IHSA Professionalism &�Conflict Resolution

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In every game, there are four roles

All four roles are crucial in order for a game to take place.�

Three of these roles are emotionally invested in a particular outcome of the game.�

One of these MUST NOT be emotionally invested in the outcome.��

When someone attempts to perform a different role, trouble is brewing

1) Players

2) Coaches

3) Fans (parents)

4) Officials

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Conflict Management - Five Maxims

1. Listen to people with all of your senses. There are things happening on the field and on the benches that will give the official a sense of how the game is progressing. Officials should be listening and not just hearing what is being said.
2. Ask, don’t tell. All people, including coaches and players, want to be asked rather than being told what to do. Instead of telling a coach to get off the field, ask him to. Asking is a sign of respect and generates less resistance. Use “please” and “thank you” regularly.
3. Explain why. Not every call needs to or should be explained, but when appropriate, give explanations. The first great American question is “why?” Explanations answer that question.
4. Offer options, not threats. By offering options you give the players and coaches the choice of which way to go. The options start with the positive choices and then outline the negative choices — but it’s helpful to review the positive choice at the end.
5. Give a second chance. All sports are emotional. We have all done things that we later regretted. When it’s appropriate, let the players and coaches think about the options you give them. Good officials can talk players and coaches out of an ejection.

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Basic Human Nature

Remember that words matter

Using hostile language or words that are pretentious is simply asking for trouble. Choose your words and phrasing carefully so as not to put an edgy coach on the defensive. “What’s the problem, Coach?” could easily be replaced by the much less threatening, “How can I help you, Coach?”

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Delivery matters, too

Even the most carefully selected turn of phrase can elicit an unwanted response if it’s delivered with dripping sarcasm. Officials are often as passionate as the players and coaches. Take a deep breath and try to keep the tone friendly and encouraging, not demeaning and impatient.

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Basic Human Nature

But before you speak, shut up and listen

Poor listeners are masters of creating their response while the other person is talking. The result is an ever-widening gap between the messenger and the message. Actively listen to what the coach has to say and let him or her know as much through verbal and non-verbal cues.

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Respect the role of the coach

Coaches want to win. If they don’t, they get fired. Granted, officials can lose assignments for incorrect calls, but there are a lot more coaches out there who depend on a paycheck for their work than there are officials who make a living solely on the field.

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Basic Human Nature

Know when you don’t know

Rulebooks in any sport are full of complexity. No one knows all of the rules. Chances are there is at least one other official around. Seek counsel before stating something of which you’re not positive.

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Don’t let it wait

Officials are challenged with maintaining the flow of the game in order to keep the contest fluid and fair. No one wants a team to gain a competitive advantage due to a prolonged discussion with the coach. Address the issue at hand professionally and quickly.

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The scars from unresolved conflict can last an entire season. And nothing helps divert conflict better than a prepared official who knows the rules, maintains a professional appearance and respects others. Conflict will always occur, and when it does, you’ll be ready to handle it in a positive and skilled manner.

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How to Not Argue

Let the other person talk – and don’t interrupt.

In other words, have the courtesy to listen before you say anything.

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Using your own words, repeat the problem back to the coach or player

“Coach, what I hear you saying is that even though you and I both saw number seven clothesline his opponent, I should ignore it because we’ve already blown the whistle on you four times and we haven’t called a foul on the other team yet. Do I have that right?”

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Don’t debate judgments

Don’t justify judgment calls once you have made up your mind.

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Limit discussion only to the most recent call

Make it clear that you’re only willing to consider the current conflict; the past is history.

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Remain assertive and decisive

Avoid being wishy-washy with agreements.

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Don’t engage in any discussion when you’re very angry

Walk away and have your partner step in.

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When discussing problems, focus on solutions.

“It was a good no-call, Coach, but I understand your frustration and I’ll keep an eye out for the sort of contact you’re talking about.”

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Who Gets a Longer Leash

Head Coaches

Put up with a bit more from them

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Assistant Coaches

This group gets very little leeway

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Players

Use preventive officiating to keep them in the game. If all else fails, penalize, then go to the coach.

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Spectators

Bench Personnel

Auxiliary Personnel

Cheerleaders & Mascot

Do not say anything. Stop the game and approach the game administrator. Let the game administrator handle the ejection. Delay the game until the problem is rectified.

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Remember, absolutely no physical abuse or extreme verbal abuse should be tolerated from any group.

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Liability

• Know and enforce the rules regarding safe equipment
• Inspect and monitor the field for safety and rules compliance
• Know and stay in your lane
• Be in the right place, looking for and at the right thing
• Severe Injuries
• Record It
• Note Witnesses
• Inform Administrators
• Keep Your Records

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Key Components in Resolving Conflict

• Be a GREAT Listener

Not every interaction needs a reply. Sometimes coaches need to vent a little

• Flexibility

Understand the situation but we cannot please everyone

• Willingness to Change

Get the call right. Involve your partner(s) as needed.

• Maintain YOUR Composure

Keep emotions in check. Recognize that the incoming emotion is directed� at the shirt, not the official

• Seek to Diffuse – NOT to Abuse

Keep your responses short and on point

• If conflict continues, it is time to use the…

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Sportsmanship – The Ramp

Ejection!

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Rules to Live By

Ignore Statements

Answer Questions

Penalize Insanity

Dave Krok

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