How To Be An NSO

Game Day Head NSO

Why Game Day Head NSO?

• To be a point of contact for the NSOs for the game
• To work with the Head Referee to ensure the smooth running of the game
• To look after all paperwork and post-game statistics

General Description

• The Head NSO is one who has experience performing most of the jobs required at games and is accustomed with all of the duties involved.
• Knowing the rules of flat track roller derby is mandatory and familiarity with policies and procedures is necessary.
• They may assign themselves duties during the game, or may keep themselves open to float between positions and fill in as needed.

Before The Game

• Work begins weeks prior to the games by recruiting and assigning people to the various NSO positions, based on their abilities and experience.
• The HNSO will prepare all of the paperwork required for the game
• The HNSO will also make sure that all equipment is available

Before The Game

• Once the game has been confirmed, the host league will begin to recruit NSOs for the game day on Toast.
• This can be done from leagues taking part, and any external NSOs that are interested in the game.
• The Divisional Head Officials may assist with this, or leave this entirely up to the game day Head Officials.

Before The Game

• Information about the officials should be provided in Toast, such as their games history or comments on their experience.
• Requesting information from their League Head Officials of the applicant is also advised.

Before The Game

• Once enough applications have been received, start staffing the crew with the harder to fill positions first (Penalty Tracker, Penalty Box Manager, Jam Timer, Scoreboard Operator).
• Try to place officials where they have been requested to be, but do not be afraid to staff them in other positions if there is no alternative.
• Good communication with the official is needed here to avoid upset.

Before The Game

• The completed officials roster should be announced as soon as possible to give the officials enough notice to arrange travel.
• Any applicants that were not successful should also be advised as soon as possible so that they are aware that they are not required.
• Keep open communication with all participating officials via email or social network to ensure all information is provided, and all questions are answered.

Before The Game

• Charters from each of the competing teams should be compiled at least 30 days prior to the game and the IGRF should be completed ASAP.
• The final roster will be confirmed at the event, so use the full charter.

Before The Game

• Make sure that all equipment is ready for the game:
• 8 stopwatches
• 9 clipboards
• Whistle
• Computer/laptop with Scoreboard software installed
• Projector
• Inside Whiteboards (optional)
• Penalty Box Whiteboard
• Penalty Wrangler Whiteboard (optional)
• Penalty Box Seats
• Penalty Box Seat Markers (optional)
• Whiteboard markers
• Whiteboard erasers/white gloves
• Pens/pencils
• Team identifiers

During The Game

• When arriving at the venue, speak to the Head Referee and coordinate the Officials Meeting and pass this information along to the NSO Staff.
• Take an attendance of the officials as they arrive. Discuss any absent members and reassign job duties if necessary.
• Check the team rosters with the teams to ensure that they are correct, and no more than 15 skaters are listed as skating.
• Cross through any skaters that will not be skating, and update the other paperwork as necessary.

During The Game

• Distribute paperwork and equipment as needed and double check/assist the Inside Whiteboard, Penalty Box, and Scoreboard with their set-up and introduce who is working with whom.
• Ensure everyone knows their duties and answer any questions.
• Make sure the announcers receive a copy of the team rosters.

During The Game

• Gather NSOs together for Officials Meeting and be prepared to discuss:
• Similar skater numbers
• Skaters who have been mentioned to the Head Officials (e.g. Hard Of Hearing)
• Who is new and may need assistance
• Game procedures
• Venue specifics (e.g. fire alarm, licenced bar)

During The Game

• Assist NSOs with completing the paperwork, as well as completing your own, if applicable.
• At half-time and full time, fill in the total score and total number of penalties for each team for the period that has just been completed on the IGRF.
• At full-time, fill in the grand total for the score and penalties. Take a photo of the Final Score.
• Ask both captains and both Head Officials to sign the IGRF to confirm that they are happy with the information recorded. Be aware that the visiting team(s) may need to leave promptly, so it is best to ask them for signatures first.

Official Reviews

• If there is an official review, the paperwork for this should be completed during the review.
• The information to note is the team requesting the review, the Jam Number (this will be the number of the jam that has just happened), the time of the period as shown on the Scoreboard, a summary of what has been requested, a summary of the result of the review, and the length of the review.
• If the review was successful, circle Yes at the top, otherwise circle No.

Official Reviews

• The Official Review paperwork can be delegated to an Alt Official if there is one present.
• At half-time and full time, fill in the total time taken for Official Reviews in the Period.

Expulsions

• If there were any expulsions, the expulsion form needs to be completed for each one by the requesting official, Head Referee, Expelled Skater and both team captains.
• If present, the Tournament Head Referee and Games Tournament Oversight will also need to complete this.
• Signatures will be required from all people completing the form.
• A summary of this also needs to be added to the IGRF.
• If there was an Expulsion, the Suspension Box at the top of the IGRF needs to be completed.

After The Game

• Type up the paperwork into the statsbook and send a copy of this to the teams
• The photo of the final score must be submitted within 24 hours to champs.stats@gmail.com
• A scan of the signed IGRF must be emailed to champs.stats@gmail.com within 48 hours of the game date.

After The Game

• Any Expulsion/Suspension forms and Official Review sheets from the WFTDA Statsbook should also be included with this document and a notation of any expulsions (not foul-outs) be included on the IGRF.
• Once completed, the game statistics must be emailed to champs.stats@gmail.com within two weeks of the game date.

Questions?