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 a successful official. Rules knowledge, mechanics, positioning, and judgment probably come first. But communicating effectively with coaches and other game participants is also an important part of officiating.
Every conversation is different. Sometimes a coach simply wants clarification about a call. Other times, emotions are high, and the coach believes his team has been wronged. The official must recognize the situation and determine whether a conversation will help.
Know the Situation
A good conversation can de-escalate a difficult situation, while a poor one can make it worse. Body language, eye contact, voice tone, and word choice all matter.
The relationship should never become coach versus official. A coach may strongly disagree with a decision, but our role is not to win an argument. We should calmly explain what we saw and why we made the decision.
Officials also need to recognize when behavior must be addressed before answering a question. If a coach is yelling or behaving inappropriately, answering immediately can reward that behavior. Get the behavior under control first. Productive communication requires some level of mutual respect.
Don’t React; Respond
Officials do not have to answer every comment from the sideline. Sometimes a coach makes a statement that requires no response. Listen, remain professional, and recognize when an actual response is necessary.
There is an important difference between reacting and responding. A reaction is often emotional. Our facial expression, body language or tone can reveal frustration and turn a disagreement into a confrontation. A response simply addresses the issue.
Sometimes acknowledging that you heard the coach is enough. Coaches often want to know that their concern was heard, even if the official ultimately disagrees.
Be Authentic
Good communication does not mean memorizing a collection of canned responses. Officials should be professional, but they should also be authentic.
Coaches are more likely to communicate productively with officials who are approachable and willing to listen. Asking a coach, “What are you seeing?” can demonstrate that willingness without surrendering your responsibility to make the decision.
That does not mean every conversation needs to become a lengthy discussion. Officials should explain the reason for a decision through the rules and what they observed while remaining willing to hear what the coach has to say.
A useful principle is simple: Listen first; talk second.
Understand the Coach’s Role
Coaches advocate for their teams. They may ask questions because they genuinely want an explanation, but they may also be attempting to influence future decisions. Officials need to recognize both possibilities.
That does not automatically make the coach’s behavior improper. Coaches want to win. Officials have a different responsibility: apply the rules and uphold the standards of the game regardless of who is asking the question.
We can listen to a coach without allowing the conversation to influence our judgment. We can also recognize that every play and every complaint does not require an explanation. We must balance being approachable with avoiding constant conversation that distracts us from officiating the game.
Actions Speak Louder
Communication skills matter, but they cannot compensate for poor officiating.
Officials must first master the fundamentals. Be in the proper position. Use good mechanics. Know the rules. See the entire play. Make accurate decisions.
Officials also need to become comfortable with the sideline. Ignoring the bench because we are uncomfortable dealing with coaches does not make potential problems disappear. We need to see the sideline, recognize developing situations and address them professionally when necessary.
Ultimately, our strongest communication may not involve words at all.
When we consistently demonstrate strong rules knowledge, sound mechanics, proper positioning and good judgment, coaches develop confidence in our work. We will still need to answer questions and occasionally manage difficult conversations, but we may find ourselves needing to explain much less.
Sometimes our best communication is simply the way we officiate the game.
Source: Tim Yonke, “Why Are You Talking?” Referee Magazine, June 24, 2021. This version has been condensed and adapted from the original article for training purposes.
Quiz
Read the quiz stem and then choose the best answer. (Choose all that apply.)
2/6 from the A-40. A12 throws a backward pass to A22. The pass strikes the ground at the A-37. B55 kicks the grounded ball at the A-35. The ball is recovered inbounds by A88 at the A-32 where he is immediately tackled.
- No foul, 3/14 from the A-32
- 3/1 from the A-45
- 1/10 from midfield
- The game clock will start on the snap
- The game clock will start on the ready for play
Review Rules 2-33-1c, 2-24-9, 3-4-2a, 3-5-7, 9-7-1, and 10-4-2b