How To Be An “R”

1. How To Be An “R” 2-12-14

2. AGENDA • Day Before Game • Pre-Game • During The Game • After The Game

3. Day Before Game • Communicate with crew about: • Where to meet • When to meet (approx 25 mins before gametime) • What to wear (have your patches!) • Provide Cell Phone numbers in case issues arise • Set the expectation!!!

4. Pre-Game (w/ crew) • Meet 25 mins before gametime • All games are important! Do not take any game lightly • Converse with your crew: • About who the coaches are • Your expectation for the game intensity • Any potential things that might arise • If required…ask your crew to be prepared to discuss situations (i.e. Faceoffs / Crease Play / Head Shots). Get them engaged. Make it a conversation, not a lecture! • Discuss any special situations regarding the game, the field, or rules clarifications • TRY to come onto the field without a bag…it makes it easier to get off the field at the end.

5. Pre-Game (w/ Coaches) • Home Team 1st • Find the Head Coach and Introduce yourself 1st / partner(s) 2nd • Provide Game Cards – REQUIRED(Coaches have a right to know who you are)! • Request Captains and In-Home • Certify “That all players are equipped per NFHS rules” • Discuss special situations (Anthem / Half-Time / Sr. Night / Field Situations) • Visiting Team 2nd • Repeat above, and ensure that the Head Coach is aware of the special situations discussed above • LACROSSE IS A COMMUNITY. BE FRIENDLY, BUT RESPECT THE BOUNDARIES. • PERCEPTION IS OFTEN FAR WORSE THAN REALITY • Talk to the Table: • Set your expectations regarding end of quarters / penalties • Set your expectations regarding the book – penalties and goals! • Captains: • Introduce crew • Introduce the teams • Shake hands / flip the coin • Identify the outcome

6. During the Game • Line Up • Introduce yourself and the crew • Set the expectation • Get the game going! • The “R’s” major responsibility during the game is to help resolve any issues amongst the crew. The “R” has the final say! • The Officiating Crew has the responsibility ON FIELD • OFF FIELD issues are to be dealt with by the Home Team DSA or AD. Don’t take off field stuff into your own hands • Communicate with the coaches. Be Respectful. • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the HC and Asst. Coaches • Communicate with the crew…provide feedback (not criticism) as needed. Be Respectful! • Finish the game! Get off the field! Go Home!

7. But Wait…There Might Be More…After the Game • Finish the game! Get off the field! • Communicate with the crew…provide feedback (not criticism) as needed. Be Respectful! • If there is feedback for everyone, provide it • If there is an issue with a specific Official, provide feedback 1-on-1 • If there is a “major” issue, discuss with Rob/Marty • Ejections / Major Issues (On field or Off) / Special Situations • Report to Rob / Marty • Be DETAILED (ensure you have #s/names) • Other issues (field/bench personnel/coaches etc.) • AND…

8. Some Rules To Live By….

9. 10 Commandments of Officiating (Harold Buck) • Thou shall communicate • Thou shalt be a great dead-ball official • Live Ball Officiating = Reactive • Dead Ball Officiating = Proactive • Avoid Coaching • Thou shalt prevent problems • Thou shalt know how to use the “lesser foul” • Understanding is CRITICAL…know when to escalate or de-escalate • Thou shalt protect player safety • HEAD SHOTS / HEAD SHOTS / HEAD SHOTS • Thou shalt not be “too good” • Thou shalt be aware of the situation • Thou shalt be professional • Thou shalt cover your butt • Thou shalt enjoy yourself

10. The 5 B’s (Bob Duggan) • Be Early • Be In Shape • Be the Rules and Mechanics Expert • Be in Perfect Uniform • Be a Trainer

11. MARC (Tic-Toc Tillman) • Mechanics • Appearance • Rules • Communication

12. FINALLY….

13. Have A… or …And do it again the next day!