Communication

Officials, especially wing officials, must learn to tell the difference between a coach who wants to communicate and a coach who just wants to complain. The difference can be subtle, but it…

When we put on the stripes, criticism comes with the job—whether from coaches, players, fans, or even other officials. That’s not something to resent; it’s part of the environment we’ve chosen. What…

One thing I’ve noticed about the best officials: they use their voice. They don’t just rely on the whistle and their flag—they communicate constantly with players, coaches, and even their crewmates through…

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…

There’s nothing more frustrating than hearing an official in the locker room at halftime—or worse, after the game—say, “I thought that was wrong.” At that point, it’s too late. The damage is…

In education, some teachers believe in giving students a “clean slate” each year—no warnings, no passed-along reputations. That might be appropriate in the classroom, but on the football field, it’s not always…

There’s a big difference between warning a player about what not to do and guiding them toward what right looks like. Too often, we fall into the habit of saying things like:…