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!!!