Some officials approach the game with tunnel vision. They think only about their personal responsibilities. While knowing your individual responsibilities is essential, great crews go beyond that. The best officials understand they have a role in helping the referee manage the entire contest.
If you want your crew to succeed, don’t just be an official who “does his job.” Be the kind of official who helps your referee.
If the referee contacts you during the week to provide game information, respond promptly. Don’t leave the white hat wondering if you’ve seen the message. If you know you’ll be late to the pregame—even by just five minutes—let the referee know in advance. Silence or lack of communication creates stress and uncertainty before the game even begins.
Referees juggle a vast array of responsibilities. You can help. After an injury, penalty enforcement, timeout, or any other stoppage, communicate the clock status to the referee. Remind him whether the game clock should start on the ready or on the snap. These little confirmations can prevent big mistakes.
And don’t check out during penalty enforcement. Everyone on the crew should stay engaged, verify the spot of enforcement, the enforcement yardage, and the end of the enforcement. Enforcement is a crew responsibility.
When the referee speaks with a head coach on the sideline, the wing on that side should be part of the conversation. Standing by shows unity and prevents misunderstandings. It also helps protect the referee from an escalated one-on-one situation.
And speaking of sideline management: wings must take ownership of their sideline. Don’t leave it up to the referee to handle belligerent or persistent coaches. Address issues early and directly so the referee doesn’t have to step in. (See our previous Ready for Play on managing sideline communication for specific strategies.)
Pregame, halftime, and postgame conversations are crucial for fostering trust and team chemistry. Don’t screw around. Don’t berate other officials. Don’t be a “spring butt,” jumping in to answer every question the referee asks. Instead, be attentive, be positive, and contribute constructively.
Ultimately, the best way to assist your referee is to think like one yourself. Be aware of the big picture: down and distance, clock status, penalty options, sideline behavior, crew communication. Every official should consider themselves a second referee, always scanning for the details that keep the game running smoothly.
A crew’s success doesn’t rest on the referee alone. It rests on every official’s willingness to help the referee. Stay engaged. Anticipate what’s needed. Think like a referee. That’s how good officials become great crewmates.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
3/6 from the B-17. A12 throws a pass toward the near corner of the end zone. A33 leaps and, while airborne, grabs the ball. As A33 descends with the ball across the goal line plane, his foot touches the pylon. A33 hits the ground in the end zone and retains possession of the ball.
- Touchdown
- Incomplete Pass
Review Rules 1-2-4 and 2-4-1