Officials and Their Relationship to the Game

Originally given at 2007 USL National Convention by: Phil DiDomenico

Reworded by: Joe Perez

• Call fouls early; they will adjust to you

• Make calls early, they’ll forget; make calls late, catch the blame

• Develop a firm, positive and courteous attitude

• Display confidence

• Be pleasant, helpful and sincere

• Use common sense

• Use control w/ communication; make coaches feel safe and understood

• Always take control in your own hands; try not to let someone else less experienced do it if you don’t think they can/will

• Use pre-game as an opening for crew; if working with an experienced official, ask about any odd situations you saw or thought of

• Don’t have to run into the goal when a goal occurs; take your time. Be sure to watch action around the crease and any after effects; you don’t have to rescue the ball

• Don’t oversell ALL calls; save it for when it counts

• Don’t lose focus when the ball is dead

• Use the “Coach, that’s enough.” vs. “If you do that again…”

• Look good and get it right but if you can’t do both, CHOOSE GETTING IT RIGHT!!!