Many of the Ready for Play posts have focused on wing mechanics. It’s time we give the umpires some attention.
The umpire interacts with the players more than any other official. The umpire serves as counselor, cop, and confidant. The umpire’s presence helps maintain order on the field and promotes player integrity and sportsmanship.
The umpire’s positive or negative attitude will impact the players.
When an umpire is friendly but firm, it creates a sense of respectful authority. This combination fosters an environment where the players can voice objections while recognizing clear boundaries and expectations. A good umpire can de-escalate conflict and calm a heated player.
An umpire who is impatient, short-tempered, or sarcastic may create or amplify a hostile environment. Players may become frustrated with a dismissive umpire and, in turn, show a lack of respect for others involved in the game.
Players have immediate access to you to complain about various issues. Listen and acknowledge their complaints with good eye contact. Ask the players to describe what happened. Tell the players, “Thank you” and let them know you’ll look for the action they described.
If the player(s) complain too much, firmly correct the complaining. Don’t shut complaining down unless it gets out of hand.
Don’t be too chatty; speak with a purpose. The players need to move on to the next play.
Never threaten a player. Don’t argue. Don’t use sarcasm.
Umpires can officiate the entire game without blowing the whistle. You will blow the whistle if you witness a snap infraction or false start from an interior lineman, but after the ball is snapped, you won’t blow your whistle (with rare exceptions). If you use a lanyard whistle, spit out the whistle when the ball is snapped. Don’t blow your whistle when the play ends. Use your VOICE.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer.
B44 leaps in the air at the B-2 and has A7’s pass in his grasp. He returns to the ground in his end zone inbounds where he is downed by A88.
- Safety
- Touchback
- The momentum exception applies. Team B will next snap the ball from the B-2
Review Rules 2-4-1, 2-15-2, and 8-5-2 EXCEPTION