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CONTENTS Find Referee Magazine on Facebook and follow RefereeMag on Twitter Volume 47, No. 9 Issue SEPTEMBER551 2022 FEATURES SPORTS 14 FOOTBALL Worst to First: The Most Serious Fouls Include a First Down; Defenseless Players Are Not Created Equal; Believe It: Two Wrongs Make One Foul 28 SOFTBALL Conference Calls: Know the Rule Differences, Track Them Accurately; Catch and Release; Batter-Runner Beware 34 SOCCER Inspection Detection: Field Examination a Must for Every Match; What’s in Your Pregame?; 5MW: Paul Scott 40 BASEBALL Collision Obstruction,Course:Interference or Play On?; When Catchers and Batters Collide 46 VOLLEYBALL Let’s Go to the Video: A Close-Up View of the Challenge Review System; Get Out of the Way; High School Handling Hints; Kick Save and a Beauty 62 BASKETBALL Standing Straight With No Debate: Recognize Verticality When You See It; ‘C’ Yourself Having Success 76 ALL SPORTS Insistence on Consistency: Calling Them the Same Is the Elusive Goal; They’re There to Aid Their Crewmates 4 PUBLISHER’S MEMO Our ‘Coach K’ 8 THE GAG RULE Letters: How to Lose Weight, It’s Still a Foul; They Like Us; They Said It; They Get It 10 THE NEWS Youth Baseball Umpire Attacked; MLB Umpire Appeals Discrimination Case 60 GETTING IT RIGHT W5 Digs Diversity; Hero Saves Referee; Helping Out Blue 68 PROFILES Great Scot! What a Career He Has Had; Flying Solo if Needed; He Knows What’s Legal 80 FOR THE RECORD 2022 Minor League Baseball Umpiring Rosters 84 LAW Officials Faced With ‘HairRaising’ Legal Issues; HairRules Checklist; The Initial Lookover 85 CLASSIFIEDS LeadershipEquipment/Apparel;Camps/Clinics/Schools;Resources 86 LAST CALL Here’s to Hugh: A friend, mentor and fellow NBA referee, Hugh Evans was being announced as a 2022 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class member. COLUMNS (VOLLEYBALL)SPORTSTODAYBRANSCOMBE-USASTEVEN(HIGGINS),HUBBARDDENNIS(SHERMAN),MHSAACOURTESYOF 22 ‘WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BASKETBALL?’ Officiating with his son, even Final Four referee John Higgins faces abuse on the travel-ball circuit. 54 IN OR OUT? What ‘vert’ are you? 70 RECRUITING AND RETENTION: WHAT WORKED … WHAT DIDN’T A year’s worth of recruitment successes (and failures) seen through the eyes of one association. Kendall Sherman Southfield, Mich. Age: 62 Occupation: State of Michigan employee Officiating experience: Officiates high school football, basketball, and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. Officiated the 2009, 2017 and 2021 MHSAA state football championships; replay official 2019-21. Former NCAA D-II college football official. ON THE COVER 20 Mike Fingar of Woodinville, Wash., takes care of an important in-game duty: tracking conferences. SOFTBALL HIGHLIGHT THIS MONTH FOR MORE, GO TO PAGE 26
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REFEREE (ISSN 0733+1436) is published monthly, $46.95 per year in U.S., $81.95 in Canada, Mexico and foreign countries, by Referee Enterprises, Inc., 2017 Lathrop Ave., Racine, WI 53405. Periodical postage paid at Racine, WI and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes and undeliverables to REFEREE, PO Box 319 Congers, NY 10920. Direct subscription inquiries, other mail to REFEREE, PO Box 319 Congers, NY 10920. 1-800-733-6100. © 2022 Referee Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. (USPS Publication #107790.) Subscribers: Send address changes to REFEREE, PO Box 319 Congers, NY 10920. Our ‘Coach K’ In 1975early,an Isports.whobehalfworkingassociationhave—smackedanotherthemagazine.neededWesmackedideame.inofficiatingaAtsametime,ideameweshouldanationalonofallofficiateQuickly,realizedI needed some legal advice about such things.Years earlier my older brother and I had formed a corporation regarding our professional drag racing endeavors. We had since parked that undertaking. That corporation was put together for us by a local attorney, William F. Kolbe. Bill was the legal maestro in our area when it came to corporate structure, tax-planning and association formation and goverance. I had the idea maybe I could take that “dormant” drag racing corporation, repurpose it for my magazine idea and avoid the cost of another Wisconsin corporate filing fee. I went down to meet with Mr. Kolbe and explore that possibility.Isoclearly remember sitting in his smallish office in downtown Racine, asking him if I could swap corporations. He asked me what I had in mind for the new corporation. I outlined my two ideas to him. It took me just 15 minutes or so. He expressed surprise there was no publication serving the needs of sports officials. After a few more minutes, he looked up and said, and I quote: “I think I know some people who might like to invest in this thing.” I was stunned. I had given no thought about the financing of the venture at that point. A few short months later, using Bill’s guidance and networking, we held a meeting at the Racine Country Club for the purpose of putting together an investor group to launch Referee Enterprises Inc. (REI). Eleven expressed interest in doing so, but we limited the number to eight. Every single investor in that group did so because Bill Kolbe was orchestrating. His reputation, standing and endorsement broke trail for me and for us. If Bill Kolbe believed, it became easy for others to believe. Bill was one of theTheeight.magazine first published in January 1976. Three years later, Bill and I bore down on my second idea: a National Association of Sports Officials. Bill was the legal-architect of NASO’s structure and its business relationship with REI. For 40 years, every strategic business decision we opted for was made with guidance from Bill Kolbe. Most often his advice was given not as attorney, rather as someone who understood entreprenurial ventures and association operations. Time and time again, when I would go to him with a seemingly serious legal matter, he would respond: “We don’t need an attorney for this.” It always turned out he was right. Imagine getting that advice from an attorney! In the summer of 2007, the NASO board unanimously voted to present Bill with the Mel Narol Medallion award. That July, we brought Bill to our Summit in Denver. His acceptance remarks that night brought a few tears to my eye. He felt so proud of what all of us had built together. In the summer of 2018, Bill, at the age of 88, suffered two serious strokes. They devastated him. His mind remained sharp but his ability to speak, freely move about and function independently were hugely impaired. I visited him at his home in Florida a number of times during the past four years, the last being in mid-May of this year. On June 23, Bill passed away as a result of those strokes. Around our shop, we referred to him as “Coach K.” It is difficult to think about him in the past tense.
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RESOURCES AND TRAINING
Take care and have a great year!
6 | REFEREE / MHSAA September 2022 FROM THE DESK OF BRENT RICE
Perhaps the most productive way to support officials is by providing resources and training that best prepares them to carry out their responsibilities. Expanding affordable opportunities for officials to focus on rules and interpretations and further develop their mechanics and techniques will help to improve their skills and abilities. Based on the results from a recent officials survey, the MHSAA will explore options for camp/clinic requirements in the coming year. That will be in conjunction with the increased use of video platforms to provide officials quality and pertinent information and feedback during the year. The MHSAA’s partnership with NASO provides many resources to support officials. In addition to the access to training resources both statewide and for individual local associations, NASO membership also offers officials a digital subscription to Referee Magazine and increased and expanded insurance coverages. Those resources provide officials with access to some of the best preand in-season training available, and the additional coverages allow officials to concentrate on officiating the games with peace of mind.
Priorities of a New School Year A s we begin the 2022-23 fall season, it is important that we emphasize to officials the priorities of the MHSAA Officials Program during the upcoming school year. If recruitment is “important,” then the retention of current officials is “critical.” Retention provides a regular pipeline of officials not just for tomorrow but for generations. When asked, officials provide a wide range of reasons they leave officiating; however, outside of personal circumstances like job and family, almost all the remaining factors can be lumped into one word … support. From local recreational leagues to the top of the professional ranks, officials need to know that the overseers support their efforts. Support of officials can be broken into three key areas: 1) Financial, 2)Resources and Training and 3) Conduct and Sportsmanship. The MHSAA seeks to make each of these standing priorities for the state association. FINANCIAL SUPPORT State associations, as well as local schools, must recognize that if athletics is to be a priority in their buildings, then incentivizing officials to officiate those contests must also be a priority. In today’s “gig economy,” decision-makers in school sports are competing not only with other organizations within the industry but with other industries altogether. It is important that all of these things are considered when determining when and how much to increase compensation. The MHSAA recently increased postseason officiating expenditures nearly 30%, including increases in both game fees and mileage. The Officials Review Committee will entertain some additional proposals this fall as to how we can continue to provide better financial support for officials working MHSAA tournaments.
CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP As is often mentioned, one of the leading causes driving individuals away from officiating is the poor behavior and conduct of adult coaches and spectators. While it can be a challenge to prevent unsporting behavior, it doesn’t need to be a challenge in our reactions when it occurs. School administrators should be alert to developing situations and remove offenders when their behavior becomes out of line. The MHSAA provides all the tools necessary when officials encounter bad behavior, including the expectation and support of zero tolerance for personal attacks. Another proposal being considered this fall would establish a formal sportsmanship feedback program that would provide schools with comprehensive feedback in the sports they sponsor regarding their coaches, teams, spectators, administration and facilities. The information collected from officials’ submissions will allow the MHSAA to identify and address specific sports, schools and areas of concern. Our officiating numbers increased slightly last year from the year before, and we will continue to focus on bringing new people into this terrific avocation; but all those efforts are in vain if the result is losing them within only a couple of years. The MHSAA recognizes that we must prioritize our support for the officials already in our organization, and 2022-23 will revitalize those efforts. Thank you for all that you do to keep school sports running and providing athletic opportunities for students around the state of Michigan. Without officials, it’s just practice.
MHSAADEPARTMENTOFFICIATING Executive Director Mark Uyl Assistant Director, Officiating Brent Rice Coordinator of Sportsmanship & Officials Reports Sam Davis AdministrativeOfficiatingAssistant, Ryan Wieferich Official’s Registrar Laura Roberts
$100,000 Game Call and Assigners’ Coverage Up to $100,000 coverage for claims involving a challenged game call which resulted in a claimed financial loss or a suit against an assigner by a disgruntled official. Digital Magazine Allows you access to a digital customized MHSAA-version Referee magazine to read wherever you’re on the go.
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$6 million General Liability Coverage Excess coverage for claims for bodily injury, property damage and personal and advertising injury (defined as slander or libel) up to $6 million per occurrence general liability limit with a personal aggregate of $14 million. Assault-Related $15,500 Coverage Provides coverage for certain legal fees and medical expenses and game fee losses resulting from injuries suffered when an official is the victim of an assault and/or battery by a spectator, fan or participant while officiating.
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MHSAA NASO members will receive exclusive MHSAA content through the digital magazine. Referee is the number one source of information for sports officials, written by officials. Each issue includes news columns and journalof-record reports and deep-coverage sport-specific sections complete with rule interpretations and caseplays. Referee Magazine (NASO Print Edition) MHSAA members have the option to upgrade to the print version of the magazine, delivered to your mailbox every month. 84 pages of in-depth feature stories as only Referee can report them. It’s Official Newsletter 16-page newsletter providing association news, information, caseplays and educational product discounts. LockerRoom Online newsletter includes latest news
on NASO, officiating techniques and philosophy. Interactive Sport Quizzes Online access to sport quizzes that will help you improve your knowledge of the rules. Officiating Resources Special Members-only buying discounts on Referee and NASO publications. Savings up to 20%. Marriott VIP Card Provides discounted rates at Marriott & Starwoodbranded hotels within the US and Canada, subject to availability. With the VIP card, NASO members may receive a room rate of up to 25 percent off the regular price at participating hotels where space is available. The Athletic VIP card must be shown at check-in. Registration Discount to The Sports Officiating Summit Members only registration discounts. Ump-Attire.com 10% discounts Member Information & Consultation Program (MICP) Provides help when you need to sort out an officiating related issue, includes both free information and free consultation with a knowledgeable person. 2017 Lathrop Ave Racine, WI naso@naso.orgnaso.org262-632-544853405Email:Web:Phone:Address: Any Game, Any Time, Anywhere — You Are Covered Insurance (Sports Officials Security Program) NASO covers common gaps in other officiating insurances, protecting you when other officiating coverages come up short. Publications Discounts & Savings Information Services Contact NASO MEMBER BENEFITs & services NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS
— Eric Thomas, director of the Kansas Scholastic Press Association, in an opinion piece in the kansasreflector.com
SOURCE: REFEREE SURVEY OF 95 OFFICIALS How many officials do you know who have not returned because of the pandemic? How to Lose Weight I just read Peter Jackel’s story on Perry Costello (He Rings True, 6/22) and wanted to pass on this item: Perry once told a story about checking his luggage on the way to an umpiring assignment. The bag was over 50 pounds, so the airline was going to add a surcharge. “Wait a minute,” Perry said. He opened his bag, removed his plate shoes and replaced them with his street shoes. The bag was then under 50 pounds. Perry rode the plane to his assignment wearing his plate shoes. Ralph Echtinaw St. Louis, Mich. It’s Still a Foul Henry Papa’s excellent discussion of advantage (Onward! Or Not? Soccer 6/22) neglected one important consideration. The foul for which advantage is given is still a foul; it is not erased by a wave of the arms or a loud “Play on!” Wise referees will add that foul to the count of infractions they are keeping in their head committed by one player or by multiple players against an opponent for purposes of deciding whether to punish persistent offenses.
NONE 22.1% 1 OR 2 20.9% 3 OR MORE 57% ED RUSH THE GAG RULE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING 8 | REFEREE September 2022 Tell Us What You Think Send email to letters@referee.com Send letters to: Editor, Referee, 2017 Lathrop Ave. Racine, Wis. 53405 Opinions expressed in “The Gag Rule” are not necessarily those of Referee. Unless otherwise stated, letters sent to Referee are intended for publication and become the property of Referee
— Ed Rush, former NBA referee and supervisor of officiating
— Siegel (Tenn.) High School Athletic Director Greg Wyant, on why there is a shortage of officials in his state
THEY SAID IT “If a guy misses a play at one end, and goes to the other end and misses another play, that dramatically affects his ratings, his possibility for playoffs. So what fool would say, ‘Oh, I missed that call. Let me go miss another one? That’ll knock me right out of the playoffs.’”
THEY LIKE US THEY GET IT
SOURCE YAHOO SPORTS LETTERS
“I feel like parents and people who come to high school football games pay their money and they feel like they can say what they want, when they want, as loud as they want. Which isn’t the case. I think that we need to understand that (officials are) human and they are a part of the ballgame.”
SOURCE: WKRN.COM
Mark Tucson,MittelstadtAriz.
“I have realized the biggest reward for being a sane parent comes on the ride home after the game. You might think ‘venting’ toward the ref about a missed offsides call or a questionable foul would have left me feeling relieved. But the truth is, time after time, I felt ashamed. My focus was on how I embarrassed myself, wishing I could take it back, rather than on the truly incredible thing: My son was playing soccer … with a gaggle of friends he loves and a coach he admires. That is my goal these days: to shut up with my negativity on the sidelines so that after the game I can return home with a light heart.”
Soccer Referee Killed in El Salvador
An amateur soccer referee in El Salvador was attacked by players and spectators during a match in the second weekend of June and later died from his injuries. Jose Arnaldo Amaya, 63, was attacked shortly after he showed a second yellow card to a player during a match at Toluca Stadium in the Miramonte neighborhood of San Salvador. Amaya received blows that caused internal hemorrhaging and died after being taken to nearby Zacamil Hospital. The Salvadoran Football Federation issued a statement condemning the assault by “pseudo fans and players.” “As a federation, we condemn all acts of violence that are occurring in the different sporting venues in the country,” the statement said. Amaya had 20 years of experience as a referee. He belonged to the National Association of Referees in El Salvador and officiated youth tournaments and amateur league matches.
BRANCHBURG, N.J. — A 72-year-old man was attacked while umpiring a 13-and-under U.S. Amateur Baseball League (USABL) tournament game in June in Branchburg, N.J. The assault fractured the umpire’s jaw in two places, requiring surgery. Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Annmarie Taggart said Branchburg police were dispatched to White Oak Park in Branchburg at 8:08 p.m. on June 4 for a report of an assault on an umpire. Upon toldBystandersthebleedingtheofficersarrival,foundumpirefrommouth.policethe suspect had left the park prior to their arrival.The umpire told officers he had ejected one of the coaches from the Prospects travel team, based out of Staten Island, N.Y., for using foul language. He told officers one of the coaches, later identified as Jerry Otero, 40, punched him on the left side of his face. The umpire sustained a fractured jaw and a concussion. Otero turned himself in to the Branchburg Township Police Department later that same evening and was placed in the Somerset County Jail, pending a detention hearing. Both Otero and his team have also been banned from the USABL, one of the largest youth travel baseball leagues on the East Coast.“The environment for youth sports has become toxic,” Brian Delahant, USABL president, told NJ.com. “No one can lose a game anymore without blaming somebody else. We need to teach our kids that they’re not going to win every game they play and how to lose with respect for both their opponents as well as the officials on the game.”
The president of the Prospects, Frank Cambria, apologized in a social media post and said he took immediate action against Otero. “When I received the news, it turned my stomach and had me wondering why a person would do such a thing,” Cambria wrote. “There is never, never, ever an excuse to hit an umpire nor another human being when at a sports venue, especially involving children.”
The umpire, whom the USABL refused to name, is recovering from his injuries, according to Delahunt, and even attended a game featuring the team that played against the Prospects the day of the assault.
Youth UmpireBaseballAttacked
Hugh Referee,RetiredEvans,NBADies
Hugh BasketballMemorialthethiswasrefereelongtimerenownedEvans,NBAwhonamedyeartoNaismithHall of Fame, died July 8 at the age of 81. A cause of death was not released.Evans was one of the first NBA officials from an HBCU, coming from North Carolina A&T University“Hewas also known for holding himself and other officials to the highest standard,” said John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “The game is in a better place for having had him involved as an official and later as a supervisor of officials for 30 years.” Evans will be inducted posthumously during enshrinement ceremonies Sept. 9-10 in Springfield, Mass. Evans was regarded as one of the best officials in the NBA and was previously enshrined in the New York City Basketball See “Evans” p.12 See “Attacked” p.13
SPURLOCKBRIAN
THE NEWS THE WIRE 10 | REFEREE September 2022
Hockey ChargedPlayerWithAssault
Longtime amateur hockey referee Chris Armstrong of Pennsylvania needed 15 stitches to close a gash above his eyebrow after a goalie hit him with his stick during an adult league game June 22 in Southpointe, Pa.. Armstrong said he was also suffering from a concussion with a constant headache and blurred vision from the attack, which happened after Armstrong had separated two players. Video showed the player, 23-year-old Jaris Harbieh, striking Armstrong in the face and knocking him to the ground. Harbieh was arrested and charges are pending. “This is why we have a shortage of referees because of
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS NASO.ORG/GAMESAVER VOLUNTEER TODAY! SIGN UP @ BECOME AN NASO GAME SAVER Studies prove that the best way to get and keep officials is through one-on-one contact with other officials. Sports officials who are willing to help recruits are needed. NASO Game Savers are established officials who are willing to help guide officiating prospects through the process of becoming a sports official in their local area and chosen sport(s) by putting them in touch with the right people, associations, leagues and assigners, and leading them through the necessary steps toward becoming a registered official. THERE IS A NEED FOR COMMITTED GAME SAVERS IN ALL PARTS OF THE COUNTRY • ALL DIFFERENT SPORTS • ALL DIFFERENT LEVELS
Scary Moment as Bat Shard Penetrates Mask MLB call-up umpire Nate Tomlinson of Waupaca, Wis., narrowly escaped serious injury June 14 when the jagged end of Mike Trout’s broken bat flew through the main bars of his mask during the top of the ninth inning in a game between the Angels and Dodgers. Tomlinson immediately went to his knees and was quickly tended to by trainers. He eventually walked off the field and was taken to the hospital, where he received treatment for cuts above his eye and nose. Second-base umpire Laz Diaz suited up and finished calling the game. Hall of Fame as well as the North Carolina A&T Hall of Fame. In the NBA, he officiated 1,969 regular-season games, 170 playoff games, 35 NBA Finals contests and four NBA All-Star Games. The fact Evans never officiated a high school or collegiate game makes this accomplishment even more astounding.Evanswas the director of a Brooklyn, N.Y., community center in 1968 when he decided to officiate some recreation league basketball games. He officiated in the summer league at the famed Rucker Park in Harlem, N.Y., which at the time featured several NBAHeplayers.paid$100 to enroll in an officiating camp soon thereafter and accepted a part-time NBA officiating contract in 1972. The following season he picked up a full schedule, where he remained until he retired from the floor in 2001. Evans worked as the NBA assistant supervisor of officials fromBefore2001-03.officiating, Evans played collegiately at North Carolina A&T and was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in 1963. He elected to go into baseball, however, and spent three years in the San Francisco Giants minor league organization.
SOURCES: ASSOCIATED PRESS, THE ATHLETIC
Evans continued from p.10
The judge concluded “that no reasonable juror could find that MLB’s stated explanation is a pretext for discriminatory motive.”
MLB Umpire DiscriminationAppealsCase
THE WIRE parents, coaches and players attacking us,” Armstrong told CBS News. Texas Says No to Shot Clock
SOURCES: ESPN, NAISMITH BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME
THE NEWS 12 | REFEREE September 2022
NEW YORK — Veteran umpire Angel Hernandez is fighting to continue his racial discrimination lawsuit against Major League Baseball. He filed an appeal to the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on June 7, trying to overturn the ruling of U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken in favor of MLB in March 2021. As part of the appeal, Hernandez’s attorneys claimed there were disparities from MLB in his umpire reviews. Citing the 2011-16 seasons, the brief to the appellate court stated “MLB manipulated Mr. Hernandez’s year-end evaluations in order to make his job performance appear worse than it actually was. Mr. Hernandez’s year-end evaluations for the 2011-16 seasons do not even come close to accurately summarizing Mr. Hernandez’s actual performance in those seasons.”
The appeal also claimed “the District Court failed to follow existent precedent applicable to discrimination cases in which the pool of minority individuals eligible for promotion is too small to yield a statistically significant conclusion as to disparateHernandez,impact.”60,who was born in Cuba and lives in Loxahatchee, Fla., filed the original lawsuit against MLB in 2017. He claimed he was passed over for crew chief positions and World Series assignments due to unlawful discrimination and MLB chief baseball officer Joe Torre “has a history of animosity toward Hernandez stemming from Torre’s time as manager of the New York Yankees.”AnMLB umpire since 1993, Hernandez worked the World Series in 2002 and 2005 but has not been selected for it since. He has worked other postseason series, including most recently the 2020 and 2021 Divisional Series. He served as an interim crew chief during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season when other umpires opted out of that season.Inhis ruling against Hernandez, Oetken wrote, “The evidence shows beyond genuine dispute that an umpire’s leadership and situation management carried the day in MLB’s promotion decisions. Torre testified that the candidates he appointed to crew chief instead of Hernandez ‘have not demonstrated the same pattern of issues and to the same extent that have manifested with Hernandez over the years.’”
Texas public high schools will not be adopting the basketball shot clock for the 2022-23 school year. The University Interscholastic League, which oversees athletics for public secondary schools in the state, did not add a shot clock during its mid-June legislative council meeting. Last year, the NFHS changed the rules to allow a 35-second shot clock in high school basketball by state adoption. Some private schools in Texas have moved to adopt it. The Southwest Preparatory Conference, which oversees 18 private schools in Texas and Oklahoma, decided in late 2021 to use a shot clock this coming season. Among the 50 states, Texas boasts more high school basketball players than any other state — more than 60,000 boys and 43,000 girls, according to NFHS data for the 2018-19 school year (the last school year data was available prior to being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic).
Basketball Official Assaulted in New York
The ECHL, a mid-level professional hockey league with 27 teams in the U.S. and Canada, approved use of a tworeferee system for 25 percent of the league’s regular-season games in the 2022-23 season. The league has been using the two-referee system during its postseason games. Approval for the expansion of the two-referee system into the regular season came at the league’s board of governors meeting in New York the last week of June. Each team will play nine home games where the two-referee system will be used. The two-referee system is already in use in the NHL and AHL.
HALFMOON, N.Y. — A New York man has been charged with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct after reportedly punching a basketball official following a nonsanctioned club basketball game in June.Unique Steele, 19, from Hudson Falls, N.Y., turned himself in to New York State Police in the days following the June 5 incident at the Impact Athletic Center in Halfmoon, N.Y.The reported assault occurred following a game as part of a tournament organized by Zero Gravity Basketball and featuring the Saratoga Splash. While the Splash holds an AAU membership, Zero Gravity Basketball is not affiliated with AAU and it was not an AAU event.According to basketball official Kean Toomey, who was another official at the game and who witnessed the reported attack, the trouble began when, following a loss by the Splash, the team’s head coach approached the unidentified official to express displeasure about how the game had been officiated. A video of the encounter, which can be found on YouTube, shows a group of people forming around the coach and official, and after the official takes a seat, a player charges at him and strikes him in the face. According to Toomey, other players then briefly joined in the assault. Both Toomey and the unidentified victim are members of IAABO Local Board 36. According to Toomey, the victim suffered a minor concussion from the assault. He also said this is not the first issue local officials have had with the Saratoga Splash. While speaking with local media following the attack, Toomey mentioned that one month prior, he officiated a Splash game during which he ejected a player at halftime for attempting to incite a fight. According to Toomey, the Splash coach came on to the playing floor and threatened both of the game officials and bumped Toomey’s partner.“We were told that this team would not be welcomed back at Zero Gravity events, which we found out to be false because they played the very next weekend and they’ve played multiple weekends since then,” said Toomey in a story published by CBS6 News in Rochester, N.Y. Zero Gravity Basketball representatives did not respond to an interview request from CBS6 News, while the news station also could not track down any contact information for the Saratoga Splash. Upon turning himself in, Steele was issued an appearance ticket by the New York State Police.
ECHL Two-RefereeExpandsSystem
REFEREE September 2022 | 13
“Never seen that in the mask,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the media after his team’s 2-0 win. “That was really scary.”
SOURCES: THE (U.K.) DAILY STAR, THE IRISH MIRROR, USA TODAY, DALLAS MORNING NEWS, THE ATHLETIC, DAILY (U.K.) MAIL, THE JOURNAL (FORT WAYNE, IND.) GAZETTE Delahunt told The Washington Post the umpire’s intention was to raise the spirits of the kids as well as show everyone he was feeling better. New Jersey Sen. Richard Codey introduced a bill in January that would upgrade types of assault against sport officials to aggravated assault, and Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn said she is planning additional legislation that would strengthen penalties for assaulting an official and add harassment charges for spectators found to be verbally tormenting officials. Codey’s bill is waiting to be assigned a hearing and committee, and Flynn said she is hoping to introduce her legislation this“Whatsummer.we’ve been doing to curb these bad acts obviously hasn’t been working and it’s time to put an end to it — to not only protect sports officials, but also kids who are caught in the middle,” Flynn told NJ Advance Media. “This is one of the top complaints and concerns of constituents since my appointment in January, and it is time to address these issues and make sports safe and fun for kids and young athletes again.”
Attacked continued from p.10
Webb Named to Premier League Position OrganizationRefereeProfessional (PRO) General Manager Howard Webb will replace Mike Riley as chief refereeing officer for the Premier League. Riley announced in late June he was stepping down at the end of the coming season from his post with the Professional Game Match Officials Board, which oversees referees in the Premier League. Webb, who formerly officiated in the Premier League, has been general manager of PRO since 2018. His contract runs through December, according to The Daily Mail. He was first hired by PRO in 2017 to oversee implementation of video review.
SOURCES: NJ.COM, THE WASHINGTON POST
RULES,FOOTBALLMECHANICS,PHILOSOPHYEDITOR: JEFFREY STERN jstern@referee.com 14 | REFEREE September 2022
WORST TO FIRST
By Jeffrey Stern There are aspects to penalty enforcement beyond the yardage. They include but are not limited to a loss-of-down provision, causing team A to forfeit the ability to repeat the down; fouls which include automatic ejection or disqualification; and some against team B which include an automatic first down. Under NFHS rules, only three penalties include an automatic first down: roughing the kicker or holder, roughing the passer and roughing the snapper.InNCAA, any live- or dead-ball personal foul by team B results in an automatic first down. Among the other penalties that result in a first down are defensive pass interference, unsportsmanlike conduct and fighting.
The Most Serious Fouls Include a First Down
Play 1: Third and 10 on team A’s 35 yardline. A1 is sacked at his 25 yardline. After A1 is down, B2 (a)piles on, or (b) stands over A1 and taunts him. Ruling 1: In NFHS, in either case, it will be fourth and five on team A’s 40 yardline. The penalties do not include a first down. In NCAA, because the penalties in (a)and (b) include an automatic first down, it will be first and 10 on team A’s 40 Anotheryardline.rule difference involves contact against an eligible receiver. If an eligible team A receiver is illegally contacted beyond the neutral zone and the foul does not qualify as pass interference, the penalty is 10 yards from the previous spot. Only in NCAA does the penalty include an automatic first down (NFHS 7-5-10 Pen., 10-1-7; NCAA 9-3-4e Pen., AR 9-3-4 I). Play 2: Third and 20 on team A’s 24 yardline. A1’s forward pass Don Douglass, Lake Forest, Calif., indicates a foul for roughing the passer. That is one of the penalties in both codes that includes an automatic first down.
QUANHESTON
To address a shortage of officials, the teamsa(TSSAA)AthleticSecondaryTennesseeSchoolsAssociationwillrequiremajorityoffootballacrossthestate to play at least one Thursday game during the regular season. “We asked every school to move one game to Thursday night in order to ease the tension,” TSSAA Assistant Executive Director Richard McWhirter said. “Even though we have 13,000 officials, not every official can call every Friday night. I might have 11 weeks of football, but an official may only do eight weeks.” Having high school teams play a game on Thursdays this season may be a short-term solution, but if the referee shortage continues, it will only present bigger challenges in the future.
The average length of a BCS football game has increased steadily the last two decades. Game times for selected years: 2008 3:09 2010 3:12 2020 3:24
SOURCE: NCAA BY THE NUMBERS Ben Tompkins, an NFL official from 1971-90, played on the first back-toback College World Series playedinTexas.atbaseballchampionshipteamswhiletheUniversityofAfterservingthemilitary,heinthePhiladelphia Phillies minor league system. In 1953, he was an all-star, rookie of the year and MVP for the Class B Three-I League Terre Haute (Ind.) Phillies. His career ended in 1959. As an official, he worked Super Bowls XIV and XVIII. DID YOU KNOW? falls to the ground untouched and incomplete at his 48 yardline. Before the pass was released, B2 was flagged for holding eligible A3 at team A’s (a)32 yardline, or (b) 20 yardline. The penalty is accepted. Ruling 2: In NFHS, in (a) and (b), enforcement is 10 yards from the previous spot and the down is repeated, third and 10 on team A’s 34 yardline. In NCAA, the penalty is 10 yards from the previous spot in both. In (a) and (b), the 10-yard penalty and automatic first down yields first and 10 for team A from its 34 yardline. When both teams commit liveball fouls and team B’s foul would normally give the opponent an automatic first down, that part of the enforcement does not apply. Play 3: Third and 10 at team A’s 20 yardline. A1 is roughed by B2. A3 is flagged for holding on the play. The pass is incomplete. Ruling 3: The penalties offset and the down is replayed. B2’s roughing foul does not give team A an automatic first down. If the penalty for team B’s live-ball foul includes a first down and a deadball foul occurs after the down, both penalties are enforced and the first down is awarded. Play 4: Third and 10 from team A’s 20 yardline. A1 is roughed by B2. The pass is incomplete. After the ball is dead, A1 curses B2. Ruling 4: The penalties are enforced in order of their occurrence. The penalty for B2’s roughing foul moves the ball to team A’s 35 yardline and yields first and 10. The penalty for A1’s unsportsmanlike act is then enforced, resulting in first and 10 from team A’s 20 yardline. The automatic first down aspect is not the only major difference in codes. When some team B fouls occur behind the previous spot, the difference in penalty enforcement philosophy between the codes becomes stark. Play 5: Third down and 20 at team A’s 30 yardline. A1 is dropped attempting to pass at his 10 yardline. B2 grasps and twists A1’s facemask while making the tackle. Ruling 5: Under NFHS rules, the 15-yard penalty is enforced from the end of the run. Because there is no provision for an automatic first down, it will be third down and 25 at team A’s 25 yardline. In NCAA, the penalty is enforced from the previous spot and includes an automatic first down. That yields first down and 10 for team A at its 35 yardline. If a series has already ended and a dead-ball foul occurs, the automatic first down has no bearing on the enforcement. Play 6: Fourth down and 10 at team A’s 30 yardline. A1 is downed at his 25 yardline. After the ball is dead, B2 piles on. Ruling 6: In both codes, after enforcement of the 15-yard penalty for the dead-ball foul, team B will begin a new series from team A’s 40 yardline. The automatic first down in NCAA does not apply since the series had ended. Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor. He officiated high school and collegiate football. *
By George Demetriou
Defenseless Players Are Not Created Equal
Thursday Night Lights
SOURCE: WKRN.COM SIDELINE
REFEREE September 2022 | 15
The one common trait defenseless players possess is the inability to protect themselves from contact. Nonetheless the rules do not protect defenseless players from all contact. If we take that a step further and consider only forcible contact (to the exclusion of incidental contact), only a few categories of defenseless players are protected from all contact. A defenseless player is one who because of his physical position and focus of concentration is especially vulnerable to injury (NFHS 2-32-16;
1. Defensive tackle B1 is engaged with guard A2 on a sweep. B1 grasps A2’s jersey and pulls him to one side, which allows B3 to shoot a gap and make the tackle. a. No problem. b. Foul on B1.
FOOTBALL 16 | REFEREE September 2022 In each of the following you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS and NCAA rules, which might vary. Note: In kicking situations, K is the kicking team, R the receiving team. Solutions: p. 85
3. R1 leaps and has both feet off the ground when he grabs K2’s previously untouched free kick near the sideline. R1 lands out of bounds at team R’s 30 yardline with the ball in his possession. a. Team K has caused the ball to go out of bounds. b. Team R has caused the ball to go out of bounds.
In both codes, all players are protected from acts of unnecessary roughness (NFHS 9-4-3g; NCAA 9-1). Other than those, the type of protection provided depends on the type of defenseless player; there is no generic penalty for “a hit on a defenseless player” and a defenseless player gets no additional protection than otherwise provided for in the rules. Passer. A potential passer is a runner by definition and can be tackled with any physical contact allowed by rule. However, contact cannot be made after it is clear a pass has been thrown (NFHS 9-4-4; NCAA 9-1-9). Judgment should be based on whether the defender knew (or should have known) the ball had been released when the rusher arrived at a point where he could not avoid contact. A commonly accepted rule of thumb is, “One step, no foul; two steps, foul.”
Regardless of the number of steps, the use of extended hands on a passer after the ball is released is considered a foul in recognition of the fact a rusher has much greater control of his arms than his legs.InNCAA, it is also a foul if the passer is forcibly driven to the ground and the opponent lands on the passer with action that punishes the player. Additionally, it is a foul to hit the player forcibly at the knee area or below (qualifications and exceptions apply) (9-1-9a-4, 9-1-9b). A quarterback (not necessarily one who has thrown a pass) is considered a defenseless player after a change of possession. Kicker. Surprisingly, NFHS rules do not list the kicker as a defenseless player, but certainly punters with their leg in the air are unable to protect themselves (all types of kickers and holders receive the same protection). The kicker is protected from all contact that is not incidental before he has had reasonable opportunity to regain his balance.Ifthe kicker is blocked, tackled or charged in a manner that endangers him, it is roughing, a 15-yard penalty with an automatic first down. Running into may be called if the kicker is displaced from his position but not roughed. That is a five-yard penalty without an automatic first down. When in doubt, the penalty is roughing (NFHS 9-4-5 Pen.; NCAA 9-1-16a Pen.). The location of the contact on the kicker may be a factor. Torso contact usually results in the most severe blow. A distinction can also be made for leg contact. Generally, contact on the kicker’s plant leg deserves a roughing call. The lesser foul may be appropriate for contact on the kicking leg, depending on the severity of the contact. When a defender rolls under the kicker, if the kicker is not substantially dislodged or knocked to the ground, running into should be the call.
4. All team A players are set as A1 is calling signals. End A2, who is wearing number 77 and is in a three-point stance, slowly lifts the hand that was on the ground and moves to a wider position. Team A has four players in the backfield and five other players number 50-79. a. No problem. b. Illegal formation; a player wearing an ineligible’s number may never be on the end of the line. c. Illegal shift. d. False start. 5. Third and seven at team A’s 30 yardline. B1 is flagged for roughing the passer. B2 intercepts the pass, and fumbles on the return. A3 recovers and is tackled at team A’s 35 yardline. a. First and 10 for team A at its own 45 yardline. Clock starts on the ready. b. First and 10 for team A at its own 45 yardline. Clock starts on the snap. c. First and 10 for team A at the 50 yardline. Clock starts on the ready. d. First and 10 for team A at the 50 yardline. Clock starts on the snap. TEST YOURSELF NCAA 2-27-14). The NFHS provides eight examples of defenseless players while the NCAA puts forth 10. The two sets of examples are similar but not exactly the same. Both codes make it clear defenseless players are not limited to the examples provided so any player can be construed to be defenseless. Under NCAA rules only, defenseless players are protected from forcible contact to the head or neck area (9-1-4) and all players are protected from forcible contact by the crown of an opponent’s helmet (9-1-3). In NFHS, all players are protected from all types of targeting and spearing (9-4-3i, 9-4-3m).
Punt returner. A player who has given a valid fair catch signal cannot be forcibly contacted. A player who has not signaled and has completed a catch or recovery and has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a ball carrier is also vulnerable, but may be cleanly tackled. In NFHS, such a receiver loses his protection once the ball is touched (6-5-6). Under NCAA rules, a player who muffs the kick is protected as long as he still has an opportunity to complete the catch (6-5-1b). Grounded player. A player on the ground at the end of a play is defenseless. Protection is provided from any significant contact under the piling on rule (NFHS 9-4-3c; NCAA 9-1-7a). Player obviously out of the play. There is no football value in hitting a player who is obviously out of the play and cannot influence the outcome. Protection is provided from all significant contact (NFHS 9-4-3b; NCAA 9-1-12). Blindside blocked player. A player who does not see the blocker approach
2. Team K’s ball fourth and eight from its own 30 yardline. K1’s untouched punt comes to rest on team R’s 25 yardline when R2 kicks the loose ball. R3 then recovers the ball on the ground at team R’s 32 yardline. R2 is flagged for illegally kicking the ball. a. PSK applies; the penalty is enforced from team R’s 25 yardline. b. PSK applies; the penalty is enforced from team R’s 32 yardline. c. PSK does not apply; the penalty is enforced from team K’s 32 yardline. d. The ball should have been blown dead when it came to rest.
George Demetriou has been a football official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. * Cade Younie, Snohomish, Wash., must rule if the receiver was defenseless and if the contact by the defender was forcible enough to merit a flag. A receiver attempting to catch a forward pass is unable to protect himself and merits special attention.
GARVEYDALE cannot be attacked with forcible contact in the open field unless it is with open hands (NFHS 9-4-3n; NCAA 9-1-18). Stopped runner. A runner in the grasp of a tackler and whose forward progress has been stopped is unable to protect himself. It is a foul to contact such a player if the contact is judged to be a late hit (NFHS 9-4-3b; NCAA 9-1-7a). NCAA rules stipulate the ball is dead when a runner obviously begins a feet-first slide (4-1-3r). Pass receiver. A receiver attempting to catch a forward pass or in position to receive a backward pass, or one who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a ball carrier is especially vulnerable particularly if he is airborne. Such receivers are contacted not only with the intent of a tackle, but also in an effort to cause an incomplete pass. There are no other rules which pertain specifically to receivers.
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CASEPLAYS
Several fouls are based on the idea that a forward pass was legal. But if the pass is illegal, what would otherwise be a foul may not be a foul. An example is illustrated here. In PlayPic A, early contact results in an official throwing a flag for defensive pass interference. At the same time, an official rules the passer was beyond the neutral zone (PlayPic B). Because interference only applies to legal forward passes, only the penalty for the illegal forward pass is enforced. * A
Believe It: Two Wrongs Make One Foul
NEUTRALZONE
Kick Try Comes Up Short Play: Team K’s kick try comes up short. R1 catches the ball in the end zone and advances to team R’s 40 yardline. During the run, R2 clips in the end zone. Is that a safety? Ruling: In NFHS play, the ball was dead as soon as it broke the plane of the goalline and it was apparent the kick would fail (4-2-2d-2). If the game were played under NCAA rules, penalties for fouls other than flagrant personal fouls, unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, dead-ball personal fouls and live-ball fouls treated as dead-ball fouls that occur after a change of possession on a try are ignored (8-3-4a). PassPlay:Interference Fourth and goal on team B’s two yardline. Team A runs a pick play, in which the tight end blocks a defensive back and another receiver cuts inside the block to the end zone. A subsequent pass is incomplete. Team A is flagged for offensive interference. Ruling: Under both codes, team B will decline the penalty and begin a new series from the previous spot. There is no loss of down provision for offensive pass interference. Even though declining the penalty will leave team B with less-than-ideal field position to start a new series, that’s preferable to giving team A another chance to score.
Movement on the Line Play: Center A1 has guard A2 to his right. Tackle A3 is to the right of A2. B4 enters the neutral zone, causing A3 to lift his hand from his three-point stance. B4 approached the neutral zone (a) immediately in front of A2, or (b) in the gap between A1 and A2. Ruling: In both cases, under NFHS rules, B4 encroached as soon as he entered the neutral zone (7-1-6). Under NCAA rules, B4 is guilty of a dead-ball offside foul in (a). In (b), it is a false start on A3 because he was not a threatened player. A maximum of three offensive players can be threatened by a defensive player. If the team B lineman enters the neutral zone directly opposite a team A lineman, that lineman and the two adjacent linemen are considered to be threatened. If he enters a gap between two team A linemen, only those players are considered to be threatened (7-14a-1).
FOOTBALL 18 | REFEREE September 2022
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FOOTBALLObserving
Wingback on a Scoring Kick
When using NFHS five-official mechanics, who watches the wingback on the open side of the field to ensure any blocks he throws are legal?The line judge and back judge are behind the goalposts to rule on the kick. The referee’s back is to the open side. The linesman is responsible for watching the blocking by the widest players on the right side of the formation (the right tackle, tight end and wingback). The umpire must watch action on and by the snapper, as well as the left guard and tackle. The referee watches the guards, then shifts focus to the holder and kicker.That leaves the left tight end and wingback to the official under the posts on that side of the formation. In the MechaniGram, that’s the line judge. Although the look will not be ideal since the line judge is approximately 20 yards from the line, there are simply more players to watch than three officials can reasonably handle. The line judge must observe the two widest team K p layers on that side. *
REFEREE: Do you find get-back coaches to be effective? MATARANTE: In most cases, yes. I’ll seek them out sometimes and say, “I need you to work with me.” But in a lot of cases they’re pretty effective, whether they’re telling a coach to get back or actually grabbing them by the belt and pulling them back.
REFEREE: If a get-back coach is failing miserably, will you report him to the head coach? MATARANTE: One hundred percent. I don’t necessarily know that I’ll blame the get-back coach. I will tell the head coach we’re not very disciplined over here and it’s going to cost the team. REFEREE: Do you have what we might call a hierarchy of tolerance — the leash is longer for the head coach versus assistants and athletic trainers, etc.? MATARANTE: If we’re talking about communication absolutely. If we’re talking about getting on the field, it doesn’t really matter who it is. If the head coach is out there by the numbers screaming and yelling at us, we’ve got to have a flag. But from a standpoint of communication I definitely allow the head coach a lot more latitude. But an assistant coach or an athletic trainer I probably am less lenient.
Resides: Long Beach Island, N.J. Age: 59 | Experience: College official since 1992. Worked Colonial Conference, Ivy and Patriot leagues before joining the Big East for six years. Moved to the Big Ten for four seasons before being hired by the Atlantic Coast Conference.
5 MINUTES WITH STEVE MATARANTE me, it takes a much moreapproach.aggressive“Listen, if I bump into you or you bump into me during the course of a play, it’s a foul for 15 Whetheryards.”I’m
REFEREE: At the amateur level, so many officials are reluctant to enforce the rules regarding the sideline, keeping people out of the white. How can you convince them to enforce those rules?
REFEREE: Do you use a lot of verbal warnings? MATARANTE: They might not require any verbal warnings, and then all of a sudden some coach comes out and he’s right in the way. You can’t allow certain things to happen without a penalty, depending on the act. But in certain situations I don’t mind waving them back, getting on them. It’s a high-intensity game. You’ve got to allow some latitude. At every level you’ve got to allow some latitude. But if the offense is bad enough, it’s a foul without warning.
Communication skills to master along the sideline.
REFEREE: As a head line-judge, how much do you communicate with coaches on the sideline? MATARANTE: I like to communicate with coaches so I do it a lot. But it’s not a requirement for everybody to do that. But I might hear something on the sideline from the assistant coach talking to another coach. Or maybe they yelled something out to one of my crewmates. And I want to see if I can fix that miscommunication or misinterpretation or misunderstanding. So I’ll sort of seek out communication sometimes. I don’t just wait to be addressed by a coach.
MATARANTE: A lot. Obviously you can’t do it during a play. In a game on television, you’re going to have commercial breaks and there are scores, so you have time to get over and communicate. But if it’s between plays and you’ve got a split second to make an impression, it’s good if you’re looking into their eyes.
REFEREE: Sideline officials have their backs to the coaches. How often do you try to make eye contact with people on the sideline?
MATARANTE: I’ll remind them repeatedly. But if I’m in danger of making contact with any of them or them making contact with saying something clever or funny or whatever, it’s something I’ve got to address. “I don’t think the head coach is going to be happy with you if you cost this team 15 yards,” something like that. The other thing I like to say to them is, “You might be in the white and I miss a call because I’m worried about running into you, that might hurt your team.” Never mind giving them a flag. So that’s another way that they seem to understand and they’ll adjust once you make comments like that.
Josh Higgins and his friends left their prime seats at one of college basketball’s best arenas to go back to the referees’ locker room and wait for his dad to wrap it up. They were somewhat bored by what had been a nondescript blowout.They ducked back into the tunnel, about 15 feet from the baseline at historic Allen Fieldhouse, to witness John Higgins’ night get real memorable really fast on a fateful and frightful Tuesday in late January 2020.
22 | REFEREE September 2022
The kid had good instincts. What happened next is the stuff every official fears: a brawl.
John Higgins’ son, now 16, is not haunted by the memory, even after watching large players go after each other and his dad briefly stuck in the middle. Then Kansas’ Silvio de Sousa wielded a chair in a moment that has widely been called one of the darkest moments in the sport’s history.
“I saw the Kansas guy get the blocked shot then stand over Kansas State’s player and stare him down,” Josh said. “And I went ‘Whoa.’ I knew that could be trouble.”
“When that guy picked up the stool, my dad just was done,” Josh said, unable to stifle a laugh. Added John: “At first, I was really trying to break it up. But after that, I was like, ‘I’m out.’” More than two years later, that incident hasn’t deterred Josh from wanting to try out a whistle for himself.
BY JASON FRANCHUK
BASKETBALL? KNOWWHAT DO YOU
NCAA officiating veteran John Higgins has joined his son, Josh, in working youth games near their Omaha, Neb., home this season. During one tournament, the elder Higgins got more than he bargained for from a troublesome coach and player.
ABOUT HUBBARDDENNIS OFFICIATING WITH HIS SON, EVEN FINAL FOUR REFEREE JOHN HIGGINS FACES ABUSE ON THE TRAVEL-BALL CIRCUIT.
Just Trying to Fit In John Higgins has officiated in nine Final Fours and he’s seen and heard just about everything since he picked up the vocation in college by officiating a few lower-level games (back when colleges routinely had nonvarsity teams) about 40 years ago at what is now the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Higgins was a senior in 1983 and the freshman team was playing a junior college. The referees didn’t show. The coach offered him $25 and away he went. Josh, now 16, recently officiated a couple sets of youth basketball games in the Omaha, Neb., area around his own spring baseball playing schedule. And get this: He’s not saying he’s out, even after already experiencing his own oncourt chaos. This leads to possibly the greatest you-can’t-make-thisstuff-up story in the sometimespoisonous youth basketball travel circuit. It’s now official that not even a Final Four-caliber official or a teenaged novice can be guaranteed a smooth day in the gym when travel-ball hoops is concerned.OnaSaturday in late April at Iowa West Field House in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in Josh’s second game ever, his dad, who was working the game with him, was accosted by a youth travelleague basketball coach. At the end of the game, a teenage boy waved a middle finger eight feet from Higgins, then the coach — also the father of the boy — chased Higgins down. The longtime NCAA vet He admits he’s not sure how easily he could handle today’s path of camps and youth-ball hijinks that has seemed to afflict basketball in myriad ways, perhaps most notably helping to build the dark cloud of dwindling officials’ participation seen around the country. But back to the event in Council Bluffs, basically on a home court, surrounded by familiar folks, working with an obvious beginner, Higgins couldn’t have anticipated such foulness.Thefirst game among sixth graders went smoothly. The coaches behaved in a manner Higgins appreciated, considering the circumstances. Josh settled in and started to get the instincts and timing about when to raise an open hand and when to raise a fist. His whistle was too soft, but the seasoned vet could carry him to a point. The second game, however, grew more aggressive. Josh admits he wished he would’ve called more fouls among the high school freshmen. But still, should it ever have come to this among a group of 14-andHiggins15-year-olds?hadtodish out a couple of technical fouls. The player said something Higgins doesn’t even really hear at much higher-level basketball games from players. Higgins said his own goal was to “fit in” and treat the game like any other. Those who know him, and were present, insist there was no big-timing anyone over a $20 game. Higgins, however, couldn’t resist telling the coach his language directed toward players during timeouts was “embarrassing.”Thecoach-player duo wound up getting ejected from the gym and the tournament. “There wasn’t anything we did that prompted the Seeing the verbal abuse his father has endured as an NCAA basketball official has not deterred Josh Higgins, 16, from following in his father’s footsteps.
happened to be out there to help his son and a friend, who had to back out, leaving the Higgins duo to work together for tournament organizers they knew well. Josh is a junior varsity shooting guard. But actually being on the court in stripes is different.“Ever since I was little, I’d go to watch my dad’s games,” Josh said. “That’s definitely how I got my inspiration to do this. I realized quick it’s a lot harder than I expected.”
HUBBARDDENNIS 24 | REFEREE September 2022 BASKETBALL?KNOW ABOUTWHAT DO YOU
In May, word circulated around Omaha about what Higgins and his son encountered.Couldyou believe it? Some youth-ball coach thinks he knows more about the game than John Higgins? So the official wasn’t shy about going on a radio station, then TV, to discuss the circumstances. Yes, he’s NCAA men’s basketball official John Higgins prepares for a return to action while working a youth summer basketball game with his son, Josh. There are myriad challenges in the travel-ball world. Family investment leads to greater expectations, for sure. That can lead to more expressions of FRUSTRATION.
The Travel-Ball Circus Todd Miller and Higgins go way back. Miller runs local basketball events as the president of Iowa Gym Rats. “We’re always excited if John comes out to help,” Miller said. But he couldn’t believe what happened in one of his tournaments.“Eventohave the gumption, as a kid, to say what was said to John … ” said Miller, his voice trailing off. ”It’s just ridiculous. Kids keep getting bolder and bolder.”Miller sees the travelball red flags, for sure. The emphasis on winning. The willingness by losing teams to vocally pin blame on referees. The seemingly weekly cases of officials getting attacked after games somewhere in the country.Buthe doesn’t think travel ball is all rot, either. “In that tournament where we had the issue with John and his son, there were 388 games,” Miller said. “That was obviously a big problem, but I’m proud to say that was the only problem we had.”Miller, 40, understands the rabbit holes out there. He played football at Iowa State and then took that competitive fire into coaching.“I’lladmit it, there were games I was more concerned with the officiating than the kids,” he said. Then he saw the other side for three years. He could control his schedule better by officiating. Boy, did he pay for that“Iconvenience.thinkeverybody should have to officiate,” he said with a laugh. “That would sure change some opinions. By the time I got back into coaching, I was a said. “There really are a lot of cool people doing it for the right reasons. That’s why I love the tournaments. It’s just that, in the competitiveness of some of it, some people are taking away the wrong things.”
People Need to Know
differentTherecoach.”aremyriad challenges in the travel-ball world. Family investment leads to greater expectations, for sure. That can lead to more expressions of frustration. Higgins laments the specialization of young athletes, wishing they’d branch out into other sports (his hunch is that most college coaches look for diverse athletes, anyway.) But Miller said he’s grateful for the relationships he’s developed through travel ball and still enjoys the chances he gets to see “so many different walks of life” that aren’t available without the circuits. “I don’t want to say there’s all these terrible coaches,” Miller outbursts. I was extremely patient with the player and the coach, believe me,” Higgins said. Higgins also wonders what to believe anymore.
HUBBARDDENNIS REFEREE September 2022 | 25
“Some of the things they do and say, they haven’t been taught by (previous) coaches how to act,” Higgins said. The number of calls and texts he received in support of his recent media appearances — even from very high-level coaches — has led Higgins to believe he’s positively struck a nerve.
Ultimately, this is a highprofile case involving three sets of fathers and sons. Two stories are still being written. The third is a warning sign.
There’s the high-profile father and the athletic son, who also enjoys baseball but “gets a lot of energy” out of basketball. Josh Higgins will have every advantage possible when it comes to networking and being put in positive situations, if he chooses to stick with it. At least for now, it looks good. He’s already seen some of the worst of it through his father’s life. Higgins was even referred to as “the most hated referee in the nation” in a 2016 Sports Illustrated profile. There have been times when angry fans NCAA men’s basketball official John Higgins transitions down the floor while working a summer youth basketball game with his son in Omaha, Neb. For starters, he’d love to see a
LIMIT on fans/ parents at youth events.
26 | REFEREE September 2022 BASKETBALL?KNOW ABOUTWHAT DO YOU
Robinson estimates Nebraska experienced worse (look up Kentucky fans’ reaction to an NCAA Tournament loss in 2017, which left law enforcement reviewing more than 3,000 voicemails left at Higgins’ business).Higgins blew the whistle on some of the present cultural problems he sees going on with “club level” sports and has been an advocate for trying to secure officials, especially those at the entry level. For starters, he’d love to see a limit on fans/ parents at youth events.
Higgins has also reached out to state-level politicians about creating laws to protect referees. “Today, it’s just a cesspool,” Higgins said of the travel circuits. “I don’t think it makes players better. I think it gives them bad habits.” He said he’s noticed the negative influence all the way up to high-level college freshmen, who have to be corralled by coaches about how to talk to people. has seen a 15 percent decline in officials across the last few years. Why that is happening is a familiar refrain: “Fans and the parent side,” he said. At youth tournaments, he believes a problem is sometimes the cost of admission.“I’veseen even the parents get charged $23 to watch their own kid over the weekend, after all the investment they’ve made just to be there,” Miller said. “That sets an edge right off the Robinsonbat.” also believes that more kids are getting technical fouls due to taunting. He doesn’t have all the answers. “But in my perspective, things have worsened somewhat,” Robinson said. Where Do We Go From Here?
HUBBARDDENNIS
Longtime friend Brent Robinson, an official who also assigns games in Omaha’s largest high school conference, noted that what upset his buddy so much was how the young players were being talked to by the coach who confronted Higgins.Still, Robinson, like Miller, tries to look at the reality of the situation.“IfIhave 600 games in a weekend, all my officials aren’t going to be roses, either,” he said. “There are going to be some dandelions in there. Same with the kids. Let’s be real about that.”
There’s the club-team instigators, who may be going on their merry way playing games and behaving how they wish. Or maybe they’ve toned down and learned a lesson — perhaps even been shamed for taking on Higgins. Time will tell. (Repeated attempts to interview them were rebuffed.)
HUBBARDDENNIS
What kinds of partners will someone like Josh eventually have? What kinds of run-ins will there be? Connections can only get, and protect, one so far up the Overladder.thecourse of two 45-minute telephone calls with Referee, Higgins, joined by his son, finishes by saying, “All you can ask is to put your heart and soul into it, and let the chips falls where they may.”
Josh has the right spirit, for sure, to keep collecting chips: “I just look forward to having more confidence and blowing in advantages for Zac to be sheltered and grow. “It’s way harder now to start and develop,” John Higgins said. “That’s for sure. But we’ve got to keep finding ways to make it where more people want to try.”
Little did John Higgins know that when he offered to work alongside his son in a pinch, it would lead to a barrage of insults from a youth basketball coach.
“What do you know about basketball?” was her reply.
REFEREE September 2022 | 27
the whistle hard.” Which leads us to the final father and son. One is a 62-year-old dad that loves the game, still officiates and assigns — and has a son who had all the chops to be really good a while ago. Zac Robinson was a high school basketball standout in the Omaha area — first-team allstate (regardless of classification) as a senior in 2002 — before winding up at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.Wantingtogive back to the game, he gave officiating a try between the ages of 24-26. “Two years, and then he was a casualty,” said his dad, Brent Robinson.Yes,there were familiar factors off the court. Thriving career. Growing family. But ultimately, the harassment from the stands wasn’t worth it — even with all the builthave posted pictures of his kids online. The son’s eyes are wide open.Will Josh stick with it? Again, time will tell. “I was proud that he didn’t get discouraged from the first time, when all that crap went on,” John said. “I think he’s got the personality for it. He was more comfortable the second weekend about what to call, or not call. His whistle got a little better.”John would like him to become more assertive. Of course, that takes age and time. But it’s a value he figures would serve him well in whatever he chooses to do, the father says. There’s a wistfulness to John’s words about his son’s future in the sport. Yes, it’s different right now than when he was coming up. Just as the game’s style has changed over the years for the players, moving up in the officiating ranks is different. Higgins, for example, went to one college camp on his way to the top. Higgins said there are already scars present in the game because of ongoing referee“Thisshortages.isn’tacriticism
of officials we have now,” he said. “But the pool is smaller for officials from youth ball on up. And when the pool is smaller, that affects the quality of everything, all the way up.”
The hissing had to sound different to Higgins during his son’s second weekend. This time, it wasn’t directed at him. In a game among elementary school-aged kids, some spectators were frustrated with calls, or lack of them. They were after Josh and his buddy, who is also a high school teammate.Higgins tried to explain traveling to an irate woman. His credentials were useless.
Jason Franchuk, Carbondale, Ill., officiates high school and junior college women’s basketball. *
GARVEYDALE
Know the Rule Differences, Track Them Accurately By Brad Tittrington Conferences occur in every game. It is extremely important for umpires to understand the rule differences between the codes to know what is and isn’t allowed. It is also just as important to track the conferences to keep everyone out of trouble.
First, let’s take a look at the rules regarding conferences, as some codes have changed rules over the past year. Offensive Conferences All four codes are similar when it comes to charged offensive conferences. A team is allowed a maximum of one charged offensive conference per half inning. Whether a team uses its conference to relay a message to the batter, a runner, both, or multiple coaches want to get together to talk strategy, only one conference may be used per half inning. Any subsequent request for an offensive conference in an inning shall not be permitted (NFHS 3-7-2; NCAA 6.12.18; USA Softball 5-7a; USSSA 4-8b). NCAA rules have additional stipulations. In NCAA play, a team may have a maximum of seven combined offensive and defensive conferences involving team representatives per regulation game. In extra innings, a team is allowed one charged offensive conference per extra inning. Defensive Conferences NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA handle them similarly. A team is granted a maximum of three defensive conferences per seven-inning game. There is no limit on how many of those three a coach may use in any inning. For example, a team could use all three defensive conferences in one inning, without penalty. After a team has used its allotted three conferences, any additional conferences will result in the pitcher being removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game. In extra innings, a team is granted one defensive conference per inning without penalty. Any additional defensive conference in the same inning requires the pitcher to be removed for the remainder of the game (NFHS 3-71; USA Softball 5-7b; USSSA 4-8a). NCAA rules differ. A defensive team is entitled to only one charged team representative conference during the half inning. A team is allowed one additional conference for each pitcher entered into the pitching position who has not yet pitched in that inning.
RULES,SOFTBALLMECHANICS,PHILOSOPHY 28 | REFEREE September 2022 EDITOR: BRAD TITTRINGTON CONFERENCEbtittrington@referee.comCALLS
However, a team is still only allowed seven total charged conferences in a regulation game (defensive and
Mike Fingar, Woodinville, Wash.
* REFEREE September 2022 | 29
When coaches or players request a conference, it is important for umpires to mark it down in their lineup card. Umpires must know the differences in rules between codes and accurately track conferences in order to prevent penalties.
–Chris Nabors,biggestwhatumpire,WCWSonitmeanstoworkonthegame’sstage.
SOURCE: BRENTWOOD (TENN.) HOMEPAGE
offensive combined). There is never a penalty assessed to a pitcher if a team initiates an unallowed conference. Instead, the team representative or player who initiates the conference is immediately ejected (6.12.7 and Eff.). In extra innings, a team is granted one charged defensive team conference per inning, regardless of pitching changes.
Tracking Conferences
Three states require pitchers and corner infielders to wear a protective facemask during high Kentucky,competitions:schoolMissouri and Montana. DID YOU KNOW?
THEY SAID IT
Each umpire should take care of bringing his or her own refreshments to the field. Do not rely on teams to provide you with water or Gatorade during the game. While it is expected at some levels for the home team trainers to bring water between innings, it is better to be prepared by bringing your own than go an entire game without something to drink. Bring your own bottle and store it in dead-ball territory away from the teams to prevent getting dehydrated or constantly having to ask someone in the dugout to bring you water. QUICKTIP
Player-to-Player Conferences (NCAA Only) This past season, NCAA adopted a rule to limit the amount of playerto-player conferences. In addition to the seven team representative conferences allowed, a team is allowed a maximum of two playerto-player conferences per inning, with a maximum of seven total in a regulation game. For each extra inning, a team is allowed a maximum of one charged player-to-player conference (6.12.9). The rule change was adopted to speed up pace of play. The other three codes have no rule restrictions on these types of conferences.
It is imperative umpires track all conferences to avoid allowing a team to go over the limit. Umpires can use the back of each team’s lineup card to write down the conferences or they can create a sheet and carry it in their lineup card holder. Creating a sheet and keeping it in the lineup card holder allows umpires to have a “cheat sheet” that is easily reviewable in case the umpire forgets the rules regarding limits in that particular code for that day. At a minimum, the plate umpire should track the conferences. Some NCAA coordinators require at least a minimum of one base umpire to track the changes as well and some coordinators require all umpires on the field to track them. Having base umpires track creates a system of checks and balances, but it also allows base umpires to prevent unallowable conferences before they start if the plate umpire is otherwise occupied and may not see the request for a conference.Attheend of the day, the most important thing is to have everyone on the same page when it comes to conferences. Once a coach has used up all conferences in an inning or a game, the umpire should notify the team representative (or the player if it is a player-to-to player conference) the team is out of conferences for that inning or game. This preventive umpiring measure will help keep a team from having to remove a pitcher too early, potentially, or save a coach from being ejected. This is especially true in long innings when a coach may forget about taking a conference earlier in the inning. Stop a coach from taking an unallowed conference to prevent a lot of headaches. Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates women’s college and high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football.
“I don’t think I’ll fully understand and appreciate it until I’ve actually retired and stepped away. It’s a little bit surreal. Even going back and watching a replay of it through a different lens of not being right there in the middle of the action, it’s an incredible thing to see 12,000-plus people at a softball event. The thing that blows me away about that event — most of the time during the regular season, the home stadium is packed with home fans and there’ll be a scattering of visiting fans here or there. But at the World Series there in Oklahoma City, the majority of the fans there are just softball fans. They’re there from all over the country. It’s great for the softball community, and it’s an incredible showcase for the game at the highest level on that stage.”
Catch and Release
Each of the following includes a situation and possible answer(s). Decide which are correct for USA, NFHS, NCAA or USSSA rules and which might vary. Solutions: p. 85
d. The defensive team is given a warning and the next offense shall result in a ball being awarded to the batter.
1. As F1 begins her windup, B1 asks the plate umpire for time. The plate umpire ignores the request. F1 releases the pitch and B1 backs out of the batter’s box. a. The plate umpire should call no pitch. b. The plate umpire should call the pitch a strike, no matter the location.
QUANHESTON
SOFTBALL 30 | REFEREE September 2022
4. In the top of the third inning, a player arrives late to the game. The player’s head coach approaches the plate umpire and wishes to add the player to the eligible substitute portion of the lineup card. a. Legal. The player is listed as an eligible substitute without penalty. b. Legal. The player is listed as an eligible substitute, but the head coach is given a team warning. c. The player is ineligible to play in the game. TEST YOURSELF
2. With no outs and R1 on first, B2 hits a sharp ground ball to F6. The ball takes a bad hop and hits off F6’s glove and travels inside the top opening of F6’s jersey. F6 immediately reaches into the jersey, retrieves the ball and tosses it to F4 at second base, ahead of R1 sliding in. a. The ball remains live and R1 is out on the force out at second base. b. The ball is immediately dead. R1 is awarded second base and B2 is awarded first. c. The ball is immediately dead. R1 is awarded third base and B2 is awarded second base. d. The ball is immediately dead and umpires will place runners at the bases they judge are merited.
No matter how long you’ve umpired, there is one specific play that most likely will give you pause when you encounter it. The play involves a force out that is quickly followed by a collision, either with a runner or the base, and the ball pops loose. It is one of those plays that doesn’t happen in every game, but it happens enough that it is important to talk about the correct ruling on these types of plays. The place where this play most likely will occur is at first base. Any time you have a pitcher or second baseman covering the bag on a ball fielded by the first baseman or you have a first baseman diving into first to beat a speedy runner to the bag, this situation may rear its head. It may also happen when a poor throw causes the first baseman to catch the ball behind them.
First, let’s take a look at a collision with a player. What is the correct ruling when this happens? The answer is it depends. The ruling is dependent on how the ball was released. In a situation where the fielder already possesses and controls the ball and is moving toward the base, the instant the fielder touches the bag, the runner is out. In a situation where the ball and runner are all arriving around the same time, the umpire must determine when the fielder lost the ball. If the umpire determines the fielder controlled the ball and showed control prior to losing the ball due to collision, the runner is out. However, if the ball is dislodged
c. The plate umpire should rule the pitch a ball or strike, depending on the location of the pitch. d. The plate umpire should call B1 out for disconcertion.
3. With an 0-1 count, F1 delivers a second strike to B1. F2, thinking it was the third strike on the batter, throws the ball to third base. a. No penalty. b. The batter is awarded a ball, making the count 1-2. No other penalty is applied. c. The batter is awarded a ball, making the count 1-2, and the catcher is given a warning. The next time the ball is not returned directly to the pitcher, the offender shall be ejected.
REFEREE: As a former high-level pitcher and pitching coach, how difficult is it for pitchers to adjust between codes when one allows leaping and one doesn’t? YARBROUGH: It will be difficult for them to adjust. The pitching coaches of this generation, they want pitchers to be aggressive with the lower part of the body. Most are teaching some form of mechanics where both feet are disengaged prior to delivery. It’s extremely difficult at the high school level. If you watched the (WCWS), a number of them there, by rule, could have been called illegal in that the majority of them were illegal at some point in time. Both feet disengaged with the playing surface prior to delivery of the ball. It will be difficult in states like Georgia. USA Softball allows it and wrote a rule and code that allows it to be permissible. In states like Georgia or Oklahoma that play in the fall, you’ve got pitchers playing in tournaments since February, and now 80-100 games later, now pitchers have to change their pitching mechanics. REFEREE: Pitchers are very good and quick with their feet and illegal pitches can be hard to recognize. What is your recommendation to umpires? YARBROUGH: If you are 100 percent sure, you’ve got to call whatever the rule is. Don’t be 5 percent sure; don’t guess. The term I used for years and used when I officiated college basketball and taught different officials — if you think it was, it wasn’t. You’ve got to know it was.
REFEREE September 2022 | 31
YARBROUGHERNIEOFCOURTESY and release was not voluntary nor a secondary move, the batter-runner would be safe. It is important for umpires to understand the likelihood coaches are going to question the out when they see the ball lying on the ground. Coaches will confuse the force out with the rules regarding a catch, in which a fielder making a catch on a batted ball must maintain control of the ball through contact with the ground, fence, another player, etc. When it comes to a force out, the fielder already had control of the ball and made contact with the bag. So the timing element is a little different.
REFEREE: There’s been a lot of talk in all the codes about pitching rules. USA Softball and USSSA currently allow leaping. From your perspective, how does leaping impact a pitcher’s performance? YARBROUGH: First of all, let me say the word that got everyone’s attention and always has is leaping, as opposed to disengagement from the playing field — which we hoped people would understand. If you want to call it leaping — the actual pushing off and leaping — there is no advantage. It’s been proven there is no or very little difference that a pitcher obtains once they push off from the pitcher’s plate, whether they keep the pivot foot in contact or both feet disengage. The term that people are fearful of is the replant. They establish a second point after they have left the pitcher’s plate … to push off a second time. That in itself is illegal and the one most people are most fearful of if we allow both feet off the playing surface during the delivery of the pitch.
REFEREE: There’s often confusion about leaping and crow hopping. What is the difference in layman’s terms? YARBROUGH: The leap is when both feet are disengaged prior to delivery of the pitch. The crow hop is the replant. The crow hop, they push off, disengage and then prior to the pitch, establish a second point to push off a second time. That’s the crow hop that most people understand as a replant.
Georgia High School Association (GHSA) assistant executive director discusses rules regarding pitcher’s footwork.
REFEREE: Is there a way umpires can quickly identify if a pitcher is leaping versus crow hopping?
5 MINUTES WITH ERNIE YARBROUGH
Resides: Canton, Ga. Experience: Associate director for the GHSA since 2002; member of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee; involved with fastpitch softball for more than 50 years as a player, coach and administrator; serves as the Georgia State and Southeast Regional Junior Olympic Commissioner for USA Softball; inducted into the Georgia Softball Hall of Fame in 2016 and coached the USA Girls’ Junior National team in the 2019 Pan Am Games; former operator of the Georgia Academy of Softball for 30 years.
YARBROUGH: I think there is. lt’s easy to tell. You can look at videos available on YouTube or other training material. It’s really easy to see when a replant takes place, than just the pivot foot and stride foot not in contact with the playing surface during delivery. Part of what we addressed a couple of years ago is many times by the second or third inning of a game, there is a discernible hole in front of the pitcher’s plate. It’s virtually impossible to leave the pivot foot down during the delivery. That’s why we established umpires should recognize that and not call it an illegal pitch.
On force plays when the fielder catches the ball and subsequently releases the ball because of a collision with the fielder or the bag, it is important for umpires to sell the call. TC Castro, Fontana, Calif.
SOFTBALL 32 | REFEREE September 2022 Option
Batter-Runner Beware
W hen a batter hits the ball down the first-base line, a lot of things can happen. One of those things is interference. All four rule codes are clear on what constitutes the batter interfering with the fielder. In general, a batter-runner creates interference by denying a defensive player a reasonable opportunity to make a play (NFHS 8-2-7; NCAA 12.17.1.3; USA Softball 8-2f-1; USSSA8-18g).Onespecific scenario where interference is likely to happen is on a batted ball up the first-base line and the first baseman comes in to field the ground ball (as shown in the PlayPic on the next page). The first baseman must be given the opportunity to make the initial play on the ball and the batter-runner must avoid the fielder. The batterrunner in this situation has a couple of options to avoid interference on this play. The batter-runner can run farther to the right or left to avoid the fielder or the batter-runner can slow down and wait until the fielder fields the ball before trying to advance toward first base. The one thing the batter-runner may not do is run through the fielder. If the fielder is making an initial play on the ball, the batter-runner must avoid the fielder. Whether the act is intentional or not, if the batter-runner makes contact with the fielder trying to field the ball on the initial play, the batter-runner is out for interference and the ball is dead. In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, any runners on base must return to the last base legally touched at the time of interference. In NCAA, runners are returned to the base occupied at the time of pitch. One area that often confuses umpires and coaches on this play is the three-foot running lane. The lane has no bearing on this play. The batter-runner is not protected on this play simply for running inside Play:Play? With R1 on first and one out, B3 bats with an 0-0 count. F1 steps onto the pitching plate with the hands together. During F1’s motion, but prior to delivering the pitch, R1 leaves first base early to try to steal second base. The pitch is delivered for a strike and F2 throws the ball to F6, who tags R1 out before R1 reaches second base. Ruling: In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, F1 is guilty of an illegal pitch, which is a delayed dead ball. However, the play is dead when R1 leaves first early. “No pitch” shall be declared and all action after that is canceled. R1 is ruled out for leaving early and a ball is added to B3’s count for the illegal pitch. B3 remains at bat with a 1-0 count and two outs (NFHS 6-1-1a, 8-6-18 Pen., 8.6.21; USA Softball 6A-1a, 6A-11, 8-7s Eff., March 2008 Interp.; USSSA 6-1a, 6-3, 8-18k, Feb. 2018 Interp.). In NCAA, this is an option play. The illegal pitch is addressed first, and the offense has the option of taking the result of the play (runner out and a strike on the batter) or taking the effect of the illegal pitch (a ball on the batter and the runner returned to first base). The latter is the obvious choice here. Next, the defense has the choice of enforcing the illegal pitch (since that is the option the offense took) or taking the penalty for R1 leaving early (R1 is out and the batter remains at bat with an 0-0 count). The latter is the obvious choice, so R1 is ruled out and B3 remains at bat with two outs and an 0-0 count (10.1.1a, 10.8, 12.14.2 Pen., AR 12-36).
Double First Base Play: The umpires arrive to a turf field that has a double first base in place. Ruling: In NFHS, a double first base may be utilized by state association adoption. If the state adopts the double first base, the base may remain. If not, the safety base should be removed and the peg covered for safety (1-2-1 Note). In NCAA, the double first base may never be used and the safety base should be removed and the peg covered for safety (2.7, AR 2-5). In USA Softball, the double first base must be used for all levels (2-3h). In USSSA, a double first base may be used, but is not required. The umpires may leave it as is and would be covered by rule (1-2c, Feb. 2018 Interp.) CASEPLAYS
The only thing the umpire has to determine is whether or not the player had control of the ball prior to the collision. If the ball and runner all arrive at the same time, the odds are the fielder did not have control. However, if the ball enters the glove, and there is time between the catch and the collision, the runner is most likelyTheout.same is true when a fielder dives to a bag to beat a runner. There have been several instances when a fielder fields the ball, puts the ball in the throwing hand and lunges for a bag. If a fielder has the ball in the hand, secures it and touches a base prior to the runner getting there, then the ball is dislodged after touching the bag, the force out still counts. At the exact moment the fielder touched the bag, the runner is out. The only thing the umpire must determine is if the fielder had control of the ball before touching the base. If the fielder did, the runner is out, and subsequent action doesn’t matter in terms of the runner being out or safe. More than likely on these types of plays, a coach is going to ask the calling umpire to get help. There is no harm in this in that these plays don’t happen all that often and it is important to make sure all information is obtained to get the call right. Another umpire may have a different angle that shows the ball was never controlled by the fielder or that umpire may be able to confirm control was established by the fielder prior to contact, which the calling umpire may not have seen as the focus was on the fielder’s and runner’s feet and not the ball in the glove.Either way, it is important for the calling umpire to sell this call. This is not an ordinary safe or out call and indecision on the call will lead to more discussion. Familiarize yourself with the rules on force outs and nail this call when it happens in your game. *
One final thing to judge on this play is the extent of the contact. If the batter-runner raises the arms or lowers the shoulder in an attempt to punish the fielder, the runner will also be ejected on top of being ruled out for the interference.
* SIZE: 5.5”x8.5” PAGES: 60 Be GameForReadyEvery$1595ONLY Attention Softball Umpires! Get easy outlines for pregames covering all the types of games you’ll face each season. learn more at STORE. /SOFTBALL*NASO member discount available. $1395 * DIGITAL PRINT $2095COMBO$1595 *
the lane, nor is the batter-runner out for being outside of the lane in order to avoid contacting the fielder. The running lane only matters on a throw to first base and has no impact on this particular situation. When umpiring this situation, the plate umpire most likely will be the one enforcing the interference and will have the best look down the line. If the contact occurs closer to first base, the base umpire may have a better look at it. In general, though, this type of play is going to happen either on a bunt or a weak ground ball up the line and will be closer to home plate. The base umpire (especially if there are runners on base) will have no angle to see the contact and accurately judge the play.
GARVEYDALE
RULES,SOCCERMECHANICS,TECHNIQUES 34 | REFEREE September 2022 COORDINATOR: JOHN VAN DE VAARST jvandevaarst@referee.com
Field Examination a Must for Every Match
INSPECTION DIRECTION
From left, Washington referees Richard Meeks, Renton; Brian Armes, Snohomish; and Chase Parker, Seattle, walk around the field before a match. Meeks, Armes and Parker are looking for proper field markings, as well as identifying any safety concerns not only within the field, but around the perimeter of the field.
By Ross Meloan, Ph.D. P icture a high school soccer game to be played between two very talented teams. The rivalry at a fever pitch, social media abuzz with more than simple trash talking between players on both teams, along with comments emanating from the supporting crowds of both teams. As a matter of fact, the banter is so prolific school administrations get involved to a point the host school requests additional security for the contest. The officiating crew for the contest is made up of seasoned veterans with experience in controlling this type of contest. And while they do not usually listen to the hyperbole regarding any game, the comments
QUICKTIP The offside rule indicates there must be two or more defenders nearer the goalline than the ball.
Do not be fooled and assume the goalkeeper is one of those defenders. There are plays when the goalkeeper has moved up to make a save and there is only one defender nearer the goalline.
SIDELINE FIFA World Cup to Deploy New Officiating Tech “Limb-tracking technology” and sensors planted in the soccer ball will assist match officials at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin Nov. 21 in Qatar. Calling it a “semi-automated” video review system, FIFA said in a press release the match will continue to be officiated by humans, but the new review process will help match officials “make faster, more accurate and more reproducible offside decisions on the biggest stage of all.”
REFEREE September 2022 | 35 surrounding this contest seem more caustic, more specific and has the crew predicting a very physical, hard-fought match. Based on experience, the referee crew made the decision to arrive at the game site a bit earlier than the norm. The logic was their presence might just avert any pregame shenanigans. It was even decided each assistant referee would take one half of the field for pregame team warmup observation. The referee would maintain vigilance at the halfway line. Surely nothing would get by them prior to kickoff, wouldTheit?officiating team was so busy reflecting on the preventive officiating techniques prior to the game, it almost forgot one of the most important responsibilities of the officiating crew prior to a game the pregame field inspection. It just so happened one of the crew mentioned it might be a good idea to walk the field to further the notion of presence and control. This is part of a referee team’s duty and should be accomplished before everyNFHSmatch.rule 1, The Field of Play, covers all aspects of the high school soccer playing field. Anything anyone would want to know about dimensions, nets, technical areas, corner flags, etc., is contained in this rule. Rule 1 even explains the degree of slope for natural or engineered turf fields. NFHS 1-7, Field Conditions, specifically states the home team administration/ game management is to “judge whether or not the condition of the field, the elements and other conditions affecting the safety of the field of play allow for a safe game to begin.” After the game begins, the officiating crew makes thatWhojudgment.isresponsible for making sure the field is safe to play on? Again, NFHS rule 5, The Officials, describes those responsibilities very well. Rule 5-2-2a indicates “the head referee or center referee shall inspect and approve the game balls, field of play and nets, inquire about local ground rules and determine whether a fair game can be started.” This clearly indicates field inspection is in the list of pregame responsibilities. The referee team must take this responsibility seriously. The safety of players is critical.The referee team began to walk the field per their usual routine. They walked along the touchline down to the goalline. They inspected the corner flags, arcs and hashmarks, and all seemed to be in order. They returned to the point where they started the field inspection. An assistant referee moved to take up a position and observe the home team half of the field from across the field. The remainder of the crew observed the assistant referee abruptly stop in his tracks and stare at his feet. Thinking he dropped something, the team continued their gaze until he sprinted to the visiting team bench, at the same time motioning the entire referee crew to his side as he stopped the visiting team from taking the field for pregame warmups. Without telling the visiting coach much of anything, the assistant referee explained the visiting team was not to take the field and to wait in the bench area until they received permission to warmWhatup.was he doing? Seriously, what was going on? As they approached the center circle, the crew noticed the assistant referee purposely stepped in almost the exact same place as he did when he started across the field the first time. He told the crew to look down by their feet, where there were someButnails.who was responsible for making sure this field was safe in the first place? The school administration, as clearly indicated in the NFHS rulebook. Although it is the administration’s responsibility, the referee team must also check the field. If there is something dangerous and a player is injured, the referee team could be named in a lawsuit for failure to complete their duties.
FIFA said the new process will combine the limb- and ball-tracking data in an artificial intelligence process to provide video match officials with an automated offside alert. Before informing the onfield referee, the video match officials will validate the automated decision by manually checking the automated kick point and offside line. Turned into a 3D simulation, the same positional data points will be shared on stadium video boards and made available to FIFA’s broadcastPreviouslypartners.collected data during online and offline tests was analyzed and validated by the MIT Sports Lab, with TRACK at Victoria University scientifically validating the limb-tracking technology and additional support coming from a research team at ETH Zurich. “VAR has already had a very positive impact on football and we can see that the number of major mistakes has already been dramatically reduced,” said Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee. FIFA previously implemented video review at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The assistant referee must always be concentrating on the play to ensure the offside decision is accurate.
By Joe Manjone, Ed.D.
What’s in Your Pregame?
c. Caution B2 for stopping play by using the hands.
36 | REFEREE September 2022 SOCCER In each of the following you are given a situation and at least two possible answers. You are to decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA or IFAB rules/ Laws. Solutions: p. 85
Ross Meloan, Ph.D., Murray, Ky., is a NISOA National Clinician and NISOA’s liaison to NFHS. *
The field was cleared; volunteers came out of the stands to help host management ensure there were no remaining nails anywhere on the field. Once completed, the crew and school administrators walked the entire field together to ensure there were no further issues. The kickoff was almost 30 minutes late but the match was played on a safeThefield.importance of a thorough field inspection cannot be diminished. Never anticipate everything is perfect and the inspection can be waived. Some examples of problems that may be identified are standing water, an exposed sprinkler head, a deep rut that can turn an ankle, a piece of wood lying on the ground, etc. Goalposts must be closely inspected as well. If they are portable, are they properly anchored? If not, the match cannot be started until that is corrected. Never start a match with unanchored portable goalposts. If a goal tips over, a player can be severely injured. Also, are the goalposts on the goalline? If it is a combination football goalpost and soccer goal, are there any issues that might develop as a result of the ball striking the football post? Are the nets pulled back to a sufficient distance to protect the goalkeeper from getting a hand stuck in the net? Are the nets properly fastened to the goalposts? A hole in the net can result in major problems for the officials. Did the ball enter the goal properly or did it go through the hole? A question no crew wants to answer.The markings on the field must also be reviewed and if there are any improper marks, the school administration must be notified. One of the most critical is the penalty mark. If it is less than 12 yards from the goal, the referee team should try and eliminate it and pace off a penalty kick when it is awarded.Another common error in field markings is the corner kick hashmark that should be 11 yards from the intersection of the touchline and goalline. It is often 12 yards because it was measured from the edge of the corner arc. It should also be five inches off the goalline. While this is a minor issue, it should be corrected, if possible.
c. Legal provided that socks match the color of the jerseys.
Coaches and team areas are to be properly identified so everyone knows where they are allowed to sit or stand during the match. Coaches are not permitted to wander the length of the touchline. Safety is a critical component of the referee team’s duties. The field must be safe to play on, otherwise the match should not commence. Also, if there are field marking issues, the referee or head referee must report the issues to the school administration or state association.
3. B1 is about to take a goal kick when A2 enters the penalty area. With A2 now in the penalty area, B1 takes the goal kick and the ball goes to B2, who moves with the ball upfield.
a. Stop play and have the kick retaken since A2 entered the penalty area. b. Stop play and award an indirect free kick for team B at the point where A2 entered the penalty area.
A n important referee function must occur prior to the start of each game. Clear and complete communication of expectations and requirements by the referee to those who, other than the referee, have roles in the operation of the game. These include the officiating team — assistant referees or side referee(s), the fourth official (if there is one), the game manager, the timer, the scorer, the ball holders and the head coach and captains from each team. Meeting the game manager When reaching the game site, the referee should introduce the officiating team to the game manager. The game manager is responsible for spectator control,
5. A1 prepares to take a corner kick at the end of the second half. Before the ball is in play, a spectator enters the field and kicks the ball. A1 then strikes the spectator in the face. a. Eject A1 and restart with an indirect free kick for team B. b. Wait a few moments for time to expire and end the match. c. Eject A1 and restart the match with the corner kick since the ball was not in play. TEST YOURSELF
1. The home team is wearing white jerseys and the visiting team arrives wearing blue jerseys.
c. Allow play to continue since A2 did not interfere with play.
a. Legal since the jerseys contrast each other. b. Illegal since the home team must wear dark jerseys.
4. A1 is moving toward team B’s goal, which is defended only by a goalkeeper. A1 is approached by the goalkeeper and A1 passes the ball back to A2, who is nearer to team B’s goalline than the second-to-last opponent. A2 receives the ball and scores a goal. a. Goal. The player was behind the ball so cannot be offside. b. No goal. This is offside since there was only one defender nearer the goalline. c. No goal and award an indirect free kick since A1 used trickery by passing the ball back.
2. A1 takes a powerful shot on goal. B2, who is very close, puts hands in front of the face as a reflex action to protect the face and the ball hits B2’s hands. a. Stop play and award a direct free kick or penalty kick for team A. b. Allow play to continue since this was not a deliberate attempt to use the hands.
REFEREE: What is your specific role with the Dallas Cup? SCOTT: Jim Mills, the assigner for Dallas Cup, invited the league to sponsor a camp in conjunction with their games. U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF have been doing something similar for a number of years which I have been fortunate enough to participate in. My role will be coaching the 12 referees participating in the camp. For years, the NPSL has supported U.S. Soccer’s referee program. The league believes that in order for the league to improve, the referees must as well. We are a development league not only for players but for referees. Most of the officials working the National Women’s Soccer League and MLS have at one time or another officiated in the NPSL. The NPSL Referee Development Program encompasses the NPSL Referee of the Year Awards, the NPSL U.S. Soccer Coaches Convention Referee Scholarships, funds to sponsor the assessment of NPSL matches through U.S. Soccer, sponsoring referee courses, the Disciplinary Code and Disciplinary Committee that ensures the protection of match officials and the NPSL Dallas Cup Referee Camp. Although the NPSL has teams across the United States, many of our markets do not have strong referee programs. Each state referee association is responsible for the development of Grassroots and Regional referees, but many lack the sufficient number of elite games required to develop highly talented referees. In collaboration with Dallas Cup, this camp will address this by targeting this population of officials, ultimately resulting in a better NPSL product on the field.
REFEREE: Do referees need to be invited or can they just sign up? SCOTT: To participate in the camp, referees are submitting an application.
Last month, I sent to the U.S. Soccer National Assigners and State Referee Administrators (SRA) who are in our markets an email that contained a description of the event and a link to apply. They were asked to share this with referees who are up and coming.
REFEREE: What criteria do you use to select referees for the tournament? SCOTT: The first criterion we are weighing in the selection process is referees from those areas that haven’t traditionally had the opportunities for intense one-on-one high-level coaching. The second is those referees who are not quite the top in their area. We are looking to help them join the assigner’s pool of their go-to referees.
REFEREE: Tell us about the Dallas Cup. SCOTT: The Dallas Cup is a world-renowned, invitation-only youth tournament that draws top teams and more than 500 future World Cup players. As the oldest and most prestigious international youth soccer tournament in the United States, Dallas Cup consists of 40 percent international teams, 40 percent U.S. teams, and 20 percent local teams. It creates a premier opportunity for high-level referee development. Referee academies across the globe partner with the tournament, helping Dallas Cup build its reputation of having the best officiating of any youth soccer tournament in the world.
Resides: Draper, Utah Current Roles: National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) director of officials, coordinator of officials for the Western Athletic and Rocky Mountain Athletic conferences, U.S. Soccer National Referee Coach and state referee administrator of Utah. Previous Officiating Experience: CONCACAF manager of refereeing, 2013 MLS Cup and All-Star Game, 2010 U.S. Open Cup Championship, more than 200 MLS regular-season assignments, 2013 and 2014 NCAA Final Four, 1996 Atlanta Paralympics. WITH PAUL SCOTT 2022 is
NPSL director of officials outlines officiating side of the Dallas Cup.
REFEREE: Do you track the success rate of officials who attend the Dallas Cup to see how many advance to high levels of matches? SCOTT: Our short-term goal is for these referees to have a greater rate of correct decision-making during their matches. After the tournament, we will provide feedback to the national assigners who are responsible for their development, and to the SRAs. They’ll provide feedback on the effectiveness of this program. Obviously, I hope there is an improvement which will enable us to expand this event. Who knows? One of these officials may become a FIFA referee.
5 MINUTES
REFEREE September
REFEREE September 2022 | 37 and the safety and security of the officials and teams. The referee should ask the game manager if there are any ground rules that will impact the game, and that must be communicated to the coaches and captains. One example is if the game is being played on a football field. What lines are for the soccer boundaries? If the ball hits the football crossbar and not the soccer crossbar, what will occur? Another point is the importance of playing the whistle, since the referee or assistant referee will determine if the ball is still in play after hitting a crossbar. The referee should also ask the game manager to review any security procedures in place and procedures that should be followed if any problems with spectators occur. How the game manager can be contacted and where he or she will be located should be established. As required by NFHS rule 5-2-1, the referee should conduct a pregame conference with the other member or members of the officiating team. NFHS 5-2-1 indicates the officials should arrive at least 15 minutes before the game and duties of the officials should be briefly reviewed. An earlier arrival is strongly recommended so there is sufficient time to go over the referee team’sItemsresponsibility.coveredinthe pregame conference are determined by the referee and can include the duties and expectations of each team member, positions of each official during a variety of play situations, game control, problem rules, assistant referee signals as listed in the rulebook, control of the team, substitutions, backing up the official time, caution and disqualification procedures, eye contact between team members, legal and illegal equipment, and pregame and postgame procedures. The referee may also during this pregame conference communicate additional signals that could be utilized by the officiating team. One such signal is the communication of the position of a defender’s foul near the penalty area.
Goalkeeper Dropped the Ball Play: Play is restarted with a drop ball for team A. After the ball touches the ground, A1 makes a short pass to A2, who notices the opposing goalkeeper is far from the goalline. A2 immediately takes a shot and kicks the ball directly into the goal. Ruling: Goal. The ball was in play and the goal is allowed because it was touched by two players (NFHS 9-2-6; NCAA 9.3.3; IFAB 8.2).
Promising Attack or Offside? Play: A1, who is near midfield, passes the ball toward A2, who is in an offside position and challenges for the ball. After that, B3 pulls A2’s shirt outside the penalty area and, in the judgment of the referee, stops a promising attack. The referee stops play and notices the assistant referee has indicated an offside offense. Ruling: The referee is to award an indirect free kick for team B for the offside offense. B2 is not cautioned since a promising attack did not materialize because of the offside infraction (NFHS 11-2; NCAA 11.2.a; IFAB 11.2). Goalkeeper Has a Cannon Play: B1 is injured within the penalty area and the match is stopped for B1’s injury. The referee restarts the match with a drop ball to B2, the goalkeeper. B2 picks up the ball with the hands, throws it downfield and the ball enters team B’s goal. Ruling: The referee shall disallow the goal and restart the match with a goal kick for team B. Note this is a rule change for NFHS effective with the 2022-23 season (NFHS 10-2f; NCAA AR 10.4.1.c; IFAB 12.1).
Fourth official If there is a fourth official, the pregame conference should address fourth official expectations. Items include location of the fourth official, substitutions (including making sure substitutes are listed on the roster and are legally and properly equipped), team area and coach control (as well as keeping the coach in the team area and informing the referee of improper behavior), recording of cautions and disqualifications, observing and noting of team area personnel leaving the team area during an altercation, informing the referee of timing device and other irregularities and observing the game for any problems that may occur. A sample list of fourth official duties is available in the back of the NFHS soccer rulebook. All pregame conferences between officials should be complete, concise and an open dialogue between the referee team. If there are any questions about game management, they should be discussed during the pregame conference. There should never be any surprises or confusion between the officials during the game. A complete pregame discussion should prevent this. Referees must have a pregame discussion, preferably before taking the field. While no two of these discussions will be exactly the same, the referee — with input from the assistant referees — must identify potential problem areas that may arise. While it can be admittedly difficult for referees fast-tracking it to their assignment after a workday, consider getting the crew together on a phone call (hands-free) if time will not permit the crew to have an effective in-person meeting at the site — even if the crew has worked together before. A pregame discussion allows the crew to be properly prepared.
CASEPLAYS
38 | REFEREE September 2022 SOCCER
WallPlay:Movement Team A is awarded a direct free kick approximately 25 yards from the goal. Team B forms a wall with four players. A1 takes up a position near the wall approximately 1-1/2 yards from the wall. After the ball is struck by A2, A1 moves toward the wall (encroaches) and a goal is scored. The referee allows play to continue and awards the goal. Ruling: There is no violation. Once the ball is in play, A1 has the right to move toward the wall or any direction (NFHS 13-3-1; NCAA 13.2.2; IFAB 13.3).
LAWSASSOCIATIONSOCCERSOCCERSIMPLIFIED Take a look at nine aspects of the IFAB Laws that are often a source of confusion for fans, players, coaches and officials at the amateur level. ORDER Store.TODAY! /SOCCER SIZE: 5.5”X8.5” PAGES: 20 *NASO member discount available. $395 * DIGITAL PRINT $795* COMBO $595 *
Finally, this very important and comprehensive pregame communication comes to an end, and the officiating team must go onto the field to start the game. The referee communications during the pregame should prevent any surprises during the game.
Joe Manjone, Ed.D., Silverhill, Ala., is a former chair of the NFHS Soccer Rules Committee. He was inducted into the NISOA Hall of Fame in 2013 and is an active high school referee and a former collegiate soccer referee. *
Meeting with the timer and scorer As indicated in NFHS 5-2d, the referee must meet with the timer and scorer to discuss specific duties. The timer is to use a visible timing device, which most often is the stadium clock. The review with the timer should include starting the clock when the ball is put in play and stopping it when signaled by the referee. A demonstration of the in-play and stop clock signals is very helpful. The timer should also be reminded of the duty to notify the referee when five minutes are remaining in the game and to watch for the stopping of the clock signal if the team in the lead substitutes. The referee also should remind the timer to count down verbally and loudly the last 10 seconds of each period, and to signal the end of each period with an appropriate device.Fewer directives are required when communicating with the scorer prior to the start of the game. As indicated in NFHS 6-32a, the scorer must verify each team’s roster includes players, substitutes and bench personnel at least five minutes prior to the start of the game. The referee must make certain the scorer has completed this task. The scorer must be reminded to obtain the head referee’s verification of a score before recording it. The scorer should also be told to record all cautions and disqualifications with the reason given, and to notify the referee if clarification is needed. Finally, inform the scorer all substitutes must report to the scorer and be verified on the roster before being beckoned into the game. The referee or the fourth official (if there is one) must check each of the game balls and give instructions to the ballholders. As indicated in NFHS 6-1-1, at least two ballholders must be provided. Instructions to the ballholders include keeping up with play and getting the extra ball to the player who is making a throw-in for balls over the touchline or to the kicker for balls that go out of play over the goalline. Ballholders are most frequently volunteers, and often younger people, so emphasizing their importance to the game and to keep up with play should be emphasized. After the game, a thank you for their efforts is strongly encouraged. Meeting coaches and captains After doing a cursory check of the players’ equipment, and as required by NFHS 5-2-2d, the officiating team should meet and confer with the head coach and captains of each team. The referee team should be introduced. The coaches and captains are then asked to professionally greet each other (shake hands or other methods). The referee should then address any player equipment problems, ground rules that will be in effect and any other appropriate items. This discussion should be short and to the point. It is not the time to attempt to intimidate players or create situations that will be a problem for the referee team during the game. Good sportsmanship by players, substitutes and coaches must be emphasized. Coaches are to be asked if all players will be legally equipped at the kickoff. State associations may have a pregame card the referee is to read. If this is the case, it should be done professionally and completely. The referee is to toss the coin to determine which team will kick off and which side of the field each team will defend. The visiting team calls the toss with the winner of the toss getting the choice of kicking off or defending a side. The loser of the toss gets the non-selected choice.
Obstruction, Interference or Play On?
By Scott Tittrington Soyou think baseball is not a contact sport?Lookat the photo that accompanies this article, captured during the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 state semifinals between Denmark High School and Jefferson High School this past June, and think again as you try to unravel what may have happened on this particular play. Such a big collision on any of the bases is certain to draw plenty of ill-informed reactions by the interested parties, and it’s up to you and your crew to use proper rules knowledge and mechanics to make an informed ruling that may not be popular, but correct nonetheless.Fromarules perspective, is this obstruction by the defense, with the first baseman cutting off access to the bag before he has the ball in his possession (NFHS 2-22-3; NCAA 2-55; pro Definition of Terms)? Is it interference by the offense, either due to the batter-runner purposely making contact with the first baseman in an effort to jar the ball loose (NFHS 2-21-1a; NCAA 2-51a; pro Definition of Terms), or due to a runner’s lane violation as he runs inside the foul line during the final 45 feet between home plate and the firstbase bag (NFHS 8-4-1g; NCAA 7-11p; pro Regardless5.09.a.11)? of who may be at fault, is this malicious contact on the baserunner according to NFHS rules (2-21-1b) or a violation of the NCAA collision rule that says a runner must make an actual attempt to reach the base (8-7a.1), may not attempt to dislodge the ball from a fielder (8-7a.2) and/or must attempt to avoid a collision if he can reach the base without colliding (8-7a.3)? And if it is a violation of any of the three NCAA provisions, again, is it flagrant or malicious?
RULES,BASEBALLMECHANICS,TECHNIQUESEDITOR: SCOTT TITTRINGTON stittrington@referee.com 40 | REFEREE September 2022 COLLISION COURSE
NETWORKTODAYGLASHEEN/USAWILLIAM
When runners and fielders collide, there’s often — but not always — an infraction to be called. Sorting that out requires knowing who’s at fault.
— NCAA crew chief Billy Van Raaphorst, explaining the reason for a recent NCAA regional game ejection
The five-run deficit prevented the move, and Roberts was instead forced to burn another arm in his bullpen.
From a mechanics perspective, if you are the first-base umpire on this play, are you putting yourself in a position to see all the necessary elements of this collision, or simply going through the motions related to a seemingly routine force play when all of a sudden this situation blows up on you? Are you aware of where the baseball is when the contact occurs? Did the first baseman complete the catch and then lose the ball due to the impact of the collision caused by the baserunner, or did he never have possession of the ball? Are you certain the batter-runner either has, or has not, touched first base? As the plate umpire, are you coming up the first-base line and in a position where you can offer an opinion on the collision if asked? Are you ready to rule obstruction on the first baseman or runner’s lane interference if that’s what you have observed from your angle on the play?Finally, both from a rules perspective and a mechanics perspective, the crew must understand this collision — whether illegal because of one of the many possibilities listed above, or a legal baseball play that happens to occur due to two players and the ball all arriving at the same place at the same time — is only one small part of the story. Because the inevitable followup question is: What happens next? Is there activity on this play that requires the ball to become dead, either immediately or delayed once the playing action comes to a stop? If the ball remains live, what is the aftermath of this collision? Does the first baseman obstruct the batterrunner and prevent him from trying to advance to second base? Does the batter-runner interfere with the first baseman’s ability to freely move and secure the baseball? And speaking of the ball, what if it ends up in dead-ball territory following the collision? Is it due to the throw itself? Is it because it was dislodged after being caught, making it the second act on the play? Does the base award differ if it’s one instead of the other? Rules committees at all levels in recent years have taken great pains to try to remove unnecessary contact from the game. Whether it’s the aforementioned collision rule, the pro version for plays at home plate, or the force-play slide rule that has become such an omnipresent part of the game at the NFHS and NCAA levels, efforts are constantly being made to protect players and to give umpires rules to enforce to help that cause. And still, a train wreck often occurs. When it does, the umpiring crew must know what’s OK, what’s not and the proper places to be on the field to make sure everyone has a clear look at the action so it can be properly adjudicated.
THEY SAID IT A certain set of requirements must be met for a position player to appear as a pitcher during an MLB game — a rule that caught Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts by surprise when he wanted to use utility player Zach McKinstry to throw the ninth inning in their June 5 game against the New York Mets. With the score 9-4 in favor of the Mets, Roberts sent McKinstry to the mound, only to be foiled by rule 4.03(c)4, which states, “No player on the lineup card other than those designated as two-way players or pitchers by the Club may appear in a championship season or postseason game as a pitcher except that any player may appear as a pitcher following the ninth inning of an extra inning game, or in any game in which his team is losing or winning by equal to or more than six runs when the player enters as a pitcher …”
“Tennessee No. 1 Drew Gilbert argued several pitches during the top of the second inning, steaming in from center field. To begin the next inning I talked to the player between innings, warning him to direct his comments only to his team, not our crew or the other team. He said OK and that he just gets“Duringexcited.the fifth inning following strike one, Tennessee batter Gilbert yelled an expletive, followed by another expletive as he walked out of the box and was subsequently ejected.”
When Catchers and Batters Collide
Umpires must know which acts keep the ball live as well as how to enforce the penalty. The result could be an immediate dead ball, with or without consequences; a delayed dead ball; or the ball could simply stay live. There are at least 10 acts, depending on the code, where the ball is not immediately dead and the umpire mustMESSINABOB
Scott Tittrington is an associate editor at Referee. He umpires college and high school baseball, and officiates college and high school basketball and high school football. *
By George Demetriou Almost all interference results in an immediate dead ball, but for some acts, play continues until action ceases — the so-called delayed dead ball. Additionally, there are other events that cause umpires to stop play and take action.
SOURCE: OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES DID YOU KNOW
1. With a runner on third, the batter hits a high pop fly that drifts over foul territory. The third baseman is accidentally prevented from catching the ball by the head coach in the coach’s box. a. Foul ball. b. The runner at third is out and a strike is added to the batter’s count. c. The batter is out. d. The coach is restricted to the bench and the coaching box must remain unoccupied.
42 | REFEREE September 2022 BASEBALL
In each question, decide which answer is correct for NFHS, NCAA or pro rules. Solutions: p. 85
3. With a runner on first base, the batter hits a ground ball to the second baseman. The second baseman attempts to tag the runner advancing from first, but misses him. The second baseman then throws to first but sails the ball into the dugout. The runner and the batter-runner are awarded: a. Two bases from their positions at the time of the pitch. b. Two bases from the time of the throw. c. Two bases from the time the ball became dead. d. One base.
2. With a runner on first base, the batter hits a ground ball to the third baseman. He fields the ball and immediately throws to first, but the ball sails into a dead-ball area. The runner and the batterrunner are awarded: a. Two bases from their positions at the time of the pitch. b. Two bases from the time of the throw. c. Two bases from the time the ball became dead. d. One base.
4. To “intentionally” give a batter a base on balls: a. The pitcher must throw four pitches out of the strike zone. b. The catcher or coach must request to award the batter first base before the first pitch to the batter. c. The catcher or coach may request to award the batter first base on any ball-and-strike count. d. Only the head coach or manager may signal to the umpire for an intentional walk. TEST YOURSELF allow play to continue. We’ll examine the more common ones. Except where noted, the material applies equally to NFHS; NCAA and pro rules. Catcher interferes with batter. Although the labels are different — NFHS uses “catcher obstruction” while NCAA and pro call it “catcher’s interference” — the rules are essentially the same if the catcher interferes with the batter’s swing without being enticed and deprives the batter of an opportunity to hit the pitch. The ball is immediately dead (NFHS 8-1-1e; NCAA 8-2e; pro 6.01c). Examples include stepping on or in front of home without possession of the ball, or touching the batter or his bat as or before he swings. Play 1: With a runner on second, B1 squares around to sacrifice. F2 reaches out for the ball and touches the bat, preventing the bunt. Ruling 1: The ball is dead. B1 is awarded first base for the interference. R2 remains at second. If interference occurs and the ball batted, it is not immediately dead and the umpire will allow the play to continue (PlayPic A). If the batter reaches first base and all other runners advance at least one base, the interference is ignored. A runner who misses the first base to which he is advancing and who is subsequently called out on appeal is considered to have advanced one base for the purpose of this rule (NFHS 8-1-1e, 8-2-3 Note; NCAA 8-2e1, 8-3o3 Note 3; pro 6.01c Cmt). Play 2: With no runners on base, F2 reaches out and touches the bat as B1 swings. The ball goes down the line for a double. Ruling 2: The interference is ignored and the play stands. If all runners, including the batterrunner, do not advance a base as above, the coach of the offense may elect to decline the interference penalty and accept the results of the play or may accept the interference penalty. The penalty is the award of first base to the batter. Other runners only advance if forced, unless they were attempting to steal (NFHS 8-1-1e1, 8-3-1c; NCAA 8-2e Exc.; pro 5.06b3D, 6.01c Cmt Exc. 1). Play 3: With a runner on third, F2 reaches out and touches the bat as B1 swings. The fly ball is deep enough for R3 to tag and score. Ruling 3: The coach may elect to take the result of the play or the one-base award for B1 with R3 remaining at third. In the previous play, the plate umpire would react differently depending on the level of play. In NFHS and NCAA, the umpire would act like a football referee and offer the options to the offensive coach. In professional play, the burden is on the coach to tell the umpire he wants the penalty before the normal limit on appeals.Therules also slightly differ if the catcher’s interference occurs while a runner on third is trying to score by means of a steal or squeeze play. In NCAA and pro play, the ball is immediately dead and the interference penalty is enforced with the batter awarded first. In addition, a balk is charged to the pitcher. That allows all runners, including the runner on third, to be awarded one base. Under NFHS rules, there is not a special case for a balk and only runners forced to advance may do so unless attempting to steal. In this situation, the interference could also be caused by the catcher stepping on or in front of home without possession of the ball (NFHS 8-1-1e; NCAA 8-3p; pro 6.01g). Play 4: With runners on first and third, the suicide squeeze is on as both runners start. F2 reaches out and touches the bat. B1 turns to look at F2 and F1 halts his delivery. Ruling 4: Even though the contact with the bat occurred before F1 released the ball, interference shall be called. B1 is awarded first on the interference and each runner is awarded one base. Batter interferes with catcher. When a runner is attempting to steal a base, a batter can be guilty of interference if his swing brings him over the plate, he leans over the plate, steps out of the batter’s box, or makes any other movement that interferes with the catcher’s attempt to make a throw (PlayPic B). Any contact within the plane of the batter’s box is considered incidental. If the batter interferes and any runner attempting to advance is put out, the contact is ignored. Under NCAA and pro rules, the out must be made on the initial throw. Otherwise, the batter
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Ruling 6: Interference should be called the moment B1 interferes and the ball becomes dead. Because F2’s initial throw did not retire R1, he is declared out. If the batter is out on strike three and there were less than two out, the runner being played on is also out in NCAA and pro, resulting in a double play. In NFHS, the runner is only out if the umpire judges he could have been retired without the interference. The umpire should give the benefit of any doubt to the defense and call out the runner for the double play (NFHS 5-12a, 7-3-5, 7.3.5C, 8.4.2K; NCAA 6-3b, 7-11f; pro 6.03a3). The batter can also be guilty of interference if his bat hits the catcher on the follow-through, unless the catcher jumps up and moves into the swing. NCAA and pro use the terms “followthrough” and “backswing” somewhat interchangeably, but they are different acts.NFHS defines backswing interference as a batter contacting the catcher or his equipment prior to the time of the pitch (2-21-5). If that happens, the umpire should immediately call time and in effect it’s a “do-over” (NFHS 5-1-1n, 7.3.7; NCAA 8-2e Note; pro 5.05b3 Cmt 3). If the contact occurs on the followthrough of the swing while the catcher is in the act of making a throw to retire a runner, or a runner is able to advance on the play, the codes differ. In NFHS, the batter is out and the runner returns. In NCAA and pro, time is called at the end of playing action, the batter is only out on a third strike and runners return unless the catcher’s initial throw retires the runner (NFHS 7-3-5c; NCAA 6-2d; pro 6.03a3 Cmt). George Demetriou, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the state’s rules interpreter.
Pitch the Ball, Not a Fit
By Jon Bible
All umpires will encounter pitchers who aren’t happy with their work. Because I had a generous strike zone it was usually hitters who shook their heads, but even so, a pitcher would occasionally register his disapproval of a call. How do we handle this? I’m not referring to the one who throws a complete fit, because that’s easy. Goodbye. Instead, I mean the one who’s more subtle and stares at me, shakes his head, slaps his glove at the catcher’s return throw and the like. We can’t tolerate this kind of behavior. Depending on how agitated the pitcher is I might let him off the hook once, but not twice. If I let Sam do this it’s likely to get worse, and teammate Joe will infer he can act up. Then opponent Bill will wonder why he should behave if Sam and Joe aren’t. So I have to do something about it. The question is, what? In my book, that depends on the level of ball, for what’s appropriate at the college level isn’t in high school or “kid ball” such as Little League, Pony League, etc. Let’s start with kid ball. Pitchers are less accurate, so more pitches will be out of the strike zone. Umpires may not have mastered the zone, so the odds of missing calls are greater. Given their immaturity, pitchers are more prone to blame us for their shortcomings and show disapproval, verbally and/or visibly, when calls don’t go their way. It’s also harder for A B
REFEREE September 2022 | 43 is out and all runners either remain or return to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. Play 5: R1 breaks for second as F1 delivers. B1 swings and his momentum unintentionally carries him over the plate. As F2 steps forward to throw he bumps into B1 and his throw goes into center field. Ruling 5: Intent is not a factor. B1 is out and R1 is returned to first. Play 6: R1 is stealing on a 1-1 count. B1 bumps F2 as he throws to second. The throw is offline, but R1 stops short of second base and a rundown ensues. R1 is finally tagged out by F3.
BasesPlay:Cleared
BoomerangPlay: B1 lines a pitch right back at the pitcher’s feet. F1 eludes the ball, but it hits the front edge of the rubber and rebounds across the foul line in front of first base. Ruling: That’s a foul ball (NFHS 2-16-1a; NCAA 2-35a, 7-7f; pro Foul Ball Definition Cmt). A Step Too Far Play: B1 is in the box with a 1-1 count. F1 steps back off the pitcher’s plate to wipe his brow. B1 steps out of the box with both feet. Ruling: By the letter of the rule, in NFHS and NCAA, B1 is charged with a strike for violating the batter’s box rule. In pro, there is no violation (NFHS 7-3-1; NCAA 7-1d1; pro 5.04b).
Caught for Naught Play: With R1 on first running on the pitch and a 2-2 count, B2 squares to bunt as F5 charges. B2 then straightens up and swings. The tipped ball deflects off the catcher’s mitt into the glove of F5. R1 chugs into second as F5 fires to first base. Ruling: It is a foul ball and R1 returns to first. It is not a foul tip because it was not secured by the catcher and is treated as an uncaught foul (NFHS 2-16-2, 2.16.2B; NCAA 2-37, 7-8; pro Foul Tip Definition, 5.06c7 Cmt, 5.09a2 Cmt). Pardon Me Play: B1 homers over the fence and trips over third as he rounds that base. The thirdbase coach helps B1 to his feet. Ruling: There is no penalty for assisting the runner as the runner did not gain an advantage (NFHS 3.2.2A; NCAA 5-2d, 8-5f, interp.; pro 8.01a8 interp.).
I’ve known umpires who gave catchers a pregame sermon they need to catch, not umpire, so don’t turn around on a call, etc. A few had similar chats with pitchers. I never did this because I thought it started things on a bad note to appear to be going into the game expecting trouble; instead, I worked on the theory players’ behavior would be fine until they demonstrated otherwise. College and even high school catchers, and other position players, are mature enough I could use them to send a message to a pitcher whose gestures indicated his displeasure with me. (I tried this in kid ball, but he got halfway to the mound, turned around, and yelled, “What did you want me to tell him?” Never again.) I may, for example, whisper in his ear, “I’m not putting up with your buddy’s nonsense, so go out there and straighten him out.” I didn’t use profanity or make threats because I knew this could come back to haunt me; anyway, I figured they were perceptive enough to read between the lines.Even if the catcher was also upset with me, my experience was almost all were sensible enough to know starting a war with me was not a good move, so they stifled their feelings and got their pitcher to settle down. So, problem solved without World War III beingPitchersdeclared.and coaches will tell you they appreciate umpires who handle them unobtrusively. When an umpire comes on strong with a player, it’s human nature for him to get defensive and want to fire back, but it’s hard to do that when we take the subtle approach.Ifmy“messenger” approach didn’t work, I would take (not whip) off my mask, walk in front of the plate (not storm out), put up my hand and tell him (not yell and point) to settle down. Doing this in a stern, but not aggressive, manner usually produced results. At these levels the players’ egos aren’t so fragile that they’ll crack if we confront them directly and they’re old enough we won’t come across as bullies. Often the direct approach works best. If all else fails, we’ve no option but to resort to ejection. In high school ball, I first opted to involve the head coach, ala kid ball, because the players’ maturity is such I wanted him as the go-between. Not in college. And if we get to the point of ejection, it will, if we’ve played our cards right, be obvious to everyone that we had no other choice. Jon Bible, Austin, Texas, worked seven NCAA Division I College World Series. In 2019, he was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in Lubbock, Texas. *
CASEPLAYS
BASEBALL
44 | REFEREE September 2022 us to confront them directly, for we can come across as bullies if we scold little Johnny or Susie. When I had problems with pitchers at this level, I involved the head coach.
I would call the coach out of the dugout — don’t go over there, because entering “their territory” seems aggressive — and calmly ask for help by settling the pitcher down. If the coach tried to fight me on it, I’d observe it would be better for everyone if we went this route because otherwise I’d have to take matters in my own hands, and that would make no one happy. Putting the ball in the coach’s court almost always produced good results. On rare occasions it didn’t and I had no choice but to toss the pitcher and/or coach. In high school and college, pitchers are more mature and generally have been in the game long enough to know not to show up an umpire. I didn’t mind if he unobtrusively used his hand to, in effect, ask if a pitch was high, inside or whatever, but I drew the line there. At these levels we can deal with the players more directly than in kid ball, but we still need to send the non-confrontational message we’re not going to put up with nonsense. Back in the day we could shrink the strike zone or whip off our mask and storm out to the mound, but this doesn’t fly today.
The bases are loaded when B4 hits a Texas Leaguer into short left field. F7 picks up the ball and throws wildly toward the plate and into the stands. When F7 released the ball, all runners had advanced to the next base, but B4 had not yet reached first. Ruling: Three runs score on the two-base award from the time of the throw and B4 is awarded second (NFHS 8-3-3c, 8-3-5; NCAA 8-3o3; pro 5.06b4G).
The coach may not be crazy about me either, but I didn’t care because all I wanted was for the pitcher to quit showing me up. I thought because the coach is in charge of the team, my best bet, even if I felt the coach was clueless, was to give him or her the first crack at solving my problem. Coming across as reasonable also earned me brownie points with everyone.
• A softball player blamed the umpires for not recognizing poor field conditions that they said resulted in a fall and subsequent injury. After litigation, more than $18,000 was paid out.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS VISIONINACTION THESE SUPPORTORGANIZATIONSOFFICIALS WE’RE ALL IN THIS MAGAZINEATTENTIONTOGETHER!REFEREESUBSCRIBERS It’s time to join the rest of us in the National Association of Sports O cials. Not only will you continue to receive the world’s #1 o ciating publication, you’ll enjoy all of the additional benefits NASO members enjoy. Go to naso.org/upgrade2022 to join NASO for the special introductory price of $114 and receive these two FREE books! FOR NASO MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION OR TO SIGN UP, GO TO NASO.ORG, CALL 262-632-5448 OR EMAIL CSERVICE@NASO.ORG Are You Confident That You’re Covered? Not All Officiating Insurance Programs Cover You Like NASO Does Imagine these scenarios and potential outcomes:
$ 114JOINTODAY
• A basketball player sued for injury alleging the slippery conditions on the floor led to a serious knee injury. Officials were removed from the lawsuit but not before they incurred $32,000 in legalActually,fees. don’t bother imagining those scenarios. They actually happened. But the outcomes ended up being very positive for the officials involved because they were all NASO members.Manyofficials think they are covered by the insurance of the league or athletic association through which they are working, but that’s not always the case. Most officials are independent contractors and are responsible for their own insurance protection. Some officials don’t carry any insurance at all and may not even be aware of that fact. Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover you for your officiating endeavors. Your state association may have insurance protections for you, but it may only cover sanctioned high school games and not youth games, small college games or any other games you mightNASOofficiate.recognizes that those gaps in coverage exist, and that’s why we have tailored the insurance protections that we supply to our members with that in mind.Every member of NASO can rest assured that they are protected with liability insurance no matter what games they are working, no matter what level and no matter what sport. NASO members are covered for any game, any time, anywhere they officiate. Better still, everything you do as an official, umpire or referee — from assigning games, to working as a clinic trainer, to actual officiating — is covered with NASONASO’smembership.insurance program is preeminent in the officiating world. You simply will not find a more far reaching and comprehensive insurance package. It covers officials working every game, every sport and at every level. Nobody else does that.
•A soccer player fell and struck his knee on a rail that surrounded the running track. The player said it was too close to the playing field for safety and the official should have recognized it. $14,000 was paid when the lawyers got involved.
A Close-Up View of the Challenge Review System
•Illegal (back-row) attack fault.
SPORTSTODAYBRANSCOMBE-USASTEVEN
It’s important for referees to understand all the rules regarding the Challenge Review System when working collegiate matches. Kaili Kimura, Monterey Park, Calif., listens to a coach explain a challenge during an NCAA tournament match.
•Illegal•In/out/touch/net.following:attack,block or contact over the opponent’s court (that is dependent on whether there was contact by an involved player).
•(New) Whether the libero’s foot/feet or take-off point is in the front zone when setting the ball to a teammate.Beginning with the 202223 season, coaches will get two challenges per match. If they challenge and “win,” they will retain
By Bill Thornburgh After years of coaches, players and fans thinking referees got a call wrong or referees beating themselves up and questioning a call (or no call) they made during a match, we finally have a tool that can help us get the call Theright.Challenge Review System (CRS) entered NCAA volleyball as an experimental rule in 2015 with use in a few Power 5 conferences. In 2016, it was included in the rulebook for all conferences and when CRS made its first appearance in an NCAA Championship match. Seeing the many benefits it provided, more schools at various levels of collegiate volleyball have implemented CRS to help make contests (specifically, certain calls) fair by allowing coaches to challenge referee decisions. Over the past seven years, the rules committee has made updates and experimented with what can be challenged, how many challenges are allowed, and the referee techniques and communication used during the challenge process. What Is Challengeable? There have been some minor changes along the way regarding what can be challenged, but the current rule allows coaches to challenge the
LET’S GO TO THE VIDEO
•Service foot fault.
RULES,VOLLEYBALLMECHANICS,PHILOSOPHY 46 | REFEREE September 2022 EDITORS: BRAD TITTRINGTON btittrington@referee.com
TOOLS Big Ten Hosts Inaugural Volleyball Media Days
Chart1 ChallengesTotal ChallengesAverageperMatch
QUICK TIP Rule Comparisons Do you referee multiple codes? Do you sometimes forget the differences in the codes you work or want to compare rule sets? The Professional Association of Volleyball Officials offers a free guide on its website to help you. PAVO offers two different PDFs — one comparing all three major rule sets (NFHS, NCAA and USAV) and one that compares NCAA and USAV. Go to eachforinformation.Tools/Rule-Comparisonspavo.org/Rules-and-formoreTheguidesareperfectaquickrefresheronrulesbeforematch.
35.4% 18.6% 1.0% 0.4% Type of
CRS Reliability
More cameras and higher quality cameras would do wonders for the possible outcomes of a challenge. However, schools are under financial restraints, which contributes to CRS not being a totally reliable tool for referees and coaches. Let’s take a moment to look at some data on challenged calls, which result in one of three outcomes — the call is confirmed (the referee team was correct), the call is reversed (the referee team was incorrect) or the call stands (no camera provided conclusive evidence to confirm or reverse the original decision). The Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) has been collecting data on challenges, and Chart 1 provides some interesting numbers from the last four seasons (removing the unpredictable and shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic). A special thanks to Katy Meyer and Rachael Rodriguez from PAVO for providing the data.
34.6% 20.4% 1.1% 0.2% 2019
20215,4422.641:2720195,1462.661:2920183,5452.611:27(minutes)Challenge Chart 2 Ballacontactingplayer Ball in or outNet faultAttack line fault Service line foot fault 2018
The Big Ten Conference became the first collegiate conference to host an in-person preseason volleyball media event when it hosted the inaugural Big Ten Media Days, Aug. 1-2, in Chicago. Seven of the conference’s 14 schools arrived at the Big Ten Network on Aug. 1 for a series of interview sessions and other creative content opportunities to preview the upcoming 2022 season. The other seven schools arrived Aug. 2 to do the same. “I’m extremely proud and excited that the Big Ten is hosting the first-ever volleyball media day,” said Marcia Alterman, Big Ten coordinator of volleyball officials. “It will give a boost to the status of our sport in the eyes of the public, and hopefully some attention to rules and officiating will be a part of the exchange with the media representatives.” Average Time of 43.7% 43.3% 2021 44.7% Challenge *Totals may not equal 100% due rounding.
SIDELINE that challenge. If a match goes to a fifth set, each team will get an extra challenge, but teams cannot have more than two challenges going into that set.
to
The biggest factors that contribute to reliability are the number of cameras in use, the position of the cameras and the quality of the cameras. As many collegiate referees know, it is very frustrating when there are a limited number of cameras, meaning CRS is unlikely to be helpful; the positions of the cameras are not in line with boundary lines or they are located in an odd area, meaning that certain plays will be difficult to review; and/or the cameras are of poor quality, meaning we do not have a high enough frame rate, which is measured in frames per second. The game is fast-moving and if the cameras have a low frame rate, we are missing micro touches, whether the ball contacted the floor (pancake attempts) and identifying where the ball contacted the floor (in/out).
REFEREE September 2022 | 47
36.7% 18.8% 0.7% 0.4%
CRS Data
I believe there are more challenges because more schools at various levels are using CRS, not because more referees’ decisions are being questioned. You can see this by looking at the average number of challenges per match, which has not changed, even though there have been more challenges. One would think if referees are improving with experience, the average time to complete a challenge would get faster. But referees with less experience are now getting exposure to CRS as more and more schools are implementing it — there is a learning curve when working with the technology. Plus, we never want to rush a review. Not all schools have volleyballsavvy technicians/camera crews working matches and that may slow down the average review time for referees. Schools should recruit good, fit people into these roles and train them for improved efficiency. As you can see with the types of challenge (Chart 2), they are occurring at the same rate each year. Referee teams (R1, R2, LJs) If you are working a match and lucky enough to have a ball crew, spend a few minutes before the match having a conversation about what is expected of them. Discuss when and how you would like them to roll balls to each other or the server. An errant ball being rolled during live play could lead to a disruption of play or potential injury.
2. After a point, the second referee is conferring with the table to sort out a substitution issue. Before the first referee whistles to authorize service, S1, frustrated with the delay, intentionally serves the ball over the net with a low trajectory, narrowly missing R2’s head.
In each of the following, you are given a situation and possible answer(s). You are to decide which answer(s) are correct for NFHS, NCAA or USAV rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 85
TEST YOURSELF Chart3 confirmeddecisionOriginal reverseddecisionOriginal Call 202139.2%38.6%21.2%201946.8%36.1%16.4%201846.8%36.4%16.4%stands Outcome Chart Outcome4 Sample size Percentage Sample size Percentage Originalconfirmeddecision 909 35.9% 1,303 41.7% Originalreverseddecision 1,050 41.5% 1,133 36.3% Call stands 547 21.6% 658 21.1% 2021 Experimental 2021 Standard *Mechanical or video failures excluded from table
CRS Wrap Up for Referees
There were some interesting CRS data from the 2021-22 season. While a few conferences participated with the experimental rule, most others continued to use the standard CRS rule (Chart 4). The reported data showed there was no difference in the total number of challenges per match and there was no difference in the type of challenge. However, when comparing the experimental data to the standard data, we observed a statistically significant shift in outcomes.Thesewere statistically significant results using the sample size and percentage response to calculate comparative error, difference and significance.Thiswould explain why the NCAA rules committee decided to make the challenge rule permanent, and coaches retain their challenges if successful. With this change, it is more likely players will be honest, coaches will be more selective when they challenge and challenges will not be used as a delay tactic or extra timeout.
We can all hope for better equipment to improve CRS, but we cannot control that. So, let’s make a commitment to do the following things that we can control:
48 | REFEREE September 2022 need to be positioned and focused in the right place at the right time to see touches and make decisions on line calls, as these two areas account for approximately 80 percent of all challenges.Weneed to continue to review challenges of this nature for training purposes — hopefully this will lead us to better decisions using CRS. Additionally, this should also improve the consistency of decisions from one referee to the next. In regard to the outcome of a challenge (Chart 3), we had almost identical numbers in confirming or reversing decisions in 2018 and 2019. However, in 2021 we observed more reversals and a slight uptick in “call stands.” Why? A few ideas: Reversals — In 2021, an experimental rule allowed coaches to keep the challenge if they were correct. Maybe they were more selective in when and how they used the green card (the color of the card coaches show to indicate a challenge). This made coaches more accurate, which led referees to reverse calls more often. Call stands — More schools using CRS with less-experienced officials who were conducting reviews may have resulted in missing crucial evidence to confirm or reverse the original decision, schools implementing CRS for the first year may have been using few cameras, and/or these new schools were using low-quality cameras.
•Build positive relationships with your partner and line judges.
•Be focused and in position
a. The first referee should award a re-serve since the authorization for service was never given. b. The first referee should issue a yellow card warning to the serving team for unnecessary delay.
3. During pre-match inspection of the court, the referees notice there are no attack-line extensions marked on the court. a. Attack-line extensions are not required to be marked on the court. b. Attack-line extensions must be marked on the court and the referees should contact the host/event manager and explain the marks are required. c. Attack-line extensions are only required at nationally sanctioned events. If this match is a nationally sanctioned event, the referees should contact the host/event manager and explain the marks are required.
•Improve your verbal communication and eye contact with your officiating team.
1. During a multi-court tournament, the second referee instructs the assistant scorer(s)/timer to avoid using the buzzer on the scoreboard to end timeouts and the interval between sets. The second referee notifies the assistant scorer(s)/timer that a whistle will be used instead. a. Correct procedure. The second referee may use a whistle to end timeouts and the interval between sets when multiple courts are used. b. Incorrect procedure. A buzzer from the assistant/scorer(s)/timer is required in all matches to end timeouts and the interval between sets, regardless of the number of courts being used.
c. The first referee should issue a yellow card warning to S1 for unsporting conduct. d. The first referee should issue a red card to the serving team for unnecessary delay. e. The first referee should issue a red card to S1 for unsporting conduct.
Did You Know?
VOLLEYBALL
•If possible, review your own CRS decision and those of others, for training purposes.
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Second referees and line judges are used to working in confined spaces, especially at the high school and tournament level. It is even true in some college venues as well. Because of these close confines, there are times when officials hinder play. While officials should always have their heads on a swivel and do everything possible to avoid play, sometimes plays happen too quickly and there isn’t time or space to get out of the way. These types of plays should be the exception as opposed to the Whatrule. can officials do to make sure they stay clear of interfering with a play? First, let’s start with second referees. The easiest way to avoid getting in the way of play is to stay far enough away from the court. Too often, second referees want to be up close to the net. This takes away your field of vision and makes you vulnerable. Second referees should stay back away from the net to help see the whole court and to give themselves time to read and react to plays. As they transition from side to side, they should know where players are to avoid a collision as seen in the PlayPic. If play comes toward the second referee, the referee should have time to read the movement of the players and transition to the other side of the court to get out of the way. Never be in a hurry to transition if there are players in the area to which you would be transitioning. Stay opposite and continue your duties from there. The one time interference is more likely to occur is when the second referee moves up to the side of the net to judge whether a ball crosses inside or outside of the antenna on the second referee’s side of the court. It is important for second referees to know where blockers are in this situation and make sure to quickly get in to position to see the ball and then get out of the way as quickly as possible after clearly seeing the ball cross the net. And while second referees are not all that likely to interfere, line judges are often in the line of fire. To avoid contact, line judges should always be in an athletic position and ready to move if play comes toward them. Being alert and able to read and react quickly is key. One thing to remember, line judges should try to stay on one of their lines if possible and not give up all angles. There will be times when multiple players and the location of the ball make this impossible, but again, this should be the exception and not the norm. Once an area becomes clear of players and the ball, line judges should hustle back to position and continue officiating. Don’t think because the ball came to your area and you avoided it, you can now relax. Stay alert to players getting back onto the court, know where the ball is in case you have to make a ruling and be prepared for the next When a collision does occur, it is important for the first referee to know the location of the ball. Just because there is contact between an official and a player, or if the ball hits an official, doesn’t mean interference occurred. The first referee needs to make a determination if the collision prevented a team from making a legitimate play on the ball. If so, a replay should be issued. If in doubt, give the player the benefit of the doubt and issue a replay. If the first referee determines there was no legitimate play to be made, the play stands. Be prepared to explain to a captain why no replay was issued and remember, it is a judgment call. have play. it ball. referee
•Follow the approved CRS procedures and use the proper referee techniques.•Communicate with your scorers, replay technician and announcer.
* REFEREE September 2022
•Listen to and communicate clearly with coaches — don’t try to talk them into or out of challenging a call.
REFEREE September 2022 | 49 to increase the accuracy of your decisions.•Know the rulebook and understand the nuances of what is challengeable when using CRS.
•Use self-talk and communicate with your partner (if using headsets) before showing the decision to avoid errors.
Bill Thornburgh, Shelbyville, Ky., is a National USAV and PAVO referee, as well as a FIVB International referee. He works in the Big Ten, Atlantic Coast, Southeastern and other D-I conferences around the Midwest.
Get Out of the Way
50 | REFEREE September 2022 VOLLEYBALL
By Rick Brown
High School Handling Hints
Recently, the NFHS published a change in philosophy for how first referees should call ballhandling. This special guidance is used to continue to try to teach what is expected, including first referees calling only clear ballhandling faults and striving for consistency. Training has been influenced by changes at the college level with the belief that fewer whistles on marginal double-hits are good for the game. What’s been taught is egregious double-hits should always be called as faults and we should not allow players to send the ball over the net with multiple contacts, except on the first contact. We expect the first referee to whistle a ballhandling fault when players “double” the ball over the net to the opponent’s side on second or third contacts or use prolonged contact to catch/throw the ball on any hit. Overall, the evolution in “calling hands” has tended toward loosening how ballhandling is called in the interest of “keeping the ball flying.” This translates into avoiding whistling marginal hands as faults, preferring to have a rally ended by the ball hitting the floor. A longer rally is perceived as providing an opportunity for the incredible athleticism that is part of our game to shine through, helping to grow the popularity of our sport. With most referees working in multiple rule sets, the reality is we still have many first referees who struggle to be consistent from the start of a match to the finish in terms of what they whistle as ballhandling faults and what they allow. The pace of today’s game and the athleticism of today’s players only makes the
A first referee’s top priority during a match is being consistent in judging ballhandling. Joe Cullumber, Milleville, Utah, must determine if this is prolonged contact or a throw and then must stick to that standard for the entire match.
MESSINABOB
Changes to Lineup Play: Team A’s head coach turns in the lineup sheet with three minutes remaining before the start of the match. After returning to the bench, the coach realizes A1 is listed in two locations on the lineup sheet and returns to the scorer’s table and makes a correction to the lineup, leaving A1 in one spot and changing the second number to 11. There are still two minutes remaining on the clock when the coach finishes the change. Ruling: In NFHS and NCAA, the change is legal and there is no penalty. In NFHS, a coach may correct the lineup until the two-minute mark remaining before the start of the match. In NCAA, a coach may make changes up until the oneminute mark remaining before the start of the match (NFHS 7-1-2; NCAA 10.1.1.7). In USAV, once the lineup has been submitted, no changes may be made without a regular substitution (7.3.4).
NetPlay:PlayB1 goes up to set a ball that is passed close to the net. A2, a front-row blocker, reaches across the net and does not contact the ball, but touches B1’s hand after the ball is successfully set. The first referee blows the whistle and awards a point to team B and signals illegally reaching beyond the net. Ruling: Incorrect in all rules codes. If there is no interference on the play, play continues. Since B1 successfully set the ball and there was no interference by A2, play should continue (NFHS 9-63, 9.6.3A; NCAA 15.1.3.3, 15.2.3; USAV 11.4.1).
Spectator Conduct Play: During play, a fan in the front row becomes unruly and harasses players, which ultimately interferes with playing action. The first referee stops the match with an official’s timeout, orders a replay and sends both teams to their respective benches and has the second referee contact the proper person in charge to address the issue. Ruling: In all codes, the first referee’s decision is correct. The first referee has the authority to suspend the match until the spectator issue is addressed. Player safety should be a priority (NFHS 12-3; NCAA Conduct of Spectators and Ancillary Participants (p. 83); USAV 17.2). CASEPLAYS
To help ensure referees do not have a predisposition that a fault will occur, only sight should be used to judge the contact point of a player and the ball when determining whether player-ball contact is legal or illegal. There is no player position or technique used in playing the ball that should automatically result in a ballhandling fault. Referees should strive for consistency in a manner that is predictable from the beginning to the end of a match so that teams are able to figure out what ballhandling is considered legal and illegal and adjust their expectations accordingly. To promote consistency, each first referee needs to develop a clear line regarding what he or she would whistle as a ballhandling fault at set or match point. This comes from experience, critique and observing top referees officiate in terms of how hands are called at various levels of
job of the first referee more difficult. For greater consistency in making ballhandling judgments, referees need to remember the following in judging legality.Topromote consistency, the first referee must get eyes ahead of the ball so the eyes are steady and focused to see the ball arrive. A key is to judge the point of contact without preconceived notions based on who is playing the ball or how. Only the contact point and playing action are to be judged. Sight is the only factor for the first referee to consider. You can’t determine what you can’t see. Not every double-hit needs to be called. Minor double-hits can be let go in the interest of making the game more about the players.
Updated for 2022, see why Net Gain is the best selling volleyball training book of all time. Improve your judgments around ball-handling, overlaps/alignment, net play, and line calls. Mastering these areas will instantly help you be a better referee and help you make great calls with consistency and confidence. MasterVolleyball’sToughestCallsSTORE./VOLLEYBALL *NASO member discount available. 1395 * DIGITAL PRINT $2095COMBO$1595 * UPDATEDfor2022 SIZE: 5.5” X 8.5” PAGES: 80 all time. Improve your judgments around ToughestVolleyball’sCalls
When evaluating ballhandling, it is important to understand there is a current focus on an increase in continuation of play when judging second-ball contacts directed to a teammate. This guidance is focused specifically on the second team contact and, especially, setting action. A player in good position to make a play on the ball is expected to play the ball without discernible double contacts, taking into account level of play. At lower levels of competition, fewer calls may be made in the interest of what is good for the players and good for the game, allowing more points to play out, setting and staying with a reasonable level that avoids the first referee taking over the match. The biggest change in ballhandling philosophy relates to second contacts directed to a teammate. Less severe judgment is to be applied by the first referee to a player making a challenging or spectacular play without the ball coming to rest or resulting in more than a minor double-hit. Bad double-hits are still to be called, and the ball still can’t come to rest or be caught or thrown.
52 | REFEREE September 2022 VOLLEYBALL play. Within a range, first referees should be able to be relatively consistent if they view the ball contacting the body part and don’t call setting faults based on spin as the ball sails high into the air. Then, the first referee should be careful to avoid whistling a ballhandling fault early in the match that he or she would not be willing to make late in a set, or with the set or match on the Withline. this awareness, first referees should be very deliberate regarding that very first ballhandling-fault call since that call may frame the expectations for what is called and not called throughout the match. Referees need to avoid painting themselves into a corner with that first hands call. As a match goes on, first referees can slightly adjust how hands are called, but can do this with less impact by not calling hands too tightly from the start. It’s considered easier to do a slight tightening up on hands than easing up, but that’s only within the margins of what has been established. Otherwise, what gets established early in the first set tends to set the tone for the rest of the Followingmatch. this philosophy helps first referees be more consistent and reduces “surprise” calls and non-calls that understandably produce major reactions. Players and coaches are rightfully upset when a ballhandling fault is called late in a match that has been allowed to play on earlier in the match. They are equally upset when something that was a clear ballhandling fault earlier in the match is passed on later in the match by the first referee. At the highest levels, the belief is most first referees are incapable of being tight on calling hands consistently from start to finish while still allowing the match to be about the players. Many more first referees can be more loose and be more consistent from start to finish. Consistency is balanced by reasonability in terms of referees having a different standard for ballhandling regarding double-hits based on level of play or level of competition. Ballhandling standards should be different where players are learning the game compared with the top level of varsity play, where skill execution is clearly better and the expectations of coaches and players are more exacting. How ballhandling is being called continues to evolve at all levels of volleyball throughout the world. Various rule sets are considering doing away with double-hits that are set to a teammate and don’t go across the net to the opponent’s side. As previously noted, keeping the ball flying has been translated into not whistling marginal hands. The NCAA tested a change in ballhandling for spring 2022 matches where teams will be allowed to experiment with a rule that eliminates a double-contact fault when the ball remains on the same side of the net it was played on for second contact only. The general belief among the coaches who are promoting these changes is a marginal set offers no inherent advantage and even somewhat of a disadvantage to the offense. The stated rationale is to see if this rule change relieves pressure off the referees to make controversial double-contact calls in critical moments of a match. It will be interesting to see if this becomes the new standard. Rick Brown, Westerville, Ohio, is a longtime girls’ and boys’ high school volleyball referee, working 22 state tournaments. He is a state and local rules interpreter, USAV Regional Referee and formerly a PAVO National Line Judge, working multiple D-I postseason matches. *
During a match, it is not unusual, especially at the high school or tournament level, to see players use their feet to play the volleyball. And without fail, when this type of play happens, someone either on the court or from the stands will yell, “Is that legal?” In all codes, the answer is “yes.”
Kick Save and a Beauty
NFHS, NCAA and USAV rules allow the player to play the ball with any part of the body, provided the ball does not come to rest and there is not prolonged contact with the ball (NFHS 9-4-5; NCAA 14.2.1; USAV 9.2.1). There are times when a player may not have the time or distance to play the ball traditionally with the fingers or forearms. Instances include a ball near the net and low to the ground where a player may not have a chance to dive without crossing the centerline or a ball that is driven hard and low to the ground. Instead of laying out, a player instinctively sticks out a leg to kick the ball, as seen in the PlayPic.Regardless of the reason, referees need to stay alert to these types of plays to avoid an inadvertent whistle, causing a replay. Typically, when a player kicks the ball, it causes momentary “shock” to the players on the court and sometimes the referees. Be prepared for kicks and remember to keep the ball flying. *
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AMBIVERT
54 | REFEREE September 2022 SHUTTERSTOCK
Most survey participants officiated at the high school level, but all levels — from youth to pro, college to international — were represented.Aspartof the survey, officials were asked questions related to introversion and extroversion from the Big 5 Inventory questionnaire, a test that measures personality traits. When answering the multiple-choice questions, officials overwhelmingly leaned toward identifying themselves as extroverted officials. Additionally, roughly 81 percent of officials said an extrovert makes the best official.However, responses to open-ended questions tell a more nuanced story, as most officials indicated an official can be more successful with a
What 'vert' are you? When it comes to sports officiating, what personality type really makes the best official? Is it the assertive extrovert who is talkative, makes quick decisions, is energized by chaos and controversy, and is seemingly always in control and confident? Or is it the introvert, who is barely noticed on the field or court, stays focused, makes thoughtful decisions, listens before responding, examines the meaning of the event, dislikes conflict and gets energy from calmness? In fall 2021, The Official’s Mind, a mental fitness initiative for sports officials, surveyed just over 600 U.S. sports officials in 15 different sports to find out what personality type they thought made the best officials: introvert or extrovert.
INTROVERTEXTROVERT By Karen Swanner
IN OUT?OR
Officials surveyed by The Official's Mind said both introvert and forcanpersonalityextroverttraitsbebeneficialofficials.
combination of introverted and extroverted personality traits — something that’s referred to as the classic ambivert. “I believe it’s a combination of the two,” explained Jen Calhoun, a collegiate and high school basketball official from San Diego. “An official must be OK with speaking up when the tension gets tough when we are challenged on a ruling or a call. But an extroverted official must also know when it’s time to be an introvert and not always have something to say.”
Dion Kyles, who has been officiating varsity high school basketball in Southern California since 1999, also said the best option for a sports official is to be a mixture of both. “Extroverts are good at communicating what they are calling and using their voice for preventative officiating,” Kyles said. “An introvert is great at paying attention to what they are seeing, using cadence and removing themselves from the spotlight so that they are a truly objective and impartial witness.”Unfortunately, society and sport places an unwarranted intrinsic value on people who have extroverted personalities or exhibit the “Extrovert Ideal,” while introversion is often classified as a secondclass personality trait. From a young age, we often aspire to be the extroverts that society has taught us to value, while in reality, approximately one-half to one-third of all Americans are introverts, with some just pretending to be extroverts. Do sports officials then really believe that an extroverted personality makes the best official, or are officials pretending to be extroverts because that is what society expects of us? Are officials trying to live up to societal norms, a standard that our cultural bias has taught us to conform to and is celebrated? Or do most officials use their individual personalities — the “tools in their toolbox” — to succeed?While the majority of officials in this study chose extrovert as the ideal personality type, more than 40 percent gave explanations as to why they thought qualities of both personality types would be beneficial.“Oursociety imperfectly values extroversion and it would appear authority is easier derived from those possessing such attributes,” explained Lindsay Imber, a baseball and basketball official from Los Angeles. When it comes to temperament, “officials with a calm demeanor invite participants to lower their own emotional intensity, versus volatility which breeds further“Aftereruption!”48years on the court, I’m really not sure which personality type is better,” added veteran basketball official Craig Panama from Santa Clarita, Calif. “But I do think that an extrovert is the type of personality the public expects to see.” Communication Critical The survey results showed officials placed extreme importance on communication, with most expressing being talkative as an attribute for success. More than 57 percent described themselves as talkative, 26 percent were neutral and 17 percent admitted they were not talkers at all. But the officials overwhelmingly agreed being an effective communicator was key to being a successful sports official. Most supported their decision to choose an extroverted personality as ideal based on effective communication, stating, “Louder officials can sell calls better” and “Extroverts are more capable of making their point to coaches, players and other officials;” “the way extroverted officials communicate shows confidence in their decisions;” and, “effective communication means better presence and respect.”Mark Knapp Jr. an ice hockey official from Natick, Mass., took it a step further: “Being a social official helps create professional relationships with coaches and players and helps them see you as a person and not just an official there to enforce the
REFEREE September 2022 | 55 STRAUSBILL
Hannah Reynolds, Island, Ky.
moresomethingfirst,fromhighsaidlistenersbeenareofbeingcommunicationisbeinghowever,Effectiverules.”communication,ismorethanabouttalkative.Listeninganimportantpartoftheprocess,andagoodlistenerisatraitintroverts.“Ibelievethatintrovertsbetterlisteners,andithasmyexperiencethatbettermakebetterreferees,”TimWindler,acollegeandschoolbasketballofficialBrookfield,Wis.“Listenrespondsecond,isItypicallyassociatewithintrovertedpeople.”WindlerwentontoexplainI see myself as someone who is talkative. Disagree17% Agree57%Neutral26% Agree30%Isee myself as someone who tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21% assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22% What type of person do you think makes a better referee introvert or extrovert? I see myself as someone who is reserved. Agree30%
QUANHESTON have no idea how to respond,” added former FIFA Futsal and collegiate soccer referee Shane Butler from St. Louis. Beth Renwick, a veteran gymnastics official from Baltimore, who has officiated the NCAA National Women’s Gymnastics Championships, agrees that communication skills are extremely important in effective officiating. “The time I think I gained the most traction was when I was a meet referee consistently and had to talk to the coaches to deal with the problem of them not liking the occasional score,” Renwick explained. “Sometimes they just needed to vent, and I learned my job was to listen. Sometimes it was to explain the rule and sometimes it was to watch the video and follow the procedures. But it almost always came down to being unrattled, fair, kind and compassionate.” Restrained or Reserved When asked whether officials saw themselves as reserved, participants’ answers were split. Only 38 percent disagreed, 36 percent agreed and 26 percent were a bit of both depending on what the situation called for. Based on official’s comments, many felt that being reserved could be an asset in many ways, including reserved officials are not always trying to be the center of attention.Veteranmultisport official Nick Covella, Santa Rosa Valley, Calif., described this reserved trait as being an asset in officiating. “Introverts are quiet and reserved,” he said. “They are active listeners and typically wait until everyone has made their opinions known to respond.” Being a reserved and active listener has its merits. Officials who actively listen to what someone is trying to say to them will most likely be able to respond better to the message. Assessing the situation before responding often results in a correct decision. However, in the heat of the moment during any competition, officials who don’t respond immediately often look weak, intimidated, and lacking in confidence and credibility. Officials are expected to make split-second decisions in knowledgeenvironments,high-pressurewiththeandpreparation to be able to get the call correct. However, extroverted officials who overzealously deal with situations when it is not necessary often put fuel on a fire that did not exist in the first“Iplace.have seen extroverted officials who will loudly berate a coach or player for some misconduct seemingly to show their authority to everyone on the field and in the stands,” explained Rob Weiss, a soccer and water polo referee from the San Francisco area. “This will sometimes elevate the incident if the coach or player is embarrassed and wants to fight“Iback.prefer to take the coach or player aside and quietly explain the offense,” Weiss added. “If that doesn’t work, a simple yellow or red card is the answer. On the other hand, I have seen introverted officials who accept obvious dissent because they are unwilling to confront the perpetrator.”
Play to Strengths That is where officials need to recognize the strengths and weaknesses in their own personalities and use those to their benefit. But every situation is different. How can officials know how to best proceed?“Iam more comfortable in certain situations than that officials who listen to coaches, players and their partners typically have a better chance of getting to the “why” when they are being talked to, yelled at, or their call is being questioned.“The‘why’ is a very important part of effective, concise mayonlyarecrewsplayers,beforeoutathem,fires,control.thingsproactivetheandsaid.perceptiveflustered?lookingbehavior?ofplayeraquestioningWindlercommunication,”said.“Whyisacoachacallwhenitwasprettyeasyone?WhyisabeginningtoshowsignsfrustrationorunsportingWhyismypartneruncomfortableand“Itisaboutbeingaswell,”Windler“Ifyouareagoodlistenerperceptive,youhavebestchanceofbeingaofficialandstoppingbeforetheygetoutofYourjobistoputoutnotthrowgasolineonandgoodlistenersdobetterjobofputtingfiresandmanagingthemeventheygetstarted.”Wesometimeshearwhatcoachesandevenouraresayingtous,butwereallylistening?“Ifwehearanddon’tlisten,wemisstherealmessageand
How received.theirrolecancommunicateofficialsplayahugeinhowmessageis Gary Gilman, Yorba Linda, Calif. 56 | REFEREE September 2022 I see myself as someone who is talkative. Disagree17% Agree57%Neutral26% Agree30%Isee myself as someone who tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21% assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22% Agree11% I see myself as Neutralandwhosomeoneisshyinhibited.Disagree73%16% What type of person do you think makes a better referee introvert orExtrovertextrovert?81%Introvert19% I see myself as someone who is reserved.Disagree40%Neutral I see myself as someone who is outgoing and sociable.Agree74%Neutral14%Disagree12% 7% I see myself as someone who is full ofAgreeenergy.71%Neutral22% DisagreeDisagree I see myself as Neutralofwhosomeonehasalotenthusiasm.Agree63%26%11% I see myself as someone who is talkative. Disagree17% Agree57%Neutral26% Agree30%Isee myself as someone who tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21% assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22% Agree11% I see myself as Neutralandwhosomeoneisshyinhibited.Disagree73%16% What type of person do you think makes a better referee introvert orExtrovertextrovert?81%Introvert19% I see myself as someone who is NeutralAgreereserved.Disagree40%35%25% I see myself as someone who is outgoing and sociable.Agree74%Neutral14%Disagree12% 7% I see myself as someone who is full ofAgreeenergy.71%Neutral22% DisagreeDisagree I see myself as Neutralofwhosomeonehasalotenthusiasm.Agree63%26%11% IN OR OUT?IN OR OUT? assertiveAgree30%assomeonewhohasanpersonality.
Being assertive, as this official described himself in his “moment of truth,” was an asset to his credibility when he initially made the call. An official who lacks assertiveness, whether it be with his verbal or non-verbal communication, may be open to more challenges from players and coaches and may not be able to enforce the rules easily and comfortably. Such officials may look unsure of themselves, lacking in confidence, conviction and knowledge and may not be able to sell their call. In the survey, 62 percent of officials identified themselves as having an assertive personality, while 22 percent were neutral and 16 percent said they were not assertive. Officials who are assertive typically have more credibility when applying the rules and have better game control. However, officials must be able to understand and assess the delicate balance between ego-driven arrogance and weakness. Officials who insert themselves into situations when unnecessary can make a contest implode. Officials who do not recognize when to insert themselves can let the game get away from them and loseAssertivecontrol. officials typically have a high degree of selfesteem and confidence. They show strength in their quick decision making, but also assume responsibility for their actions and show the humility to admit and correct their mistakes. Officials in this survey had different opinions about what they believed an assertive official looks like. Some believed it is a consistent, calm and quiet I see myself as someone who is talkative. Disagree17% Agree57%Neutral26% Agree30%Isee myself as someone who tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21%
What type of person do you think makes a better referee introvert orExtrovertextrovert?81%Introvert19% I see myself as someone who is NeutralAgreereserved.Disagree40%35%25% I see myself as someone who is outgoing and sociable.Agree74%Neutral14%Disagree12%
Weiss said both introverts and extroverts can take a different personality on the field.“Good officiating is all about training and experience and personality traits can change when those two factors take over,” Weiss said. Other factors that can influence an official’s personality in game or match situations may include familiarity with players, coaches and venues; crew members; comfortability in certain situations; level of the game; personal health and injury; outside personal influences like family or work; stress and anxiety levels; motivation; pressure; evaluators and assessors; fatigue; gravity of the game outcome and size of crowd. Tim Lammering, a collegiate and high school soccer referee from O’Fallon, Mo., described a situation he encountered in a highly contested men’s college match that featured a large and boisterous crowd, significance in the game’s outcome and an assessor in attendance — all adding to the pressure. “For every game I officiate, I try to bring both sides of my personality to the game,” Lammering said. Late in the game there was a situation in which a player denied a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. “In an assertive, firm and professional manner, I pointed to the spot of the infraction at the top of the box, with my extroverted personality guiding me,” he said. “I made a quick decision with confidence, composure, assertiveness, good verbal and non-verbal communication skills, and I was feeling very good about the call I had made. Unfortunately, upon raising my red card, I realized I had lost the involvingmakingthoughtfulandhisLammeringrectifyplayer’soffendingnumber.”Inordertothesituation,reliedonintrovertedsidewentthroughadecision-processhiscrew,players
7% I see myself as someone who is full of energy. DisagreeDisagree I see myself as ofwhosomeonehasalotenthusiasm.11% and inhibited. reserved.
Sometimes an assertive tone is needed and an official must take charge — a display of extrovert traits. Raymond Moffatte Jr., Tacoma, Wash. others because of experience,” Renwick said. “The older I get and the more I have officiated, it is rare to be in a situation that I have not encountered before. This includes learning from my mistakes and that life will go on. However, the first time you get into that big arena, even the most extroverted judges I know have clammed“Yearsup.ago, I remember being reserved around judges who I have learned from and looked up to.” She explained with years of experience she now confidently thinks, “My opinion is as good as yours.”
assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22%
and the offending team’s coach, who wasn’t a help.
“In the end, I ended up giving the card to the wrong player, but this game taught me that I needed to rely on both the extroverted and introverted sides of my personality when officiating this level of soccer, remembering that officials are human, we make mistakes and we are never above the game.”
REFEREE September 2022 | 57 GARVEYDALE
What type of person do you think makes a better referee introvert orExtrovertextrovert?81%Introvert19% I see myself as someone who is NeutralAgreereserved.Disagree40%35%25% I see myself as someone who is outgoing and sociable. Neutral14%Disagree12%
Agree11% I see myself as Neutralandwhosomeoneisshyinhibited.Disagree73%16%
assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22% Agree11% I see myself as Neutralandwhosomeoneisshyinhibited.Disagree73%16%
7% I see myself as someone who is full of energy. DisagreeDisagree I see myself as ofwhosomeonehasalotenthusiasm.11% I see myself as someone who is talkative. Disagree17% Agree57%Neutral26% Agree30%Isee myself as someone who tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21%
myself as
Introverts on the other hand are described as shy, quiet, lacking enthusiasm, not confident, withdrawn, overlooked, good listeners, reserved, empathetic, composed, thin-skinned, persistent, relaxed, reliable, even-tempered, calm, motivators, disciplined, having sustained attention, focused, thoughtful decision-makers, creative, reflective, leaders, resisting outside influences, strong problemsolving skills, requiring time to resolve conflict, overwhelmed by consistent social interaction, craving solitude and recharging in a place of calm and peace.
Neutral22% Disagree
58 | REFEREE September 2022 MESSINABOB making eye contact with players or coaches, a positive tone of voice versus an aggressive one, or an ability to resolve conflict constructively while showing respect. Enthusiastic officials often maintain a high level of motivation, have less burnout and stay in the game longer. More than 33 percent of participants in this survey have been officiating longer than 25 years, while 58 percent have been in the game more than 16 years.So how do officials maintain this level of energy, enthusiasm and motivation to put themselves in high-pressure situations, where they are always being scrutinized with an expectation of perfection? What inspires or recharges them? The difference with these exterior, while others believed it was strong body language and tone of voice that showed assertiveness. However, all agreed in that moment when the pressure is on, no matter what part of your personality executes assertiveness, it is an essential piece of controlling a game. Energy and Enthusiasm
Extrovertrefereepersonmakesextrovert?81% I see myself as someone who is NeutralAgreereserved.Disagree40%35%25% I see myself as someone who is outgoing and sociable.Agree74%Neutral14%Disagree12% Neutralsee7%myselfsomeonefullofenergy.Agree71% DisagreeDisagree I see myself as NeutralwhoNeutralofwhosomeonehasalotenthusiasm.26%11%Iseemyselfassomeoneistalkative.Disagree17%Agree57%26% Agree30%Isee myself as
who is NeutralAgreereserved.Disagree40%35%25% I see myself as
Neutral14%Disagree12%
sociable. 7%
differently.energyrechargeextrovertsIntrovertsandrequiresOfficiatingenergyenthusiasm.andtheirlevels Layton,Montgomery,LaurenUtah. Agree30%Isee myself as someone who tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21%
is outgoing
Agree11% I see myself as Neutralandwhosomeoneisshyinhibited.Disagree73%16% someone who see someone someone who and sociable.Agree74% 7% I see myself as someone who is full ofAgreeenergy.71%Disagree I see myself as Neutralofwhosomeonehasalotenthusiasm.Agree63%26%11%energy. Introverts & Extroverts
assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22%
When asked to evaluate their energy and enthusiasm, more than 71 percent of all officials identified themselves as having high energy and 62 percent said they had a high level of enthusiasm. Nearly all of the officials also expressed an elevated level of intrinsic motivation, which means they are driven by the love of the game.An enthusiastic official can build a positive climate or environment for the players. Enthusiasm can often become contagious; therefore, an enthusiastic referee imparts energy to the players on the field. It is a personality trait that becomes infectious. People who are enthusiastic often become leaders.Enthusiasm can be as simple as effort, a smile, IN OR OUT?IN OR OUT?
tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21% assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22% Agree11% I see myself as Neutralandwhosomeoneisshyinhibited.Disagree73%16% What type of person do you think makes a better referee introvert orExtrovertextrovert?81%Introvert19% I
Studies on personality traits date back to the Greek and Roman eras, but it was researcher Carl Jung in the early 1900s who first coined the concepts of introversion and extroversion and gave us insight into the exploration of these personality types by comparing the two. He described the di erence based on how our world energizes us, with extroverts as being drawn to an external life of people and activities, while introverts are more comfortable in an inner world of thought and feeling. Extroverts are often described as talkative, outgoing, communicators, contagiously energetic, enthusiastic, assertive, confident, leaders, quick decision-makers, active, charismatic, fearless, loud, aggressive, motivated, risk-takers, expressive, thick-skinned, social, having high self-esteem, craving connection to others, seeking attention and rewards, responding well to chaos, enjoying a fast pace, loving noise and crowds, craving an audience and being recharged by outside stimulation, conflict and challenges.
As officials, we face constant challenges, and the trick is understanding what motivates us, what energizes us, what coping skills we innately have to deal with the challenges that we are faced with, and when and how to step into and out of our comfort zones. Officials who understand and know how and when to be an introvert and when to be an extrovert, by using the tools in their toolbox and being comfortable with who they are, will ultimately have long and successful careers as sports officials. Bring the best of who you are to the contest and everyone wins. In her 42 years as a soccer official, Karen H. Swanner, Maryville, Ill., officiated men’s professional soccer (USL and USISL), men’s professional indoor soccer (MASL, EISL and PASL) and NCAA soccer. She is an Emeritus National referee and regional assessor, instructor and assigner. She also officiated ice hockey for 20 years. She has master’s degrees kinesiology, specializing in sports psychology, and is a member of the Association of Applied Sports Psychologists. Her website is Theofficialsmind.com. Smith, Mercer Island, Wash. see as someone who is talkative.
Disagree17% Agree57%Neutral26% Agree30%Isee myself as someone who tends to be Disagreequiet.49% Neutral21% assertiveDisagree16%Iseemyselfassomeonewhohasanpersonality.Agree62%Neutral22% What type of person do you think makes a better referee introvert orExtrovertextrovert?81%Introvert19% I see myself as someone who is NeutralAgreereserved.Disagree40%35%25% I see myself I see myself as whosomeonehasa extrovert?
022REFEREE September 2 | 59 GARVEYDALE two personality types is how they recharge and respond to stimulation.Extroverts feel better when they are in a highly stimulating situation. This includes large crowds, noise, controversy and lots of action. They gravitate toward situations where they must have a considerable amount of verbal interaction and deal with multiple, often confrontational and chaotic, situations at one time. Extroverts need to experience the outside world as that is where they derive their energy. An official who is primarily an extrovert may struggle in a lowkey environment with fewer challenges and demands. Officials who do low-key games will need to recharge themselves postgame if they have spent too much time without consistent stimulation. Introverts on the other hand are more successful in an environment that is not overstimulating. They recharge in the solidarity of their inner worlds, by being alone. They do well in situations where they are dealing with one task at a time because they try to understand the world before they experience it, focusing on the mental side of their game. A key to the success of an introvert as a sports official is their lack of being influenced by the outside world. An official with this type of personality trait may not be influenced by or react to coaches’ and players’ criticism or dissent. Instead, these officials are more likely to stay focused and to assess the situation before making a decision without overacting. In reality, the labels of extroverted and introverted personality types are actually extremes. The officiating style of any official should be more of a spectrum, using the types of personality traits the official is most comfortable with based on the situation, circumstance and one’s own personal experience.Mostsuccessful officials can tap into their ambivert selves and show both personalities during a game. To do this, officials may have to step out of their comfort zones. But success lies in knowing how to react to each situation and knowing which personality traits will best help the official navigate through it.
* Officials officiating.thatthebetterandtheirunderstandwhomotivationskillscandealwithchallengescomeinLezley
in journalism and
I
myself
SOURCE: WNKY.COM Have you heard an inspirational or motivational officiating story? Send your ideas to GettingItRight@referee.com
Helping Out Blue Umpire Will Ross can be found at Bowling Green (Ky.) East Little League most nights during the summer. It is there where Ross not only umpires, but encourages and teaches the fundamentals to the next generation of ballplayers. However, Ross was recently diagnosed with small cell carcinoma, an aggressive type of lung cancer. When the league found out about Ross’ diagnosis, it set up a GoFundMe page for the community to help offset the cost of his “Whiletreatment.ourhearts are broken to hear this news, our hope is our community and local Little League community will come together and give back to Mr. Ross what he has given us and our players … love and support,” the league said on its Facebook page. The GoFundMe for Ross has raised more than $14,000 with a goal of $25,000.
GETTING IT RIGHT INSPIRATION, MOTIVATION, ELEVATION 60 | REFEREE September 2022
W5 Digs Diversity By Brad Tittrington “Ididn’t want to be someone that talked about it but never created the Thatopportunity.”“it”refers to social equality and that “someone” is Joan Powell. Recently appointed the officials coordinator for the newly formed Women’s Volleyball Western Consortium (W5), Powell spearheaded the first-ever Volleyball Officials’ Diversity Camp at Arizona State University in early April. The camp created an opportunity for 12 officials from underrepresented groups to learn from some of the brightest minds.
Copeland’s quick response helped save Sculli’s life. Sculli underwent triple bypass surgery and is recovering.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee * Officials had the opportunity to participate in the first-ever Volleyball Officials’ Diversity Camp at Arizona State University in April. This camp gave underrepresented groups the opportunity to learn from firstclass coordinators and officials.
According to Powell, the feedback from campers was extremely positive. “It was so personalized, you didn’t go away thinking you were a number or not valued,” she said. “The players just played, the coaches just coached and the referees officiated with handson immediate feedback whether through the headset or a stoppage of play. You just can’t duplicate that stuff.”
When Myles Copeland took the basketball court on June 17, he couldn’t imagine what the day would bring. The 25-yearold wrapped up a 24-hour shift as a firefighter in Toledo, Ohio, and went to New York to suit up for Toledo Glass City of The Basketball League for a playoff game.During the first quarter of the game, referee John Sculli passed out on the court and became unresponsive. Copeland, who was on the Toledo bench, immediately jumped into action. He performed CPR on Sculli for 10 minutes, until paramedics arrived. “It was kind of instinctual. It surprised me how quick I was able to switch into that mode, especially being in a basketball game,” Copeland told ESPN. “But with being a firefighter, when you’re off the job, you’re really not off the job. You still got to keep an eye out for the community and what’s going on around you.”
ATHLETICSSTATEHANER/ARIZONAKIMBERLIECOURTESYPHOTO
The campers were identified by volleyball leaders on the West Coast, as Powell sent out a request to PAVO board chairs, USAV referee chairs and others responsible for training. The mission was to identify women and minorities who didn’t currently work in one of the W5 conferences. From those nominations, a committee selected six referee campers and six line judge campers. The campers all came from different backgrounds and had different levels of experience, but there was ample time to absorb the material PAVO created for the event. “PAVO already had the model for years, so why not collaboratively work on this together,” Powell said. “Katy (Meyer, PAVO’s executive director) was all over it. They became a working partner as we developed this.” The classroom training the first night of the camp was led by NCAA postseason referees Kaili Kimura and Ryan MacDowell, and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Coordinator of Volleyball Officials Ron Pelham. At one point, the line judges were able to break off and get handson, on-court experience from Dan Swensen, PAVO’s director of line judge training and development, as well as NCAA championship line judge Tyrone Toloy and Pac-12 line judge MarilynDuringDumbar.thecourse of the camp, attendees had the opportunity to listen to Kimura conduct a “fireside chat” about coming up through the ranks as a woman of color. They also had the chance to hear from Arizona State volleyball coach Sanja Tomasevic. “Coach T approached campers and she opened up about what it was like being from Serbia, having an accent and being one of three women in Pac12 coaching,” Powell said. “She was impactful.”Thegoal is to host the camp again within the W5 footprint, with the potential of Salt Lake City hosting. “My hope is if we are going to do this, I want to be able to continue communication within the pipeline of these campers,” Powell said. “Instead of opening this up nationally, keep it within the Western 5; not for people already working in the W5, but people on the threshold wanting to get in.”
Hero Saves Referee
SOURCE: ESPN.COM
ANNUAL EDITION This is the comprehensive guide you need to be ready to work High School football this season. All new and recent rule changes broken down, Points of Emphasis clarified, and tough situations made simple – all in a full-color, magazine-sized annual guide. Includes hundreds of caseplays and quiz questions! Full DiagramsPhotosColor& Latest NFHS Rules & ChangesMechanics ArticlesPickedHandChanges learn more at STORE. /FOOTball *NASO discount available. $1795 * DIGITAL PRINT $2395COMBO$1895 * SIZE:PAGES:8”x11”96 COMPLETE GUIDE TO FOOTBALL SEASONNEWfor2022
By Joshua Schroeder I t is a tied game late and the home team has the ball. The fans are in a heightened sense of excitement as the final seconds count down, watching and waiting for their team to make a final push to win the game. The ballhandler drives the lane, jumps high to shoot and is met by a defender who jumps equally high.The two players inevitably collide, with a reasonable amount of force, knocking the ball to the floor while the buzzer sounds to end the game. The hometown crowd reacts with shouts of anger and confusion. How could such contact on the shooter not be a foul? The answer is verticality. Most officials understand the mere fact contact on a play does not necessarily mean a foul has been committed. However, when plays like this happen it can be hard for officials to know whether the contact is the result of legal or illegal defense. Knowing and understanding the principle of verticality is the key
If body contact occurs on this play, Jillian Quinn, Burien, Wash., must know which player is responsible and whether it is a foul. In the case of the defensive player, if verticality has been obtained or established and is maintained, she has done nothing illegal by rule.
GARVEYDALE
STANDING STRAIGHT WITH NO DEBATE Recognize Verticality When You See It
RULES,BASKETBALLMECHANICS,PHILOSOPHY 62 | REFEREE September 2022 EDITOR: SCOTT TITTRINGTON stittrington@referee.com
It may officially be a thatbasketball,NCAAchangenon-rulesyearformen’sbuthasn’tstopped a significant addition to the official’s tool kit for the 2022-23 season. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved allowing officials to assess a Class B technical foul to any players who fake being fouled. If a player is called for flopping, the opposing team will be awarded one free throw. Previously, officials would issue a warning before assessing a technical foul for repeat incidents of flopping. The proposal for the rule change came from the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee.Othertweaks for the 202223 season include experimental technology rules for conferences to allow teams to view live video and preloaded video on their bench (also approved in NCAA women’s basketball for 2022-23) and a change to the usage of media timeouts. SIDELINE “I am going to stay (as an official) for as long as I want to stay. I am not retiring. I can still run and I can still outwork a lot of young people. I’ll know when it’s time, and right now, it’s not even close to that time.”
–NCAAofficialbasketballmen’sTed Valentine, 63, during Ohiosummer’sthisValleyRefereeCamp
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Because forEnhancedPenaltyFlopping
COMTIMESLEADERONLINE.SOURCE: THEY SAID IT – NCAA Valentine,officialbasketballmen’sTed63,duringthissummer’sOhioValleyRefereeCamp
to making a proper ruling, and as always, the rulebook is there to provide guidance. The first, and foremost, component of the principle of verticality, across all levels of play, is a legal guarding position must be initially obtained or established (See PlayPic A, page 62), and any movement thereafter needs to be legal (NFHS 4-45-1; NCAAM 4-39.1.a; NCAAW 10-3.1.a). This statement may seem rudimentary, but it is important to recognize as it keeps players from simply throwing their bodies in the way of their opponents. After the defender legally obtains a position on the floor, that player is allowed to maintain that position as long as the player stays within the space of his or her own vertical plane, as the word verticality implies (See PlayPic B, page 62). The defender may rise or jump vertically and occupy the space within his or her vertical plane (NFHS 4-45-2; NCAAM 4-39.1.e; NCAAW 10-3.1.b). The hands and arms of the defender may be raised within his or her vertical plane while on the floor or in the air (NFHS 4-45-3; NCAAM 4-39.1.f; NCAAW 10-3.1.c). So when a dribbler drives into the lane and is met by an opponent standing at the basket, if the defender jumps straight up to block the shot or impedes further progress of the ballhandler, the defender should not be penalized for leaving the floor vertically or having his or her hands and arms extended within his or her vertical plane (NFHS 4-45-4; NCAAM 4-39.1.g; NCAAW 10-3.1.d). Is it the defender’s fault contact occurred when both players are in the air? Of course not. The defender is legally occupying that space. The fact the defensive player is not touching the playing court is irrelevant. But remember, for the verticality rule to apply, the defender must jump straight up and not toward the ballhandler. Any forward movement toward an opponent that causes contact is illegal because the defender has essentially left his or her own vertical space, negating all protections provided by the verticality rule. Additionally, the rulebook provides further clarification stating the defender may not “belly up” or use the lower part of the body or arms to cause contact outside the vertical plane, which is a foul (NFHS 4-45-6; NCAAM 4-39.1.i; NCAAW 10-3.1.f). All too often, when there are plays involving contact in the air, such as a jumping defender meeting an airborne shooter, officials tend to favor the offensive player and many times rule unfairly against defenders who are playing within their legal vertical plane. Officials cannot allow a player any extra leeway over an opponent simply because said player is controlling the ball. The principle of verticality must be applied and ruled on for every play equally, regardless of possession of the ball. In fact, the rules explicitly tell us the player with the ball is to be given no more protection or consideration than the defender in judging which player has violated the principle of verticality (NFHS 4-45-7; NCAAM 4-39.1.j; NCAAW 10-3.1.g). Should the dribbler or shooter get a pass on contact that happens simply because he or she is holding the ball? Of course not. If contact is initiated by the ballhandler, moving toward a defender who is legally occupying a vertical space, the greater responsibility for that contact should remain on the ballhandler. After a missed shot is rebounded by the home team, the rebounder makes a quick pass to the point guard already advancing up the court the other way. As the ballhandler frantically dribbles up the middle of the court toward the basket to attempt a layup, one sole defender stands in the way, legally, at the freethrow line. The dribbler attempts to sidestep the opponent, pushing into the torso with the offhand, creating space and clearing the defender out of the Whatway. is your ruling? Block? Charge? Or are you passing on sounding your whistle altogether? By rule, the offensive player, whether on the floor or airborne, may not “clear out” or cause contact within the defender’s vertical plane, which is a foul (NFHS 4-45-5; NCAAM 4-39.1.h; NCAAW 10-3.1.e).
2. All of the following are true when the behavior of spectators interrupts play, except which? a. Game administration is primarily responsible for the behavior of spectators.
d. The technical foul is charged to the team’s head coach.
b. A technical foul may be charged to the offending team. c. The official shall have knowledge as to which team’s followers caused the problem.
d. The officials must have definite knowledge that the timer did not stop the clock on time. TEST YOURSELF the defender is protected by the verticality rule, this action performed by the ballhandler should be ruled a foul.Evaluating each play individually on its own merit, and each player’s compliance, or lack thereof, to the verticality rule as it pertains to his or her respective position is essential to ruling on these types of plays correctly, especially those involving contact with two airborne players. Focusing on the defender’s position, starting on the floor, continuing with the jump and ending with the landing spot, will certainly help validate a defender’s position in relation to his or her own vertical plane. And if that defender is indeed confirmed in meeting the rules of verticality during the entire jumping process, ruling on the subsequent contact becomes less difficult. Because a player who has not violated the rules cannot be responsible for causing contact illegally. Hopefully the next time you see a defender jump in the air to defend a shot, you will be better prepared to see and rule on it properly. Joshua Schroeder, Schaumburg, Ill., is a certified state clinician and the founder of the Officials Institute, a nationwide online officials association and YouTube training channel for high school basketball officials. *
In each of the following, decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA men’s and NCAA women’s rules, which might vary Solutions: p. 85
BASKETBALL 64 | REFEREE September 2022
c. The officials must recognize there are six players in the game before or after A1’s traveling violation and then must penalize the infraction prior to A6 leaving the game.
1. Team A has six players participating in the game. A1 travels, and player A6 leaves the game. Which of the following is true? a. The officials must recognize there are six players in the game prior to A1’s traveling violation and must immediately blow the whistle in order to penalize the infraction. b. The officials must recognize there are six players in the game prior to A1’s traveling violation and then must penalize the infraction prior to A6 leaving the game.
3. With the game tied, A1 is called for a traveling violation with 1.4 seconds remaining on the game clock. An official knows there was 1.4 seconds on the clock when the whistle was blown, but the timer failed to properly stop the game clock, and the clock ran to 0:00. All of the following are true, except which? a. Timing mistakes can be corrected.
In PlayPic A, the defensive player has obtained or established a legal guarding position. In PlayPic B, if there is any illegal contact, the ballhandler is at fault, as the defensive player is protected by the principle of verticality.
b. The game shall proceed to overtime. c. The mistake must be corrected before the start of the intermission for the overtime.
d. As long as the officials recognize the infraction occurred, there is no time limit upon which the infraction shall be penalized.
When these shots come from outside the free-throw lane, the “C” can immediately lock in on players from both teams jostling for rebounding position, making sure players are in legal positions for boxing out B
The center official is typically going to be on the weak side of the floor when a shot attempt occurs.
REFEREE September 2022 | 65 KAPENSTEINJACK
HOMEVISITORSCORER&TIMERT L12 2 3 3 C A TIMER&SCORERVISITORHOME L 1 2 3 44 3 5 5 2 1 SHOT REBOUND T C
Keeping an eye on screening action and not automatically following the ball, as Harvey Sumner, Philadelphia, does here, is an integral part to being a strong center official on a three-person crew.
By Vladimir Figueroa E very pregame, whether I’m the referee or not, I always talk about the importance of our crew having strong outside officials, especially the “C” or center official. Everybody — fans, players, coaches, even the table crew — is watching the action around the ball. It is the center official’s job to do otherwise.Whatif there is a competitive matchup off the ball with two or more opponents fighting for a rebound, or a player coming off a screen curling away from the trail or lead and all three officials are watching the ball? What if the players fighting for that rebound are grabbing each other, or pushing, or in a worst-case scenario an elbow gets thrown. Who’s going to see that? On a play where an offensive player is cutting off a screen, if the center official has no eyes on that play, who is going to make sure the screen is legal or the cutter isn’t illegally held or otherwise fouled? All of the scenarios are ones where having a strong center official is so important for the crew (MechaniGram A). However, being the gatekeeper of everything that is happening away from the ball is not a center official’s lone responsibility. One of the great benefits of having a third official on a crew is the extra set of eyes to assist with rebounding action and possible crash plays that occur near the rim.
‘C’ Yourself Having Success
BASKETBALL 66 | REFEREE September 2022
Disqualifying Fouls Play: A1 commits his or her fifth foul with 6:30 remaining in the game and is disqualified. At a dead ball with 2:40 remaining in the game, A1 reports to the official scorer to re-enter the game and the substitute is beckoned onto the court. Neither the scorer nor officials recognize the team member had already been disqualified. A1 proceeds to score a basket and is then replaced at the 1:30 mark. After A1 is replaced, the officials realize A1 had previously been disqualified. What is the result? Ruling: In all codes, the goal made by A1 shall count because once the ball became live after A1 was beckoned onto the floor, A1 became a legal player. In NFHS, a technical foul would be charged directly to the head coach if the infraction of playing a disqualified player is discovered while A1 is playing. Since A1 had already left the game, it is too late to penalize the infraction. The game shall be resumed at the point of interruption (2-11-5 Note, 3-3-3, 10-6-3, 10.6.3). In NCAAM, A1 is charged with a noncontact flagrant 2 technical foul and shall be ejected. The head coach is also charged with a Class B technical foul. Two free throws are awarded to any member of the offended team, and play shall be resumed at the point of interruption to team B using the procedures in rule 7-3.2 after the free throws (3-6.1.d, 10-3.1.h, AR 284). In NCAAW, A1 is charged with a disqualifying foul and shall be ejected. Team B shall be awarded two free throws and the ball for a throw-in at a designated spot at the division line opposite the scorers’ table (3-6.1.d, 10-14.1.a.2, AR 358).
Timeout Request After DisqualificationPlay : A1 fouls B2, the foul is A1’s fifth and he or she is disqualified. Prior to A1 being replaced, (a) team A’s head coach, or (b) team B’s head coach requests a timeout. Shall the timeout be granted? Ruling: No timeout shall be granted to either team until A1 has been replaced (NFHS 5-8-3b, 5.8.3C, 10-6-2; NCAAM 4-12.5, 5-14.1.g; NCAAW 4-11.5, 5-14.1.f, AR 158). F
and no illegal holding or pushing is influencing the play. And because there is a trail official who is located nearer to the division line and will be responsible for becoming the new lead official if there is a defensive rebound and transition to the other end of the floor, the center official should be in no hurry to vacate his or her position and miss any potential illegal rebounding activity (MechaniGram B). On shot attempts at or near the rim, the center official plays an important role in making sure the actions by defensive players against an airborne shooter remain legal. While the lead official is responsible for the primary defender, the center official is responsible for picking up any help defenders who may slide into position in an effort to draw a ballhandler or an airborne shooter into committing a player control (NFHS and NCAAM) or offensive (NCAAW) foul.
CASEPLAYS HOMEVISITORSCORER&TIMERC L T TRAILWITHASSISTSRA LEAD HAS PRIMARY AND FREE-THROWSTARTINGWITHDEFENDERSSECONDARYDRIVESBELOWLINECENTERWITHASSISTSRAC TIMER&SCORERVISITORHOMECCC D TIMER&SCORERVISITORHOME 5 4 3 2 1 3 1 42 C T L C 5 T E TIMER&SCORERVISITORHOME L T C 1 3 4 21 5 4 3 5 2 C L T
A second part of this responsibility is the center official’s ability to help adjudicate plays in games where there is a restricted area. While another official may be making a ruling regarding whether a foul is a block or a charge, the center official often will have the best look at whether a defensive player is in the restricted area when the contact occurs, thereby making any illegal contact the responsibility of that defender (MechaniGram C).
The key to all of these
Rotations occur when one of two things occurs. The most common is when the lead mirrors the ball and moves to the opposite side of the free-throw lane as the ball settles on that side of the court. When this happens, the center official, while keeping eyes on any competitive matchups, moves toward the division line and becomes the new trail official. Conversely, the former trail drops down toward the endline and becomes the new center. A strong “C” will not complete this rotation and relinquish a competitive matchup, or give up a closely guarded count, until the lead official, through the use of good body language and good use of eyes, shows that he or she has completed the rotation and accepted the play, freeing the center to now rotate to trail (MechaniGram E). The second situation is a rotation initiated by the center official when a competitive matchup develops near the division line on the center’s side of the court. When this happens, the “C” must rotate toward the division line to get a better look at this play. The lead official must recognize the center’s movement and rotate to the other side of the floor, the trail again dropping down into the slot, putting all three members of the crew in the best position (MechaniGram F). When you know you are going to be working as part of a threeperson crew, keep a mental checklist of all of these details that come with being a center official. If you haven’t worked much three-person, get in the appropriate mechanics manual for your level of play and develop a strong feel for the basics that will allow you to develop into a dependable “C” official. With continued study and continued reps, you will then be able to evolve into the type of strong center official that partners love to work with as a part of their crew.
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Vlad Figueroa, Alpharetta, Ga., officiates high school and women's college basketball, and high school football. He has worked both the Florida High School Athletic Association and Georgia High School Association state tournaments in basketball.
responsibilities is for a center official to employ good positioning on the floor and to understand when to rotate as part of a three-person officiating crew. The basic starting position for a center official is along the sideline, free-throw line extended, on the side of the court opposite the lead and the trail. The center official can then position adjust a step or two higher (toward the division line) or lower (toward the endline) as the situation warrants. This area of work, while not described as such in the rulebook, is often referred to by officials as working in the “slot” or the “pocket” and provides a great view of action in the lane and plays that are moving away from the lead and trail officials and toward the “C” (MechaniGram D).
PERSONALITIESPROFILESPLUS 68 | REFEREE September 2022
By Steven L. Tietz
SOURCE: STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
Great Scot! What a Career He Has Had
Recently retired Las Vegas soccer official and Scottish immigrant John Kennedy, 72, literally never turned down a game at any level during a 40-plus-year career. That means more than 50,000 matches by one Oneestimate.epic weekend involved a pro game in Monterrey, Mexico, and a flight to Dallas for another tilt, then back home to Las Vegas for a prep contest on Monday.
“You bet I was tired,” he said of the aftermath.Atthe heart of it all were the prep games. “Always,” he said. “The kids are what it’s all about. At that level, it’s all about education for me. If I could extend their education (about the game), that was reward enough.” To that end, as a member of the Southern Nevada Officials Association (SNOA), he was assigned 17 Nevada state prep title games in his career. That sort of dedication was rewarded in May when the Las Vegas Sun honored Kennedy with the Hank Greenspun Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Standout Awards program.Thehonor was voted on by coaches and administrators who understood Kennedy’s dedication to the kids. “It was the first time they had honored an official,” said Vince Kristosik, president of the SNOA. “It’s really something. He was working all the time and when he had a rare free day, he would do a high school match if asked. He didn’t have to do that, but he did.”Kennedy was stunned by the award.“I’m an immigrant,” he said. “I came here in 1982 and my adopted city is honoring me. It’s just hard to describe how much that means to me. More than just about anything.” Kennedy was inducted into the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2009. A defender as a player and visitor to Vegas, “Sin City” made a big impression on Kennedy, and he knew he’d make it home one day. “I told (my mother), ‘One day, I’m going back for good,’” he said. His involvement with soccer began with coaching. One day he yelled at an official. “He yelled back, ‘Why don’t you do this yourself?’ I figured if I couldn’t do it better, then I’d better shut my Kennedymouth.”thought about it. “I figured I knew what a foul was, and what a flop was,” he said. Quickly enough, he found out he could do the job, so much so that by the early ’80s, he was working high-level NCAA games, including two Division I finals. His docket was always full after that. “I don’t think I ever missed an assignment,” he said. He stepped down for personal reasons this year and he will be missed greatly, said Kristosik. “He’s an official we won’t be able to replace,” Kristosik said. “Everyone knew and trusted John.” Steven L. Tietz is an award-winning journalist from Milwaukee. * Flying Solo if JohnNeededOttavino Brooklyn, N.Y.
WAYNESVILLEOFVILLAGEOTTAVINO;JOHNCOURTESYCREDITSPHOTOKENNEDY;JOHNCOURTESY
Although John Ottavino knows he can’t solve the umpire shortage by himself, he is helping out the best he can. The father of New York Mets pitcher Adam Ottavino has been known to work as many as nine games a Ottavinoweek.cited the pandemic as the primary reason for the shortage, but not the only reason. “There have been assaults, there have been fights, there have been all sorts of bad stuff going on,” he told the Staten Island (N.Y.) Advance. “A lot of guys don’t want to put up with that nonsense.” If Ottavino does get fed up, he has an option not available to many other umpires. He is a veteran TV and movie actor. His credits include roles on “NYPD Blue” and “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.”
He Knows What’s Legal Gary Copeland Waynesville, Ohio Whether he’s involved in his real job — village manager and safety director/police chief — or his hobby — serving as a referee for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and the Professional Fighters League — Gary Copeland is all about enforcing rules.Copeland has officiated matches for more than 20 years, across the country as well as in Brazil, Mexico, Greece and Cypress. “I’m there to protect the fighters, enforce the rules and maintain action,” Copeland told the Butler County (Ohio) Journal-News. He does three to four events a month, with each event holding 10 to 25 matches. “I enjoy being a referee because it allows me to stay involved in the sport,” Copeland said.
SOURCE: BUTLER COUNTY (OHIO) JOURNAL-NEWS
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John Kennedy proudly displays the Hank Greenspun Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to him by soccer coaches and administrators in his adopted hometown of Las Vegas.
GREAT TRAINING RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX • Pre-Built Meeting Lesson Plans • Industry-leading Mechanics Illustrated Manuals • Online & Traditional Testing For Every Lesson • Rules & Caseplays Together in Rules by Topic • Step-by-Step Instructor Guides • Video Breakdowns With Voice-Over & Graphic Enhancements Your entire association training program all in one box LEARN MORE AT NASOADVANTAGE.COM/diamond
70 | REFEREE September 2022 RECRUITING & RETENTION: WHAT WORKED...WHAT A year’s worth of recruitment successes (and failures) seen through the eyes of one association N early every officials association in the country is experiencing serious didblindhadpeoplereliedourexecutiveduringTenn.baseballRivereachorganizationalcomplex,newshortages.membershipRecruitingofficialsisadeliberatetaskuniquetogroup.Myassociation—theCityUmpiresAssociation,a-onlygroupinChattanooga,—recognizedashortagethepreviousseason.Ourboarddecidedtoexpandrecruitingeffortimmediately.Traditionallytheassociationonword-of-mouthrecruiting,movingintotheareawhoumpireexperienceandjustluck.Thoseaddedtogethernotandcouldnotproduce
enough umpires to sustain our organization.Forthe2021 season, we scheduled umpires for 1,300 games supporting 55 schools in four counties and two states over an area stretching 2,000 square miles. We ended the 2021 regular season with 32 umpires able to accept games. Games assigned increased 15 percent over six years with new schools and programs adding teams. Since 2015, the association’s list of active umpires declined 66 percent and we had nothing in place to study, address or remedy that trend. The initial reaction was having umpires work far more games than usual. In the six-year span of 201521, my games worked per year more than doubled. Some members worked three times as many games. Doubling or tripling the number of games exhausted umpires, caused work conflicts and irritated family members. We also tried to have umpires drive between games at two geographically separated sites on game days. That method depended on pace of play, traffic and weather. The association began its 2022 recruiting mission less than 30 days after the 2021 high school state championship concluded. A few specific association members met regularly to go over ideas, discuss implementation, assess what worked and modify what did not work. The key pieces of that strategy involved reassessment, retention, recalls and recruiting tied together with training.
REFEREE September 2022 | 71 WORKED...WHATReassessmentDIDN’T
Asking, “Why the decline?” forced a reassessment of how the association did business. Association leaders endeavored to find out why so many members left the avocation. Once those reasons came to light, board members needed to see if they warranted a change in business practices to retain more members.
Leaders identified several causes for the decline in numbers. They were, in no particular order, age, disaffection, poor communication, poor treatment during games, primary work schedules, family conflicts and lack of advancement. Age is unavoidable and inevitable. The good news is it could be predicted to a degree. We knew we were not attracting younger umpires and we nearly let that get beyond a remedy. Injury/medical issues, tied with physical fitness and Father Time, forces many umpires to retire. We had no baseball-related injuries that ended careers. However, we lost umpires to hip replacements, blunt force trauma, knee surgery, embolisms, automobile accidents and heart concerns. Those were hard to predict and impossible to fix. Some umpires left the association due to their perception the games they worked did not reflect their skills and capabilities. That perception caused a third of our losses from previous years. Individuals could be easily identified as those umpires invariably told others as their disaffection grew. Those umpires felt they made all the right choices, put in the years and still did not get “big games” or playoff assignments they wanted. If no one listens to or addresses their concerns, they stop umpiring.Manyumpires who leave the avocation do so because association leaders don’t communicate positively with them. We learned assigners and board members needed to reach out and listen to every umpire periodically. The By Scott T. Glass
72 | REFEREE September 2022 GARVEYDALE
Recruiting & Retention games. A site administrator is one of the key pieces of umpire safety. Traditionally for baseball, the site administrators were either not present or not designated. We trained new umpires on those changes so they could officiate a game and then depart the venue without abuse, threats or intimidation. Conflicts with an umpire’s primary source of employment proved extremely difficult to work around. That accounted for nearly half of our identified losses last year. Assigners can work to adjust or reduce schedules, but that mechanism tended to impact the schedules of other umpires. Frequent communication with members gave assigners warning a promotion or job move might be imminent and provided some time to adjust. Otherwise, there was no way to predict those changes.Thepandemic seemed to magnify family care concerns. Two valuable members wished to stay home and care for their loved ones. While impossible to predict, that was completely understandable.About20percent of the umpires who were with us at the end of 2021 worked a significant number of games for college conferences. only risk you take is being organizationally obligated to address their concerns or fix theirEvaluationsproblems. are a form of two-way communication. They can inspire improvement, encourage standardization and reward consistency. If an association is not regularly evaluating its members, it is missing a
siteschoolremindthebehaviortoschoolformalathleticsupported.protocol,ascoachesmisbehaviorevenschoolsmisbehaviormisconduct,willingnesshisthethewasandraiseresults.meetingourthewithleadersreputationothersbehavedSomeallinappropriatelyfewandoffeltmeetings,horrible.fromopportunity.communicationBehaviortowardofficialscoachesandfansisInourassessmentsomeboardmemberswehadtotakeontheissueumpireabuseasarecruitingretentionissue.Itistrueaofourclientcoachesactedandabusedumpires,notjustnewones.schools’fansandparentsmuchworsethanandseemproudoftheirfordoingso.Twooftheassociationrequestedameetingtheathleticdirectoroflocalpublicschoolsystem,No.1customerbyfar.TheyieldedimmediateWenegotiatedapayformiddleschoolgamestrainingscrimmages.Thatwelcomed,tobesure,butmostvaluableresultwasathleticdirectorconfirmed100percentsupportandtoaddresscoachparent/fanandfailureofsometoaddressumpiresafety.Forone,wecouldempowernewumpirestocorrectbyejectingtheresponsible.AslongwefollowedareasonablewewouldbeForanother,thedirectorwroteamemorandumtoeachemphasizingtheneedencouragesportsmanlikefromcoaches.Thirdly,athleticdirectoragreedtoandenforceindividualresponsibilitytoprovideadministratorsforbaseball Those umpires perform at a high level and should be encouraged to progress. However, every game they worked at the college level meant we had to schedule more umpires for high school games from a small replacement pool. Before putting the ball in play in recruiting new members, an association’s leadership must confirm it can assimilate new members properly. We needed to know if we attracted significantly more numbers … •Did we have a proper training program for new umpires?•Did we have veteran umpires capable enough to help train •Couldthem?thefacilities we habitually used for meetings accommodate the increase? •How many new umpires would overload our current system?•Could we mentor and evaluate new umpires umpires.groupingsassociationsomedecidedthoseappropriately?Inaskingourselvesquestions,weweneededtomakeimprovements.TheimplementedofnewandveteranEachgrouphad membersneedassociationsOfficialstotrainfor the challenges of the toaresportsBetter-preparedavocation.officialsmorelikelystickwithit. Bill spring(right)Bend,Granillo,and(armsKirkland,Fitzgerald,Wash.spread)TerryNorthWash.conductaclinic.
•Our website was not well maintained. All Taking a close look at recruiting efforts to assess what’s working and what’s not can benefit an association.officials Mark Cook, West Seattle, Wash., gives pointers to (from left) Daniel Nguyen, Seattle; Josh Bain,Wash.;SpokaneReed,Valley,andTravisSeattle.
Ideas that did not work included:
REFEREE September 2022 | 73 a specific training program tailored for it. Specifically, experienced umpires were asked to conduct parts of the training approved by the association’s designated training supervisor. New umpires spent one meeting per week on base umpire topics and the second meeting per week on plate umpire tasks. As it turned out, the system and facilities we used could have easily absorbed twice as many new umpires. Retention Trained, veteran and experienced umpires are extremely valuable. Think of all the training time and years of experience invested in them. It makes sense to retain them as long as mutually agreeable. Our association decided we needed to change how we communicated with and trained our valuable umpires.Ourassociation has a board member specifically tasked with reaching out to everyone on our roster periodically. That works out to roughly twice during the season. His calls ramp up as the preseason approaches in order to determine who will return for another year and who will not. He also is specifically charged with taking complaints, sometimes anonymously. That business practice lets the association make an informed decision about who is dissatisfied for whatever reason and formulate a plan to fix it. Every umpire enjoys positive, interactionproductivewiththe assigners. An honest appraisal is key to that process. That communication flow in our association did not happen as often or work as well as it should. We increased the number of times leadership reached out to the general members, but that specific skill of evaluation communication is properly done by the assigner. Evaluations from deliberate visits to watch umpires work fulfill a critical need to tell the umpires what they need to do to call games better and progress. That did not work as well as we wanted in our association. Evaluators need to be honest and forthright in those appraisals and you can’t do that if you do not make the time and place to do them. We paid special attention to the new umpires joining last year to help them progress in the offseason. We did not want to lose them because of lack of development or training. Returns We tried to bring back officials who stopped umpiring in the last two to three years. A useful tool is your association assigning software. Our deputy assigner scoured the list of inactive umpires and began contacting them to get them to consider coming back. Calls, emails and meeting requests went out and six umpires returned for the season. Whenever someone quits umpiring, be prepared to listen to the reasons why. Determine if you can fix the issue. Then invite them back. Every quality umpire that you can accommodate will add to your numbers. Recruiting The association hoped for better numbers from increasing retention efforts and welcoming returning members. However, we determined three months before the season a strong recruiting effort would be the only way to solve our umpire numbersAssociationproblem.leaders agreed trying more ideas would be better. We knew we could put training in place that could accommodate more gains than we thought possible. We accepted some of the things we tried might not work. We also defined “an idea that worked“ as one yielding at least one umpire who made it through the training and onto any field on opening day.
•A sympathetic local newspaper reporter, who had been an association member years ago, wrote articles addressing coach behavior and the shortages of umpires. The articles reached several counties in the publishing area, but produced no contacts. However, going forward we will probably urge more articles covering umpires, including one we want to collaborate on that covers how we recruited that year.
GARVEYDALE
RecommendationsRecruiting
EARLY. Six months before the opening day of the season is not too early. SAVE CONTACTS who could not or did not make it that year for the next recruiting season. Our list for next year has grown to 25 new prospects already and we anticipate it to grow larger. Maintain contact with them periodically over the offseason. LEAVE A CONTACT TRAIL for all to follow. Whenever you do something, make it easy for interested people to contact CAREFULLYyou. SELECT MEMBERS for recruiting tasks that competently represent the ideals and professionalism of your association.
•The school board that supervised our biggest client school district publishes a monthly job openings newsletter. They were happy to help us advertise. One ad, repeated twice, yielded eight contacts. That was a pleasant surprise, but none of the eight followed through. Two might return for training next year. That is a method we will attempt again next year. Ideas that worked: •The association secured an invitation for two board members to appear on a popular sports podcast. We expected some immediate action from listeners, but were disappointed. However, weeks later that produced three contacts who worked games on opening day. We plan to appear on that podcast again in the coming year.
72 | REFEREE September 2022
information on it was at least three years old. Invariably, contacts asked about our website. And since we did not have a meaningful one, we probably lost out on some contacts.Since it was substandard, the association had to rework the website. We approached a local high school media teacher who put us in touch with a high school student who built a serviceable website. We expect it to be a benefit before next•Weseason.made pleas on a local AM/FM radio sports talk show. One of our members, who is a local sports media celebrity in his own right, got an invitation for us. The hosts were extremely understanding and supportive. Again, we expected a significant immediate reaction from listeners, but we were disappointed. It produced no contacts of which we became aware. However, we think it will be worthwhile to appear again after the season to report recruiting progress overall.
MAXIMIZE YOUR BUILT-IN CONNECTION to the game and its players. Draw from your client team alumni, recreation coaches, team parents and area educators. Softball players should be included in that potential baseball umpire talent pool.
Last year, we informally encouraged working umpires to respond to any inquiry by a player, coach, fan or anyone connected with the game or teams who asked, “How can I become an umpire?” Over the course of last season we had about eight contacts. One of them made it on the field for opening day. •It is difficult to predict the success of members recruiting people from year to year. Some members are better at it than others. Some members refuse to do it. Many established umpires are reluctant to do it for fear of recruiting their own replacement or competition.
The association found most new members recruited by current members came from a relatively small number of senior umpires who involved themselves in recruiting. That method produced three contacts
EMPOWER A CAPABLE INDIVIDUAL on your executive board or your association leadership to take charge of the recruiting effort. He or she should serve as a clearinghouse for initiatives, make contacts within your client area and implement recruiting program DESIGNATEpieces.ATECH-SAVVY
•The same member who arranged the radio appearance secured a spot on a local television show. The TV host was extremely sympathetic and supportive and the station replayed the interview a few times in the following weeks. We will try to do that again after the season to report progress. Eight respondents contacted the association off that appearance. Of those eight, one stepped on the field for opening day.
PERSON to handle your website and update it STARTfrequently.RECRUITING
What Worked...What Didn’t
• Association leaders contacted respected baseball coaches at local schools to refer players or team personnel they thought could grow into good umpires. It did not matter if the coach referred someone still in high school, a graduate, a college player or someone returning home with a college degree. We guessed correctly that could produce a significant number of contacts. We were also correct about the impact. We had seven contacts, but only one of them made it on the field for opening •Recruitingday. on the field.
Scott T. Glass has 22 years of high school baseball umpire experience in North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee and Belgium. He is a retired Army veteran and teaches high school. He lives in Chickamauga, Ga.
Trying veterans.andnewforofboostrecordsproveneffortsenergyhurt.initiativesandrecruitingnewretainingcan’tButputtingintowithtrackcanthechancesuccessdrawingofficialskeeping
REFEREE September 2022 | 75 that completed the training and made it onto the opening day slate of games. The jury is still out on: •A local school, employing one of our members, hosted a huge job fair. That member secured a site at the fair, printed some association brochures and attended the fair dressed in his plate gear. On his own initiative, he invited officials representing soccer, softball, volleyball, football and lacrosse. They also appeared in uniform with supporting handouts.Thebaseball representative distributed 55 association brochures and gathered 12 written requests for followup calls in the offseason. It was too near the start of the season to yield on-the-field results, but that was a great boost for recruiting next year. On a side note, that job fair yielded more than 100 contact sheets and callback requests for information on officiating. The future will tell us how successful we were through the job fair. New techniques We developed some areas where we thought our recruiting message would be effective. For manpower or time reasons we could not try them, but we are dedicated to doing so in the coming year. Chattanooga is home to the Lookouts, a Class Double-A minor league baseball team. We will research the cost of placing ads at the stadium, in team programs and possibly public address announcements during games. At the very least we will ask to set up a recruiting table at some games. The University Tennessee-Chattanooga,of a member of the Southern Conference, is also nearby. It does not have a conference baseball team but it does support a college club team in the National Club Baseball Association. Board members identified the need to develop contacts in the college and league. There are also four respected college baseball programs in our servicing area in all three NCAA divisions. We plan to place flyers in college employment announcements at all of those schools.College job fairs will be a challenge since it would require several umpires not in the association leadership to present our message. Still, there are indications that could be successful due to the numerous colleges immediately around us and particularly when we considered the potential success of the high school job fair.We thought we needed to develop a mutually beneficial partnership with local youth recreation leagues. That is a natural feeder source for middle school-level umpires. It is well worth considering. We also need to make sure our recruiting efforts make it clear this avocation welcomes both men and women. Most associations, ours included, have experience with female baseball players who wish to continue involvement in the sport. The country has many female softball players who could easily train to become baseball umpires. What we need to do is raise awareness of the opportunities. Conclusion The association will keep looking for methods to attract candidates to train as umpires. We resolved to try new methods once, modify them if needed and try them again. Our association would love to inform officials everywhere we solved the recruiting and retention problems, and we recruited enough officials to double our onfield strength. But to be honest, we did not even come close to approaching that standard. We did, however, increase our active umpires by 15 percent. True, our association did increase its raw numbers. But we recruited and trained only enough new umpires to replace our 2021 losses and provide a thin cushion to offset losses anticipated in the approaching year. We broke even, but we avoided disaster. Next year we will build on successes, modify initiatives to be productive and try new things. That was only the first inning in a game we must win.
GARVEYDALE
INSISTENCE ON CONSISTENCY
Calling Them the Same Is the Elusive Goal B e consistent.Ifyou’ve officiated for any length of time, you’ve likely heard that comment on numerous occasions.Itmeans different things to different people. If the comment comes from a coach it means, “I don’t want them called the same way for both teams; I want them called my way all the time.”
ALL SPORTS FOR ALL SPORTS, ALL LEVELS 76 | REFEREE September 2022 EDITOR: JEFFREY STERN jstern@referee.com MESSINABOB
If an assigner, coordinator or assessor talks about consistency, it’s often part of a discussion about a point of emphasis or a rule interpretation. Consistency also matters when it comes to issues like working well with your partner or crew, adhering to policies established by your association or conference, or even interacting with players and coaches.Consistency is the foundation of an official’s credibility. But because officials see the game differently from coaches and spectators, our definition of consistency differs as well. Some would argue true consistency means calling the same action the same way regardless of where or when it occurs or any other circumstances.Yetconsistency is something that’s virtually impossible to measure. The coach who hollers, “We’ve got eight fouls and they’ve only got two,” conveniently overlooks the fact his opponent is playing a passive zone defense while his own team is playing a pressing man-to-man. If several penalty flags fly in a short stretch of plays, a football coach will whine, “C’mon! Let ’em play!” But if a hand is laid on his quarterback a nanosecond after he’s released a pass, Umpires are judged by their ability to call balls and strikes. Establishing and maintaining a consistent strike zone is a key for Jim Hochstrasser, Tooele, Utah.
When the game ends, walk with your partner(s) off the court or field. With at least two of you together, you can look out for each other and for potential problems. Emotions often escalate after games and occasionally people will try to confront you. With two or more of you together, you have a potential peacemaker and a potential witness if anything should go awry. Always walk from the locker room to your cars as well. If riding separately, be sure everyone’s car starts; don’t leave a crewmate stranded.
QUICKTIP “My intensity was probably just off the charts. And really that’s probably why other people say I was great. I was a good umpire, and I enjoyed being on the field. It was really the only place I really ever felt comfortable. And that’s what I loved about the game.”
THEY SAID IT Jerry Crawford
— Retired MLB umpire
the complaint will shift to, “Where’s the Inflag?”short, statistics pertaining to fouls called, flags thrown, yardage penalized, etc., whatever the sport, may be useful to an assessor or assigner, but are not indicative of an official or a crew’s level of consistency. Skilled teams will require less officiating than poor ones and officials do not always draw the cream of the crop. Experienced officials also know abandoning a certain amount of consistency in blowout games — passing on minor, non-safety-related violations committed by the trailing team, for instance — is not only acceptable but appreciated. Competence vs. consistency Consistency by itself does not equal competence. To be effective, an official must be capable of something called competent consistency. An umpire who calls the pitch at the ankles a strike all day, or an assistant referee who continually misapplies the Law on offside, may be consistent, by dictionary definition. But in instances like those, consistency does not equal Consistency,competence.within a single game, or game-to-game, is related to the ability to concentrate on the task at hand. That can be difficult for officials working rec league, high school or even small-college games, who more often than not must deal with job and/or family responsibilities on game day before turning their attention to officiating. Officials working at amateur levels often find themselves jumping from one level to another, perhaps handling a contest involving 13-yearolds one day and high school athletes the Thenext.official may have to adapt to a different level of play, variations in the rules or wide variations in ability among players in the same game. All those factors can make achieving consistency more difficult. As vital as it is for officials to maintain a consistent set of standards from one call to the next, it’s just as important to establish consistency among members of a crew, whether that crew has been together for 10 games or 10 years. If one official is quick with the whistle and his or her partner or partners have a “let them play” approach, players and coaches can become frustrated. Nothing will drive a coach to distraction quicker than a situation where one official is calling things significantly different from another.Thebest way to prevent that type of situation from dragging down your game is to conduct a thorough pregame conference. It’s important for any official on any level to maintain focus on the game. The atmosphere in which the contest is played can make that task more daunting however, particularly if one or both coaches is barking at you.The ability to handle complaints from coaches and others involved in the game while still being able to maintain a high level of consistency is what differentiates extraordinary officials from merely capable ones. When the temperature of a game starts to rise, it’s important for officials to retain confidence in their ownItability.would be difficult if not impossible to teach consistency, but it can be learned. As officials gain experience, they learn what calls (and no-calls) are appropriate to the level they’re working. Reviewing games via video is one way officials can self-evaluate the consistency of their work.As you watch, ask yourself, “What are you looking for? What angle are you trying to achieve? Are you in the right position?” While few plays or situations are exactly the same, the official can get a general idea of his or her consistency in movement, distance from plays and angles.The question of whether consistency is a natural attribute or a skill acquired over time may never be completely answered. But maintaining your consistency will improve your game at whatever level you work. Adapted from a feature that appeared in the 6/10 issue of Referee * RefReps and the Indiana High School Athletic Association conducted a poll the week of May 9 to find out how many interscholastic baseball and softball games had been canceled due to no umpires or officiated by one umpire during that point of the spring season. 359 Baseball games canceled due to lack of umpires 89 Softball games canceled due to lack of umpires 880 Baseball and softball games officiated by one umpire SURVEY SAYS …
GREENBLATT/UPIBILL
QUANHESTON
You’ve heard it said often: The only allies we have are our partners or crewmates. While that is a uniting, even somewhat poetic, notion, it isn’t always true. There are other “crewmates” on the sidelines and in the press box who not only make our jobs easier, but can offer genuine help. All we need to do is recognize it. Some of those potential helpers are of an official nature; others are not. But in a pinch they can all be counted upon. We are all aware of the jobs of timers, scorers and chain crews. The question is: Are they aware of our expectations of them? Are you under-utilizing some of the resources at your disposal? The key is a good, clear pregame discussion with them. Every official has taken the field or court only to quickly encounter a clock operator, chain crew or the like who tells them, “I’ve been doing this 10 (or 15 or 20) years. I know what I’m Newdoing.”officials are often muted by such a statement. That’s a mistake. It is as important for you to go over their duties with them as it is to go over your own duties with your partners before a game. If you’re met with a close-ended statement like that, try disarming them with a response like, “I really appreciate experienced help. Just so I’m on the same page, let’s cover some situations.” You’ve acknowledged their experience and led them to a place where they won’t be “insulted” by instructions. On the other hand, you may encounter a “rookie,” especially at the sub-varsity level. “I’ve never done this before,” and “I don’t really know what I’m doing,” are not declarations you want to hear when you take the field or court. When you face that situation, it’s important to realize a big part of your job is going to involve multiple explanations and a slower pace to make things go right. Don’t show irritation or impatience. That won’t help anything. Instead, anticipate less-experienced help at sub-varsity levels, and make it your habit to arrive at the game site even earlier than usual on those days for an extended pregame with your helpers. In fact, many officials have found those newbies to be superior to the “been here, done that” crowd because they are more accepting of yourOftendirection.those “extra” members of your crew can provide valuable help, even a spare set of eyes, during tricky situations. For example, the down box operator on your chain crew can let you know there’s a flag you didn’t see on the far side of the field, or your scoreboard operator can advise you that there are subs waiting to come in. Take advantage of the help that’s available to you. Even “unofficial” helpers can be useful. Those might include ball helpers and scorekeepers who have kept a close eye on the game. Take, for example, a baseball game in which there is a question about the count. You check with your partner, who has a different count than you. Now what? A quick stroll over to the official scorer will likely answer the question. Ask in a way that covers both of you, such as, “Do you show the count as 2-2 or 3-2?”
They’re There to Aid Their ‘Crewmates’
ALL SPORTS 78 | REFEREE September 2022
Jeff Arredondo, Seal Beach, Calif., consults with table personnel before a game. Ensuring you and auxiliary helpers are on the same page is important to the smooth conduct of a contest.
Be certain the person you ask for help is qualified to give it. Keeping your need for help on the “down low” in such situations is very important.Sadly,there are times when your aides will be in over their heads or unwilling to cooperate. In those cases, find the game manager and explain the need for competent help. With luck the replacement will be an improvement.Goodofficials use every tool at their disposal to pull the game off without a hitch. Don’t overlook the fact that some might be living and breathing. *
•Determine if the player really is in need of assistance. If so, stop play and beckon the coach.
•Continueseparated.tosupervise both teams, including bench areas.
•Don’t attempt to treat the player yourself.•Don’t discuss the cause of the injury with anyone.
Player injuries are common in virtually every sport. There is a right way and a wrong way for officials to react to those incidents. The following is taken from Sports Officiating: A Legal Guide, written by attorney Alan Goldberger, an expert in laws that apply to sports officials.
•Do not request anyone to move the injured player so that you can get the game started again. It does not matter if the delay is one minute or four hours. Only the medical personnel, once you’ve called out the coach, can and should determine if the player can be moved and when.
GARVEYDALE ‘There’s an Injured Player on the Field … ’
•Keep opposing players on the field or court
•A player who is bleeding must be treated before resuming participation.Eachcode has its own procedures to address players who are bleeding or whose uniforms are saturated with blood. Similarly, a player who is unconscious or is showing signs or symptoms of a concussion must be sent off the field or court. * Hilary Crisman, Bellingham, Wash., checks on an injured player.
LEARN MORE AT
•Golden State defeated Boston, four games to two, to win the 2022 NBA wereOfficialschampionship.inthefinals
Designate
•Two officials are among the 2022 inductees into the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Hall of Fame. Rusty Batcher has officiated more than 75 FHSAA Final Four baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer and football games. Joseph Underwood has officiated more than 35 postseason contests and three state championships in football and flag football.
awards that warrant
POSTSEASONCOLLEGEASSIGNMENTS
•Ole WorldbaseballNCAAtogamesOklahoma,defeatedMisstwotonone,winthe2022DivisionICollegeSeries.Umpires were Scott Cline, Chris Coskey, Adam Dowdy, Darren Hyman, Grady Smith, Kevin Sweeney, Jake Uhlenhopp and Mark Wagers. Alternates were Barry Chambers, Shawn Rakos, Travis Reininger and David Savage Regional tournament umpires — James Albert, Rick Allen, Ramon Armendariz, Linus Baker, Michael Banks, Craig Barron, Damien Beal, Joseph Blumenauer, Jason Bradley, John Brammer, Ryan Broussard, Mark Buchanan, Joe Burleson, Jon Byrne, Angel Campos, Tim Carey, Travis Carlson, Chambers, Greg Charles, Cline, Dave Condon, Brandon Cooper, Tim Cordill, Steve Corvi, Coskey, Perry Costello, Danny Cricks, Brian deBrauwere, Dowdy, Jeff Doy, Kevin Elzey, Clint Fagan, Mike Fichter, Sal Giacomantonio, Don Goller, Kelly Gonzales, Chris Gonzalez, Eric Goshay, Jeff Gosney, Joe Gravina, Ray Gregson, Chris Griffith, Rob Hansen, Greg Harmon, Joe Harris, Wayne Harris, Jeff Head, Jeff Henrichs, Morris Hodges, Hyman, Mike Jarboe, Daniel Jimenez, Richard Katz, Scott Kennedy, Scott Letendre, Kellen Levy, Mike Lusky, Jeff Macias, Joe Maiden, Brian Marine, Steve Mattingly, Brian Miller, Brandon Misun, Derek Mollica, Mike Morris, Casey Moser, Zach Neff, Eddie Newsom, Alex Ortiz, Brian Peterson, Rakos, Wilson Raynor, Reininger, Patrick Riley, Tim Rosso, Michael Sadowski, Savage, Jim Schaly, Josh Schepis, Grady Smith, Joseph Smith, Dave Soucy, Greg Street, Sweeney, Arthur Thigpen, Uhlenhopp, David Uyl, Billy Van Raaphorst, Jason Venzon, Tim Vessey, Doug Vines, Wagers, Chris Ward, Matthew Wilbanks, Doug Williams and Jeff Wright. Super regionals — Armendariz, Baker, Banks, Barron, Brammer, Buchanan, Campos, Chambers, Cooper, Cordill, Costello, Gosney, Harmon, Head, Hodges, Jarboe, Kennedy, Letendre, Levy, Lusky, Macias, Marine, Morris, Moser, Rakos, Reininger, Riley, Savage, Soucy, Greg, Uyl and Van Raaphorst.
OR
• Joseph Edward Cardoza (football), Stan Ono (wrestling), Creighton “Fuzzy” Richards (basketball), Gary M. Shiraishi (softball), Verneda Thomas (volleyball) and Michael A. Wong (soccer) will be inducted into the Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame during ceremonies Sept.•The4. National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) named Dylan McCareeth, Georgia Southern; Katrina Flores, Cal Poly Pomona; Quincy Smith, Kansas State; Evan Singletary, Arizona State; Chris Green, Creighton; and Fernando Perez, Texas-San Antonio, its 2022 All-American Officials. They officiated NIRSA’s national basketball championships April 8-10 in Wichita, Kan.
finalsRefereesStanleythetoBay,defeated•ColoradoTampafourgamestwo,towin2022NHLCup.forthewere
•The Ohio High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame inducted 13 members during ceremonies June 18. Those enshrined were Doug Ayers, Batavia, football, baseball; Brian Carder, Maumee, football; Doyle Dee Clay, Fostoria, football, track and field; Carl Davidson, North Canton, football, volleyball, basketball; Rick Delaney, Springfield, football, basketball; Pam Stewart Delaney, Springfield, volleyball, girls’ basketball; Frank Grubb, Grove City, football, baseball; Butch Minkemeyer, Wheeling, W.Va., football, basketball, baseball; Ken Rockhold, Westfield Center, golf, girls’ basketball; Larry Saxton, Defiance, wrestling, softball, baseball; Steve Thomas, Albany, basketball, softball, baseball; Scott Welker, Nashport, football, basketball, baseball; and Brian Wisner, Bay Village, hockey. NASO as a beneficiary of your insuranceplanretirementorlifepolicy. NASO.ORG/LEGACY CALL 800-733-6100 Do you have any rosters, assignments or mention? Send info to us at ForTheRecord@referee.com
Gord Dwyer, Jean Hebert, Wes McCauley, Chris Rooney and Kelly Sutherland Linesmen were Steve Barton, Ryan Daisy, Brad Kovachik, Kiel Murchison and Jonny Murray. Referees for the playoffs were Jake Brenk, Dwyer, Eric Furlatt, Trevor Hanson, Hebert, Steve Kozari, Frederick L’Ecuyer, Chris Lee, T.J. Luxmore, McCauley, Jon McIsaac, Dan O’Rourke, Brian Pochmara, Kevin Pollock, Garrett Rank, Kyle Rehman, Rooney, Graham Skilliter, Francois St. Laurent and Sutherland. Linesmen for the playoffs were Shandor Alphonso, Barton, Devin Berg, David Brisebois, Scott Cherrey, Daisy, Ryan Galloway, Brandon Gawryletz, Ryan Gibbons, Trent Knorr, Kovachik, Matt MacPherson, Bevan Mills, Murchison, Murray, Derek Nansen, Bryan Pancich, Mark Shewchyk, Andrew Smith and Libor Suchanek
AWARDS & HONORS
Tony Brothers, James Capers, Marc Davis, Kane Fitzgerald, Scott Foster, John Goble, David CourtneyGuthrie,Kirkland, Eric Lewis, Josh Tiven, James Williams and Zach Zarba Conference semifinals — Curtis Blair, Brothers, Capers, Davis, Mitchell Ervin, Fitzgerald, Tyler Ford, Brian Forte, Foster, Pat Fraher, Jaycn Goble, John Goble, Guthrie, Bill Kennedy, Kirkland, Karl Lane, Lewis, Mark Lindsay, Tre Maddox, Ed Malloy, Rodney Mott, Gediminas Petraitis, Ben Taylor, Tiven, Tom Washington, Williams, Sean Wright and Zarba. Conference finals—Blair, Brothers, Capers, Davis, Fitzgerald, Ford, Foster, Fraher, John Goble, Guthrie, Kennedy, Kirkland, Lewis, Lindsay, Malloy, Taylor, Tiven, Williams, Wright, Zarba.
•Eastern Connecticut State defeated Salisbury (Md.), 11-6 and 3-2, to win the NCAA Division III baseball championship. Umpires were Donnie Smith, Ben Williams, Ron Black, Jerry Buresh, Toby Formiller, Mike Griffin, Sam Kayea and Justin Sims
POSTSEASONPROFESSIONALASSIGNMENTS
•North Greenville (S.C.) defeated Point Loma Nazarene (Calif), 5-3, to win the NCAA Division II baseball championship. Umpires were Rick Cacciatore, Ray Chamberlin, Adam Berg, Drew Eaton, Josh Gottlieb, Trevor Hinson, Scott Wyckoff and Steve Zawisky
FOR THE RECORD AWARDS, ROSTERS, NOTABLES 80 | REFEREE September 2022
David Arrieta, Orlando, Fla.
Zachary Dobson, Littleton, Colo.
Benjamin Sonntag, Vero Beach, Fla.
Nathan Tomlinson, Douglas, Wyo.
Erich Bacchus, Frederick, Md. John Bacon, Kent, Ohio Brock Ballou, Mount Juliet, Tenn.
Edwin Moscoso Corredor, La Morita Aragua, JoseVenezuelaNavas Corzo, Los Guayos, Carabobo, RobertVenezuelaNunez, Largo, Fla.
Denver Dangerfield, Panama City Beach, Fla. Chandler Durham, Midland, Ga. Ethan Gorsak, Madison, N.J.
Harrison Silverman, Roseville, Calif.
REFEREE September 2022 | 81
Derek Thomas, Cape Coral, Fla.
Florida State League Christian Argueza, Pembroke Pines, Fla. Kaleb Devier, Newton, Ala. Warren Eubanks, Lithia Springs, Ga. Nelson Fraley, New Port Richey, Fla. Garret Griffin, Weyauwega, Wis. Alexander Lawrie, Mineville, Nova Scotia Conor Mckenna, Mississauga, Ontario Austin Snow, Broken Arrow, Okla. William Ward III, Madison, Ala. Matthew Watkoski, Grand Rapids, Mich. Chad Westlake, Pensacola, Fla.
Takahito Matsuda, Hamilton, Ontario
Cody Oakes, Oelwein, Iowa Tyler Olson, Overland Park, Kan.
Jeremy Riggs, Portsmouth, Va. Justin Robinson, St. Louis Randy Rosenberg, Jacksonville, Fla.
Casey James, Atlanta Trevor Mathews, Venice, Fla. Jacob McConnell, Gainesville, Ga. Jon-Tyler Shaw, Conyers, Ga. Clay Williams, Springfield, Tenn.
Nestor Ceja, The Woodlands, Texas William Clark, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Alexander Mackay, Evergreen, Colo.
Ty Krauss, Glendale, Ariz. Alex Nash, Atascadero, Calif.
ROSTERS
Samuel Burch, Tampa, Fla.
Midwest League Nathaniel Diederich, Victorville, Calif. Kenneth Jackson, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. Justin Juska, Lakeland, Fla. Kevin Levine, Union Pier, Mich. Zachary Martin, Blue Ridge, Ga. Joseph McCarthy, Destrehan, La. Glen Meyerhofer, Kaukauna, Wis. Jarred Moehlmann, Brenham, Texas Felix Neon Espinosa, Santo Domingo Este, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Cliburn Rondon Romero, Guatire, Miranda, KyleVenezuelaStutz, Leander, Texas Bryan Van Vranken, Sarasota, Fla.
Thomas Hanahan, Mentor, Ohio Luis Hernandez, Lennox, Calif.
Florida Complex Samuel Carey, Charlottesville, Va. Andrew Craddock, Sylacauga, Ala. Connor Crowell, Nashville, Tenn. Jared Duerson, Euless, Texas Davion Frye, Wesson, Miss. Kenny Garcia, Oldsmar, Fla. Korey Gerber, Dublin, Ohio Justin Hopkins, Pittsfield, Mass.
Joshua Hulsey, Ocilla, Ga. Kameron Jones, Vicksburg, Miss. Frank Jones, Powder Springs, Ga. Jose Polanco, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Brandon Schmitt, East Palestine, Ohio Alec Sotolongo, Miami Perry Swartz, Dillsburg, Pa.
Here are the 2022 umpire rosters for Minor League Baseball.
Jacob Metz, Edmonds, Wash.
Mark Stewart Jr, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Daniel Merzel, Apex, N.C.
Malachi Moore, Buckeye, Ariz.
Thomas West, Boondall, Australia Lewis Williams III, Lodi, Calif.
Ryan Wills, Centreville, Va. Dillon Wilson, Clopton, Ala.
Nicholas Mahrley, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Benjamin Phillips, Apex, N.C.
Steven Jaschinski, Mount Hope, Ontario
Benjamin Engstrand, West Des Moines, Iowa
South Atlantic Joseph Belangia III, Greenville, S.C. Jesse Bush, Ballston Spa, N.Y. Adam Clark, Huntsville, Ala. Kenneth Cullipher, Greenville, N.C.
Pete Talkington, Bellevue, Neb.
Darius Ghani, San Jose, Calif.
Takashi Wada, Wakayama-City, Japan Arizona Complex Evan Anderson, Springfield, Mo. Timothy Barreras, Albuquerque, N.M. Travis Brewer, Horn Lake, Miss. Patrick Buhl, Oakdale, Minn. Craig Burt, Rosedale, British Columbia Jabril Geter-Abdulah, Kansas City, Mo. Robert Ginther III, Troy, Mich. Tyler Green, Gonzales, La. Spencer Kim, San Diego Trevor Klostermann, St. Louis Chad Lagana, Valencia, Calif. Tatum Littleton, Austin, Texas Juliette Robb, New Waverly, Texas Jeremy Rodda, Surprise, Ariz. David Saball, Anthem, Ariz. Kevin Scholz, Grafton, Wis. Andrew Schrock, La Crosse, Ind. Jesse Segura, Albuquerque, N.M. Nobuoki Yasuta, Fukushima, Japan Carolina League Michael Corbett, Monroeville, Pa. Steven Craze, Silver Spring, Md. Juan Gomez Cobelas, Carora Lara, Venezuela Jaylen Goodman, Atlanta Shea Graham Potsdam, N.Y. Christopher Jenke, Broadview, Ill. Tre Jester, Atlanta Brian Laws, Dover, Del. Elliott Melton, Grovetown, Ga. Joshua Michael, Towson, Md. Chad Patterson, Lansing, Mich. Malcolm Smith, Aubrey, Texas Charles Welling, Penfield, N.Y. Eastern League Marcelo Alfonzo Lozano, Los Guayos, SeanVenezuelaCassidy, Jupiter, Fla. Thomas Fornarola, Rochester, N.Y.
Christopher Marco, Hamilton, Ontario
Dane Poncsak, Columbus, Ohio
Alexander Tosi, Scottsdale, Ariz. Junior Valentine, Cosby, Tenn. Clinton Vondrak, O’Fallon, Mo.
Steven Hodgins, Keego Harbor, Mich. James Jean, Lake Park, Fla. Garry Kelley, Fayetteville, Ga. Raul Moreno Benitez, Villa De Cura, Aragua, ThomasVenezuelaO’Neil, Versailles, Ky. Robert Tassone, Hinckley, Ill. Justin Whiddon, Richmond Hill, Ga.
David Martinez, Bayonne, N.J.
Jonathan Parra Ortega, Valencia, Carabobo, AnthonyVenezuelaPerez, Murrells Inlet, S.C.
Brian Walsh, San Pedro, Calif.
Donald Carlyon, Drums, Pa.
Matthew Winter, Ames, Iowa
Jhonatan Biarreta Castillo, Barquisimeto Lara, MatthewVenezuelaBrown, Charlotte, N.C.
Jose Matamoros, Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Brennan Miller, Fairfax Station, Va.
Triple-A
Aaron Higgins, Elk Grove, Calif.
Texas League Hardlen Acosta Mercedes, Sanchez, Samana, Dominican Republic Isaias Barba, Hawthorne, Calif. Jacob Bruner, Gretna, Neb. Michael Carroll, Conroe, Texas Trevor Dannegger, Maplewood, Mo.
Edwin Jimenez Pernalete, Coro Falcon, EvinVenezuelaJohnson, Chesterfield, Va. Jaeyoung Kim, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea Jude Koury, Twinsburg, Ohio Lucas Krupa, Rudyard, Mich. Kevin Mandzuk, Regina, Saskatchewan Kellen Martin, Phoenix Tanner Moore, Omaha, Neb. Jen Pawol, Decatur, Ill. Michael Snover, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Mitchell Trzeciak, Lansing, Mich. Rainiero Valero Bolivar, Hormigueros, Puerto KelvisRico Velez Caminero, Ensenada, Puerto Rico Tyler Witte, Pearl River, N.Y.
Minor League Baseball
Northwest League Matthew Blackborow, Stoney Creek, Ontario Hector Cuellar Jr., Camarillo, Calif. Guillermo Rodriguez, Princeton, Calif. Christian Roemer, Finksburg, Md. Sean Sparling, Mountain Home, Idaho Zdenek Zidek, Zruc-Senec, Czech Republic
Raymond Patchen, Oceanside, Calif.
Michael Rains, Allen, Texas Charles Ramos, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Southern League Mark Bass, Aurora, Colo. Dylan Bradley, Pace, Fla. Benjamin Fernandez, Fort Myers, Fla. Joshua Gilreath, Buford, Ga. Macon Hammond, Greenville, N.C.
Paul Clemons, Oxford, Kan.
Tyler Jones, Charleston, S.C. Austin Jones, Ladson, S.C. Shane Livensparger, Jacksonville, Fla.
Reed Basner, Huntsville, Ala. Matthew Bates, Harrison, Tenn. Adam Beck, Oviedo, Fla.
Emil Jimenez Pernalete, Coro Falcon, Venezuela
Christopher Presley-Murphy, Lodi, Calif. Ernesto Rios Jr., El Paso, Texas
William Traynor, Manteca, Calif.
82 | REFEREE / MHSAA September 2022 The MHSAA annually honors high school game officials with 20, 30, 40, 45 and 50, 55 and 60 years of service. In addition to the Vern L. Norris and Randy Paulson Award winners, we celebrate 395 officials who celebrated a milestone school year. VERN L. NORRIS AWARD
Kenneth TyroneDearbornButler,HeightsChristmas, Port Huron Michael Clark, Saginaw Daniel Cochrane, Mesick Vern Collins, Gaylord Aaron Condit, Ludington Pete Cool, Grand Rapids Marc Cooper, Waterford Russell Cossaboom, THE RECORD
Pat Hayes, Birmingham RANDY PAULSEN STUDENT LEGACY OFFICIAL Brenna Kosal, Peck 20-YEAR RECIPIENTS Luis Acosta, Ann Arbor Matthew Allen, Grand Ledge Marquese Allen Sr., Grand Rapids Luis Arellano, Rochester Daniel Ashenfelter, Wolverine Blaine Barabas, Marquette Joseph (JC) Bard Jr., Lansing Joel Barnes, Birch Run Thomas Barnikow, Bay City Daniel Barz, Stevensville Bruce Beery, Kalamazoo Hershell Bell Jr., Detroit Kecia Bennett, Grand Rapids Kenneth Bertin, West Bloomfield Dennis Betts, Livonia James Betts, Farwell John Bifoss Jr., Vanderbilt Cedric Binns. Taylor David Blough, Scotts Daryl Boughton. Berrien Springs Eva Bower, Ypsilanti Bruce Britton, Hillsdale Patricia Brodie, Flat Rock Martin Brown, Bay City Kris Brown Jr., Kalamazoo Peter Bucheli, Troy Debra Bunker-Plasters, Lake Orion John Burke, Ishpeming Glenn Bushouse, Richland Ralph Capler, Dearborn Ryan Chadderton, Milan Donald Childs, Lansing Elizabeth Cilfone, Oxford Alan Clark, Kalamazoo Tom Condon, Lambertville Charles Conner, Cassopolis Douglas Conner, Cassopolis Michael Costello, Holland Richard Croci, Clinton Township Michele Curtis, Gaylord Chris Daly, Flint Courtney Dean, Coldwater Ryan Decker, Howell Angela Del Morone, Flushing Calvin Denson, Westland Bob Diekman, Freeland Darryl Dillard, Wyoming Jeffrey VincentFarmingtonDornseifer,HillsDuckworth, Holland Charles Ely III, Grand Rapids Gerry Erb, Kentwood Rayford Evans, Detroit Lisa Favors, Grosse Pointe Christopher Floyd, Canton Kathy Foulks, Gwinn Steven Foulks, Gwinn Oliver Fragoso, Dearborn Todd Frazier, Rockford William Furno, Flushing Donald Gay Jr., Detroit Mike Gomez, Swartz Creek Vincent Gross, Brimley Thomas Habitz Jr., Hamtramck Peter Haggadone, Lapeer Donald Hancock, St Helen Audie Hawkins Sr., Mount Pleasant Mike Heyboer, Sault Ste Marie Andrew Hill Jr., Detroit Rob Holmes, Farmington Hills Heidi Hopper, Mason Kent Houghtaling, Reese Richard Hughes, Detroit Joe Johnson, Beulah William Johnston, Bellaire Christopher Jones, Adrian James Kalinowski, Coloma Stephen Kamin, Midland Kevin Kashat, Livonia Steven Keeler, Springport Michael Keith, Grand Haven Carl Keller, Vicksburg Terrence Kerwin, Belmont Kevin Kitka, Warren Genevieve Knudsen, Ludington Jim Kostura, Marinette David Krellwitz, Sterling Heights Kevin Krenzke, Gladwin Brett Lambert, Grand Rapids Patrick Lane, Byron Center Erik Law, Chesterfield Terrance Leabhart, Monroe Gregory Lefevre, Shelby Township Donald Lougheed, Fenton Mark Lundvick, Jenison Thomas Malik, Monroe Robert Manes, Mason Ronald Masters, Chesterfield Steven May, Rudyard Robert Maybouer, Canton Anthony McBride, North Muskegon Scott McConnelee, Davison James MelvinCommerceMcGuigan,TwpMcKnight,Battle Creek Curtis Messing, Portage Dan Meyer, Ironwood Ty Miller, Fremont Joel Moore, Southfield Timothy Mowry, Swartz Creek Donald Mullett, Canton Karl Nadolsky, Holland Brad Nevin, Ann Arbor Peter Olson, Rochester Hills Matt Overweg, Albion Ted Patrick, Zeeland Patrick Pestka, Ontonagon Jeremy Petroff, Toledo Michael Phillips, Kaleva Herman Pierce, Detroit William Pochinco, Washington Hal Price, Boyne City Natalie Queen, Lansing David Radke, Auburn Paul Ramirez, Swanton Steven Rechsteiner, Lambertville Glen Reinert, Millington Luke Reynolds, North Branch Bruce Ritsema, Hudsonville Edward Rodden, Davison Denise Roeschke, Shelby Twp Mickey Rowe, Litchfield William Rutledge, Portage Joseph Salmassi, Dearborn Luke Schmiege, Saginaw J. R. Schoon, Ludington Kris Shoemate, Reese Michael Sizen, Bellaire Todd Sonnenberg, Jackson Marc Sonnenfeld, Macomb Michael Spencer, Gobles Jay Spencer, Grand Rapids Kelley Spettel, Manistique Sherell Stanley Esq., Detroit David Steinmiller, Portage Mark Stevens, Dryden James Stockel, Royal Oak Steven Stodolak, Standish Steven Tannar, Hartland Thomas Theile, Flushing Heather Tietze, Holland John Tompkins, Petoskey Eric Towe, Trenton Jason Towe, Trenton Kenneth Trimiew, Newport Matt Vanderhulst, Holland Chad Vanderstelt, Fruitport Rick VanDerVeer, Novi Michael Vogt, Burton Milan Vuchenich, Bristol Justin Ward, Jackson Jeffrey Wasley, Ironwood Bret Wegenke, Dewitt Ben Wieringa, Grand Haven Matthew Wilcox, Okemos William Wilkinson, Kalamazoo Gregory Williams, Detroit Jeffrey Woodbury, Novi Gregory Yarhouse, Grand Rapids Peter Yon, Wakefield David Zessin, Holland Roxin Zhang, Marquette Michael Zilli, Grosse Pointe Woods 30-YEAR RECIPIENTS Ron Angell. Novi Kevin Ayotte, Escanaba Kenneth Baker, East Tawas Philip Bard, Fennville Scott Barnes, Lansing James Beck, Monroe Don Blue Jr., Falmouth John Bowie, Oakland Twp Richard Bradley, Lake City Donald Brewer, West Bloomfield Larry Brewer, Dowagiac Ron Bristol, Charlotte Damon Brown, Detroit Anthony Buckett, West Branch
FOR
Joseph Thilman, Troy Jeff Weingartz, Imlay City Frank Wozniak, Posen Robert Youngs, Crystal 50-YEAR RECIPIENTS Brian Briegel, Tekonsha Raymond Cranston, Farmington James Downs, Howell Tom Essenburg, Grand Rapids Frederick Fenrick, St Joseph Brian Foust, Plymouth Charles Hobbs, Battle Creek Thomas Lieckfelt, Sunrise Kenneth Marchetti, Iron PatrickMountainMcKenna, Davison James McPartlin, Westland George Mihalic Jr., St Clair Shores Leslie Miller, Spruce Ronald Mousel, Ludington John Musulin, Saginaw Bruce Ritter, Brighton Alphonse Ruffner, Taylor Robert Stewart, Wyoming 55-YEAR RECIPIENTS
Trent Anderson, Kalamazoo David Askew, Livonia Michael Aumack, Kalamazoo Peter Beer, Farmington Hills Daniel Benson, Decatur Brenda Betz, Adrian Charles Bott, Buckley Ramiro Bucheli, Troy Robert Czech, Oak Park Brett Davis, Allen Park Michael Dunn, Oxford Helmut Egger, Shelby Twp Michael Emerson, Berrien Springs Peter Fitzsimons, Bay Harbor James Gibbons, Livonia Gibbon Goulish, Burton Jeffery Grice, Boyne City Stephen Grinczel, Goshen Eric Gronda, Weidman Thomas Guilmette, Howell George Harvey, Newport Tim Hoffman, Jackson Russell Johnson, Lake Worth Stephen Johnson, Wolverine Alan Kevwitch, Dearborn Heights Ross Klein, St Clair Shores Michael Knabusch, Monroe Rudy Kocsis, Saginaw Thomas Kohn, Greenville Mark Larson, Fenton James Lewis, Chesterfield John Martin, Plainwell Brian McKenna, West Bloomfield Michael Peltz, Grosse Pointe Gerald Potter, Farmington Ray Powers, Saginaw Mark Sefcik, Mason Michael Selleck, Owosso Dale Smith, Holly David Soderbloom, Quinnesec Shaun MartinDearbornSoraghan,HeightsSpencer,St Ignace Rick Stone, Gladwin Gary Therrian, Portage Gary Trocino, Dearborn Horace Turner, Paw Paw Peter VanGessel, Grandville William Wagner, Grand Rapids Phillip Westheimer, Jackson Dennis Whitehead, Jackson Kenneth Wikle, Howell Carol Willson, Kalamazoo Mary Wozniak, Posen Brian Zdanowski, Grand Rapids 45-YEAR RECIPIENTS Richard Anderegg, Norton Shores David Blough, Bristol Jeffery Burr, Muskegon Paul Carmichael, Ionia David Cherry, Sturgis Thomas Crampton, Brooklyn Philip DeGabriele, Negaunee Douglas Dillon, Davison Don Fry, Adrian David Gagnon, Gladstone Tom Guenthardt, Manistee Jeff Haapoja, Ironwood Kirk Hart, Kalamazoo Deborah Heck, Highland Michael Hessen, Shelby Twp John Hoekje, DeWitt Randy Hutton, Davison Reed Johnson, Linden Garth Jones, St Clair Patricia Jones, Detroit Dennis Krafft, Frankenmuth Richard Lee, Brown City Larry Leeper, Warren Richard Massa, Fenton Max Monas, Trenton Bruce Moss, Alma Ronald Nagy, Hazel Park Michael Nestell, Williamston Wayne Patterson, Climax Thomas Poma, Plymouth John Sacchetti, Iron Mountain Jeffrey Schram, Rapid River Doug Schupp, Iron Mountain John Scott, Farmington Hills Charles Sherman, Saginaw Bertha Smiley, Detroit Bryan Smith, Lansing Stephen Stuckey, Warren Suzanne Swanton, Saginaw Jim Tate, Norton Shores
REFEREE / MHSAA September 2022 | 83 EricColumbiavilleDanielson, St Ignace David DeCou, Paw Paw Angela DeVito, Rockford Shawn Dinkfelt, Mount Clemens Mark Dooley, Cambridge Don East, Dowagiac Andrew Flynn, Morrice Leo Flynn, Davisburg Shawn Glass, Sylvania Larry Graf, Saint Charles David Gross, Spring Lake Sharon Harris Agrusa, Livonia Thomas Hebben, New Baltimore Stephen Hendershott, Ortonville Geoffrey Henderson, Grand Rapids Brian Holman, Norton Shores Arthur Kale, Albion Dale Kaufman, St Clair Warren Kent III, Whitehall Lloyd Richard Kieft, Lansing Charles Krochmal, Pinckney Gary Kulchar, Riverview James La Grow II, Hemlock Brian Lamour, Monroe Robert Lee, St Ignace Daniel LeVeque, St Johns William Louthan, Portage David Lovely, Essexville Larry Mach, Hartland Tom Mailloux, Capac James Martin, South Rockwood Kenneth Marzka, Lakeport Paul McDonald, Jackson Gary Merrill, Bay City Dwayne Moore, Grand Rapids Laurie Mueller, Battle Creek Kevin Novorolsky, Traverse City O’Neal Ollie, Kalamazoo Rich Plackowski, Detroit Todd Powell, Byron Center Thomas Prysby, Beverly Hills Thomas Rau, Owosso Timothy Rediess, South Haven David Reeb, Indian River David Roeschke, Shelby Twp John Ruddell, St Joseph John Rzeppa, Wyandotte Terry Scrivener, Swartz Creek Kirk Seibert, East China David Selden, Reese Mose Smith Jr., Ferndale Wayne Smith, Southfield Michael Sopko, Lake Orion Jeffrey Spedoske, DeWitt Lori Spelde, Grand Haven Joseph Stine, Holton Michael Sumner, Charlotte David Szenderski, Petersburg Bruce Tapio, Iron Mountain Dean Tondreau, Grand Blanc Daniel Trudell, Grass Lake Mark Uyl, East Lansing Geno Walker, Carleton Larry Ward, Stevensville Brian Weaver, Saginaw Darryl Wehner, Harbor Beach Michael Welser, East China Daniel West, Grand Ledge Hans Wienke, Iron Mountain Bryan Wild, Bonita Springs Denny Wiltse, Pinconning Thom Wissner, Cheboygan Shane Wood, Cedar Springs Barry Yett, West Bloomfield Juan Zamora Jr., Leslie 40-YEAR RECIPIENTS
Rodney Horton, Haslett Alan Kaczander, West Bloomfield Roland Koski, Negaunee Tony Malinowski, Clarkston Jim Niemiec, Owosso Walter Popyk, Rochester Hills Kenneth Terpstra, Grand Rapids Paul VanOveren, Comstock Park 60-YEAR RECIPIENTS Diane Johnson, St Clair Shores Norman Sorenson, Mount Pleasant
Officials Faced With ‘Hair-Raising’ Legal Issues
And, these legislative efforts — collectively known as the “Crown Acts” — are spreading to other states. As rules-makers walk a fine line between writing rules minimizing the risk of injury and an expanding panoply of athletes’ civil rights, the challenges to officials now and forever are to enforce those rules by making the correct call — including the calls before the game. While wrestling may have been first to the party, with significant rules changes inspired by a prematch incident in New Jersey, additional rule changes are currently in place or in progress in many other sports. Getting those calls right requires: 1) rules knowledge; and, 2) having at the ready all current interpretations and modifications in place for the game being worked that day. Being prepared for the task means governing bodies or officials associations must furnish all officials with a complete and accurate interpretation of rules regarding hair and adornments as well as a workable mechanic and protocol that can be consistently applied by all officials — from preseason scrimmages to the stateExamplesfinals. of protocol “variables” include a specific direction of how to deal with, as a crew, potential rules violations regarding hair, or anything else, observed during pregame warmups. For example, it must be crystal clear to officials if they are to alert coaches and/or athletes, or only head coaches, of potential violations observed before the game — and in what order. In all cases, it is recommended at least two officials be present for any such conversations.
By Alan Goldberger Over the past few years, officials around the country have been saddled with untoward legal entanglements when attempting to enforce rules regarding uniforms, equipment, personal grooming, accessories and accommodations. As daunting as rulebook-based regulations governing these items may be for officials, none are as problematic as rules regarding hair styles.Historically, rules restrictions on grooming and adornments worn on or about the person of an athlete have generated their share of controversy — as rules that were at one time regarded as necessary safeguards against the risk of injury have become a key element in a battle to stay ahead of the legal issues raised by student-athletes and schools claiming unfair treatment at the hands of officials who are simply attempting to enforce the rules. While such claims have cited civil rights laws, medical accommodation regulations, and even disabilities laws, hair styles now enjoy legal protection all their own. Laws against racial discrimination in nearly one-quarter of the states define “race” to include hair styles “historically associated with race.”
PRESENTED BY
The Initial Lookover In nearly all sports rules codes, officials have certain pregame duties that require their presence on the field, court or pitch well before the playing action begins. As such, officials’ legal responsibilities include taking all appropriate precautions to start a game or match on a playing field that is not only “level” but safe and level. Take time to visually inspect the venue, including fences and areas containing goals, nets, posts or other apparatus. Take note of any equipment left too close to a field or court for comfort, or any other hazards that pose a risk to participants, and alert an adult staff member to remedy theMakesituation.sure hazards have been dealt with before play begins.
While such claims have cited civil rights laws, medical protectionstylesdisabilitiesregulations,accommodationandevenlaws,hairnowenjoylegalalltheirown.
AT THE CONTEST Pregame conference with coaches: Follow proper mechanics — have at least two crew members present during any hair-related discussions; know who you are supposed to approach if there’s an issue and when that conversation should take place. Do not comment on hair styles or adornments except to advise if the adornment contains any items that are illegal under the rules of the sport.
AFTER THE CONTEST Make note of what transpired so if questions come up later, you’ll have a record to refresh your recollection.
* Hair-Rules Checklist Use the checklist below to confirm you are ready to handle the “hairy” part of each assignment: BEFORE THE CONTEST Confirm governing body interpretations before season. Check manuals. Check Regularlyprotocols.checkemails for bulletins from the state association or applicable governing body. Regularly check for up-to-date state interpreter-issued interpretations. Confirm with association interpreter. Be wary of any state or conference modifications and remember the safety aspects of NFHS rules. Officials have a responsibility to know the law.
LAW AFFECTING OFFICIALS Go to www.naso.org and click on member benefits for more on MICP.
SOURCE: SPORTS LAW EXPERT ALAN GOLDBERGER
SOURCE: 11/19 LAW COLUMN BY ALAN GOLDBERGER
84 | REFEREE September 2022
ISSUES
Finally, association leaders, interpreters and training officers need to recognize that, while current interpretation of the rule at hand is vital, all officials must be provided with specific mechanics and protocols to enable them to effectively discharge their legal responsibilities. Alan Goldberger is an official and attorney from Fairfield, N.J. This column is for informational purposes and not legal advice.
* Referee Training Center — The largest library of officiating training materials in the world. Rules study, mechanics updates and materials on important topics can all be found in one location 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with sample chapters and video samples. Discover it all at store.referee.com.
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•The NFLRA, the union that represents NFL officials, files an unfair labor practices complaint against the league. The union claimed the NFL violated the National Labor Relations Act by sending two letters to lockedout officials that “contained inaccurate, false and incomplete information” in an effort to “undermine” support.
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REFEREE September 2022 | 85
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or visit the Association Advantage website nasoadvantage.com.at EQUIPMENT/APPAREL * Purchase Officials Supplies —
10 YEARS AGO … 2012
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TRAINING
• Herm Rohrig, former Big Ten footballdiesandsupervisorConferenceofbasketballfootballofficials,at84.RohrigplayedatNebraska and spent three years in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers before turning to officiating. He officiated football in the Big Eight Conference and the NFL, and worked basketball for 13 years, including four Nebraska state high school tournaments and two NAIA national championship games. He supervised the Big Ten basketball and football officials from 1968-83.
serving free returns to go along with more brands, product reviews,
QUIZ BASKETBALLANSWERS
1 — NFHS – c (10-2-2, 10.2.2); NCAAM – d (10-2.6, AR 279); NCAAW – d (10-12.2.f, AR 330) 2 — All – d (NFHS 2-8-1, 2.8.1; NCAAM 10.2.8, AR 281; NCAAW 10-12.2.h, AR 332) 3 — All – b (NFHS 5-10; NCAAM/W 5-12) BASEBALL 1 — All – c (NFHS 7-4-1f; NCAA 2-51, 8-5q; pro 6.01b) 2 — All – a (NFHS 8-3-5; NCAA 8-3o3 Note 1; pro 5.06b4G) 3 — All – b (NFHS 8-3-5; NCAA 8-3o3 Note 1; pro 5.06b4G) 4 — NFHS – c (2-4-3); NCAA, pro – d (NCAA 2-7, 8-2b; pro Base on Balls Definition) SOFTBALL 1 — NFHS, USSSA – b (NFHS 7-3-1 Eff. 2, 7.3.1B; USSSA 7-8 Note 2); NCAA, USA Softball – c (NCAA 11.2.2 Eff.; USA Softball 7-3f Eff.) 2 — NFHS, NCAA, USA Softball – a (NFHS 8-4-1g; NCAA 12.12.6.4 Eff., USA Softball 8-4g); USSSA –b (AR 350 and Interp.) 3 — NFHS, USA Softball, USSSA – b (NFHS 6-3-2 Pen.; USA Softball 7-5g; USSSA 6-2b Pen.); NCAA – c (10.16 Eff.) 4 — NFHS – b (3-1-3 Pen.); NCAA – c (5.7 Note 1); USA Softball, USSSA – a (USA Softball 4-1a-2; USSSA 5-1c) FOOTBALL 1 — Both – b (NFHS 9-2-3c, 9.2.3B; NCAA 9-3-4d) 2 — Both – d (NFHS 4-2-2e-2; NCAA 4-1-3f) 3 — Both – b (NFHS 6-1-10, 6.1.9A; NCAA 6-2-2, AR 6-2-2-IV) 4 — NFHS – a (7-1-7c) ; NCAA – d (2-27-4b and c, 7-1-2b) 5 — Both – a (NFHS 3-4-2, 5-13d; NCAA 3-3-2e-1) VOLLEYBALL 1 — All – a (NFHS 5-8-3a Note; NCAA 19.3.9; USAV 24.2.3) 2 — All – e (NFHS 12-2-9h Pen. 1b; NCAA 6.1.2.2; USAV 21.2.1, 21.3.1) 3 — NFHS – a (2-1-5); NCAA – b (1.2.2.3); USAV – c (1.3.4) SOCCER 1 — NFHS – b (4-1-1a); NCAA, IFAB – a (NCAA 4.1.8; IFAB 4.3) 2 — All – b (NFHS 12-2b, 12.2A; NCAA 12.1.7.3.3; IFAB 12.1) 3 — All – a (NFHS 16-1-2a; NCAA 16.2.2; IFAB 16.1) 4 — All – a (NFHS 11-1-1a; NCAA 11.1; IFAB 11.1) 5 — All – c (NFHS 12-8-2a; NCAA 12.7.4.9; IFAB 12.3) 40 YEARS AGO … 1982 •The NBA names Scotty Stirling, former assistant to the president of the Golden State Warriors, as the league’s vice president of operations, replacing Joe Axelson. The league’s officiating division is one of Stirling’s areas of responsibility. 30 YEARS AGO … 1992 •Three new regional supervisors join the NCAA National Umpire Program, working under national coordinator Jon Bible. The new hires — Jim Garman, Bob Nelson and Ken Eldridge — were each chosen to serve three-year terms, joining the remaining six supervisors and Bible for oversight of NCAA baseball umpires. 20 YEARS AGO … 2002
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Here’s to Hugh Editor’s Note: Hugh Evans died shortly before this issue went to print. See news story on p. 8. We have walked through the “tunnel” of many NBA arenas throughout the United States, and even Asia, when we worked games in Beijing and Yokohama. But walking from the “back of the house” down the tunnel and onto the NCAA Men’s Final Four floor on April 2 in New Orleans was the most special — and the only time a few tears rolled down my cheeks. A friend, mentor and fellow NBA referee, Hugh Evans was being announced as a 2022 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class member. What an honor for him, and for me to provide an “assist” — pushing Hugh in his wheelchair onto the Caesars Superdome basketball court.The circle of life was front and center in this moment. You see, Hugh assisted me throughout my entire NBA career. I first met him in 1985 during summer training programs and was fortunate to work games with him during my rookie year as a fulltime NBA referee in 1987, when only two referees worked a game. He spent countless hours teaching me how to survive and thrive as a professional official.Many an afternoon we sat at a restaurant table, where he would move ketchup and mustard bottles along with salt and pepper shakers teaching correct positioning on an imaginary NBA court. It was about open and closed looks, being “stacked,” understanding rebounding coverage and so many other nuances to grasp while officiating the greatest athletes on the planet.
A friend, mentor and fellow NBA referee, Hugh Evans was being announced as a 2022 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class member.
DELANEYBOBOFCOURTESY
Hugh understood the game. He played at Boys High School in New York City with the great Connie Hawkins. He played college ball at North Carolina A&T with the great Al Attles. And I am sure many of his teammates have said they played with the great Hugh Evans. Even today, Hugh has a quiet strength. His words are measured and concise. He has a calm confidence that creates an aura of trust. When you walked on an NBA floor as a part of his referee crew, you felt as if you were benefitting from that aura. Hugh would walk to center court during pregame warmups and stand shoulder to shoulder with his referee partners. He did not leave you to go shake hands with players or coaches. They came to him or he just nodded hello. When he walked onto the hardwood floor, it was time to get down to business. He worked games with a professional, serious approach and yet had the ability to calm waters with a take-control “look” or a smile. Hugh always put the game and his partners before himself. He was an old-school values guy who was progressive on and off the court. The Naismith Hall of Fame announces nominees at the NBA AllStar game each year, and those who are to be inducted are presented at the NCAA Men’s Final Four. The entire weekend in New Orleans, former NBA players, college coaches, referees and fans would stop to say hello and offer congratulations. Even on the flight, passengers and the captain came to offer a salute for his Hall of Fame career.When we went onto the floor during halftime of the UNC-Duke semifinal game, the broadcasters at the announcer’s table — Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, Jim Nantz — stood, clapped and offered congratulatory words. One image I will never forget: P.J. Carlesimo, the former college and NBA coach, and now an announcer, started climbing over the sideline table to get onto the court — with help from Gene Steratore, who was trying to lift and push P.J. While a comical scene in itself, P.J. wanted to hug and thank Hugh for all he has done for the game. It was a gesture of love and respect that was felt and offered by so many thatCathy,weekend.Hugh’s wife, told me we would be going to every Hall of Fame event during the Final Four weekend because “Hugh said we would.” In spite of his current health issues, he gathered that quiet strength to bask in the warm reception wherever he went. At one point, as we were getting him onto the bus with the help of Hall of Fame classmate Tim Hardaway, I said, “Hugh, we go at your pace, no rush.”His quick wit was at the ready with these words: “Robert, it took a long time to get here. What’s a few moreAnotherminutes?”laugh and another teaching moment from my friend, mentor and fellow NBA referee — Naismith Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductee Hugh Evans. Bob Delaney, retired NBA referee and former NBA V.P. of referee operations/ director of officials, is author of Heroes Are Human: Lessons in Resilience, Courage and Wisdom From the COVID Front Lines. His previous books are Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob and Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post Traumatic Stress. * Do you have a personal officiating story to tell? Send your story or queries to lastcall@referee.com
86 | REFEREE September 2022 LAST CALL A PERSONAL STORY BY BOB DELANEY
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS
NASO Welcomes New Chair, Board Members O ne has his work critiqued by armchair officials every Sunday during the NFL season.The other does his heavy lifting behind the scenes, helping high school sports in the state of California operate with efficiency and integrity. They are NFL referee Ron Torbert and California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Commissioner of Athletics Rob Wigod, and they are now joined together by a common thread, having both been unanimously selected to the NASO board of directors.Theyofficially joined the board following the board meeting that was held at the 2022 NASO Summit in Denver. It was the final meeting for outgoing member Carl Cheffers, another NFL white hat who served two consecutive twoyear terms on the board. The other seat became vacant with the passing of NASO board chair Tom Robinson, associate commissioner of the Colorado High School Activities Association, who died in April following a brief cancer battle. “Both Ron and Rob will bring to the board extraordinary skills coupled with their passion for officiating,” said Barry Mano, NASO president. “I believe both men will play key roles in NASO’s continuing fulfillment of being the leading advocate on behalf of sports officials. The context they bring will be invaluable to us.” Torbert, of Hanover, Md., served as vice president and general counsel for the Barton Malow Company, a large construction and contracting firm, from 2002-19, before moving into a role as a public speaker who focuses on strategic planning and leadership. He became an NFL official in 2010, was named a referee in 2014 and served as the white hat for Super Bowl LVI this past February in Los Angeles.Wigod, of Los Alamitos, Calif., oversees one of the biggest high school athletic organizations in the country, where his areas of responsibility include athletic administration, character development, committee management and membership. He is a former high school football and baseball coach and served as an athletic director. He works closely with the California Basketball Officials danA pappas RON
robtorbertwigod
Need Training Video? Just Open the Box New Turn-Key Training Solution From NASO Available for Associations There are few things more difficult and time consuming
Lisa Jones, Phoenix Paul LaRosa, Metairie, La. Pati Rolf, Pewaukee, Wis. Sandra Serafini, Yachats, Ore. Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md. Mark Uyl, DeWitt, Mich. Rob Wigod, Los Alamitos, Calif.
• Advocate opportunities for officials and engage in programs to recruit and retain officials.
The mission of NASO is to: • Serve members by providing benefits and services.
“I especially want to recognize the election of Dana Pappas to the position of our board chair,” Mano said. “Her enthusiasm for all things officiating is unparalleled. Dana will drive us forward!” Robert Smith, originally elected to the board in 2020, is the new vice chair, while nonvoting members Bill Carollo (treasurer), Bill Topp (secretary) and Ron Foxcroft (special advisor) were also re-elected. for local association leaders than planning and developing training sessions every season. Finding video is hard, planning lessons is hard, keeping it all interesting and engaging is hard. That’s why NASO has developed a complete fullseason’s worth of lesson plans packaged in one convenient box and ready to go. For one low association price, you get:
Editor: Julie Sternberg Sports Editor: Brent Killackey Graphic Designer: Dustin Brown Contributors: Don Collins, George Demetriou, Alan Goldberger, Luke Modrovsky, Patrick Rosenow, Tim Sloan, Jeffrey Stern, Brad Tittrington, Scott Tittrington, Bill Topp NASO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
© 2022 NASO/Referee Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. It’s Official is published by the National Association of Sports Officials and Referee Enterprises, Inc.
• Four pre-built lesson plans covering the latest rules, points of emphasis and hot topics.
• Enhanced video plays that drive discussion every session on a portable USB drive — just plug it in and play!
• Improve officiating performance through educational programs.
NASO MISSION STATEMENT
*Bill Carollo, Shorewood, Wis., Treasurer
Dana Pappas, Lebanon, Ind., Chair Robert Smith, Waterloo, Iowa, Vice Chair Barry Mano, Racine, Wis., President
*Non-voting members
• Enhance the image of officials.
*Ron Foxcroft, Burlington, Ontario, Special Adviser Dean Blandino, Santa Monica, Calif.
Find NASO position.nowroleoriginallyservicesPappas,passing,thesecontributewithsports,shortagewemostboard,”beSummitsupportandAssociation,facebook.com/NASOoffi@ciatinganNASOpartner,wasinfluentialinsecuringforthe2023NASOinRiverside,Calif.“IamveryhonoredtoinvitedtojointheNASOWigodsaid.“Inthesechallengingtimes,whereareexperiencingasevereofofficialsacrossallIamhopingbyworkingallinvolved,Icanhelptowardsolutionstoproblems.”InthewakeofRobinson’stheboardchoseDanadirectorofofficiatingfortheNFHS,toserveintheinterimofactingchair.Shehasbeenvotedintothe
2 IT’S OFFICIAL - september 2022 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
• Create alliances with organizations that benefit from healthy officiating programs.
• Step-by-step instructor’s manual outlining every training session and lesson plan.
• Handouts for all your oftheandcopying.distributionprinteddigitallyincludingofficials,bothandforeasyandAdditionaltoolsresourceslike2022editionsthe NFHS Rules By Topic study guide and the most up-to-date edition of Mechanics Illustrated. Everything fits in one easy-to-carry box, and all the video and most of the printed resources are easily accessible on the included USB thumb drive, which allows you to plug into your computer and show everything on a screen at your next association meeting. The unique “Meeting in a Box” packages are currently available for football training, and basketball will be available in September. The whole seasonlong package is available for the low association price of $750, and can be ordered directly from the Referee webstore at store.referee.com, or by calling NASO at 800-733-6100.
*Bill Topp, Racine, Wis., Secretary
3OF SPORTS OFFICIALS
Before taking the field or court, every official should make sure they have insurance coverage, because you never know what might happen during a game. In today’s climate, it is important for every official to have insurance to have some peace of mind. NASO members like you have that peace of mind because the best, most inclusive insurance is provided through NASO.Officials face much more liability risk now than at any time in the past and NASO’s Sports Officials Security Program covers you in every facet of your officiating. Think of it as a complete risk management and legal protection service that works before you even needTheit. first part of the NASO insurance program is general liability insurance coverage. In its simplest terms, NASO covers members for all organized sports, all levels and covers what you do as an official. It provides excess coverage for bodily injury, property damage and personal (libel and slander) injury during sporting activities that are organized by recognized sports organizations, leagues and associations. You are covered while assigning, attending seminars, camps, clinics or other similar meetings and covered up to $6 million per occurrence. Another facet of NASO insurance is the $100,000 Game Call and Assigners Coverage. This protection covers you for claims against you alleging officiating errors or omissions resulted in a financial loss, but where no bodily injury occurred. This would cover you if you were sued over a challenged game call which resulted in a claimed financial loss or a suit against an assigner by a disgruntled official. The policy limits include defense costs. In simplest terms, if someone sues you because of a game call you made, you are covered. You are also covered if you are an assigner or clinician and an official sues you for a decision you made. Another perk of NASO insurance is access to the Member Information and Consultation Program (MICP). If you have professional service type questions, NASO has the answers. Members can consult with an experienced professional for officiating related information at no charge and members may use this service up to three times a year.The final piece of NASO insurance is the $15,500 Assault Protection Program. As assaults become more common, unfortunately, this provides for reimbursement of certain expenses and loss of game fees resulting from injuries suffered when an official is a victim of an assault and/or battery by a spectator, fan or participant while officiating. Legal fee reimbursement may also be available and NASO puts members in contact with appropriate legal counsel. NASO provides up to $4,500 reimbursement of reasonable non-contingent attorney fees in bringing a non-frivolous lawsuit against the perpetrator and NASO’s Assault protection benefit pays up to $100 for each game lost within 21 days after the injury, with a maximum of $1,000. There is also a maximum of $10,000 medical expense, to the extent not covered by other insurance.Itisalso important to note that NASO insurance does not include lost game fee insurance. That is an optional group coverage. NASO receives numerous inquiries from officials throughout the country about whether they are entitled to any compensation for games they were scheduled to work but missed due to injury, pandemic-related issues, etc. The answer, unfortunately, is no, unless you are a member of an association that purchased the optional group coverage. If you are a member of that group, the reimbursement for lost game fees increased to $100/game, up from $50/game. This benefit was negotiated without raising premiums. Only games missed due to injury caused by an assault are covered for all NASO members, whether or not they are part of the optional group coverage.TheNASO membership package rate for current and prospective members remains at $116 yearly. Some officials get more competitive rates by registering with groups. Details are available through the NASO Advantage website at nasoadvantage.com, the NASO website at naso.org or by calling NASO at 262-632-5448.
NASO Insurance Offers Peace of Mind
3. NASO’s Game Saver Program And on the subject of getting new officials connected with the right people, the website also hosts information on NASO’s growing Game Saver Program. By becoming an NASO Game Saver, existing officials can help to get and keep new officials in the game. Similar to a mentorship program, NASO Game Savers guide officiating prospects through the process of becoming a sports official in their local area by putting them in touch with the right people, associations, leagues and assigners. When NASO is contacted by a prospective official in a Game Saver’s area, NASO will reach out to the Game Saver and the prospective official to help make the connection.
mainStartincludinghelpmotivationalcanrookiesjoindatabaseit’s(sayyestoofficiating.com).websiteWhiledesignedasaninformationtoencouragefolkstotheofficiatingindustry,andveteransalikeusethewebsitetofindresourcesthatuplifttheindustry,“12GreatReasonstoOfficiating”listedonthepage.
Based on the 14-minute Say Yes to Officiating minidocumentary that premiered at last year’s virtual Sports Officiating Summit, NASO has created a series of PSAs of various lengths meant to promote the officiating industry in a positive light. These PSAs are downloadable (free!) via the Say Yes to Officiating website and can even be co-branded with a logo from a local association. Consider using these during speaking engagements, or even share them with local media for their use.
7 Recruitment Resources You Don’t Want to Miss on the ‘Say Yes’ Website
Thanks to the support by NASO members and industry partners, NASO has been able to dedicate numerous resources to aid its Say Yes to Officiating
2. Information Portal for Prospective Officials Has it ever happened in your association where an official was recruited but no one ever followed up? Through a form on the website, NASO is able to connect new officials with area representatives to make the best connection possible. Directing prospective officials to NASO’s Say Yes to Officiating immerses them with positive, uplifting content about the officiating industry.
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1. Recruiting Public Announcements/PSAsService
4. Video, Video and More Video No, we’re not talking about breaking down game film. Rather, NASO has collected many, many videos geared toward recruiting new officials.
NASO.ORG/LEGACY OR CALL
5OF SPORTS OFFICIALS
Legacy NASO is a new program whereby you may bequeath a gift through your will or trust that ensures you can take care of your loved ones first, and then leave whatever else you choose to make a big difference in the future of sports officiating.
6. How-To Guides Think of it as an instruction manual giving you step-bystep details on how to recruit, retain and mentor officials. The guides include Get the Word Out: A Recruiting Guide for Local Officials Associations; How to Keep Good Officials: Retention Strategies in Officiating; and, Mentoring in Officiating: A Practical Guide. Whether you’re interested in reading the guides online or downloading them to review with your association, both options are available to help your association plan and execute your next recruiting/ retention campaign.
Whether it’s learning more about campaigns from state high school associations or national governing bodies, the idea of getting new officials invigorated about joining the industry is crucial to future successes. You can even learn more about Battlefields to Ballfields — an initiative dedicated to getting veterans involved with officiating. Content includes segments from past Sports Officiating Summits and other videos promoting officiating.
7. Positive News Stories
LEARN800-733-6100MOREAT
Sports Officiating has been a big part of your life. Now you can make it a part of your legacy.
Just like the Say Yes to Officiating PSAs are available for download, customizable presentations, print pieces/ handouts, posters and more can all be found on the Say Yes to Officiating website. Resources include presentations such as “Why Say Yes to Officiating” and “Why We Officiate” — targeting new officials and experienced officials alike. Put your association logo on these resources to give a professional presentation while you promote your local association. Think about the endless possibilities of highlighting these on your association’s social media channels!
NASO has collected numerous stories from across the globe highlighting positive stories in officiating. Learn more about a high school referee from Missouri officiating despite Down Syndrome, listen to Jawahir (JJ) Lewis as she talks about working overseas as a Muslim in soccer officiating or get inspired by then-young Vincent Stio from North Carolina, who takes trips to ballparks to idolize umpires. For more information or if you need help finding a specific resource, contact NASO through NASO.org or by calling 262-6325448.
5. Free ResourcesDownloadable
6 IT’S OFFICIAL - september 2022 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
W hen you’ve found “the one,” it doesn’t really make much sense pushing back time to see what else comes along. When you know, you know. Such was the case for the Vermont Baseball Umpires Association (VBUA) when it began courting a new insurance option for its executive committee. As soon as a problem developed with a previous insurance broker and the dating window opened, Stan Blicharz, the association’s treasurer, contacted NASO. It didn’t take long for the new relationship to blossom, with the VBUA choosing to come aboard in January as an Association Advantage Platinum member. “It worked out very well for us. My executive committee decided to move forward and we joined,” said Blicharz matter-of-factly. “We knew that we had some good coverage.“Justknowing the temperature of a lot of people now attending games, officials are sort of in the scope of abuse andThewhatnot.”VBUA features 110 members and is responsible for umpiring high school baseball throughout the state, under the watchful eye of the Vermont Principals Association. The group actually got its start in 1982 as an alliance of several regional associations from throughout the state, before changing its name and becoming a full statewide association about 10 years ago. An eight-member executive committee featuring a president, vice president, past president, secretary, treasurer and three regional representatives guides the VBUA, and there is also a commissioner.Itisthatleadership group that falls under the NASO Platinum umbrella, which provides a sense of security as they conduct their business on behalf of the association as a whole.“Idon’t think any officials should be without it,” Blicharz said. “It certainly provides peace of mind and a comfort zone.”Italso sends a message to VBUA members that should they one day want to transition into a leadership role, the association will look out for them. “We feel like we’re encouraging younger guys to now feel like they can assume our positions in the executive committee and they are covered for any mishaps or developments that can put us in jeopardy,” Blicharz said. The VBUA is one of a handful of groups that have recently come into the NASO family. The Mexico Football Officials Association, based out of Mexico, Mo., has also signed on as a Platinum member. Meanwhile, four groups have signed on at the Titanium level, including the newest version of the United States Football League (USFL); Davis Select Umpires from Davis, Calif.; the Southeast Football Officials Association from Lynn Haven, Fla,; and Long Island Hockey Officials from Levittown, N.Y. Association Advantage provides guidance, materials and services to more than 500 member associations. Different levels of protection, management and training options allow groups to select what works best for them and their budget. It’s the most complete and immediate resource for officials association leaders to comprehensively elevate their association and theirFortraining.moreinformation about Association Advantage, go to nasoadvantage.com.
– STAN BLICHARZ
Vermont Umpires Pick Platinum
SAYYESTOOFFICIATING.COMThefreeresourceforrecruitment&retention
“I DON’T THINK ANY OFFICIALS SHOULD BE WITHOUT IT. IT CERTAINLY PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND AND A COMFORT ZONE.”
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PLATINUM & PLATINUM SHIELD
ADVANTAGEASSOCIATION
DIAMOND
Carl Smith, Anchorage, Alaska, is a former treasurer and assigner for the Anchorage Sports Officials Association.
6 Ways to Promote Officiating
By Carl Smith Officiating is a tough gig, and it’s not for everyone. It’s also an avocation that doesn’t necessarily “reproduce” new officials. So how do we get new and hopefully young people to sign up to become officials? What kind of draw can we provide that will override the “fear factor” that comes from fans yelling, coaches barking and players whining? The recruitment motto should be “Whatever It Takes.” Pay, training, support, camaraderie, social interaction, etc., are all tidbits to use in talking to new prospects. Let’s get to the real meat of this subject though: How do we promote officiating where we live, and where we need it to grow? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Brochures. Have a brochure printed with your association information and distribute it wherever you get the chance. Detail upcoming meeting and training schedules. Some local venues may be: YMCA, gyms, colleges, high schools and community centers.
5. Job fairs. Many young people are looking for a parttime job, or any job. Most of them haven’t given any serious thought to becoming officials. Job fairs are great places to mingle, and give people an idea of what their earning potential can be as a sports official.
2. Website. If you have a website, keep it updated with sign up information, meeting and training dates, training documents, board officer contact information, game fees, etc.
FROM DATABASEOUR
3. Social media. Social media pages are great ways of reaching people with information about your association. Most are free, require very little time or technical expertise to keep up, and are great ways to “socialize” your group. Post pictures and newsworthy information, and maybe a rule of the week or discussion topic of the week.
Running a local officials association is demanding. You volunteer your time and effort to make it the best you can. But there’s no reason you have to do it alone. NASO Association Advantage exists to help you face any challenge and elevate your association in the process. Whatever challenges you have — training, insurance, legal issues, meeting help, bylaws and organization, membership issues and more — WE HAVE A SOLUTION TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.
The most comprehensive solution for officials associations that want to fully protect both their organization and individual members, as well as provide full training and testing solutions with an emphasis on video. Association Advantage Diamond is the ultimate answer to every challenge your association faces. To learn more, go to NASO.org/Advantage or call us at 262-632-5448
Association Advantage Platinum is the premier resource for maximizing the performance of your group, providing leadership and administrative resources to help you elevate your organization with a focus on training, assigning, legal issues and best practices specific to local officials association management.
4. Offseason team camps. Almost every sport has an offseason team camp, whether it’s featuring skills competitions, actual court or field time, or both. Make sure your association has a representative there to answer rule questions, and maybe offer to give a short talk on new rules and mechanics, positive ways to interact with officials, and opportunities for young people in officiating.
6. Interact during the season. Officials should always be approachable, positive and professional. Officials are there to enforce the rules and ensure fair play by the athletes and coaches. Officials shouldn’t be there to be a dictator. The sooner an official can break out of that attitude, the faster they’ll progress and the more appealing they will make the avocation. How you respond to comments from coaches, players and fans is how you will be remembered. Were you positive and approachable? That doesn’t mean you tolerate abusive behavior. You still have to take care of business. The difference is not making it personal. The bottom line is we need to do everything we can to get people into our associations. You will get good, medium and even some poor candidates. Give them all the benefit of the doubt and the benefit of your expertise, and give them an honest effort. Some will figure out officiating isn’t for them. Others may have to be shown. You just need to make sure they don’t leave feeling like your association didn’t give them a real chance. As in officiating, be approachable, stay positive and stay professional.
TITANIUM & TITANIUM SHIELD
The Titanium solution is ideal for officials associations that want to maximize their organization’s performance while fully protecting both their organization and individual members.
Officially Speaking Bob Arnone, Get It Right Enterprises … on Summit Support Get It improvingdedicatedplatformsimulationdigitalprovidesEnterprisesRightto officials in the sports of football, volleyball and wrestling. Bob Arnone, Huntsville, Ala., started the business in 2012 after recognizing a need for advanced technology in the officiating world — leaning on his experience in the military, which used digital simulation in training. Get It Right Enterprises has been a Summit Support Organization of the NASO Sports Officiating Summit since 2014.
ARNONE: It’s the most effective way to get exposure with officials and association leaders. As much as I’ve put ads out, people don’t understand the platform until they see it. When the Summit was in Louisville, there was this group of five officials walking in the exhibit hall. They walked to my screen, saw the platform and went “Ah, that’s what Get It Right does.”
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NASO: Why do you showcase Get It Right at the Summit?
NASO: Why is it important for you to be a Summit Support Organization? ARNONE: At the industry luncheon at the Spokane Summit, Barry Mano talked about the states contacting him in getting officials. His reply was, “Show me your budget.” To those folks who claim “I’m part of this,” or “I’m trying to make a difference,” how much do you believe in it? As the saying goes, “Follow the money.” I can be a vendor at any place that wanted my money. I provide my money to an organization where we share common goals and values. I believe in the power of sports to help with the development of youth and the Summit is part of keeping that obligation alive. That is my part in making all of that happen. Just look at the “These are the organizations that support the future of officiating” list sent by NASO. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
DO www.facebook.com/nasoofficiating‘LIKE’YOUUS?
NASO: What do you get out of being a vendor? ARNONE: The additional visibility helps in promoting the Get It Right platform. It also helps to get some gratification in being part of the larger effort to improve officiating and keep youth sports viable. The NASO Summit is the only thing like it. If NASO did not put on the Summit, who would? NASO: How would you describe the atmosphere of an in-person Summit? ARNONE: So many people do not understand what we do as officials. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey — after the first year of COVID — commented, “Do those things that are hard.” The Summit provides the opportunity for officials and for those that support officials to simply come together and enjoy each other’s presence — laugh about experiences and get that emotional boost to continue doing what we’re doing. Usually in February, my wife and I have a conversation about “Are you officiating again this year?” After I attend the various camps and clinics throughout the spring and summer, followed by the NASO Summit, my answer remains a resounding “Yes.” That’s the emotional boost that I get. That camaraderie is important, and the Summit offers that venue to share that camaraderie. That’s something that you’re only going to get at an in-person event.
“THAT CAMARADERIE IS IMPORTANT, AND THE SUMMIT OFFERS THAT VENUE TO SHARE THAT CAMARADERIE. THAT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU’RE ONLY GOING TO GET AT AN IN-PERSON EVENT.”
3. Confidence. With hustle, you’re in position for the play. Now, observe it and make the call. When it’s close, some additional emphasis can send the message that “you’ve got it.” Strong verbal and physical signals contribute to your display of confidence. Even if you didn’t get the best look at that close play, a display of confidence can help reduce or eliminate objections from coaches and players. Your body language leaves a huge impression. Stand tall, chin up, walk with confidence.
Presence Felt, Presence Welcomed
AN INDIVIDUAL OR CREW WITH A PRESENCE TENDS TO IMPRESS PEOPLE WITH THEIR APPEARANCE AND MANNER, OR HOW THEY CARRY THEMSELVES.
By Nick Spence W hether it’s a bangbang call at first base, a challenging blockcharge call in the low post or a difficult pass-interference call, officials can expect a reaction from players, coaches and spectators. But the nature of that reaction can depend on the presence an official displays on the field, court or pitch. Everything starts and ends with presence. An individual or crew with a presence tends to impress people with their appearance and manner, or how they carry themselves. We have one opportunity to make a first impression. First impressions are lasting and are key in establishing a strong presence.Hereare five traits that can contribute to an official’s presence: 1. Professionalism. A part of presence is being professional. That applies to how you look: clean uniform, shirt tucked in, pants pressed, clean shoes, etc. But it also applies to our interactions with others. Keep conversations between yourself and coaches/players short and simple. Pregame meetings with coaches aren’t the place for stories about previous games, extended rules lessons or offcolor jokes. Some officials can successfully deploy humor, but it can be risky business for most. Unless you’re sure your humor won’t be taken the wrong way, best to stick with a professional tone.
2. Hustle. While on the field, you’re officiating athletes — be one, too. Work to get in the best position possible to see the play. Players and coaches have more respect for officials who work hard to be where they are supposed to be. But beware of false hustle. Running for running’s sake doesn’t contribute to a good impression. Hustle when the situation calls for it.
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5. Civility. Everyone likes to be treated with respect. When you show civility to those involved, it demonstrates you care about the job you do and the people involved. It also sets a tone for coaches and players to demonstrate civility as well. Small gestures can go a long way in this area. For example, in baseball or softball, after a foul ball goes off the catcher’s mask, plate umpires can give the player a moment by walking a new ball out to the mound and then checking on them when brushing off the plate before the next pitch. In basketball, after a hard foul, an official administrating free throws can take a bit of extra time before bouncing the ball to the shooter. In football, if the quarterback takes a hard hit, the referee can give him a few extra seconds to recover before the game is stopped to call an injury timeout. That way the starting quarterback may stay in the game rather than needing 9
4. Calmness. In the heat of a situation, a calm demeanor will go a long way to defusing a situation and effectively moving a game forward. It shows you’re professional and impartial. It can be tough to do when everyone around you is blowing up, but keeping your cool amid any chaos helps you better manage the situation.
FOOTBALL Dress for Success By George Demetriou When I “retired” from the U.S. Army, I had to do something I had avoided my entire life: go on a job interview. One of the books recommended to me to help in that endeavor was Dress for Success by John T. Molloy. I’ve come to the realization the relationship between a professional appearance and success exists regardless of the forum.The tone for a game is set when you walk onto the field. If you are perceived as knowledgeable and professional, you will be treated as such. Credibility is a function of appearance. Dressing sloppily, being unshaven and wearing ill-fitting clothes can easily diminish your overall effectiveness. Remember perception is reality and image is everything.Inhisbook, Molloy documents with countless examples and research studies the tie-in between a person’s dress and how that person is perceived. My favorite example is the study that showed strangers meeting at a revolving door would yield to a person in a tan raincoat more often than one in a black raincoat. I am not going to suggest you wear a tan raincoat during a game, but I am going to outline some of the uniform tips I’ve picked up through the years. I’ll work my way down from the top. Mesh or adjustable hats look bush. A sized cap costs only a few dollars more and is well worth it. The cap should be clean and shaped properly; they can be blocked, or creased, with an iron. The white referee’s caps show dirt easily and should be replaced at least every other season. You can wash them in a dishwasher several times without damaging them.Sunglasses, except if needed for medical reasons, should be left at home. I can’t think of a single call I’ve ever made while looking up into the sun. If you do wear them, they should be plain glasses with a wire or black frame. Curved lenses and multi-colored frames have a hot-dog look. In cold weather, gaiters are an acceptable part of an official’s attire. Ideally, they should match the color of the hat. Jewelry such as earrings or visible necklaces should be avoided. The whistle and lanyard should be black. I’ve seen one official in my years with a white lanyard. I can’t argue with that, but purple, green and red are for physical education instructors. Each official should have at least one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved shirt. The shirt should be long enough to remain tucked in. If the undershirt is visible, it should be black.When a short-sleeved shirt is worn, the undershirt sleeves cannot be longer than the shirt sleeves. A few years ago, I saw a prep game worked by an official who wore a thermal longsleeve undershirt under his shortsleeved officials shirt. That is notTheacceptable.crewmust be similarly dressed: all long sleeves or all short sleeves, all jackets or no jackets (in areas where jackets are allowed). If you can’t agree and the referee refuses to be a dictator, flip a coin or go with warmth. It’s better to be too hot rather than cold. The wristband down indicator is a very important item. I almost gave a team six downs the day I forgot my wristband. Rubber bands are better than nothing, but they look tacky and break easily. A black belt is part of the uniform, but not any black belt will work. The official belt is 1-1/2 inches wide and has a plain belt buckle. Italian braided belts and Western-style buckles are not appropriate. Such buckles do not imply a businesslike approach to the game.The NFHS does not specify beanbag color, but all crew members should use the same color. The back judge should have two different colored bags in case a fumble follows a first touching or the end of a kick. CCA prefers black bags. Black pants have pretty much replaced knickers. Black over-the-calf socks are to be worn. Shoes should be mostly black; limited white accents are allowed. Your shoes should not only be clean, but shined. If you step into a mudhole on the first play, that’s OK, but
10 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IT’S OFFICIAL - september 2022 to be replaced by the backup quarterback.Ifpresented with the opportunity, be sure to thank game personnel such as athletic trainers, scorekeepers and groundskeepers for their help. Small gestures of gratitude and showing you care are noticed and help build relationships. An official’s presence is strengthened civility.confidence,professionalism,throughhustle,calmnessandMasterthesetraits, and your presence will not only be enhanced, but welcomed. Nick Spence, Franklin, Wis., officiates high school basketball, baseball and softball.
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It’s also imperative for crews to discuss these rulings when they matter. That means not taking them into the locker room, at which point someone pipes up with the opinion that the decision made on the floor may have been incorrect. Nothing can be done about it then. Once the crew leaves the visual confines of the court, it is too late, and simply becomes a case of secondguessing your partners instead of having the courage to step forward and share your thoughts when it Beingmatters.ableto successfully handle these situations, and this final impression, actually starts well before the moment arrives. It is something you must go over in your crew pregame in the locker room. Which official is responsible for the last shot and how will the crew communicate that to one another during the game? How is the crew going to come together if someone sees something different than the ruling official? Is the crew going to immediately make eye contact with one another and give some sort of signal that indicates everyone is in agreement with the call? Or even more important, that someone has information to share and discuss? The problem with an incorrect ruling on a lastsecond shot is not getting the call wrong. The problem
OFFICIALS look like you’re stepping off the showroom floor when you walk out.Some items which can be left to individual preference: how high you zip up your shirt (although completely unzipped is not acceptable) and whether or not the balls of your flags are covered with some sort of tape or other material. In closing, if you look the part, no one will say you don’t know what you’re doing when you walk onto the field. They’ll at least have to wait until you make your first call. George Demetriou has been a football official since 1968. He lives in Colorado Springs, Colo. BASKETBALL The Right Call Attracts the Right Attention By Jay Rowan Do you ever get a second chance to make a last impression?Thisisatakeoff of the old saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” And the answer, when it comes to basketball officiating, is Obviously,yes.the most important shot of a game is one that could tie it or win it on the final shot. If your ruling on such a play is correct, no problem. But if the call is 100 percent wrong, someone on the crew knows it’s wrong and your crew just lets it stand? If any of the officials on the floor has definite knowledge that the ruling should be reversed, it must be reversed. The officials should get together and correct the mistake. The ruling was incorrect, and you now have a second chance to change the impression everyone in the gym has about your ability to officiate. If you do get together and make the correct ruling, now the last impression everyone has of you is that you got it right. If an official makes the wrong call, it is probably due to one of two reasons: either the official did not know the rule, or the official had poor judgment on the play. Neither is good.Let’s start with rule misapplication. Perhaps the official was thinking the ball had to be in the basket before the light on the backboard illuminated or the horn sounded. Wrong. The rule states the ball must be out of the shooter’s hand or tipped prior to the light or horn going off. The ball most definitely may enter the basket after the light has gone off or the horn hasThesounded.second possibility, poor judgment, can be corrected with experience. But that doesn’t help in the moment. Poor judgment often results from an official not being in the correct position to make a ruling, and also can often be attributed to extraneous movement that doesn’t allow for a clear look at a play. When you’re moving, things don’t always look like they do when you are still. A last-second shot could conceivably happen either two (NCAAM) or four (NFHS, NCAAW) times a game. The officiating crew should know this and anticipate it. When the situation arises, the officials need to put themselves in the best position to rule accurately with all of the necessary information at their disposal. If there is any question by any member of the crew about the accuracy of one of these rulings, the crew must get together before leaving the playing floor to discuss it. Not doing so gives the impression of a crew that is not working together as a team. The crew cannot get together to discuss every ruling that takes place in a game, but questionable plays in game-ending situations certainly call for it.
12 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION IT’S OFFICIAL - september 2022 is letting it stand if someone knows it shouldn’t. Come together and get the call right. If you do, you have given yourself and your crew a chance at a good final impression. Jay Rowan, Pittston, Pa., has officiated for 36 years in basketball, football and softball, and currently serves as a state rules interpreter in all three sports. SOFTBALL DP/Flex Myths By Brad Tittrington Despite being a rule for two decades, the DP/Flex rule continues to cause confusion for some umpires and coaches. And that confusion happens at every level of play. Whether you are a veteran umpire or new to the avocation, chances are you’ve either seen or heard about these myths during a game. The five myths below are ones I have encountered or heard about multiple times over the past couple of years. Since the DP and Flex share the same spot in the lineup, they may go in and out for each other as many times as they want without penalty. While the two are tied to each other and only eligible to play offense in the same spot in the batting order, they are still bound by substitution rules. Any time the Flex is no longer playing defense, the player in the Flex position is charged with a substitution. Any time the DP is removed from the batting order, the player in the DP position is charged with a substitution. Since both players are considered starters, they have one re-entry into the lineup. If they are removed a second time, they have used up their eligibility and are no longer able to play in the game. Often, coaches will have the Flex run for the DP when the DP gets on base. There is a belief the Flex is a “free” courtesy runner for the DP. This is incorrect. Each time the Flex runs for the DP, the DP has left the game and it is counted as a substitution against the player in that position. It is important to remember the lineup has been reduced to nine players in this situation and when the DP goes back into the game, the lineup returns to 10. The substitution is only charged against the DP as the Flex has never left the game in this situation. When the DP plays defense for someone other than the Flex, the Flex may run or bat for the person who is now offense only (OP in NCAA). One of the basic tenets of the DP/Flex rule is the DP and the Flex share the same spot in the batting order and they each may only play offense in that one position. This myth has actually occurred at least twice in an NCAA game over the past two seasons, one of which led to a 30-minute delay to get a ruling on a protest as a coach was adamant the Flex was tied to whoever was currently the OP. If this myth was actually true, it would allow the Flex to run or bat in every single position in the lineup if a coach got creative with defensive positioning. It is important to use preventive officiating and not allow a coach to make this substitution as it would actually be an illegal substitute, which carries a hefty penalty. Because the DP and Flex are tied to each other, coaches don’t need to report changes to the plate umpire if it only involves these two players. Any time there is a change involving the DP/Flex, it needs to be reported to the plate umpire. There are potential ramifications for violating substitution rules in all codes and courtesy runner rules in NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA. The coach should notify the plate umpire when there are changes involving these two positions to prevent unreported substitution, batting out of order or illegal substitution penalties. Once the DP leaves the game, a team loses the right to use a DP for the remainder of the game. This myth is based on the baseball designated hitter (DH) rule. While there are some situations in MLB, NCAA and NFHS baseball where a team can start with a DH and lose the right to use a DH later in the game, that is not true when it comes to the DP in softball. If a team starts the game utilizing the DP/Flex option, it retains the right to keep that option for the remainder of the game, as long as there are eligible players to fill those positions. If a team chooses to start the game without utilizing the DP/Flex option, it loses that option for the remainder of the game. (NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA only) A courtesy runner may not be used for the DP/Flex. In NCAA play, courtesy runners are never allowed. If a coach tries to use a courtesy runner, you have bigger issues to worry about than how that pertains to the DP/Flex. In the other three codes, a courtesy runner may be to run for the Flex if the Flex batted and reached base safely and the Flex is currently listed as the pitcher or catcher. A courtesy runner may run for the DP as well if the DP is also
OFFICIALS playing defense as the pitcher or catcher. A courtesy runner may not be used for a DP who is only batting or playing one of the other positions. Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates women’s college and high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football. VOLLEYBALL You’ve Got the Touch By Referee Editors One of the more difficult calls during a volleyball match, at least at higher skill levels, is whether or not there was a touch. It doesn’t matter what skill level you are or how long you’ve been refereeing, getting every touch call correct is extremely difficult. Here are some tips to help with getting this call correct. Be 100 percent certain you see a touch before calling it. When it comes to calling a touch, any of the officials on the court can signal it (R1, R2 or line judge). Ultimately, the R1 is the official who is going to determine to award a point based on all the information from the other officials. Remember, each official has a different angle and may see something the other officials are unable to see. The key, however, is to be sure of your call. Never guess a touch and never mirror your partner(s). If you truly see a touch, give the touch signal to the R1. If you aren’t 100 sure, do not give the signal. In matches using the Challenge Review System, a coach can use that if there is doubt. And even then, while using high-speed cameras, some micro touches can be extremely difficult to see. Know your role. This is especially true for line judges and R2s. Line judges hold a lot of responsibility for catching touches (especially minor or “micro” touches). This is especially true when using certified line judges for matches. In matches that use players or parents, those line judges may not be as skilled and the majority of the responsibility falls on the R1 and R2. In some tournaments, the R1 may be the only one responsible. Know that touches (especially the smaller touches that aren’t obvious to everyone) are best seen by the line judge behind the play. The reason for this is that line judge has no other responsibility on the play other than to watch for a touch. The line judge the play is going toward will have line responsibility and may not be able to stay with the blocking action long enough to see the touch. The R1 is looking for ballhandling infractions and judging play at the net, and the R2 is also watching playing action at the net and observing net or centerline violations. The R1 and R2 may get straightlined and it can be difficult to see those micro touches. This is why it is important for line judges to get good angles in order to see blockers’ hands in order to catch the touches. Second referees stay alert. It is important for second referees to not solely rely on line judges to make touch calls.
There are instances where the R2 is much closer to the action and has a better view to see the blocker’s hands and can give a touch signal to the R1. The R2 doesn’t need to give this signal on every touch (especially on touches everyone in the gym can see). However, on less obvious touches, the R2 should give a signal to the R1 to help the R1 make a determination when awarding a point. Work as a team to get the call right and pregame how to handle touches so everyone is on the same page. Don’t solely judge by sound or flight of ball. At the higher levels, it can be difficult to see everything as players are bigger, faster and stronger and the ball moves at incredible speeds. While it is important to see a touch to call a touch, there often are other clues that can help in the decision. For the R1 and R2, often you can hear a touch at the net. Line judges are usually too far away to pick up that noise, especially in loud environments. You can also sometimes see a change in direction from the touch. The one thing to be cautious of is don’t simply go by sound or ball flight. Use those as additional clues to what your eyes see, or don’t see. Just like we don’t judge ballhandling based on the spin of the ball alone, don’t call touches simply by ball spin. The ball may move simply because of a mishit by an attacker.
ASK US BASKETBALL Fight During Dead Ball Play: A1 is fouled by B1 while dribbling, and team A is not in the bonus. During the dead ball after the foul, A2 throws a punch at one of the opposing players. B6 leaves the bench after the fight starts and enters the court but does not participate in the fight.
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VOLLEYBALL DoublePlay:Fault? A back-row player on team A jumps with one foot touching the attack line and attacks the ball while it is completely above the height of the net. A back-row player from team B participates in a
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SOCCER Two Ends Meet Play: A ball is crossed into the penalty area to A1 who is approximately eight yards away from the empty goal. A1 is preparing to head the ball. Just before that, B2 tries to play the ball, lifting the leg to the head level of A1 as B2 kicks the ball away. B2 does not touch A1; however, this action prevents A1 from playing the ball for fear of injury. Ruling: B2 created a dangerous situation by raising the leg to the head level of A1. The referee is to award an indirect free kick for team A where the incident occurred. Since the free kick is less than 10 yards from the goal, team B players may form a wall on the goalline between the goal posts (NFHS 12-6; NCAA 12.9.1; IFAB 12.2). Space,Play:Please! A1 is about to take a throw-in when B2 moves forward and stands approximately one foot off the touchline where A1 is attempting to take the throw.
The officials then restore order and no more incidents occur. What is the result? Ruling: In NFHS, the acts committed by A2 and B6 are not offsetting as they are separate acts. A2 shall be charged with a flagrant technical foul and is ejected. Any player from team B is permitted to attempt the two free throws for A2’s technical. B6 shall be charged with a flagrant technical foul and ejected for leaving the confines of the bench during a fight. The head coach from team B shall be charged with an indirect technical foul for B6 leaving the bench. Any player from team A is permitted to attempt the two free throws for B6’s technical. Play shall be resumed with a throw-in at the division line to team A since B6’s technical foul occurred last (10-4-8, 10-5-5). In NCAAM, the acts committed by A2 and B6 are not offsetting because their penalties are not the same. A2 shall be charged with a flagrant 2 technical foul, ejected, and subject to the fighting penalty and suspension. Any player from team B is permitted to attempt the two free throws for A2’s technical. B6 shall be ejected for leaving the confines of the bench area and entering the playing court. No technical foul, free throws or suspension shall be assessed to either B6 or the coach from team B because B6 did not participate in the fight. Play shall be resumed at the point of interruption to team B using the procedures in rule 7-3.2 after the free throws (10-3.1.j, 10-4.2.j, 10-5, AR 290). In NCAAW, A2 shall be charged with a disqualifying foul, ejected and subject to the fighting penalty and suspension. B6 shall be charged with a disqualifying foul and ejected for leaving the confines of the bench area and entering the playing court. The head coach from team B shall be charged with an indirect technical foul for B6 leaving the bench. B6 is ejected, but not subject to suspension. The disqualifying fouls committed by A2 and B6 have penalties of equal gravity, which is two free throws plus an awarded throw-in to the offended team. Fouls of equal gravity that occur during the same stopped-clock period are charged and canceled in the order in which they occur, so the penalties cancel and there are no free throws shot for the disqualifying fouls. Play shall resume at the point of interruption, which is a throwin to team A at the designated spot nearest to where B1’s foul occurred (4-22.1.e, 7-4.13.g, 10-14.1.b.1, 10-14 Pen., AR 362).
The referee advises B2 to retreat from the touchline but B2 does not move. Ruling: B2 is to be cautioned for unsporting behavior. If the throw-in was taken before the referee could administer the caution and the referee stops play to administer the caution, the match is restarted with an indirect free kick. The referee also has the option of allowing advantage and then issuing the caution at the next stoppage of play. If the throw-in was not taken, it is taken after the caution is administered (NFHS 15.1.3; NCAA AR 15.2.b; IFAB 15.2).
Wall-to-WallPlay: A direct free kick is awarded for team A approximately 30 yards from the opponent’s goal. Players from team B form a fourplayer wall. A1 takes a position approximately two yards from the wall. A2 takes the kick and A1 encroaches within one yard of the wall after the kick is taken. The ball enters the goal.
Ruling: Goal. A1 remained the required distance from the wall until the kick was taken. Once the ball is properly put into play, A1 has the right to move into any position (NFHS 13-2-2; NCAA 13.1.3.a; IFAB 13.2).
What You Saw Didn’t Happen Play: With no outs and R1 on first, B2 hits a screaming line drive down the right-field line. R1 is approaching second when F9 makes a sensational catch and fires wildly to first in an attempt to double up R1. R1 has not touched second when F9’s throw goes into dead-ball territory. The base umpire yells “two-base award” and points to third. R1 starts for third and is standing on second as his coach yells “retouch first.” R1 retreats to first and touches all bases in the proper order. Ruling: Because R1 touched second after the ball became dead, he cannot legally retouch first. He may proceed to do so and then advance but is subject to being called out on appeal (NFHS 5-22b1, 8-2-5 Pen., 8-4-2q, 8.2.5A; NCAA 8-6a Note 2; pro 5.06B4i Cmt, PBUC 6.12, MLBUM 5.12).
BASEBALL Not Quick Enough Play: In the top of the last inning, the home team is up by 10 runs. With two outs and a runner on first, F3 plays deep and F1 pitches from the windup. R1 takes a big lead and breaks for second. When B1 fouls off the pitch, R1 has rounded second and is well on his way to third. Ruling: R1 must return to first. In order to remain at second, R1 would have had to reach second before F1 started his windup (time of the pitch) (NFHS 2-28-3, 8-2-9; NCAA 2-82, 6-2a; pro 5.06c5, interp.).
FootsiePlay: Right-handed B1 lifts his left foot as the pitch is delivered and steps into an outside pitch. B1’s left foot comes down with the toe on the plate and his heel on the chalk of the batter’s box before the pitch is fouled. Ruling: In NFHS and NCAA, the ball is illegally batted if the batter is touching the plate. In pro, the batter’s foot must be entirely out of the box for the ball to be illegally batted (NFHS 7-3-2; NCAA 7-10a, 7-10 Pen.; pro 6.03a1).
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WrongPlay:Server Team A substitutes A1 for A2. After the substitution, A1 serves two points and then serves the ball into the net. Team B serves for a point, and it is then discovered that A1 entered the wrong position in the service order for team A. Ruling: In all levels of play, the referees must correct the serving order. However, since team B has served, no points are removed or awarded, and team B continues to serve (NFHS 10-37 Pen. 4; NCAA 13.2.3.5; USAV 15.9.2.3b, 15.9.2.4). Ball Crosses Outside Pole Play: Team A’s first contact is passed poorly and is traveling outside the pole. A1 reaches beyond the centerline to play the ball before it completely crosses the centerline outside the pole. Ruling: In all codes, the ball may legally be retrieved and play continues. A ball is not considered out until it passes completely beyond the plane of the centerline extension (NFHS 9-3-3a; NCAA 16.2.2.5; USAV 8.4.4).
15OF SPORTS OFFICIALS collective block and touches the ball. Ruling: This is a double fault, and the rally will be replayed. The back-row attack by team A does not become a fault until it completely crosses the net or is legally blocked (NFHS 9-5-5, 9-7-2 Pen. 2a; NCAA 8.1.1, 14.5.4.3; USAV 13.3.3, 13.3.7, 14.6.2).
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16 IT’S OFFICIAL - september 2022 SOFTBALL
Obstructed Runner Malicious ContactPlay: With R2 on second, B2 hits a ball to right field. As R2 advances toward third, F6 obstructs her. R2 continues beyond third and tries to score. F9 throws the ball to F2 and R2 maliciously contacts F2, knocking the ball loose. R2 then steps on home plate. B2 seeing the ball knocked loose, advances to second base. Ruling: In all codes, the malicious contact supersedes the obstruction. R2 is ruled out on the malicious contact and the ball is dead. R2 is also ejected. B2 is returned to first base, the last base legally occupied at the time of the malicious contact (NFHS 8-6-14 Pen.; NCAA 12.13.1.5 Eff.; USA Softball 8-7q Eff.; USSSA 8-13d2, 8-18d, 11-2w Pen.).
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Catcher’s Obstruction? Play: B1 is in the batter’s box and swinging the bat back and forth waiting for F1 to start the delivery of the pitch. During one of the practice swings, B1’s bat makes contact with F2’s glove. The offensive team’s head coach tells the plate umpire that action should be deemed catcher’s obstruction. Ruling: Incorrect. Preventive umpiring requires the plate umpire in this instance to call time and allow everyone to reset. However, catcher’s obstruction is only called when the catcher prevents the batter from making contact with a pitch. In this instance, no pitch has been delivered so the catcher cannot be guilty of obstruction (NFHS 8-1-1d; NCAA 9.5.2 Note 1; USA Softball 8-1d; USSSA 8-4e). Batter Switches Batter’s Box Play: F1, a right-handed pitcher, throws two strikes to B1, who bats left-handed. Prior to F1 stepping on the pitcher’s plate to throw the third pitch, B1 crosses over the plate and takes a position as a righthanded batter. The umpire rules B1 out. Ruling: Incorrect ruling. A batter may legally step from one batter’s box to the other in this situation in all codes. In NFHS, NCAA and USSSA, a batter may do so up until the point the pitcher takes her position on the pitcher’s plate ready to pitch. In USA Softball, the batter may do so up until the pitcher takes a signal (NFHS 7-4-3; NCAA 11.21.16; USA Softball 7-3e; USSSA 7-10).
