You Know the Rule. But Can You Explain It?
Many of us are pretty confident that we understand how a four-stroke engine works. Some of us probably learned it in a high school shop class: intake, compression, power and exhaust. Seems…
Communication
Read MoreYou Know the Rule. But Can You Explain It?
We Don’t Negotiate—We Manage Reactions
There’s a concept called Verbal Judo that comes from the law enforcement world. Dr. George Thompson, a former English professor, developed it and trained police officers to use words to defuse conflict…
When the Yelling Is Strategy: How to Counteract It
We continue our Ready for Play series on official-coach communication with an article from Referee Magazine, published online July 15, 2026. Don’t reward the behavior Coaches learn quickly what gets results. If…
Why Are You Talking?
Condensed and adapted from “Why Are You Talking?” by Tim Yonke, Referee Magazine, June 24, 2021. Communication may not be the first skill that comes to mind when we think about becoming…
When/How Do I Try to Help My Partner?
From Paul Diasparra CrownRefs Facebook post, dated February 16, 2026, (paraphrased for football officiating). Don’t let a coach prompt you to go help your crewmate. If I’m not going to help my…
Swap These Phrases to Instantly Sound More Professional
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…
Don’t Let the Game Pull You Out of Character
Adapted from a CrownRefs Facebook article, February 14, 2026. I’ve adapted some of the wording, replacing basketball-specific terminology and positions with their football equivalents. Here a reminder to stay respectful with the…
Specific Language Creates Productive Conversations
Adapted from a CrownRefs Facebook article (Coaches… If You Want a Real Conversation, Use Realistic Language), February 9, 2026. I’ve adapted some of the wording, replacing basketball-specific terminology and positions with their…