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Keys To Effective Communication. Strategies & Concepts For More Effective Interaction with Players, Fans and Fellow Officials Education Session November 22, 2012. Session Goals.
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Keys To Effective Communication Strategies & Concepts For More Effective Interaction with Players, Fans and Fellow Officials Education Session November 22, 2012
Session Goals • To provide referees with communication concepts and strategies to improve the effectiveness of their interactions with players, fans and fellow officials • To convince referees to perform self-analysis of their methodology and approach to determine where they need to upgrade their communication skills.
Communication Skills • What do you normally hear from Assessors when discussing your communication with match participants? • Arm signals • Tone of whistle • Use of voice • All practical physical and technical skills • What about strategies and tactics of communication?
Activity #1 • Take 2 minutes to think about a referee who effectively interacts with players, coaches, fans and fellow officials • Local? • International?
Activity #2 • Split into groups to discuss their choice of referees (10 mins) • Produce a list of strategies, concepts or philosophies your referees use in order to communicate and develop a positive game environment
Group Lists • How many referees used a local referee as their choice? • Would a local referee have to employ different strategies that an international official? • Are the strategies presented by the groups similar or is there much variation in the strategies?
Keys to Communication • 8 strategies or concepts to help improve the effectiveness of your communication with all match participants • Certain strategies more effective depending on who they are used on • Fans, players or coaches
1. Have Your Head On Right • Be prepared • Understand the type of game you are officiating • Identify who you most likely will be communicating with • Have a game plan. • Know your role • Immunity to criticism -> NO! Part of Officiating
2. Don’t Be The Tough Guy • Why Be Confrontational? • Stay away from the individual who is on your back if it doesn’t warrant action from you • Ball out of play and halftime • Avoid trying to be the bigger bully • Diffuse the situation, don’t increase the tension
3. Don’t Bark • Shouting or Screaming at people doesn’t work • Shouting indicated a loss of control • Of oneself and the game • Normal, relaxed voice • Reduce the tension • Calm the situation • “talk to me like a human”
4. Show Confidence • Confidence - A feeling of assurance, especially of self-assurance • Cockiness - Conceited self-assurance, offensive boldness and assertiveness • Which type of person would you rather deal with? • Cockiness has no place in officiating • Convey confidence but be humble
How to Display Confidence • Appearance • Manner • Voice • Image • Presence should command respect from participants, coaches and fans
5. Forget The Fans • Accept this fact • Ignore fans, avoid confrontations and arguments • Only need to interact with them if they impact or interrupt match or stand in the way of you doing your job. • Use other avenues to deal with them (Ref Liasion, Coaches, Venue Staff) • Fans should only be there to cheer on their teams…….THEY USUALLY AREN’T! • Antagonize • Influence • Throw you off
6. Answer Reasonable Questions • Conversations and discussions are acceptable • When • During match? • About • Avoid commenting on other referees and matches you were not involved in • Be factual • Manner • Courteous & Respectful • Firm but relaxed • When does the conversation end?
7. Choose Your Words Wisely • Specific words and they way they are used have tremendous impact • Content • Tone, volume, rate of speed and clarity dictate the perception of the message • Don’t threaten a coach or player • Defensive response • Be subtle, ease the blow • Forces your hand/Credibility • Know the LOTG • Use proper terminology
8. Stay Cool • Players, coaches and fans feed off of nervousness of edgy officials • Pacing, snapping, eye contact, • gamesmanship and reaction • Maintain composure and manage emotions • Before and during the match
Cool, Calm and Collected • Perception is important • Relaxed vs. Lackadaisical • Is the official focused and ready to take charge • Calm vs. Indifferent • Body Language
Strategies • Have Your Head On Right • Don’t Be The Tough Guy • Don’t Bark • Show Confidence • Forget The Fans • Answer Reasonable Questions • Choose Your Words Wisely • Stay Cool • Other Strategies may also be just as effective depending on the situation • Physical Techniques in combination with a “game plan” of strategies improve the possibility of effective communication
Activity #3 • AT HOME • Self analysis of personal approach and philosophy with regard to interactions with all participants in a match including players, coaches, fans and fellow officials • Identify two areas of self improvement and attempt to alter them in your next match