting friendships with players. “I never minded people screaming insults at me,” he said in one of his famous one-liners. “That just made me feel like I was home.” GREECE, N.Y. — Larger-than-life He was also famous for saying former major league baseball umpire “Never explain, never apologize.” Ken Kaiser, often seen as a standard- It was a line he repeated in his 2003 MLB umpire Tim Timmons wears a bearer of the last great colorful era of biography, “Planet of the Umps.” white wristband on Aug. 19 as part baseball officials, died Aug. 8 at the Kaiser’s career came to an end of a protest by umpires. age of 72. in 1999 after he and more than 50 Kaiser, who had been in ill health other umpires resigned in an effort NEW YORK — MLB umpires in recent years due to complications to force MLB to negotiate a better wore white wristbands during from diabetes, was an AL umpire labor agreement. The effort backfired. games on Aug. 19 to protest from 1977-99. He worked the 1987 While several of the umpires were what they called “escalating and 1997 World Series, the 1991 All- subsequently re-hired, Kaiser was verbal attacks on umpires” Star game, Gaylord Perry’s 300th one of those who was not. It took and the response of MLB. The career win and several playoff games five years for Kaiser to receive his protest lasted only one day in a career that spanned more than severance, reportedly in the amount when MLB Commissioner Rob The right call... for over 30 years 2,800 contests. of $400,000. According to many Manfred agreed to a meeting But that tells only part of the reports, he missed baseball greatly. with the World Umpires Honigs.com 800.468.3284 @honigsoffi cial story for the 6-foot-3 Kaiser, who in Kaiser got into officiating in the Association (WUA) Governing 1986 was voted the most colorful mid-1960s after an old friend stopped Board. umpire in the AL by the Sporting by the Kaiser family’s television The meeting was held News. Loud, occasionally profane and repair shop and said he was going Aug. 24. Details were not not one to back down from a fight, to umpiring school in Florida. Kaiser released, but following the Kaiser, a native of Rochester, N.Y., joined him and never looked back. meeting the WUA tweeted, was an opinionated and sometimes He is survived by two adult “The #WUA appreciates the controversial figure. children and his longtime girlfriend. See “Protest” p.10 Kaiser prided himself on his CONTRIBUTING SOURCE: DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE

THE WIRE

Joe West Suspended for right down the middle. He tells me, said the WUA as reported by the resolution, the NFHS stated that Beltre Comments ‘That ball is outside.’ I told him, Los Angeles Times. avoiding Friday night scheduling Umpire Joe West was suspended ‘You may be a great ballplayer, would be a sign of respect and add for three games in August after but you’re the worst umpire in the NFHS Urges Respect for more value to high school football making comments about Rangers league. You stink.’” Friday Night Football that would ultimately bene t college third basemen Adrian Beltre. In an The World Umpires Association The NFHS adopted a resolution and professional football. interview with USA Today, West (WUA) protested the league’s that encourages college and “The value of tradition cannot referred to Beltre as the biggest decision to suspend, citing West’s professional football to avoid be overstated,” said Bob Gardner, complainer in baseball. “It’s got to claims that he and Beltre were scheduling games on Friday nights. NFHS executive director. “Friday be Adrian Beltre. Every pitch you on friendly terms. “We disagree More than 50 college football nights offer communities a

call that’s a strike, he says, ‘Whoa! strongly with the decision to punish games were scheduled for the 2017 traditional time and place to USA (KAISER) (TIMMONS), RICK STEWART-ALLSPORTS SPORTS TODAY JIM COWSERT-USA Whoa! Whoa!’ I had a game with Joe West simply for sharing a season, a number that has been congregate and support their him recently and the pitch was humorous exchange with a player,” increasing in recent years. In the students.”

8 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 8 9/13/17 2:54 PM UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP A New Ref is Making the Calls

The right call... for over 30 years Honigs.com 800.468.3284 @honigsoffi cial

•Nov_Magazine.indb 9 9/13/17 2:54 PM THE NEWS

Adidas Apologizes for Protest continued from p.8 time Commissioner Manfred Removing Referee & senior #MLB staff took for a very constructive meeting with LAS VEGAS — LaVar Ball took on protecting the integrity of the game” our Governing Board today.” the officiating world in July in a now and lashed out at Ball stating: The protest came after infamous incident at the Adidas “The misogynistic comments and an incident in which Detroit Uprising Summer Championships in intimidation by the coach have no Tigers second baseman Las Vegas. place in basketball or anywhere.” Ian Kinsler told reporters He was coaching the Big Baller The decision to replace the that veteran umpire Angel Brand AAU team featuring his official was made by an Adidas Hernandez “needs to find son, but after receiving a technical representative. Later, with a another job” and “just needs foul from a female official and replacement official, Ball received to go away.” Kinsler was fined threatening to pull the team off the another technical and was ejected. but not suspended for the court, he successfully petitioned to The game was stopped with five comments. have the female official replaced. minutes left to play. In a statement, WUA said: The incident received massive Outside the arena, Ball went on “The Office of Commissioner’s media attention. Adidas later a tirade saying among other things: lenient treatment to abusive apologized for removing the official. “If you’re going to be qualified, you player behavior sends the “The events that led to the better be in shape, and you better wrong message to players and removal of a female official are know the game, and she’s bad on managers. It’s ‘open season’ on something that shall not and will not both of them. She’s not in shape and umpires, and that’s bad for the be accepted within the officiating she’s not calling the game right.” He game.” community,” read a statement from also accused the official of having a The commissioner told the Court Club Elite, which provided vendetta against him. reporters at the Aug. 22 Tigers the officials. “It was clear that the Ed Rush, the former NBA official game that the wristband actions of the officials in enforcing and founder of Court Club Elite, protest was a violation of the and addressing unsporting behavior said the female official, whose name umpires’ collective bargaining were defendable and fitting of the was withheld, is a veteran NCAA agreement. behavior displayed.” Division I official who was picked “We let them know that Court Club Elite went on to out of field of hundreds of qualified it was a violation and that accuse the Adidas leadership of applicants. He said she has no we intended to enforce our lacking the courage to do the right animosity toward Ball and acted in a right under that agreement,” thing and later announced that it completely professional manner. Manfred said. “Fortunately, an was ending its five-year relationship A few days after the incident, agreement to have a meeting, with the shoe company over the Adidas wrote in a statement that, “It a conversation defused the incident. (replacing the official) was the wrong problem before it became more The National Basketball Referees decision. We regret the situation and serious. That’s good labor Association accused Adidas of are looking into the matter.” relations in my view.” not supporting those “tasked with CONTRIBUTING SOURCES: ESPN.COM, USA TODAY, SB NATION

THE WIRE

Umpire Accuses Coach of Feldman ejected Hause’s wife for Egyptian Soccer Referee attacks, which included him getting Postgame Assault yelling at him during the game. Attacked After Game head-butted and elbowed, Nour A softball umpire from Baraboo, Several witnesses at the game Referee Ibrahim Nour El-Din El-Din remained steadfast with his Wis., accused a coach of claimed that Feldman may have was attacked by players and of ciating decisions. “I accepted threatening and physically provoked Hause and his wife. of cials from the Jordanian club the insults from Al Faisaly because hurting him during a postgame “From what we had Al Faisaly after losing to Tunisian this tournament was on Egyptian confrontation in July. Umpire gathered, both were at fault,” club Esperance, 3-2, in extra soil and I did not want to fail – Dale Feldman claimed that said Sgt. Bradley Kurkiewicz, time in the Arab Championship especially because it was the nal,” Brian Hause, assistant coach the Lake Delton police of cer Final on Aug. 6. Those on the said Nour El-Din. Egyptian police of the Baraboo Thunder U12 who responded to the scene. Faisaly side protested that the ultimately arrested 38 people after softball team, squeezed his The incident remains under game-winning goal was offside, the incident.

hand in a “violent handshake” investigation. prompting them to attack the SOURCES: CBSSPORTS.COM, WASHINGTONPOST.COM, and threatened to kill him after Egyptian referee. Despite the BBC.COM, NFHS.ORG, WISCNEWS.COM, ESPN.COM

10 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 10 9/13/17 2:54 PM THE NEWS

Assigner Resigns Amid Service Claims

MAHWAH, N.J. — Darrin Sealey, In a press release on Aug. 2, the baseball officials assigner for the president and CEO of the Collegiate COG announced that they asked for Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Officials Group (COG), resigned from and received Sealey’s resignation (MAAC), as well as 22 years as an his position in August after being effective immediately. umpire. He worked two College accused of making false claims about “Making false or embellished World Series, eight super regionals past military service. claims regarding military service and 15 conference tournaments. Questions about Sealey’s military preys on the honorable service of NCAA umpire and COG member career arose when fellow officials all who have served and made the Chris Marshall was named interim with military backgrounds took ultimate sacrifice for this country,” president for the organization notice of irregularities in his stories. the COG news release stated. heading into the 2018 season. Jim Nuttall, a retired U.S. Army Major “These men and women are to be Founded in 2014, COG supervises General and former umpire, was celebrated, not disrespected through baseball conferences in Division informed by a colleague and former perpetuation of false valor. These III (Empire 8, Liberty, NEAC and Marine about Sealey’s claims. Nuttall actions do not reflect the values, SUNYAC), NJCAA Region XIX, New said he made attempts to contact integrity and standards the Collegiate England Collegiate Baseball League, Sealey to prove his military service, Officials Group was founded on.” and New York Collegiate Baseball but did not receive a response. Sealey previously served as the League.

Youth Soccer Group Opts for Silence

IRMO, S.C. — When it comes to individual games during the season. making devices. The rule excluded youth sports, some parents just want According to Burns Davison, any normal communications between their children to go out, do their best the association’s director of rules players, coaches and officials that and have fun. Some parents, however, and compliance, the policy was the occur during the game. Parents want to see their children succeed in response to an increasing number of could be dismissed from the field for sports and will be more vocal and instances of parents and spectators violating the policy — and coaches encouraging while cheering them yelling at referees, some of which are could be penalized for parental on during the game. But what if that teenagers. behavior. “enthusiasm” became detrimental “We’ve observed inappropriate Davison said it will take time to not only to the players, but also the parental behavior increase over the have a lasting impact on the behavior officials working the game? last 10 years, if not longer,” Davison and culture of parents on the sideline. This fall season, the South said. “It’s usually a string of dissent “We don’t expect to completely Carolina Youth Soccer Association from a particular individual or group nip this problem in the bud tried implementing a policy known that gets critical of calls made.” overnight,” Davison said. “We as “Silent September” to address Under the Silent September policy, hope to not only periodically the issue of inappropriate behavior spectators were prohibited from implement this policy in the future, of parents and other spectators. The “verbal cheering at any time that but also augment it with education concept came from leagues using the ball is in play,” which included and positive conversations and Silent Saturday or Sunday policies for clapping, foot stomping or any noise- engagements.”

Referee Is Hiring! editorial Team and Education Team Members Referee magazine and the National Association of Sports Officials an educator, with special emphasis on educators that have used and/ (NASO) are looking for more people to help us educate and inspire or designed digital/online/video learning tools. sports officials across the country and around the globe. We are • Of ciating experience, with emphasis given to those who conducting a national search for three positions. We are looking of ciate football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer or volleyball for journalists/editors that also officiate. We are also looking for and special emphasis given to those who are multi-sport of cials. professional educators that also officiate. • Relocation to southeastern Wisconsin. Among the requirements: These are full-time, in-of ce positions with full bene ts. Salary • Experience as a print journalist, with special emphasis on commensurate with experience. See the Career Opportunities page magazine and/or newspaper writing and/or editing; or experience as at Referee.com for more information.

REFEREE November 2017 | 11

•Nov_Magazine.indb 11 9/13/17 2:54 PM BASKETBALL RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY CHAT ’EM UP? When Is It Appropriate to Talk to Players?

By Jeff Cross

hen is it appropriate to talk to Wplayers or coaches during live- ball action? Talking to players during live- or dead-ball situations should never be initiated by the officials in the game. One of the hardest things to do in officiating the game of basketball is to not initiate conversations with players and coaches. We want our voices to be heard. We want the players and the coaching staff to know we are working hard. It is not necessary for our voices to be heard during live-ball action. It is our job to hear the voices of the players and coaches and then address those concerns. Try to limit any talking to players or coaches during live-ball action to zero. You do not want to mess up their concentration, and you do not want to mess up your concentration. Too many times we say things just to hear ourselves talk while not understanding the consequences of the words that can come out of our mouths. Sometimes we want to talk to the players in order to prevent ourselves from having to blow the whistle. Well, blowing the whistle is our job. Talking to players can be dangerous. It may sound a little silly to say dangerous. So many conversations happen every day, in every game. However, if you are talking during live-ball action, players are distracted. Distracted players can cause distracted officials, which will lead to missed plays and missed calls. I can remember games (yes, more than one game) where I decided to say something to a player during

Officials have the opportunity to get a quick word in with a player or team prior to resuming play and administering a throw-in. Take advantage of throw-in situations to address problems or potential problems. Note the potential undershirt

issue. Dave Christian, Indianapolis. JIM WHITE

12 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 12 9/13/17 2:54 PM live-ball situations. Next thing you please address any questions you may know, the player and I are having have in a professional manner, that TOOLS conversations two or three trips down would go a long way for us.” the floor. Meanwhile, I have certainly If a player does come at you Throw the Ball High missed one or two calls. This causes inappropriately or maybe too Former NCAAM D-I the coaches to become upset with me aggressively, then you need to be basketball official Mickey Crowley authored a and it is all because I felt like I needed stern. Tell them, “That’s enough!” book reflecting on to say something during the live-ball Do not refer them to the coach. Do his officiating career. action. Those volatile situations may not tell them, “One more word and Crowley, a longtime not have occurred had we not said it’s a technical foul.” Just be stern. college basketball anything at all to each other. We all live in a world where people official, goes into detail about his storied If you cannot talk to them screw up. Try to live in a world where 30-year career. The during live ball, what should you be you do not say anything you are not book costs from $7.99 to $25.10 discussing during dead-ball action? prepared to back up. So, if you tell and can be purchased online at Dead-ball action is a great time to someone, “You need to get out of the the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, answer any questions the players free-throw lane or I am going to have Google Play or Barnes & Noble. or coaches might have or to explain to call three seconds,” you have put SOURCE: PAGE PUBLISHING, MILITARY-TECHNOLOGIES.NET any calls that have been questioned. yourself in a corner, and you now will When we hear that coaches have have to call three seconds. If you tell a ASK A REFEREE complained to coordinators about the player, “One more word from you and officials not communicating, it really it will be a technical foul,” you now Q: Is there a concern with changing your head position after translates into how the officials are have to give a technical foul when signaling a change-of-possession not listening. We are either talking they say, “I’m sorry.” It is so important play (a travel, an il legal screen or too much or assuming we already to stay away from phrases and a block/charge) away from the know what the issue is and have a comments that you are not prepared players? defensive demeanor which comes off to back up. A: Yes, you know you really are out of bounds, and on a charge or as unapproachable. In the beginning of my officiating a block or whatever, you still want Usually when asked questions career I spent way too much time to keep your eyes focused in on like, “Why wasn’t that five seconds?” giving out technical fouls and the players to give the signal. You “How come that wasn’t a travel?” ejecting both players and coaches don’t want to follow the ball out or, “How could that not be a double because I did not possess any art of of bounds. You want to keep your head toward the players and keep dribble?” it is important to first agree. communication. I almost jammed my your eyes on the players at all “Yes, it would have been five seconds finger on my first technical-foul call times and then give that signal in if they had not passed the ball.” “Yes, because I was so caught up in the whatever direction that you might it would have been three seconds if moment. I did not communicate when be going. they had not shot the ball.” “Yes, it spoken to and I was the one who was — Gina Cross, multiple-time would have been a traveling call if always putting fuel on the fire. NCAAW tournament official from the pivot foot had returned to the Thankfully, I was able to learn Nicholasville, Ky. floor before they passed the ball.” from my mistakes. This is a great Sometimes we get in trouble because game to officiate. I figured out that THEY SAID IT we like to answer the questions with if I wanted to continue to do this “No, you’re wrong, she passed the job, and enjoy doing it, I needed to “Everything is on Jumbotron now. ball before the pivot foot came down,” change the way I communicated. You make a bad call, and it’s shown or “No, you’re wrong, she shot the Face it, mistakes happen and they repeatedly. No one wants to make ball before three seconds occurred.” will continue to happen. What is a mistake. Yes, sometimes we Explaining it this way will cause more important is to take these mistakes make the wrong calls. We’re human. We make friction in a heated contest. into the locker room and make mistakes. How should an official be sure they are not repeated in the “When you make a prepared to deal with player-initiated future. Each of us needs to work on call, you have to make questions? Appropriate ways for a continually and effectively handling it with confidence. You player to ask questions should be the questions of coaches and players want to be in the right © ISAIAH J. DOWNING-USA TODAY SPORTS position, with the right addressed during the pregame and the for the sake of the game. angle to make what captains’ meetings. At these meetings Jeff Cross, Aroma Park, Ill., is an you believe to be the the crew chief/referee will likely NCAAW D-I basketball official who has correct call.” introduce the officials and might say, officiated the NCAA tournament and “Believe it or not, we officials were officiated the NJCAA championship. — Leon Wood, NBA official of 21 all competitive athletes at one time Cross also is a former D-I and high school years, talks about so we know what it is like to be in a baseball umpire, with high school state decision-making. competitive environment. If you could championship experience. £ SOURCE: PHILLYTRIB.COM

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 13 9/13/17 2:54 PM BASKETBALL

TEST YOURSELF Straight Jacket

In each of the following, decide By Stephen A. Mintz all the assigner which answer(s) are correct for NFHS, NCAA M/W rules. Solutions: sees is bad teeth. p. 81. here was a pleated pants argument. An Iowa jacket Before … belted versus on an Illinois 1. When the ball is awarded to the T wrong team for a throw-in, in order Sansabelt. contest? Next! for it to be corrected, when must it We handled it in stride. It was Three officials be rectified? simple — carry two pairs of pants and across the court a. Before the throw-in ends. ask. If an official did not have pleats, the representing b. Before the ball is at the disposal of the thrower. crew wore Expand-o-Matics. the stripes, one Old-school model c. Before the ball is released by Now it is jackets, but whoa! There wearing a zip the thrower. are more than two styles and the trends up with white d. During the first dead ball after the clock properly starts. are all over the map. Literally. stripes on High school officials in California the shoulder, 2. A technical foul is charged to the have embraced the full-zip jacket, often the other two head coach in which of the following with an association logo or a flag on the with the fancy situations? a. Permitting a team member to sleeve. In the Midwest, the three-quarter all-black three- participate while wearing an illegal zip is the new sliced bread, sleek and quarter zip. One uniform. pure black and easy to fold. The East of these does not Today’s full-zip model b. Failing to remove a disqualified player within 15 seconds when a Coast is torn between the pullover and belong here, one substitute is available. the full zip and there are variations of of these just is c. All of the above. color schemes to entice you. not the same. Trouble brews when crews hit Let’s bypass 3. Team A is not in the bonus. A1 is fouled by B2 near the sideline in the gym. Those working sub-varsity the stubborn team A’s frontcourt near the free- games who live in the Quad Cities thoughts, throw line extended. Where is the have the exciting option to work both the long subsequent throw-in? a. At the 28-foot line in team A’s Illinois and Iowa games. Officials discussions and frontcourt on the sideline in which there, unfortunately, show up wearing the courtroom Modern full-zip model the foul occurred. mismatched jackets. Besides the debates, and b. At the spot nearest the foul pullover versus zipper, one person may make it clear: on the sideline in which the foul occurred. have an Iowa association jacket on, with As a crew, c. At a spot on the endline three the other in an Illinois model. wear the same feet outside the free-throw lane line Not good. kind of pants, the extended. d. At the spot nearest the foul on But then again, who cares? If the same type of shirt the endline. officials can call a good game, why and the same should it matter? Jacket, no jacket, jacket. Period. 4. B2 deflects the ball out-of-bounds mismatches, different colors, one has a Shoes you College model on the sideline in team A’s frontcourt near the free-throw line extended. name embroidered, one has the initials can mess with Where is the subsequent throw-in? of a long-lost sibling on the sleeve. a bit, as long as a. At the 28-foot line in team A’s Who cares? they are all black. frontcourt along that sideline. b. At the spot nearest the out-of- While you may not believe it, But jackets? bounds violation along that sideline. everyone cares. Seriously, everyone. If the association c. At a spot on the endline three- “You just mean every assigner, lays down the feet outside the lane line extended. right? Every observer. Coaches only law, follow the d. At the spot nearest the violation on the endline. care if we listen to them, and kids only law. If you get care if the call goes their way. Fans games directly Modern three- 5. A1 commits a travelling violation. would not know!” The argument seems from schools, quarter zip model A6 substitutes into the game for A1. During team B’s subsequent throw- fair and logical, but alas, wrong. your crew is to in, thrower-in B2 commits a throw-in Sure, everyone wants the game to show up with the same jacket, even if violation. A1 and A7 report to the be called well. They want the officials you have to own more than two. And table to substitute into the game. to hustle, to communicate well, to make even if all of your jackets require the Which of the following are true? a. A1 only may re-enter the game. the great calls, no matter what. association logo, you have to do it. b. A7 only may enter the game. Let’s use this analogy. You work JV Wear the same jacket as your crew. c. Both A1 and A7 may enter the ball and want varsity games? Awesome. Stephen A. Mintz, Fresno, Calif., is an game. award-winning writer. He officiated d. A6 may not be replaced with a So the assigner shows up and wants substitute. to know if you can call, hustle and basketball for 30 years and now is a communicate. But in his or her head, collegiate evaluator and instructor. £

14 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 14 9/13/17 2:54 PM BASKETBALL

Judgment vs. Kicking a Rule

By Scott T. Doberstein may not be directly covered in the rulebook and since we are not perfect, ll human beings make mistakes. It we can get the enforcement wrong. Ais a part of life. Due to technology But if it takes an expert to dissect and social media, it is becoming a the rulebook and the video with no larger part of officiating. Nobody is time limit to analyze and render the perfect. Yet many parents, coaches correct ruling, maybe the scrutiny and players expect the officials to be is unwarranted because in the heat perfect. Is that fair? Since officials of battle, unfortunate things will do make mistakes, let’s take it one happen? Nonetheless, not knowing step further — what should the the rule or kicking the enforcement consequences be for officials who is never good and reflects poorly on make an incorrect judgment decision the whole avocation, regardless of the or misapply a rule? sport. Officials strive for perfection But when officials make incorrect every game and if I ever officiate the decisions related to “spur of the perfect game, I will retire on the spot! moment” judgment, it can be argued As with officials, even coaches and as a very different issue than simply players try to conquer perfection. In not knowing a rule. Plays occur in the athletic arena, it is highly unlikely. a blink of an eye and officials have Do coaches coach the perfect game? only milliseconds to see, process and Do players or teams play the perfect react before deciding an act is legal game? Of course not, but do parents or illegal. We know how difficult and and fanatics hold coaches and players stressful that can be. Do not forget to the same perfection standards as that is what we are paid to do. The they do officials? I do not think so, nature of the game dictates that every but it would make a great research once in a while, officials will make study. poor judgment decisions. Two issues are at play when Depending on your status and the dealing with officials and getting specifics, we might be given a pass by decisions correct/incorrect: rules coaches and supervisors. This leads versus judgment. In the end, officials to this idea, “Officiating basketball is get paid to enforce the rules (we similar to a bank account. Over time are expected to know the rules and you build up your officiating account adjudicate them per the rulebook) with correct calls and being reliable and to get play decisions correct and dependable with assigners. (our judgment). Therefore, we are If there’s not a lot deposited in accountable for any transgressions. your officiating account, making a But are both of these screw-ups withdrawal — in the form of an exactly the same or somewhat incorrect call or handling a situation different? Is one worse than the in an unprofessional manner — other or are they equal foibles? There becomes significant.” certainly can be arguments for both This does not mean that we sides, so consider the following. should not work hard to maximize Incorrect rule enforcement our chances of getting the play (kicking a rule) is considered right. Officiating more live plays, unacceptable to all constituents of the watching more film, going to camps, game and theoretically should not watching the best officials work and happen. We are expected to know and studying the rulebook/casebook enforce the rules in the rulebook, and go a long way in helping get those not doing so really calls into question judgments correct and building up our credibility. But of course, a once- our officiating account. in-a-decade situation occurs that Since officials are being held to

•Nov_Magazine.indb 15 9/13/17 2:54 PM BASKETBALL

increased accountability, we have to of kicking a rule. They are different CASEPLAYS accept the consequences/punishment animals and therefore can and should of our possible indefensible mistakes. be handled differently. Bonus Free-Throw Foul Certainly an argument can be made Of course, if you do not make Play: A1 is fouled and is set to receive bonus free throws (NFHS/ that making a ruling related to poor either error, you have nothing NCAAM one-and-one bonus judgment is not as bad as kicking a to worry about, but the chances or NCAAW two-shot bonus). rule. It appears that officials get in increase as you work more and more Immediately after A1’s first free- more hot water with supervisors, contests. Subsequently, you need to throw attempt is released, A4 fouls conferences commissioners and do everything you can to minimize B4 along the free-throw lane. The foul occurs before the ball passes coaches when they kick a rule as the chances of making a pivotal through the basket. Ruling: In opposed to when they make an mistake and having to deal with the all codes, the free throw shall incorrect judgment decision. As consequences. count. A1 still receives the bonus such, it appears that the reprimand Scott T. Doberstein, La Crosse, Wis., free throw. If team B is in the for judgment errors is less severe is an NCAAW D-I, D-II and D-III bonus, the remaining free throws £ are administered in the order of when compared to the consequences basketball official. occurrence. Therefore, A1 shoots the second free throw with the free-throw lane cleared and then play resumes with B4’s bonus free throw. If team B is not in the bonus, A1 still shoots the second Know Your Six free throw with the free-throw lane cleared and then team B resumes nce there was a time when there Guarding specifically refers play with a designated-spot Owas a “time line” players had to to “placing the body in the path throw-in nearest the foul if missed. cross to break a five-second closely of an offensive opponent.” Once If made, team B gets a non- designated spot throw-in (NFHS guarded count. Those days are gone. the defender is in the path of the 9.1.3H; NCAA M/W NCAAW 8-6.4). Enter the cries for stalling ballhandler, the count continues offenses. until the ballhandler gets his or her Throw-in Location In order for an offensive player head and shoulders beyond the Play: A5 passes the ball for a to be absolved of a closely guarded torso of the defending player(s). non-designated spot throw-in. The ball goes the length of the court and count, there must be six feet of The count would continue if the out of bounds untouched on the space between the offensive player’s defender is to the side within six opposite endline on the tableside forward foot and the forward foot of feet but not having the offensive of the court at the three-point line. the defensive player who is guarding player beyond the defender’s torso. Where is the ensuing throw-in? the ballhandler. Also the count would end when the Ruling: Team A committed a throw- in violation by not having the ball Yes, in high school the defense defender was more than six feet from on the throw-in pass touch another can switch players and maintain one the ballhandler. There is no closely player. The ensuing throw-in should five-second count. In NCAAM/W, guarded count when a defender is be a designated-spot throw-in for when defenders switch on the player behind an offensive player with the team B on the endline from where holding the ball, a new count starts. ball, even if actively attempting to A5 attempted the throw-in pass (NFHS 7-6-2, 9-2-2; NCAA M/W Yes, the six-foot requirement applies defend. 7-6.5, 9-4.1.b, 7-2-1). to NFHS, NCAAM and NCAAW. Note: The closely guarded count does NFHS applies to holding or dribbling. not apply while an offensive player Touched Throw-in NCAAM/W: Holding only. has the ball in the backcourt. £ Play: A3 passes the ball for a non-designated spot throw-in, the ball goes the length of the court and bounces over the boundary plane where A2 touches the ball out of bounds on the opposite endline on the tableside of the court at the three-point line. Where is the ensuing throw-in? Ruling: A $ legal throw-in has been completed; 15.95 therefore, a throw-in violation NASO MEMBER cannot be ruled to bring the ball PRICE: $12.76 back to where A3 attempted the SIZE: 7.875”X10.875” throw-in. Instead, the ensuing team PAGES: 128 B designated-spot throw-in should be from the endline at the three - point line on the tableside of the court (NFHS 7-6-2, 9-2-2, 7-2-1; NCAA M/W 7-6.5, 9-4.1.b, 7-2-1). LEARN MORE AT REFEREE.COM/PREP-BASKETBALLOR CALL 1-800-733-6100 16 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 16 9/13/17 2:54 PM SPECIAL EDITION

2017-18

• All the Latest NFHS Rules and Mechanics Changes

• 100+ High School Tips, Articles & Caseplays and Test Q&As

Analysis Direct • Advanced Techniques From the Pages of and Training Concepts • Everything You Need to Referee Magazine Prepare for the New High School Season!

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 17 9/13/17 2:54 PM BASKETBALL

5 MINUTES WITH RON LAIRD Meet & Greet

Outgoing chair of the NFHS Basketball Rules By Ken Schimpf III Committee shares his thoughts. hot. Horn. Swish! Or was it Horn. Shot. Swish? REFEREE: Did your role as the Resides: Casper, Wyo. S chair extend beyond the annual April Experience: Commissioner of the Suddenly, one official from the crew meetings? Wyoming High School Activities needs to make a snap decision. And LAIRD: I was responsible for the Association (WHSAA) in Casper, Wyo. Prior whether the official opposite the table rules meeting each September. I was to becoming commissioner of WHSAA, he served as athletic director and assistant (or center in NCAAW) scores the basket covering the rule changes. It was an or disallows the goal, now the crew’s online thing that (each state’s rule principal at Powell (Wyo.) High School interpreter would) listen to and ask for 26 years. He served as a basketball sprint for the exit is on. questions. I also presented each year coach at Powell for 20 years, and also has The real question is: Why do we at the NABC clinic (held annually in officiated high school and junior college run, when we know we cannot hide? conjunction with the NCAA Final Four). basketball. In April, he completed a four- year term as chair of the NFHS Basketball It is no longer the “new age” of I would help review PowerPoints and social media and cellphone cameras; it (Referee’s) drawings in each book. Rules Committee. REFEREE: What do you like about is the reality that everything is recorded. the upcoming season’s rule changes? type of rule change. There will be video evidence — from LAIRD: Well, we’re listening to REFEREE: What do you wish all multiple angles in varying degrees of coaches and officials both with officials knew about the rules process? clarity — on the “correctness” of the the coaching box and the verbal LAIRD: I don’t think they know the crew’s decision. warning. I like it (because) it puts more number of proposals that we actually responsibility on the coaches. We’ve deal with. That’s been as high as in Officials can no longer have the always heard from them, “We can’t the 40s in the past. Also, it’s important following scenario: On a game-ending coach and we’re only out of the box that they understand the importance shot with the final score in the balance, because of that.” We’re hoping it’s of the questionnaire, that we do utilize the burden of a decision falls directly going to allow them to have more room that. One of the things the committee to a singular official. Whether the table- to roam. But it’s for coaching purposes does is they look at trying to keep the only. And then it gives the officials some balance of offense and defense so that opposite official (or center in NCAAW) flexibility in how to handle that. Now a rule change isn’t going to create an waves it off or sends it home, now all there’s really no reason for the coaching unfair advantage for one or the other. officials are already in a shoulders- box not to be enforced. And the process itself. The committee tilted-running-forward-with-no- With the two-hand reporting I think doesn’t get the final say. We make the turning-back posture, headed quickly UPDATED that was a good move to improve recommendations. From there it goes communications with the scorer’s table. to a rules review committee. Once for the door or alleged sanctity of their FOR 2017 REFEREE: How can officials have they approve those, then it goes to the locker room. When they get to the success with enforcing the changes? NFHS Board. So it is an actual process. locker room, there is a potential range of LAIRD: There should be no reason to Sometimes rule changes don’t go emotions from a collective sigh to high- not enforce the coaching box now. The through. fives that follow. Then, as the adrenaline warning is going to take a little time. REFEREE: Looking back, what are Each official will handle that differently. the pressing items facing the committee surge fades, the sheepish look of doubt They’re going to need to use that to and the basketball stakeholders? appears between them. Even the official help control and manage the game. All LAIRD: Rough play is still something who scored/disallowed the final shot officials will listen to coaches at times. that we’re always concerned with. carries a bit of reticence and reluctance. But when it gets to that point where Anything we can do with injury Soon — if not already — video enough is enough, then that warning is prevention, we want to keep in the a valuable tool for the officials. forefront all the time. And the offense/ clips will appear in all forms potentially COMMIT TO YOUR REFEREE: What are possible items defense balance is important. ranging from social media to traditional down the road for the rules committee? REFEREE: What do you think an news outlets to even the crew’s own LAIRD: Well, the shot clock is elite official should possess? going to continue to be there. And LAIRD: Obviously if they’re at then restarting the that level they know the rules and foul count at the mechanics. But one of the most CORRECTION quarter that the important skills they can have is just The 9/17 issue contained an inaccurate MECHANICS NCAA women the people skills, because it helps them are doing and manage the game. Someone who is in word within the NFHS POE Breakdown $ the men have control of the game and can manage it. article on page 37. The conversation 19.95 about the second throw-in situation Improving your experimented They have good communication skills. NASO MEMBER with. I like the They’re proactive — kind of a preventive when a defender tips a throw-in pass mechanics is the PRICE: $15.95 fact that we’d type of officiating. They’re able to see that is caught by an airborne offensive SIZE: 5.5”X8.5” player who jumped from the frontcourt. actually utilize things that might be escalating, and fastest way to get PAGES: 208 those NCAA they can take care of those situations The rest of the sentence should have rules editors as a before they become an issue, whether indicated that the offensive player more calls right. resource for us as that’s with players or coaches. That’s a landed in the backcourt (instead of we look at any big part of it in my opinion. £ frontcourt, as printed). STORE.REFEREE.COM/BASKETBALL 18 | REFEREE November 2017 OR CALL 1-800-733-6100

•Nov_Magazine.indb 18 9/13/17 2:54 PM BASKETBALL

personal inbox. Now, the crew might 1. If the crew collectively agrees that over. That will take fortitude. even become happy with the reality the game ended properly, then simply The best way to ensure there is not of cameras everywhere. The video agree and move on. Enjoy your day. a social-media firestorm is to make evidence will certainly confirm that the 2. If someone from the crew knows “meet-and-agree” a standard procedure crew got it right. Right? the call was incorrect — like a reversal after every game — close or not. Right no longer matters. Even if of an out-of-bounds call, if a partner In the pregame, again at halftime another official is certain that a partner’s comes to the calling official with definite and potentially during a late-game ruling was incorrect, the crew is rule- knowledge that the call should be timeout, officials should agree on a bound to the original decision as final different — the crew should determine location to meet in the direction toward (NFHS 2-2-4; NCAA M/W 2-4.3). the proper action to change the call. the locker room. When the final buzzer The crew may have been able to This likely means changing the score sounds, move swiftly to the agreed- run off the court to end its jurisdiction, and changing the winner of the game upon location. Do not run head-down, but it will not be able to hide from — a drastic but correct outcome. The looking like a shoplifter with a loaf of responsibility if the call is incorrect. responsibility for the change belongs bread under a jacket. Move confidently In order to avoid this dilemma, the to the crew, but the individual official with a purpose and pride in yourself crew would do better to run-and-decide dictating the change has the culpability. and your work. than run-and-hide. At the conclusion of 3. The crew could be concerned At a point still within the visual a game — closely contested or not — about timing before the shot. If the confines, officials should verbally clear the court quickly, but do not leave clock did not start correctly, the official acknowledge to each other that the the “visual confines of the playing area” responsible for that portion of the final outcome is good. If it is not, stop right until the crew has come together and play cannot allow it to go unmentioned. there, take the necessary and thorough acknowledged to each other that there The official must make note of when the time to work through the proper ruling are no doubts. Crew members should timing error occurred, determine with and confidently make the change. all feel free to speak about any concerns. the crew the correct-by-rule solution Ken Schimpf III, Pewaukee, Wi, is a high There are several ways the and apply it. By NFHS standards, it is school basketball official and a regular conversation could go: possible that the play may have to start contributor to Referee. £

UPDATED FOR 2017

COMMIT TO YOUR MECHANICS $ Improving your 19.95 NASO MEMBER mechanics is the PRICE: $15.95 SIZE: 5.5”X8.5” fastest way to get PAGES: 208 more calls right.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 19 9/13/17 2:54 PM Photos counterclockwise: • Stephens’ hometown of Providence • Hearing out Roy Williams • With wife Fatou and son Michael • Speaking at a news conference to unveil Providence’s summer recreation schedule • Stephens officiating a game • Father and son at 2017 national championship game

20 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 20 9/13/17 2:54 PM MICHAEL STEPHENS THE ‘RHODE’ THROUGH PROVIDENCE

hen you talk to people who begun officiating, finishing his first ‘LOCAL KID DOES GOOD.’ know Michael Stephens year. He went to the Hoop Mountain well, they’ll tell you he Officiating Camp that summer. Charlie A FELLOW D-I HOOPS Wlearned at the feet of the Diehl, supervisor for the America East, masters — from big-time Division I was in charge of the camp, along with OFFICIAL SUGGESTED college basketball officials like Jim Joe Mingle, who assigned D-II and Burr, Tim Higgins, John Cahill and D-III games in western Massachusetts THAT HEADLINE FOR A Ed Corbett. Those that saw him take (Northeastern 10, Commonwealth his early steps in the Division I arena Coast and Massachusetts State MIKE STEPHENS STORY. remember a young, athletic, fast Collegiate Athletic conferences). “I was runner who was a quick study. He told to go to a camp. I didn’t know STEPHENS REMAINS listened and learned. He took advice what I was doing,” Stephens recalled. well. He worked on his game. And he Two weeks after the camp ended, CONNECTED TO HIS came back for more. he got a letter from Diehl with an MEAD/YCJ/ICON SPORTSWIRE/NEWSCOM; GOLOCALPROV NEWS; PHIL SEARS-USA TODAY SPORTS That boded well for his future, America East Conference contract — CHILDHOOD HOMETOWN which has since taken him as an Division I. “I thought something was official to the NCAA Division I men’s wrong and they’d made a mistake,” — WORKING IN CITY basketball championship game Stephens said with a laugh. “Charlie three times, and to many other high told me to just sign it and send it GOVERNMENT — AND HE impact contests in his three primary back. So I got into Division I before conferences — the Big East, Atlantic Division II or III. I got contracts for II HAS ASCENDED INTO THE Coast and Southeastern (he also works and III later in the summer.” They saw in the Atlantic 10, Big 12 and American something in Stephens that Hyland TOP RANKS IN MEN’S Athletic conferences). Seventeen years and others would see down the road. ago, he got his first shot from Art “Nothing is given to you in COLLEGE BASKETBALL Hyland, who assigned the Big East life,” Stephens said of that early at the time, and is widely considered opportunity. “It’s what you give to OFFICIATING. a guru at identifying and cultivating those things you believe in.” talented basketball officials. Stephens gives it his all, whether Even Stephens isn’t quite sure it’s on the court, at his job as the why he got his first shot. He didn’t recreation director for the city of BY DAVE SIMON have much experience, having just Providence, R.I., or as a family man.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 21 9/13/17 2:54 PM MICHAEL STEPHENS - THE ‘RHODE’ THROUGH PROVIDENCE

“I worked hard at that camp, and store — sometimes starting at 10 ever and it’s due to his leadership and I think they saw my work ethic,” said in the morning and not finishing energy. We’re proud of him and his Stephens, who felt that was a big until 9 at night. It kept him out of story. He’s come back and connected reason he got picked up. trouble, and he was tired when he with the kids and keeps them got home. His mother struggled, the successful and on the right path.” .…. household struggled, but he made it Elorza said he sees Stephens to community college after graduating connecting to the kids in special ways from Central High School. Then he — communicating, playing basketball, Growing up in Providence faced a decision: finish school or help being tough when he has to be and His family played a big role in his mom build a house. He chose to go demonstrating credibility. establishing that work ethic. His to work for the city of Providence to “He has a great way about him,” mother, Katie Stephens, raised him, help his mother. His paycheck helped Elorza said. “He’s mentored a lot of along with nine brothers and sisters her with bills and now he’s been with kids down the right path. What more (two brothers died in a house fire). the city for 22 years. could you ask for?” Stephens cited his mother, along with By age 22 or 23, he was running Stephens gives a special shout of sister-in-law Melissa Holland, sister the youth rec programs for the city. appreciation to the mayor for making Melissa, brother Bennie and brother- The last three years, he’s served as his dream come true working for the in-law Moussa Cissoko, as his biggest director after being appointed by city of Providence. fans and supporters. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. Stephens played basketball in Stephens’ father was there in “Mike could be a success high school and loved the game, memory, but not physically. His anywhere, but he chose to come back but said if he did it over again, mother imbued in him respect and to Providence. That means a lot to us he would run track. He coached love. By age 13, Stephens was working in the city and the kids here,” Elorza AAU basketball before officiating, locally stocking beer and liquor for said. Rather than take his talent, including at the high school level. “an Italian guy, Dominic Tamaruso, experience and leadership elsewhere, Tony Robinson, who played at who took me under his wing. He Stephens stayed in his hometown the University of Connecticut and asked me if that was what I wanted to Providence, choosing to raise others coached at St. Andrews High School do with my life. He was hard on me, up. in Connecticut, winning three prep but it gave me the opportunity to play The two grew up on the west school championships, was officiating basketball,” Stephens remembered. end of Providence, a “tough one of Stephens’ JV games. Another mentor at the time, neighborhood,” as Elorza described it. “I was yelling at the refs,” Armand Sabitoni, coached his son “Mike’s done amazing work for the Stephens admitted. “Tony told me and Stephens in AAU, and served as city and we’re proud of him.” since I knew so much, why didn’t I a father figure. “With my father not Elorza calls Stephens the right man come down and ref. I told him thanks around, I was looking for guidance for the job to head Providence’s rec and that I could do a better job.” That and he gave me guidance to help me department: “He’s the guy in charge. was Stephens’ start. He joined his local get where I am today,” Stephens said. There’s more gusto in the department International Association of Approved From there, he worked other than there has been in a long time. Basketball Officials (IAABO) board, jobs — at a laundromat, a drug Participation in activities is the best where he began his journey to the Hoop Mountain camp, which led to high school varsity, D-III, D-II and D-I Syracuse Orange games. head coach Jim Boeheim (left) reacts .…. to a call from referee Michael Stephens. Breaking In John Cahill, who currently assigns the Big East and shares responsibility for assigning the A10 and Colonial Athletic Conference with Bryan Kersey, met Stephens when he first broke into the Big East and Cahill was a veteran official. “He was young,” Cahill said of Stephens. “Art Hyland hired him with big hopes for his future. After a few years on the staff, Mike was getting high quality games

and often working with myself and SPORTS CHARLES LECLAIRE-USA TODAY

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Eddie (Corbett). Mike’s a good quality official and person. He listens to criticism, learns and handles pressure well. He could run like the wind when he came into the league and is still a great runner.” But sometimes he runs so well he’ll actually overrun a play, and “we Providence Mayor Jorge had to calm him down,” Cahill joked. Elorza (right) presents “Mike will be going the speed limit a “key to the city” to on the court, and I’ll tell him to slow Michael Stephens for his down, that he only needs to keep pace work as an NCAA official. Stephens was named with the game.” director of recreation by Now that Stephens is on Cahill’s Elorza on April 21, 2015. staff, John sees him as one of the top officials in the country. They have a close relationship as friends and through their officiating relationship. Mike became “Mike Stephens, when he assigned Burr and Stephens “Mike was fortunate to be on the the referee,” Corbett said, when he together. “Jimmy went after Mike. floor with many of the top officials in learned to take care of his area. Mike had his head hung between his the Big East,” Cahill said. “Even as “That’s one of the things that stands legs. So I sent Mike the tape with 14-15 a younger official he was looked up out about him — he takes care of plays on it to show him how well he to as a leader on our staff. Younger his area, the coaches, the players. He did. He still laughs about it,” Hyland guys look up to him now. He’s well has great communication and game said. respected in officiating circles.” management skills. After four or five “I put him with Jimmy Burr in the Cahill related a story about years of being the U2, he became the next game. Mike was on his way after Stephens that shows how focused referee very quickly in the SEC, Big that,” Hyland chuckled. Mike was as he broke into the D-I East and ACC. Coaches don’t need “Today he’s one of the top referees ranks. Cahill, Burr and Stephens to worry about Mike Stephens. They in the country,” Driscoll said. “He did were driving to an airport through know the game will be taken care of.” a number of things to get there. He a snowstorm after a game at Notre Driscoll’s early recollection of worked hard, took advice to heart, he Dame. Burr drove. All three were Stephens included working a Metro remained humble. He’s not dismissive. using their cell phones trying to Atlantic Athletic Conference game in He’s an astute referee. He was put in change flights. Burr stopped to get Buffalo, when Mike took a train from very competitive games early in his gas, and Stephens was so frustrated Rhode Island to the game. “That was D-I career and was successful. That’s with not being able to get moving on a long way and showed the young why he’s where he is today. He gets the travel plans that he grabbed his man’s desire to work hard,” Driscoll the most competitive games, including bag out of the car and walked across said. “He’s a tailor in the officiating the national championship. When the street to the hotel to get a head craft, and a heckuva talent with great you’re on the same game, you feel at start. “Mike is headstrong, with strong energy.” ease,” beliefs,“ Cahill remarked. An early Big East game with Hyland, who currently serves as “Art Hyland had a knack for Stephens also stands out to Driscoll. secretary/editor for the NCAA Men’s picking guys with really good Virginia Tech and Seton Hall were Basketball Rules Committee, noted potential,” Corbett said. “He would playing. The two were paired with that the concept of selecting referees is sandwich those guys in games with Burr. “Jimmy was taking Michael to not an exact science. When he assigned guys who had NCAA experience and town, chewing him out in a fatherly for the Big East, he set up a small strong rules knowledge. Mike was one way to help him get better,” Driscoll camp — 18-20 officials were brought of the guys Art picked in the Big East said. “Michael took off from there. He in — to invest in officials. Attendees to work with those veteran officials. thought his career was over, but I told didn’t pay anything. The goal was to He would often be paired with me and him I’d been through it with Jimmy find talent for the future. (Cahill). too. Knowing Stephens’ basketball “Mike would listen closely before “The older guys in the Big East playing background and his AAU the game, at halftime and after the want the younger guys to succeed. coaching, Hyland felt there was a game, absorbing everything,” Corbett That talk fired Michael up. Art Hyland strong core there. “Mike was a terrific

GOLOCALPROV NEWS continued. “As the years went on, gave him another league game with kid,” Hyland said. “He really wanted he’d do the same mentoring for other Jimmy soon after that. He had great to learn from me and the camp officials in the Big East, ACC and other desire and got the job done. That’s counselors. He wanted to be a great conferences. It was cool to see him Michael Stephens.” official. He worked hard for himself pick up on the mentoring.” Hyland knew what he was doing and for other officials.”

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Hyland termed Stephens a served as clinicians at the camp also Passion off the Court “wonderful official, man, father and saw it.” Cahill and Driscoll both observed human being. He’s the kind of guy “I was so blessed to be able to how Stephens’ passion in general you root for. He could be one of the come up in the era of Cahill, Corbett, extends beyond the court. Both see great referees of all time.” Burr, Bobby Donato, Hyland and his work at the Providence Parks and Tom Lopes, who is executive Higgins,” Stephens said. “If not, I Recreation Department as an extension director of IAABO, saw Stephens wouldn’t be where I am today. Art of his personality — being involved, get his start in IAABO, move up Hyland made his group a family. If helping others, putting himself through the ranks and now giving you were in the family, you had to passionately into projects. His work back —– through assigning games for mentor. You taught what was right with children in general also stands high school and small college, as well and wrong, how to get better. out to both. It’s one more part of his as mentoring and helping younger “John Cahill was the best official “Rhode” to helping others. officials. “He’s giving breaks to new in the country when he retired. His “Mike does fundraising for young men and women to help communication, judgment and skill at underprivileged kids. There’s nothing them move up in the game,” Lopes teaching younger guys was amazing. but positive things you can say about observed. He made you comfortable on the him on and off the floor,” Cahill said. Good friend Mike Roberts, a high- court,” Stephens added. As Driscoll and Stephens level D-I men’s basketball official who The Big East culture preached developed their friendship, made it to the Final Four in 2014 as an teaching the younger officials on Driscoll noticed similarities in their alternate, echoes many of the accolades “how” to officiate and act as an official, background — both raised by single from Cahill, Driscoll and Corbett. Both while dealing with great and often mothers; both going to work for their are referees in the Big East, so they difficult coaches. One of the keys to local parks and recreation departments rarely work games together these days. success was honesty. (Pat in Syracuse, Mike in Providence); “Mike developed his makeup from “Johnny Cahill and the other both working with kids to help the veteran refs at a very early age, top officials taught me that — be improve their lives. “We both look for was given an opportunity and met honest,” Stephens said. “Don’t lie. ways to serve young people in our the challenge,” Roberts said. “He’s a They’ll see the game tape. They’ll trust respective communities,” he said. perfectionist who allows no negativity and respect you if you tell the truth. The two exchange ideas, seeing on or off the court. If he sees it starting, Always tell the truth. Never make what works in one community, he cuts it off right away, whether it’s something up.” sharing it, then seeing if it could work coming from a coach or player.” Stephens gave special thanks for in the other city. One of Stephens’ Roberts knew Stephens had his officiating opportunities to Hank projects, according to Driscoll, is the something special on the court the Nichols; John Adams; J.D. Collins; Angel Tree, which goes up during the very first time he saw him, while Dave and Dan Gavitt; Dr. Kenneth Christmas season to help raise gifts for serving as a clinician at a summer Walker, a great mentor; Richard young people who are less fortunate. camp in Chicago. He was evaluating, Hazard, high school assigner; Cahill; “He’s a resilient guy,” Driscoll and saw Stephens had the “it” factor. Mike Tranghese, former Big East said of Stephens. “He had a lot of risk “I can’t define ‘it,’ but I know it when commissioner; and mentors Curtis factors in his youth. But he rose up I see it and I saw it in Mike Stephens,” Shaw, Reggie Greenwood and Gerald from that in his professional life and as he said. “Two other officials who Boudreaux. a college basketball official. “His headline should read, ‘Local Kid Does Good.’ He’s developed into a fine man, and great dad. Michael’s a terrific referee and even better partner,” Driscoll said. .….

The Brothers He Gained Though Stephens lost two brothers growing up, Roberts believes Stephens has gained two brothers from the officiating ranks — himself and Lamar Simpson. They are like brothers, talk basketball daily during the season, going over the rules and what happened in games, then taking

Officiating family: Stephen’s wife, Fatou Cissoko-Stephens, is an NCAA and WNBA referee. a break over the summer. They’ve SMI/NEWSCOM; MEAD/YCJ/ICON SPORTSWIRE/NEWSCOM SMI 945/DARRELL WALKER/ICON DARRELL WALKER/ICON

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 24 9/13/17 2:55 PM MICHAEL STEPHENS - THE ‘RHODE’ THROUGH PROVIDENCE

developed a tight bond over the years. careers,” he said. KNOW IT It started at a summer camp Stephens knew Fatou as a local at Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., high school basketball player. “She is when a number of the clinicians and a great, great person and hard worker, campers were going to catch the “L” and she is blessed and happy to be downtown for evening entertainment where she is now,” he said. Stephens at the Taste of Chicago. Stephens was encouraged her to take up officiating, hanging around, looking a bit lost, and along with Barbara Jacobs, Denise Simpson, who was with retired Big Ten Brooks, Bonita Spence and Dee when official Eugene Crawford, said, “Why Kantner, who also mentored Fatou. don’t you come along?” Because of their respective “Lamar invited this young kid, not officiating levels, Fatou and Stephens knowing him, and it’s evolved into have a unique ability to encourage, this long-term friendship for all of us,” share and help each other. For Roberts explained. “Mike adopted us example, they will pick apart plays to fill the gap, so to speak, of the two together. “She wants to be the best brothers he lost. He’s got a great heart in her craft, and she wants me to be and is always giving to others.” as well,” Stephens said. “She doesn’t Both Simpson and Roberts serve understand how anyone can’t want to as clinicians over the summer at be the best at what they do. That’s the various camps. Typically they get some way my wife does things.” compensation, perhaps a travel fee or a If Stephens could run a highlight YOU small stipend. Both come and serve at reel, it would include, 1) marriage Stephens’ Move to Improve Officiating to a wife he loves, 2) having a Camp, for free. They wouldn’t think beautiful son, and 3) blessed to work of asking for compensation. They do two Final Fours and three national it for their brother and to give back, championships. Close behind is giving as Stephens sets his own example for back to the city of Providence. SEE IT others to give back. “I’m an example that it doesn’t “We’d do anything we can to matter how you grew up in life. I’m help him. He’s a positive influence on an example of making it,” Stephens How many times have you called a Providence,” Roberts said. said. “Any guy can stand up and say, travel and done so merely because Not having a father around while ‘My father was not there for me,’ but “it didn’t look right” or “that looked growing up, Stephens looked to my mother was. I would not be where funny”? You don’t have to guess if others, and found father figures in I am today without her. I could have you learn from the best. John Lombardi, Hyland and Reggie gone down the drug path, but I had an Greenwood, supervisor of men’s angel looking over me. She’d tell me, basketball officials for the Ivy and ‘Mike, you’re not going to do that.’” Patriot Leagues. Fatou tells Stephens now that he can’t assign and work college games .…. unless he looks the part, so she keeps on him to stay in shape. “I want to represent myself well to the guys. I do Two RefEREEs in the Family it for my wife. If you think you’re in Stephens salutes his wife, Fatou shape but your wife says you’re not, Cissoko, for helping to make him you know you’re in trouble,” he said. the man he is today. They have been Stephens knows that’s one more together 13 years, married for five and lesson of giving back. Take what have one son, Michae l, age 10. She, too, others have given you — tough love, is a big-time college basketball official, lessons to improve, working hard to and officiates in the WNBA and stay in shape and set a good example G-League. “She’s a strong woman who for others — and pass them down to supports me and it’s my job to support the next generation. “When people her. She’s given me so much love and support you, it’s your role to then support,” he said. support others,” he said. $ “My wife and I could not officiate Dave Simon, Merton, Wis, has written 12.95 if it wasn’t for my mother-in-law, for Referee for more than 25 years, and NASO MEMBER PRICE: $10.36 SIZE: 5.5”X8.5” Roberta Cissoko, taking care of Mikey officiated basketball for 18 — 12 of those at PAGES: 80 and supporting me, my wife, and our the small college level. * LEARN MORE AND LOOK INSIDE AT STORE.referee.com/traveling REFEREE November 2017 | 25 OR CALL 800-733-6100

•Nov_Magazine.indb 25 9/13/17 2:55 PM FOOTBALL EDITOR: JEFFREY STERN [email protected] RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY IT’S A SNAP (OR IS IT?) Shenanigans May Precede, Prevent a Legal Snap

By Judson Howard

eception has been part of Dfootball for years. It usually manifests itself in the form of a trick play, or a funky offensive tactic to hoodwink the defense or get it to commit a foul. A prime example of the latter is the offense simulating action before or at the snap in an attempt to lure the defense into the neutral zone for an encroachment (NFHS) or offside foul (NCAA). But the offensive’s deceptive action itself could be a foul. If you rule that team A’s illegal act caused team B to encroach or be offside, that is only a foul on the offense. No defensive team action that occurs as a result of team A’s dead-ball false start or illegal snap results in a foul on team B. Play 1: A1 quickly withdraws his hands from under the snapper and then goes quickly into motion. B2 reacts by going into the neutral zone and touching the snapper. Ruling 1: False start on team A. That is a deliberate illegal attempt to cause team B to foul. What qualifies as legal or illegal acts by team A are not always black and white; there are sometimes grey areas. In judging team A’s intent and team B’s reaction (if any), you must consider: • The quarterback’s voice inflection and animated head and/ or sudden hand motions when calling signals at the line. • The speed and abruptness of team A’s movements when several players shift to a new position. • Consideration of down, distance and time in the game. That

Having seen a foul before a legal snap, Errol Daniels, Fayetteville, N.C., throws his flag and hustles in toward the players. Approaching the players in that manner

can help prevent dead-ball fouls. KEN KASSENS

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 26 9/13/17 2:55 PM is especially a factor on fourth down with the snapper. Ruling 3: Dead- with less than five yards to go. ball foul on team A for an illegal SIDELINE • Determining if a player snap. pretends to have the ball or Play 4: Team A’s linemen come Tunney Receives Art otherwise simulates action at the to the line with hands on thighs. On McNally Award start of a play. a signal from the quarterback, they Retired NFL referee Jim Tunney Several rules support your quickly move to three-point stances. received the Art McNally Award during the annual meeting of league decision to call a dead-ball illegal Team B’s linemen enter the neutral officials in July in Dallas. The award, snap (NFHS 7-1-2 and 3, 7-2-4; zone and the ball is snapped. created in 2002, is presented to NCAA 7-1-1 and 7-1-3a) or live-ball Ruling 4: That’s a dead-ball foul on an NFL game official who exhibits illegal shift (NFHS 7-2-6; NCAA 7-1- team A for a false start (NFHS 7-1- professionalism, leadership, and 2a and 7-1-4c). 7b, 7.1.7B; NCAA 7-1-2b-3). commitment to sportsmanship on and off the field. It Your judgment is the key decider Some judgment is necessary on is named for McNally, if the offense does something illegal the above play. For instance you the NFL supervisor of to entice the defense to foul. If might react differently if the action officials from 1968-91. there is a legal or slightly suspect in play 4 occurs on the game’s Tunney, an NFL official act before the snap and the defense first play or in the fourth quarter. for 31 years, was the referee in three neither reacts nor fouls, allow the Team A is suspect the first time Super Bowls, 29 play to continue. that occurs. In the first quarter, you postseason There are some often-used ploys must rule if the action is an illegal assignments and on fourth down with less than attempt to cause team B to foul. If six Pro Bowls. five yards to go for a first down. If the first time the ploy occurs is late the offense can get the defense to in the game, be suspicious. commit a five-yard dead-ball foul, Observe and note team QUICKTIP team A can get a cheap first down. tendencies during the game. Be One strategy involves the aware if suddenly (especially late Make your signals quick but crisp. Most signals don’t require quarterback going under center in the game) you see an unusual repetitions. One or two turns of and varying his cadence — some formation, swift shift or cadence the fists on a false start (and use combination of shouting “hut,” count variance. fists, not flat palms). Signal holding pausing, shouting “hut, hut,” Play 5: Fourth and one from or facemask below your face, pausing, etc. That results in team team B’s 33 yardline. All team A so your face won’t be obscured, but don’t yank your arm up and B reacting, no reaction and team players are set as defensive end down. Extend your arms for pass A calling timeout or the play B1 is in a two-point stance across interference once, not back and clock running out. Assuming the from offensive tackle A1 along forth multiple times. An obvious quarterback didn’t accentuate his their respective lines of scrimmage. incomplete pass doesn’t merit voice inflections with head and/ While the quarterback is calling more than one pass of the arms. Communication is important. or shoulder shakes, there is no foul signals, B1 (a) claps his hands, Excess isn’t. on team A. If team B takes the bait, or (b) stomps his foot. Ruling 5: team A gets the first down. The Under both codes, it is a foul in (a) defense usually anticipates that and (b) only if the covering official DID YOU KNOW? common play so most of the time it believes the acts were designed to will not be fooled. cause team A to commit a false start. Reacting to fan Here are a few more. If so, the covering official should demand, the Canadian Football Play 2: All team A players are blow his whistle to prevent the snap League changed stationary for three seconds. Back and team B should be penalized. its instant replay A1 makes a quick move toward In NFHS, if a foul is called, it rule so that teams the line. After two forward steps, is unsportsmanlike conduct. In may only challenge he turns and goes into motion, NCAA, if a foul is called, it is delay once per game. “Video review … was put in place running parallel to the line until the of game. to fix egregious and indisputable snap. There is no reaction from any It is hoped coaches warned you mistakes that could affect the defensive lineman. Ruling 2: That is in the pregame meeting to anticipate outcome of a game. It’s not being usually not a foul on team A as that any trick plays. Use that time to tell used that way now,” said CFL is a fairly common practice. a coach if a tactic is illegal, it will be Commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “Fans have been very clear with Play 3: The snapper places his flagged if run. me that they want a change. We hands on the ball. He then squeezes Judson Howard, Los Angeles, officiated are delivering that change.” A team it or moves a hand along the side more than 20 years, many at the NCAA will still need to have a timeout of the ball. That happens before the Division I level. He is a replay official to initiate a challenge. And if its ball is snapped. B1 charges across in the CFO West collegiate officiating challenge is not successful, it will still lose a timeout. the neutral zone and makes contact consortium. £

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 27 9/13/17 2:55 PM FOOTBALL

TEST YOURSELF Fumble Me This

In each of the following you are By Mark Bradley beanbag on a specific yardline; not given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide the exact blade of grass where the which answer or answers are fumble is one of the most ball was fumbled, but the correct correct for NFHS and NCAA rules, chaotic events officials will yardline. Wings will be able to drop which might vary. Note: In kicking A situations, K is the kicking team, R encounter. Appropriate and decisive the beanbag close to their feet. The the receiving team. Solutions: p. 81. crew action will bring order to referee and back judge will typically the momentary chaos of players need to pitch the bag a little farther. 1. Third and 10 at team B’s 20 yardline. Team A trails, 10-7, with fighting for possession. Fumble Dropping a beanbag for a the clock running and a minute mechanics should be a compulsory fumble is one of the harder habits remaining in the fourth quarter. A1, pregame review topic. to develop, especially for newer trapped behind the line at team The covering official must officials. Also, it’s imperative to B’s 24 yardline, throws a backward pass that goes out of bounds at “sell” the call with a strong avoid an inadvertent whistle. If team B’s 27 yardline. The officials voice, purposeful movement and officials can’t see the ball in a pile of rule A1 was attempting to conserve emphatic signals. If a runner is bodies, they shouldn’t sound their time. The next play will be: a. Fourth and 17 at team B’s 27 down and then coughs up the ball, whistles; it serves no purpose when yardline. the covering official must quickly the ball is under a mass of players. b. Fourth and 19 at team B’s 29 pinch to the ball, point forcefully to If an official can clearly see the yardline. the ground and yell, “He’s down!” ball in player possession before the c. Fourth and 22 at team B’s 32 yardline. multiple times. pile forms, he should confidently When a runner fumbles beyond blow his whistle and sell his 2. In qu estion 1, the game clock the neutral zone, a beanbag will decision. Officials should not allow will next start on: a. The ready signal only if team help note the spot where the run a cheap turnover by awarding B chooses the 10-second runoff. ended for any subsequent penalty possession to the opponent who b. The snap. enforcement. While a beanbag is rips the ball from the recovering c. The ready signal under all not required for fumbles behind player’s grasp. It won’t be a popular circumstances. the neutral zone, it’s not incorrect call when the offending player 3. A free kick is rolling at team R’s to mark those. Also, it is a visible triumphantly raises the ball after five yardline when R1 picks up the indication to the rest of the crew stealing it, but it will be the correct ball while his foot is touching the sideline. that the ball is loose. call. a. That is a foul: free kick out of Officials should drop the Officials should penalize players bounds. b. It will be team R’s ball at its own five yardline.

4. The teams are tied at the end of regulation play. How many charged team timeouts will each have in the first overtime (NFHS) or extra period (NCAA)? Every Day is Game Day! a. One. b. The number of second-half timeouts remaining plus one. c. Two. 11th Annual 5. Fourth and five on team R’s 30 yardline. K1’s field goal attempt is long enough but is wide and lands Tom Beard’s beyond the endline. While the kick is in flight, R2 grasps and twists Football Officials K3’s facemask at team R’s 26 yardline. Clinic a. If team K accepts the penalty, the down is replayed after enforcement. March 9-10, 2018 b. If team K accepts the penalty, it is enforced from the previous spot. Washington D.C. / Baltimore Area c. If team K accepts the penalty, Conference Center at Maritime Institute it is enforced from team R’s 20 yardline. (near BWI Airport) d. If team K accepts the penalty, it is enforced from the spot of the www.tbfoc.org foul. 240.350.6810

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 28 9/13/17 2:55 PM FOOTBALL

who launch themselves on the pile. They are obviously not trying to recover the loose ball. Also, officials should not allow players to aggressively rip opponents from the heap. That will undoubtedly create ill will. Officials should use PRESS BOX their voices whenever possible to stop the action, but must penalize unnecessary roughness when warranted. The closest officials must get to "DIGGER" 2 the pile as quickly as possible. The immediate physical presence of officials at the scene is paramount to deescalate the conflict. The first official to the pile will be the digger, as seen in the MechaniGram. It’s the digger’s job not on the pile. They will also stop-the-clock signal and point in to physically find the ball and the mirror the stop-the-clock signal. the direction of the recovering team. player in possession and verbally The digger should not signal Occasionally players at the indicate that by saying, “I’ve got the possession from his knees. Instead bottom of the pile will report ball.” he should verbally announce non-football related behavior The next two officials to the possession to the closest standing that occurred during the scrum. pile should give the stop-the-clock official. Only one official should Unless an official has witnessed signal. They will also use their indicate the team that recovered the prohibited activity, a flag is not hands and voices to help disengage the fumble, so the digger should justified. However, it’s important for the players without the ball. make eye contact with and use the officials to listen and acknowledge Officials must not physically jerk name of the signaling official when the complaint as that will likely or pull the players. Instead, use a reporting the recovering team. defuse lingering anger. firm tap on the arm or shoulder and “Steve, I have Liberty ball.” If the Mark Bradley is a retired Air Force state the players’ numbers, such as, offense recovers short of the line officer and lives in Falcon, Colo. He “Number 75, you don’t have it,” or, to gain, the signaling official will has officiated football for more than “Number 33, it’s not yours.” indicate the next down and the 10 years and has served as a Colorado The remaining officials must referee should wind the clock. If the Springs Football Officials Association maintain a cushion, sustain “wide offense recovers beyond the line-to- area director and crew chief. He has eyes” and practice dead-ball gain or if the defense recovers, the also officiated high school basketball officiating by observing the players signaling official should give the and girls’ lacrosse. £

If Only They Hadn’t Dug for Boogers

By Jeffrey Stern home team’s field goal unit jogged so it ran down to zero. The referee, onto the field. Note use of the word not equipped with a TV or stadium ’ve often said that if something “jogged” as it plays a role later on. microphone, put the palm of his Igoofy is going to happen in a The holder got down in his hand on the side of his face and football game, it’s going to happen stance and the kicker measured off pointed to team K. on a play involving a kick. In one the distance. Everything looked The referee then set about game I saw on local cable last year, normal. But the snapper stood over trying to find the team R captain that adage proved true once again. the ball and the linemen never got to find out if he wanted to accept A third-down run ended short down in their stances. Clearly team the penalty. Either a captain was of the first down and 32 seconds K was willing to let the clock run not on the field (it isn’t unusual remained in the third quarter. The out rather than rush the attempt. for captains not to play on special home team had the ball inside the As the time ebbed away the teams) or he wouldn’t speak up. opponent’s 25 yardline. The referee umpire casually blew his whistle Exasperated, the referee looked to gave the ready for play with 24 and dropped his flag. No official on team R’s sideline and apparently seconds on the game clock as the the field signaled the clock to stop, got the attention of someone

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empowered to make the decision. can’t easily forget). And then there’s CASEPLAYS The process took only a few this: Rule 3-6-2 indicates failure to minutes but it felt like 10. A five- wear required equipment is a foul Blocked Punt yard penalty was assessed, the “when the ball is about to become Play: Third and 22 from team players lined up and this time team live.” Not to beat a dead horse, but K’s seven yardline. Team K punts, but R1 blocks the kick behind K attempted the kick. It was wide that wasn’t going to happen. the neutral zone. The untouched right. • So the umpire insisted on ball rolls out of bounds at team I thought the situation brought calling it and the referee chose K’s four yardline. Since the up several teaching points. to enforce it (wrong signal and kick occurred on a down other • There were several clues that all). The NFHS manual dictates than fourth, does team K retain possession? Ruling: When a team K was not going to kick. The that the referee should give the scrimmage goes out of bounds, field goal unit didn’t make a mad penalty options to the captain of regardless of down, the ball dash onto the field. Although the the offended team. However, when belongs to team R. It will be team kicker and holder went through the most advantageous choice R’s ball, first and goal at team K’s their normal routines, the linemen is obvious, the referee should four yardline (NFHS 5-1-3e; NCAA 5-1-1d). were clearly relaxed and giving point it out to the captain as a every indication a play was not in means of expediting the process. Roughing the Kicker the offing. If the captain doesn’t respond, Play: Third and 20 for team • Kudos to the referee for not that silence is to be considered A from its own five yardline. rushing the ready signal. In that acceptance of the most obvious Quarterback A1 throws a backward pass to halfback A2, situation, better to blow the whistle choice. I’d be willing to bet most who gets off a quick kick. Is A2 with less than 25 on the game referees skip the captain completely entitled to the same protection as clock rather than forcing team K to and go with what they know is a conventional punter? Ruling: scramble to beat the clock. That is best. Any player of team A may legally a game management technique that Look, this wasn’t multiple fouls kick the ball and is eligible for protection assuming it is has gained wide acceptance. What or a live-ball/dead-ball situation reasonably certain a kick will be is up for debate is how much time that required a brain drain. Team R made (NFHS 9-4-5a; NCAA 9-1- coming off the clock is too much was going to get five free yards. Do 4a). A quick kick is one example to reach the 25 seconds. In the we really need to bother the captain in which there is not reasonable situation described I didn’t find the with, “If you accept the penalty, certainty a kick will be made. As a result, team B is given more eight seconds to be egregious. we’ll take the ball back five yards latitude than during conventional • I’m 99.9 percent sure the from here, but if you decline …”? punting situations (NFHS 9.4.5B; umpire flagged a team K player • Finally, there’s the clock issue. NCAA AR 9-1-16 III). for an equipment violation — an Someone should have noticed it and unsnapped chinstrap buckle or had time restored. Few are going to Disputed Ruling a dangling mouthguard. The notice a handful of lost seconds in Play: Before the next snap, team A asks the referee for hand-to-cheek signal given by the middle of the first quarter. But a coach-official’s conference the referee is not found in the at the end of a quarter, a clock error because it believes the penalty NFHS penalty signal chart (it is of that nature is far more noticeable. on the previous down was a crew communication signal for The equipment foul is a dead- not enforced properly. Ruling: unbalanced line), although I’ve ball foul for delay of game, and the Whether or not a team has timeouts remaining, the timeout seen some referees use it to signal a clock next starts on the snap. So is granted when a team requests hands-to-the-face foul — a foul that had the lost seconds been replaced, a conference to review a possible doesn’t exist in NFHS. the down would have been played misapplication of a rule. The The bigger issue, though, is at the same end of the field and the conference takes place at the why call that? Rather than drop the period would’ve ended with the sideline on the field in front of the team box. There is no time hammer, when the between-period kick attempt. The crew ran what limit, but the referee should use break is over, sidle up to the kid was in essence an untimed down. common sense to ensure that the and remind him to snap, buckle or They got it right for the wrong coach is not using the timeout as pop. And doesn’t everyone remind reasons. an opportunity to stall for time or players to check their gear when I couldn’t help but think the otherwise improperly delay the game. If no change is made in the any sort of timeout ends anyway? whole issue could’ve been avoided ruling, a timeout is charged to the Again, it was obvious a play had that nitpicky foul not been team. If the team has no timeouts was not going to be run, so why called. It should have been routine. remaining, a delay penalty is needlessly insert yourself in the Instead it turned into yet another assessed. If a change is made, game? It’s what an officiating nightmare involving a kick. the charged timeout remains an officials’ timeout (NFHS 3-5-7i, colleague used to call “digging for Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor. 3-5-11; NCAA 3-3-4e). boogers” (pardon the crudity, but He officiates high school football and is you must admit it’s a phrase you a former collegiate official. £

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 30 9/13/17 2:55 PM FOOTBALL Wide Retrievers Good ball assistants can make a crew’s job so much easier. A thorough pregame meeting increases the chances your helpers will be assets.

how important their job is to their team and If the dead ball goes out of bounds, or TIPS FOR OFFICIALS: make them feel like a part of the game. is dead because of an incomplete pass, the 1. Ask, don’t tell ball retriever should then retrieve it. If you rattle off the ball retriever’s duties, 4. Don’t wrap the ball in a towel you’ll soon find him or her glancing over TIPS FOR THE BALL RETRIEVERS: In inclement weather or muddy your shoulder or giving you a blank stare. 1. Be safe conditions, the ball retrievers must ensure Instead, try asking them if they know what Remind ball retrievers they must pay that their ball is kept dry and clean. The their duties are. If they seem to have a firm attention, not only because you need them ball should be covered with a towel rather grasp of the job, you’re miles ahead. If to provide balls in an expedient manner, than wrapped inside of it. It takes longer to they’re new to the task or they miss a few but because their proximity to the action unwrap the ball than uncover it. Invariably, if things, fill in the blanks for them. sometimes puts them in harm’s way. Let the end of the towel is pulled, the ball falls 2. Get the ball retriever’s name them know you will come to them for a ball; onto the wet ground rather than into the People are more apt to respond to ball retrievers shouldn’t run onto the field for hands of the ball retriever. their name than a command. By calling for any reason. 5. Hang onto the ball the ball retriever by name, your chances of 2. Help on field goals and trys Stress that ball retrievers are not to use getting a ball are better than if you holler, Have the ball retriever place one ball on the balls to play catch with their buddies “Ball! Ball!” the ground behind the goalpost, then take while the game is in progress, nor should 3. Be friendly a position well behind the posts in order to the ball retriever toss the ball in the air to Many ball retrievers are offspring of one recover the ball after the kick. An official can himself or herself. An uncaught ball can roll of the coaches. Treat them like serfs and pick up the ball behind the goalpost for use onto the field and become a hazard. the coach will hear about it and you’ll catch on the ensuing kickoff or snap. grief as a result. But even if they’re not, be 3. Give a new ball before you chase professional. If the ball becomes dead inbounds 4. Be patient nearer the sideline than the hashmarks, Ball retrievers are likely to be more the ball retrievers should give a ball to the interested in the game than their duties. nearest official as quickly as possible. Accept it. Do your best to stress to them DALE GARVEY; MITCH WINTER, BOTHELL, WASH.

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Football 11_17.indd 31 9/14/17 3:17 PM SOCCER EDITOR: MARGARET DOMKA [email protected] RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY PENALTY AREA PRESSURE Every Decision in the Penalty Area Is Big

By Karen Swanner

t has been said that the best soccer Iofficials are rarely noticed. They do the job by making calls and keeping players safe. They don’t bring undue attention through arrogance or over- involvement. But what goes through a referee’s head when asked to make one of soccer’s toughest decisions: whether or not to call a penalty kick? Is the situation approached with confidence or terror? In some situations, a penalty kick is cut and dried, while in others there are many factors to consider. However, officials do not really make the ultimate decision. Players decide whether or not to foul an opponent or illegally handle the ball in the penalty area, whereas officials respond to the players’ actions within the Laws of the Game. Many years ago, at a USSF National Camp, a very successful referee, mentor and instructor spoke about refereeing in the “spirit of the game” versus the letter of the Law. He said, “If you know the rules and understand how to do this,” as he was taking the Law book and bending it, “then you will be successful.” He was talking about knowing when and how to apply the Laws. For example, as a referee, you should ask yourself, would you call a penalty kick in an under-8 game with a 10-0 score? Is that decision for the good of the game? What if the score were 1-0? What if the foul in the penalty area were a punch in the face in a 10-0 game? Do you judge fouls differently at midfield than in the penalty area? Is making a penalty kick decision different in the first or final minute of the game? Does it really need to be called? “When I am looking at a potential penalty kick situation, my first thought While players are responsible for keeping their actions within the Laws of the Game, fair is, ‘Don’t do it, don’t do it.’ My versus foul decisions inside the penalty area put more pressure on the referee because second thought is, ‘Oh crap, he did it!’

they have a greater likelihood than other decisions to impact the outcome of the match. explained John Nohava, who officiates DALE GARVEY

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 32 9/13/17 2:55 PM youth, high school and college soccer by coaches determine spots in playoffs TOOLS in metropolitan St. Louis. “My third and championships, a referee may thought is DOGSO? Either way I blow think twice about calling a penalty Greeting Cards the whistle hard, come in fast, have my kick against a team whose coach could With the holidays fast approaching, card in hand if warranted, deal with influence his or her officiating career. your friends and family it, execute the penalty kick and move What about familiarity with teams would likely prefer to on.” and players? Does whether or not you receive a greeting card rather than red and Nohava’s thought process closely like a team or player factor into your yellow cards. But you emulates what most referees are penalty kick decision? A referee may can express all your best thinking. We don’t want to be put in also be so familiar with a player that greeting wishes with a that position. We don’t want the player fouls or embellishment are expected. soccer officiating theme to commit that foul. We really hope he And what about embellishment? with the Official Sports greeting card collection. or she doesn’t. But if it happens, we Can you recognize the acting? Are you They can be found at officialsports. need to deal with it in the proper way the type of official that has the courage com/accessories-gear/greeting- and move forward. to punish that embellishment with a cards. An official’s experience and the yellow card? As a referee, you need to level of the game can be huge factors ask yourself if your own emotions or in decision-making. In an effort to give bias are balanced. Factors like issues SIDELINE players a fun and positive experience, at work, long travel, lack of sleep, some recreational leagues across the fitness and even mood can play into an South Texas Sets country don’t even have penalty kicks official’s decisions as well. Mentoring Example written in their rules. Unfortunately, If you are going to be a successful The South Texas Soccer this is where some officials get their official, you must have the right Referees (STSR) organization start and consequently don’t get tools to do your job. These include is setting an example for the entire officiating industry with a experience handling penalty kick knowledge, experience, confidence, new mentoring policy. In order situations early in their careers. conviction, character and the courage to address the referee shortage However, as they increase their to do what is right. Another tool that and promote new referees to game count and move up into elite some referees feel is invaluable is stick with officiating, the U.S. youth, high school, college and even video. Filmed games give officials Soccer affiliated organization recognizes that active referees professional and international levels, opportunities to review decisions. advancing in their own careers making the big decision has more “When I’m on the field and can have an incredible impact on impact on everyone involved. something happens in the box, the first the positive experiences of new, At the high school level, a player’s thing I do is to quickly evaluate the young referees. Therefore, in order performance on the field can lead to situation in my head to ensure I get the to become certified or recertify as a state referee (level 5 or 6), college scholarships; in college, it’s call right,” explained state level referee all officials will have to submit about keeping that scholarship; and Aaron Schumacher. “I especially like documentation of the mentoring wins and losses for coaches mean when the game is being filmed. It gives they have done with young keeping their jobs. That same sense me more confidence to call a penalty officials. STSR expects this to be of unwavering job security holds true kick, because then there is proof that a positive experience for both the mentors and mentees, and it will at the professional and international my decision was correct.” give the newest officials some role levels for coaches and players. In the Schumacher continued by models to look up to and to be in end, this puts tremendous pressure explaining the role of assistant referees contact with for advice. on officials to “make the right call.” in penalty kick decisions. So, does making that decision to call a “I think there is a big difference penalty kick really become easier with between a ‘can’ call and a ‘must’ call,” QUICKTIP experience? he explained. “When my assistant Use workouts that mirror the The higher level the game, referees are looking at a potential type of fitness needed for a the more pressure on everyone penalty kick situation, they should be soccer match. In general, soccer involved. Referees have pressure from focusing on a ‘must’ call.” Schumacher officials do not run 3-7 miles at assigners, assessors, players, coaches, explained these responsibilities would one steady pace during a game, so focusing on distance running administrators, fans and peers, some of be addressed in his pregame. during training may not be the which is self-imposed. Some officials The psychological aspect of a best choice for optimal game want to be on a particular “list” so referee’s game is just as crucial as fitness. Instead, officials should badly that their decision-making knowledge and experience, especially choose workouts that focus on centers around keeping their spot when it comes to penalty kicks. Say, for soccer-specific fitness needs, such as: all-out sprint speed, versus doing what is right for the example, you make the call but are not agility and change of direction game. confident about it. How will that affect movements, high intensity In many high school and college your performance for the remainder intervals and repeated speed systems, where referee rankings done of the game, your next game or in the endurance.

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future? Are you able to handle the penalty kick, you need to move on and TEST YOURSELF criticism and ramifications that come finish the game with confidence. There with making an impactful decision? As is plenty of time to review after the In each of the following, you are a referee, do you feel any obligation to game has ended! given a situation and at least balance the game? A key takeaway is if you follow the two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers I was once told by a former U.S. simple rule of doing what is right, you are correct for IFAB, NFHS or national team goalkeeper, “If I let one will earn respect and be able to face NCAA rules, which might vary. goal in and think about that goal, I am your next moment of truth head on. Solutions: p. 81. sure to let five more in. However, if I Karen Swanner, Glen Carbon, Ill., is an think in my head we are starting over assessor, instructor, assigner and former 1. B8 is directed to step off the field to receive medical with the score at 0-0 and forget about USSF and NISOA National Referee attention for a bleeding cut on the goal, I will continue to perform who officiated in MLS, MASL and her forearm. B8 says A4’s long with confidence.” The same is true of multiple NCAA national championship fingernails cut her. What should officials; if you make a hard call like a tournaments. * the referee do? a. The referee may inspect A4’s fingernails and demand that she cut them. Play is restarted with a direct free kick for a foul committed by A4 with her fingernails. An Eye on the Flashpoint b. The referee may not inspect A4’s fingernails and the restart should be based on the reason for which the ball was out of play. c. The referee may inspect A4’s fingernails and order her off the field if the fingernails are deemed a danger to A4 or any other player. A4 is not subject to additional penalties for the long fingernails. d. A4 is subject to a penalty (yellow card) for illegal equipment.

2. A penalty kick is awarded to team B. After the whistle is blown but before the kick is taken, keeper A1 moves forward off the line. The kick is taken and A1 controls the ball. a. Play continues; there is no infraction. b. Restart with an indirect free kick for team B. c. Retake the penalty kick. No further disciplinary sanction is required. d. Retake the penalty kick and caution A1.

3. Same as question 2, except B8 also encroaches into the penalty area (as well as A1’s movement), the kick is taken This competition for a 50/50 ball and no. 8’s eyes on her opponent rather than the ball and the ball crosses the goalline indicate that this is a flashpoint. Proactive refereeing should take place to prevent but does not enter the goal. escalation of contact in the game. a. Play continues; there is no infraction. nticipation is an important While the word “anticipation” rolls b. Retake the penalty kick. Askill for soccer officials. An off the tongue as though achieving it Caution both B8 and A1. official should anticipate what is effortless, understanding what to c. Restart with an indirect free kick and caution only for B8. might happen next in order to take look for in order to anticipate what d. Retake the penalty kick. No up the best possible position for an may come next is a skill that requires further disciplinary sanction is optimal angle of view and focus practice. required. concentration on potential problems. One way to improve anticipation DALE GARVEY

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is by recognizing flashpoints. A flashpoint is a moment in a game 5 MINUTES WITH AMANDA ROSS that has the potential to escalate the level of intensity based on the Focusing on the mentality of an assistant referee. situation at hand. In order to prevent escalation in a match, it is important a little out of control, I can use other to recognize the characteristics Resides: Tuscaloosa, Ala. types of signals as well. With the comm that can start a FIRE (Frustration, Experience: FIFA assistant referee since system, it’s much easier. One thing to Intimidation, Retaliation and 2014. Has been officiating soccer for 21 remember with the comm system is to Establishing territory or space) and years, starting at the age of 13. Career give the referee a second to process. highlights include the 2014 Central commonly lead to a flashpoint. You need to get rid of your knee jerk American and Caribbean Games in Mexico, reaction and just pause for a second When a referee is aware that any where she worked the championship and let them see it. Then give your input of these characteristics is present match; the 2015 Pan Am Games in and let them process it. Even if they in a situation, it is vital to quickly Canada; CONCACAF Women’s Under- make the call, you still want to give them move to a position of close proximity 20 World Cup Qualifying Tournament that external validation. in Honduras; and the 2017 Caribbean in order to manage the players REFEREE: What communication Football Union Women’s Under-20 World from referees do you find helpful? involved, and establish an angle Cup Qualifying Tournament. ROSS: Without the comm system, of view to make correct foul and the thumbs-up from the referee is misconduct decisions. always key. I think ARs are used to If an official has recognized REFEREE: How do you prepare for picking up the referee, and we have to that one or more of the FIRE a game? provide the support and help. It’s nice ROSS: I watch each team’s most when the referees give that back. One characteristics existed between the recent game. If the two teams have example: Another AR was telling me two players in the photo, there played each other, I watch that matchup he had made a big decision and called would be a greater likelihood of to see if there are any lingering issues. back a goal. Even before they showed preventing a foul or misconduct But the part I think is different for anything in terms of replays the referee due to proximal positioning to the ARs is I also check what the referee’s is saying you got it, you got it, I’m with last match was to get a feel for their you. Because it’s a big call, you’re a players. With this positioning, an mental state in terms of what they’ll be little stressed. That sort of validation official may recognize the single expecting, what they may be thinking, that you’re with me, even if you don’t frame of the play included in the how that could affect the game. As the know at that moment, works both photo as a flashpoint. AR, we very much need to align what ways. It is also helpful for referees to While we cannot read a player’s we do with the referee’s preferences. remember ARs actually don’t see a lot REFEREE: Are you able to draw of the game because we’re so focused mind, we can clearly see that no. conclusions from a referee’s mindset? on that second to last defender; we’re 8 is looking at no. 9 rather than at ROSS: Yeah. For example, recently a always trying to look where the referee the ball. We can also see that no. referee missed a red card in a previous isn’t looking when it’s on the other side 8 has her left arm up and across game. Mentally, I knew the game plan of the field. Sometimes the ARs don’t her body — and we should be was tighter than I’m used to from that necessarily see obvious challenges referee. That helps in the sense of, they on the ball because they’re looking cognizant of the potential for a foul had this game, they had the situation, someplace else off the ball. So, they or misconduct if she makes contact they may change their game plan. may need help from the referee to tell with her opponent as she swings her REFEREE: What help do you provide them what they have not seen, even if arm back. to the referee beyond the basic signals? it’s obvious to the referee. That type of Certainly, if a cynica l foul ROSS: I’ve had an interesting season information is always helpful. at the pro level. For two games in the REFEREE: How do you train your occurs here, the intensity level of National Women’s Soccer League eyes and brain for offside decisions? the match will immediately go up. we actually didn’t have a comm ROSS: The Professional Referee But the referee can prevent that (communication) system. So, we Organization puts out on their PRO AR’s by establishing a position close had to go a little old school, website a perception test that anyone to the players as soon as the FIRE which was fun bringing back can do. They show the players crossing, those basics. Without the and you have to judge if it’s offside or characteristics are observed. Then, comm system, you really not. The second part is where they were the referee will be able to manage have to emphasize eye when the ball was played, which is the situation one of two ways. The contact. Even when it’s not the really tough one. That’s first is ideal: preventing the foul the standard signals, I’m training your eyes to what or misconduct from happening by always trying to give you’re seeing and adjusting something. One for the lag between when talking to players immediately when game, I had an the ball is played and the flashpoint occurs. official on her first when you process it. If prevention is not possible, game. Whenever We’ll also go out to the by recognizing the flashpoint, she looked at me, fields and do offside the referee will still immediately I tried to give a drills with an iPad to “calm down smile” tape the decision and

TOM ROSS be ready to deal with the foul or to help her relax. Also, judge it. Physically misconduct, which will help keep the if we make that eye contact doing this on the emotions of the match in check. * and I think the game is getting field is helpful. *

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CASEPLAYS Field Presence Defined

Penalty Mark By Al Baer Play: The Laws of the Game call I expected a major argument. The do not specify a size for the penalty mark — simply showing n an assessment, I commented that call was correct, but selling it would a dot where its location should Ithe referee did not yet have the have been nearly impossible without be. What is the proper dimension presence needed to be a top referee. strong field presence. The Argentines of the penalty mark? Ruling: The I went on to say that he was young grumbled a little but quickly went on. 1997 re-write of the Laws of the and in time he would become more Each referee has unique components Game reduced the overall text by approximately 30 percent. Many comfortable with his ability to control of presence. Collina’s decisions on the things were simply written out game situations. field were excellent, but not perfect. of the book, and the size of the The response was, “I know field Since he was right so often, no one penalty mark was one of them. presence is important, but ewxactly argued. USSF issued guidance in an what is it?” Good question. Part of The biggest part of presence Addendum to the Memorandum 1997 stating, “except as it is the ability to get people to do is strength, or at least perceived described in ‘Memorandum things they may not want to and may strength, of character. Ken Aston, 1997’ on amendments to the not realize are in their best interest. a former World Cup referee and Laws and except as described He said that sounded like Director of World Cup referees, said in this Memorandum, there Pierluigi Collina, who was one of military officers and school teachers shall be no change in either the understanding of the Laws or in the best referees in the world a few had to have presence to be successful their substantive application to years back. The best match I saw in their jobs in order to get people to game situations.” him referee was a World Cup first do things they don’t want to do. Therefore, the proper round match between Argentina and I know a former military officer. dimension for a penalty mark in England. He is a big man with a military IFAB continues to be a nine-inch diameter mark, 12 yards from The competition between the presence and has no trouble getting the goalline, centered between two teams was intense, particularly people to do as he wants. I have been the goalposts. NFHS 1-2-7 and given the political unrest between the able to watch how a teacher who is NCAA 1.6 allow either a penalty two countries in the Falklands War. small in stature can get people to do mark or a two-foot long penalty- The match was decided on a penalty what she wants. That includes me, as kick line. kick against Argentina with England she is my wife. Whistle Needed? winning, 1-0. When Collina made the These people speak in a voice Play: The referee blows the whistle every time the ball goes out of play. Is that correct? Ruling: To some extent, that depends upon which set of rules is being used. IFAB requires a whistle to stop play if a free kick or penalty kick will be awarded or if the match is suspended or abandoned. A whistle is not needed to award a clear goalkick, corner kick, throw-in, or goal (p.186). NFHS provides limited guidance that the whistle should be used when needed to indicate that the ball is out of play or for a foul (9-1-3). There is no guidance for NCAA, outside of the general statement that the game “has been stopped by the referee” (9.2.2). No code wants needless whistles for balls obviously out of play: a shot that sails 10 feet over the net or a ball in the stands for a throw-in. An overused whistle will cause a less impactful whistle in situations when one is needed.

Ramazan Altun, Indianapolis, uses his presence to show the players confidence in his

decision. JIM WHITE

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 36 9/13/17 2:55 PM SOCCER

that says this is the way it is, so don’t This contrasts with another bringing the referee’s authority into argue. If you add in good mechanics mediocre referee, who is warm question. While approachability is and sharp signals, you have a and pleasant. He doesn’t have an important for a referee, there must complete package of a person that accurate picture of offsides and also be flexibility to adjust demeanor. commands and receives respect. frequently calls infractions against Different situations require that the I think another factor for Collina players who were not involved in the referee take on the most effective was being personable. There is a play. Furthermore, he did not often persona to guide the game to be referee who has a great track record use cards for bad fouls. Instead, he played safely and fairly. with me, but many coaches do not seemed to be able to keep things No one is great at everything, but like him. They think he doesn’t calm by being pleasant. referees with presence are definitely like them because he is blunt and But being pleasant will not serve a step ahead. undiplomatic. He doesn’t sugar coat the referee well in all situations, such Al Baer, Nashville, Tenn., is an anything. as when players or coaches insist on administrator for Tennessee referees. *

‘Stop the Clock, Ref!’

By Paul Rojas In NFHS and NCAA, the official Be proactive. Let team A know you time is kept by the timekeeper and are going to watch for time wasting hen a team is close to tying the displayed on the stadium clock, and make sure team B sees this Wgame, the “Stop the clock” chant, if one is available. Therefore, the conversation along with the gesture of usually by players losing by a goal or referee should signal for the clock to pointing to your watch. two, will be heard by anyone close to be stopped in situations outside of If the referee finds a player the field when the opponents are trying normal playing activities to avoid lost guilty of time wasting and possibly to put the ball back into play. It gets time. It is also stopped for an injury, misconduct, showing a yellow card louder as the game gets closer to the awarding a penalty kick, showing (which should not be a surprise final minute or two. The losing team cards and after a goal is scored. In based on the previous warning by the feels the referee can do more than just NCAA, the clock stoppages are the referee) usually gets the player and tell the winning team to hurry up and same as in high school, with the their team back on track. In a high get the ball back into play. exception of when there are five school game, the clock is stopped to In IFAB, Law 7 is clear. Because minutes left in the second period of take care of this but in a USSF game, the clock does not stop during the regulation. In this case, the clock stops time is added. match, the amount of time to add any time the leading team makes a Game management is up to the to each half for lost time is at the substitution (3.7.2). referee crew and IFAB, NFHS and referee’s discretion. Under normal The last few minutes of a tightly NCAA have provided tools to ensure circumstances, getting the ball back into played game can be difficult for a the game finishes without either team play at a stoppage is part of the game referee crew when a team is asking for unfairly losing playing opportunities and should not be considered time lost. more time to be added or a stoppage due to time wasting. The elements But it is the referee’s responsibility to of the clock. Every foul and ball out at the core of game management are recognize when the stoppage extends of play can bring a player close to the safety, entertainment and 100 percent beyond what would be considered edge of losing it while the officials start misconduct. If misconduct occurs, it a normal part of the match to allow to see a well-played game turning into needs to be addressed whether it is for an accurate determination of the something different and begin second- committed by players, substitutes or amount of added time. guessing themselves. The referee must coaches. A check with your league The referee is responsible for determine which delays are part of the rules on who can be shown a card is adding time at the end of each half game and which are time wasting. up to the referee crew. But whether for substitutions, assessment and The referee can speed up restarts or not a card can be shown, the removal of injured players, wasting when a change of pattern is noticed. referee must be prepared to take the time, hydration or other medical breaks For example, A14 takes throw-ins from necessary disciplinary action. Please permitted by competition rules, and the right side throughout the game. remember, though, the cards and other other causes (5, 7). The exact amount A14 is ready to take the throw-in with disciplinary measures are tools that of time to play is at the discretion only three minutes left to play, but his should be used when necessary and in of the referee and cannot be seen teammate comes from far behind and an appropriate manner. on a stadium clock. But if one asks says he wants to take it. Paul Rojas, Ed. D., Chicago, the former the referee how much time is left, a That is a good example of a Illinois State Director of Instruction and response such as “three minutes left” change of pattern; players are guilty a referee for more than 25 years, is also a can be given. of wasting time, which is misconduct. high-level assessor and instructor. *

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 37 9/13/17 2:55 PM calling your congressman

Normally the annual Congressional Baseball Game barely gets noticed. But it was thrust into the limelight this year because of a shooting at the Republican team practice. For the umpires, the extra attention meant navigating additional layers of security and working before the largest crowd of their careers.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 38 9/13/17 2:55 PM calling your

congressmanBY GENE DUFFEY

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 39 9/13/17 2:55 PM Calling Your Congressman

he Congressional Baseball Game started in 1909, months after William Howard Taft, Twho inadvertently invented the seventh inning stretch, took office as America’s 27th president. There were 46 states then, the U.S. Navy opened a base at Pearl Harbor and construction began on the Titanic. Pittsburgh, playing in brand new Forbes Field, beat Detroit, four games to three, to win the World Series. The Congressional game was played on and off for more than a century, but none of the games drew as much attention as this year. “This was very emotional because of the events of the day before,” said umpire Mitch Evans. “The support was Tgreater. I had no fears. The security was so tight.” Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the House Majority Whip, The umpire crew for the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game includes (from left) David and four others were shot by a lone Speaks, first base; Craig Alden, third base; Al Straub, second base; and Mitch Evans, gunman at a Republican practice in home plate. Alexandria, Va., the day before the game. All survived, except for the gunman. “It was probably the highlight of couple of teeth and Jefferson needed “There was an increase in security my umpiring experience,” said Evans. stitches. “It was like a football (this year),” said umpire Craig Alden, “I never worked in front of 25,000. collision,” said Speaks. “I almost working the game for the 22nd year. It was pretty awesome. Seeing your hollered, ‘Stop!’” “It was tougher to get to the game name up on the big board at a major Party politics do sneak into the (with roads blocked off). We had to league stadium. I was really pumped game. show our umpire card. We lost our up. I was honored to be selected.” Speaks remembered calling a escort when we got to the game and The Democrats beat the Democrat out on a close play at first had to get a police officer (to help). But Republicans, 11-2, in the seven-inning base. The congressman asked, “If I was he wasn’t sure we were umpires.” game, giving them eight wins in the a Republican, would you have called “The security was very tight and last nine games. They now lead the all- me safe?” the traffic was horrible,” said Evans. time series, 40-39-1. Alden said one year a congressman “I was stopped and inspected three For the 75-year-old Straub it went to the Roll Call and claimed all times.” was the final game of his career. “It the umpires were Republicans, and “There was security under the was fun,” he said. “I think I’ll miss therefore prejudiced. stands and on the field before the (umpiring).” Evans, 66, admitted to being a game,” said Al Straub, who umpired The umpires, who worked for free, Republican. The other three umpires second base. “Once the game started, learned years ago this is not another claimed to be independents. you didn’t notice it.” Sunday afternoon beer game. The Evans, who worked home plate, Noted Congressmen brought their Congressmen take it seriously. Very said he employed a wider strike zone own security details, including Speaker seriously. than normal for the game. No one of the House Paul Ryan, Senate “Their competitive nature kicks wanted the game to last all night. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and in,” said David Speaks, who has Rep. Linda Sanchez, a Democrat House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, umpired 25 of the last 30 games. “They from California, raised some objections a regular at the game. want to win real bad.” to the generous strike zone. Evans said The game, played June 15 at Speaks recalled Rep. Tim Holden, he told her that the pitches were still Nationals Park in Washington D.C., who was catching for the Democrats, hittable. Sanchez drew a walk anyway. drew a record crowd of 24,959 and running full speed into first baseman Alden said the congressmen are raised $1.5 million for charity. The William Jefferson chasing a pop up in not as cantankerous as they once were. crowd made the game special for the foul territory in 1996. “As baseball players, they get umpires, said Evans, working the Both were taken to the emergency along pretty well,” Straub said of the

Congressional game for the first time. room. Speaks said Holden lost a opponents. “They applaud each other. 38 AND 41) 40), JEFF MALET PHOTOGRAPHY/NEWSCOM (PAGE SPEAKS (PAGE OF DAVID COURTESY

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 40 9/13/17 2:55 PM Calling Your Congressman

It’s very congenial. They’re a good uncharacteristic of the World Series Ironically, Straub umpired the bunch of people on the baseball field.” champion. Torre returned minutes last game that Alden played in high No one would mistake the later, apologized and chatted for a school. baseball for the Dodgers vs. the while. Alden, 48, umpired for the first Nationals, though the players did Straub, who worked for the time at age 11 at a Little League game get up early every morning for two Defense Intelligence Agency as a and made $4. By 22, he was calling months before to practice. Soviet Navy analyst at Bolling AFB for college baseball and eventually Alden said the defense is definitely 35 years, broke into umpiring when worked six NCAA regionals. “I think not there compared with what he sees a friend he met through whitewater I was good right away,” he said. “I’ve in Division I college baseball. canoeing asked him to help umpire battled that (age factor) for a long Pitching is often the difference. a Little League game. He worked his time.” With Cedric Richmond, who pitched way up through recreation ball, Babe Evans never played much at Morehouse College in Atlanta, on Ruth, American Legion and high organized baseball. “I was horrible,” the mound, the Democrats have won school junior varsity, most for less than he said. Football was his game, eight of the last nine years. Richmond $20 a game. “It was three or four years playing strong safety at The Citadel, a threw a one-hitter and struck out 13 before I felt comfortable,” he said. I-AA school. in 2011. Speaks didn’t think much of He began umpiring when his kids The Republicans dominated the umpires when he played. He was an were involved in Little League and game for a while with the help of infielder at Longwood University in Babe Ruth ball. former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Virginia. Evans was surprised to see the Steve Largent pitching. They won 12 “I had no intention of being an Congressional game pop up on his of 14 games from 1995-2008. umpire,” he said. “I thought umpires umpiring schedule. It didn’t identify Straub, whose playing career was were there to mess up the game.” the game, only the location at very brief because he couldn’t hit a He worked his way up to Division Nationals Park. Evans figured it had to curveball, said he had a close call at I games and worked three NCAA be a high school playoff game. second base this year. He said half regionals. “I was pretty good right off He has worked for the chairman the crowd booed, probably based on the bat,” he said. “If you played the of the Joint Chief of Staffs in the party affiliation. “From an umpire’s game, it’s pretty instinctive.” Operations Directorate at the Pentagon perspective, I think I got it right,” he Speaks, 57, now works in for 17 years. said. “I had good position.” fundraising, selling products such as The umpires were invited to join One highlight for Straub was candy bars to schools and nonprofit the Congressmen for a postgame meeting Joe Torre before the game. organizations. buffet in the stadium. The former Yankees manager is Alden, a financial adviser, was a “They’re very, very appreciative,” now chief baseball officer for MLB, catcher in high school, giving him a Speaks said of the Congressmen. overseeing the umpires among his favorable opinion of the men in blue. “They will come up and thank us.” duties. “I was decent,” he said of his baseball Umpires don’t hear that very often. Before the game, Straub was talent. “I got along with the umpires Gene Duffey is a sportswriter from disappointed when Torre breezed by, pretty well.” Houston. *

Umpire Al Straub calls the play at second base during the 2017 Congressional Baseball Game, which features members of Congress playing the game to raise money for charity.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 41 9/13/17 2:55 PM GETTING IT RIGHT INSPIRATION, MOTIVATION, ELEVATION

It’s No Accident That Football With a German Accent Youth football officials in Umpire Chose to Live Germany were treated to 40 hours of intense classroom and By Jeffrey Stern and Ella, the granddaughter they onfield training provided by Andrew Gugliemini, a high school adopted as their daughter the day official from Bradenton, Fla. The er name is Ella, she’s three before the accident. sessions were conducted July Hyears old, she’s cute as a button “I basically had (dying) in my 18-21 at a U.S. military base in and she saved Bill Szabo’s life. mind, because if I was going to be Wiesbaden. Well, doctors, nurses and other quadriplegic I just wanted (a do Gugliemini, the Florida High School Athletic Association’s medical professionals at Hennepin not resuscitate order),” Szabo said. football official of the year in County Medical Center, Minneapolis, When Jodie promised her husband 2013, said his training was made and Bethesda Hospital in St Paul, she wouldn’t let Ella forget Bill, “I easier with the huge amount of Minn., played an important role as immediately changed my mind,” he football video available online. well. But it was Ella who inspired said. “The idea is to reach one, teach one,” he said. “Most of the the 55-year-old veteran baseball Not that the road ahead was easy. other officials are soldiers. They The day after the accident, Szabo can’t get off 40 hours during the had emergency surgery to stop the week, so we send these guys to bleeding and have plates and screws go back and teach locally in the inserted to stabilize the neck and evening most of the time.” prevent further injury. Official’s Quick Action Despite all of the treatment, Aids Co-Worker Szabo was left paralyzed from his When co-worker Don Smith neck down. A man who used to passed out and stopped umpire more than 100 baseball breathing, Richard Wilson knew games each year may never walk just what to do. The three-sport again. official from Los Padres, Calif., Many of the costs the couple began performing CPR. The incident occurred May 26 incurred are not covered by at Vandenberg Air Force Base in insurance. The Szabos had to move California. Wilson and Smith work to a wheelchair-accessible home, buy for Range Generation Next, which operates the U.S. Air Force space Bill Szabo suffered serious injuries in an a handicap-accessible van, purchase voice-activated items and hire launch ranges in Florida and auto accident just one day after he and California. his wife, Jodie, adopted Ella. in-home nurses. To help defray the “I moved near Mr. Smith’s costs, gofundme (ka-bills-road-to- head and tilted it back for recovery) and Caring Bridge (public/ better circulation,” Wilson umpire to keep fighting after a billszabo3) web pages have been said. “I noticed blood on Mr. horrific five-car auto accident last established. Smith’s tongue, which I believed happened because he had bitten Sept. 30 left him near death. “You never think something it. The compressions seemed “I just saw my hands, my elbows, like this will happen to you or to to have been working because just like a puppet they were in all someone you love,” Jodie said. Mr. Smith would open his eyes different directions,” Szabo told “Every day I took for granted that occasionally. They were dilated WCCO in Minneapolis. “I tried to Bill would walk in the door at the and black.” Wilson used a device designed move my head. I couldn’t move.” end of the day, until the day he to prevent Smith from swallowing The accident left Szabo with didn’t. In just a moment, our lives his tongue while Lt. Robert a severe spinal cord injury — a were forever changed.” Youssef, who had stepped fracture to the C2 vertebra, bleeding But the biggest change is Bill’s up to help, continued chest in the spine from the C1 to the C4 little girl — a positive change. compressions. Rescue personnel finally and a severe contusion from the C2 “Neither one of us would’ve thought arrived and took over Smith’s through the C4. we’d be raising a child, but oh my care. Before long, Smith was “Did I think he was gone? God, it’s the best thing,” Szabo said. responding to verbal commands Yes,” said his wife, Jodie. “It’s like “Every time I got to wake up in the and moving his arms. walking through a tunnel … it’s just middle of the night and there’s pain, not real.” I think of her.” They were ready to take him Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor. off life support. He figured he was He officiates high school football. £ Have you heard an inspirational or spending his last minutes with Jodie CONTRIBUTING SOURCE: WCCO, MINNEAPOLIS motivational officiating story? Send your ideas to [email protected]

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 42 9/13/17 2:55 PM •Nov_Magazine.indb 43 9/13/17 2:55 PM VOLLEYBALL COORDINATOR: MARCIA ALTERMAN [email protected] RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY ET TU, R2? Second Referees Need Training, Too

By Patsy Burke

ery early in my officiating Vcareer, I received a call to officiate a local collegiate match. My partner was someone I had not worked with previously. While I thought I was very well trained, nothing had prepared me for what I call my worst nightmare as an official. It almost made me give up officiating altogether. The things that I remember most about that match are insignificant when I think about them today. However, I’m sure I will never forget how awful I felt after the match and especially after the postmatch conference. I particularly will never forget the last summons of the first referee, when I was told to tell the home coach, “If she doesn’t take control of the fans, I am going to clear the gym and only the players and coaches will be left.” And later the coach saying that the first referee “will never officiate a match at this college again!” It was a thoroughly unpleasant experience, one for which I felt some of the responsibility — without really knowing why. Granted, that match happened many years ago, but it helps set the stage for this article, raising the question about our training of officials today. There are many articles and training videos that emphasize the first referee regarding control of the match. We stress the first referee’s responsibility for ball handling consistency, professionalism and much more. However, what about the referee across the court? Are we adequately preparing our second referees to handle that position? Are they effectively trained to deal with not just the routine duties, but the Second referee Felix Madera, Champaign, Ill., shows confidence signaling his ruling. unexpected? Developing good second referees is crucial to growing the sport and ensuring well Past second referee training

officiated matches. has focused on watching the net JIM WHITE

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 44 9/13/17 2:55 PM and center line like a hawk while what to say in those situations. transitioning from side to side. But do we arrange preseason THEY SAID IT We’ve stressed checking lineups, scrimmages and/or hands-on getting substitutes in and out of situations to train the second referee “You have to absorb all the the game quickly, administering prior to the regular season? Are we information you can get because you can always be timeouts, watching the libero come able to train referees how to think on better. Become a student and go, tracking the setters and their feet, how to choose the correct of the game and learn how watching for alignment issues. words to use to defend and protect to apply all of it as you Seems like a lot of responsibility. the first referee’s controversial calls, gain experience. You may However, have we taught the second and how to defuse the situation and not be able to understand some things when you first referee how to take care of those restore order? Do we teach how to learn them, but work on duties and expand their focus to warn, but not threaten? If there is bits and pieces.” encompass more? a misapplied rule, can the second For example, what about the referee handle damage control? — Michelle Prater, PAVO and bang-bang play at the net on the Many of our training techniques USAV national referee and NCAA Division I women’s referee, on second referee’s side? Who made are based on “on-the-job training,” how officials can improve. contact last? How about the ball hoping referees can figure it out as it that possibly is over/outside of the happens in a live match. antenna on the second referee’s side? Many players today are playing DID YOU KNOW? Have we really shown referees how volleyball nearly year round, and to get in a good position to see those the skill level of those players has Among the things volleyball and situations and help the first referees increased significantly. Shouldn’t basketball have in common are a starting place — Springfield, know what just happened? What we also move the level of training Mass. YMCA instructor William G. do we mean by “looking through for second referees to the next Morgan is credited with inventing the net”? What should the second level? Many times, we say “with volleyball. He blended elements referee do when the line judge is experience” an individual will get of basketball, baseball, tennis and frantically waving a flag because the better at handling second referee handball to create a game for his classes of businessmen which ball passes outside the antenna but situations — and typically we all would demand less physical goes unnoticed by the first referee, do. But perhaps we should bolster contact than basketball. The first who then allows play to continue? training to stay up with and ahead match was played at Springfield In situations where line judges of the skill level of the players. We College in 1896. Physical are inexperienced and not seeing need to develop second referee education instructor Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in touches off the block, have we training that is more than the X’s 1891 while working at the YMCA taught the second referee to work and O’s of officiating volleyball, Training School in Springfield. even harder to help with those and then figure out how to measure decisions? And when there is a the effectiveness of our training. pancake by a player and the first Maybe we are adequately training SIDELINE referee’s sight line is clearly blocked, our second referees. However, it’s have we taught second referees time we take an inventory of how Atkinson Joins NFHS Administrative Staff that helping is critical? The second we approach second referee training, referee has to be aware when the roll up our sleeves, and get down Lindsey Atkinson has been named to the libero sets the ball with finger action to really educating and preparing NFHS administrative on or in front of the attack line. them. We should not settle for staff as director of But how does the second referee adequate. sports/communications indicate to the first referee what just After all, if it is a partnership associate. She will serve as happened? Sure, we teach officials between the first and second administrator for volleyball, tennis and girls’ lacrosse. to discuss those things prematch, referees, shouldn’t the focus on Atkinson rejoined the NFHS but is that enough? Our training also training be equal? staff last year as coordinator of includes knowing how to keep score, Patsy Burke, Birmingham, Ala., serves sports after serving in a similar but does it include how to quickly as the Alabama High School Athletic position from 2006-08. Atkinson identify what is wrong with the Association (AHSAA) state volleyball graduated from DePauw University in 2002. She also holds a teaching score sheet so it doesn’t take 10-15 rules interpreter and director of the certification from Marian College minutes to sort out the problem? AHSAA state officials camp. She and her master’s degree from Oh, yes — coaches, disruptive is a former member of the NFHS Kaplan University. She is a players and unruly fans. Second Volleyball Rules Committee. She is a Registered Athletic Administrator referees are expected to be aware retired NCAA D-I and D-II volleyball with the National Interscholastic

DALE GARVEY Athletic Administrators Association of and involved with them as well. and softball official. She is an active and a Certified Interscholastic But how? We give referees reading high school and USAV(JN) volleyball Coach. materials and we even talk about official. *

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 45 9/13/17 2:55 PM VOLLEYBALL

TEST YOURSELF Do Your Level Best

In each of the following, you are ost officials set high goals. determining if it’s best to enjoy the given a situation and possible Many want to move up from current level you are officiating or answer(s). You are to decide M which answer(s) are correct for non-varsity to varsity games, regular make a move to a higher level. NFHS, NCAA or USAV rules, season to postseason or small college Younger officials generally have which might vary. Solutions: p. to major college games. Those are more flexibility as far as availability 81. the officials who are usually seeking to move up to another level and some ways to improve and climb the have the potential or “it” factor that 1. A back-row player is injured during a rally. After the ladder as quickly as possible. Why many supervisors and assigners seek. 30-second evaluation period, not? There is more fame, glory and But moving up too quickly also the player is unable to continue honor the higher up you go, right? can be detrimental to a younger playing. Which of the following And generally more money, too. official who simply is not ready or options should the referees Maybe and maybe not, especially hasn’t been in enough officiating allow? a. The libero may replace the if you hit some stumbling blocks conundrums to handle the pressures injured player if the libero was along the way. of the next level. Age also can be a not on the court at the time of Sometimes it is better for officials factor for men and women who begin the injury. to sit back and enjoy the level they officiating closer to middle age than b. The team may take any of are currently working before they teenage. their remaining timeouts to give the injured player additional time make an attempt to move up. There There is often a greater sense to return to play. are many benefits to that theory that of urgency for those to move up c. The injured player may be work in the official’s favor over the quickly, mainly because the clock replaced by legal substitution. long run. is ticking. That, however, may d. All are legal options. Building confidence. Working a not always be the wisest decision. 2. Team A requests a substitution certain level before moving up allows Everyone is different, mentally and clearly after the first referee an official to become comfortable by physically. has whistled to authorize the working on mechanics, judgment If you are truly ready to move serve. The second referee does and decision making. The next level up a level or two based on honest not whistle to acknowledge the is usually more challenging and feedback and assessments, great. If substitution request. How should t he situation be handled by the intense with higher expectations from not, it’s better to take your time to referees? coordinators/assigners and coaches. focus more on development. Don’t a. The request is ignored. At If you are not comfortable at your give up on your goals, unless it the end of the rally, the team is current level, or even somewhat becomes clear that they need to be sanctioned with an unnecessary comfortable, the next level could re-adjusted. delay (NFHS)/delay sanction (NCAA/USAV). chew up any confidence that you Employer-employee b. The request is ignored. At may have accumulated. relationship. In some cases, the end of the rally, the team By mastering your current remaining at your level provides a is sanctioned with an improper level, chances are you will develop better balance with your employer request. a comfort zone to help improve and family. Those two factors can c. The request is ignored and play continues. decision making and judgment be the difference between traveling d. The coach is assessed a as you go along. That, as well as to games within the area versus warning at the end of the rally. perfecting core skills and developing traveling much longer distances to a thorough understanding of the work a higher level game. If you 3. Once a substitution request rules, will help you improve overall are expected to be in the office daily has been acknowledged (whistled), which of the following as an official. until a certain time, it can be difficult is true? The more that you experience to always take vacation time or ask a. The substitution request working with players, coaches and the boss to let you leave three hours may be withdrawn, but administrators, the better off that early to travel to a distant college unnecessary delay (timeout) is experience will be at a higher level. If campus for a weeknight game. charged to the team. b. The substitute is required to you find it difficult to explain a call Respect. Having a sense of enter the set. or judgment decision in a close game accomplishment as well as respect c. The substitution request to an irate coach at your current level, from peers is priceless, no matter may be withdrawn with no will it be any easier up at the next what the level. So get out there and penalty or sanction. level? Probably not. That kind of officiate. d. The substitution request may be withdrawn and a delay experience can be invaluable. Most of all, enjoy the level you sanction assessed to the team. Age factor. Whether you want to are working and know when the time admit it or not, age can be a factor in is right before moving up. *

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 46 9/13/17 2:55 PM VOLLEYBALL

Fine Line: Primary Duties of the Line Judge

ine judges make critical decisions with one hand and waving the flag Calling the fault in (B) is Joe Lduring a match, just like the overhead with the other. In (A), Katie Gustafson, Mokena, Ill. referees. There are four primary calls Bates, Chicago, keeps close watch on for which line judges are responsible. a server. Touches (C) One of the most difficult Server foot faults (A) Antenna faults (B) responsibilities that line judges have Line judges are responsible for Each time the volleyball is sent is to see touches by the defending watching servers on their side and to the opponent’s court, it must go team. Remember that a touch is for calling foot faults. At the time over the net in the crossing space. contact by one or more defenders of service contact, the server must The crossing space is defined by the followed by the ball going out of not contact the end line or contact antennas, so if a ball goes over or bounds on the defensive team’s the floor outside the hash marks on outside an antenna, or contacts an side. Line judges must focus on the the side of the service zone; a jump antenna, an antenna fault has occurred. blocker’s finger tips when the ball is server’s last contact with the floor Sometimes, antenna faults are not attacked, and then (if the ball is hit before serving must be behind the obvious, and play continues. In that toward one of their lines) they must end line and within the service zone case, the line judge must maintain try to beat the ball to the line with marked by the hash marks. If a line the antenna fault signal until seen their eyes, so that an in/out decision judge sees a foot fault, the signal is by the referee. Remember that either can be made as well. Also, not all made by pointing to the end line line judge can call a fault on either touches are at the net; the line judges antenna. must be alert to contacts by defensive A players away from the net as well. It’s a challenge to make accurate touch calls! The calling official in (C) is Ken Corum, Kansas City, Mo.

In/Out decisions (D and E) Each line judge is responsible for the end line and the entire sideline that intersect near the line judge’s base position. Line calls need to be made with confidence and crisp signals. Signaling in (D) is Michal Ann Watts, Castle Rock, Wash; in (E) the official is Rodante Seballa, Irvine, Calif. *

E PHOTOS COURTESY NCAA D B C

•Nov_Magazine.indb 47 9/13/17 2:55 PM VOLLEYBALL

CASEPLAYS Round and Round We Go

Multiple Substitution Requests By Wade DuBois knowing serve-receive patterns, Play: Team A substitutes judging position faults and number 16 for number 11. As number 11 heads for the here has been speculation by correctly identifying back-row bench after the completion Ta few “volleyball visionaries” players. Referees must establish of the substitution, the coach about changing the rules of the a memory retention system that realizes that the substitution game to no longer require rotations works for them. Depending on your was not supposed to occur — allowing complete specialization “volleyball IQ,” it will be easier for until the next rotation, and the coach does not want number by players. So what does that mean? some than others. 16 in the game. Prior to the Each player would still take a turn Some veteran and well-seasoned first referee’s authorization for serving, but then could go anywhere referees start noting player service, the coach sends number on the court (back row or front row) positioning during warmups — and 15 into the substitution zone to to play out the rally. Under those why not? Watch who is setting the replace number 16. Ruling: In all rule sets, this substitution is proposed rules, the non-servers ball during pre-match drill — who denied. Once the substitution and the receiving team could be is hitting middle and who is hitting is completed, the team may anywhere on the court during outside. When you’re handed the not make another substitution the serve, and then move to their lineup prior to each set, not only request until the next completed “permanent” or “specialized” front- should you check for six (or seven) rally (NFHS 10-3; USAV 15.2.2; NCAA 11.3.3.2.6). In NCAA or back-row positions to play out the unique numbers, but note where only, the rules allow a team to point. the setter is starting, and who her make a second substitution On the assumption that a rule opposite is. From watching the pre- request if there is an intervening change like that is a long way from match drills, you can figure out timeout. In USAV and NCAA, the being reality, we’re still obliged who the two middles are and be team is assessed an improper request (USAV 15.11.1.3; NCAA to have the knowledge and skills more prepared to be aware of libero 6.2.2.4) if the request is not needed to understand how to track replacements. acknowledged (whistled) by player rotations. Few referees can simply the second referee. In NFHS, Tracking rotations and serve- memorize two complete lineups the team is assessed with an receive patterns, judging position by the players’ uniform numbers unnecessary delay if the second referee acknowledges the faults and correctly identifying back- once the teams start rotating and request (9-9-1n). row players before and during a making substitutions. Most find it rally is an art. So it’s not surprising easier to remember opposites. For Substitute Not Ready to Enter that even some experienced referees example, when numbers like one Play: Team A receives a delay struggle with that skill. It’s even and two, five and 10 and 11 and 22 warning in set one. In set two, team A requests a substitution, more difficult for the entry-level are opposite of each other, it makes number six for number four. referee. New referees can become tracking players’ positions easier, The substitution is denied overwhelmed by the thought of especially if you’re comfortable with because number six is wearing actually having to know whether or common serve-receive patterns. warmup pants and is not ready not players are legally on the court. Some referees use tricks like to enter the game. A delay penalty is assessed, and while For new referees, and dropping the first number when the penalty is being recorded those teaching and mentoring players have two digits on their on the scoresheet, number six new referees, it’s important to shirts. For example, if one player removes the warmup pants and understand that less emphasis has number 16 and her opposite has enters the substitution zone should be put on tracking alignment number 12, drop the first digit (in again. Ruling: In NCAA, if a substitution request is denied, no issues and position faults, especially that case, number one) and you’re additional substitution requests for referees who are new to the left remembering just the numbers may be made until after the next game. Some newer referees tend six and two. Another trick, if trying completed rally (11.3.3.3). In to be so hyper-focused on player to remember opposites, is to change NFHS and USAV, the substitution positioning that they lose sight of the players’ numbers to a significant is permitted, as long as no further delay occurs (NFHS 10-2- their priorities, as it relates to the date in your mind. For example, if Pen. 2b). USAV rules state that general concept and fundamentals players wearing numbers number penalty points are considered as of officiating a match. While it’s four and number seven are opposite, a completed rally, so team A may important to know proper player that would translate to the fourth make a substitution request after positioning, the comprehension of of July (fourth day of the seventh the penalty point is recorded on the score sheet (6.1.3, 15.2.3). that concept will come with time month). Similarly, when numbers and experience. like nine and 11 are opposite, that For more experienced referees, translates to a infamous date in there is a higher expectation for American history.

48 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 48 9/13/17 2:55 PM VOLLEYBALL

Some referees look at player and when to whistle position faults. has occurred, it’s recommended to numbers and cumulatively turn Everyone would agree that when not make the call simply because you them into a phone number, players are clearly overlapping, a “think” a team may have been out beginning with the player in position position fault needs to be called. But of position. We don’t whistle other one, then two and so on. That would what about those players who are faults like ball handling or net faults work better, of course, if all the leaving “just a tad” early, or who unless we’re really sure they’ve players on the court wore single- are extremely close to a fault? What occurred. digit numbers. One more technique about those players who have half of On the surface, it appears life for referees may use is to not remember their foot out of bounds and you’re the volleyball referee would certainly numbers at all, but take note of any close enough to say discreetly and be easier if we didn’t have to track visible characteristics, such as hair with a partial smile, “Move your foot rotations, player positions or need color or same-colored headbands. so you’re completely on the court”? to remember who is on the back row Again, establish a system that works If you decide to make the call, and who isn’t. But then again, if the best for you. know that you will most likely have rules were changed so that players So now that you’ve studied to clearly articulate to the coach the were no longer required to rotate, numerous serve-receive patterns alignment issue and which players there would be consequences that and position faults, and you’ve were involved. You really must be would require the focus of referees to finally settled on a system that helps sure there was a fault and you will be placed elsewhere. you memorize lineups and player need to clearly and concisely explain Wade DuBois is an 18-year veteran numbers, let’s talk about how you so as not to delay the match any of the Hampden County Sheriff’s handle, and what you do, with that longer than necessary. For example, Department in Massachusetts. He is information. Some refer to it as the “Coach, number seven needs to be the Board Chair of the Western New “art of officiating” or the “soft skills” closer to the centerline than number England Board of Volleyball officials of officiating. 15. and both a PAVO and USAV National Referees must find the delicate It’s important to remember that if referee who works various Division I balance of knowing when to warn you are not 100 percent sure a fault conferences in the northeast. *

•Nov_Magazine.indb 49 9/13/17 2:55 PM , 1717,487. That is the number of 487 officials whose investment in this avocation motivated them to respond to the recent National Association of Sports Officials survey. In the spring of 2017, the largest survey ever conducted in the officiating industry was carried out by NASO and sponsored by Peopletrail. The project began as an effort by NASO to explore how data might be used to improve the officiating industry. It was intended to be a project that cracked the door open to data collection and hinted at what information might be discovered. However, as fate would have it, the officiating world did not want the door to be subtly cracked open. Officials are ready to have their voices heard, not just in the future, but now. And now, NASO is ready to reveal collected data to the officiating community with meaningful visuals. As might be imagined, the door that has been swung open through this survey will provide the opportunity to explore many officiating topics for a long time to come.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 50 9/13/17 2:55 PM OFFICIALS HAD SOMETHING TO SAY UNPRECEDENTED DATA COLLECTION PROVIDES A VOICE 17,487TO THE OFFICIATING INDUSTRY

The map shows the locations of the survey respondents around the country. There were also some respondents from outside of the United States.

NASO NATIONAL OFFICIATING SURVEY SPONSORED BY

Technical Support provided by:

REFEREE November 2017 | 51

•Nov_Magazine.indb 51 9/13/17 2:55 PM 17,487 OFFICIALS HAD SOMETHING TO SAY WHO ARE WE? 17,487 53.29 6.43% 69.96% WHO ARE WE? AVERAGE AGE FEMALE RESPONDENTS WHITE RESPONDENTS

Age Distribution by Sport

80.00

60.00 Age 40.00

20.00 HOCKEY SOCCER LACROSSE NULL & OTHER BASKETBALL FOOTBALL RUGBY BASEBALL SPORTS COMBAT WRESTLING VOLLEYBALL SOFTBALL FIELD HOCKEY SWIMMING TENNIS TRACK & FIELD

Median Age 51 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 57 57 58 58 59 60 60 60 Average Age 48.41 50.96 52.60 52.97 54.04 54.26 54.77 54.78 54.83 54.91 55.99 56.33 56.08 57.87 58.04 58.74

The charts above show the average ages of officials in each sport. The line across the inside of each box shows the median age of officials in that sport. The box represents the range of ages of the middle 50% of the officials in each sport with the upper and lower hinges showing the upper and lower age limits of that middle 50%. The fact that some officials are significantly younger than most of the officials in a sport, or outliers, explains why the mean age is lower than the median age. Note: The mean age is the sum of all of the participants’ ages divided by the number of respondents that answered this question. The median age is the middle value of all of the ages when the ages are put in order from youngest to oldest.

pro vs. women officials

In 2015, 59% of Americans had completed female professional some college or more, 33% had a bachelor’s officials: officials: degree or more, and 12% had advanced Some college 75.18% Some college 78.23% degrees including master’s, professional, or more: or more: or doctorate degrees.* In comparison, the Bachelor’s degree 59.61% Bachelor’s degree 62.40% level of education of professional officials or more: or more: and female officials is impressive. Advanced Advanced degree: 28.74% degree: 28.11%

*Footnote: According to the United States Census Bureau’s Declined to Declined to “Educational Attainment in the United States: 2015” answer: 19.31% answer: 19.05%

52 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 52 9/13/17 2:55 PM Sport Level Educational Level

High School Varsity 72.76% Declined to Answer 34.88%

Bachelor’s Degree 19.27% Youth 69.51% Master’s Degree 15.78% High School 68.81% Sub Varsity Some College 9.54%

Adult Amateur 52.19% Post-graduate Study 6.44%

Small College 39.78% Associate Degree 6.08%

High School Diploma or ... 3.54% Declined to Answer 19.85% Professional Degree 2.41% Major College 15.42% Doctorate 1.58%

Professional 6.75% No Diploma 0.62% The chart shows all levels at which The bar graph shows the highest level respondents have ever officiated. of education respondents have attained.

ETHNICITY, GENDER AND PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY*

A 11.33% C 20.58% OF MALE RESPONDENTS HAVE FELT OF FEMALE RESPONDENTS HAVE FELT UNCOMFORTABLE OR THREATENED UNCOMFORTABLE OR THREATENED BY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE OFFICIATING COMMUNITY. 12,889 1,113 OFFICIATING COMMUNITY. B 47.94% MALES FEMALES D 44.74% OF MALE RESPONDENTS HAVE FELT OF FEMALE RESPONDENTS HAVE UNSAFE OR FEARED FOR THEIR SAFETY FELT UNSAFE OR FEARED FOR BECAUSE OF ADMINISTRATOR, COACH, THEIR SAFETY BECAUSE OF PLAYER OR SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR. ADMINISTRATOR, COACH, PLAYER OR SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR.

MIDDLE EASTERN OR HISPANIC, LATINO OR NORTH AFRICAN SPANISH ORIGIN ASIAN 47 MALES 2 FEMALES 427 MALES 37 FEMALES 117 MALES 17 FEMALES A 17.02% B 57.45% C N/A D 50.00% A 16.16% B 52.69% C 29.73% D 51.35% A 13.68% B 49.57% C 23.53% D 41.18%

BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN WHITE OTHER RACES 539 MALES 65 FEMALES 11,174 MALES 945 FEMALES 203 MALES 22 FEMALES A 12.99% B 44.53% C 23.08% D 53.85% A 10.74% B 47.91% C 19.58% D 43.81% A 18.72% B 52.71% C 36.36% D 59.09%

*Numbers and percentages shown are based on the respondents that chose to answer the relevant questions.

REFEREE November 2017 | 53

•Nov_Magazine.indb 53 9/13/17 2:55 PM 17,487 OFFICIALS HAD SOMETHING TO SAY

what should be done to recruit and retain

officials from underrepresented groups? AGREE DISAGREE OR NOT SURE

MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS SHOULD BE DEVELOPED 74.20%

SPECIAL RECRUITMENT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO FIND NEW OFFICIALS THAT FIT INTO THESE CATEGORIES 63.34%

SHOULD NEVER BE A DIFFERENCE IN TREATMENT AND THINGS SHOULD CONTINUE AS THEY ARE 52.56%

ADDITIONAL TRAINING SHOULD BE OFFERED THAT IS SPECIFICALLY TARGETED TO THESE GROUPS 40.59%

EFFORT MADE TO PUT REPRESENTATIVES FROM THESE GROUPS IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THESE GROUPS 37.18%

EFFORT MADE TO PUT REPRESENTATIVES FROM THESE GROUPS IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR ENTIRE OFFICIATING COMMUNITY 36.36%

OFFICIALS IN THESE GROUPS SHOULD BE ASSIGNED TO WORK WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THAT GROUP AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE 28.84%

WHEN AN OFFICIAL FROM THESE GROUPS HAS EQUIVALENT SKILLS TO OTHERS, THEY SHOULD BE PROMOTED FIRST 23.69%

AGREE THAT SPORTS DOMINATED BY ONE GENDER SHOULD BE OFFICIATED BY THAT GENDER 13.63%

AGREE OFFICIALS FROM THESE GROUPS SHOULD BE PROMOTED FASTER EVEN IF THEY HAVEN’T MET THE SAME REQUIREMENTS 2.44%

Important note: When officials are filtered by gender, ethnicity or age, the trends in responses remain very similar. This means that officials as a whole, no matter what group they might be categorized into, have similar views on what types of action should be taken to incorporate more officials from underrepresented groups into the officiating ranks.

RESPONDENTS BY SPORT AND LOCATION BASEBALL SOFTBALL BASKETBALL

54 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 54 9/13/17 2:56 PM WHAT ABOUT SPORTSMANSHIP? Sports officials say Of sports officials that believe sportsmanship is getting... sportsmanship is getting worse... As a fan, do you ever Do you ever publicly heckle officials? criticize other officials? 57.02% YES YES 14.61% 11.13%

NO NO 85.39% 88.87%

Of sports officials that believe 27.09% sportsmanship is getting better... As a fan, do you ever Do you ever publicly heckle officials? criticize other officials? YES YES 15.89% 19.24% 11.52%

NO NO WORSE NO CHANGE BETTER 80.76% 88.48%

With 57.02% of respondents feeling sportsmanship is getting worse, we have a clear indication that action must be taken to improve sportsmanship. Unfortunately, even among the 57.02% that feel sportsmanship is getting worse, a substantial percentage heckle (14.61%) and publicly criticize (11.13%) other officials.

Rugby and swimming are the sports in which the highest and lowest percentages of respondents (respectively) feel sportsmanship is getting worse. In rugby, more than 7 out of 10 feel sportsmanship is getting worse, while in swimming nearly 1 out of 2 respondents feel it is getting worse.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 55 9/13/17 2:56 PM 17,487 OFFICIALS HAD SOMETHING TO SAY

at what level is who causes the most problems sportsmanship worst? with sportsmanship? YOUR OFFICIALS Youth 13.89% Not Sure 1.45% Recreational

Youth Fans 18.25% 36.02% Competitive WANT DIGITAL TRAINING Parents 39.54% High School 14.73% Players 10.11% Adult 21.31% Recreational Coaches 29.57% Amateur 7.57% Leagues 1 Schools 0.38%

College 2.15% Governing Bodies 0.46% Pick the Materials You

Professional 4.33% Officials 0.24% Want At Deep Discounts

WHEN/HOW DID YOU START? 2

70 Upload Your Roster Count of 65 Respondents

60 1.00 61.00 55 3 50 Your Offi cials 45 Get Access On 40 Any Device

35

30

25

20

At what age did you start officiating? 15 1991 1981 1961 1971 1955 1959 1995 1953 1952 1956 1965 1985 1958 1999 1975 1957 1993 1992 1969 1996 1989 1998 2011 1979 1997 1983 1963 1962 1982 1973 1972 1988 1968 1986 1978 1987 1967 1976 1977 1954 1950 2015 1994 1990 1964 1984 1960 1980 1974 2013 2012 1970 2016 2017 2014 2010 2001 2005 2009 2003 2002 2008 2006 2007 2004 2000 The Referee Digital Portal is an App that allows you to deliver Referee’s learn more at The chart shows the ages and years at which officials began referee.com/portal officiating. The colors indicate how many officials joined The concentrations of officials premier training materials to the ranks at each age and year intersection. The red shows are represented as follows: your offi cials. Content is available the lowest concentration of officials, with orange, yellow, Red = 1-12 officials affordably for groups of offi cials as call 1-800-733-6100 light green and dark green each incrementally showing Orange = 13-24 officials to place an order Yellow = 25-36 officials few as 25 and as large as 25,000. higher concentrations. This chart tells a story with the clear Light green = 37-48 officials pattern of higher concentrations of officials starting the Dark green = 49-61 officials avocation at older ages with the advancing years. Continued on p. 58

56 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 56 9/13/17 2:56 PM YOUR OFFICIALS WANT DIGITAL TRAINING 1

Pick the Materials You Want At Deep Discounts 2

Upload Your Roster 3

Your Offi cials Get Access On Any Device

The Referee Digital Portal is an App that allows you to deliver Referee’s learn more at premier training materials to referee.com/portal your offi cials. Content is available affordably for groups of offi cials as call 1-800-733-6100 few as 25 and as large as 25,000. to place an order

•Nov_Magazine.indb 57 9/13/17 2:56 PM 17,487 OFFICIALS HAD SOMETHING TO SAY

Continued from p. 56 how did you first get into officiating?

Asked by an official at the time Approached a Other Asked by the sporting organization/ 19.00% coach or official reasons others in the organization 15.49% 11.26% 10.06%

Saw an ad Asked by Saw a job on a sports their coach posting association/ at the time 1.02% website 3.14% 4.16%

why did you start? why do you continue to officiate?

For The Love of the Game 42.50% 9.35%

To Stay Fit 16.72% 13.16%

To Challenge Myself 14.84% 13.10%

To Be Part of a Competitive Sport 16.60% 10.31% This chart shows the percentage of To Have a Hobby 13.67% 8.83% respondents who first became To Mentor Newer Officials 1.45% 14.94% officials for each of the listed

Friendships 4.28% 10.51% reasons (in blue) in comparison Within Officiating with the percentage of respondents Involvement 3.33% 7.55% at Elite Level that are continuing to officiate for

To Meet New People 1.32%/2.51% those reasons (in grey). It is clear that some of the motivations for Ability to Work 0.50%/2.33% With Elite Players officiating change as officials gain

Reward and Recognition 0.70%/1.70% experience in the industry.

Family/Friends 1.51%/0.63% Already Officiating Additional data from the survey will be released online in the fall of 2017. Go to www.naso.org/surveyresults to sign My Child Was up to receive a notification when the data has been released. Playing the Sport 1.27%/0.82%

RESPONDENTS BY SPORT AND LOCATION VOLLEYBALL SOCCER FOOTBALL

58 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 58 9/13/17 2:56 PM YOU MAKE VOL.THE O9 RULING

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 59 9/13/17 2:56 PM BASEBALL EDITOR: BRENT KILLACKEY [email protected] RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY

The batter-runner’s ability to overrun first base has been a longstanding part of baseball. Until a rule change for 2018, batter-runners were in jeopardy of being tagged out if they overran first base on a base on balls. Plate umpire Glenn Campbell, Woodinville, Wash.; base umpire Ron Beal, Kirkland, Wash. WALK ON BY NFHS Rules to Allow Overrun of First on a Base on Balls

By Brent Killackey rules language, references and batter-runner is a potential dropped interpretations. third strike that’s actually ruled a ball, or the 2018 baseball season, batter- but the batter-runner races toward Frunners will have the ability to Batter Overruns First Base (8-2-7) first concerned he may be in jeopardy. overrun first base, bat rules have been The rules committee removed Play 1: On a 3-2 count, the batter modified regarding attachments and rules language that prevented a checks his swing on a pitch that equipment changes in future seasons batter-runner from overrunning bounces in the dirt before being have been made for baseballs and or oversliding first base on a base caught by the catcher. The batter- catchers’ chest protectors. on balls. Now, even on a walk, the runner does not wait for a ruling on Those rule changes came out of batter-runner who reaches first safely his swing — which was ultimately the NFHS Baseball Rules Committee and then overruns or overslides may ruled a no-swing — and takes off meeting in Indianapolis this past June. immediately return without liability for first base. The catcher throws the The changes are presented in of being put out provided he does not ball to the first baseman, who tags approximate order of importance. attempt or feint an advance to second. the batter-runner after he overruns Referee created play examples to The change is likely to have little first base. Ruling 1: Unless the batter- help illustrate the new rules. Check impact on a typical base on balls runner made an attempt to go to

NFHS publications for official situation. But where it does protect the second or feinted an advance, he is DALE GARVEY

60 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 60 9/13/17 2:56 PM entitled to overrun first base and entered the batter’s box with an return without liability of being put illegal bat (by virtue of the illegal THEY SAID IT out. attachment), he is subject to being Play 2: The defensive team called out under NFHS 7-4-1. “If we want to change something informs the umpire it wants to award Play 6: With R1 on first and no like that, we’re going to have an electronic strike zone because an intentional base on balls. The outs, the batter hits a home run. human beings are going to make umpire signals for the batter-runner As the batter rounds the bases, the mistakes. … It’s an unfortunate to take first base. After touching first defensive team points out the bat used situation, and now that we base, the batter-runner overruns the by the batter has an illegal attachment. have the technology, we should base. The defensive team had thrown Ruling 6: An illegal attachment makes probably get it right” the ball to the first baseman, who the bat illegal. Because the batter has — Chicago Cubs veteran Ben tags the batter-runner while he is off used an illegal bat, the batter is called Zobrist calling for a computerized the base. Ruling 2: On an intentional out and R1 is returned to first. strike zone after being called out walk, the ball is dead. Therefore, the Play 7: The batter is in the on-deck on a game-ending called third batter-runner is not in jeopardy of circle warning up with a bat with a strike on Aug. 12 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ironically, being tagged out. batting donut. Ruling 7: Bats and one computerized analysis of the Play 3: On ball four, the batter- items designed to remain part of the final pitch confirmed it was indeed runner jogs down to first base. He bat, such as weighted bats, batting a strike. overruns first base and hands an donuts and wind-resistant devices are SOURCES: ESPN, CLOSECALLSPORTS.COM elbow protector to the base coach. legal for warming up at any location. Before he returns to first base, he is QUICKTIP tagged by F3, who was thrown the Balls and Chest Protectors ball. Ruling 3: The batter-runner may (1-3-1; 1-5-3) Whether in ArbiterSports.com or overrun first base on a base on balls The rules committee approved two some other assigning software, without liability of being put out equipment-related changes that will keep your assignment calendar up unless he makes an attempt to go to take effect in the coming years. to date. Block out those dates when you know you’re not going second or he feints an advance. Effective Jan. 1, 2019, all baseballs to be available and update new Play 4: On ball four, the runner shall meet the current NOCSAE conflicts promptly. If you’re good overruns first base, turns to the left standard. on the front end with blocking and is tagged by a defensive player Effective Jan. 2, 2020, all catchers’ out dates, you’ll be able to with the ball while off the base. chest protectors shall meet the current accept assignments as soon as they’re handed out. Assigners Ruling 4: Unless the umpire judges NOCSAE standard. Chest protectors will appreciate that you’re not that the batter-runner attempted are being designed to provide turning back lots of games — and to advance to second or feinted an protection to the heart and the cardiac that could pay off with better advance, he may overrun first base silhouette from commotio cordis, a assignments in the future. and is not in jeopardy of being tagged disruption of the heart rhythm that out. Merely turning to the left after can occur as a result of a blow to the overrunning first base does not area directly over the heart. Commotio SIDELINE necessarily constitute attempting to cordis can be fatal. advance or feinting an advance. Play 8: During a game in the 2018 Lease Renewed season, a team provides baseballs that The city of Ormond Beach, Bats (1-3-2a2) do not contain a NOCSAE stamp or Fla., renewed a 10-year lease agreement with the Wendelstedt The rules regarding bats label. Ruling 8: Provided the balls are Umpire School on Aug. 2. The were changed to reflect that bats otherwise legal and bear the NFHS school operates out of the cannot have any attachments that authenticating mark, the balls are Ormond Beach Sports Complex would present a potential hazard, legal for play in 2018. The NOCSAE for several weeks. The lease particularly objects that could fly off standard for baseballs will be required has been renewed twice before for 10-year periods. At the city during play. starting in 2019. commission meeting, some Play 5: The batter-runner steps questioned the compensation into the box with a bat that has an Coach Physically Assisting Runner received for the lease, which was exit-speed indicator attached to the (2-21-1c, 5-1-2f, Dead Ball and cited at less than $4,500. But knob. Ruling 5: Because there are Delayed Dead Ball Table) MLB umpire Hunter Wendelstedt pointed out the economic concerns such attachments could Rule language was updated to development brought into the pose a hazard during the play, such better reflect the 2017 rule change community by the school was an attachment would make the bat regarding a coach physically assisting estimated between $1.6 and illegal. If noticed before the batter a runner during playing action. If $1.8 million. The umpire school enters the batter’s box, the umpire a runner is physically assisted by is one of only two pro schools recognized by MiLB and MLB. should require the player to remove a coach, the runner is called out SOURCE: ORLANDO BEACH OBSERVER

DALE GARVEY the attachment. If the batter has immediately and the ball remains live.

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 61 9/13/17 2:56 PM BASEBALL

Play 9: One out. Bases loaded. On third base, he collides with the base TEST YOURSELF a fly ball to the outfield, the third-base coach, who moved in the wrong coach provides physical assistance to direction to avoid the runner. That In each of the following you are the runner on third, pushing him off collision stops the runner’s momentum given a situation and at least the base once the ball is touched. The and allows him to get back to third two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers plate umpire says, “That’s interference. base just in time to avoid being are correct for NFHS, NCAA The runner is out.” Upon hearing that, tagged out. Ruling 11: Whether the or pro rules, which might vary. the other runners, who had tagged up physical assistance was intentional Solutions: p. 81. and started to advance, stop between or unintentional is irrelevant. If the the bases. As the ball comes in from the umpire judges the base coach has 1. Which of the following result in an immediate dead ball? outfield, the shortstop tags R2. Ruling physically assisted the runner — a. A runner is hit by a batted 9: After R3 was called out for receiving helping the runner gain an advantage ball before it passes a fielder physical assistance from a coach, the — the runner is out. The ball remains other than a pitcher. ball remained live. R2 is out on the tag. live. b. The catcher interferes with Play 10: R2 on second; the batter the batter’s swing. c. The batter interferes with hits a clean triple. On his way by third Barrel (1-3-2b3) the catcher’s throw. base, the third-base coach gives R2 a Rule language regarding the barrel d. The batter interferes with high-five. Ruling 10: A high-five does of the bat was updated for editorial the catcher’s attempt to field a not constitute physical assistance. clarity. The barrel is the area intended dropped third strike. There is no infraction. for contact with a “pitched ball.” e. A batter hits a fair ball with part of one foot touching the Play 11: During a tag play at third, Previously, rule language stated “the plate and part touching the line a base coach unintentionally provides pitch.” of the batter’s box. physical assistance to a runner. As a Brent Killackey is Referee’s managing runner attempts to stop to return to editor and umpired high school baseball. * 2. With no runners on base, B1 grounds into the hole at short. F6 fields the ball, but holds it when he sees he has no play at first. B1 makes a wide turn at first and is on his way back to the bag, when F6 decides to NFHS Points of make a play. The throw goes into the stands. B1 is awarded: Emphasis for 2018 a. First, the base he was approaching. b. Second. or the 2018 season, the NFHS accountable for the behavior of their c. Third. FBaseball Rules Committee players as they represent their school 3. With R3 on third and one out, identified sportsmanship, jewelry rule and community.” B1 homers. R3 touches the plate enforcement, administration of NFHS and maliciously crashes into the rules and proper pitching positions as catcher, who was standing out of points of emphasis (POE). A the base path. The POEs are areas of the game a. R3 is out. b. B1 is out. that the committee believes need c. R3 receives a warning. special attention throughout the d. R3 is ejected. season. e. A team warning is issued. Sportsmanship 4. With R1 on first and R3 on third, R1 attempts to steal National anthem standoff — second. As F2 cocks his arm, his The committee wants to see an end hand hits the plate umpire. F2’s to the inane practice of players, throw is wild into centerfield. R1 immediately following the national is subsequently thrown out at anthem, staring each other down third, while R3 scores. a. The play stands. and refusing to leave their respective b. Umpire interference has baseline before the other team departs Bench Jockeying, Celebrations occurred. (PlayPic A). The POE says national and Negative Comments Between Opponents c. R1 must return to first. anthem standoffs are “not consistent d. R1 must return to second. with the mission of education- The committee also took aim in a e. R3 must return to third. based athletics.” The POE puts the POE at a variety of other behaviors: spotlight on coaches to address the • Coaches, players, substitutes, matter: “Coaches are the closest role attendants or other bench personnel models to these students and are held shall not leave the dugout during

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a live ball for any unauthorized visible, but must be taped. If a player purpose. participating in the game wears E • Coaches or team personnel may jewelry, a team warning is issued and not sit outside the dugout/bench on the next offender on the team shall be buckets or stools. ejected (3-3-1d). “We need to be more • Players are not allowed to vigilant to protect our players and stand or kneel outside their dugout/ their opponents,” the POE states. bench and make “cat-calls” or any other disparaging remarks while the other team is taking infield practice (PlayPic B). D • Chants/intentional distractions/loud noises (natural or artificial) directed at the opponent’s pitcher prior to his pitching, or the batter getting ready to hit, or a fielder getting ready to make a play are not good sportsmanship (PlayPic C).

B Enforcement and Administration of windup or set position. The pitching NFHS Rules requirements begin once he engages The committee urged adherence the pitcher’s plate. to NFHS rules as written. Education- Pitchers in the windup position based athletics isn’t about preparing (PlayPic F) are required to have their young people for the next level. non-pivot foot in any position on or Instead, high school rules are behind a line extending through the designed to minimize risk, maintain front edge of the pitcher’s plate. If the balance between offense and a pitcher’s non-pivot foot is in front defense and preserve the sound of that line and he attempts to pitch C traditions of the game. “Other rules from the windup, he has made an codes have significantly different illegal pitch or committed a balk. objectives and rationales for their rules,” the POE states. “When non- approved interpretations or rulings F that are contradictory to NFHS rules as written are used, they can confuse students, coaches, umpires and fans.”

Proper Pitching Positions The committee devoted extensive attention to pitching rules, reminding that some stances that might work Enforcement of NFHS Jewelry Rule for advanced levels of baseball are With an eye toward player safety, not appropriate for interscholastic the committee included a POE baseball. Modified or hybrid positions stressing enforcement of the jewelry (PlayPic E) continually are developed rule, with an added emphasis on and attempted to be introduced into piercings and earrings (PlayPic D). the high school game, but NFHS “Earrings and various other piercings rules specify the requirements for the can be problematic for a player if the pitchers. There are only two positions piercing gets caught on equipment that a pitcher can use in NFHS and torn away from the body,” the baseball: the windup position and POE states. Rule 1-5-12 states jewelry the set (also known as the stretch) shall not be worn except for religious position. In the set position (PlayPic G, next or medical medals. Religious medals The starting position of the non- page), the pitcher shall stand with his must be taped and worn under the pivot foot determines whether the entire non-pivot foot in front of a line uniform. A medical alert may be pitcher is going to pitch from the extending through the front edge of

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come to a complete and discernible CASEPLAYS G stop with both hands in front of his body and his glove at or below his On-Deck Batter Interferes chin. The mere change of direction Play: With R1 on first and R2 does not constitute coming to a stop. on second and no outs, B3 is at bat with a 3-0 count. The pitch is Going to the mouth while in ball four and gets by F2, who runs contact with the pitcher’s plate is a after it lackadaisically. The ball balk, not because the pitcher goes is still rolling when B4, the next to his mouth, but because the action batter, tries to stop the ball but simulates the start of the pitching inadvertently deflects it, causing it to leave the playing field through a motion. hole in the fence. Ruling: Because “Umpires must be aware of the on-deck batter caused the the position of the non-pivot foot,” ball to leave the playing field, the POE states. “Practice the skills it is possible he prevented F2 to determine if the pitch is legal from making a play and, if so, it is interference and the impacted or illegal. It is imperative that the runner would be out (NFHS 3-2-3; pitching positions and movement NCAA 8-5q; pro 5.09a15). are completely understood. These requirements provide guidance that Lost Appeal? the batter and baserunner(s) know Play: R2 scores on B1’s single. The defense announces it will the pitcher’s plate and with his entire when they can swing and run and appeal that R2 missed third. As the pivot foot in contact with or directly when the pitcher is in a position pitcher toes the rubber in the set in front of the pitcher’s plate. He shall to deliver the ball, creating a level position, he sees that B1 has taken go to the set position without delay playing field for all involved with the a long lead at first. F1’s pickoff and in one continuous motion; he shall game.” * move, though, is not in time. The first baseman then fires to F5, who appeals R2. Ruling: In both NCAA and pro, it is too late to appeal. F1 initiated the play, canceling any further appeal despite the argument Second and Third that B1’s long lead induced the pick-off attempt. In NFHS, the and a Plateful to Observe umpire should call “time” and make a ruling once the intent to appeal is clear (NFHS 8-2 Pen.; NCAA 8-6b; ith runners on second and third, pro 5.09c). Wless than two outs and a ground R2 Foul Tip or Foul? ball hit in the infield, the base umpire Play: R1 on first is stealing when under the two-umpire system could R2 B1 nips a pitch that goes directly have a lot to handle. U1 BR to F2’s mitt, then into the air above The base umpire, who starts in the U1 B1’s head. F2 grabs the ball in C-position, is responsible for all plays flight and fires to first, claiming a double play. Ruling: It is simply a at first, second or third. In most cases, foul tip. R1 stays at second; B1 is the infielder will “look” the runner charged with a strike. Without F2’s back and then throw to first. But on THROW catch, it would have been a foul a “hot” grounder hit close to a base, ball and R1 would have returned GROUND BALL there’s a potential for a tag attempt R3 BR to first (NFHS 2-16-2; NCAA 2-37, R3 7-8; pro Foul Tip Definition). on a runner that’s off the base. And a baserunning error could open up the Deflection off Illegal Glove possibility of a rundown. Play: B1’s hard smash ricochets On a ground ball to third, as The plate umpire has responsibility off F1’s glove and bounces to F4, shown in the MechaniGram, U1 for the initial fair/foul call. who cannot make a play; B1 is safe at first. It is then discovered should step up, turn and face the ball Secondarily, the plate umpire can that F1 is wearing a glove whose and read the fielder. If there’s no play assist U1 — if requested by U1 — on dimensions are not legal. Ruling: on R3 and the fielder is throwing to a swipe tag or pulled foot at first base. The glove is immediately removed first, U1 should move toward first But the plate umpire must remain from play. In NFHS, B1 is awarded base to be in the best position to make by the plate in case R3 attempts to third. In NCAA, the play stands unless the coach wants to replay the call. U1 should be careful not to advance there. The plate umpire also the pitch. In pro, the play stands overcommit to first base in case of a has responsibility for all overthrows with no options (NFHS 1-5-7; second play in the infield after the out at first base and all running-lane NCAA 1-13c Pen. 2; pro 3.07c). is made at first. interference responsibilities. *

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 64 9/13/17 2:56 PM Steve Javie Clete Blakeman Mike Pereira

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 65 9/13/17 2:56 PM •Nov_Magazine.indb 66 66

| REFEREENovember 2017 baseball diamond. baseball diamond. Joyce iscallingballsandstrikesonthe UConn women’s basketballteam,Bob When he’s notcallingplay-by-playforthe F By ChristieSuccopEckert Calls Baseball Talks Basketball, umpiring. in somecapacity. Sohetookup involved withhisfavoritesport decided hestillwantedtobe his sonwasdoneplaying,Joyce son, whomhecoached.When throughout hisyouth,asdid up,” Joycesaid. night ontheradioathomegrowing listen tothemmosteverysummer of theRedSoxbecauseIusedto diehard RedSoxfan. actually hisfirstlove.Hegrew upa basketball runs deep,baseballis men’s teamintheNCAA. wins, themostbyanywomen’sor streaks, including111 consecutive of records, achievementsand Huskies haverackedupanumber have cheered alongwithhimasthe women’s basketballteam.Fans by-play commentatorfortheUConn Connecticut residents astheplay- Joyce hasbeenknownto or more than15years,Bob “It’s justawaytokeepmein Joyce playedbaseball “My dream wastobethevoice Although Joyce’spassionfor Traverse City(Mich.)Record Eagle. Committee andcopyeditorforthe freelance writerandfortheU.S.Olympic Christie SuccopEckertisaformer good,” Joycesaid. so Iguessthetrade-off ispretty college basketballteamin America, get tobroadcast thebestwomen’s the rightplaceattime,I career hasturnedout. he hasnoregrets abouthowhis aspirations ofbroadcasting baseball, can.” said. “You justtrytobethebestyou an umpire. EvenIknowthat,”Joyce going togeteverypitchrightbeing are partoftheexperience. about thejobandknowsmistakes years, Joyceholdsnofalsenotions visual foreverylistener. your words topaintthemost vivid of thecenteraction,using you needtobeableabitmore affect thegame. As abroadcaster, hope yourcallsdon’tnegatively want toblendin,doyourjoband the tworoles. As anofficial, you difference ispretty starkbetween make anaccuratecall.Themain broadcasting, includingstriving to overlap betweenofficiating and it.” game tostarttheseasoneaseinto that maybeyougetaJVorfreshman wolves,” Joycesaid.“Thehopeis scrimmages. usually unabletofitinumpiring and themandatorytest,buthe’s of therulebook, afewmeetings tries tosqueezeinare-reading transition betweenseasons.He usually doesn’tgetmuchtimeto Four almosteveryyear, Joyce coaching.” the closestIcangettoplayingor the game,”Joycesaid.“Iguessit’s “Through somebreaks, beingat Despite Joyce’schildhood “(The players)knowI’mnot After officiating formore than10 Joyce saidthere’s a bitof “I’m basicallythrown tothe With theHuskiesinFinal PERSONALITIES PLUS PROFILES £ Do youknowapersonorgroup who he said. his schedule,Sargent putitsimply. games intwodays.Inregard to which canmeanworkingseven is hiscommitmenttoofficiating, Panda.” thenickname“KungFu earning with aone-footedhopoutcall, endeared himselftotheleague leagues. Sincethen,hehas League andotherErieCounty officiating fortheLeBoeufLittle 2007 afteraboutfiveyearsof 1,150. that thenumbermaybecloserto started counting.Sargent believes it isthe1,000thgamesincehe July 29,butthat’s onlybecause 1,000th gameasanumpire on Garry Sargent celebratedhis Reaches Milestone ‘Kung Fu’Umpire SOURCE: immensely.” for 26yearsandIenjoyedit tough times,butIdidfootball are alwaysgoingtohave those my officiating,” Bratkasaid. “You officiate trackandfieldmeets. decades, andhecontinuesto football inOhioforalmostthree as alieutenantcolonel. years, retiring from theReserves States AirForce formore than35 than 30years. and ontheplayingfieldformore issuing rulingsinthecourtroom Judge DanBratkahasbeen Logan CountyJuvenileProbate and Football Law andOrder … SOURCE: “I just have a love of the game,” “I justhavealoveofthegame,” What mattersmosttoSargent He startedkeepingtrackin “I’ve enjoyed95percent of Bratka officiated highschool Bratka alsoservedintheUnited should beprofiled? EARLY BIRDPAPER ERIE TIMES-NEWS profi [email protected] Send infotousat Waterford, Pa. Age: 52 Garry Sargent West Liberty, Pa. Age: 63 Dan Bratka

9/13/17 2:56 PM

GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS; EARLY BIRD PAPER NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS VISION INACTION YOUR SAFETY IS OUR CONCERN WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! nly National Association of fee protection and $4,500 for legal THESE ORGANIZATIONS Sports Officials members reimbursement for attorney costs. SUPPORT OFFICIALS Ohave access to the fullest No other governing body range of officiating protections in or organization provides such the world. protection for officials. Most officials are aware The sad reality for sports of NASO’s premier liability officials is that they are under insurance benefit that — unlike threat of bodily harm every many other insurance packages time they take an assignment. — covers you for any game you Actual real-world assaults against work no matter what sport, sports officials happen all the no matter what level. If you’re time. Assaults are reported to our officiating, you’re covered. offices nearly every week. And many of you have NASO works hard to make heard of NASO’s unique Game sure state legislators enact Call and Assigners insurance, tougher penalties for individuals which covers you for claims who assault sports officials. Those alleging officiating related errors legislative efforts are intended to or omissions that result in a help stop assaults against sports claimed financial loss but where officials before they ever happen. there is no bodily injury. It also But when they do happen, covers challenged game calls NASO is there to help our ATTENTION REFEREE that result in a claimed financial members. It’s as simple as this: If MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBERS loss. Perhaps most importantly, it you are an NASO member and covers members who are engaged are assaulted while officiating, It’s time to join the rest of us in any form of assigning practices NASO can assist you in finding an in the National Association of when a suit is brought against an attorney and help with legal fees, Sports O cials. Not only will you assigner by a disgruntled official. medical expenses and lost game continue to receive the world’s #1 o ciating publication, you’ll But there is one NASO fees. enjoy all of the additional benefi ts member protection that often Additionally, to help all NASO members enjoy. goes under the radar, and that’s sports officials, whether they are NASO’s Assault Protection members or not, NASO publishes Go to naso.org/Upgrade2017 to join NASO for the special program. guidelines for officials’ safety in introductory price of $99 and Every NASO member has which they can learn to protect receive these two FREE books! access to an additional $10,000 themselves. The guide, titled in Assault protection insurance. Strong Safety, is a free online The program provides for resource created by NASO to reimbursement of certain promote safety for officials in expenses and loss of game fees all sports and levels, offering resulting from injuries suffered guidance for individual officials, when an official is a victim of crews and schools/leagues. It is assault. There is a maximum available for anyone to download JOIN of $5,000 for medical expense on our website at naso.org/ $99 reimbursement, $500 for game StrongSafety. * TODAY

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 67 9/13/17 2:56 PM SOFTBALL EDITOR: TODD KORTH [email protected] RULES, MECHANICS, PHILOSOPHY

Plate umpire Jack Floyd, Everett, Wash., watches as a team decides to intentionally walk a batter. Under a new NFHS rule, if the pitcher, catcher or coach makes a request to the umpire, the batter may be intentionally walked without having to throw pitches. CHECK THIS OUT Intentional Walks Are In, Equipment Checks Out

By Todd Korth NFHS director of sports and staff the game, and equipment violation liaison for softball, for reviewing this penalties will continue to be he NFHS Softball Rules article. assessed when discovered,” Searcy TCommittee approved a handful said. “However, it is the head coach’s of rules changes for the 2017-18 No Equipment Check responsibility to verify that his or her school year, but two in particular Equipment no longer has to be players’ equipment is legal.” — allowing intentional walks and inspected by the umpires or placed eliminating the pregame equipment outside the dugout/bench prior to Intentional Walk (2-65-2) check — will be embraced by many the start of the game by each team. With the change, a pitcher is no umpires. The rules committee agreed that longer required to throw four pitches The committee made those the responsibility for ensuring that out of the strike zone to intentionally changes and more at its June players are legally and properly walk the batter. The new rule states 12-14 meeting in Indianapolis. equipped rests with the head coach that a request for an intentional walk All recommended changes were and school administration. can now be made prior to or during subsequently approved by the NFHS “Umpires must remain vigilant the at-bat by the defensive coach, Board of Directors. in identifying illegal or altered pitcher or catcher. The ball is dead

Special thanks to Sandy Searcy, equipment throughout the course of when the request is granted. DALE GARVEY

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 68 9/13/17 2:56 PM This change aligns fast-pitch and card attached to it. Ruling 5: Illegal. slow-pitch rules to keep up with The wristband with a playbook/play QUICKTIP current trends of the sports and card can be any solid color except maximize the flow of the game. optic yellow (3-2-7c Exc.). As part of your pre-pitch planning, “The Kentucky High School with runners on second and third or the bases loaded as the U3 Athletic Association experimented in a three-person system, think with intentional walks for the “Inside the line, left; outside 2017 season, and the response the line, right.” That is, if the from coaches and umpires was ball is hit within an imaginary overwhelmingly positive,” said line between the bases or to an infielder, move to the left to obtain Searcy. “The NFHS questionnaire a good calling position for a play response from constituents was also at third. If it is hit outside of the very favorable.” line or to the outfield, move to the Play 1: With two outs, R2 on right for the best calling position second and R3 on third, the coach at third. of team B informs the plate umpire that he or she wants B4, with a 2-0 count, walked intentionally. Ruling 1: Intentional walks are allowed at any Charged Conferences (3-7-1) time during the at-bat. In rule 3-7-1, a new note was Play 2: B1 is awarded an added to clarify the number of intentional base on balls. Immediately pitches permitted for an incoming after the batter-runner has started to pitcher who has not previously first base, the pitcher walks toward pitched in the game when the THEY SAID IT the catcher for a conference. B1 outgoing pitcher is removed by “Most coaches and players rounds first base and reaches second rule. There is an exception allowing appreciate the fact that you (ask base. Ruling 2: The batter-runner additional pitches if a pitcher is a partner for help). Many coaches must return to first base because the replaced for injury. This rule change have told me that they like it when ball always becomes dead after an adds an allowance when a pitcher umpires go for help because they know that the umpires really care. intentional base on balls is awarded. is removed by rule. The change was Also, if you ask for help, take and Play 3: As B4 is approaching the made in order to minimize risk for accept the help.” plate, the defensive coach informs the the incoming pitcher. plate umpire that he or she wants the The default number of warmup — John McConahy, longtime batter walked intentionally. Ruling 3: pitches is five. Allowing only five umpire from Pittsburgh and director of tournament operations Legal. pitches to a player who is cold could of the Orange Blossom Games, a become a risk issue; the umpire is tournament in Panama City, Fla. Player Equipment (3-2-7c) now authorized to allow more than The committee also approved five pitches in those situations. an exception to rule 3-2-7c, which Play 6: Team B’s coach has used DID YOU KNOW? defines as equipment wristbands with her three charged conferences. In the Before 1973, there was no circle a playbook/play card attached. The seventh inning, the coach (a) stops around the pitcher’s plate. A wristband shall be a single solid color play to confer with her infielders rule change created a circle with other than optic yellow. It does not about a bunt situation, or (b) checks an eight-foot radius around the have to match the color of an upper with F1, who has just been hit by a pitcher’s plate to eliminate the undergarment and it can only be batted ball. Ruling 6: In (a), the pitcher “requirement of the pitcher to ‘look,’ ‘fake’ or ‘play back’ the worn on the non-pitching arm. must be removed as pitcher for the runners. It puts the burden on the Play 4: Team A is wearing black remainder of the game. In (b), this is runners to immediately advance undergarments but the pitcher is not a charged conference. The umpire or return to their base once the wearing a solid red wristband on her should accompany the coach to check pitcher has the ball within the non-pitching arm with a playbook/ on the injured player and make sure circle.” play card attached to it. Ruling 4: coaching does not take place. If F1 is Legal. Wristbands with a playbook/ replaced due to the injury, the umpire play card are considered equipment, may allow the substitute pitcher more not garments, so they do not have to than five warmup pitches. be the same color as the upper body undergarments. Pitching (6-1-2b) Play 5: Team B is wearing gray The committee also revised rule undergarments and optic yellow 6-1-2b by permitting the pitcher to wristbands with a playbook/play step backward with the non-pivot

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foot at any time before the start of the prior to the start of the pitch, it is TEST YOURSELF pitch. This change is less restrictive legal (6-1-2b). than the previous rule, allows for a Each of the following includes a more fluid sequence of motion and Editorial Changes situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for ASA, will aid the development of pitchers. In addition to the rule changes, a NFHS, NCAA or USSSA rules and The previous wording in the rule few editorial changes were made by which might vary. Solutions: p. 81. stated that any step backward could the committee. 1. After B1 steps into the batter’s only begin before the hands came Bench conduct, umpiring (3-6- box, F2 complains to the plate together. Now it can begin after the 12, 10-1-6). The rules committee umpire that the safety grip on the hands come together as well. expanded on rules for participants handle of B1’s new bat is only about Play 7: F1 brings her hands and umpires to include e-cigarettes or six inches long. a. The umpire will ignore F2’s together and are in motion. She similar items. Any participant, coach, complaint and direct F1 to pitch. then takes one step backward before administrator or umpire shall not b. The length of the grip is legal making a forward motion toward use alcohol or any form of tobacco and the grip may extend to 15 inches in length. the batter. Ruling 7: That is a legal product (including e-cigarettes or c. The length of the grip may be delivery. similar items) beginning with arrival 10 to 15 inches in length. Play 8: F1 has taken a legal at the competition site until departure d. The length of the grip must be position on the pitching plate. following the completion of the not less than 10 inches in length for 32- to 34-inch bats and not less than She then (a) steps backward, then contest. eight inches for smaller bats. brings her hands together; (b) starts The language provides further f. The length of the grip must not bringing her hands together as she is clarity and consistency for restriction be less than 10 inches in length. stepping backward; or (c) brings her of alcohol and tobacco use by 2. Fast pitch. A tailing inside pitch hands together then steps backward. participants and umpires. hits B1 on the hands inside the In all cases the step backward is Todd Korth, Racine, Wis., is a multi-sport batter’s box. B1 did not attempt to completed prior to F1 separating her official, including high school and college strike at the pitch. a. That’s a foul ball. The hands hands. Ruling 8: Legal in all cases. softball. £ are considered part of the bat. As long as the step backward begins b. B1 is awarded first base.

3. Fast pitch. What are the technically correct definitions to use when a runner illegally contacts a fielder? a. Collision. Here’s the Dish on b. Crash. c. Flagrant. d. Malicious-Maliciously. Working the Plate e. Deliberately. f. Aggressive physical contact. By Jay Miner cars. I would do so for more than 20 4. With R1 on first base and no outs, years. B1 hits a hard ground ball to F4. As get great satisfaction from helping To stay competitive, I joined a F4 is playing the ball, R1 interferes with F4. In the judgment of the base Iumpires become better umpires. unique race car engineering program umpire, the interference by R1 did Yet to make all the points I wish to at Chrysler Corporation’s Domestic not prevent a double play and B1 share, I believe I must explain how Product Planning in Centerline, had not reached first base. a. R1 is out. my myriad onfield experiences and Mich. It was there I developed my b. The ball is dead. experiments will accomplish that innovational methods for finding c. B1 is awarded first base. goal. To begin, here is some personal ways to make my cars faster than the d. In all force play situations, two history that explains the path I competition. outs are always declared. followed. Years later, I experienced a 5. With R1 on first base and no outs, As a teenager, I was immersed in fierce 200 mph finish line explosion, B1 hits a hard ground ball to F4. As playing competitive varsity baseball resulting in serious burns and F4 is playing the ball R1 interferes with F4. In the judgment of the base and basketball at Colonie Central injuries. That ended my drag racing umpire, the interference by R1 was High School in upstate Albany, N.Y. career. To fill the void, I became an an attempt to prevent a double play. I also enthusiastically played on umpire. I was also a new father. B1 had not reached first base. serious touring tournament teams My new goal was to become the a. R1 is out. b. The ball is dead. during the summer and fall months. best umpire and instructor I could be. c. B1 is awarded first base. Yet I had another even more Although I had good training from d. B1 is declared out. serious passion. Even before I had a professional instructors in my early e. The runner being played on is out. driver’s license, I was building and years of officiating, I immediately professionally driving drag racing began experimenting with new, super stock cars and nitro fuel funny improved and innovative ways to

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officiate. I still advocate them today. elimination, I recall being successful However, be sure to run any newly smoothing out rare confusing adopted mechanics and techniques situations by quickly holding up my by your association rules interpreter right hand with the palm extended and training officer for approval. That toward the pitcher. Yes, I broke my way you will not surprise anyone on own rule, but it worked in certain the field. So, let’s get started. situations. Do-not-pitch signal. From my So while I highly recommend that earliest days of umpiring I was not you greatly de-emphasize using the comfortable using the old “hold-up- hold-up signal, I will not consider the-pitcher” mechanic, which was you a bad umpire if you very blatantly overused by some umpires occasionally slip it in to quickly solve in my association and elsewhere. I’m a unique situation. I’ve discovered thinking of umpires who resembled there are indeed rare situations when over-enthusiastic and theatrical the “hold-up signal” could be the best orchestra conductors, who forever choice. used the palm up, stop-sign signals When calling time, raise both to keep pitchers from pitching. Those arms overhead, more than shoulder- In a proper plate stance, the umpire looks umpires were waiting for batters to width apart and slightly in front of down and through the strike zone. The get completely set before they’d point the body. Your hands will be flat and chin should never drop below the top of to pitchers and call “Play” with an facing forward, with fingers together the catcher’s helmet. accompanying beckoning motion. and separate from the thumbs. Do Some umpires even chastised pitchers not extend your arms high above by stating, “Do not pitch until I direct your head, like a basketball official flight of the ball. you to do so!” Ouch! signaling a successful three-point • Read — Make a preliminary Think about it. In the absence of a goal. judgment on the area of the pitch. quick pitch by the pitcher, why would Plate tips. The following • Hold — Do not call the pitch too the umpire give special dispensation information provides guidelines to quickly. Allow the pitch to disappear to the batter to get perfectly set and follow but remember, very little in completely into the catcher’s glove. hold up the pitcher when both are plate umpiring is in solid granite • Call it — Assertively, but not already in legal positions? for all situations. The umpire’s final overbearingly, announce the status of Years ago, I began informing set position may vary slightly from the pitch. Derek Jeter-style batters who held umpire to umpire. I highly recommend that plate their back hand up to the umpire Most plate umpires set up in the umpires wear two ball bags so they with their head down while in the “slot” between the catcher and the never run out of game balls. Do not box, “Be alert, the pitcher is on the batter. Do not be overly concerned blame anyone else if you run out of rubber and you’re in the box!” That if it initially appears the batter is game balls. If you do receive a new worked well for me. The batters got restricting your view of the strike ball fresh from a box, do not rub dirt the message — be ready to hit when zone and the pitch. Most batters will directly on the ball and worse, do not in the batter’s box. drop to a hitting-position crouch expectorate on the ball or rub the ball Realizing that most pitchers, before the pitch and that often opens on the ground. including men, rarely try to “quick your view. Before play resumes, simply roll pitch” batters, my goal was to allow Preferably, look down and the ball or push it with your foot the pitcher and batter to get into a fair through the strike zone and try to over soft infield dirt. Then rub the rhythm of play on their own. With keep your head out of the perimeter ball briskly between your hands to that technique, I wasn’t inflicting of the strike zone. Ideally, your chin remove the extraneous gloss. If most myself on the game by making should never drop below the top of of the infield dirt is baked hard, find unnecessary signals. Although it the catcher’s helmet (unless you have and sprinkle some dirt on the ball, infrequently happened to me, in x-ray vision to see the outside corner then shake the ball before rubbing the exceedingly rare situation that through the catcher). Keep your head it up with your hands for even a pitcher started to pitch too soon level with your eyes focused on the distribution. If the plate umpire is before a batter was reasonably set, I’d pitcher’s release point to pick up the busy with other pertinent chores, call time and begin play anew with ball as soon as possible. properly rubbing up new game balls a casual warning to the pitcher. Try The steps to calling a pitch are: is an acceptable task for the base to keep the ball in play as much as • On the rubber — Be ready for umpire. possible. the pitch. Jay Miner is a longtime umpire and As much as I believe in greatly • Get set — Drop to your calling rules interpreter from Albany, N.Y. He de-emphasizing the do-not-pitch position keeping your eyes level. was inducted into the New York State signal almost to the point of • Track — Visually pick up the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. £

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CASEPLAYS Coaching Up Coaches

Two Mistakes at Plate By Anthony “Corky” Carter I have begun to place the Play: Fast pitch. R2 is on onus on the coach, using a subtle second base when B1 singles to right field. R2 streaks for the t the professional, collegiate, technique before the game. During plate as F9 throws a bullet to F2. high school, junior high tournament play, I use the time R2 slides by home plate without schoolA and even youth levels, during the meeting at the plate touching it and F2 misses the the role of the coach or manager to say, “Coach, remember you are tag. Ruling: In USA, NFHS and is obvious. He or she has the responsible for the actions of each USSSA FP, the covering umpire will hesitate slightly and then responsibility of ensuring that of your players.” That statement signal and call the runner safe. In players conduct themselves usually results in a surprised NCAA, the umpire will signal safe according to the rules of the game. expression, but I believe it gets the and verbally call, “No tag.” In all Unfortunately, at the amateur point across and they then know codes if a viable and legal appeal level in adult sports, the coach’s their responsibilities. During league is made before R2 returns to the plate, R2 is out (USA R/S 1-I(i); responsibilities are not understood. play, I use that reminder when we NFHS 2-1-9; NCAA 12.22.2.1 Perhaps a better description is are getting the game balls from each (see 7.1.1); USSSA FP Mechanics that the responsibilities are not team. By doing that, it doesn’t come Manual Page 9). embraced. That isn’t because the as a shock when I ask a coach to rulebook and league rules are not handle a disruptive player. Pitch Contacted With Equipment Play: Fast pitch. With R1 on first clear; it is just that the coach is often Recently I had a third baseman base, a low pitch gets away from a player. who was unhappy about a call I F2. She uses her mask to recover Therefore, the role of the coach made. The runner came into third the rolling ball. Ruling: In USA and is diminished if the coach is a partially standing up and the third NCAA, the pitch counts and R1 player. Though the coach handles baseman applied the tag to the is awarded one base unless no play is apparent. In NFHS, R1 is the “paperwork,” his or her role runner’s hip. I called the runner awarded second even if no play as the responsible person for the safe, noting to the third baseman is apparent. USSSA FP has no entire team dissipates. After all, in that the tag was too high and the specific rules provision; treat as in any given inning, you’ll often find runner had gotten his foot on the USA and NCAA (USA 8-5F Effect; different players occupying the bag before the tag was made. NFHS 8-4-3e Pen.; NCAA 9.5.3 Effect, Exc.; USSSA FP No rules coaching boxes. Not liking the call, the third provision). If you were umpiring at the baseman fumed and fussed for college, high school or youth levels, the remainder of the inning. As Verbal Obstruction you wouldn’t often expect to handle fate would have it, he was the first Play: Fast pitch. R2 is on a disruptive situation with the batter when his team came to bat second base when B1 hits a player. You might direct a quick the next half inning. As we were fly ball to F8. R2 tags up and advances to third but F5 yells, statement to the offending player waiting for the pitcher to complete “Go back! Go back! You left such as, “That’s enough number his warmup pitches, he asked me, early!” F8 makes the catch and 21!” or “I’ve heard enough! Let’s “What was that call at third?” I returns the ball to the infield. R2 play ball!” Then you would go to replied that the tag was on the is tagged out returning to second the coach and explain the situation runner’s hip. “So,” he continued, base. Ruling: In USA, there is no verbal obstruction so the out with the expectation that the coach “he wasn’t out because I tagged him on R2 stands. In NCAA, NFHS is going to handle it. on the hip?” and USSSA FP, that is verbal However, let’s look at the “No,” I explained, “you can tag obstruction. R2 is awarded third dynamics that occur when you are him on the hip, but the tag was too base (USA Casebook 1-57; NFHS working amateur adult ball. In adult high and his foot was on the base.” 2-36, CB 8.4.3 Sit. J; NCAA 9.4.1, Interp.; USSSA FP 3 Obstruction). amateur softball, some umpires “So, you missed the call, and he expect that the player himself is the was out,” was his response. Batting Order Options one that should be confronted when “No, you tagged him too high to Play: Fast pitch. Are batting handling a disruptive situation. get the out,” I reiterated. order options allowed? Ruling: In Granted, there are times when you “So, you missed the call because USA Softball Junior Olympic, teams have the option to have all have to ensure the adult player I tagged him on the hip,” he said as present players bat. The short- understands exactly what your he stepped into the box. handed player rule applies (USA expectations are. Even so, the next Realizing that the situation was Softball 7-2E, 4-1D; NFHS, NCAA, step should be communication with not improving, I addressed the USSSA FP — No rules provisions the team’s coach. It is important that batter sternly for the benefit of his for exceptions to the batting order.) you give the coach the opportunity team and his coach, “Sir, if you’d to deal with situations affecting his like to continue to play in this player(s). game, we won’t discuss that play

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any further.” His response was, on a runner. I warned the player “You blew the call, because I know I that fake tags weren’t allowed. tagged him on the hip in time.” During a break in the action, I I then stepped toward the third- took a couple of steps toward the base dugout and summoned the pitcher (coach) and said to him, coach by saying, “Coach, I need “Coach, fake tags aren’t allowed to speak with you!” The players in this league. I just reminded in the dugout realized I had heard your second baseman.” So, if I had enough and began to encourage to eject the second baseman for their teammate to get in the box and a subsequent fake tag, the coach play ball. would remember that I had already When the coach came near the warned the player. plate I explained that if the player Adult participants need to know was going to remain in the game, they are accountable. We need to there would be no more discussion remind the coaches tactfully that of the play. With that, the coach they are ultimately accountable for turned to the player and said, the actions of their players. They “Shut up and play ball, or you may or may not realize that, but won’t be playing at all.” The player by “putting the coach on notice,” did so and we moved on. Mission it removes all doubt about who is accomplished! supposed to be in charge of the team. Sometimes, notifying the coach Anthony “Corky” Carter is a longtime doesn’t have to be as formal as that umpire and instructor from Brentwood, example. I had a play in which the Tenn. £ second baseman executed a fake tag

An Idea That’s Out of Right Field

hile base umpires are taught Wto move a few steps into the F9 infield to rule on plays at first base, THROW an alternative is the one-step-fair method. It should only be attempted if approved by your assigner or

supervisor. B With no runners on base, the umpire sets up at the usual position B OR B in foul territory behind the first-base F3 foul line extended, next to but not touching the line. B1 hits a sharp ground ball to F9, who then fires to GROUND F3. The umpire moves one-step fair to BALL position C. (If the nature of the play dictates that the umpire move to foul ground, he or she should move to position D. But umpires should try to stay out of the foul ground position, especially in the two-umpire system.) Past experience has indicated B1 close plays at all bases are outs simply because the ball is arriving about four times faster than the runner. £

•Nov_Magazine.indb 73 9/13/17 2:56 PM ALL SPORTS EDITOR: JEFFREY STERN [email protected] FOR ALL SPORTS, ALL LEVELS

Michael Lechnar, Mukilteo, Wash., worked hard to get to the Little League tournament level. A continuation of that effort could lead to bigger and better things in his officiating career. PREP STEP Be Ready to Make a Move When Opportunity Presents Itself

By Abby Burmeister look like a series of mountains He said, “Preparedness is a state where they have experienced highs of readiness. My mentor, John mountain is such a commonly and lows all leading to the top Wooden, used to say that when A used metaphor because it but on a less direct path. And still opportunity comes, it’s too late to provides beautiful imagery to our others see where they want to go prepare. … The main point is that goals and the challenges we face but know they have a long way to we need to be intentional each day to reach them. Every official’s get there. about being prepared so when the metaphorical mountain looks a little John C. Maxwell is a opportunity comes our way we can bit different. Some have reached the motivational speaker and author immediately seize the chance.” top and have begun their descent. with a focus in leadership. He No matter where you are in Some have the peak in sight and recently shared a thought on your officiating career, you want just need a few more experiences to his Facebook page regarding to be ready when the call comes

get to where they want to be. Others preparation and it struck a chord. for you to take one step (small or WEST STEWART

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 74 9/13/17 2:56 PM big) toward your goal. Whether it’s she writes about is managing sleep THEY SAID IT getting a call to work a big game deprivation. or filling in on a game because She notes, “Don’t let the fact “When you’re at second base, of another official’s turnback, the that you haven’t slept … create you’re in no man’s land. You start to think about where you’re success of your performance lies in unnecessary anxiety. Just push at when you’re in the middle of the hands of one thing: preparation. through it. It’s a short-term thing.” Fenway or in Yankee Stadium or in Here are five ways to prepare. That holds especially true for an St. Louis or at Wrigley. You’re like, 1. Know your learning style. official in the midst of the season ‘Wow, look where I’m at!’ Look at Learning is an important part of when it gets to be a grind and all what I’m doing. I’m a major league umpire. I’m like, ‘Wow, I’m here. I your development as an official. the travel starts catching up to you. finally made it.’” Reading the rulebook does you Nights away from home become no good if you can’t understand it a little more difficult and you’re enough to enforce the rule properly. just plain gassed. Allow yourself Often the way we learn requires us to be tired. Don’t fixate on the fact to go beyond just the words in order that you are worn out. Make wise to gain a better understanding. decisions about building natural I am a visual learner. When I breaks into your schedule to be sure read a caseplay or a rule, I process you are always bringing your best. it by putting it into action. That 4. Visualize. Anticipating could mean looking at a pregame difficult situations and figuring out board of some type or using the how you will handle them can work people in the room to walk through wonders in how effective you are as the scenario. Some may learn best an official. by reading a bunch of literature Seattle Seahawks quarterback on a given rule topic, while others Russell Wilson talked with ESPN may learn best in a group or reporter Terry Blount prior to the meeting setting. Whatever it may 2015 NFC Championship game. He be, figure out how you best like to shared with Blount the scenarios — MLB umpire Laz Diaz, learn because understanding how that he goes through in his head so on the “cool factor” of working in the majors. you learn makes the process more when they happen, he’s ready. He efficient. It allows you to process said, “I’m a person that visualizes the information that is being given all the time. I anticipate those QUICKTIP to you in a manner that makes sense situations before they happen. That in your head. allows me to make quick decisions. Make use of that dead time before the game. Watch players warm 2. Collaborate. Every official I think it also gives me that sense of up. Does the point guard carry wants to be that well-rounded poise and grace under pressure.” the ball? What range does the official who is fit, has extensive Poise and grace under pressure field-goal kicker have? Which rules knowledge, strong leadership — those are things every official outfielder has the strongest arm? skills and is an all-around great could use. Visualization can be a Which player can “bend it like Beckham”? Those things and communicator. In reality, we can very important tool for officials. It more provide info that might come all use work in one or more of allows you to walk though potential in handy. those areas. If your communication problems that may arise in your skills are particularly strong, find game and address them before someone who has a good grasp on they even happen. That can be an BY THE NUMBERS the rulebook. Find out how they especially helpful tactic during your Who is most responsible for have become so strong in that area. pregame with your partner(s). improving sportsmanship? By surrounding yourself with others 5. Be ready for change. Change

who can help in specific areas, you is inevitable. It’s a necessary evil fans 4% open yourself up to becoming that for growth. Officiating is ever schools all-around solid official. evolving with the game. Video is 8% 3. Manage sleep deprivation. readily available now more than players Alison Levine is another author ever. There’s new competition. The 11% who has used her experiences to pressure officials face from coaches, OFFICIALS COACHES teach leadership skills. She shared supervisors and themselves to be at 12% 65% her experiences climbing Mount their best has reached a new high. Everest in her book, On the Edge. Know this: Your assigners desire to TONY QUINN The book is about the preparation make the game better. In order to do and execution of her climbs. One that, things won’t always be done in of the preparation techniques that the same manner they were 20 years SOURCE: 2013 SURVEY OF MORE THAN 100 OFFICIALS

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ago. Sure, the fundamentals such as discomfort of being in a situation nevertheless, they are steps in the integrity, rules knowledge and solid he or she didn’t quite feel ready to preparation process. All your efforts mechanics will remain important. face. How quickly we learn! There on and off the court or field are But philosophies and even rules will is a great amount of confidence equipping you to be at your best change. Some changes you’ll like; that comes from being prepared. when the opportunity arises. others, not so much. Either way, be It’s the type of confidence that Abby Burmeister, West Allis, Wis., ready. Change is coming your way. your partners desire and your officiates basketball at the high school Drink the Kool-Aid. supervisors can’t ignore. Not all and women’s collegiate Division I, II Every official at one point in his your experiences will move you in and III levels. * or her career has experienced the the direction you want to go. But

They Can’t Spell Team Without ‘U’

By Jeff Adler

n the sports world, a team’s Isuccess is determined by wins and losses and, to a major extent, by the number of championships it wins. Most fans care less about individual performances than they do about how they add up to the shiny trophy the team wins and the parade that follows. My experience observing sports, as a player, fan and an official, has shaped my opinion identifying the elements that determine a team’s success. Many teams are stacked with superstars and talented players, yet they don’t succeed in winning championships. Others with less skill and experience often win the title. I believe the difference makers are passion, trust, care and support for one another. It’s how well the team members communicate and complement each other. Some people A good pregame meeting sets up (from left) Andrew Jacobson, Issaquah, Wash.; Chuck say that is chemistry, but describing it Suter, Redmond, Wash.; and Doug Nicholson, Shoreline, Wash.; for success. as such does not codify the elements needed to win. Having passion is a strength, whether it’s from loving one another, writing a manuscript, playing a sport matter? Certainly, the better we together all season. or simply watching water cascade communicate and work together has a What distinguishes a good official down a hill. lot to say about how effectively, fairly from the ones who are regularly Which brings us to the point of (and well) we officiate the game. assigned the plum regular-season the story. While players are evaluated In big league baseball, crews games and the playoffs? Despite individually by an endless array of work together throughout the regular objective and analytic methods statistics and teams by the number season. In the postseason, MLB of evaluating officials, the result of victories, most amateur officials crews are composed of the highest will likely end up being based on are almost always evaluated as rated or most experienced officials. subjectivity and factors you are individuals. Our associations seem Thus, the supervisors have evaluated unlikely to find documented. So how hell-bent on developing good officials, their arbiters and created teams of do they get on the list of the best? but not great crews. Shouldn’t the superstars who may not succeed any To begin, what separates the

interaction with our crew members better than any crew that worked haves from the have nots? Coaches DALE GARVEY

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•Nov_Magazine.indb 76 9/13/17 2:56 PM ALL SPORTS tough must often compare players of equal concentration. But a quiet word during ability and decide who plays and a break in the action in the guise of who rides the bench. How is the tie preventive officiating is acceptable. broken? The X-factors might be a While hardly anyone goes to player’s geniality and communication a game to watch the officials, the skills. It could be how well he or she majority in attendance are sure to calls looks on the field or court. In their voice their displeasure with a call quest to work the big game, officials with which they disagree, especially should eliminate the “how do I look” when they have the opportunity to factor by simply standing in front of see it on replay. Unfortunately, fans, series a mirror. coaches and announcers often lack $ The unfit, overweight official will proper understanding of the rules, or 17.95 move slower, fatigue sooner and have confuse Friday night rules with what NASO MEMBER $ trouble running hard to properly they see during pro or college games. PRICE: 14.36 SIZE: 5.5”X8.5” cover a play. That deficiency is A fan or coach may tolerate or PAGES: 136 further exacerbated by modern hurry- accept an official’s judgment call up and up-tempo offenses. Who will with which they disagree, but not get the call — the fit or the fat? How if the official in question was out of we look is a difference maker that we position to properly cover the play. should address not only to accelerate Eventually, your hard work our career, but more importantly will pay off, and your name will be

Certainly, the better we communicate and work together has a lot to say

about how effectively, fairly (and well) INCLUDED we officiate the game.

to improve our health. Losing that added to the list of the best. It’s not extra baggage around the waist and the same for everyone. The voyage GET BOTH trimming down will improve your may take longer than you’d like it .95 quality of life. to, and there’s still no guarantee that $24 Some things are easy for us to you will be selected for the big game. manage. It’s a given that we enter the It’s unfortunate, but at some point, field or court with a clean, immaculate your fate may be determined not by uniform. Successful players train and how good you are, but instead by the condition themselves throughout petty, subjective opinions of a selection the year to optimize their physical committee whose criteria is neither performance. When they show up for documented nor clearly understood. the game, everyone including their The time has come for officials INCLUDED opponent takes notice. Officials are associations to objectively evaluate similarly observed and scrutinized. their crews and make selections While an official must not care which for playoff games and the top team wins, everyone else in our assignments based on how well those workplace does. groups administrate the game as a Communication is another key. A team. Doing so gives officials the seasoned observer can tell if a crew incentive and motivation to work as $ is sending messages, be it verbally or hard as possible, to elevate their game 17.95 non-verbally. An occasional conference and to make each member of the crew NASO MEMBER to clear up a point is generally be the best they can be. PRICE: $14.36 acceptable but too many indicates In officiating as in competition, SIZE: 5.5”X8.5” a lack of cohesion between officials. team does matter. PAGES: 120 Similarly, a running conversation Jeff Adler, Foster City, Calif., has umpired The Tough Calls Series drills down with a player or players may draw baseball at the youth and high school into some of basketball’s hardest calls an angry response from the coach levels for more than 20 years. He’s also a and gives you live-game DVD video to who believes you are stealing players’ high school football official. * bring those challenging calls to life. STORE.referee.com/tough-calls

•Nov_Magazine.indb 77 9/13/17 2:56 PM FOR THE RECORD AWARDS, ROSTERS, NOTABLES

Regionals were: Dean, Harris, Zingaro, G. Dean Maldonado, Ken Jones, Mike McIntost, COLLEGE Tammy Cooper, Sam Puglisi, Brice, Blair, Montez Holmes, Peter Ableton. East Coast • California Lutheran Don Pernell, Capuno, Ryan Tim Joly, Steve Badin, Eddie Umpires Association – Roger defeated Washington & Mehalic, Nick Beno, Hamlin, Hall, Thomas Dean, Luke Bloat, Cindi Brunot, Neil Jefferson, 7-2, Vargas, Robert Everett, Matt Glusco, Rick Durham, Jennifer Catapano, David Poelvoorde, to win the NCAA Purpurro, Dave Mattern, Steve Walcott, Milburn, David Johnny Saldivar, Kern Stump. Division III Stecher, Tony Montervino, Tansey, Kathleen Zifchock, Florida Professional Officials baseball College Billy Martin, Finlayson, Eaton, John Kerwin, Scott Bowers, Association – Chris Beck, Mike World Series in Schaefer, Jonathan Dewhirst, Dan Herman, Berens, Hector Kelly, Tracy Olsen-Oliver, Troy Appleton, Wis., J. Smith, Kelly Ternes, Rachel Torres-May, Phil Tripp, George Oulette, Daniel Papendick, two games to Palmer, Tom Keller, Sergio De La Cruz, Shomion, Bret Keith Pereira. Greater Naples one. Umpires Villarreal, Cody Lefebvre, Damaske, Oelfke, Chad Officials Association – Andrew working the College World Tess Layman, George Gulas, Vanderstelt, Edward Vodvarka, Moser, Ralph Rodriguez, Jerry Series were: Dave Boever, T. Williams, Robinett, Eads, Chad Miller, Laurie Dinneen, Thigpen. Gulf Coast Officials Dave Snyder, Thomas Bob Williams, McMurray, Michael Brown, Michell, Association – Eric Bush, Paul Newport, Shane Cannon, Tammy Tolley-Delorey, Shawn Daniel Rogers, Tanya Risucci, Joseph, Shane Mathes. Rudy Firmbach, Matt Schumacher, Anthony Small, Luis Segovia. Hillsborough County Umpires McMahon, Fred Shaner, Russ Davis, Craps, Kevin Spivey, • The following officials Association – Scott Ellis, Don Waterman. David Bush, Mindy Villa, Dan worked the NCAA Division I Goldstein, Donna Howell, • Umpires working the Cowan, Barker, Mark Craver, men’s and women’s tennis finals David Kelsel, Steve Lewis, Regionals were: Boever, Kyle Dave Long, Zach Snell, at the University of Georgia, Tyrone Miller. Jacksonville Klink, David Fields, Josh Vandenburg, Erik Geierman, May 18-29: Co-referees: Umpires Association – Lawrence Mara, James McGinnes, Ryan Sal Jaramillo, Tom Gueringer, Anthony Montero, Calif.; Arkin, William Franco, Paul Farnsworth, Snyder, Jeff Eric Lovato, George Smith, Carole Cox, Tenn.; Deputy Guiotto. Lake Region Softball Arthur, Paul Thompson, Dan Cobb, Kuykendall, Ray Martin, referee: Richard Rogers, Tenn.; Umpires Association – Kim Miller, Jason McDermott, Lou Young-Daniel Abanathey, Chair umpires: Laura McTighe, Anderson, Steven Anderson, Kammermeier, Newport, Kyle Dwayne Sealy, Jones, David Calif.; Allyson Houston, Va., Robert Green, Wally Laverick, Reese, David Kernan, Dorsey Poelvoorde, Russ Gorman, Maria Long, Fla.; Lee Ann Tom Parker, Jeff Rabideau. Hager, Tony Turk, Lyle Travis, Newton, Butler, Jill Poole, Haury, Texas; Sharon Wright, Mid Coast Officials Association Cannon, Mike McGloon, Jon Carlos Guzman. Ga.; Anne Bowman, S.C.; – Mary Cowart, Sam Hall, Frye, Mike Monita, Derek • Virginia Wesleyan defeated Martha Gregg, Del.; Randy Dave Raub. Mid-Florida Officials Roberts, Trent Haldiman, St. John Fisher, 1-0, to win Cable, Ala.; Brad Taylor, Association – James Law, Chris Firmbach, Steve Williams, the NCAA Division III Women’s Mich., Chris Rodger, Ala.; Parks, Dave Stewart. Pensacola Fred DeJesus, Mike Griffin, softball College World Series Chris Cetrone, Fla.; Adam Softball Officials Association Tom Gandolfo, Dave Simon, in Oklahoma City, two games Dalton, Ga.; Terry Bailey, – Vince Carlo, Kirk Klawitter, McMahon, Justin Sims, Drew to none. Umpires who worked Ala., Paul Deleon, Calif.; Mark Reuschel. Pinellas Sports Hoagland, Michael Lum, the College World series were: Reliford Sanders, Jr., Va.; Rob Officials Association – Danny Martin Rall, Andy Draper, Al Deanna Hunt, Debbie Berens, Meister, Ohio; Steve Menoff, Miller, Al Standiford, Tom Bosdell, Mike Mackey, Mark Dale Reed, Jeffrey Brice, Pa.; Dean Richardville, Okla.; Ulbrich. River City Umpires Yoder, Warren Pruett, Greg Tricia Treskot, Jason Kemper. Nick Flentie, Kan.; Roger Association – Alfredo Cox, Stanley, Waterman, Ryan • Umpires who worked the Pennington, Texas; Jamey Wayne Eaton, Savannah Thacker, Javier Navarro, Jon Super Regionals were: Rick Davis, Ala.; Vince Preuthun, Nave. South Gulf Umpires Jackson, Sam Kayea, Pete Durham, Bill Gottuso, Richard Mich. Association – Dana Collins, Coz Saucedo. Milburn, Rick Shomion, Leslie • The following umpires LaFauci, Dan Willis. Treasure • Minnesota State defeated Anderson, Mark Oelfke, worked the NAIA Baseball World Coast Officials Association – Angelo State, 5-1, to win Treskot, Mike Aguglia, George Series in Lewiston, Idaho: Bill Joe Imperatore, Jeff Soucek, the NCAA Division II softball Evanego, Tonya Cash, Eddie Fogarty, Wichita, Kan.; Dale John Wallace. West Florida Women’s College World Series Hall, Steve Wenner, Brice, Gardner, Rancho Cucamonga, Fast-Pitch Umpires Association in Salem, Va., two games to Peter Blair, Tim Joly, Reed, Calif.; Grant Henderson, Inc. – Isaiah Carpenter, Kayla none. Umpires who worked Berens, Kemper, Steve Badin, Toledo, Ohio; Jason Werle, Carpenter, Ralph Ellingsen, the College World Series were: Nick Beno, Ryan Mehalic, Lutz, Fla.; Shannon Bunger, Jerry Mills, Charles Sardo, Gregg Craps, Don Finlayson, Stephen Michell, William Unionville, Ind.; Mike Pierce, William Thomas. Monique McMurray, Annette Schmoegner, Hunt. Irving, Texas; Joey Stegner, • The following officials Bergman, Todd Davis, Tony • Umpires who worked the Caldwell, Ind.; Juan Garza, worked the 2017 Florida High Williams, Jason Smith. Regionals were: Anderson, Murfreesboro, Tenn. School Athletic Association Umpires who worked the Dennis Kostac, James track and field finals: Bay Area Super Regionals were: Loyal Basinger, Schmoegner, Youth Track and Field – Jack Dean, Willie Harris, Roberto Michael Boylan, Peter HIGH SCHOOL Bordeaux, Daniel Bordeaux, Capuno, Anita Robinett, Mosgofian, Brett McCrea, • The following umpires Joyce Kistemaker. Bob T. Williams, Susan Eads, Cash, Jason Williams, Wenner, worked the 2017 Florida High Hayes Track and Field Officials Bergman, Troy Kuykendall, Kenneth Johnson, Jon Hand, School Athletic Association Association (Jacksonville) – Marvin Cobb, Fred Mike See, Ruben Garcia, softball finals: Big Eight Sports James Anderson, Ronald Barker, Zach Snell, Martin Roger Holzhauer, Debra Officials Association – Britt Brooks, Donell Butler, Thomas Vandenberg, Finlayson, Marvin Goldpenny, Aguglia, Joseph Jackson, Wayne Peoples, Chapman, John Corker, Mark Eaton, John Schaefer, Stacy Calvano, Evanego, Reed, Robert Farrar, Elroy Green, Alpha Newton, Ken Jones, Dennis Greg Chargualaf, Jenell Tripp, Van Hay, Cula Jackson, Michael Butler, Dave Matterson, Kemper, Robert Germano, Slyke. Jackson, George McGriff, Tim Dudley Hamlin, Ron Vargas, Dan Klingensmith, Gottuso, Broward County Athletic Norris, Harold Pierce, Marvin McMurray, Davis, Craps. Michael Eggleston, Mike Association – Bob Cohee, Alen White, Marvin Wilson. Broward • Umpires who worked the Caldarella, Greg Disbot, Mike Freedman, Larry Friedman, County Athletic Association

78 | REFEREE November 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 78 9/13/17 2:56 PM (Fort Lauderdale) – Bobby Hall, Rod Larsen, Gerald Meyer, Bob Turner, Patty Turner, Tony Janice Thurston, Jim Williams. Tammy W. Kelly, Collie Smith, Derek Monroe, Joel Myers, Tussing, Belinda Washington- Panhandle Track and Field Malcolm Spence. Central Wesley Newton, William Davis. Greater Miami Athletic Officials Association (Tallahassee Florida Track and Field Officials O’Dea, Thomas Orehowsky, Conference (Miami-Dade County) and West) – Reginald Davis, Association (Orlando) – McLin Brad Penney, Wayne Phillips, – Israel Alvarez, Erica Baker, Pearl Davis, William Gilmore, Anderson, Lionel Bonck, Theresa Pickett, David Sam Burley, Leroy Charlton, Keith Marshall Georgette Charles David Bryan, Charles Rittenour, John Sales, Brett Kathy Cottle, Richard E. Curry, Robinson, Jan von Scherrer, Cerney, Carl Crosslin, Sam Shields, Najuma Shields, Debra J. Davis, Lloyd Harrison, Lorenzo Wilson. Dawkins, Andy Douglas, Artie Smith, Michael Sosinski, Calvin Jackson, Herman Daniel Epstein, Robert Fiegel, Cynthia Sosinski, Gerald Jackson, Lawrence Kennedy Jovennie Fray, Nick Hallock, Sutton, Lamont Thomas, III, Dennis Knabb, Daniel Koch, Do you have any rosters, Melynda Hani, Elizabeth Hyers, Corinne Thompson, Steven Gary Littlejohn, Eugene Milton, assignments or awards Annette Jansen, Brian Lost, Thomson, Thomas Turner, Jay Seider, Theodore Staples, that warrant mention? Send info to us at [email protected]

ROSTERS

NHL The 2017-18 NHL officials’ roster — with each official’s uniform number, name, birthplace and first year in the league — is below. (R) indicates first season of officiating.

Referees 16 Brian Pochmara, 28 Chris Lee, 48 Chris Schlenker, Powell River, British Detroit, 2005 Saint John, New Medicine Hat, Columbia, 2014 2 Jon McIsaac, Brunswick, 2000 Alberta, 2016 Truro, Nova Scotia, 17 Frederick 64 Brandon 2013 L’Ecuyer, Trois- 29 Ian Walsh, 49 Reid Anderson, Gawryletz, Trail, Rivieres, Quebec, Philadelphia, 2000 Calgary, Alberta (R) British Columbia, 4 Wes McCauley, 2007 2015 Georgetown, 30 Kendrick Linesmen Ontario, 2003 18 Tom Nicholson, Stratford, 65 Pierre Racicot, 50 Scott Cherrey, 81 Ryan Daisy, Chmielewski, Ontario, 2015 Verdun, Quebec, 5 Chris Rooney, Drayton, Ontario, Newton, Mass., 2016 Colorado Springs, 1993 Boston, 2000 32 Tom Kowal, 2007 82 Ryan Galloway, Colo., 2014 Vernon, British 66 Darren Gibbs, 6 Francis Charron, 51 Andrew Smith, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 19 Gord Dwyer, Columbia, 1999 Edmonton, Alberta, Ottawa, Ontario, Kitchener, Ontario 2002 Halifax, Nova 1997 2010 33 Kevin Pollock, (R) 83 Matt MacPherson, Scotia, 2005 Kincardine, Ontario, 68 Scott Driscoll, 7 Garrett Rank, 52 Shandor Antigonish, Nova 20 Tim Peel, 2000 Seaforth, Ontario, Kitchener, Ontario, Alphonso, Scotia, 2011 Toronto, 1999 1992 2015 34 Brad Meier, Orangeville, Ontario, 84 Anthony Sericolo, 21 Thomas John Dayton, Ohio, 1999 2014 70 Derek Nansen, 8 Dave Jackson, Troy, N.Y., 1998 Luxmore, Timmins, Ottawa, Ontario, 2002 Montreal, 1990 36 Dean Morton, 53 Bevan Mills, 87 Devin Berg, Ontario, 2013 Peterborough, Langley, British 71 Brad Kovachik, 9 Dan O’Rourke, Kitchener, Ontario, 22 Ghislain Hebert, Ontario, 2000 Columbia, 2016 Woodstock, Ontario, Calgary, Alberta, 2015 Bathurst, New 1996 1999 38 Francois St. 54 Greg Devorski, 89 Steve Miller, Brunswick, 2009 Laurent, Greenfield Guelph, Ontario, 73 Vaughan Rody, 10 Kyle Rehman, Stratford, Ontario, 23 Brad Park, Quebec, 2005 1993 Winnipeg, Manitoba, Stettler, Alberta, 2000 Watson, Regina, 2000 2008 39 Evgeny 55 Shane Heyer, 92 Mark Shewchyk, Saskatchewan, Romasko, Tver, Summerland, British 74 Lonnie Cameron, Waterdown, Ontario, 11 Kelly Sutherland, 1996 Russia, 2015 Columbia, 1988 Victoria, British Richmond, British 2003 24 Graham Columbia, 1996 Columbia, 2000 40 Steve Kozari, 56 Mark Wheler, 93 Brian Murphy, Skilliter, La Ronge, Penticton, British North Battleford, 75 Derek Amell, Port Dover, N.H., 1988 12 Justin St. Pierre, Saskatchewan, Columbia, 2005 Saskatchewan, Colborne, Ontario, Dolbeau, Quebec, 2013 94 Bryan Pancich, 1992 1997 2005 41 Cameron Voss, Great Falls, Mont., 25 Marc Joannette, St. Paul, Minn., 2017 58 Ryan Gibbons, 76 Michael Cormier, 2009 13 Dan O’Halloran, Verdun, Quebec, Vancouver, British Trois-Rivieries, Essex, Ontario, 1999 44 Furman South, 95 Jonny Murray, Columbia, 2015 Quebec, 2003 1995 Sewickley, Pa., 2017 Beauport, Quebec, 26 Jacob Brenk, 59 Steve Barton, 77 Tim Nowak, 2000 14 Trevor Hanson, Detroit Lakes, Minn., 45 Peter Vankleek Hill, Buffalo, N.Y., 1993 Richmond, British 2015 MacDougall, 96 David Brisebois, Ontario, 2000 Columbia, 2013 Lumsden, 78 Brian Mach, Little Sudbury, Ontario, 27 Eric Furlatt, Trois- Saskatchewan, 2017 60 Libor Suchanek, Falls, Minn., 2000 1999 15 Jean Hebert, Rivieres, Quebec, Stod, Czech Moncton, New 2001 47 Pierre Lambert, 79 Kiel Murchison, 97 Kory Nagy, Republic (R) Brunswick, 2011 Greenfield Park, Cloverdale, British London, Ontario, Quebec, 2016 63 Trent Knorr, Columbia, 2013 2016

REFEREE November 2017 | 79

•Nov_Magazine.indb 79 9/13/17 2:56 PM LAW ISSUES AFFECTING OFFICIALS

Words to Live By: Lawsuit May Be Filed Long After the Fact Write Reports Right A lawsuit for negligence can be brought against an official immediately or many years after By Donald C. Collins showed tension in the game. The an injury occurs to an athlete official should identify the players during a game. Such a claim, How do you write a game report to fighting, describe their actions, regardless of merit, will have to be defended. protect yourself after a player injury note the location and acts of bench It is important that you keep occurs or a fight breaks out in your personnel and report on the coaches’ a record of any incident in which game? What should you include? actions. Finally, the official needs to an athlete suffered a serious What language should you avoid? An report on his or her actions. At all injury, such as a broken leg. Even official should just report the facts. times, the official should stick to facts better, report it to your insurance company and update the file in Don’t attempt to look more credible and avoid characterizations. the event that a lawsuit starts. or make the participants and coaches Fights and ejections should If the incident was not reported look less credible. be reported immediately. They’re to the insurance company, there For a regular ejection, an official needed for league disciplinary is no time like the present. Any should keep it simple. An ejection and administrative procedures. insurance company with whom you or your association has (or report should state the act that led to They’re also useful if a participant had at the time of the incident) the ejection and the official’s action. challenges league discipline in court. any type of liability policy should For example, we want to write, Officials may not be a party to those be notified in writing. “Player number 24 said, ‘(Expletive) challenges, but a poor report could A copy of your game report you!’ to player number 15 on the make it harder for a league or court to and your contact information will ordinarily be sufficient to enable opposing team.” We don’t want to back the official’s action. the insurance carrier to be ready write, “Player number 24 has a bad Injuries don’t generally link to to act should the situation take a attitude. I was keeping a close eye league-required actions. If an injured turn for the worse and a lawsuit on him and I caught him saying, party files a lawsuit, a school or be filed that includes your name ‘(Expletive) you!’ to player number league may not be inclined to back and association. 15 on the opposing team.” There is no the official. Ejections and fights tend State Association’s Rights reason to get into the player’s overall to force leagues to back an official A state association has attitude. It’s not at issue. through league disciplinary rules; every right to require officials injuries don’t. Indeed, injuries may to belong to approved officials force leagues to distance themselves associations and set training At all times, the and testing requirements. State from an official in order to establish official should stick associations may also state that that the league doesn’t exercise an official can’t work postseason to the facts and avoid control over the official. assignments without complying characterization. An official may be best served with those requirements. by not filing an injury report unless A state association has the legal right to set terms as to Also, if an official goes too far required to, although an official may whom it will contract with. If a down the path of tearing down wish to provide notice of the injury in state association will only do players, he or she could say situations where he or she is filing a business with officials from something that would be defamatory. full-blown report. An official should officials associations that meet Opinions are not generally keep very good file notes of field certain criteria, that’s the right of the state association. Also, defamatory, but if the opinion conditions, his or her field inspections, the state association has the implies that you have knowledge of the game itself and the play that led to regulatory responsibility to set something that would be offensive, the injury. standards for schools in its state. you can defame somebody. Just think Officials associations and sports Sports officials are often if you stated that you knew that an governing bodies must work together independent contractors and have the right to control the means ejected coach often has a few cocktails to train officials on writing reports. of their performance, but state after lunch and may not have been It is not something that an official associations can dictate how fully in control of himself when you should have to master on his or her you carry out your duties in state ejected him. That’s pretty strong and own. postseason games. that can be defamatory since you Donald C. Collins is executive director implied that it is true. Focus on the of the San Francisco section of the acts that led to the ejection. California Interscholastic Federation. For fights, an official needs to He is a longtime basketball official and PRESENTED BY provide the game situation, the score, lawyer. This material is for informational Go to www.naso.org the time remaining and anything that purposes only and is not legal advice. * and click on member bene ts for more on MICP.

80 | REFEREE October 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 80 9/13/17 2:56 PM CLASSIFIEDS CAMPS/CLINICS/ product reviews, same-day e-newsletters, massive discounts NOVEMBER SCHOOLS shipping and world-class service. on training materials and optional insurance coverage exclusive FLASHBACK * 34th Annual Southern * Smitty Outlet Store to membership. For additional Umpires Camp — February 8-11, Visit the NEW Smitty Outlet Store membership information, contact 40 YEARS AGO… 2018 MLB/College Instructors featuring discontinued, factory Ken Koester at 262-632-5448 or Classroom, Cages, Field, 2 Man seconds and individual slightly visit the Association Advantage 1977 Live Games. Tony Thompson: defective items at great prices. website at nasoadvantage.com. [email protected] Go to smittyoutletstore.com to www.baseballumpirecamps.com shop now! TRAINING RESOURCES • Norm Drucker is appointed the * ATTENTION ASSOCIATION * For 30 years Honig's has been * Referee Training Center — NBA’s supervisor of LEADERS! — Are you holding a the most trusted name in officiating The largest library of officiating officials, replacing John camp or a clinic? Do you know apparel. Our new state-of-the- training materials in the world. Nucatola. Drucker of a camp or a clinic coming up? art facility will allow us to serve Rules study, mechanics updat es Referee can help get the word out! you even better. Visit us online at and materials on important topics began officiating in the NBA in Call our sales department at honigs.com or call 800-468-3284 can all be found in one location 1953. He jumped to the ABA 262-632-8855 for more for a free catalog. 24 hours a day, seven days a in 1969, where he served as a information. week with sample chapters and supervisor and official for four LEADERSHIP video samples. Discover it all at years. EQUIPMENT/APPAREL RESOURCES refereetrainingcenter.com * Purchase Officials Supplies * Association Advantage MISCELLANEOUS 30 YEARS AGO… — Everything for Life Inside the Membership to Association Lines. Call 800-767-2233 or visit Advantage provides officials, * Follow Referee magazine on 1987 our website purchaseofficials.com associations and their leaders the Facebook and Twitter for the best products and prices in tools to conduct well-run meetings, Get officiating-related news from • An appellate court the market. education resources for officiating around the country, participate in training and access to years of conversations with Referee staff in New York threw out * Ump-Attire.com — The #1 association management articles. and fellow officials, and find out a defamation suit filed website for officials’ sporting Plus, the association will receive about new products and special by AL umpire Dallas goods. Now serving free returns 12 issues of Referee magazine, offers from us and our partners. Parks against the New to go along with more brands, monthly Advisor newsletters, Click York Yankees and owner George Steinbrenner. Parks claimed Steinbrenner defamed him in a press release that quoted the irascible owner as saying Parks QUIZ ANSWERS was “not a capable umpire” and that ejecting two Yanks on plays BASKETBALL 4 — USA, NFHS, NCAA, USSSA (3-4-4a-4) Parks misjudged was “ludicrous.” 1 — All – a (NFHS 7-6-6; NCAAM FP, USSSA SP – a, b, c (USA 8-7J 3 — Both – a (NFHS 6-1-9, 6.1.9C; 7-6.13; NCAAW 7-6.13) Effect A, B, C, D; NFHS 8-6-10a NCAA 4-2-4, AR 4-2-4 I) 2 — NFHS – c (10-6-2, 10-6-4); Pen.; NCAA 12.19 Effect; USSSA 4 — Both – a (NFHS 3-5-1 20 YEARS AGO… NCAA M/W – b (NCAAM 10-4.2.g; FP 8.18G; USSSA SP 8-5B) Resolving tied games; NCAA NCAAW 10-12.4.e) 5 — USA, NFHS, USSSA FP, 3-1-3h) 1997 3 — NFHS, NCAAW – b (NFHS USSSA SP – a, b, d (USA 8-7J 5 — NFHS – c (2-16-2h, 10-4-3); 7-5-4a; NCAAW 7-4.4); NCAAM Effect A, B, D, E; NFHS 8-6-10a NCAA – d (2-25-11, 8-4-2b, AR • Atlantic Coast – a (7-4) Pen.; USSSA FP 8.18G, 8.18H, 10-2-3 V) Conference (ACC) 4 — All – b (NFHS 7-5-4a; NCAAM Note 1; USSSA SP 8-5B Effect; Commissioner John 7-4; NCAAW 7-4.1) NCAA – a, b, d, e (2.19.2) SOCCER Swofford said supervisor 5 — NFHS, NCAAW – b (NFHS 1 — All – c (IFAB 4.1, 5.2, 5.3; 3-3-4; NCAAW 3-6.1.j); NCAAM – c BASEBALL NFHS 4-2-1a, 5-2-2d 4, 5-3-2g; of men’s basketball (3-6.1.j) 1 — NFHS, NCAA – a, d, e (NFHS NCAA 4.5., 4.5.5 Note and Pen.) officials Fred Barakat would no 5-1-1b, e; 5-1-2a, b, 7-3-2; NCAA 2 — IFAB – d (14); NFHS, NCAA – c longer be allowed to run his for- SOFTBALL 6-1c, 6-2b, 6-3b, 7-11f Exc., 7-10a, (NFHS 14-1-3, 14-1-4 Pen. and profit officiating camp. The camp 1 — USA – b (3-1D); NFHS, NCAA 8-2e, 8-5k, 7-10a); pro – a, d chart; NCAA 14.2, 14.3.1, AR 14.3.1) came under fire due to the belief – c (NFHS 1-5-2b; NCAA 3.3.1.8.3); (5.09b7, 6.03a1, 6.03a3) 3 — IFAB – b (14); NFHS, NCAA USSSA FP – d (2-10); USSSA SP 2 — All – b (NFHS 8-3-3c; NCAA – d (NFHS 14-1-2, 14-1-3, 14-1-4 that officials had to pay Barakat to – f (2-2) 8-3o AR 1; pro 5.06b4G AR) Pen. and chart; NCAA 14.3) attend the camp to either be hired 2 — USA, NFHS, NCAA, USSSA 3 — All – d (NFHS 2-21-1b, 3-3-1m or retained on the ACC staff. FP – b (USA 8-1F Effect); NFHS Pen.; NCAA 3-7h; pro 8.01c, d) VOLLEYBALL 8-1-2b, c); NCAA 11.15; USSSA FP 4 — All – b, c, e (NFHS 5.1.2B; 1 — All – d (NFHS 11-4-1; NCAA 8-4D, Effect, Exc., Note 3) NCAA 6-3a; pro Interference 11.3.5; USAV 17.1.1) 10 YEARS AGO… 3 — USA – b, c (8-7Q); NFHS – b, Definition c 1) 2 — NFHS – c (10-1-2c); NCAA, d (2-35, 3-6-1, 8-6-1, 3.6.18A, 3.6.1 USAV – b (NCAA 6.2.2.1, 6.2.3.1; 2007 B, 8.6.14 A, 8.6.14 B); NCAA – a, FOOTBALL USAV 15.11.1.1) b, c, d, e, f (1.23, 5.11.2, 12.8.10, 1 — NFHS – a (7-4-3a); NCAA – b 3 — NCAA, USAV – d (NCAA • NBA referee Joe 12.13.2, 12.13.4,12.19.2.5, 13.6.1, (7-2-1 Pen.) 6.3.2.4, USAV 16.1.1); NFHS – a Crawford was reinstated 15.8.3); USSSA FP – d (8-18D) 2 — NFHS – b (3-4-3a); NCAA – c (10-2-7 Pen.) to the staff after being suspended for the final week of the regular season and the entire 2007 playoffs. Crawford was suspended MISSION after ejecting San Antonio Spurs’ forward Tim Duncan, who was Referee is a magazine written from an officiating perspective, blending editorial credibility and business viability. seen laughing on the bench and It educates, challenges and inspires officials at the youth, recreational, high school, collegiate and professional received a second technical foul levels in all sports, with emphasis on baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball. Referee is the journal of record for officiating and takes informed positions on selected issues. The magazine provides a forum from Crawford. for its readers, facilitates the flow of information, raises public consciousness about officials’ roles and serves as a catalyst for improved officiating worldwide.

REFEREE November 2017 | 81

•Nov_Magazine.indb 81 9/13/17 2:56 PM LAST CALL A PERSONAL STORY BY MATT DEJONG

Strike Out The count is 3-0 … here’s the pitch … championship game. The tone was set, has worked a perfect game. It doesn’t the pitch is knee-high and catches the however, for those coaches and parents happen. He did, however, work a very inside corner of the plate. to continue to voice their displeasure solid game. Were there a handful of “Strike.” about the officiating. borderline pitches? Absolutely! They The batter, however, thought it was Allow me to take a quick detour. could have gone either way. I could see ball four and ran down to first base. In 2008, MLB began very limited use from the outset of the game, though, From my position on the bases, just of instant replay, which then expanded that batters needed to protect the plate to the right and behind the pitcher, I in 2014. The replay facilities MLB when a pitch was coming in knee high. tell the coaches the batter needs to go uses cost nearly $30 million to build. If they didn’t swing, it was going to be back. Here come the eye rolls and the The technology is amazing in aiding a strike at the knees. incredulity about the plate umpire’s officials to try to get the call right. Despite the solid game, spectators strike call. The batter made his way As a longtime sports official, I still were not happy. It seems that this back to the batter’s box and proceeded believe instant replay has made the job is the accepted norm today at sporting to swing (and miss) the next two of youth and high school level sports events — parents and coaches feeling pitches. Strikeout. officials much tougher and increased entitled to consistently yell, argue or I’ve been in this situation before. scrutiny to an immeasurable degree. just show their lack of maturity toward Officials at these levels get to see the an official. Parents and coaches should play one time at regular game speed not be surprised when there are fewer from their one angle — and still there’s officials or no officials at all present at an expectation of perfection in their Junior’s next game. calls. With the use of replay at higher My partner, a newer official, levels, those officials are able to review confided in me after the game that he video multiple times in slow motion doesn’t enjoy working these games. from multiple camera angles — and When I asked what he doesn’t like, his there are still arguments because the response was: coach and parent video might not have been conclusive behavior. I don’t blame him for feeling to change a call. Lower-level athletics this way. There’s a chance he doesn’t obviously don’t have this technology, strap up the shin guards, put the chest but everyone has a smart phone protector on or pull the protective and can take videos. A coach in the mask over his face again after this championship game even said I season. That is a real shame because needed to go watch the replay to see he has been a very good, solid umpire a foul tip that neither my partner nor thus far in his young career. I called. Professional- and collegiate- I’m going to go out on a limb and I’m quite sure that a level replay, coupled with smart venture a guess that no college or phones at lower levels, has caused professional scouts were in attendance called strike didn’t cost over-the-top analysis of the amateur- at this game. I’m quite sure that a anyone a scholarship level officials’ calls. called strike didn’t cost anyone a opportunity or the Circling back to this game. It was scholarship opportunity or the chance scheduled for six innings. The visitors to be drafted. chance to be drafted. trailed much of the game, but came By the way, my partner, who loves back to tie the game in the top of baseball but is feeling driven away the sixth. It took a full nine innings from umpiring, is 16. Anyone that has worked even one for this game to be decided. It was a And this championship game? It game as a sports official has been in great game in regard to the players was played by 8-year-old kids. this position — the position of facing a on the field. The game featured some Matt DeJong, from Franktown, Colo., less-than-pleased coach over a call that wonderful defensive plays as well as a is a high school football official. He was made. number of hard, well-timed hits. They previously officiated high school Coach: “Can’t you help your played their hearts out. What was nice, baseball and basketball, and continues partner out?” too, was seeing smiles on many of their to work those sports at the youth and Me: “What do you mean?” faces. Sadly, there were a handful of recreational levels. £ Coach: “That strike call …” and he players that got very down after an goes on. error or a baserunning mistake. This interaction was early in the My partner worked his tail off. Did game with plenty of baseball still he work a perfect game? Of course Do you have a personal officiating to be played in this end-of-season not. Show me any sports official who story to tell? Send your story or queries to [email protected]

82 | REFEREE October 2017

•Nov_Magazine.indb 82 9/13/17 2:56 PM •Nov_Magazine.indb 83 9/13/17 2:57 PM Fox 40.indd 84 9/14/17 8:08 AM