Acronyms for Better Officiating

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PIAA Chapter Meeting Guide

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Adapted from presentation given by Mike Hyland

2016 US Lacrosse Convention

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Some we know from our playing days...

GLE - Goal line extended

EMO - Extra Man Offense

MDD - Man Down Defense

FOGO - Face Off, Get Off

Some we need to learn if we are going to be successful as officials...

BSM:BP - Boy Scout Motto: BE PREPARED

Have everything with you at all times during the season - don’t get caught at a game without everything you need:

2 whistles, 2 flags, Scorecard (template), Pencil, Tape Measure, Timer (extra batteries), Long sleeve shirt, Short sleeve shirt, Weatherbeater, Shorts, Pants, Shoes, Ankle Socks, Hat, Gloves

There’s no such thing as a bad weather game -

only a game you weren’t properly prepared for.

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LTP : Look the Part

Often times we are the only people there getting paid, so we need to look like it.

The level of the game DOES NOT MATTER - it is the most important game of the day for the players, the coaches, and the parents. You should look your best every time you step on the field!

Clean your shoes, Wear your hat, Tuck in your shirt, Make sure everything is clean

Also, there are parts of our uniform that have a lifespan - realize this...

When your hat turns brown, replace it

When the white stripes on your shirt start to yellow or the black stripes are brown, replace it

When you have a game in the mud, wipe off your shoes before the next game

When flags start to fade or fall apart, replace them

SVBS - Strong Voice, Big Signals

Strong Voice - When you are reporting a foul or making a call, use a strong, confident voice. This will help sell your call and instill confidence in your ability to make the calls.

Big Signals - Coaches, Players, and Fans should not have to guess who gets possession on a ball out of bounds, on a penalty, or off a loose ball technical foul. Your signals are your way of communicating with people who are too far away to hear you.

Imagine no one can hear you, but everyone knows what you are saying.

Know the Game - Know the nuances of game play to help you decide whether to make a call or pass on it

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KTG FTR KTFR

Know the Freakin’ Rules - A solid knowledge base on the rules of the game will allow the players to decide the outcome while engaged in fair and safe contest.

Forget the Rules - Allow the players the opportunity to decide the outcome based on their skills, not on your calls

Fast Lead - Lead official must get to the goal before the ball does. The lead’s #1 job is the goal at their end of the field

Slow Trail - Trail must make sure teams are onsides, substitutions are legal and the box is clear

FLST - Fast Lead, Slow Trail

Ball Goes Dead, We Come Alive - A live ball gives the players and coaches something to focus on...A dead ball can lead to issues between opposing teams

Do not take your eyes off the players, especially during dead ball situations

Make sure players are with their teammates or coaches before you do things like writing on your card or talking to your partners

BGD, WCA

No GAME IMPACTING CALLS - don’t insert yourself into a game when it is not necessary.

This does not mean you “swallow the whistle” - It means you must be consistent with calling the game the same way it has been called since the 1st quarter.

#1 thing coaches are looking for from us is consistency

No GIC’s

GOODIES

(reasons to stop play during a flag down, slow whistle (FDSW) situation)

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G - Goal scored

O - Offense commits a violation

O - Out of Bounds

D - Defense gains possession

I - Injured player or Illegal Equipment

E - End of the period

S - Second flag is thrown (unless scoring play is in progress)

C-NOTE (Use when reporting a foul to the table)

C - Color

N - Number

O - Offense

T - Time to be served

E - Explanation (if needed)

“Red, #23, Slash, One minute”

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“Blue, #15, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, One minute, Non-Releasable”

Don’t Be That Good OR Don’t Be That Guy

Know the level of the game you are officiating and call it accordingly

This is especially true in youth games where kids (and often coaches) are just learning the rules.

Ex: Youth player is standing offsides because he doesn’t know the correct midline

Stop the game, tell him the correct line and restart the game - NO FLAG

DBTG

Questions???

Any that you have heard or would like to see included?