Subject Code Number: 240011 Course Name: Sports Officiating Certification (Long name) Sports officiating (Short name) Course Description This course is an elective course that focuses on the professional philosophy, and professional requirements for officiating sports for athletic contests. This course will cover officiating football, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, soccer, baseball, track and field, and softball. Upon completion of the course students will be afforded the option to take certification exams for any of the sport components and become a restricted certified official with the Alabama High School Athletic Association at the middle/junior high school level. The prerequisite for this course is Lifelong Individualized Fitness Education (LIFE) or its equivalent. The student must be age 16 or older, or turn age 16 during the school year. The teacher of this course must hold current registration as an Alabama High School Athletic Association official (any sport). Prerequisite Lifelong Physical Fitness Education or its equivalent, and be age 16 or older, or turn age 16 during the academic year. Certification Any secondary certification and hold current registration as an Alabama High School Athletic Association official (any sport) which must be verified though the Alabama High School Athletic Association prior to course offering. SPORTS OFFICIATING Sports Officiating is a course designed to provide students training and practical experiences in officiating sports and the knowledge and expertise necessary to officiate as a restricted official with the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The course is based on practices pertaining to the National Federation and the Alabama High School Athletic Association Officials Manuals. Upon successful completion of the course, students have the option of becoming a certified restricted official with Alabama High School Athletic Association. Prerequisite to this course is Lifelong Individualized Fitness Education (LIFE) Lifelong Physical Fitness Education or its equivalent, and be age 16 or older, or turn age 16 during the academic year. Students will: Skill Development 1. Demonstrate the ability to make appropriate calls and judgments. 2. Execute calls in a timely manner. 3. Demonstrate the personal aspects of officiating. Examples: overall game management and human relationship skills such as interactive management with players, coaches, administrators, and spectators 4. Execute the proper hand signals and verbal communications for each sport recognized by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. 5. Discuss psychological and philosophical differences that separate below average and above average officials. 6. Exhibit an understanding of the physical and psychological skills needed to become a good official as well as the commitment needed to excel as an official at all levels of play. 7. Apply the practices and proficiencies gained from observing a registered official. Examples: techniques of game management, teamwork with other officials, positioning. Social Development 8. Apply knowledge to become a more informed spectator of sporting events. 9. Display self-confidence and professionalism when officiating before, during, and after the contest. 10. Demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with fellow officials in sporting contests. Example: officiate primary area of responsibilities while being prepared to support fellow officials in conflict situations, recognize security issues, alternate travel responsibilities in order to balance overall travel expenses. Cognitive Development 11. Identify the primary responsibilities of each official. 12. Identify and describe signals used to indicate calls by officials. 13. Identify and describe terminology for each sport associated with officiating that is recognized by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. 14. Exhibit an understanding of rules, interpretations, and mechanical techniques of officiating. 15. Demonstrate proficiency with the Alabama High School Athletic Association Officials Minimum Standards, Alabama High School Athletic Association Code of Ethics, and Alabama High School Athletic Association Sportsmanship Manual. Physical Activity and Health 16. Execute and use correct positioning on the court or field. Example: movement patterns done at home plate with the umpire trailing the batter/runner down the first base line 17. Possess a level of physical fitness necessary for officiating sporting events with a score of healthy on the Alabama Physical Fitness Assessment. Examples: a. possess movement concept such as agility, short sprints, and endurance necessary to perform a variety of physical tasks b. possess the ability to maintain constant movement including stamina and “hustle” for the entirety of a game General Course Outline The following is a recommended general sequenced course outline: This course outline follows the sport season currently active. Course Overview Interested In Becoming An Official? If you are interested in becoming an AHSAA official in the sports of Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Softball, Track, Volleyball or Wrestling, feel free to contact either Greg Brewer or Vanda Peppers at the AHSAA office. The phone number is 334-263-6994. Email addresses are: [email protected] or [email protected]. Application and Registration Process (While Taking This Class) All students who are interested in officiating with the AHSAA while taking the course will need to inform the course teacher. The teacher will notify the AHSAA and send in a roster to the AHSAA. The roster will need to include: Student’s Name, Age, Sport Interested In and Local Association Name. The AHSAA will begin the Registration process working with the teacher, students and the local association. If you have any questions about this information, please call us at 334-263-6994. AHSAA Officials' Code of Ethics This Code of Ethics for all officials has been established by the Alabama High School Athletic Association in conjunction with the NFHS. The purpose of the Code is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all officials: 1. An official must devote time, thought and study to the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to carry out these rules so that one may render effective and creditable service in a fair and unbiased manner. 2. An official must work with fellow officials and the state association in a spirit of harmony and cooperation in spite of differences of opinion that may arise during debate of points or rules at issue. 3. An official must resist every temptation and outside pressure to use one's position as an official to benefit oneself. Under all circumstances, officials must avoid promoting the special interest of any person or group of persons other than the athletes we serve. 4. An official must constantly uphold the honor and dignity of the avocation in all personal conduct and relations with the student athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues and the public to be a worthy example to the athletes under one's jurisdiction. 5. An official will be prepared both physically and mentally, dress according to expectations and maintain a proper appearance that is befitting the importance of the contest. 6. An official must remember and recognize that it is important to honor contracts regardless of possible inconvenience or financial loss. Every member of the officiating profession carries a responsibility to act in a manner becoming a professional person. The conduct of any official influences the attitude of the public toward the profession in general as well as toward the official in particular. Officials may be reprimanded, fined and/or suspended for any conduct unbecoming of an official registered with the AHSAA. The Code of Ethics falls into this category. Official Uniforms BASEBALL AHSAA Authorized Shirt with Sublimated Logo: Short or Long Sleeved Major League Style Pro Knit Navy Blue Mesh Shirt with three-button placket or Short Sleeve Performance Mesh Cream Shirt with black knit trim on collar & cuffs. If the Cream Shirt is worn, the numbers shall be 4" 3-Color Navy on Scarlet on White, Custom Designed AHSAA Navy Blue Jacket (if worn), Charcoal Gray Long Officiating Pants. Cap: White, Navy and Scarlet knit trim on New Era or Richardson fitted cap with 1 1/2 in. by 4in. AHSAA logo (White Lettering with Red Trim) centered on the crown of the hat. Other items: Navy Blue or Black Belt, Navy Blue Undershirt, two Navy Blue or Gray Ball Bag(s), Predominately Black Shoes with limited white markings and Navy Blue or Black Socks, A black on black or black on tan face mask is proper. Hockey style masks are allowed. Wrist watches are not part of the uniform and shall not be worn. No other patches or organization logos of any kind are allowed on the uniform. Local Association Numbers if worn, shall be worn on upper right sleeve of the shirt or AHSAA Jacket. Sunglasses may be worn as long as they serve a purpose and are not for show. Required AHSAA Custom Made Baseball Jacket Description: Weather resistant coated micro-fiber shell and nylon lining. Stripe Rib Shoulders Inserts. Half or Full zip Pullover. Matching Rib, collar & cuffs. Inset Left chest pocket to hold lineup cards. (Navy with White/Navy/Red trim). (Current Requirements Valid through the 2018 season) BASKETBALL AHSAA Authorized Shirt with Sublimated Logo: Standard Grey Short Sleeved Regular or Micro Meshed Shirt with Black V-Neck Collar and Black Pin Stripes and Black Sleeve Trim, Black