Appreciation

Here is a Ray Lutz “Forward Progress” post from August 31, 2009 (edited for clarity).

Let us remember without players, coaches, administrators, and parents, we would not have a game to officiate.  So, let us resolve to respond as professionally as possible to all our constituents as we officiate the game we love.  And, yes I am fully aware that it is a lot easier to say than to do sometimes.  We all know coaches and parents can be extremely irritating and difficult to work with at times.  But, let’s be sure we always take the high ground no matter what path they may follow.

Use common sense in communicating with the coaching staff and players. Attempt to build rapport to avoid serious confrontations during tense situations that can arise during games. Catch them doing something right and good, and let them know how you appreciate it. Understand and appreciate coaches. On the whole, they do a wonderful job under difficult circumstances. They often toil under a lot of pressure from parents and the community. We want to be sure we don’t add a lot of additional unnecessary pressure.

The first varsity football game I ever worked was in Yutan, Nebraska, in late September 1962. A member of Red Holme’s crew had died the week before and he called me to fill in. A case of who you knew. Red Holmes coached in Glenwood, Iowa, when I played in Shenandoah, Iowa. Now, he was a referee who trotted his band of officials to every little one-horse town in Southeastern Nebraska and Southwestern Iowa. Before the first game I worked with that crew, he gave me his “commandments.” The first was “Thou shalt understand and appreciate the coaches.” I have never forgotten Red Holmes and his first commandment.  

As we go down the line, remember coaches and players should not control your sideline but you must use pleasant and courteous interpersonal techniques to establish your control.

Mark Bradley addition:

Thank the people who serve. Thank the athletic director or staff person who provides pregame or halftime refreshment, the administrator who opens the dressing room, the security guard(s) who walk you to and from the field, the boys and girls who deliver water during timeouts, the volunteer clock operator and chain crew who may not do a “great job,” and your ball-runner(s). Be kind and appreciate those who serve.


Quiz

Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.

1/10 from the A-7. A14 retreats into the end zone, where B39 grasps and twists A14’s face mask. A14 fumbles, and the ball rolls forward and out of bounds at the A-5. Enforce B39’s foul from the _________________.

  1. Goal line
  2. A-5 (the spot where the ball rolled OOB)
  3. A-7 (the previous spot)

Review Rule 10-4-2d

Click below to reveal the Quiz answer and accompanying explanations.