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 " Professionalism "

Most of the complaints that I receive about officials revolve around " Professionalism."  As well, most of the problems that I receive from officials also are concerned with           " Professionalism."   As officials, our responsibilites include timeliness to games, communicating when we have a problem, being students of the rules and mechanics, being a team player with our fellow officials, conducting ourselves in a manner which shows respect to everyone at all times, realizing that we are not the " show, "  never being arrogant,  hustle, and conducting ourselves in a manner that sends the message that " we are glad to be here. "  Some things to avoid include; positioning yourself in a position of HIGH VISIBILITY  prior to your game  (sitting in the stands during the JV game or remaining in the locker room is a lot better than sitting at the end of a team bench), fraternizing with team personnel ( There is a correct time and place to talk to coaches.  Be careful not to " cross the line.") 

 " Cancellations "

Please do not assume your game(s) for today has been cancelled unless you have been contacted by the school or myself.  Thanks, Phil

 " Keeping Your Cool "

Officials, please follow the policy of "NO YELLING" as you work your assigned contest.  I got a report from an AD recently who questioned why an official( whom he said , by the way, called an excellent game) would yell, in a demonstrative way, at some fans.  The AD explained that the fans were standing in the corner well off of the court.  Evidently, one of the fans must have said something to the official and the official responded by yelling at the fan.  I think most all of you would agree that yelling "doesn't get it."  It only shows that one is unable to control his/her emotions.  All problems should be handled with respect by the official whether or not the respect is returned.  Officials must be the calming force in all situations.  

01/11/05  Doing What's Right!!

As officials, we must never lose sight of the game, our responsibilities, and the scope of the authority which has been granted us by the MHSAA.  To do so would lead to constant problems, frustration and possibly the end to an officiating career.  In this regard, I would simply like to note 3 things that I believe we ALL need to consider in order that we do not lose sight of any of the afore mentioned items.  First, we need to have a mindset that attempts to defuse specific situations rather than create them. It is important that we work at being non-threatening and approachable. The most frequent complaints that I get from coaches and AD's involve these 2 areas.  Secondly, know where your authority starts and stops.  Officials are to arrive on time, be respectful, call the game according to Federation Mechanics and Rules and shower and leave.  Thirdly, please do not critique other officials unless they ask!!!  AND, if they do ask, please tell them some of the good things that they are doing before you make them aware of areas that they might improve on.  Finally, keep on improving!  Most of you know my little pet saying about the official that says" I've done it this way for 35 years and I'm not about to change now."  He has "achieved a level of incompetence with which he is satisfied and  has chosen to remain there."  We are all, to use an educational expression, life long learners.  Thererfore, it is extremely important that we continually work hard at understanding the rules, mechanics and philosophy involved in officiating high school sports.  The student athletes, coaches, parents, fans and our collegues deserve it!  

Keep On Officiating

Please do not get involved with what you might think is poor judgement by a coach.  Let me give a couple of  examples;  I heard an official say one time that, during a "blow-out" game he would  throw a (phantom) flag on any touchdown play that the winning team might make because he(the official) felt that the coach was "running up the score."  I heard another referee say that he would not grant a time-out to a team near the end of a game because they just wanted to score again and they were already several points ahead.  This is poor judgement on the officials part.  It is our job to officiate and not make moral judgements about the game.  Please, stay positve and continue to officiate as if the score was 0 to 0.  Thanks!  

 "Kicks that go out-of bounds"

Here is the question;  Where do you spot the ball after a kickoff  goes out of bounds and there is no re-kick?  Do the receivers have a choice? The answer:  It is spotted on the hash, never in the center of the field. It does not matter if the ball comes in where it went out or 25 yards from the previous spot. The receivers have no choice.