Adapted from a CrownRefs Facebook article, February 15, 2026. I’ve adapted some of the wording, replacing basketball-specific terminology and positions with their football equivalents.
You’ve probably heard this, but words matter, especially when you’re communicating with coaches.
Here’s how small language changes can maintain poise, build credibility, and keep conversations more productive.
Instead of saying, “It’s not my area,” say, “I had an engaged matchup in my primary, so I wasn’t looking in that area.”
Instead of saying, “That’s not my call,” say, “I’m going to trust my partner on that play,” or “my partner had a good look at that matchup.”
Instead of saying, “I didn’t see it,” which is one of the worst things to say, you could say, “From my angle, I didn’t have an open look at that play, and I didn’t want to guess.” That one works well.
Instead of saying, “I don’t know,” say, “I’m not 100% certain. I’ll find out and get back to you.”
Instead of saying, “Watch the film,” say, “I appreciate your perspective. What did you see?”
Instead of saying “I got the call right,” you can say, “I feel good about this decision, but I could be wrong,” or “If that’s what happened, we missed it.” Coaches love hearing you admit you’re wrong.
Instead of saying, “Calm down,” which works to no one ever, you could say, “I’ll hear you. I’ll listen, but let’s keep it respectful.”
Instead of saying (when responding to a judgment complaint), “You’re wrong, coach,” you could say, “You could be right.” That line works well. “You could be right.” If you don’t know what to say? “I hear you coach. You could be right.”
Here’s the takeaway: these responses don’t weaken your authority; they strengthen it. They show awareness, confidence, and humility. They keep the conversation about football, not ego.
Strong officials don’t win arguments. They manage people, they protect the game, and they build trust one interaction at a time.
Choose your words wisely.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer (Choose all that apply.)
This question is courtesy of Skip Broome in the NFHS Football Officiating Facebook group
4/22 from the K-40. During the scrimmage kick, R48 is flagged for holding K15 at the R-25. K2 legally bats the grounded kick at the R-3 toward his own end zone. R5 picks up the kick and runs it to the R-40 where he is hit and fumbles. K16 recovers the fumble and returns it for a touchdown.
- Touchdown for Team K
- 4/12 from midfield
- 1/10 for Team R from the R-3
Review Rules 2-16-2h(5), 10-4-2b, and 10-4-3