80 ALL SPORTS The Real Sixth Sense: Common Sense and Unwritten Rules; Not the Crew Chief? Accept Your Role; Turning Down the Heat on Arguments
4 PUBLISHER’S MEMO The 50-Year-Old Checklist
12 THE GAG RULE
Snap Shot: Why We Officiate; They Get It; They Said It
14 THE NEWS
Parent Assaults Child Hockey Referees; Assistant Coach Fired After Assaulting Referee; MLB Announces New Hires
56 PROFILES
Little League Lifer; Cleo Closes Out Career; A First for Ecuador
76 GETTING IT RIGHT
NFL Honors High School Officials; The Players Are Animals; Lentz Lends a Hand
College Football Playoff and Bowl Assignments; MLB Spring Training Umpires; NBA All-Star Officials
Punch Lines Drawn; Watch Your Misstep; Use-Case: Basketball 87 CLASSIFIEDS Camps/Clinics/Schools; Equipment/Apparel; Leadership Resources; Training Resources
88 LAST CALL
Locked Out, Locked In: “Every uniform and every bit of equipment for the entire umpire crew — other than what the first crew was wearing — was locked inside.”
BASKETBALL HIGHLIGHT THIS MONTH
If the officiating crew rules an intentional foul before this throw-in is completed, David Clark, Howe, Texas, and his partners must understand what type of throw-in is allowed by the affected team once play resumes.
Corbray Snohomish, Wash.
PUBLISHER’S MEMO
The 50-Year-Old Checklist
We now approach our 50th year of this magazine. Over those years I have covered many topics in this column.
One in particular sticks in my memory. The magazine was new. My wife’s parents lived in Oshkosh, Wis. Their home was on Lake Winnebago. Various holidays were spent there. The house had a sunroom overlooking the lake.
One morning I was reading a newspaper in a comfy chair, and just as I was finishing my mind started to wander onto the topic of officials and performance. I am not sure why, but it could have been something I just read in the paper. I put the paper down, picked up a pad of yellow-ruled paper and started writing. Yes, written down on a pad of paper and in ink no less!
Within less than a half-hour I had noted, in the order shown below, what has come to be known in our shop as “Personal Performance Principles” for sports officials. Now, even though the words are almost five decades old, I believe they still resonate, they should resonate and they still capture the challenges we face. I submit them to you.
• Be Competitive — Say to yourself: “I’m not going to let this game get away from me. I am better than that.” You are hired to make the calls that control the game — make them!
• Have Your Head on Right — Don’t think your striped shirt grants you immunity from having to take a little criticism. It’s part of officiating. Plan on it. Successful officials know how much to take. Ask one when you get a chance.
• Don’t Be a “Tough …” — If a coach is on your back but not enough to warrant a penalty, then stay away. This is especially true during timeouts. Trying to show up a coach is a fool’s errand. Some officials develop such irritating characteristics. Don’t be one of them.
• Get Into the Flow of the Game — Each game is different. Good officials can feel this difference. Concentrate on the reactions of the
players. Take note if the tempo changes. A ragged game calls for a different style of officiating than a smooth one.
• Don’t Bark — If you don’t like to be shouted at, don’t shout or raise your voice at someone else. Be firm with a normal, relaxed voice. This technique will do wonders in helping you reduce the pressure. A raised voice almost always indicates a loss of self-control.
• Show Confidence — Cockiness has absolutely no place in officiating. You want to exude confidence. Your presence should command respect. As in any walk of life, appearance, manner and voice determine how you are accepted.
• Forget the Fans — As a group, fans usually exhibit three characteristics: ignorance of the rules, highly emotional partisanship and a delight in antagonizing officials. Unless they are intrusive or obscene, ignore them.
• Answer Reasonable Questions — Treat coaches and players in a courteous way. If they ask a question reasonably, answer them in a polite way. Be firm, but relaxed.
• Choose Words Wisely — Don’t obviously threaten a coach or player. If you feel a situation is serious enough to warrant a threat, then it is serious enough to penalize without invoking a threat. Yes, some things you say will be a form of threat, but using the proper words can make it subtle.
• Stay Cool — Your purpose is to establish calm out of the chaos. Nervous, edgy officials are easily spotted. Avidly chewing gum, pacing around or displaying a wide range of emotions prior to or during a game will serve to make you seem vulnerable to pressure.
• Pour No Gasoline — (Needs no further explanation!)
• Shut Up on Social — Keep your negative opinions about officiating off social media, even if they would be justifiable. Don’t tout yourself, either; that’s tacky. Remember, we are in this together; act like it. (Added in 2025)
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Letter From the Chairperson National Official's Committee
Hello USTA Officials,
I am very excited to have been appointed to Chair the National Officials Committee by the new USTA Chairman of the Board and President Brian Vahaly. I appreciate his trust in me as I take on this new role. It is also an honor to follow in the footsteps of Brett Haberstick and Sandi Pardon, whom I know and have had the
pleasure of working with. I hope to provide the same leadership and guidance to the 2,400 officials of the USTA officiating community that they have provided over the past 10 years.
By way of an introduction, I retired from the banking business in 2016, having spent most of my banking career in credit administration, specializing primarily in problem loans. I worked at large and small financial institutions, identifying, analyzing and managing individual credits and portfolios, working with people and businesses experiencing various problems that adversely impacted their ability to satisfy their obligations.
Once I retired, I took the advice of my friend Tony Ruggiero and decided to become a tennis official. I became interested in officiating while working at numerous Section League Championships with Mac MacGregor. Bill Van Mater was my primary on-court teacher once I began officiating. Mac, Tony and Bill all have an easygoing manner about
their work, enforcing the rules and regulations of tennis without trying to become a critical part of every match they watch. Between the three of them, I hope I have developed into the type of official they believe is valuable to the game, the players, parents and coaches. They are each firm and unbending, when necessary, while also always being great ambassadors of the sport. They understand when to teach and when to enforce, frequently at the same time.
Electronic Line Calling
These are exciting times for the world of community tennis officiating. By the time this message is published, I expect the USTA will have approved a new regulation allowing Electronic Line Calling for USTA Junior, Adult, Wheelchair, and League tournaments. While it has already become the standard at professional tournaments, it will be the most significant technological development in community tennis
officiating in my lifetime. It is the beginning of a time of great change and evolution in our sport. Let me emphasize EVOLUTION
The technology is relatively new, certainly to community tennis. There are numerous developers of this technology, and their products differ greatly in the way that they work. As with all technology, the per-court cost might be high at the outset. However, as we also know, the costs will decrease in time, and it is expected that the quality and way the products are delivered and work will improve significantly over a relatively short period of time.
This technology has been piloted at numerous community events, including several Level 1 Junior National Championships, the ITA AllAmerican Championships this past fall and recently at the ITA National Team Indoors. These pilot programs indicate that this technology is very well received by players, parents and coaches thus far. While I do not expect to see ELC on every court at your local Level 6 tournaments soon, the USTA is developing plans to partner with the Sections to begin
rolling out this technology once these systems have been accredited by the ITF and approved by the USTA. I anticipate we will see it used later this year at several Level 1-3 National and Sectional Championship tournaments. As the quality improves and the prices decrease (subject to development and production efficiencies), we will begin to see it used at more and more tournaments. It will be great to see the various products developed and how they are implemented at all levels. The Officiating Department is already working on the communication plan subject to final USTA approval at the annual meeting.
USTA Officiating Continual Learning
Another interesting topic is the development of additional continual learning resources. We have recently introduced a new USTA Officiating Development Hub, which replaced the Learning Resource Center. I hope every USTA Official has had the opportunity to log in (Single Sign-On!) to the Hub to see how it works and find the new offerings. We
Building Mental Resilience
The 21st century approach to learning is similar to how we should eat — small bites for proper digestion and absorption to nourish our bodies. The same process will allow us to create effective mental health habits for emotional balance, allowing us to better navigate the unique rhythm of an official’s life. This is not to suggest major drastic changes; rather think of change as one percent at a time that eventually leads to a larger percentage change over time. The following areas may be of help:
Positive self-talk is a first step — monitor how your inner voice speaks to you; this is not to suggest that positive self-talk will make life full of gumdrops and lollipops, however it is known that negative self-talk will create negativity. Negative thoughts will create a negative environment.
Resiliency can be broken down to three sections:
1) Confront the reality (you must identify an issue before you can respond to it).
2) Search for meaning — look at the why/how — why a habit works and how it can be repeated/why a habit causes problems and how it can be changed.
3) FIA = flexible, innovative, adaptive — a willingness to have all those in your life will promote resiliency.
Techniques and exercises for visualization, mental conditioning and relaxation strategies to help manage emotions, on and off the court, include:
Positive Self-Talk
Having a key word or key phrase to say to oneself during stressful
anticipate that the Hub will make it easier for new and existing officials to fulfill their continual learning requirements in the future. Rebecca Wozny will also be introducing several new offerings, including the ability of outside resources to help meet those requirements. Much more to come in the second half of 2025!
I want to take this opportunity to thank each USTA certified official for their work and contribution to growing the game of tennis. It is often a thankless job, but one that is critical to the development of all our players. I know that many of the players, parents and coaches appreciate all the time and hard work you put into being an official, even though most of them do not express that to you directly or frequently. Probably more than we think. Your work is critical to the game and to achieving our new USTA goal, 35 by 35 (35 million players by 2035.)
I look forward to meeting each of you soon and seeing you on or around the courts. Good luck with a very successful 2025!
— Clark Higgs
moments of a game can help officials to remain calm and to maintain their composure in the midst of a competition. Key words and phrases can serve as an “anchor” for an official’s thoughts in moments of game intensity. Examples of key words and phrases include: “Give me the courage to do the best I can do,” “trust myself,” and, “stay cool.”
Relaxation
Identifying the signals that your body gives you that you are feeling anxious, tense or stressed is the first step toward an official being able to calm down. Common body signals that indicate stress include rapid breathing, body stiffness, pressured speech and frustration coming out in angry speech patterns.
See “Resilience” p.9
Success-Ful? Not if You Keep Working
You received the plum assignment you’ve always wanted. Congratulations! A lot of folks will never be able to say that. Now what?
Once you get to the pinnacle in the sport you’re working, you can become so impressed with your accomplishment that you begin thinking (and worse, acting) like you think you’re better than everyone else. You can become complacent, thinking once you’ve gotten to the top, you can now afford to coast. It’s often suggested officials wanting to get better should watch officials who have had success and try to pick up some things. If you slack off after having success, you’re setting a bad example for those who are trying to advance. Instead, work as hard or harder than you did on your way to success. Attend clinics. Study the rules so you’ll score well on exams. Keep yourself in top physical shape. Treat officials with whom you work (particularly those with little to no experience) with courtesy, respect and
friendliness. No big-timing.
What officials shouldn’t do, once they’ve “arrived,” is throw their weight around. Don’t become the one who always demands air-time at meetings because your opinion on everything is suddenly golden. Don’t run over younger officials on or off the court. Don’t be the one whose implicit message in virtually every comment is that everyone else should do things your way because it’s obviously best, or you wouldn’t have gotten where you are.
When working with younger officials, they will often look to you for guidance. But wait to be asked instead of imposing your will. Same thing with postgame critiques. If someone asks what you thought of their performance, tell them. But don’t offer unsolicited advice.
The attitude of all top-notch officials is that pinnacles are great but you’re only as good as your next call. If you eschew the little things that got you there in the first place — endless rules, mechanics and philosophy study, both in season and out; good
Game, Set, Rules
Scoring Dispute
Scenario: Doubles match: During a local league doubles match, and after a really long rally, the players forgot the score. Team A, who were serving, said it was 40-15, but their opponents, Team B, thought the score was 30-30. As the Roving Official, how should you handle this scoring dispute?
Ruling: There are three ways to resolve this scoring dispute, listed in preference order:
1. The first way is to count up all the points and games that you both agree on. You would then replay those that you don't agree on.
2. If that doesn't work, you can replay from a score that you mutually agree on.
3. And if you still can't agree, toss a coin or spin a racquet to settle
the dispute (but hopefully, it doesn't come to that).
Remember that the first option is preferred because it can minimize the number of points you replay. #32 of The Code (The Players' Guide to Fair Play and The Unwritten Rules of Tennis) in the Friend at Court
Ball Hits Dropped Racket
Scenario: Singles match: During the followthrough of the server’s service motion, the server loses his racket. The racket lands on his side of the court, outside of the singles playing area. The ball is returned and hits the racket on the court. What is the outcome? Does the point continue?
Ruling: In this scenario, the server would lose the point because the ball
appearance and presence; good rapport with colleagues; solid match awareness and management; the attitude that no matter how good you are, you can always get better; and the sobering realization that you’re potentially only one truly messed-up call away from seeing your career go down the drain — you are not likely to stay there.
quick tip
When studying the rulebook, read some part of it each day, including during the offseason. Make it as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. If possible, read it right before you go to bed. Some studies have proved that memory retention is enhanced by studying right before sleeping.
touches the server’s racket when the player is not holding it.
ITF Rules of Tennis (Rule 24)
Reach Out!
Submit your question about a USTA Regulation or ITF Rule scenario and it may be featured in an upcoming edition. Click on the red box below.
Please note that submitting a question does not guarantee it will be answered.
New USTA Uniform Store is Now Available
The USTA Officiating Department has partnered with Concept Design Studios to bring a modernized shopping experience and deliver an expanded merchandise line to USTA officials. For the initial launch, officials can purchase the long- or short-sleeved uniform polo, the uniform hat and navy jackets. New for this year, we are introducing items like a red knit hat, red bucket
Resilience
continued from p.7
hat and three-quarter zip shirt. Additional items will be added throughout the year.
Logo Update
Items purchased from our USTA Officiating Uniform Store will have an updated USTA logo and the word “Official” now positioned underneath it. Older items with the previous USTA logo can still be worn. Both
Visualization
logos are acceptable to wear at USTAsanctioned events.
Store Credit
Each certified official will receive a $75 credit on their account that can be used any time between now and October 31, 2025. Be on the lookout for an email with your login details, and visit shopustaofficials.com to start shopping!
Strategies for officials to use when feeling anxious, tense or stressed include: deep breaths — slowly breathing in relaxation and exhaling tension; slowing down — pausing, standing still, waiting three seconds before responding to a player or coach; relaxing body language — taking an “at ease” posture, bending the knees, squeezing a tense muscle and then relaxing it.
Focusing
An official is better able to focus when coming from a place of choice. For example, instead of saying to oneself, “I should have made that call differently,” say, “I choose to move on to the next play.” Other examples of officials coming from a place of choice would include saying to oneself: “Choose to let go of a mistake,” “choose to move on to the next play,” “choose to be in the present moment.”
The night before the match, or an hour before a match, imagine three situations that are likely to come up — an easy call, a controversial call and an end-of-match call. Imagine yourself making these calls with confidence, pride and conviction. When you visualize yourself being in a situation, if during the game you are in that situation, you can feel as if you have been there before. This can lead to officials making calls with more confidence and certainty.
Remember, the above mental skills, strategies and techniques take practice to be effectively applied in game situations. Develop a plan to practice positive self-talk, focusing, relaxation and visualization as a way to manage your emotions. If these strategies and techniques help you as an official in one out of 10 match situations the first week, the goal is to have them help you in two out
of 10 match situations the second week. That is the way mental skills develop — one step at a time.
Continual Learning Update
As part of our continued efforts to support officials in their learning and development, the USTA Officiating Department is excited to announce that you can now earn continual learning credits for completing training that is not produced by the USTA Officiating Team.
Log into the USTA Development Hub to submit requests to have continual learning credits!
What is your favorite part of officiating events in your section?
I enjoy seeing players compete under fair conditions in which the players treat each other respectfully.
What is a fun fact most officials don’t know about you?
I enjoy listening to Jamaican dancehall music.
What does being part of the officiating family mean to you?
It means being part of a network of individuals who value fair play and adherence to the rules of tennis. How has officiating helped you grow as a person?
It has helped me learn that in each new event or encounter with another person it’s important to
go into each engagement with a blank slate, since people frequently change and grow from previous experiences.
What advice do you have for a new official?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions of experienced and knowledgeable officials. I’ve been fortunate to have David Hanzes, Eastern Chair of Officials, serve as the referee for the L2 junior tournament which I’ve been tournament director of for the past several years. At this event and other events which he’s officiated, he’s been more than willing to answer any questions I’ve had about how to handle different scenarios or rule-related matters. His answers to my questions have greatly enhanced my understanding of the rules of tennis as well as how to deal with the various situations we are faced with at tournaments.
Spirit of Officiating Recognition Program
Has one of your fellow officials gone above and beyond at an event?
Nominate them for the Spirit of Officiating Recognition Program! Officials continually go above and beyond their responsibilities while creating the ultimate tennis experience for players, parents, and fellow officials. We encourage you to nominate each other for going above and beyond at events with our Spirit of Officiating Recognition Program.
Nominations should be specific and based on witnesses' actions:
“When I worked at ____ event, this official had a car and voluntarily stayed and waited to give other Officials rides.”
“Last week at ___ event, this official watched my matches and gave me feedback.”
Nominate Officials Here
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Any Game, Any Time, Anywhere — You Are Covered
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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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THE GAG RULE
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
THEY GET IT
“I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding. They have the highest possible standards. That is a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously.”
— NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, during a press conference before Super Bowl LIX, responding to conspiracy theories about games being scripted and preferential officiating treatment for the Kansas City Chiefs
roger goodell
SAY WHAT?
“They are above reproach, the most feared human beings on earth. They have diplomatic immunity without a drop of diplomacy necessary. If leagues acknowledge a screwup, we get the info from them, not the perpetrators. No apologies.”
THEY
SAID IT GIVE US A BREAK
“On behalf of basketball fans everywhere, congratulations on an amazing career. It’s my privilege and my honor to present to you today’s game ball.”
— NBA referee James Williams, joined Feb. 9 by crewmates Brent Barnaky and John Conley, following the final telecast assignment for Hubie Brown, longtime basketball coach and broadcaster
“Don’t turn your back on me, I’m the best coach in the f---ing sport.”
— Dan Hurley, UConn men’s basketball coach, during a Jan. 21 Big East contest against Butler in an exchange with referee Nathan Farrell, who was joined by partners Tony Chiazza and Pat Driscoll
SNAP SHOT
WHY WE OFFICIATE …
This picture was taken during a first-grade boys’ basketball game at Prairie Trail Sports Complex in Ankeny, Iowa. Dave Rittman, director of training and development for the Des Moines Officials Association, is featured working with the young athletes. Rittman is a retired NCAAW D-I official in the Big Ten, Big 12, Mountain West and Missouri Valley conferences and the Summit League. He is a two-time NAIA national championship women’s basketball official and a two-time NAIA national championship football official. Rittman wrote: “While I have enjoyed some officiating success at many different levels, none is more meaningful to me than playing a small part in helping other officials gain experience and confidence in their pursuit of their officiating goals. The twilight of my career has blossomed with opportunities to give back to the officiating community. I’m hopeful my legacy will be not about my own accomplishments, but rather about how I helped a few officials along the way as a passionate ambassador of sports officiating.”
— Nick Canepa, sports columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribune, in an article titled “It’s Official — Referees (and Umpires, Too) Are Ruining the Sports I Love”
SURVEY SAYS
Which do you value more: a well-played or quick contest when you are officiating?
Tell Us What You Think Send email to letters@referee.com
THE NEWS
MLB Announces Three New Staff Hires
NEW YORK — MLB announced in February the promotion of three umpires to its umpiring staff to replace three veterans who announced their retirements prior to the 2025 season.
Paul Clemons, Emil Jimenez and Alex MacKay are now members of the full-time staff. They join Dan Merzel and Nate Tomlinson, who were hired during the 2024 season, as the five new staff members entering the 2025 campaign.
Clemons, a Kansas native, worked 249 MLB games as a call-up umpire prior to his promotion. He began his professional umpiring career in 2011 and worked his first MLB assignments during spring training in 2020. He has been assigned to Adrian Johnson’s crew for the 2025 season.
Jimenez, a native of Venezuela, worked 246 MLB games prior to his promotion. He first worked MLB spring training in 2023. His brother, Edwin, is an MLB call-up umpire. Jimenez has been assigned to Doug Eddings’ crew this season.
MacKay, a Colorado native, worked 262 MLB games prior to his promotion. He began his professional umpiring career in 2012 and first worked MLB competition at one of the alternate sites in use during the 2020 pandemic. He has been assigned to Alan Porter’s crew this season.
Both Merzel and Tomlinson
THE WIRE
MIAC Names New Coordinator of Officials
The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) announced Feb. 13 the hiring of Mike Cannon as its new coordinator of football officials. Cannon succeeds the MIAC’s longest-serving officials
received their promotions during the 2024 season due to in-season retirements on the MLB staff. Merzel worked 452 MLB games prior to his promotion, while Tomlinson had 303 such games under his belt. They both began their professional umpiring careers in 2011. Merzel will be part of Mark Carlson’s crew this season, while Tomlinson will be part of Mark Wegner’s crew
The three new hires for 2025 were necessitated by the retirements of Paul Emmel, Jerry Layne and Larry Vanover.
Emmel compiled more than 25 years of MLB experience, serving as a crew chief since 2017. He worked the 2013 World Series and semifinals and finals of the 2009 World Baseball Classic at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. He retired from the MLB staff during the 2024 season due to various medical issues.
Layne was MLB’s most-senior umpire during his final three seasons and is credited with 36 years of MLB service time. He did not work on the field during the 2024 season
See “MLB” p.17
U.S. Soccer Overhauls Referee Abuse Policy
CHICAGO — U.S. Soccer revamped its referee abuse prevention policy in an effort to better prevent mistreatment of referees at all levels of the game.
The updated policy, which took effect March 1, includes stronger sanctions for any physical or non-physical abuse toward referees in all contests that take place in sanctioned leagues and tournaments across the country. It does not apply at the professional level, but it does apply to any match affiliated with U.S. Soccer or its organizational members.
The new policy calls for minimum game suspensions or time penalties for non-physical offenses, including:
•Two games for insulting, belittling or taunting behavior undermining referee authority;
•Four games for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, abuse or threatening (non-physical) language;
•Six games and 6-24 months
for aggression, attacking, derogatory comments, See “Abuse Policy” p.16
coordinator, Tom Perrault, who died in January following a battle with cancer. Cannon has also been hired to assign football officials for the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC).
A former MIAC official, Cannon has more than 40 years of onfield officiating experience. After working in the NCAA Division III MIAC and Division II North Central Conference early in his career, Cannon transitioned to
the Big Ten and went on to work notable assignments such as the 2006 Rose Bowl, 2007 Fiesta Bowl, the 2011 BCS National Championship and the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Kentucky Man Assaults Referee
A Salem, Ky., man was charged following an incident during a Jan. 28 basketball game in
Smithland between Livingston Central and Lyon County high schools. The incident, which was captured on video, showed a fan sitting on the Livingston Central side of the gym throw a drink bottle at a referee. The bottle also struck a Lyon County player in the foot. Douglas Walker, 47, was charged with a first offense of assault of a sports official, which is a Class A misdemeanor. He
ClemonsJimenezMacKay
Parent Invades Ice, Assaults Young Referees
SEATTLE — A Seattle man is facing misdemeanor assault charges for shoving two young referees at his son’s hockey game Feb. 9 at the Kraken Community Iceplex in Seattle. Uriel Isaac Cortes Gonzalez is accused of knocking the referees, ages 12 and 14, onto their backs on the ice in what police called an “unprovoked” attack.
Gonzalez claimed he “acted in defense of his son” who had been in an altercation with a player on the opposing team, according to a police report. He told police his son “was punched and kicked for about 30 seconds” by the other athlete and “the referees did nothing to stop the assault.”
Gonzalez left the rink before officers responded to the incident but was pulled over at a traffic light shortly after.
He claimed he breached the ice to “defend his son and to break up the fight,” but according to the police report, “there was no fight at the time and the game was stopped.”
The man “walked directly towards one referee and shoved him with enough force to knock him onto his back,” the report continued.
Numerous witnesses took video of the incident, according to police.
THE WIRE
was also charged with seconddegree disorderly conduct and registered sex offender in violation of school restrictions. Walker was admitted to the McCracken County Detention Center.
Softball Player Assaults Umpire
A 26-year-old man was jailed after assaulting an umpire during an adult softball game March 6 in Hoover, Ala. Michael Seals, of Odenville, Ala., is charged with third-degree assault of a sports
The Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA) shared video of the incident on social media.
The Seattle Fire Department responded to the scene to treat the referees, who complained of pain in their hips and elbows, but neither of whom required hospitalization. Both were wearing protective gear at the time of the incident, police said.
The man told police he had not been aware the referees were juvenile and said he would participate as needed for the investigation.
In a statement on social media, PNAHA President Jody Carpenter said the organization was investigating the incident.
“The video we are sharing is difficult to watch, but it is crucial that we confront the seriousness of what happened,” Carpenter said. “This incident serves as a stark reminder of why maintaining a safe and respectful environment in our sport is so essential.”
Gonzalez was also suspended from all participation in any USA Hockey-sanctioned activity within the jurisdiction of PNAHA pending the investigation.
SOURCE: ABC NEWS
official. Officers were called to the Spain Park just before 7 p.m. Sports Complex on a report of an umpire being assaulted. Police determined that Seals became upset after being called out on a play. As the officiating crew tried to get Seals to leave the field, he assaulted a 51-year-old male umpire, according to police. The attack was stopped by a group of witnesses and Seals fled the scene. He was taken into custody shortly after during a traffic stop. The umpire suffered minor, but visible, injuries, police said.
Abuse Policy
continued from p.14
cyberbullying, doxing (public release of personal info) or threatening (physical/violence) language;
•Ten games or 12-24 months for an offensive or discriminatory act.
For physical offenses, the new policy outlines the following minimum penalties:
•Three games and 1-6 months for minor or slight deliberate touching;
•Ten games and 6-24 months for pushing, grabbing, pulling, squeezing, pinching, lightly slapping, use of an object in a non-striking manner or physical property damage.
•Twelve months to a lifetime suspension for hitting, punching, elbowing, kicking, biting, spitting on, choking, tackling, throwing or use of an object or any part of the body (forearm, knee, head) in a striking manner.
The updated policy also doubles the punishment for second-time offenders; third-time offenders receive a lifetime ban.
Offenses against minors are automatically subject to a “minor multiplier” resulting in triple punishment.
SOURCE: USSOCCER.COM/RAP
D-II Director of Football Officials to Retire
After more than five years as the NCAA Division II director of football officials, Mike Burton is retiring in June. Burton’s officiating and administrative career has spanned more than 50 years. He worked 26 years as an onfield football official, officiating two NCAA Division II playoff games and an NAIA championship game. Burton also
spent 19 years as a D-II and D-III coordinator of football officials and five years as an observer and video reviewer for numerous football conferences and the NCAA.
Boxer Jailed for Assaulting
Referee
An amateur boxer has been sentenced to jail time for brutally assaulting a referee during a suburban soccer match in April 2023. Adam Abdallah was filmed beating match official Khodr Yaghi after the match at Padstow
YOUTUBE, COURTESY OF NCAA (BURTON)
Coach Fired After Throwing Objects at Referee
DOWAGIAC, Mich. — A Michigan assistant basketball coach was fired after police say he and at least one of his players threw multiple objects at a referee after a game, knocking the referee to the ground.
The incident took place Feb. 26 during a district playoff game between Benton Harbor and Buchanan high schools in Dowagiac, Mich. Video obtained by WNDU. com showed that right after the game ended, a referee was struck in the head by a basketball, followed by what appeared to be several bottles or cups of water. The referee fell to the ground during the incident and was helped up by police officers, who escorted him out of the gym. The referee was also hit by a notebook in the hallway as he tried to leave the
MLB
continued from p.14
but worked periodically in MLB’s replay center. His career highlights include being behind the plate for a 14-inning Game Three of the 2005 World Series in Houston, for Fernando Valenzuela’s 1990 no-hitter and for Barry Bonds’ record-breaking 71st home run in 2001.
Vanover retired this offseason after 32 years of MLB service. He
building, according to police.
A day after the incident, Benton Harbor school officials suggested that fans in the crowd were to blame for the incident. Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Kelvin Butts also said he was initially told by another superintendent present at the game that the Benton Harbor boys’ basketball team’s conduct was “commendable.”
However, Dowagiac police identified more than three people as suspects, all on the Benton Harbor side: a coach, multiple student-athletes and multiple staff, parents and fans. Police said there was no foul play on Buchanan’s side.
On March 4, Benton Harbor Area Schools announced it fired an assistant boys’ basketball coach after
worked the 2016 World Series, multiple All-Star games and is credited with making the first call in the history of expanded instant replay in 2014.
The retirements also caused a shuffle in MLB’s crew chief positions, with Eddings, Vic Carapazza and Andy Fletcher promoted to lead crews in 2025. Eddings is a 26-year MLB vet, while Fletcher and Carapazza have worked 25.5 and 14 years, respectively.
in southwest Sidney, Australia. The incident began as a verbal altercation during which Yaghi hit Abdallah in the head with the flagpole he was holding. Initially restrained and led away by his friends, Abdallah then returned swinging at the referee, landing a hit that left Yaghi crumpled on the ground. Abdallah continued punching and kicking the referee as he laid on the grass. Yaghi was hospitalized as a result, losing four teeth and suffering two fractures to his jaw, which required surgery and the insertion
of metal plates. Abdallah pleaded guilty to one count of reckless grievous bodily harm and will spend 14-27 months behind bars.
Soccer Referee Cleared of Wrongdoing Spanish international soccer referee Jose Munuera has been cleared of any wrongdoing after the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) looked into
it determined the coach was among those who threw objects at the referee.
“We have confirmed that an assistant basketball coach was involved in the postgame incident with an official,” Butts said in a news release. “Immediate action has been taken, and that individual is no longer associated with or employed by the district in any capacity.”
Butts also said that a student was involved in the incident, but the district cannot provide any specific details on their involvement due to FERPA regulations.
Butts added that the district is working with the Michigan High School Athletic Association to investigate the incident and implement comprehensive measures that prevent such incidents in the future.
“Our dialogue with the MHSAA will continue as we collaboratively work to foster a safe and respectful environment for all participants,” Butts said in the release. “Benton Harbor Area Schools and the MHSAA are working together to resolve community and staff concerns, with a focus on accountability for all parties.”
Dowagiac police say charges are being sought and they are still attempting to identify other individuals that engaged in the assault of the referee.
SOURCE: WNDU.COM (NOTRE DAME, IND.)
a possible conflict of interest between his refereeing and a private sports consultancy company that he co-owns. Munuera had already been under fire since showing Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham a red card for directing foul language at him during a 1-1 draw at Osasuna Feb. 15. The referee closed his Instagram account after receiving tens of thousands of comments, including death threats, following the game, with controversy mounting after Spanish
newspapers reported that Munuera’s company, Talentus Sports Speakers, had business connections with football institutions and professional clubs.
This led to RFEF opening an investigation into whether those activities were compatible with his refereeing. The governing body found that there was “no real or potential conflict in the business activities of the referee with his work as a First Division Referee.”
SOURCES: AL.COM, ESPN, KENTUCKY
EDITOR: SCOTT TITTRINGTON stittrington@referee.com
COORDINATOR: PATRICK FAERBER pfaerber@referee.com
MASTER THE GAME BEFORE IT BEGINS
Pregame Preparation — Why It
Matters
By Frank Barlow
Every game presents an umpire crew with unique challenges, and our ability to handle confrontations and controversies effectively starts well before the first pitch. A thorough pregame discussion is one of the most powerful tools an umpiring crew can use for handling difficult situations. Whether it’s managing coaches, addressing disagreements or making crucial calls under pressure, having a gameplan in place makes
all the difference, especially when working below the professional level. In education-based athletics, a crew should be ready to resolve most situations well before they get out of control.
At the high school level, ejections are rare, and that should be the goal. Our role as umpires is not just to enforce the rules with safes and outs, balls and strikes. That’s only a small aspect of what factors into getting championship assignments. Our purpose and what
tier of umpires is an ability to maintain order, promote sportsmanship and ensure the focus remains on the educational experience of scholastic baseball.
For umpires to be successful as a crew in this mission, they need a pregame that builds a strategy and a common understanding of how they’ll handle situations. And while not every game is played using the same rules and policies, there are strategies for resolving situations that can be shared from one level or league to the next.
separates the top
When a discussion about a ruling has reached its conclusion, sometimes the lone remaining recourse for an umpire is to remove himself from the situation by walking away, as George Arredondo, Whittier, Calif., does here. This is especially important if there has been an ejection.
The Lead Blocker
At the NCAA level, and even in some NFHS state associations, coaches are prohibited from entering fair territory or the dirt circle around home plate. This doesn’t mean a coach can’t ask a reasonable question about a decision conflicting with the rules. Head coaches can appeal an umpire’s decision and seek its reversal. But if they want to discuss specific aspects of a play or situation, coaches must seek permission to speak to the calling umpire at the 45-foot line halfway between first and home or, on the third-base side, halfway between third and home. And while not every state has this rule, umpires can still leverage aspects of this tactic into their games.
For example, consider a close play at first base in a game using NCAA rules and policies. If the coach wants to discuss the call with the first-base umpire, he has to leave his position to meet the umpire at the 45-foot line. But the base umpire isn’t necessarily compelled to meet the coach immediately. Instead, the plate umpire can meet the coach at the 45-foot line to act as an intermediary. By having the noncalling umpire serve as a first point of contact, we can achieve multiple benefits.
It prevents immediate escalation by ensuring the coach’s initial conversation is with a non-calling umpire rather than the one who made the call.
It allows the coach time to cool down before speaking with the calling umpire, leading to a calmer and more productive discussion.
It allows the non-calling umpire to acknowledge the coach’s concerns while reinforcing that judgment calls cannot be reversed without proper justification.
In many cases, the coach will return to the dugout after this brief interaction, realizing there is no further discussion to be had. However, if the coach still wishes to speak with the calling umpire, the conversation is now far more likely to remain civil, as the initial frustration has had time to subside.
Direct Discussions
If the coach insists on speaking to the calling umpire, he should be allowed to do so. To handle this direct discussion successfully, we should be mentally prepared to respond to valid questions from coaches. Always allow coaches to speak first while we listen intently to their perspectives. Wait for the coach to ask questions before responding, and avoid being defensive. Remember the goal is not to convince coaches we are correct, but instead, it’s to keep coaches in the game.
Here are some ideas on how to respond to a coach who isn’t responding to our de-escalation tactics in a calm manner:
•“Coach, I understand what you saw, but I saw something different. The call stands, and we need to get back to playing the game. Please return to your position now.”
•“Coach, I want you to stay in this game, and your team needs you on the field. Please return to your position so we can continue the game.”
•“Coach, if you continue to argue, I’ll have no choice but to restrict (or eject) you.”
By remaining calm and using clear, controlled language, umpires can show empathy and understanding to coaches with differing opinions. Using these responses, we avoid a back-and-forth over a judgment call and shift the focus to the fact the game must go on.
The Earned Ejection
After all of this, we may be headed toward an ejection, but we’ve at least taken steps that will only serve to justify reaching that outcome. We intercepted with a noncalling umpire, answered the coach’s questions for the calling umpire and ultimately, we tried to show the need to continue the game and the consequences of further delay. But once the ejection is justified, it’s time to follow through.
Post-Ejection
Once a justified ejection has occurred, there’s nothing else the ejecting umpire needs to say. Remember, silence can’t be
SIDELINE
The Strike Zone Shift
Before the 2025 season, MLB released data analyzing how human umpires call the strike zone. The findings revealed that on a 3-0 count, the average strike zone expanded to 550 square inches, while on an 0-2 count, it shrank to just 412 square inches.
This data was presented to highlight the consistency an automated ball-strike system could provide. However, MLB also noted human umpires naturally call a more oval-shaped zone rather than a strict square. The bigger question remains — how will batters react when the system consistently gives pitchers the very corners of the plate?
SOURCE: NYTIMES.COM/ATHLETIC
QUICKTIP
When signaling a substitute’s number to your plate umpire, use a one-hand method to make communication clear from across the field.
Show the first digit, then the second, back to back. Hold 0-5 fingers up for numbers in that range. For 6-9, hold 1-4 fingers downward, adding to 5. Example: For No. 38, show three fingers up, then three down.
This technique ensures accuracy, especially when pitchers enter from the outfield during a substitution. Simple, effective, and easy to read!
TOOLS
Master the Player/DH Rule
The NFHS player/DH rule can be intimidating for umpires, and is often left out of training for new and experienced umpires. Check out the video: “Master the Player/ DH Rule” by Umpire Classroom on YouTube. It not only breaks down the traditional and player/DH rules, but has free, print-from-home lineup cards umpires can use to follow along with the instruction.
TEST YOURSELF
In each question, decide which answer is correct for NFHS, NCAA or pro rules. Solutions: p. 87.
1. The home team has nine starters, with the pitcher, Smith, listed as the pitcher/DH (NFHS: player/DH). In the fifth inning, Smith singles and his team requests to use a pinch runner.
a. This is legal. The pinchrunner will become the DH and Smith remains in the game defensively. Smith can re-enter later in the original spot in the lineup.
b. This is legal. The pinchrunner will become the DH and Smith remains in the game defensively. Smith cannot re-enter later in the original spot in the lineup.
c. This is legal. However, it will terminate the DH role in the lineup and Smith will also be coming out of the game defensively. Smith can re-enter later.
d. This is legal. However, it will terminate the DH role in the lineup and Smith will also be coming out of the game defensively. Smith cannot re-enter.
e. This is illegal. A pinch-runner cannot be used for a pitcher/DH.
2. The pitcher has an earpiece in his ear to receive pitch calls from the catcher.
a. Legal.
b. Illegal.
3. With R1 on first and a 1-1 count, F1 balks and delivers the pitch. The pitch is a ball and gets past the catcher. R1 rounds second and is thrown out at third base.
a. “Time” is called when the balk occurs. R1 is awarded second. The count remains 1-1.
b. “Time” is called when the catcher gets the ball. R1 is awarded second. The count remains 1-1.
c. “Time” is called when playing action stops. R1 is out. The count remains 1-1.
d. The balk is ignored. R1 is out. The count is now 2-1.
4. With a runner on first, F1 takes the set position with the ball in both hands in front of his body and at head height.
a. This is legal.
b. This is illegal.
misquoted. Walk away and let your partner come in to assist. Walking away after an ejection reinforces professionalism and prevents further confrontation that could lead to additional issues. However, it only works if the umpire’s partner is prepared to step in and escort the ejected individual off the field.
The Value of Pregame Discussions
Emphasizing this discussion in our pregame serves multiple benefits. First, it ensures the entire crew is mentally prepared to handle difficult situations. Second, it defines
a structured approach to game management that can lower the heat of interactions with coaches. Finally, it lays out a progression, making it easier for the crew to understand when and how to step in. By proactively discussing handling situations during pregame, we create a more controlled and professional environment, leading to a smoother, more enjoyable game.
Frank Barlow is an NCAA Division I umpire working in the American Athletic, Big Ten and Big East conferences and the Coastal Athletic Association. *
Call With Authority, Not Theatrics
By Jon Bible
Asumpires, we know we must sell our calls — especially the close ones. But how we sell them matters. Over the years, the philosophy on umpire mechanics has shifted dramatically. In the past, exaggerated signals and dramatic gestures were seen as a way to command the field. Today, the approach has changed. Umpires at all levels are encouraged to remain composed, firm and confident without resorting to theatrics.
So, how do you strike the right balance? Here’s how to refine your signals to project confidence without becoming the center of attention.
1.Avoid Over-the-Top Calls
Decades ago, it was common to see umpires taking multiple steps and launching into grand gestures after a strikeout or close play. The belief was dramatic signals reinforced the call’s credibility. But today, we know excessive theatrics create more problems than they solve.
Over-the-top calls can make an umpire appear more interested in putting on a show than officiating the game. They can also lead to perceptions of bias — an exaggerated strikeout call may seem like you’re
enjoying the batter’s failure rather than simply enforcing the rules.
Instead, keep your signals sharp, deliberate and controlled. A firm, well-timed call is far more effective than an animated performance.
2.Don’t
Let Signals Take You Out of the Play
When umpires get too caught up in selling a call, they can lose sight of the bigger picture. Imagine a batter strikes out, but interference occurs between the catcher and batter while a baserunner attempts to steal. Umpires may miss the interference entirely if they are busy theatrically punching out the batter.
The same issue can happen on the bases — an umpire selling an out with a dramatic flourish might not see a missed tag or a bobbled ball. Keeping your signals composed allows you to stay mentally locked in and react to secondary plays as they develop.
3.Flashy
Calls Can Undermine Your Credibility
One of the worst things umpires can do is give the impression they are unsure of themselves. Ironically, umpires who feel uncertain about a call may overcompensate by selling it too hard.
The problem? Over-exaggeration often signals insecurity rather than authority. Players, coaches and fans trust umpires who make their calls with quiet confidence — not those who feel the need to perform.
If you’re calling a strikeout or close play, a controlled, crisp motion conveys certainty and professionalism. A wild, over-the-top gesture does the opposite.
4.Keep Your Timing Sharp
There’s often a direct correlation between how demonstrative umpires’ signals are and how quick their timing is. When umpires rush a call to make a flashy signal, they may not give themselves enough time to process what happened.
The best umpires take a beat before making a call. This extra moment allows them to see the entire play, register all the necessary details and deliver a decisive, well-timed signal. The more controlled your mechanics are, the better your timing will be.
5.Find the Right Balance — Not Too Flashy, Not Too Lazy
While over-the-top gestures can make an umpire look like a showman, being too nonchalant also has its downsides. If your signals are too relaxed, you might come across as indifferent or disinterested in the game.
The key is to find a happy medium:
Finding the right balance on your signals to convey confidence without unnecessary theatrics is critical. Jadon Chism, Logan, Utah, shows a sharp “out” signal for a run-of-the-mill play on the bases.
Gear Up Right
By George Demetriou
Other than something on their head and a team uniform, there is no single item that all players must have during a game. The DH doesn’t need a glove, and whoever he hits for has no use for a bat.
Starting at the top, let’s examine player equipment. Unless otherwise noted, the material applies equally to NFHS, NCAA and pro rules. Hats. Fielders are required to have
a cap, and everyone other than the catcher can have a soft cap. Pro rules do not specifically mandate a cap, but all players must have a uniform that conforms to their teammates (NFHS 1-4-1; NCAA 1-14h; pro 3.03c). There are no specifications for caps.
NFHS has stringent requirements for the catcher’s helmet. The helmetand-mask combination must meet NOCSAE standards. The helmet must have full ear protection (dual ear flaps), and only clear eye shields
Strike calls should be firm but not aggressive. A crisp finger point to the side projects confidence without drawing attention to yourself.
Strikeout calls can have more emphasis, but avoid excessive movements. A controlled “yank-thechain” motion or a simple fist pump is effective without being overdone.
Out calls should be sharp and decisive. A single punch is enough — don’t flail your arms or exaggerate the motion.
Safe calls should be extended and clear but not repetitive. One or two arm extensions are fine, but more than that starts to look unnecessary.
6.Save Your Big Signals for When They Matter
If every call you make is dramatic, what will you do when a genuinely close or controversial play happens?
The best umpires know when to use their strongest signals. If a runner is out by two steps at first base or a throw beats a runner by three feet, the call doesn’t need a grand performance. A simple, sharp motion is enough.
Reserve your strongest calls for tight plays where there is real doubt. This way, when you do have to sell a call, it carries weight and authority.
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. *
manufactured with the helmet are allowed. The throat protector may be part of the helmet or attached. A manufactured one-piece helmet and mask combination (hockey-style) is permissible (1-5-4). An NCAA catcher must have a helmet, facemask and throat guard. The helmet is recommended to meet NOCSAE standards (1-15b). MLB only requires a helmet and facemask with no further specifications (3.08d).
NFHS requires on-deck batters,
CASEPLAYS
Precedence Matters
Play: R2 is on second base and R1 is on first base with one out. B4 hits a high fly to second base, which could have been caught by F4 with ordinary effort. Neither umpire declares “infield fly.” F4 intentionally drops the ball. He then picks it up and throws to F5, who tags R2 while he is attempting to reach third base. Ruling: The result of the play stands. R2 is out on the tag, B3 is out because it is an infield fly, and the inning is over. There is no “penalty” for an intentional drop in this situation (NFHS 8-42k, interp.; NCAA 2-48 Note 1; pro Definition of Infield Fly Cmt.).
Making My Job Harder
Play: With R1 on first, F1 throws a pitch that strikes F2 on the shin guard and rolls away. F2, seeing the ball headed toward dead-ball territory, intentionally kicks the ball into dead-ball territory. The umpire judges the ball would have gone out of play had the kick not occurred. Ruling: This is a onebase award from the time of the pitch and R1 is awarded second base (NFHS 8.3.3K; NCAA 8-3k; pro 5.06b4h).
In or Out?
Play: The field does not have a fence from the furthest edge of the first-base dugout all the way to the outfield fence. F9, while attempting to catch a fly ball near dead-ball area, makes the catch with one foot over live-ball territory and the other foot on the ground in dead-ball area. Ruling: In all codes, this is not a catch and is a dead ball (NFHS 8-3-3d; NCAA 2-16d; pro 5.09a1 Cmt.).
Score That Run?
Play: With the bases loaded and one out, B5 hits a fly ball to right field. F9 catches the ball, R3 tags and scores. R1 was almost at second base when the catch was made, and F9 throws to F3 who tags first base before R1 can “tag up,” and R1 is called out. The out at first base is made after R3 had touched home. Ruling: The run scores as this is a timing play, and the appeal at first is the third out of the inning (NFHS 8-2-4; NCAA 8-6-1; pro 5.09b5).
batters, runners, retired runners and non-adults in the coach’s boxes as well as non-adult bat/ball shaggers to wear a dual-ear-flap batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard (1-51). NCAA requires the same except for those in a coach’s box (1-15a). The MLB helmet requirement is for batters, runners and base coaches (3.08a, e). MLB players can wear a single-earflap helmet, while all other professional players must wear a dual-ear-flap helmet.
Bats. In MLB, only wood bats may be used. The bat cannot be longer than 42 inches and no more than 2-3/4 inches in diameter; there are no weight restrictions. Wood bats in high school play are limited to 36 inches in length and a 2-5/8-inch barrel.
NFHS and NCAA allow non-wood bats and the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard is the current requirement. BBCOR’s performance is as close to that of wood bats as current technology allows. To assist umpires, non-wood bats must be labeled with a BBCOR mark to identify them as legal in a game. In NCAA play, the bats are tested either before each game or at the start of a series. Legal bats must include a colored sticker indicating they have passed the bat testing protocols.
The shape of the bat is also regulated. All NFHS bats are required to be smooth and cylindrical from the top of the cap to the top of the knob. This eliminates bats that have flat spots or holes near the handle. Those bats are legal in NCAA provided they
meet the BBCOR standard. NCAA bats must have a barrel contrasting with the baseball, while pro prohibits colored bats (NCAA 1-12; pro 3.02).
NCAA and pro rules distinguish between two types of illegal bats. The distinction is important because the penalty differs depending upon the type of illegal bat. An altered bat is a bat that has been altered or tampered with in such a way as to improve the distance factor or to cause an unusual reaction on the baseball. This includes bats that are corked, filled, flat-surfaced, nailed, hollowed, grooved or covered with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc. A batter is deemed to have used such an illegal bat once he steps into the batter’s box. If so, he is declared out and ejected. If the illegal bat is discovered after the first pitch, no advancement on the bases is allowed except advancements that are not caused by the use of an illegal bat (e.g., stolen base, balk, wild pitch, passed ball), and any out or outs made during a play stand. In NFHS, the batter is out but not ejected, and the defense may opt for the play or the penalty. On a first violation, the head coach is also restricted to the dugout (NFHS 4-1-3b, 7-4-1a; NCAA 1-12a-b Pen.; pro 6.03a5).
The other type of illegal bat is a bat that otherwise violates the specifications in the rulebook (e.g., missing certification, excessive pine tar). If discovered in NCAA or pro, the bat is removed and play continues. As mentioned, NFHS rules treat all illegal bats, altered or otherwise, exactly the same (NFHS 1-3-5; NCAA 1-12e-f Pen.; pro 3.02c Cmt.).
Gloves. The rules are precise regarding what constitutes a legal glove for specific positions, and restrictions exist on how they can be used (see PlayPic, next page). The rules separately address pitcher’s gloves, first baseman’s gloves, gloves for other fielders and catcher’s mitts. NFHS allows fielders to wear a longer glove (14 inches) than pro or NCAA (13 inches). The allowed width is standard at eight inches. There are minor differences in the width of the web (NFHS 1-3-6; NCAA 1-13c; pro 3.06).
NFHS does not specify dimensions for a first baseman’s glove, so the prep first baseman can use a fielder’s
Your complete guide to the 2025 High School Baseball season. Get all this and more…
• The latest NFHS rule changes explained and simplified.
• The most up-to-date NFHS Points of Emphasis
• The most current umpiring tips & strategies
• Quiz questions & answers along with dozens of caseplays with rulings
glove or a traditional first baseman’s mitt with the dimensions of a fielder’s glove. NCAA and pro first basemen are limited to a 13-by-8-inch glove. Because the web dimensions of a first baseman’s glove differ from a fielder’s glove, only the first baseman and catcher can use such a glove. Pro rules limit this glove to the first baseman only if, in the umpire’s judgment, another fielder is not positioned at first base (NFHS 1-3-6; NCAA 1-13b; pro 3.05, MLBUM II-4).
The pro catcher’s glove is limited to a 38-inch circumference, but there are no limits on NFHS or NCAA catchers. Under pro rules, catchers cannot use a fielder’s or first baseman’s glove at any time (NFHS 1-3-6; NCAA 1-13a; pro 3.04, MLBUM II-2).
The pitcher’s glove must adhere to the specifications of a fielder and cannot be white or gray. In professional baseball, a pitcher must use the samecolored glove for the entire game, and white or gray piping is allowed. Color violations are not subject to any penalty. The pitcher is simply not permitted to use the non-compliant glove (NFHS 1-3-6; NCAA 1-13d; pro 3.07a).
There are no weight restrictions on any of the gloves; however, gloves can only be used in the intended manner — as an extension of and for the protection of the hand.
An illegal glove can be appealed, and the umpire has the authority to remove the glove. The appeal must be made following the limits for appealing baserunning infractions. In pro, each team is limited to two appeals per game. A player should be given a reasonable time to correct the situation. Any player who refuses to remove an illegal glove is ejected. Under NCAA rules, if a catch is made with an illegal glove the offense, upon proper appeal, has the choice of taking the result of the play or replaying the pitch. In NFHS, the procedure is the same as NCAA. The appeal may yield the play or penalty, except the penalty is the same as that
Rotation Roulette
By Patrick Faerber
The most visible rotation in a two-umpire crew occurs with a runner on first or runners on first and third. On a base hit to the outfield, the plate umpire can rotate to third base for a potential play on R1 (see MechaniGram on the next page). However, there are many reasons not to rotate, some determined pregame and others based on play development.
Before the game starts, consider the players’ athleticism and the umpiring crew’s physical abilities. Is it a high school or college game? If so, these
should be fast athletes, and it will take a high level of athleticism from the plate umpire to pull off the mechanic in time for it to be successful. Next, we look at our plate umpire. Can he or she make it to third base in time for a typical play where R1 tries to reach third base? Maybe he or she recently had surgery or pulled a muscle, or this is game four of the day. He or she may not physically be able to make the rotation for many reasons, and there is no shame in saying we should not do it for a specific game. There is shame, however, if a play develops at third base and neither umpire is there to make a call. This
for throwing a glove and touching the ball: a two-base award for a thrown ball or a three-base award for a fair batted ball, unless a home run was prevented, in which case it is a four-base award. If the ball is foul, the penalty is to disallow the catch and let the foul ball stand (NFHS 1-5-7; NCAA 1-13 Pen. 2; pro 3.07c).
Play 1: With R2 on second, R3 on third and one out, F7 makes a catch in fair territory while wearing a glove with illegal dimensions — both runners tag and advance. The offense appeals properly, and the illegal glove is recognized by the umpire. Ruling 1: In NFHS, the offense will choose the penalty, a three-base award for all runners, including the batter-runner. In NCAA, the offense has a choice between voiding the play or accepting the run and the out. In pro, the play stands. In all codes, the glove must be replaced.
Play 2: With R3 on third and no one out, F9 catches a foul ball while wearing an oversized glove — R3 tags and scores. The offense appeals properly. Ruling 2: In NFHS and NCAA, the offense has a choice between voiding the play or accepting the run and the out. The glove is removed. In pro, the play stands, but the glove is removed.
George Demetriou, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the state’s rules interpreter. *
is why a pregame discussion is so important.
We also have two pre-pitch mechanics the crew should use when this rotation may occur. The first is a signal where umpires point across their bodies — plate umpire toward third, base umpire toward first — indicating a possible rotation. The second is the plate umpire pointing down with both hands, signaling no rotation. The first signal reinforces standard mechanics, while the second alerts the base umpire that he or she has all bases.
Even if the plate umpire feels spry throughout the game, sometimes a play develops where a rotation just
isn’t going to happen. Sometimes, if R1 is stealing, he may be a few steps away from second by the time the ball is hit. We could also have scenarios where the plate umpire has fair/foul responsibilities on the first-base line or gets tied up with the catcher. No matter how it happens, when the plate umpire determines he or she can’t or won’t be rotating up to third, he or she should yell to his or her partner, “I’m staying home!” This tells the base umpire he or she will have multiple runners and all bases, so he or she must be ready for whatever may develop.
The ultimate goal is to be in the best position for a potential play at third. Effective communication before the game, before the pitch and during live action ensures the crew gets the right angles to make accurate calls. Patrick Faerber, Alpharetta, Ga., is a former professional umpire who now works high school baseball and football. He is Referee’s baseball coordinator. *
AW, CRAP, I GOTTA WORK WITH…
Not all officiating partnerships are a match made in heaven. How do you adjust to these personalities?
TMAYOR MIKE
here are few absolutes in officiating. One is that you won’t like everyone with whom you work. You likely know individuals who fit the following description. Or maybe a description fits you? The practical advice offered here might allow you to combat your own shortcomings or better deal with the cards you’re dealt by way of partner(s) in your next assignment. At the end of the day, we all have to work together to ensure a smooth contest every time we take the court, field or ice. He knows everyone and everyone knows him. As soon as he arrives on campus, he is shaking hands and kissing babies. You can’t get to the court or the field without him stopping and sharing pleasantries with everyone.
DEAL WITH IT
While it can be comforting to know Mike is well-liked and well-respected, it can also cause issues for your crew. Imagine being the coach of the opposing team. They see this familiarity with one team and feel like they won’t get a fair shake, even before the game begins. While you don’t want to be rude, try to corral this type of partner and get them where they need to be. Also, have your crew engage these partners to keep them from wandering off and giving them an opportunity to socialize with fans, players or coaches.
He’s there, but you wouldn’t know it. While he’s part of the crew, he has no presence and often looks out of place. Ian tends to be very timid and shy and isn’t at the top of your list of partners with whom you want to go into battle.
DEAL WITH IT
We’ve all had partners we’d describe as “nice”
but who just aren’t strong. These types of partners thankfully aren’t adversarial. They just sort of go through the motions but don’t stand out in a good way. The best thing to do is engage these types of partners both in pregame conversations as well as throughout the game to ask them how they are feeling. Sometimes these partners just need a little coaxing to get out of their shell. Offer words of encouragement and small pep talks to help give them the motivation they need to step up and be a strong member of the crew.
gabby gary
The silence is deafening to him apparently. From pregame to postgame, he just won’t shut up. He monopolizes the pregame meeting with the crew and every time you look over during the contest he’s chatting with coaches, players or fans.
DEAL WITH IT
Do you find yourself in unproductive conversations during your assignments? Stick to the task at hand and be conscious of how your being social reflects on yourself and the crew. If you have a talkative partner like Gary, try to refocus his energy any chance you get and don’t be afraid to politely interrupt any extended conversations with players or coaches that might not be in the best interest of the crew.
rulebook charlie
DEAL WITH IT
All science, no art. Memorized the rulebook but can’t apply it when situations actually arise during the contest. A lot of times, this is the partner who hogs the pregame reading rules (especially new rule changes) verbatim, even late in the season when those “new” rules should be second nature.
free food frank
Every crew needs someone who is good with the rules. Take advantage of their knowledge of the rulebook, especially in those one-off situations that don’t happen that often. However, during pregame conversations, try to come up with specific situations that could happen and ask this type of partner how they’d respond. This will get them hopefully off the strict verbiage of the rule and into how to actually adjudicate those situations. He hasn’t met a concession stand he didn’t like. He’s more worried about satiating his stomach than actually working the game. This partner can embarrass himself and the crew by being pushy about having game management bring food and drink to the locker room before, during and after the game.
DEAL WITH IT
While it is nice to have a cold bottle of water or Gatorade provided, food and other beverages should never be an expectation. If game management asks if they can provide food and drink, be respectful when replying.
AW, CRAP, I GOTTA WORK WITH...
Crew members should never say, “Bring us hot dogs, popcorn and sodas.” Instead, when asked if the crew would like anything, always say “Please” and “Thank you” and don’t be greedy. If a crew member is disrespectful in asking for food, be a leader and step up and remind them to be respectful to the host. If you are embarrassed by how this partner treats host management, remember, it is a reflection on the entire crew. Have a conversation with this partner about appropriate ways to treat hosts and you may need to reach out and apologize to the host if things are really bad. Also, let an assigner know if the behavior is truly egregious and let them handle it.
headscratcher harry
Hmmmmm? Harry’s the type of partner who’s good for one call a game that confuses everyone … including his partner(s). Maybe he inserts himself by way of a marginal call unnecessarily when the game is going along just fine, or maybe he rules one way on a play that is pretty obviously incorrect.
DEAL WITH IT
Do you ever make calls that seem to confuse all the participants and your partners? We all make mistakes because we’re human, but if you regularly get this feeling it might be time to do some further reflection. If you have a partner like Harry who makes you scratch your head on occasion, think about how you might work through the next instance. If the mistake is obvious, you have the definite knowledge to correct it and the game would benefit from that correction, step up however your given sport suggests. If you cannot correct the call or are just confused by what happened, get play restarted quickly so participants move on and don’t dwell on the past.
hotshot holly
Star athlete, turned referee. She was the MVP of her high school team and an all-conference college star. This official thinks because she excelled as a player, she knows the rules and should shoot up the officiating ladder quickly. Chances are the coaches (and maybe even the fans) know her reputation. The coaches tend to treat this official with kid gloves, at least until the first call goes against them.
DEAL WITH IT
Officiating the game is much different than playing it. While it helps if you’ve played the sport, as you can anticipate a lot better than those who haven’t, the skills don’t always translate. If you’re a former player, don’t assume you know how to officiate. And if you work with those who were former athletes, don’t be afraid to pick their brains to help understand some of the nuances of the game.
nervous
nellie
She’s scared of her own shadow. It might be a personality shortcoming or a lack of experience in officiating a certain sport or level of play. The nerves might be noticeable in a physical sense, or they may only come to light through conversation or a lack of assertiveness.
DEAL WITH IT
The best officials will tell you even they get some butterflies during big assignments. It’s part of being human and it means you care. Trust
cheapskate chip
your training and knowledge and cling to the confidence you have to deliver a good performance. If you have a nervous partner like Nellie, work to build her confidence. Perhaps you assign her a relatively simple task during pregame so she can capitalize on the feeling of success or you pump her up during the contest by audibly communicating about a good call or decision she made at a given moment. White shirt, turned yellow. His uniform is older than most of the participants. He won’t spend a dime to update his equipment or wardrobe. He also won’t pursue any camp or clinic opportunities or join the local association because of the cost. He calculates the cost of everything and value of nothing.
DEAL WITH IT
It’s good to be aware of your spending, but is bettering your officiating career coming in conflict with your frugality? Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself and your crew; it will likely pay dividends in the future. If you have a partner like Chip, and his cheapskate tendencies reflect negatively on the officiating product, brainstorm some ways to politely bring that fact to his attention. Maybe you ask how long he’s owned a certain piece of equipment to draw it to his attention, or point out how much you like a new part of your own uniform to get him thinking. It might be met with resistance, but at least you tried to better Chip and the officiating community as a whole.
buddy buddy
Friend to all, but not in a good way. Being impartial is the crux of what we do as officials, and being too chummy with coaches and players can be perceived as favoritism by the opponent or spectators. Every chance you get to be next to players or coaches during a break in the action is not necessarily an invitation to chat.
DEAL WITH IT
disappearing don
Be cordial and approachable during your assignments, but be conscious of how any interaction looks to a bystander. We’re hired to do a job, and it’s not to be friends with coaches and players. If you’re uncomfortable by the interactions a partner(s) is having with a coach or player, try to move the contest along to limit the opportunities that partner has for idle chit-chat. If the credibility of the crew is suffering because of this, have the courage to speak up and let that partner know your concerns. There ‘til you really need him. When the game is on the line, he’s nowhere to be found. Don will be the first to swallow his whistle when the going gets tough at the end of the game. Not the same as Invisible Ian who isn’t around the entire game. Don is more than happy to blow his whistle, until you need him in the waning moments of the game.
DEAL WITH IT
Engage Don during a timeout toward the end of the game and give a pep talk to hopefully keep him
AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ALL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE A SMOOTH CONTEST EVERY TIME WE TAKE THE COURT, FIELD OR ICE.
engrossed in the contest. However, if you have to, don’t be afraid to shift him to a different position to prevent him from being the calling official at the end. This isn’t always an available option and tends to lend itself to basketball, where you can rotate them out of the lead position. In other sports where you can’t necessarily rotate, make sure the rest of the crew has a heightened sense of awareness and can compensate to cover for him.
smartie pants sam what-if wally
Smartest guy in the room. He’s got an answer for everything, including questions or concerns from coaches and play scenarios from partners. In his mind, he’s never wrong and often his answers can be slightly too scholarly or downright arrogant.
DEAL WITH IT
Do you find yourself being defensive toward partners or coaches? Do you struggle to admit your mistakes? Make sure you don’t come off as arrogant to your crew or coaches, and if you are working with a partner like Sam, ask some constructive questions in a way that doesn’t make him vulnerable, but comfortable instead. If you can manage to get him to let his guard down, he might be more valuable in conversations with the crew and with coaches.
Never satisfied with a simple answer. Wally comes up with oncein-a-million scenarios and gets so far down the rabbit hole of bizarre caseplays that it leads to inefficient preparation of the crew.
DEAL WITH IT
These types of partners are not always a bad thing. They tend to keep their partners on their toes and make them dive into the rulebook and casebook to find answers to difficult situations. However, those what-ifs can also bog down a pregame meeting if they get too deep into the weeds. Encourage Wally to ask questions, but if the what-ifs become too much, rein him in and keep the pregame meeting on task to make sure all elements of the pregame can be covered by the crew. Encourage Wally to ask the whatif questions during the postgame meal or over a drink at your favorite postgame watering hole.
AW, CRAP, I GOTTA WORK WITH...
DON’T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT AND FIND OUT THE COMFORT LEVEL OF YOUR PARTNER.
thinker theo
Paralysis by analysis. Theo’s deep dissection of every situation leaves him indecisive in the key moment. Sometimes officiating demands a quick and decisive decision, and often times there are gray areas. Theo often gets burned trying to pigeon hole every decision into a black-and-white dichotomy.
DEAL WITH IT
mystery mandy
Preparation and experience help combat feelings of indecision. The more you’ve seen a certain type of play, the more routine your reaction and ruling will be. If you’re saddled by the feeling of paralysis while analyzing a play, increase your preparation by way of rules study and video review. If you have a partner like Theo, encourage decisive action by voicing your support of certain calls and build his courage to make them quicker and more confidently. Nobody knows who she is. She appears on your schedule and no one in your circle has ever worked with her or even heard her name.
DEAL WITH IT
Normally in this scenario, you open up the officials directory on your computer and try to find out any information you can before your game. Don’t be afraid to reach out and find out the comfort level of your partner. Perhaps she
recently moved to the area and actually has a ton of experience. Or maybe she is a new official and the assigner is giving her an opportunity to shine. By reaching out, you can help potentially ease some fears on both sides, and it’s a great ice breaker so you can jump right into your pregame when you arrive on site.
DEAL WITH IT
If your main objective in officiating is to please other people, you’ve picked the wrong avocation. Our job is to make acceptable, safe and impartial decisions no matter how unpopular they are. If you have a partner like Amy, don’t be afraid to politely reinforce how important our job is to equitably arbitrate the contest. You will often be called in crunch time to make a difficult decision for the good of the game with which certain people may disagree. Welcome to the business of officiating.
justice johnny paycheck peter
Life isn’t fair is a message lost on Johnny. He goes so far as to set aside rules or interpret them his own way based on what he feels is fair to participants. While fairness is a hallmark of officiating, sometimes situations dictate that things just won’t be perfectly fair.
DEAL WITH IT
If your commitment to what you believe to be fair rulings is crippling your ability to enforce the rules as written and act on interpretations by your association or governing body, take a step back to evaluate your goals in officiating. If you have a partner like Johnny who is out for justice at all costs, be sure to reiterate rulebook, casebook and interpretation language to confirm what’s acceptable for your given assignments.
appeasement amy
Stereotypical people pleaser. Amy makes rulings in order to avoid conflict and keep coaches happy. She does everything she can to keep the peace and makes rulings which result in coaches and players liking her.
Pay me my money down. Peter is so worried about getting paid from the moment he arrives that he cannot productively fulfill the duties of the job. He has good rulebook knowledge and good play judgment, but he is so wrapped up in being compensated for his duties that his officiating productivity suffers the consequences.
DEAL WITH IT
While being compensated for all the hard work we pour into this avocation is important, it should not be the driving factor in everything we do while on an assignment. If you have this feeling, reconsider your objectives. If you have a partner like Peter, encourage him to worry about the job at hand and to get the compensation figured out at another time. Do your due diligence in the accepting of an assignment and the contractual obligations of both parties entering an agreement, and make sure to follow up with the accounting after the fact to assure you are being compensated as agreed upon. But while you are at a contest venue, make sure you are focused on everything that comes with managing the assignment from a rules, mechanics and philosophy perspective.
grumpy greg
So you’ve had a bad day? To Greg, nothing is good enough and everything seems to be an inconvenience. His bad attitude permeates the task at hand and rubs off on everyone else involved.
DEAL WITH IT
If you have grumpy feelings, work to separate your officiating endeavors from everything else going on in life. We’re all dealing with something, and remember, someone is always better off and worse off than you are so remain positive and humble. If you’re working with a partner like Greg, remind him how lucky we are to have the ability to officiate sports and how few people in this world are equipped with the physical, mental and emotional capabilities we are to do this job properly.
sloppy stanley
Shirt untucked, shoes untied and hair’s a mess. Perhaps he doesn’t care about his appearance or perhaps he is just not aware of himself. The reflection on his own officiating ability and the credibility of the crew suffers because of his sloppy look and attitude.
DEAL WITH IT
Remember there is only one chance to make a positive first impression. Make sure you and your partner(s) look the part of someone in a professional and authoritative role. If you are working with a partner like Stanley, politely check the appearance of all members of the crew before you take the field, court, mat or diamond in a way that it not offensively singling him out.
cut it close carl
In the nick of time, every time. Never early for crew meetings, kickoff or tipoff. Carl comes in hot to the competition, often already in uniform, and never leaves time for pregame, causing angst among the crew.
DEAL WITH IT
in a hurry helen
There are situations when arriving close to start time is unavoidable. There may have been an accident that adds additional time to travel or your assigner has you doing multiple games at multiple locations. These should be one-offs, not normal operating procedure. If you are the one who arrives late all the time, think about the added stress you are giving to your partners and the teams. Make it a habit to leave earlier. If you are the partner, explain to the habitual late arriver why it is unacceptable to get there five minutes before the game. Also, give the assigner a heads-up. The assigner may not be aware this partner has an issue and it is better for them to hear it from you than from the school. She always has someplace to be. The final whistle or buzzer sounds and she is out the door. No postgame is important enough to keep her around. She likes officiating and she does a good job while she’s onsite, but there’s always another event taking her attention as soon as the contest is over.
DEAL WITH IT
Everyone runs into an emergency every so often. But if you feel like you’re always the first one to leave an assignment, consider building in some additional time to your schedule. Reflect on how the contest went with your partner(s) and wind down appropriately. If you regularly work with someone like Helen who
is in a hurry to leave, consider some conversation that demands her attention and see if she might stick around for the good of the crew.
Ticking time bomb. He’s always one word or eye roll away from exploding and it leaves the entire crew on edge. Depending on past experience, coaches may or may not be aware of this personality trait and it can send a contest off the rails in a hurry.
DEAL WITH IT
Take some time to evaluate your own emotional intelligence and inventory your feelings and reactions while officiating. Cooler heads prevail, and usually in officiating it’s a good rule of thumb to be a calming influence when the temperature of a given situation is rising. If you have a crewmember like Hank, work to increase whatever calming influence he might have buried in his personality. If you sense a situation is boiling over, step up and take action to control the situation.
hotheaded hank betrayal benny
This is the partner who will throw you under the bus. Benny will sell the soul of the crew to save his own. He has no problem admitting to a coach or player that his partner(s) screwed up a situation or missed a call.
DEAL WITH IT
Inventory your own personality and actions to evaluate if you ever throw your partner(s) under the proverbial bus. The integrity, credibility and believability of the crew is of utmost importance to the game and to the state of officiating as a whole. Admit your own mistakes when appropriate, but allow partners to do the same. If you have a Benny on your crew, remind the entire crew that we cannot allow a coach or player to drive a wedge between us at any time under any circumstances. *
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Understanding Rulebook Variances as You Advance
By Michael A. Schiro
There is a crisis in officiating to which softball is not immune. This crisis is present at all levels of play and the reasons for this situation are many. Among them are low pay for officials and the lack of respect for those who enforce the rules of the game. Yet during this difficult time, games must be played and umpired.
Finding enough qualified umpires has reached critical proportions. Depending on your situation, this could be a good thing or a bad thing. If you are an assigner looking to fill all these games, this is most definitely a bad thing. However if you are an umpire, it could be a good thing as you have more opportunities to work. And if you are looking to advance up the ladder, there are a lot
of opportunities to do so.
Normally advancing into college ball requires a lot of skill and a little bit of luck. Roman philosopher Seneca once said, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” Umpires today have an opportunity to advance much quicker as there are more and more spots available for qualified umpires on college rosters. But in order to advance, umpires must be prepared to
Umpires looking to move up to the college ranks are often surprised by the number of rule differences between NFHS and NCAA play. One of the major rule differences is the strike zone and umpire Fred Barker, Fresno, Calif., must adhere to the prescribed zone in the NCAA rulebook when working those level games.
show they know the college rulebook and college mechanics. More and more umpires are being asked to fill in at higher levels due to the shortage of umpires. The question for you is if you are one of those umpires, will you sink or swim?
Prior to 1982, collegiate play was governed by the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and played by ASA rules. Since these rules were almost universally understood, umpires having to learn multiple rule codes was minimized. That has changed. Today, collegiate games are governed by NCAA rules and a lot of umpires also work NFHS, USA Softball, USSSA or all three. It is essential that umpires know what rules and effects apply to the game being worked.
Leaving early. In NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, if a baserunner leaves a base before the release of the pitch, the runner is called out immediately and other runners are returned to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. By NCAA rules, that same play will result in a delayed dead ball and the defensive coach is given the choice to take the result of the play or the penalty for leaving a base early (which is the penalty for the other three codes). Can you imagine the chaos that would occur if an NCAA umpire killed the play immediately, the pitcher released the pitch, the batter hit a line drive to first, which is caught, and the first baseman steps on the bag? Try explaining that to the defensive coach and telling said coach instead of a having a double play, you erroneously killed the play and now only the runner who left early is out and the batter gets to come back to the plate with the same count. You might never get the chance to work another college game.
Strike zone. Many years ago, the NCAA made an effort to lower the top of the strike zone, a major shift from the other three codes. The strike zone and the lack of consistency from umpires is still the No. 1 gripe most collegiate coaches have when it comes to umpiring. In NFHS, USA
Softball and USSSA, the top of the strike zone is defined to be the level of the batter’s armpit. In NCAA, the top of the strike zone is the bottom of the sternum. Effectively, this lowers the top of the zone by at least 3-4 inches. Not calling the zone properly is a major cause for concern, leads to arguments and can ultimately affect an umpire’s longevity in the game.
Batting out of order. Although batting out of order does not happen very often, one can be sure if it does occur and is noticed by a coach, that coach will wait until there is a situation that occurs that most benefits the team. Umpires need to understand batting out of order is an appeal play that must be made after the batter completes her term at bat and before the next batter takes a pitch. In all codes, the batter who should have batted is called out and the next legal batter is the one listed on the lineup card following the player called out for failing to bat. In all codes except NCAA, any outs recorded on baserunners during the at-bat are kept. In NCAA play, outs are nullified and any runners are returned to the base occupied at the time of the pitch. Failing to understand the differences can easily lead to a protest in an NCAA game if an umpire tries to enforce the other three codes’ rules.
Timing. Timing — or perhaps better called pace of play — has long been a concern for the NCAA. We have all seen batters adjust batting gloves over and over, seen pitchers take walks behind the pitcher’s circle, watched batters step out of the box or hold up one hand to ask the umpire to stop play. Some codes have responded to this by requiring the batter to maintain at least one foot in the batter’s box between pitches. The NCAA has taken a different approach to keep the game moving by instituting time-between-pitches rules as well as timing between innings. In NCAA, the umpires either control an action clock on the scoreboard and walls around the stadium or have a timing device on their belt. While the other codes have rules in place for these situations as well, the umpires
QUICKTIP
Double check and make sure you have all needed equipment before you leave your vehicle or the locker room to head to the field. It is a good habit to have one member of the crew verbalize each piece of equipment needed and each umpire checks to confirm he or she is equipped. Forgetting an indicator, brush or something to write with and having to return to retrieve those items can be a huge time-waster, not to mention it doesn’t leave a good first impression.
SIDELINE
USSSA Launches Replay at Youth Event
USSSA recently announced it will debut instant replay technology at the upcoming Fastpitch Space Coast World Series, June 23-28, in Viera, Fla. The instant replay technology will be deployed during select games at the Space Coast World Series, specifically the third-place, championship and “if necessary” games of each division. Teams competing in these games are allowed to challenge one play per game each. If a team’s first challenge is successful, they will be given a second challenge, with a maximum of two challenges per game.
SOURCE: USSSA.COM
THEY SAID IT
“Umpires must continue to work hard on calling an accurate and consistent strike zone. We are fortunate to have increased access to game film, ball tracking software and more to better access our performance. … We must ensure the ball touches the plate to be called a strike on the inner and outer portion of the plate as this is the most common area umpires are showing inaccuracy.”
–Cody Little, director of training & video review for NCAA softball, on calling an accurate strike zone
SOURCE:
TEST YOURSELF
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. 87
1. With R2 on second base and one out, B3 hits a ball to left field. On the swing, B3 makes contact with F2’s mitt. R2 scores on the play and B3 is thrown out trying to reach second base.
a. Immediate dead ball, F2 is guilty of obstruction, B3 is awarded first base and R2 is awarded third.
b. Delayed dead ball, F2 is guilty of obstruction and the offensive coach has the option of taking the result of the play or taking the penalty for the obstruction.
c. Delayed dead ball, the result of the play stands and the obstruction by F2 is ignored.
d. Immediate dead ball, F2 is guilty of obstruction, B3 is awarded first and R2 stays at second.
2. In the bottom of the seventh inning with the visiting team ahead, 4-1, the bases loaded and two outs, B6 hits a long fly ball to left field. F7 throws her glove and hits the batted ball in the air. The ball deflects to F8, who catches the ball. In the umpire’s judgment, the ball would have cleared the fence had F7 not hit it with her detached glove.
a. The out stands and no runs score, game over.
b. The batter is awarded three bases, three runs score and the game is now tied, 4-4.
c. The batter is awarded two bases and two runs score.
d. The batter is awarded four bases, all four runs score and the game is over.
3. B1 steps to the plate and the plate umpire notices she is wearing a necklace. The umpire doesn’t deem the necklace to be dangerous.
a. B1 may wear the necklace.
b. B1 must remove the necklace and a team warning is issued.
4. With the score tied, two outs and bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning, B6 walks. R3 touches home but R1 joins the celebration at home plate and does not touch second base. The defense appeals that R1 did not touch the base to which she was forced.
a. R1 is declared out and R3’s run does not count.
b. R1 is declared out and R3’s run counts.
c. R1 is not declared out since she is awarded second base on the walk and the game is over as soon as R3 scores.
It is essential that umpires know what rules and effects apply to the game being worked.
simply keep a count in their head (in the case of time between pitches) or just use a general feeling of what a minute is between innings, but umpires don’t wear devices and are not quite as proactive in most cases enforcing penalties.
At the NCAA level, pitchers have 20 seconds from the time they receive the ball from the catcher to separate their hands and deliver the pitch. If the pitcher delays and fails to deliver the ball in this time frame, it is a delayed dead ball and treated the same way as an illegal pitch. If the batter delays play and fails to assume her position in the batter’s box within 10 seconds of the pitcher receiving the ball, a strike is assessed. A game earlier this season between Illinois and LSU was ended on this particular call with strike three being called on an Illinois batter for violating the rule. In between innings, teams are permitted 90 seconds at the NCAA level (as opposed to 60 seconds in the other three codes). Timing begins when the last defensive player crosses the foul line closest to her dugout. If the defense is not ready to play at the end of the time limit, a ball is added to the batter’s count. If the offense is not ready at the end of the 90 seconds, a strike is called on the batter. In NCAA play, the pitcher also can throw an unlimited number of warmup pitches during that 90 seconds. In the other three codes, the pitcher is limited to five warmup pitches during those 60 seconds.
Conferences. Games can be delayed when play is halted in order for participants to talk. While the other three codes are only concerned with the delay of play when a non-player (coach) is involved in the conference, the NCAA restricts the number of discussions involving both players and non-players in an attempt to maintain a normal pace of play. On the offensive
side, the rules are simple. In all codes, the offense may only have one conference per half-inning. The one caveat to remember if you are working NCAA games, teams are only allowed seven total charged conferences involving team representatives (offensive and defensive combined) per regulation game.
On the defensive side, in NFHS, USA Softball and USSSA, each team may be granted not more than three charged conferences without penalty during a seven-inning game. Those three conferences can all occur in one inning without penalty or can be spread out over seven innings. Any conference over three, and the pitcher must be removed from the pitching position for the duration of the game.
In NCAA, the rules are vastly different. Teams may have a combined seven defensive and offensive conferences per seven innings, but a team may not have more than one conference in a halfinning. However, one additional conference is allowed for each pitcher entered into the pitching position who has not yet pitched in that half-inning. Otherwise, the team representative attempting to hold an additional conference is ejected.
There are a lot more rule differences to understand than those listed above; however, these are the more common ones newer umpires to the collegiate game need to understand immediately. As you can see, they vastly differ in some cases. It is why rules study is so important and why umpires must get in the rulebook to avoid major chaos. Michael A. Schiro, Bloomfield, N.J., is the former co-owner of Eastern Collegiate Softball Umpires and served as its rules interpreter and lead clinician. He is a former NCAA and USA Softball umpire with nearly 30 years of experience and is a member of the USA Softball National Indicator Fraternity. *
Two for One
By Brad Tittrington
The majority of times, umpires must single-handedly make decisions on the field. They may be asked to get more information from a fellow umpire, but the initial call falls on the shoulders of a single umpire. In general, there is only one umpire responsible for each base.
However, there are times when there is dual coverage. The most common time is with no runners on base and a play on a batter-runner at first base. The nice thing for umpires who work multiple codes, they all, for the most part, agree on the mechanics of covering these types of plays. The mechanics are relatively the same for plate umpires across all four major codes and there is just a slight difference for base umpires, which will be explained later.
First, let’s break down the mechanics for the base umpire in these types of plays. And for simplicity of this article, we are only going to focus on plays at first base where the base umpire in two-person mechanics or U1 in three-person mechanics has responsibility for first base (meaning there is no umpire chasing). For ground balls, the base umpire has the responsibility for the play at first base on the batterrunner. Most of the time, this is going to either involve the base umpire deciding if a throw from an infielder to the fielder covering first beats the batter-runner to the bag or if there is an errant throw, deciding if the fielder covering the bag kept in contact with the bag or tagged the batter-runner. The only difference in the major codes is movement of the base umpire. In NFHS and USA Softball, the base umpire should move into fair territory at a 90-degree angle to the path of the throw (as shown in MechaniGram A). From there, the base umpire must be prepared to move in order to keep an eye on all the elements of the play (the ball, the fielder, the batter-runner and the base).
NCAA and USSSA mechanics are very similar. The only difference
SOFTBALL
CASEPLAYS
Fielder Loses Possession
Play: With no runners on, B1 hits a ball to right field. She takes a wide turn around first and F9 fires the ball to F3 who tags B1 on the leg. The ball is dislodged and rolls into the first-base dugout. B1 was a couple of steps off first base both when F9 released the ball and when the ball rolled into the dugout. Ruling: In all codes, B1 is awarded second base. When a fielder loses possession of a ball, such as on an attempted tag, and the ball rolls into dead-ball area, runners are awarded one base from the last base legally touched at the time the ball entered deadball territory (NFHS 8-4-3e Exc. 1; NCAA 12.12.7.4 Eff.; USA Softball 8-5G Exc. 1 and Eff. B; USSSA 8-14D-2 ).
Thrown Ball Enters Dugout
Play: With no runners on, B1 hits a ball to right field. She takes a wide turn around first and F9 fires the ball to F3. The ball deflects off F3’s glove and enters the first-base dugout. B1 was a couple steps off first base both when F9 released the ball and when the ball rolled into the dugout. Ruling: In all codes, B1 is awarded third base. When a thrown ball enters deadball territory, runners are awarded two bases from the last base legally touched when the fielder releases the ball (NFHS 8-4-3e Pen.; NCAA 12.12.8.3 Eff.; USA Softball 8-5G Eff.; USSSA 8-14C-3, 8-15C).
Intentionally Dropped Ball
Play: With R3 on third base and R1 on first with no outs, B3 hits a routine fly ball to F4. F4 camps under the ball and momentarily catches the ball and then intentionally drops the ball to the ground. She then throws it to F6 at second base ahead of R1 and then F6 throws to F3 at first base ahead of B3’s arrival. Ruling: In all codes, the ball is dead, the batter-runner is out and all runners are returned to the base legally occupied at the time of the pitch. The intentionally dropped rule is in effect anytime there is a runner occupying first base and fewer than two outs. In this situation, B3 is out and R3 and R1 are returned to third and first, respectively (NFHS 8-2-10 and Pen.; NCAA 11.17.1, 11.17.2 and Eff.; USA Softball 8-2K and Eff.; USSSA 8-17C).
is these two codes allow the base umpire to stay in foul territory (as shown in MechaniGram B on the previous page) when necessary (for example, a ball hit to the first baseman and the second baseman comes over to cover the bag or a hard ground ball through the infield and the right fielder comes up firing to first base). In these instances, moving into fair territory could cause the umpire to either be in a throwing lane or cause a collision with a player.
Plate umpires in these scenarios actually have a decent amount of responsibility. Too often, plate umpires relax or take the play off thinking this is an easy play, and then something happens and they are caught off guard. Plate umpires must exit the plate area in the most expedient manner and trail the batterrunner to first base (no more than 20 feet in NFHS and USA Softball and 15 feet in NCAA and USSSA). From there, the plate umpire has a great view of first base and can assist with the coverage at first base.
There are several things the plate umpire is responsible for on these types of plays. The first is any potential tag on the batter-runner within the first 30 feet. The general rule of thumb is the plate umpire has responsibility for any tags prior to where the running lane begins. Tags beyond that spot belong to the base umpire. However, if one umpire is blocked or has a bad angle, the other umpire can certainly assist with the call.
Plate umpires also have runner’s lane responsibility. The base umpire is focusing on the ball and won’t have knowledge (other than peripherally) where the batter-runner’s feet are in relationship to the runner’s lane. The plate umpire, trailing up the line, has a great view to both determine where the batter-runner’s feet are as well as determine if a batter-runner who is out of the runner’s lane interferes with the fielder’s ability to catch the ball at first base.
One other area of responsibility the plate umpire has is obstruction at first base. This is one responsibility often overlooked. In games utilizing a double first base, this generally
doesn’t apply as there are rules established where the batter-runner and fielder must go. In games using a single bag at first, this can be a bigger problem. If a fielder at first base without the ball obstructs the batter-runner and hinders the batterrunner’s ability to get to the bag, this is obstruction. This normally occurs when there is a throw that pulls the fielder off the bag toward the plate. In lower levels of play, this can also be caused by a fielder standing directly on top of the bag. Generally, the base umpire should be able to see the latter. However, the plate umpire may need to assist with obstruction in the case that pulls the fielder off the bag toward the batter-runner as the base umpire may be looking at the feet on the bag and the throw and may miss this potential obstruction.
The majority of time, plays at first base are ho-hum. However, umpires earn their money by nailing calls when something out of the ordinary happens. In these situations, umpires should use great communication and teamwork to get the call right. If you are the calling umpire and a coach asks you to get help on the play, remember you only need to go for help if you are missing a piece of information or you just aren’t sure of your call. If you think there was a potential pulled foot, a swipe tag that you didn’t see, obstruction or interference that you may have missed, get together with your partner(s) and make sure you have all the information. Otherwise, if you are sure of your call, you do not need to appease a coach.
Lastly, always expect the unexpected in these situations. When you pre-pitch prepare and think of all the possibilities that can happen, you will be ready when these situations arrive. If you think you can take a play off because it looks like a routine play, that is when it will come back to bite you and something will happen and you will be caught completely off guard.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football. *
USSSA Tweaks Communication Rule
USSSA softball announced a major rule change regarding one-way communication devices at its annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas, that became effective on Jan. 1, 2025. Teams will now be allowed to use one-way electronic communication devices to communicate from the dugout (when on defense) and from the dugout or coach’s box (when on offense). The decision to use such devices is optional and may include a single player, several players or all on-field players, provided the communication is oneway from the dugout to the field.
The addition of rule 2-13 to the rule book aligns USSSA with USA Softball in regard to what is allowable when it comes to one-way communication devices.
The purpose of the rule change is to help with the pace of play and also gives coaches an additional efficient way to communicate with players.
Players may have in-ear devices, such as the one shown in PlayPic A, or they may wear devices on their wrists that transmit information from the coach to the player from the dugout or the coach’s box. The new rule also allows players on offense to receive messages, as shown in PlayPic B.
The rules regarding time between
pitches (20 seconds for pitchers and 10 seconds for batters as outlined in 6.1K and 7.8 respectively) are still in effect as well as all rules governing conferences. It is also important to note that ejected coaches may have no further communication with the team and they would be barred from using these devices. *
high-profile call or no-call in an NFL or NBA playoff game may send fans of the team believed to be on the “wrong side of the call” into a frenzy, accusing the officials on social media platforms of unethical behavior, or worse. But while a referee or umpire’s call at the highest levels of sport are facing constant social media criticism and scrutiny, public relations and social media experts, along with leading conference officials, say a potentially more dangerous situation is playing out at lower levels of sports every day. This is because individual officials and many high school officiating associations and conferences do not have in place specific, clear-cut guidelines that need to be followed when it comes to interacting with people on social media. Then, there are also members of the traditional media who may have legitimate questions about a call or a rule. Or, as sometimes happens, the reporter decides to take the role of a fan, and their questioning may become more aggressive and critical than the official may have expected.
While professional and major college sports have seemingly abundant resources to monitor social media platforms and react to negative posts, that’s not the case at lower levels of sports and officials who work those games need to be aware of the threat they could be facing.
“The explosion of social media means that any joker with an opinion and an internet connection can stir up all types of angry sentiment online,” said Evan Nierman, founder and CEO of Red Banyan, a nationally recognized public relations and media firm that specializes in crisis management challenges.
“Unfortunately, a byproduct of living in the internet age means people default to outrage and love to apply cancel culture tactics, including toward referees in youth sports,” said Nierman, who is the author of two best-selling books on crisis management, the most recent called The Cancel Culture Curse, From Rage to Redemption in a World Gone Mad.
“It can be challenging,” Nierman added, “because the attacks can be deeply personal, and it is not unusual to learn of threats that include physical harm or violence.”
The popularity of social media has resulted in more public comment on officiating.
Tony Ochoa, Coachella Valley, Calif.
Nierman said in today’s fast-moving social media environment and rapid-fire news cycle, where stories seem to come and go in almost an instant, in most cases it is best for sports
officials to ignore the people who are doing the trolling and move on. In a day or two is another game and another moment and what happened earlier in the week is likely to be forgotten. If you had a tough game, it’s best not to spend several hours on social media after the game watching ill-informed fans critique your performance and question your integrity.
“Officials need to consider a series of factors whether or not they are going to act regarding online criticism. If there is an explicit threat made to them or their loved ones, it may in fact be appropriate to contact law enforcement,” Nierman said.
“It is a good precautionary measure, especially if there is something specific in terms of a threat directed toward you. Better to act on the side of caution, rather than blowing it off. But for the most part,
SIRMONS ON THE MOUNT
there is very little value in engaging with critics online over calls that were made in the past. This should fall to the league or individual teams if they want to engage. But it is not advisable to get involved in spats online. Hardcore fans are not going to be convinced by a referee making their case on X. They will not be convinced.”
But there are exceptions. NASO’s Board of Directors adopted social media guidelines for use by officials and organizations:
•Consider social media communications as public at all times — even if created with private intentions. If you are going to use social media in any form, consider your communication may be read by anyone at any time.
•You represent the officiating industry, your associations, your assigners and your partners. Act accordingly.
•Promote officiating in a positive light and with a general feeling of pride and professionalism. You are an ambassador for officiating.
•You have unique access to information. The same ethical restrictions that apply to any form of public speech also apply to social media. It is inappropriate to communicate specifics about your assignments, other officials, conferences/ schools, coaches, players or any related personnel.
•Do not engage in specific play and or ruling evaluation/commentary, whether it be of a game you worked, one that you witnessed or in general about the impact of officials in any sporting event.
•Communications among officials for learning purposes should be done
privately and not through the use of social media. Be mindful that email and other forms of direct communication can be made public.
•Be very sparing in the sharing of your personal information, including photos. Adjust security settings accordingly. Report fake profiles or posts to the appropriate authorities/ governing bodies in a timely fashion.
Sadly, there have been some high-profile situations where officials have not followed these recommendations and, as a result, their careers have been damaged.
In August 2023, veteran NBA referee Eric Lewis, 53, retired after a 19-year career. Lewis had been selected to the NBA Finals four times, had officiated nearly 1,100 regular-season games and 83 playoff games. The league opened an investigation in May 2023 when messages on an X account defended Lewis and other officials when they were attacked on social media. The league confirmed it was investigating Lewis and his potential use of a burner account on the social media platform. A person claiming to be Lewis’ brother claimed to be operating the account.
NBA regulations prohibit referees from commenting on officiating-related matters without approval from league officials. At the time of his retirement from the NBA, Lewis had just been hired by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) as the league’s new coordinator of men’s basketball officials. Lewis returned to the court for
Officials who choose to use social media should use it for nonofficiating purposes. Ray Pasion, Honolulu
–BILL CAROLLO –
the 2024-25 season, officiating NCAA men’s basketball in the ACC and other NCAA Division I conferences.
College supervisors and local conference commissioners and supervisors, some of whom schedule thousands of games each year, say their message to independent contractor officials is clear.
“We ask our officials to stay off social media, not to use it. I get it, if they use social media for their families and to exchange pictures and never use social media to convey anything that pertains to your job, in our case, being a football official,” said former NFL referee Bill Carollo, now coordinator of officials for the Collegiate Officiating Consortium (COC). “A good suggestion is to not look at social media after a game that maybe contained some controversy. It will only get into your head and having your personal information out there, it can become a problem. Focus on your next game.”
But as a veteran official and coordinator with 50 years of experience, Carollo said he has seen a substantial change
Unhappy fans will post negative comments on the internet when their teams or favorite athletes lose.
Dan Gerber, Kailua, Hawaii
in fans’ behavior, and not for the better, and it is not likely to improve.
“They can be pretty vicious,” Carollo said. “A lot of people who criticize fans are gamblers, or fanatic fans who only care about their teams.
“President Theodore Roosevelt wrote about the ‘Man in the Arena.’ They are the people doing the job, the coaches, the players, the officials. These people criticize the coaches, they criticize referees. Those folks can’t play, they can’t coach and they can’t officiate. People on social media think it’s their job, but it’s not their job. They lack integrity and they hide behind a platform. They won’t say anything to a person’s face.
“I tell the officials, ‘Don’t post. Never do it. Never post anything if you are an official. You’re not going to win, so why lower yourself in that battle? You and the conferences know the facts, if you made a mistake, we know it and we fix it.’”
Carollo says the conferences with which he works, which include the Big Ten, has a team of social media experts who monitor what’s up on the various platforms, looking for posts that may be potentially troublesome.
“I am not on any social media platforms — never,” Carollo said. “I don’t engage. There’s nothing positive for me to post about football or politics, nothing. It’s divisive. People on social media are not going to compliment you. You may have had a great game, and if you didn’t, we’ll work to fix the issue and polish things up, so you do a better job the next time. Every conference has a social media staff.
“If I do comment on social media, I do it through the league. Occasionally I will discuss specific rules on social media, but not if it’s a judgment call. We’ve had death threats against our officials. I tell the officials, ‘Ignore it. If it gets worse, we’ll report it to the authorities.’ I’ve gotten them. We’ll get the FBI and other local authorities to investigate, and we have done that before.”
Carollo’s advice about
SIRMONS ON THE MOUNT
not using social media is being heeded by officiating organizations that schedule high school and recreational sports.
IAABO Board 12 in suburban Maryland outside of Washington, D.C., has more than 360 active officials and its commissioner is responsible for assigning more than 25,000 games every year. Basketball is nearly a year-round sport in the D.C. area and almost every day somewhere in the region there is a game being officiated by Board 12 referees.
“We do not engage in social media or talk to the media,”
IAABO Board 12 Commissioner Steve Janoskie said.
“Complaints would come to me, and I would deal with the coaches. The media hasn’t come to me one time this year. I get plays from coaches, and they’ll ask, ‘What’s the difference at this end of the court, compared to the other end of the court?’”
But as a veteran official of nearly 40 years, Janoskie said he has seen a change in the way fans approach games, with the advent of social media and its expansion.
“It’s not only social media, but it’s a lot of the announcers on television doing college games. They don’t know the rules. They argue about rules they don’t know about. People just don’t know the rules,” Janoskie said. “The people that post, they feed off of each other half of the time. It’s a way to hide behind your alias and talk about whomever you want. It’s the world we live in right now, I guess.”
While in most cases it is recommended officials and officials associations do not engage in battles with trolls on social media, occasionally there are exceptions.
In January 2023, after a contentious game in Iowa between Iowa City and Fairfield high schools, a scuffle broke
Officials should allow their assigner or association to handle media questions regarding their games. Isabelle Trujillo, Seattle
out between players on both teams. Late in the game, Iowa City coach Brennan Swayzer was issued a second technical foul and ejected. Once order was restored, both teams left the court to cool down and a few minutes later, the coaches from City elected not to return to the court and forfeited the game because they said conditions were unsafe. Police escorted the team to the bus and provided an escort along part of the trip home.
The next day, Iowa City and the Iowa Community School District sent an email to its staff and parents accusing the officials who worked the game of making a “racially charged comment” to Swayzer, who is Black.
The officials belong to the Iowa City Athletic Officials Association and its leadership released a statement.
“The officials involved categorically deny making any such statements. In
fact, it’s completely out of character for all of them, and they are shocked and hurt by the accusation,” the statement said. “It is concerning that the school district would put out a statement accusing the oncourt officials of making racially charged comments without first speaking to the officials or the association. Accusations like this deserve to be fully investigated by the appropriate governing bodies and we welcome such an investigation, and our members will fully cooperate.”
From a proactive public relations standpoint, the association’s statement is concise, factual and it defends the integrity of the officials without getting into an ongoing social media battle, which in today’s world many trolls want to do. They seek not to engage in a conversation but rather inflame the situation. First, it affirms without any qualifying language that the accusations are false, and it defends the integrity of the officials, pointing out they have no history or reputation of
ever making racially charged remarks. It also then calls into question the way the Iowa Community School District handled the matter, pointing out the district never contacted the officials association or the referees to discuss the matter. And finally, the statement said the association and the officials would welcome a complete investigation.
Crisis manager Nierman says in the Iowa case the association likely did the right thing, because of the nature of the allegations, deciding to engage in a factual manner and having the group speak for the referees, rather than having the officials respond on their own.
“Associations are different than individual officials and they have a vested interest in defending their reputation and not simply absorbing criticism, especially if it is unfair and unfounded. But they need to have policies, procedures and protocols in place before the season starts,” Nierman said. “The best time to prepare for a crisis is before you are in the middle of it.”
Still in today’s often mean-spirited social media world, Nierman and others say the internet has empowered certain types of people who seem to take pleasure in creating chaos online, even if they are illinformed and have no idea if what they are commenting about is wrong.
“I call a lot of the people online ‘cancel vultures.’ These
If any controversy arises in a game, it’s best practice for officials to avoid reading comments on social media.
Ryan White, El Cajon, Calif.
–EVAN NIERMAN –
people try to take apart their victims and then leave them for dead on the side of the internet highway. They want to feel empowered and that they have a voice. They want to be the online activists for a cause, in which they are the selfanointed judge, jury and the executioner,” Nierman said. “They want to feel relevant and, in many cases, the more strident they are, the more clicks and views, and engagement, it helps them grow their following and, in some cases, it monetizes the
content. But they do this at the expense of other people, without pausing to think there are consequences for people in real life. It’s more than just an argument or a discussion, when you go after someone online. Ninety percent of the time people will do things online they would never do in real life. The internet gives everyone a platform.”
Dan Ronan is a Washington, D.C., journalist and retired NCAA baseball umpire and small college and high school basketball referee.
FAIRLY OBVIOUS?
Some Rulings Not as Simple as They First Appear
By Scott Tittrington
One of the great benefits of working at Referee is the opportunity to engage in water cooler discussions with co-workers who also officiate about specific plays or situations that one of us may have experienced the previous evening. Often these discussions open the door to instructional pieces that find their way into the magazine, thereby allowing officials throughout the country to benefit from our first-hand experiences.
One of the recent topics that has received plenty of discussion is what we like to call the “fairness doctrine.”
It’s exactly what it sounds like — if an officiating crew ever stumbles across a situation where it isn’t exactly sure about the administration of the rule, the safest course of action is to do whatever is most fair. The vast majority of time, this is a commonsense solution that is going to serve our game well.
However, there are times on the basketball court where employing the fairness doctrine can get you in trouble, because what at first glance seems like the remedy is not actually how things are spelled out in the rulebook or casebook. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios and how they are handled at the NFHS level.
Situation 1: A1 makes a successful three-point try attempt. During the ensuing throw-in, B2 is running the endline as team A has employed a full-court defensive press. B3 starts to break away from the nearest defender and A4 reaches out and grabs B3 with both hands. The center official rules an intentional foul against A4.
The penalty for an intentional foul in NFHS play is for the offended player, in this case B3, to receive two free throws, followed by a throw-in awarded to team B at the spot nearest where the foul was committed (8-2, 8-5-3, 10 Pen. Sum. 4). Nothing too tricky about that. But what type of throw-in follows those free throws?
If the officiating crew rules an intentional foul before this throw-in is completed, David Clark, Howe, Texas, and his partners must understand what type of throw-in is allowed by the affected team once play resumes.
KEITH JOHNSTON
In most situations, when the defensive team does something for the ball to become dead during a non-designated-spot throw-in — for example, commits a garden-variety personal foul or a violation — the offensive team retains the right to “run” the endline on the subsequent throw-in. So fairness would dictate the same should hold true on an intentional foul, correct?
No. While the ensuing throwin may take place on the endline based on where the intentional foul occurred, it is now a designated-spot throw-in, as explained in the NFHS casebook (7.5.7D). One might argue team A gains an unfair advantage in this situation, having used a foul to turn a non-designated-spot throw-in into one where team B no longer has that advantage. The counterpoint is team B received two free throws as a result of that foul, so team A has been sufficiently punished.
Let’s extend the “fairness” fallacy of throw-in locations one step further. What happens if team A has the ball for a throw-in under its own basket and before completing it, team B is whistled for a technical foul? We know at the NFHS level, the throw-in following all technical fouls is awarded to the offended team at the division line opposite the scorer’s table (8-5-2). It’s a rule that makes technical foul administration in NFHS play easy to remember for the officials. But in this case it does the offended team no favors, as team A lost the ability to run an out-of-bounds set from under its own basket and instead must resume play at midcourt.
Situation 2: Before A1 releases the ball on the second of two free throws, A2 pushes B3. As the lead official is preparing to rule a foul against A2, A4 steps into the free-throw lane.
In this scenario, we have team A committing two significant infractions — both a foul and a violation. Surely, A1 loses the right to shoot the second free throw, correct?
No. Team A’s discretions must be addressed in the order in which they occurred. A2 is assessed a foul, and based on the severity of the action, this could be an intentional or a flagrant foul. Because the foul came first, the
ball is now dead and the violation committed by A4 is ignored. As such, A1 is entitled to shoot the second free throw with the lane cleared of all players, as the only way a player/team loses its right to shoot a free throw is if it commits a violation.
Because this is a team-control foul against A2, no free throws are awarded to B3, even if team B is in the bonus (4-19-7). The only way team B would shoot free throws is if the officials ruled the foul was intentional or flagrant.
Situation 3: Team A leads, 64-60, in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. B1 attempts an unsuccessful three-point shot, and while returning to the floor, is undercut by A2. The trail official rules a foul by A2 and the game clock expires.
If there was a foul on this play, there must be time remaining in the game, correct? And if so, team B still has a mathematical chance at sending the game to overtime if B1 makes the first two free throws and a teammate converts a successful tap in the time that the officials put back on the clock.
No. The first thing we must remember is that while B1 is an airborne shooter and is protected as such (4-1), while the shot attempt may have been released with time remaining on the clock, the foul itself may have occurred after time expired. This doesn’t wipe away the foul ruling — again, the airborne shooter must be protected and it’s not “anything goes” just because the clock has hit 0:00. The quarter (and in this scenario, the game) does not end until the try attempt ends (5-6-2 Exc. 1). B1 is still entitled to the three free throws associated with this foul.
However, no time is put back on the clock in this situation. As such, the most points team B can legally score as a result of this play is three, should B1 make all three free-throw attempts. Because this would not change the outcome of the game, the free throws are not attempted and the game is over (5-6-2 Exc. 3).
But what if the foul did occur before time expired? Rule 5-6-2 Exc. 3 still applies. If the foul occurs so near the end of the game that the timer cannot stop the clock before time
BY THE NUMBERS
The number of Final Four appearances by the officiating crew assigned to work the Feb. 10 Big 12 men’s basketball game between Baylor and Houston. The crew consisted of Ted Valentine (10 Final Fours), Doug Sirmons (nine) and Kipp Kissinger (three).
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the rules sure to receive scrutiny this upcoming offseason from the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee is rule 4-15.2.c.2.d, which describes one of the requirements for a flagrant 2 personal foul as such: “Any contact by the offending player to the groin area of an opponent which is not clearly accidental.” The rule has led to multiple ejections — the prescribed penalty for a flagrant 2 foul — during the 2024-25 season, with officials left to judge intent and having to determine if said contact is “not clearly accidental.”
THEY SAID IT
“A large number, almost a third of our officials, have six or seven years of service or less. So that really represents a new generation of officials. And what I want to do is make sure that they get the focus and attention they need from our legendary referees who serve as our coaches to be able to be better on the floor.”
–Albert Sanders Jr., NBA executive vice president/ head of referee operations
TEST YOURSELF
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. 87
1. Which is true of tucking jerseys into uniform bottoms?
a. Jerseys of any type must be tucked into uniform bottoms.
b. Jerseys that are designed to be worn outside uniform bottoms do not need to be tucked into uniform bottoms.
c. If substitutes desire to enter the game with their jersey untucked, they shall not be allowed to enter until the next opportunity to do so.
d. If substitutes desire to enter the game with their jersey untucked, the result is a delay of game warning to that team.
2. During an alternating-possession throw-in by team A with 40.7 seconds on the game clock, B1 intentionally kicks the throw-in pass. The game clock shows 40.4 seconds after the official blows the whistle for B1’s kicked ball. Which of the following is true?
a. The alternating-possession throw-in ended when B1 intentionally kicked the ball.
b. Team A shall receive another throw-in, and after team A’s throwin ends, the possession arrow shall be reversed to point toward team B’s basket.
c. Team A shall receive another throw-in, and after team A’s throwin ends, the possession arrow shall remain pointing toward team A’s basket.
d. The game clock shall remain at 40.4 seconds prior to the throwin being made.
3. Which is true of a violation for a player excessively swinging the elbows?
a. If a player makes contact with an opponent with an elbow while excessively swinging the elbows, a foul should be ruled rather than a violation.
b. A player must be in possession of the ball in order to be assessed a violation for excessively swinging the elbows.
c. If the violation occurs by the offense while a try is in flight, the ball becomes dead immediately.
d. Any swinging movement of the elbows shall be ruled a violation.
expires, the game ends when the free throws and all related activity have been completed. Again, given the fourpoint margin, the three free throws would not be attempted.
Now, in the interest of, yes, fairness, let’s finish things off by taking a look at a recent NFHS rule change that falls squarely under the umbrella of fair play and making sure a crafty team is no longer able to take advantage of what was a rulebook loophole.
Situation 4: Team A leads, 64-60, with less than 10 seconds remaining. B1 attempts a three-point try and it’s successful, dropping through the basket with 4.9 seconds remaining. Team B is out of timeouts and has no way to stop the game clock. The ball is not yet at team A’s disposal for the ensuing throw-in, and B2 bats the ball away.
As recently as the 2023-24 season, this might be considered a smart play by B2 as officials would, at a minimum, have to stop the clock to assess a delay warning against
team B (4-47-3), and according to NFHS casebook play 9.2.10A, had the ability to assess a technical foul. It’s a penalty team B would gladly accept in exchange for the clock being stopped as opposed to team A holding the ball out of bounds and allowing time to expire.
However, prior to the 2024-25 season, the NFHS made an editorial change in its rulebook and created rule 9-2-10 Note 2, which states officials should ignore an intentional throw-in plane violation or a player interfering with the ball following a goal when the clock is running and there are five seconds or less on the game clock.
Instead, the game is now effectively over, as team A is in no danger of being ruled for a five-second violation by not completing the throwin procedure before the game clock expires.
Scott Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He officiates high school and college basketball, high school and college baseball, and high school football. *
It’s Time to Talk Timeouts
By Tim Sloan
We’ve often written in these pages about timeouts. It’s usually been in the context of how officials can use them to recharge their legs and heads, preparing for what lies ahead. This time, we’ll shift gears and cover their administration. Let’s talk about what we can do to ward off trouble and keep games going smoothly.
The prime directive at the NFHS level is to give a team its fair 30- or 60-second timeout — and no more — then get the game restarted promptly. Achieving this involves a lot of preventive measures, which begin in the pregame meeting with the coaches and captains. After opening with sportsmanship and proper equipment, talk to the coaches about timeouts. Ask them to indicate to the calling official whether they want a 30 or 60 before they do anything else. Promise to relay a clear signal to the other coach. Then assure both of them the crew won’t start the count until all their players are assembled in their bench area, seated or standing.
Remind them to be breaking up their chat at the 15-second warning and ready to play at the conclusion. When coaches can move smoothly into a timeout, they tend to be better at ending it, too. Close the deal when you visit with the timer by asking him to wait for your signal and not start the count before the teams are settled.
How should the timeout be announced? When you’re reporting a foul, it isn’t always necessary to stand in front of the table, but this is a good practice for timeouts. The best place to be is on the near edge of the center circle where players will cross in front of you on their way to the huddle. That way, you’re plainly visible to both coaches, but also in perfect position to ward off any mischief between mingling or crossing opponents.
In NFHS, a team may conduct its timeout anywhere in the area in front of the team bench, enclosed by the endline, near lane line and
an imaginary line connecting the free-throw line to the 28-foot line. Normally, that’s enough room for a major NASCAR event, so hold the teams to this restriction. Doing so serves two purposes of benefit to the crew. First, it keeps team personnel away from the table and from interacting with the opponents. Second, it allows the officials to be outside the area while the timeout is in progress. That often thwarts the social engineering attempts of some coaching staffs.
Standard mechanics dictate two of the officials will position themselves on the far bottom blocks for a 60 (MechaniGram A), or at the top of the free throw circle for a 30 (MechaniGram B on the next page). The third will stand at the throw-in spot with the ball. If that happens to be within the team huddle, he or she should move perpendicular to the spot, out onto the floor. That way, coaches can tell where to draw their X’s and O’s.
For the first part of the timeout, the two officials on the lane should be observing the team in front of them. They can clean up players trying to sit during a 30 and monitor for
unsporting actions. Watch for anyone spilling water on the floor or doing anything else that might delay the restart. If you see a puddle forming, for example, step over and alert a team member to start mopping as soon as possible. The official marking the restart spot, meanwhile, should have the important job of monitoring subs; a team may only substitute prior to the 15-second warning. If a player isn’t at the table or already checked in, the covering official should deny the substitution.
The best-laid plans for a quick, smooth game can unravel after the 15-second warning. Chairs and puddles must be cleaned up, bench personnel seated and 10 players ready to resume play. The officials’ remedy for a team not being ready is to use the resumption-of-play procedure (7-5). That means if the defense isn’t out there, it could be an easy layup for the offense; if the offense dawdles, the official can place the ball on the floor and begin the five-second count without them.
CASEPLAYS
Ball Touching a Team Member
Play : During the second half, A1 is dribbling the ball near the sideline in team A’s frontcourt in front of team A’s bench. Defender B2 slaps the ball away such that it goes out of bounds, and the first thing the ball touches after crossing the boundary line is team member A6, who is sitting on team A’s bench. Who has caused the ball to be out of bounds? Ruling : The ball is out of bounds when it touches any person who is out of bounds, therefore the ball is out of bounds as soon as it touched A6. The last player to touch the ball before the ball goes out of bounds caused the ball to go out of bounds, provided the ball is out of bounds because it touched something other than a player who is out of bounds. Since A6 is a team member and not a player, B2 caused the ball to be out of bounds since B2 was the last player to touch the ball before it went out of bounds. Team A shall receive a throw-in for B2’s out-of-bounds violation (NFHS 4-34-1, 4-34-4, 7-1-2a2, 7-2-1; NCAAM 3-1, 4-38, 7-1.2, 7-2.1; NCAAW 3-1, 4-31, 7-1.2, 7-2.1).
Error Counting a Goal
Play : A1 is dribbling toward the basket, picks up his or her dribble and begins the normal shooting motion to attempt a try. After beginning the shooting motion, A1 is fouled on the arm by B2, and then A1 releases the try for goal. The goal is successful. The primary official blows the whistle for the foul but waves off the goal, ruling A1 had not begun the shooting motion prior to the foul occurring. Is this an example of a correctable error for erroneously canceling a score? Ruling : In order for this to be a correctable error, the official must have erred in counting or canceling a successful try for goal according to a rule. An error in judgment cannot be corrected. If in the official’s judgment A1 has not begun the shooting motion prior to the foul occurring, this is not a correctable error (NFHS 2-101e; NCAAM 2-12.1.e Note, 4-8; NCAAW 2-12.1.e Note, 4-7).
The best-laid plans for a quick, smooth game can unravel after the 15-second warning.
Don’t let it come to this. Best practice is for the two officials to step up to the side of their huddle just before the warning, in the coach’s line of sight. When the first horn sounds, speak up and tell them play starts in 15 seconds. Then remain there until they break up; if you simply turn and walk away, they might not follow you. If they’re still in the huddle at the second horn, they’re asking for whatever crew strategy you deem fit. After the gathering has adjourned, it’s wise to linger for a moment; check that the floor is clear and dry, and everyone has settled into their favorite seat before letting play restart.
There’s no need to memorize the current count of 60s and 30s each team has remaining; the scorer will always correct you if coaches ask for a flavor they no longer have; there’s no penalty to the team. As a crew, however, you should be watching the scoreboard for one being docked at each occurrence. If the coach doesn’t help by signaling his or her choice at the start of the timeout, assume
it’s a 60. If a team requests a timeout but has none left, you’ll know that because you’ve been checking the board. Some officials will advise you to “not notice” the request, but that amounts to doing a team’s coaching for it; grant the timeout anyway and assess a team technical foul.
Finally, getting together to confer during a timeout should be a rare event. The best time is late in a quarter, to agree on how to cover a critical restart. It can be perceived as uncertainty or even collusion if you gather too often. Standing confidently in your assigned positions is the better option.
Keep the game moving; gently apply pressure to the teams to get into and out of their timeouts promptly and efficiently. Most will understand you’re proactively running the game. Taking proper care of the little things during timeouts makes big things easier to avoid. Tim Sloan, Davenport, Iowa, is a high school football, basketball and volleyball official, and former college football and soccer official. *
VISIONINACTION
Dare to be great Developing Strategies and Solutions for the Future of O ciating Leadership
Registration is now open for the 2025 Sports Officiating Summit, presented by the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). The event held July 27-29 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery, Ala.
With the theme “Dare to Lead: Develop, Direct and Defend Officials” NASO is focused squarely on issues of officiating leadership. Demands made on officials have never been greater, and the men and women who oversee and direct officiating staffs, programs and associations must be equipped to rise to the occasion. This year’s Summit program will provide thought-provoking and motivating discussions and breakouts.
Session topics will cover a broad range of topics and critical hotbutton issues, such as:
DEVELOP, DIRECT, DEFEND: IDEAS THAT WORK
Interactive breakout sessions will foster discussion among small groups with an eye toward identifying challenges and providing real-world strategies and solutions for bettering your officials.
THE LEADING EDGE
Propel officiating forward. Motivation, performance, communication and human potential are certain to serve officials and their leaders in advancing the industry.
IT’S NOT THE CRITIC WHO COUNTS
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
Defend the officials who are in the arena! A strong foundation is the base for any useful defense mechanism — and when the pressures mount, leaders must lean on that firm structure to support officials and answer to bosses.
DEVELOPING A STAFF
People are your number one asset so listen to some of the industry’s best in this panel discussion of how to identify, hire, support, direct and celebrate a staff of officials.
Additionally, the Summit program will feature a wide variety of sessions devoted to the hottest topics in the industry, sport-specific breakouts, video breakdowns, a full exhibit hall and plenty of social and networking opportunities.
Leaders of state high school officiating programs, local association officers, supervisors, coordinators, assigners, conference administrators, and sports officials at all levels from around the country and the world benefit from the Sports Officiating Summit. Every year, nearly 500 leaders and decision-makers attend the Summit.
Make plans now to attend the 2025 Sports Officiating Summit in Montgomery, Ala. Go to www. sportsofficiatingsummit.com or call the NASO Offices at 1-800-733-6100 to register today.
ATTENTION REFEREE MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBERS
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/upgrade2025 to join NASO for the special introductory price of $119 and receive these two FREE books!
DUTY CALLS
The Difference Between ‘Duties’ and ‘Powers’
By John Van de Vaarst
Rule 5 in the NCAA/NFHS rulebooks and IFAB Law 5 focus on the referee. Within the rule/law there are several different duties and powers that a referee must or may perform. The difference between the two is that a duty is something that must be done and a power is something that could be done. There is a choice with power.
Webster defines duty as a moral or legal obligation; tasks, conduct service or functions that arise from one’s position; service required under specified conditions. A power is defined as an ability to act or produce an effort; influence over others; legal opportunity or right.
What are the duties of a referee according to Rule/Law 5?
1.Enforce the Rules
The referee must enforce the rules as written. This means the referee cannot make up rules or ignore them because one team is ahead or it is a critical moment in the game. For example, it is 1-0 in favor of team A and there is less than a minute left in the game. B1 is tripped in the penalty area. The referee must call the penalty kick. The foul cannot be ignored. The referee cannot later claim to being screened or they did not think it was a foul. The decision of the referee is final and cannot be changed unless the game has not restarted.
2.Submit Game Reports
There are various requirements by leagues for game reporting. All have specific time frames. Within the NFHS the state associations and local chapters have game reporting requirements. These cannot be ignored. For example, NCAA 5.5.2 requires the referee to submit an electronic game report located on the NCAA website within 24 hours for all ejections. There are leagues
Referees such as Eduardo Torres, Van Nuys, Calif., must know the difference between “duties” and “powers” in the rulebook of whichever level they are working, and be ready to enforce those duties and powers when necessary.
that play under the IFAB that require a game report after every game which includes the score, cautions and ejections. A game report must include only the facts. The referee must not include any personal opinions, unproven allegations or recommendations for punishment.
3. Use Approved Signals
The referee must use the approved signals that are included in the various rule/law books. The referee is not to make up signals that create confusion for the players and the rest of the referee team. The signal must be clear and proper. For example, if an indirect free kick is awarded, the referee must hold the hand overhead until the ball is touched or played by another player or it goes out of play. In some instances, the referee must hold the hand up for an extended period of time.
4. Wear a Proper Uniform
The NCAA now has a specific uniform requirement the officiating team must adhere to at all times. For NFHS, each state and in some cases local chapters have a specific uniform requirement. IFAB has various uniform colors but a specific style. Again, this is a requirement, and an official cannot arrive at the site in a non-approved uniform.
5. Inspect the Field
Prior to every game the referee team must inspect the field to make sure there is nothing dangerous. If there are improper markings, this must be reported to the appropriate officials, though the game should still be played. If there are no weights on a portable goalpost, the game is not to be started until the problem is corrected. Also, if there are holes in the net or the net is not properly affixed to the goalpost or crossbar, this must be repaired. If the net is not repaired, a ball could enter the goal improperly.
6. Inspect the Game Balls
The referee must ensure the game balls are properly inflated and spherical.
7. Conduct the Coin Toss
Before the game, the referee is to conduct a coin toss to determine who kicks off. While this is a duty of the referee, the procedures are included in Rule/Law 8. This is not the time to go over play situations or make threats to the captains. It is merely a time to review any local ground rules or other requirements. For example, for NFHS the referee must ask both head coaches if their teams are legally and properly equipped. Also, sportsmanship must be discussed under NFHS rules.
8. Sound the Whistle for Start and Stop of Play
The sounding of the whistle is not specifically included in the IFAB. It does state that the referee is to signal for the start of play. Often this is a whistle. NCAA and NFHS provide specific times when the whistle must be sounded, such as for a penalty kick or after substitutions are made.
9. Keep Time
For IFAB matches, the referee is the official timer. For games played under NFHS or NCAA there is to be a timer and a clock. However, the referee must keep backup time in case the clock malfunctions or there is an error by the timer. For IFAB, time can be added for lost time during the match. For NFHS and NCAA, the clock is stopped for specific reasons and restarted when the ball is put back into play. It is the referee’s duty to signal the start and stop of play with the appropriate signal.
10. Punish the More Serious of Multiple Fouls
For example, A1 has the ball and B2 lifts a leg high in the air to get the ball. When doing so, B2 makes contact with A1. B2 committed dangerous play with the leg but also kicked A1. Kicking is the more serious foul and that is what is to be called.
11. Allow No Unauthorized Person on the Field
The referee must ensure the safety of the players and not allow
DID YOU KNOW?
Domka Receives Inclusion Award From U.S. Soccer
U.S. Soccer announced Jan. 21 that longtime soccer referee Margaret Domka, a former FIFA referee who has since shifted to working adaptive soccer, was awarded the fourth annual ADAPTandTHRIVE Disability Award, which recognizes an individual who is making an impact in disability soccer in the U.S.
“I’ve known Margaret for many years, and her passion for making a difference both as a match official and as a practitioner in sports mental health is inspiring, and she is without a doubt a fully deserving winner of this award,” said Stuart Sharp, senior technical director for U.S. Soccer’s extended national teams. Domka earned the honor for her service as a match official across disability soccer, including with the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football, the United States Association of Blind Athletes and Special Olympics USA.
SOURCE: U.S. SOCCER
“It’s such an incredible feeling to have years of hard work acknowledged and respected by my peers and the broader U.S. Soccer community.”
— Kathryn Nesbitt, recipient of the inaugural U.S. Soccer Female Referee of the Year award for the THEY SAID
2024 season.
TEST YOURSELF
In each of the following, decide which answer or answers are correct for NFHS, NCAA or IFAB rules/Laws. Solutions: p. 87.
1. A1 has the ball on the edge of the attacking goal area and is defended by B2. A1 shoots. The ball hits the post and rebounds back into the field about three yards. A3 runs forward from about nine yards away from the goalline, shoots the ball and scores.
a. No goal; offside.
b. Goal.
c. No goal since A1 is in an offside position.
2. Team B is awarded a free kick from within its penalty area. B1 elects to take a quick kick. The ball strikes A2, whose back is turned but is still in the penalty area. The ball rebounds to A3, also in the penalty area, who shoots and scores.
a. Rekick since A2 was still in the penalty area.
b. Since the ball was played a second time in the penalty area by the attacking team, it is a rekick.
c. Goal.
3. B1 pulls A2’s shirt inside the penalty area when the ball is in play. It was not an obvious goal-scoring opportunity but it stopped a promising attack (SPA) because A2 lost possession of the ball.
a. Penalty kick for team A.
b. Penalty kick for team A and caution B1 for SPA.
c. Eject B1 since the foul was in the penalty area.
4. The referee stops play for a foul and points in the wrong direction. A1 loudly dissents to the referee that the foul should be in the other direction. The referee cautions A1 for dissent and realizes the kick should be in the other direction and points accordingly.
a. The caution remains and the kick is taken.
b. The caution is rescinded and the kick is taken.
c. The referee restarts the game with a drop ball.
anyone to enter the field without their permission. If there is an injury, the referee can beckon the coach and/or certified athletic trainer on to the field to attend to the injured player. These individuals are not to enter the field on their own. For NFHS, if a coach or player enters the field for an injury, the injured player must leave the field. This includes the goalkeeper.
What are the powers of the referee?
1.Reverse a Decision as Long as the Game Has Not Restarted
Early in the second half, team A is awarded a throw-in. The referee points in the direction for team B, forgetting the teams changed ends of the field. The referee can change and point in the correct decision. Note: If the referee points for team A and the players take a position for the throw-in and the referee realizes it should be a throw-in for team B, the referee should make the change but delay the restart so the players can get into proper position and team B does not gain an advantage from the mistake.
2.Refrain From Penalizing
The referee has the power to refrain from penalizing in cases in which they are satisfied that by doing so an advantage would be given to the offending team. With this power comes a duty that the referee must clearly signal for advantage and, under NFHS and NCAA, call out, “Play on.” The referee needs to know when to use this power to allow the game to flow and yet not lose control of the game because serious fouls are being ignored.
3.Caution and/or Eject Players, Coaches and Bench Personnel for Reasons in Rule/Law 12
With this power comes the duty a game report may be required for the caution and is required for the ejection. It is important that when using this power, the referee only cautions or ejects for the proper reason. For example, a referee
cannot caution a player for serious foul play. By rule, this action is an ejection. Likewise, a player cannot be ejected for reckless play which is a caution. Remember when submitting a game report to include “just the facts.”
4.Suspend/Terminate a Game
The referee can suspend a game for reason of the elements. For example, the referee hears thunder or sees lightning. The game can be suspended and not restarted until the proper protocols for these elements are satisfied. There are specific requirements in the NFHS and NCAA rulebooks. Referees can also terminate the game if they believe it is necessary to do so. This could include fan interference or both teams engaging in a large fight. Again, with this power comes the duty of submitting a detailed game report.
5.Make Decisions on Any Matters Not Covered in the Rules
This allows the referee flexibility during the game. In a high school game, team A has 11 players who are not very skillful or in good shape. Although it is only 85 degrees out, the referee could stop the game midway through the half to allow for a water break.
6.Act on Advice From Others
This happens in every game. The referee acts on the advice of the assistant referees (offside, fouls, ball in and out of play). The referee can talk to an assistant referee about a specific play to ensure the call is correct. Also, the referee can seek input from a fourth official if necessary.
7.Stop Play for an Injury or Allow Play to Continue
Stopping play by the referee is a judgment call. Remember, player safety is paramount. At the lower levels the referee should always err on the side of safety and stop play for an apparent injury. As the players become older and more skilled, the referee may allow play to continue for a few minutes to see if the player gets up or allow play
to continue if the opponents are on an attack. If there is a potential head injury, play should be stopped immediately so that the player may be checked for a possible concussion.
The 11 duties and seven powers described must be followed by the referee in every game. The referee must ensure fair play and give 100% of their skill and abilities to every game.
Respond or React?
By Karen Swanner
Respond or react — what is the proper course of action when officiating a soccer game? And what criteria do you use to determine which is best? Or do you? Is the choice to respond or react really under your control? Is it dictated by you or something else?
Is the choice to respond or react based on a unique set of challenges and changing situations that occur in every game? Or is it more innate, based on your experience, the way you handle stress, communicate, or even personality traits?
Do you choose one or the other based on who you are dealing with — coaches, players, fans or crew? Or does it depend on how someone else is responding or reacting to you, your game management style and the decisions you are making?
Are your verbal and non-verbal communication skills in sync? Or are you responding with your words and reacting with your body language or vice versa? What feedback have you received when you’ve reacted versus responded? Think about it. Are you sending the right message to control the game?
When looking at the simple definitions of these two words, reacting is an instinctive emotional response to a situation or challenge. It can often be impulsive and influenced by past experience or fears. Reacting is quick and spontaneous, sometimes even a panic or knee-jerk reaction, fueled by emotion and how you feel about the situation at the time.
Often, reacting is easier for officials and is more effective, especially in challenging situations,
John Van de Vaarst, Ellicott City, Md., is a NISOA National Clinician, National Assessor and former State Level USSF Referee and Assessor. He is Referee’s soccer coordinator. *
when you need an immediate solution. It’s that “reaction” you have without thinking. Reacting is something officials can do in the heat of the moment to regain control. But be careful, because reactions are also indicative of the “fight or flight” response. And,
depending on how well you manage your reactions, you may actually be throwing fuel on an already burning fire.
“Reactive” communication is not exclusive to the words you choose or the tone of your voice. Officials who react show the same
Ashbir Singh, Stanton, Calif., must remain calm, even when receiving an earful from a coach or player.
SOCCER
CASEPLAYS
More Than a Scuffle Play: B1 trips A2. The ball is trapped under B3’s legs. A4 attempts to retrieve the ball to take a quick free kick, and a confrontation ensues between A3 and B2. A3 shoves B2 with two hands, and B2 responds by grabbing A3 and forcefully throwing A3 to the ground. As the players are on the ground, A3 has B2 in a headlock. Both players engage in hair-pulling and grabbing/pushing each other around the throat area.
Ruling: The referee issued fighting red cards to B2 and A3 (NFHS 12-6-1i; IFAB 12.3). For a match played under NCAA rules, this would be Violent Conduct II (12.7.9.2).
Off-the-Ball Incident
Play: Team A has the ball just outside the penalty area. There are several players from both teams near the play. B6 intercepts the ball and clears it upfield about 15 yards and near the touchline. The referee delays turning toward the play and watches what is occurring behind the play. A1 runs up toward B2 and pushes them violently to the ground. Ruling: The referee is to stop play and eject A1 for exhibiting serious foul play. For NCAA games this would be Violent Behavior I.The game is restarted with a direct free kick for team B at the point of the foul (NFHS 12-6-1f; NCAA 12.7.9.1; IFAB xxx). Note: The referee did an excellent job by not turning toward the play too quickly. The referee was able to observe the off-the-ball incident.
Delayed Throw-in
Play: A1 is about to take a throw-in. A2 runs toward A1 as if to take the throw-in. A1 drops the ball behind them and begins to step toward the field of play. A2 runs behind A1 and then reenters the field of play and sprints downfield. A1 grabs the ball and throws it into A2 who is now on the attack.
Ruling: This throw-in is legal according to Rule 15 (NFHS 15-2; NCAA 15.1; IFAB 15). A1 did not attempt to release the ball into play when it was dropped.
emotionally charged responses with their body language, which can also ignite flames.
Some non-verbal examples of reactions might be a louder whistle, sprinting somewhere to stop something from escalating, confidently putting your shoulders back, waving “no more,” or using a quick advantage signal. Conversely, non-verbal reactions like rolling your eyes, getting in a player’s face, turning red, angry facial expressions or even showing insecure body language because in that intense, demanding situation, you simply don’t know what to do, indicate negative subconscious emotional reactions.
Officials who react usually use very little thought, no selfcontrol and do not take others into consideration. So, while in the short term, your reaction may be effective, there could be long-term consequences.
On the other hand, responding is a much slower process, which creates more space between a situation or challenge and what an official does with it. Responding is often considered the best course of action, because it is based on reasoning and allows time for an official to more logically make a decision, versus making a decision based solely on emotion.
Officials who respond consider the desired outcome of the situation, versus simply a quick fix. Responding to a situation also means you are actively listening to what the players, coaches or even your crews are trying to tell you. An official who is a thoughtful listener and considers the actual message that someone is sending them in a particular situation will be able to respond more effectively, better manage the situation, the overall game, and have a better long-term outcome.
Responder personality types typically tend to be more introverted, making decisions based on logic, reasoning and a pragmatic thought process. Conversely, reactors display more of an extroverted personality, showing more emotion
and less thought when managing situations. Ironically, research shows that the best soccer officials are actually a balance of both types of personalities, so does that mean there needs to be a balance of reacting and responding in your game management style? Perhaps.
“Whether I respond or react often depends on the urgency of the situation,” Western New York soccer referee Aldo Giammusso said. “In fast-paced moments, like a sudden scuffle between players, I may need to react quickly to prevent further escalation. But even then, it’s important that your reaction is measured.
“During one match, I reacted immediately to separate two players, and afterward I responded by calmly issuing two cautions and explaining my decision to the captains,” he continued. “I feel like the combination worked well to defuse the tension. I believe responding is better overall, but sometimes reacting cannot be avoided.”
Let’s face it — sport is an emotional experience for everyone involved, and officiating sports is a career path or hobby we have chosen. Emotion is defined as a reaction to stimuli. It’s the part of our personalities that we manage every time we make a decision as a soccer official.
Think about how you react to a challenging situation, a coach or player yelling at you, or a mistake you’ve made. What are they trying to tell you and what are you telling them? Is it different if you are a rookie official who is facing a situation for the first time and you’re not sure if the best course of action is to respond or react? Or if you’re a veteran official who has seen situations numerous times and know if reacting or responding is the most effective course of action.
“As we know, every situation is different. You are dealing with emotions — theirs and yours,” former MLS and international soccer official Paul Tamberino said. “The body language of the player tells the referee how to react.
“Referees should always remain calm, but we have emotions as well,” he continued. “If the player is angry, an official should reflect back and figure out why. If the player is frustrated, sympathize. If the player is injured, show compassion. But in every case, an official must communicate.”
Reacting is often a result of being emotion-focused versus task-focused. An emotion-focused soccer official leads with his emotions and passion for the game. Being passionate is often what motivates officials to stay in the game, but making decisions with emotions is not always the best choice when it comes to game management. Conversely, the taskfocused official does simply that; manages the task at hand, without personal bias or emotion. The taskfocused official is more likely to respond than react, and often does not take the emotional side into account.
As soccer officials the one constant we have is that every time we step on the field, our situation can and will change.
However, what the question of react or respond really comes down to is how an official manages stress and if he or she possesses the tools to use stress reactions and emotions to motivate or hinder him or her.
Knowing how to use stress to activate you can have a positive impact on performance. Eustress, which refers to “good” stress, can be a key factor that determines the intensity of your emotions and whether you react or respond.
Using training mechanisms like mindfulness, progressive relaxation, self-talk and other mental performance enhancing tools can help officials differentiate and control the moments when they react and respond.
As soccer officials the one constant we have is that every time we step on the field, our situation can and will change. And while every situation must be managed, always remember that the emotions at that moment are not necessarily from that play. As officials we have to make sure we are prepared when the challenge arises to use our best tools and to react or respond appropriately. Karen M. Swanner, Maryville, Ill., officiated men’s professional soccer. She is a NISOA National Referee Emeritus. Swanner has master’s degrees in journalism and kinesiology, specializing in sports psychology and is a member of the Association of Applied Sports Psychologists. *
PROFILES
Little League Lifer
By Brad Star
Michelle DeRosa wishes she would have become involved in officiating earlier in her life than she did, but she has certainly made her mark since joining the avocation. The Illinois native, who now resides in Valparaiso, Ind., started umpiring Little League baseball and softball in 2009 before adding high school softball in 2010. Since then, she’s worked the 2017 Little League Softball World Series, umpired Little
League games in the Netherlands in 2019, and called the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 4A softball state championship in 2023.
“I really wish I had known this was an opportunity when I was done with high school because I probably would have gone that route way earlier than I did,” DeRosa said.
Her favorite moment in her officiating career, though, was umpiring the inaugural Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series in Williamsport, Pa., in 2024. The event included nearly 100 players — all girls — as well as coaching staffs and umpiring crews comprised of women. They gathered to honor Maria Pepe, one of the first girls to break Little League’s gender barrier
in the mid-1970s.
It was a dream come true for DeRosa, who played Little League softball, went on to play in high school and college, and then coached her daughters in softball. After she was done with coaching, she was looking for a way to stay involved in the game, and that opportunity came a few years after she moved to Indiana when she met the umpire-inchief of her local district.
“It’s weird to describe life before officiating and life after officiating because it’s like one life kind of stops and then this whole new life started, and there’s not really a lot of memories before my life of officiating,” DeRosa said.
After years of volunteering and working for Little League in various capacities — including as umpirein-chief of Little League Softball’s Central Region and now specializing in evaluation and selection for all of Little League’s regional and World Series umpires, including internationally — DeRosa was honored as the first crew chief for Little League’s first-ever event that included only girls.
“(It was) such a full-circle moment for me to be able to participate in this event with all women coaches and all female players and a group of extremely talented female umpires,” DeRosa said.
The highlight of the event for DeRosa was introducing her mother to Pepe. In the late 1950s, DeRosa’s mother was told she couldn’t play Little League because she was a girl, about 15 years before Pepe had the same experience.
Having worked many high-profile assignments, DeRosa, who also officiates volleyball and previously refereed basketball, now enjoys helping other officials achieve the same success.
“I love seeing other people do well, and I love seeing the lightbulb go off, and I love educating them — that’s what it is for me now,” she said. Brad Star is an assistant editor for Referee *
Cleo Closes Out Career
After 47 years, Cleo Robinson is concluding the high school portion of his officiating career. Robinson — the grandfather of Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson — started officiating in 1978 and worked his last high school basketball game, a matchup between Sunnyside and Pueblo in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 18. Cleo has worked both basketball and football at the NCAA Division I level, working in the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) for 26 years as an onfield football official and another four as a replay official. During his Pac-10 career, he worked 19 bowl games, including three BCS bowl games. He added three more bowl games, including one BCS bowl game, as a replay official. Robinson was inducted into the Pima County (Ariz.) Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. He plans to continue working middle school basketball games.
SOURCE: ALL SPORTS TUCSON
A First for Ecuador
Carlos Peralta Loja, Ecuador
The NBA has never had an Ecuadorian referee on its staff, but Carlos Peralta, an official currently in the NBA’s development program, is looking to change that. Peralta’s father, Victor, a basketball referee who is also a national and international instructor, introduced Carlos to the avocation and it has been his passion ever since. As a FIBA referee, Carlos has worked many international assignments, including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he worked the Brazil-France matchup during the group phase of the men’s tournament.
SOURCE: FOOTBOOM
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Cleo Robinson Tucson, Ariz.
Michelle DeRosa umpired the inaugural Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series in June 2024 in Williamsport, Pa.
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Cheat Sheet
moments when skirting the rules fell short.
It ain’t cheating if you don’t get caught. So goes the timeworn mantra espoused by the devious types in our games.
But good sometimes triumphs over evil. Like when officials catch the baddies red-handed and mete out on-thespot punishment.
And once branded as cheaters, remember the guilty parties never prosper because the league or conference will often follow up with a fine or suspension.
The following is a recap of attempts at cheating that came up short for one reason or another.
cork screw
Not only did Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa get busted using an illegal bat, he came up with what might be the most outlandish excuse. During a June 3, 2003, game against Tampa Bay, Sosa’s mighty swing caused his bat to snap in half. Upon examining the shrapnel, plate umpire Tim McClelland noticed the presence of cork. Batters insert cork in the barrels of their bats to make them lighter, allowing for a more powerful swing. Sosa was ejected, and upon questioning later said the illegal lumber was actually one he used only in batting practice in order to hit majestic home runs to thrill his many fans. MLB didn’t buy it and Slammin’ Sammy was suspended for eight games, which was dropped to seven on appeal.
faux fall
BY JEFFREY STERN
Mikko Rantanen is known for his goal-scoring prowess, not his acting skills. That fact became apparent when the Colorado Avalanche star had a run-in with Boston's Patrice Bergeron during a Nov. 14, 2018, game.
Rantanen tried to chase down a puck in the neutral zone when Bergeron intercepted him and contacted Rantanen’s midsection with his stick. Rantanen fell onto his back as referee Brad Watson raised his arm to indicate a penalty. But Watson pointed to both Bergeron, who was sent off for hooking, and Rantanen, who was called for embellishment in an effort to give his team a power play.
Because it was his second such offense of the season, the NHL fined Rantanen $2,000.
Fish tale
It wasn’t just the walleye that smelled fishy during the Lake Erie Trail Tournament in 2022. Pro anglers Chase Cominsky and Jacob Runyan concocted what they thought was a foolproof plan to win the competition and the top prize of more than $28,000. They wound up fooling no one.
Winners were determined not by number of fish caught, but by the total weight. When Cominsky and Runyan turned in their catch, tournament director Jason Fischer was suspicious. Smaller fish shouldn’t weigh what the scale said they did. So when he cut the fish open, lead weights, parts of other fish and other
derby dust-up
Not only were Runyan and Cominsky disqualified, they were arrested. They eventually agreed to a deal. Charged with fraud and unlawful ownership
If a horse is disqualified from a thoroughbred race, is the jockey or horse to blame? Or both? Whatever the answer, the horse that crossed the finish line first at the 2019 Kentucky Derby did not wind up in the winner’s circle. Luis Saez rode Maximum Security to an apparent victory at the Run for the Roses, but protests were lodged almost before the race ended. Stewards reviewed video and determined Maximum Security crossed the paths of other horses in the far turn. Not only did that impede their progress, it might have resulted in collisions that could’ve injured jockeys and horses alike.
Saez blamed his mount, saying the colt was frightened by the din of the enthusiastic Churchill Downs crowd. The horse could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, the noise didn’t seem to bother the other entries, including Country House, who was declared the winner.
Maximum Security was pushed back to 17th place and Saez was suspended for not controlling his horse.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Niekro got nabbed with sandpaper and an emery board in his possession during a game in August 1987. Ordered by umpire Tim Tschida to empty his pockets, Niekro complied and the damning evidence flew out and onto the ground. Thinking quickly, Niekro said that, as a knuckleball pitcher, he needed the items to keep his fingernails smooth in order to throw his signature pitch. Neither the umpires nor the AL bought it. Niekro was suspended for 10 games. Extending his 15 minutes of fame, Niekro appeared on “Late Night With David Letterman” wearing a toolbelt complete with a sander. Funny man. items spilled out. probation.
niekro no-no
slip slidin’ away
NFL players are randomly checked for slippery substances on their uniforms. That policy came about because of Denver Broncos linemen who skirted the rules during a Jan. 4, 1998, playoff game against Kansas City. Chiefs defenders complained to officials they couldn’t grab on to some of their opponents, notably offensive tackle Mark Schlereth. Inspection found Schlereth had coated himself in Vaseline. Schlereth and fellow linemen Brian Habib and Gary Zimmerman were sent to the sideline and ordered to wipe off the illegal lubricant.
In an interview years later, Schlereth was unrepentant: “Did I grease up my jersey, and use sticky substances on my gloves? You’re damn right. What you call cheating is a fine line. It’s an interesting line. What we did, in the locker room, is called being creative. Certain cheating is snickered at, or applauded.” The Broncos went on to win the game and ultimately the Super Bowl, which likely made the $5,000 fine each violator paid to the NFL easier to swallow.
belle’s toll
Ironically, Chicago was also the scene of another corked bat incident. On July 15, 1994, at Comiskey Park, White Sox manager Gene Lamont suspected Cleveland slugger Albert Belle of cheating. Lamont asked umpire Dave Phillips to have the bat taken out of the game for later inspection. The bat was locked in the umpires dressing room for safekeeping. But the Indians, knowing the bat was indeed corked, got it back. They armed pitcher Jason Grimsley with a different bat and had him do a James Bond imitation, crawling along a false ceiling and stealing the bat from the umpires’ room. But the room attendant saw broken ceiling tile on the floor and damaged brackets in the ceiling. After the game, Phillips detected the subterfuge when he noticed the name stamped on the bat was not Belle’s. The AL launched an investigation involving a retired FBI agent and the Chicago police. The Indians finally surrendered the bat in question, which was X-rayed and found to be corked. Belle was suspended for seven games. Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor. He formerly officiated high school and college football and high school baseball. *
fenced in
Boris Onishchenko of the Soviet Union was competing in the modern pentathlon at the 1976 Olympics when technology proved his undoing. During the fencing competition, members of Great Britain’s team noticed Onishchenko’s épée incorrectly recorded a hit. Onishchenko, who had won a gold and a silver medal at the 1972 Games, was ordered to turn over the weapon for inspection. Officials found it had been modified so Onishchenko could manipulate its electrical circuit to register a successful strike even when none occurred. The Soviet denied altering the device and even insisted it was a borrowed épée. But officials were unmoved. He was disqualified from the Games and later banned for life.
stick up
The Stanley Cup playoffs have an intensity all their own. With 1:45 left in game two of the 1993 finals, Montreal coach Jacques Demers asked referee Kerry Fraser to check the curvature of Marty McSorley’s hockey stick. Increasing the curvature of the stick blade greatly increases puck control during stickhandling and helps increase shot power.
Demers’ suspicions were proven correct. McSorley was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct. With McSorley in the penalty box, Montreal scored a power play goal to tie the game. Montreal won in overtime. The Canadiens needed less than a minute of the extra period to score the game-winning goal and tie the series at a game apiece. Montreal also won the next three games in a row to take the Cup.
McSorley later fessed up to his chicanery, but he also suspected the Canadiens knew he was using an illegal stick and waited for a crucial moment to issue the challenge.
KEEPING THEM IN THE GAME
There’s a lot of work being done everywhere to get new people involved in officiating, but the big question is, “How do we keep them?” The most influential voices in officiating address the issues of retaining officials across the sports landscape. From new concepts in onboarding, approaching and communicating with non-traditional officials, dissecting the life stages of officials to how to help new officials meet today’s challenges, this book covers it all.
EDITOR: JEFFREY STERN jstern@referee.com
EDITOR: JOE JAROSZ jjarosz@referee.com
SIGNAL SEQUENCE
The Proper Order to Communicate Effectively
By Judson Howard
Football officials give signals for several reasons: to communicate penalty and game information, give instructions to game and play clock operators, and to exchange information between crewmates. Rulebook signal charts illustrate the
use of authorized signals.
There are occasions when more than one signal should be used, and done so in proper sequence. Multiple signals must be given in the correct order and no signal should be omitted based on the circumstance. This applies to signals for penalties and to communicate the results of a
particular play.
Penalty signals. A common series is first giving the dead-ball signal before a foul signal. An example is the dead-ball signal preceding a signal for a foul such as a personal foul. Then there are signals for automatic first down and loss of down after foul signals in these
categories — such as roughing the kicker and illegal forward pass, respectively — and giving the personal foul signal prior to foul signals like horse-collar tackle or clipping. Lastly, pointing to the fouling team ends the penalty signal sequence part of the process, usually followed by an indication of what the next down will be.
Consider B1 is flagged for a flagrant personal foul for targeting against the runner out of bounds. How many signals should the referee give and in what order? First the dead-ball foul signal, then the personal foul signal, then the targeting signal. Next, point to the defensive team, followed by the disqualification signal and finally the signal of the next down (or the team direction if B will snap next).
There are other multiple signal sequences, such as a team declining a penalty or offsetting fouls. Another sequence is displayed for illegally kicking the ball, first by using the foul signal and then pointing to your foot.
Signals after plays are over. After a change of possession, call timeout and give a directional signal, pointing in the direction the team next to start a new series will be heading.
40/25 count can give hand signals to communicate when 10 and five seconds remain before calling a delay-of-game foul. NFHS mechanics describe the official raising one open hand straight up in the air when 10 seconds remain on the play clock. With five seconds remaining, the official is to chop one arm out from the torso each second until the clock expires, prior to throwing the flag for the delay-of-game foul. Consult your local association or state office for preference of signals regarding this situation.
When ruling no pass interference in NCAA because a pass is uncatchable, first give an incomplete pass signal, followed by waving the hand front to back over the head. When referees have access to a stadium microphone, audible explanation in this case is often best practice as there are certain to be confused participants and spectators.
There is no need to give a 40-second play clock signal after an incomplete pass, timeout called for the runner or the ball going out of bounds, or calling timeout for a first down made inbounds (NFHS and NCAA after the two-minute timeout). Each of these acts starts the 40-second play clock.
If a situation calls for giving the 40-second clock signal, such as a runner down inbounds short of the line to gain, give this signal first and then indicate the next down with fingers raised above your head for clarity. Crewmates, clock operators and team members will appreciate the information on short-distance situations.
SOURCE: NFL BY THE
NUMBERS
NFL games officiated by side judge Boris Cheek, making him the all-time leader in games officiated during his now 29-year career. On Dec. 29, 2024, Cheek surpassed retired referee Walt Coleman, who officiated 460 games during his 30 NFL seasons. Cheek most recently officiated Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, the fourth Super Bowl assignment of his career.
During a punt, K1 first (NFHS) or illegally (NCAA) touches the loose ball downfield before K2 falls on the ball. What is the order of signals? Call timeout, indicate the touching, then give a first down signal for team R.
For tight plays near the end zone, best practice is to call timeout before giving a safety or touchback signal. No need to call timeout before signaling touchdown. After the referee gives the ready signal before a try down, the untimed down signal can be shown.
For contests with no visual play clock (the majority of NFHS games), the official keeping the
After calling a team timeout, point to that team. For a timeout called by officials, tap your chest with both hands after signaling timeout. With the increased use of onfield radio devices (like O2Os), officials can communicate information (such as double sticks) to each other in lieu of or in addition to hand signals. Discuss with your crew so everyone is on the same page. Judson Howard, Los Angeles, was an onfield official and replay official for more than 30 years, many at the NCAA Division I level. *
The NCAA introduced its version of the forward fumble rule in 1989. After a rule change for the 2025 season, the NFHS rule is almost identical for forward fumbles that are ruled out of bounds between the goalline pylons.
Mike Andrews, San Diego, indicates a penalty is declined. Signals are rarely given in a vacuum and this one is preceded by an indication of the foul and pointing in the direction of the fouling team. It is succeeded by indication of the subsequent down. 68 %
Football officials, do you use a lanyard or finger whistle? SURVEY SAYS ...
TEST YOURSELF
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. 87
1. K1 punts and R2 gives a valid fair-catch signal. The ball bounces off R2’s shoulder pad at his 20 yardline and into the air behind him.
a. R2 only has protection if the officials rule he has a reasonable chance to catch the ball.
b. R2 no longer has protection since he muffed the ball.
c. If any team R player catches or recovers the ball, he may advance.
d. If any team K player catches or recovers the ball, he may advance.
2. Fourth and 20 at team R’s 40 yardline. K1’s field goal attempt comes to rest untouched at team R’s five yardline with no player attempting to recover it.
a. The ball remains live.
b. The ball becomes dead and belongs to team R at its own five yardline.
c. The ball becomes dead and belongs to team K at team R’s five yardline.
d. The ball becomes dead and belongs to team R at its own 20 yardline.
e. The ball becomes dead and belongs to team R at its own 40 yardline.
3. Which of the following situations results in disqualification/ejection of a player?
a. Two personal fouls.
b. Two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.
c. Fighting.
d. All of the above.
e. None of the above.
4. Unless adjusted by state high school associations, other governing bodies or due to extenuating circumstances, the normal regular-season halftime intermission shall be:
a. 10 minutes.
b. 15 minutes.
c. 20 minutes.
d. 25 minutes.
Body Slam
By its very nature, the game of football can be rough. With 22 heavily padded players moving at full speed in a confined space, violent collisions are bound to occur. Officials must be on high alert to prevent substantial physical contact from becoming unnecessary, excessive and dangerous.
No player shall make contact with an opponent which is deemed unnecessary or excessive or incites roughness. Such acts are personal fouls (NFHS 9-4-3g; NCAA 9-1). PlayPic A is an illustration of a common football occurrence. The runner is wrapped up
and his forward progress is stopped. The tackler must work to bring the runner to the ground in a manner that is not unnecessary or excessive. He might fall backward and bring the ball carrier down on top of him or fall such that both players land on the ground side by side.
He may not sling the opponent over the top of him in a body slamming motion, as seen in PlayPic B. This act is unnecessary, excessive and incites roughness. It is a dangerous play and a personal foul should be ruled so player safety is maintained as a top priority. *
Time Rulings Crunch(ed)
Plays involving multiple players, possession of the ball, forward progress and contact are trouble spots for football crews. Being in the correct position, looking where you should be looking and piecing together elements of the play via good communication with crewmates increases our chances of ruling on this play correctly.
Therunner is not down yet as no body part is touching the ground except his feet (NFHS 4-2-2a; NCAA 4-1-3b). For the sake of this situation, we will not worry about forward progress being stopped as it’s too difficult a ruling via still frame image.
The ball looks to be controlled by No. 12 and is therefore in
shoulders with his helmet or shoulder, a foul for targeting results (2-20-2, 9-4-3m). For NCAA, let’s assume No. 12 is considered a runner and is not defenseless. In this case, in order for a targeting foul to be ruled it must fit the parameters of 9-1-3, wherein crown of the fouling player’s helmet is involved. If there is an indicator of crouching or launching in an attacking manner, No. 14 is guilty of targeting if he makes forcible contact with the top of his helmet defined by the six-inch radius from the apex (9-1-3, 9-1-4). In this case, it looks like contact is made with the side of the helmet, and therefore, no foul for No. his possession. As long as it player No. 14 took aim and initiated contact against No. 12 above the targeting would result in NCAA.
than a foot or hand is in contact with the ground or until forward progress is ruled to be stopped, the runner will be marked according to his progress spot (NFHS 2-15-1, 2-34-1, 2-41-3; NCAA 2-4-1a, 2-9-2, 2-25-8a).
The potential for forcible contact to the runner’s head and neck area looks likely. For NFHS, if the officials rule defensive
1 2 3 1 2 3
CASEPLAYS
Touchback or Safety
Play: First and goal for team A on team B’s 10 yardline. A1’s legal forward pass is intercepted by B2 in his own end zone. B2 runs toward one sideline, then backtracks to the other, in an attempt to bring the ball out of the end zone. B2 then fumbles the ball, which never leaves the end zone. The ball rolls out of bounds across the endline.
Ruling: Under both codes, that is a touchback. The force (NFHS) or impetus (NCAA) that put the ball in the end zone was the pass. Because the ball never returned to the field of play and was ruled out of bounds, the play results in a touchback (NFHS 8-5-1, 8-5-2, 8-5-3; NCAA 8-6-1a, 8-7-1).
Snap
Play: Must the ball be snapped between the snapper’s legs for the snap to be deemed legal?
Ruling: No. In order to be legal, the snap must be a quick and continuous backward motion by a lineman. In NFHS, the snapper must face his opponent’s goalline and have his shoulders approximately parallel thereto, but the ball may be propelled backward to the outside of one of his legs. In both codes, the ball must immediately leave the snapper’s hands during the backward motion (NFHS 2-32-14, 2-40; NCAA 2-23-1, 7-1-3a).
Catch?
Play: Second and 10 from team B’s 20 yardline. Eligible A1 is airborne and leaping near the endline when he secures control of the ball. He is coming back toward the ground in team B’s end zone when B2 grabs him, not allowing him to touch any body part to the ground, and carries him across the endline.
Ruling: Under both codes, that is a touchdown. When an airborne pass receiver of either team is held so he is prevented from immediately returning to the ground inbounds, a catch is ruled. This is different than a receiver being pushed out of bounds and this only applies to a player being held and carried (NFHS 2-4-1; NCAA 4-1-3p, AR 7-3-6 III).
Side Zone Measurement
Asartificial turf fields become more popular at high school football venues, the frequency of measurements decreases. The ability of the officials to execute the process correctly, and look good doing it, goes a long way toward managing a game and demonstrating crew credibility. The following situation is for a standard five-person high school crew. Confirm with your state or local association, your supervisor or coordinator if officiating in different size crews or at another level.
In the MechaniGram, the preceding play ended in the side zone opposite the chains and results in a spot very near the line-to-gain. Down, distance, time, score and other factors play into when a measurement is warranted. There are no hard and fast rules about when to call for the chains and the decision really does fall into the art of officiating. Here are some times to consider a measurement: when a thirdor fourth-down play results in a spot within one yard of the line-to-gain; when a turnover on downs is going to result and the spot is within a yard of the line-to-gain; when the line-to-gain is at a vantage point with a difficult angle for the team areas or press box; whenever the naked eye leaves any doubt for the officiating crew.
While ultimately the decision of the referee, he or she might be occupied with other responsibilities involving the play so crew members must use game awareness to assist when needed. In a routine situation,
the referee will stop the clock after determining a measurement is necessary and signal for the chains.
The umpire waits at the spot for the arrival of the line-to-gain crew and will be ready to assume handling the forward stake. The back judge secures the ball in place at the spot with a knee on the ground and faces team A obliquely (not blocking the press box view) opposite from where the chains are coming. The head linesman repositions the down box behind the chain and retrieves the clip from the appropriate five-yard mark. He or she instructs the rear stake holder to maintain control of the stake throughout the process and the lead stake holder to relinquish control to the umpire once they arrive. The line judge indicates the intersection of the five yardline and the lateral position of the ball where the head linesman will place the chain clip on the back edge of the line. Once the clip is on the ground and secured by the foot, the umpire extends the chain and the referee rules if the line-to-gain is reached.
If the line-to-gain has been achieved or the result is a turnover, dismiss the chain crew and spot the ball at the hashmark. If the line-to-gain has not been achieved, the referee signals such to both sidelines and repositions a new ball on the hashmark using the chain. Make sure to not dismiss the originally spotted ball until the new ball is spotted and the process is complete in case something goes wrong along the way. *
Learning New Rules
By Jon Bible
Almost every year the rules committees enact or modify playing rules. Often the changes are tweaks, but sometimes they’re huge. Consider the recent monumental penalty-enforcement change enacted by the N FHS before the 2023 season .
For veteran officials in particular, penalty enforcement changes take some getting used to. What’s the best way to absorb them so that, in the heat of the moment, we don’t revert to the old rule? That’s an easy trap to fall into.
When I returned to college ball after a stint in the NFL, I had a game where the umpire called defensive holding. Instead of enforcing a 10-yard penalty with no first down (it is now), my mind went to the NFL rule, which calls for a five-yard penalty and a first down. No one on the crew corrected me, by the way. Obviously I didn’t do a great job of flushing the NFL rules and replacing them with the new (for me) NCAA rules.
I do some things with all rule changes. I focus on them before I go through the rulebook and interpretations from A to Z in the spring and summer each year. After doing the latter, I return to them. By then, they’re pretty well ingrained in my brain. I go back to them before my first few games. As a referee , I focused on them in the first pregame meetings and designated someone on my crew to be the “new-rules person” who must step up if we’re about to go off the rails. If you’re a referee and don’t have a regular crew, consider contacting someone before each game and asking them to do this.
This suffices for tweaks, such as when the NCAA made defensive holding an automatic first down in all instances. That’s straightforward and a matter of memorization. I add other layers, however, if the changes are complex, like when the NCAA altered the rules regarding when t eam A and B may block below the
waist on a scrimmage play. Legality now involves who the blocker is, where he’s positioned at the snap, and where, how and when the block occurs.
Sometimes it’s helpful to know the rulemakers’ intent, for that may shed light on how the language should be interpreted. If I’ve not received guidance from my national or conference coordinator, I can go online to seek commentary. That helped when I was learning the new low-block rule and I also did this for the recent NFHS penaltyenforcement rule change.
For complex rules , I use a visualization process. I taught law in college for 35 years. Often the terminology and concepts are overwhelming. I stressed to students that instead of just reading about a legal principle, they should visualize situations involving it. If the issue is whether a store owner is liable if a customer is hurt due to a dangerous condition on the premises, put yourself in the owner’s shoes, imagine different scenarios and then, applying the legal principle and examples in the text, try to figure out if you’re liable. Google or talk with other students if you’re not sure. Being a participant in the analytical process instead of an observer affords a better chance of comprehending and retaining the material.
I take this tack with complex new football rules. For the low block rule , I visualized scenarios involving offensive and defensive linemen and backs in different positions at the snap, moving in different directions, and blocking low in different places and ways depending on how the play unfolded, and I then assessed legality. If I wasn’t sure, I went to the text and interpretations or asked others for their take. This process also helped me when the season started and I saw blocks in games, because in my mind’s eye I’d already seen and thought through them.
Regarding the NFHS penalty enforcement rule, I’d envision every scenario imaginable and figure out the enforcement. Offensive holding behind the neutral zone when the quarterback is sacked. Same situation, but the quarterback gains six yards. Offensive holding in the end zone or behind the neutral zone by a lineman versus a back. And so on. This will give you a better chance of remembering the change and properly applying it during live games. Same with the changes regarding intentional grounding, defenseless players and more in recent years.
I’d like to add some general tips regarding rules study. Don’t highlight 80-90% of the book, which I see people do, often with different colors. If we highlight virtually everything, we effectively highlight nothing. Underscore only the parts of the rule that are especially important and likely to be overlooked, if that. Also, I never underline until I’ve read the rule several times, because then I’m more selective than I am if I underline during the first reading. In the end, maybe 5% of my book will be highlighted.
Studying in little chunks at a time over many days is more productive than cramming. If you plow through the book for too long a time in one sitting, you’ll lose focus and not absorb anything. I never study more than 30-45 minutes a day, if that, so my entire study process takes weeks.
Finally, participate in study groups where you come up with questions, possibly from old exams, and tear them and the book apart. I often find that I thought I knew something until I talk with someone or see a rules question and then realize I was off base entirely or missed some nuance.
Jon Bible is a replay official in the Southeastern Conference. A resident of Austin, Texas, he formerly officiated collegiate and pro football onfield. *
Spotting the Forward Point
Whenever a measurement is required, the ball shall be placed with its long axis parallel with the sideline before measurement. In most cases, the preceding play did not end with the ball in position where the ruling official is marking the spot.
Consider the PlayPic sequence below and determine the forward point of the ball according to the ruling official’s spot. Place the forward point of the ball accordingly with the long axis parallel to the sideline. If the resulting measurement leads to a first-down
ruling, the referee gives the signal, spots the ball correctly and marks it ready for play. If the line to gain is not achieved, the referee signals the distance remaining to reach the line to gain to both sidelines, spots the ball correctly and marks it ready for play. *
Project Authority
VOLLEYBALL
KEEP IT FLYING NFHS Tweaks Multiple Contact Rule
A rule change for the 2025-26 high school season eliminates the judgment call of a multiple contact fault in a single attempt to play the ball on the team’s second hit, provided the ball is next contacted by a teammate. In the past, multiple contacts were only allowed on a team’s first contact, but the new rule allows for play to continue as this situation does not create an advantage for the offending team.
By Brad Tittrington
The NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee met in January in Indianapolis and recommended six rule changes for the 2025-26 season, which were all subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors. The most significant change allows multiple contacts by one player attempting to play the ball on a team’s second contact, provided the next contact is by a teammate on the same side of the net. The committee also passed two rules dealing with player uniforms and one rule each in regard to volleyballs, official’s equipment and the penalty for an illegal libero replacement.
“We are experiencing such an exciting era in high school volleyball,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS director of sports and liaison for volleyball. “The number of participants in both girls’ and boys’ volleyball continues to grow year after year as the popularity of the sport at all levels continues to climb. The actions of the committee reflected both their responsibility to preserve the sound traditions of the sport while evolving with the game and the student-athletes who compete.”
The rule changes in perceived order of importance follow as well as a breakdown of additional major editorial changes adopted by the committee. Referee would like to thank Atkinson for reviewing this article for accuracy.
Contacting the Ball 9-4-8c (New)
In an effort to provide consistency in referee judgment in terms of ballhandling, the committee adopted a new rule that makes it legal for a player to contact the ball multiple times (as shown in PlayPics A and B on the next page) — provided it is a single attempt to play the ball — on a team’s second contact, as long as the ball is next contacted by a
teammate on the same side of the net. Previously, this was an immediate multiple contact fault as teams were only allowed multiple contacts on a team’s first contact.
The rule change aligns with an NCAA rule change that took effect in the 2024 season and helps eliminate referees from having to make a judgment call when a multiple contacted ball remains on that team’s side of the net. This type of contact does not create an advantage for the offending team — if anything, this type of contact throws off the rhythm of the offense and actually puts that team at a disadvantage.
“The NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee had the advantage of seeing the effects on the collegiate game before making the decision to adopt this rule change,” Atkinson said. “What they saw and are expecting to see at the high school level were exciting plays not interrupted by the whistle when no advantage was gained by a player’s multiple contact sent to a teammate, and less confrontation by coaches toward officials regarding this highly disputed, many times inconsistent, judgment call. In addition, they observed that the skill level of setters did not drop. The committee strongly considered their role in the skill
development of high school studentathletes and believed that the skill of setting the ball cleanly will continue to be emphasized while allowing players to take more chances when playing that second ball.”
Referees still need to judge the team’s second contact in these situations. If the first referee judges the ball was contacted multiple times and the ball is next contacted by the opposing team, the first referee should then blow the whistle, award a loss of rally/point to the opposing team and signal a multiple contact fault has occurred. Referees should still penalize teams when the ball visibly comes to rest on a player’s body or if prolonged contact is involved, regardless of who next plays the ball. It is also still an immediate fault if a player has successive contacts on a ball that involves two separate attempts to play the ball.
Play 1: S1 serves the ball over the net. R2 misplays the ball and sends the ball toward R3, a middle blocker. R3 attempts to overhand set the ball toward R4, an outside hitter, but the ball clearly hits R3’s left hand and then the right hand, in a single attempt to play the ball. The ball is then next contacted by (a) R4 on team R’s side of the net, (b) S5 on team
THE NUMBERS
2,874
Total NCAA matches using Challenge Review System in 2024 8,141 Total challenges in those matches
2.83
12:28 Longest challenge time
SOURCE: PAVO
QUICKTIP
After timeouts and before starting each set, the second referee should scan the playable area for any obstacles, encroaching fans, loose warmup volleyballs or any other potential hazards before giving the court back to the first referee. This quick scan can save the crew from potential headaches and ensures the safety of participants, officials and spectators.
The NCAA announced the championship sites for upcoming Division I volleyball championships for the next several years. Below is the academic year and where each of the volleyball championships will take place.
TEST YOURSELF
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 USAV rules, which might vary. Solutions: p. 87
1. The libero may not:
a. Serve during the match.
b. Serve as team captain.
c. Complete an attack while the ball is completely higher than the top of the net.
d. Complete an attack at any time, regardless of the height of the ball.
e. Be used as an exceptional substitute if a player gets injured and the team has no substitutes.
2. A1 is a back-row player. B2 attacks a ball and A1 joins A3 and A4 to participate in a block. The completed attack by B2 misses the block and lands out of bounds. The result of the play is:
a. An illegal back-row block on team A, team B is awarded a loss of rally/point.
b. Out of bounds by team B, team A is awarded a loss of rally/ point.
c. Replay as team B hit the ball out of bounds and team A had an illegal block.
3. How many dead balls/rallies must occur between libero replacements if the libero is not in the serving position?
a. Three.
b. None.
c. One.
d. Two.
e. None of the above.
4. Team A’s third hit barely breaks the plane of the net when B1, a front-row player whose hands are raised completely above the height of the net, contacts the ball as it is completely above the height of the net and no longer in the opponents’ playing space. The correct call is:
a. Illegal block and a loss of rally/point is awarded to team A.
b. Play continues and this is considered a block by B1.
c. Play continues and this is considered team B’s first team contact and team B has two more hits remaining.
d. Net fault by team A.
e. Replay as this is a net fault by team A and a reaching over fault by team B.
S’s side of the net, or (c) R4 and S5 simultaneously in the plane of the net. Ruling 1: Legal in (a) and (c) and play should continue. The multiple contacts by R3 were in a single attempt to play the ball and occurred during team R’s second team contact. Since the ball was then contacted by a teammate (simultaneous contact between opponents is considered to be next contacted by a teammate), the ball remains live and the multiple contacts by R3 are ignored. In (b), since the next contact was by an opponent on the opposite side of the net, it is a multiple contact fault by team R and team S should be awarded a loss of rally/point.
Play 2: Team B’s setter (B1) chases down an errant pass that travels off the court on team B’s side of the net. B1 tries to backset the ball on the team’s second contact. The ball clearly hits B1’s left hand and then right hand in a single attempt to play the ball. The ball comes off the hands with a lot of spin and (a) completely crosses the net and lands out of bounds, (b) hits the top of the net, rebounds back toward team B’s side of the net where B2 hits it over the net, (c) hits the antenna, or (d) enters the plane of the net where A3 blocks the ball back down toward team B’s side of the court. Ruling 2: Multiple contact foul in (a) and (d). Once the ball completely crosses the net or is first contacted by an opponent, the multiple contact fault should be whistled and a loss of rally/point awarded to the opponent. In (b), the ball did not completely cross the net after the multiple contacts and it was next played by a teammate, therefore the ball should remain in play and the multiple contacts should be ignored. In (c), an antenna fault should be called as that fault occurred before the ball completely crossed the net or was contacted by an opponent.
Play 3: Team S’s back-row setter is in the front zone and clearly double hits the team’s second contact, while the ball is entirely above the height of the net. The ball travels toward teammate S2 and enters the plane of the net where S2 and a team R blocker contact the ball
simultaneously. Ruling 3: This is an illegal attack by the team S back-row setter. When a back-row player in the front zone contacts the ball entirely above the height of the net, and the ball is then legally touched by an opponent (including simultaneous contact between a teammate and an opponent), this is an illegal attack. If the ball crosses the net untouched by a teammate or opponent, this is also an illegal attack by the backrow player. The attack-hit fault takes precedence over a ballhandling judgment decision.
The Ball 3-2-1 Note (New)
Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, state associations may adopt use of a non-smooth or textured volleyball (as shown below). The current rules only allow the use of genuine or simulated smooth leather volleyballs. The rule change allows either boys or girls to adopt a textured volleyball with no restrictions on color or shape of panels to be inclusive of all current
textured volleyballs on the market. One thing to be cognizant of in regard to this rule change is all requirements for a smooth ball as outlined in 3-2-1 remain. This includes panel color, number of panels and shape requirements.
“The NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee has been discussing the use of the textured volleyball — specifically in the boys’ game — for at least five years,” Atkinson said. “During that time, we have seen a 25% growth in boys’ volleyball participation and predict continued growth as more state associations are scheduled to add it as a sanctioned sport in the coming years. Boys play with the textured volleyball at all other levels of competition. It was important to the committee to be inclusive of the growing numbers of boys playing the game while understanding that in many states this could be a financial burden on schools that are trying to grow the sport. Allowing the use of a textured volleyball by either gender as a state association adoption allows states to make the decision that is best for their member schools.”
Legal Uniform 4-2-1h-3, 4-2-1i-2 and 4-2-4d, f
The committee made two changes to the rules regarding legal uniforms. The first rule change allows players to wear black, white or gray undergarments in addition to undergarments that match the predominant color of the uniform top and bottom. All team members, other than the libero, wearing an undergarment must wear the same color. This rule change aligns with other NFHS rule codes allowing athletes to wear more commonly found colors of undergarments.
Play 4: The visiting team, whose school colors are dark blue and yellow, is wearing predominantly dark blue uniforms. All players, other than the libero, are wearing undershirts that are (a) dark blue, (b)black, (c) white, (d) grey, or (e)yellow. Ruling 4: Legal in (a), (b), (c) and (d). All of those colors are allowable provided the team members are all wearing the same
5 MINUTES WITH EMILY MASON
Residence: Columbus, Ohio
Experience: Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) senior sports administrator for baseball, bowling, field hockey, and boys’ and girls’ volleyball. Joined OHSAA in 2014 as a program coordinator working with the Sport Management Department. Served as the assistant director and director of sport management before becoming senior sport administrator. Began serving as the staff liaison to the Joint Advisory Committee on Sports Medicine in 2021. Has a master’s degree from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas.
REFEREE: How would you describe your first year as the chair?
MASON: I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as the chair of the NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee. I previously served on the rules committee as the Section 2 representative for three years, so it was nice to have that time on the committee under my belt, to learn the nuances of how the rules committee process works. Having the perspective as a committee member was a great advantage to serving as the chair. The rules committee meeting takes place over three days, and it is packed with a lot of knowledge and information and great discussion among committee members and guests, who are all advocates for this great sport. Everyone brings valuable information in different ways. I left the rules committee meeting in January feeling extremely productive and determined that we are moving forward in a positive direction at the high school level.
REFEREE: What are the major differences being the chair as opposed to being a committee member?
MASON: I would say the major difference I noticed in my first year as chair compared to being a committee member is simply that it is my responsibility to keep the meeting on track. Whether that is guiding the discussion for each rules proposal, keeping us on task, asking different questions to the group to view different perspectives, etc.
REFEREE: How would you describe the current state of high school volleyball from the chair’s perspective?
MASON: The current state of
volleyball is in a great place. We continue to see growth not only in girls’ volleyball but especially in boys’ volleyball, which is always a positive aspect. There are very few injury reports in the sport and there is a positive level of sportsmanship as well. While not significantly, the sport of volleyball does continue to change over time and our rules committee remains aware of those changes. It is our responsibility to annually review those changes and determine if it enhances the sport at the high school level.
REFEREE: What are you most excited about in your role?
MASON: Continuing to work with the individuals on the rules committee and the NFHS. Everyone on the rules committee comes from different backgrounds, between levels of knowledge, experience coaching, administrating or officiating, what part of the country they are from and so on. Having so many unique perspectives and bits of knowledge from the different individuals, to come together for one goal — to improve the sport at the high school level — is extremely rewarding.
REFEREE: Is there a specific goal(s) you hope to accomplish in your time as chair?
MASON: The main goal to accomplish as chair is to make sure that our rule changes are beneficial to the sport of volleyball and to keep volleyball in a positive place. Additionally, it would be great to see the continued growth of boys’ volleyball across the nation. Boys’ volleyball has grown by approximately 20,000 athletes within the last two years, and I hope we continue to see those numbers increasing at the high school level.
NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee chair discusses her first year chairing the committee and the state of high school volleyball.
CASEPLAYS
Player Misconduct
Play: After an intense first set that team A wins, 29-27, the teams begin to exchange courts. During the course of the exchange, A1 makes an obscene gesture and rude comment toward B2 that is heard by the second referee. The second referee blows the whistle and issues a yellow card to A1. Ruling: Incorrect. The second referee in this instance can request either a red card or a red and yellow card from the first referee for the first act of rude or offensive conduct. In NFHS, the second referee should move to the side of the court of the team that commits the inappropriate conduct, take a few steps onto the court toward the first referee, hold the appropriate card in the middle of the chest and verbally indicate the number of the offending player. The first referee should then immediately whistle and administer any cards requested by the second referee. In NCAA and USAV, the second referee should communicate to the first referee any misconduct and then the first referee shall administer the appropriate card(s). The second referee should ensure the penalty sanction is recorded on the scoresheet. When the teams return to the court for the next set to begin, the first referee displays the appropriate card to begin the set (NFHS 12-2 Pen. and Procedure for Unsporting Conduct Violations; NCAA 6.1.2.2, 19.2.4.3; USAV 21.3.1, 23.3.2.2).
Injury Substitution
Play: With the score tied at 10 in the first set, A1 and A2 collide while going for a ball. The certified medical trainer for team A informs the head coach that both players will need to be removed for the remainder of the set. A3, who was previously substituted for by A1 during the set, returns in that position and A4, who has not played in the set, is substituted for A2. The second referee authorizes both substitutions. Ruling: Correct. When an injury occurs and a player cannot continue, the team must use a legal substitute to replace the injured player — either a player who has already played in that position in the set or a player who has not yet been in the set (NFHS 11-4-1; NCAA 11.3.5.1; USAV 15.7).
color. Illegal in (e) as yellow is not an approved color since the uniform is not predominantly yellow. The second change to uniforms deals with the placement of the number on the uniform. Beginning July 1, 2029, the number on the front of the uniform must be centered on the upper half of the uniform top, eliminating the measurement requirements from the shoulder seam and neckline that currently exist. This change removes officials from the position of having to measure the uniforms to verify their legality. The change also creates consistency in number placement and allows for number placement variances due to player body types.
Libero Replacement 10-4 Pen. 1
The committee changed the penalty for an illegal libero replacement to an unnecessary delay if the replacement is identified before the contact of serve. If the replacement is identified after service contact, it is an illegal alignment. Previously, the penalty was an unnecessary delay if discovered before the whistle/signal for service and illegal alignment if discovered after whistle/signal for service. The change aligns the penalty for an illegal libero replacement with the definition of illegal alignment, which occurs on contact of service, not on the whistle/signal for service. This change allows the referees additional time to correct an issue and issue an unnecessary delay as opposed to immediately having to penalize an illegal alignment once the whistle/ signal for service has been given.
Play 5: Team A’s libero is in the left-back position. Team A wins the next rally and the libero should be replaced by A1 in the left-front position as team A rotates. However, A1 is slow to get off the bench and head to the court. The first referee blows the whistle and signals for service. The first referee notices A1 running onto the court (a) before A2 contacts the ball for service, or (b) after A2 contacts the ball for service. Ruling 5: In (a), the first referee should blow the whistle immediately
to prevent the serve, penalize team A with an unnecessary delay, issue a replay, allow the libero replacement to put team A in proper alignment and then reauthorize A2 to serve. In (b), the first referee should blow the whistle, award a loss of rally/point to team B, penalize team A with an illegal alignment and then allow the libero replacement to put team A in proper alignment.
Officials Uniform and Equipment 5-3-2b, Second Referee Responsibilities 5-5-3b-9
The final rule change eliminates the requirement for the second referee to carry and use a lineup card to check the starting lineups. The rule previously mandated second referees to carry a lineup card and use that lineup card to check the starting lineups before each set. The rule change allows veteran officials to use each coach’s submitted lineup sheet to check the starting lineup while allowing the use of a lineup card as a training tool for newer officials to assist with tracking rotations during the match. Referees who choose to use the lineup card should still keep the lineup card in their pockets during play in order to effectively signal and communicate with the first referee.
Equipment and Accessories 4-1 Pen., Legal Uniform 4-2 Pen.
The committee cleaned up language in the penalties for 4-1 and 4-2 that eliminates redundancy between equipment and uniform penalties and clarifies that when a team cannot begin a match with six players without body paint or glitter, after attempting to remove, the same penalty for illegal uniform applies. That penalty is a loss of rally/ point awarded to the opponent at the beginning of the match and the state association shall be notified to determine further action or penalty as deemed necessary.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee . He umpires D-I softball and officiates high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football. *
(Un)Necessary Delays
By Rick Brown
NFHS rule 9-9-1 notes “unnecessary delay results in any action by a team or team member that causes a delay in the start or resuming of play within a set.” A long list that follows describes situations where a delay sanction would be appropriate while using the terminology “includes, but is not limited to” to say the list is illustrative rather than restrictive.
The art of officiating suggests the rule also exists to address various techniques used to affect set flow, such as excessive requests for information or stalling to break the opponent’s momentum — such as huddling, not chasing the ball, shoe tying, floor mopping when there is no moisture on the floor, etc. The penalty section of 9-9-1 even references crossing over from delaying actions to unsporting conduct to address repeated delay violations in multiple sets for what is perceived as extreme gamesmanship.
Some delays are built into the rules while others are unstated but clearly necessary and appropriate. Teams may request a delay in a couple of situations — teams are allotted two timeouts and up to 18 substitutions per set. Injury and illness situations come with their own rule guidelines in 11-4, and 11-3 provides for a delay in play to review the application of a playing rule on the last rally. Beyond this, common sense should prevail.
Consider whether all water spills merit a delay sanction. Some referees think any water spill not cleaned up by a team by the end of a timeout should result in a sanction. But what about when a player dives into the team bench area and knocks over water bottles, creating a spill that can’t be cleaned up quickly? A timeout is requested and, while the coach addresses the team, assistants diligently attempt to towel dry the court. Common sense would dictate the playing area is dry and safe before play resumes — referees should understand these circumstances preclude a delay sanction. Proactively requesting some decent-size towels
be available courtside to minimize cleanup delays before the start of the match also helps. But how many referees even think about this scenario before the match begins?
Another example of delays deals with equipment failures. These can occur and are seldom used as gamesmanship intended to slow the pace of play and break momentum. Protective knee braces occasionally come apart and create a necessary delay. This past postseason, spandex mysteriously lost its cohesive properties, creating an embarrassing situation where the coaches became aware of the need for the player to exit the court but were not proactive in presenting the issue to the referees. A situation like this requires someone (a captain, player or coach) to alert the referees who use an officials’ timeout to deal with the uniform failure. Apply match awareness to distinguish situations like these from intentional delays that negatively affect the pace of play.
Delays are not one size fits all. Some situations are more bizarre than others. For example, insects (flying or dead) are unwelcome visitors for high school matches and are capable of producing sufficient discomfort to delay play. When referees hear “there’s something on the court,” the second referee should move to the site, handle discovery and issue resolution. In a match this past postseason, cards were used to pick up a dead moth that the players didn’t want to touch.
One final example is what to do when players become ill or indisposed. Rule 11-4 offers guidance for these instances. Recent POEs published in the rulebook related to injury management helped to provide a different understanding of the time afforded a member of the coaching staff (usually one not attending to the injured player) before a decision is required on replacing the player. The issue of assessing a sanction for unnecessary delay is limited to situations where a coaching staff is stalling to give a non-severely
injured player additional time to recover without using an available timeout, substitution or legal libero replacement. The “30 seconds to make a decision” is modified to allow the second referee to determine the appropriate timing for advising an “available” coach that a decision is needed in roughly 30 seconds. This allows compassion, sensitivity and flexibility to be applied to different levels of apparent injury. Remember, player safety is more important than being a stickler to the 30-second rule.
As with minor injuries where athletes are ready to play in a short while without need for a substitution, replacement or timeout, when players become indisposed and empty their stomach contents onto the floor or themselves, common sense should prevail. Ensure help is authorized to go
After all, the art of officiating guides rule application and incorporates common sense.
to the player to offer comfort and time is given for cleanup, during which the player may recover sufficiently to continue. This should be in line with a blood-cleanup situation where checking volleyballs and the court are appropriate to ensure player safety.
After all, the art of officiating guides rule application and incorporates common sense. Referees need to massage the rulebook sometimes to find the right balance of art and science to deal with these situations. But the most important thing to remember is safety first. 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. *
GETTING IT RIGHT INSPIRATION,
MOTIVATION, ELEVATION
NFL Honors High School Officials
By Brad Star
Aspart of its effort to bolster its officiating pipeline, the NFL named a Minnesota-based high school football crew as the 2024 High School Officiating Crew of the Year. Crew members are referee Pat Bergquist, Gilbert; umpire Dennis Harris, Edina; down judge Pete Cheeley, St. Cloud; line judge MJ Wagenson, Pine Island; and back judge Kevin Britt, Apple Valley.
The Minnesota Vikings, who nominated the crew for the honor, recognized the crew members for their contributions to the Minnesota State High School League this past season. Members of the crew received a commemorative coin, framed certificate, custom jersey and a tour of the Vikings’ headquarters and practice facility.
The crew also traveled to Orlando, Fla., and took part in Pro Bowl festivities Jan. 29-Feb. 3. They received the opportunity to officiate
the team and skills challenges portion of the Pro Bowl Games.
“Tossing footballs to Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson and Baker Mayfield for the passing accuracy drill, that was amazing,” Bergquist said.
Bergquist is proud of the crew’s achievements. The crew members haven’t limited themselves to just high school football — Cheeley has also worked high school baseball, softball and basketball; Harris has worked high school softball, basketball and volleyball; Wagenson has worked high school volleyball, softball and basketball, as well as college basketball; and Bergquist previously officiated college football.
“They are first and foremost great humans,” Bergquist said. “Also great officials, but the personal side is part of the experience you gain officiating.”
The High School Officiating Crew of the Year honor, which is the result of a partnership between the NFL and NFHS, is in its second year. An officiating crew from Ohio nominated by the Cleveland Browns was recognized for the 2023-24 season. Ten NFL clubs participated in the initiative this year, up from seven last season.
“(This honor is) certainly not something you go into football officiating thinking you’re ever going to receive, that’s for sure,” Bergquist said.
“Our partnership with the NFHS continues to educate us about the trends of high school football participation and has been a tremendous resource for all 32 NFL clubs,” Roman Oben, NFL vice president of football development, said in a news release. “This award allows us to celebrate the officials for their performance on the field as we do for the players.”
Brad Star is an assistant editor for Referee. *
The Players Are Animals!
Dan Schachner, an actor known for his role as a detective on “Blue Bloods,” has never officiated a football game — a football game played by humans, that is. Schachner has been the host and “referee” of the Puppy Bowl, a “football game” between two teams of dogs that airs on Animal Planet on Super Bowl Sunday. Each year, the program includes rescue dogs, with the goal of raising awareness about adopting pets from shelters and rescuing abandoned animals. The event also aims for all participating dogs to be adopted by the time it’s finished airing. This year’s Puppy Bowl XXI featured 142 rescue dogs from 80 shelters across 40 states and two countries.
“We’re showcasing (dogs) and tagging their rescue and giving you an opportunity to connect with that rescue and adopt it,” Schachner told Salon in February. “And so it just continues to serve our mission.”
SOURCE: SALON Lentz Lends a Hand
An umpire clinic in early February in Western Michigan featured some special guests, including MLB umpire Nic Lentz. Alongside several NCAA and fellow professional umpires, Lentz instructed aspiring umpires during the clinic. Umpires attending the clinic ranged from those with a decade of experience to others who were brand new.
Lentz, a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., returns home to help out the area’s baseball community when he has time.
“The cool part is no matter what level that you’re working at, coming back to these camps and telling these guys and girls stories (from umpiring at higher levels) is pretty humbling from that aspect,” Lentz told WOOD-TV.
Lentz worked the NL Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets in 2024, the first championship assignment of his career.
SOURCE: WOOD-TV (GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.)
Have you heard an inspirational or motivational officiating story? Send your ideas to GettingItRight@referee.com
The NFL’s High School Officiating Crew of the Year for the 2024-25 season, from left: Dennis Harris, MJ Wagenson, Pat Bergquist, Pete Cheeley and Kevin Britt.
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NFHS TRACK & FIELD PRESEASONGUIDE
Packed full of updates, tips, and valuabe information this affordable resource is perfect for association meeting topics, or individual pre-meet refreshers.
YOU ARE THERE
MLS first GAME late goal by
eric wynalda caps
inaugural match
By randy louis cox
When the first outdoor firstdivision pro league soccer match in over a decade kicked off in front of 31,683 fans — the largest crowd in San Jose, Calif., sports history — there was a lot of excitement, but also some trepidation.
to the point where he could have told you what kind of chewing gum he used.
“You could slide-tackle somebody on the sideline and actually end up going into the wall,” Bravo commented. “This was not a great game.”
Baharmast said. “They were painting this giant logo in the center circle, and I asked, ‘What is this?’”
One of the stadium executives explained to him they were painting a large logo on midfield to celebrate the occasion.
The date was April 6, 1996, and the first Major League Soccer (MLS) match between the San Jose Clash (now Earthquakes) and D.C. United was about to take center stage. It was the first major league soccer game in the U.S. since the North American Soccer League folded in 1984 and everyone was hoping the new league would fare better.
Seems it would be safe to say nobody wanted a scoreless draw in the first MLS game as critics and naysayers complained loudly about the lack of scoring in what they called a “boring” sport.
As the match progressed, it was a bad scene in California as neither squad could get anywhere close to drawing first blood.
The dimensions of Spartan Stadium didn’t help matters either — too tight for strikers allowing them no space, as it looked like things would be kept on an uneven keel for the whole match.
Despite the unpleasant rhythm, the Clash’s Paul Bravo kept up and guarded D.C. star Marco Etcheverry
For the men in charge of the game, they were also very aware of what was at stake and how difficult the playing field was for scoring.
At referee was Esse Baharmast, perhaps the most decorated referee in the U.S., who went on to work the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
“This was a very narrow field,” Baharmast said. “I placed myself outside of the field to give the players more room in the middle. I had to adjust.”
Working alongside Baharmast were Levon Baladjanian and Reginald Rutty (who died from cancer in 2010).
While Spartan Stadium was the smallest venue in the league, it was picked by league administrators because they felt the venue would provide the most excitement on opening day.
Besides uneven play, there was poor passing and other mishaps that might have been partly caused by the setting.
“I checked the field beforehand, making sure everything was correct,”
“We can’t have this here,” Baharmast told the administrators. “We can only have our pin markings. It would have to be a special occasion to have it (the logo).”
Baharmast naturally won the argument, and the artists had to paint over the center circle with green paint where they had been working.
The change was made and the players, officials, attendees and a national television audience were excited to see soccer on U.S. soil again.
“Spartan Stadium was like my second home, only two-and-a-half hours away,” Baladjanian said. “I refereed quite a few international matches there, even some games in the old Western Soccer League. I was well known to most of the San Jose players because they all pretty much came up through the ranks of the amateur leagues.”
Baladjanian said he thought overall the players would be on their best behavior because of the nature of the event.
“Of course, during the heat of battle, stuff happens, but we’re kind of used to that,” he said.
“It was a very big game. It’s not so much the game, it’s the hoopla around it that gives you more cause to worry because you have a lot of people in your ear telling you this, telling you that. The game is the sanctuary. Get me on the grass in the field.”
Baharmast was also excited for the opportunity to showcase soccer in the U.S. at the highest level.
“I was looking forward to being a part of the history,” he said. “We finally had a professional league
coming in. It was an honor and gave me a sense of jubilation and enjoyment to make a little bit of history.”
And while everyone at Spartan Stadium was filled with anticipation for the match, the players, coaches, administrators, and even the referees, were worried about the potential of a 0-0 tie. Baharmast said he got “sick and tired” of newspeople complaining about soccer being a low-scoring game.
“A 0-0 game is OK if there’s good back and forth with lots of nuances, keeping people on the edge of their seats,” he said. “I was hoping this game didn’t finish in a 0-0 tie. Somebody, anybody, score a goal, please!”
There were plenty of scoring opportunities, but the defenders were making some great saves. And as the game progressed, the pressure was on the teams to try to get a goal and win the game. That pressure could have boiled over if the referees didn’t step in.
“We had a mix of players from different parts of the world,” Baharmast said. “You must make sure you keep control of the game — these were all physical players.”
Baladjanian added that the
pressure wasn’t on just the players, but on the referees as well.
“We were carrying the flag of U.S. soccer referees and if you mess up, that doesn’t look good, especially since you’re on television,” he said.
About 75 minutes into regulation, Baladjanian said he was running down the sideline, thinking, “Just give us one goal, just one that could be added.” He didn’t know if they heard him or not or if he was talking to himself, but he told the players, “You just better score something here, this is not going to be good at 0-0!”
Clash striker Eric Wynalda finally put everyone’s fears to bed with just two minutes left in regulation by avoiding two defenders and hammering a 35-foot kick through the corner of the net past goalkeeper Jeff Causey, scoring the first goal in MLS history.
Wynalda was the U.S. National Team’s leading scorer. He said his goal was “the most important goal I’ve ever scored.”
“My elation was probably only second to him (Wynalda),” Baharmast said. “It was a beautiful goal,” which turned out to be the Goal of the Year in MLS.
The new league was scheduled to launch in 1995 after receiving positive buzz from the 1994 World Cup. But the league’s premiere was delayed a year, having lost some of the good publicity.
“If we missed another year, that buzz goes away and we go back to having soccer in the normal frame that we’ve always had,” Baladjanian said. “It was a nail-biting time for getting that game and the whole league starting out on the right foot.”
The new 10-team soccer league in the U.S. was on its way, but if not for that late goal by Wynalda, it could have turned out much differently.
Randy Louis Cox is a writer from Lilburn, Ga. He is the author of 715 at 50: The Night Henry Aaron Changed Baseball and the World Forever. *
(Top) Esse Baharmast (in red) officiates the first MLS match on April 6, 1996, in San Jose, Calif. (Right) Baharmast, middle, walks out with Reginald Rutty, left, and Levon Baladjanian.
THE REAL SIXTH SENSE
Common Sense and Unwritten Rules
By the Referee editors
Soccer’s rulebook, the Laws of the Game, ends at Law 17. But soccer referees often refer to Law 18, the need to enforce unwritten rules or use plain old common sense when necessary. Officials in all sports should take a page (pardon the pun) from their brothers and sisters on the pitch and apply that philosophy in their own games. Here are a few situations in which reasonableness or responses not found in the rulebook or mechanics manual will serve you well.
Don’t insert yourself or disrupt game rhythm if it’s not necessary. There are going to be stretches of games when little or nothing will occur in your coverage area. Resist the temptation to find something — anything — to call.
The better officials know when to stay out of the way and call only what needs to be called. That doesn’t mean ignore fouls that involve player safety, but being too quick to insert yourself when you don’t need to will result in too many flags or whistles for minor violations or for phantom infractions that are better handled with preventive officiating.
Staying in the background when the game doesn’t need you to make a ruling takes discipline and confidence. At some point the game will need you and when it does, be ready. In the meantime, back off.
Let the players help you make the call.
Generally, players are not awardwinning actors. And the younger the player, the worse the performances. As a result, players can often make some of your more difficult calls easy.
In baseball or softball, a toughie is the high-and-tight pitch that may have hit the bat or the hand. If the batter immediately screams, “Ouch!” and drops the bat, there’s a pretty good
DALE
GARVEY
Lacrosse official Sean Upchurch, Bothell, Wash., only inserts himself into the action when necessary. Staying out of the way in that manner is one way to improve game flow and prevent unnecessary stoppages.
chance it hit his or her hand. But if the batter doesn’t react as the ball rolls into fair territory, in all likelihood, it’s a fair ball.
If a player hustles to save a ball from going out of bounds, even if you didn’t see which player touched it last, you have an indication of the right call. The player whose shoulders and head drop likely caused it to go out of bounds.
In this age of flopping and diving, the “rule” is a little tougher, but reading players’ initial reaction to many plays will often still help you when you need it.
Don’t answer the question if you don’t have information.
Coaches will sometimes ask a question about a play called by a crewmember. If you don’t know what happened, don’t guess. If you don’t have information, tell the coach you’ll get an answer at halftime or suggest the coach talk to your partner. Whatever you do, make sure you are supportive of your partner.
A coach or player may ask you about a rule you are not sure about. If you don’t have the right answer, don’t guess. You’ll lose all credibility if you answer incorrectly. Instead, seek assistance from a partner or find out the answer after the game and get back to the coach. Then vow to study the rules, so you can answer a question that might come up in the future.
Get the game going after a mistake or ejection.
Ejections and mistakes happen. But it is the responsibility of officials to make sure they don’t become a huge deal and negatively impact a game.
When your game has a situation, such as an ejection or a rule controversy, the best thing you can do is to get the next pitch thrown or the ball put back in play. Once game action resumes, players, coaches and fans will typically worry about that action and forget about the situation that caused the problem in the first place.
While participants will be forced to move on, officials should keep the mistake or ejection in the back of their mind. Don’t dwell on what happened but keep in mind it could lead to
future issues. Managing the game by making sure your presence is felt even more after ejections for fighting, for example, is a good way to prevent future problems.
If you only think you saw something, you didn’t.
There are times you will be focused on action in your coverage area but something on the farthest edge of your peripheral vision will draw your attention. “Wait a second,” you’ll say to yourself. “That looked like a foul, but I didn’t see the whole thing. My gut says it was a foul. Better safe than sorry. I’m gonna call it.”
Calling things outside of your coverage area, what is often referred to as “fishing in someone else’s pond,” is a practice to be avoided. Especially if you’re wrong. But most assigners, coordinators and observers will tell you failing to call something that did occur is more acceptable than calling something you aren’t absolutely positive happened.
Gut feeling is a valuable officiating tool. Many times your instincts will guide you in the right direction. But your eyes trump all. See what you call and call only what you see. Period.
Give the benefit of the doubt to those who have earned respect.
There will be times — probably in every game — when you get questioned on a decision you made or a penalty you called. How you respond should be determined in part by how you are asked.
Think about the ranting and raving head coach. When things don’t go exactly how he or she wants, it’s because you or your crewmates are to blame. Now think about the coach who focuses on “coaching” his or her players.
In a tight moment, both coaches question a call. The coach who doesn’t go ballistic on every call deserves a more thorough response than the lunatic. Because it is so out of character for that calmer head coach to question a call, taking the time to acknowledge the concern or clarify a ruling is time wellspent. The ranter doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt since that coach has been on your case about everything. *
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is one of the oldest rulemaking bodies in the history of sports. IFAB, the guardian of soccer’s Laws of the Game, was formed June 2, 1886. It was originally comprised of two representatives from football associations of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
QUICKTIP
It’s a thrill to be offered a big game. But if the assignment would have you in over your head because you’re not ready for one of that magnitude, thank the assigner but politely decline If you’re an official on the radar, you’ll get more opportunities when you’re ready for them. Assigners will appreciate your honesty and it will result in goodwill from them down the road.
THEY SAID IT
“The staff is an organization, they’re interchangeable, whereas a team is a bunch of skilled people working toward the same goals, same objectives, together. … A team is hard to get on, and it’s disappointing if you get released. There’s a tremendous amount of pride for being on that team.”
— Stephen Walkom, NHL vice president and director of officiating, on why he refers to his charges as a “team” as opposed to a “staff”
Not the Crew Chief? Accept Your Role
By Jeffrey Stern
There is an old saying that a ship cannot have two captains. The same is true in officiating. There can only be one crew chief or referee. Ultimately the buck stops with that person. But that doesn’t mean other officials on the crew can kick back and let the “lead dog” do all the heavy lifting. A crew can only function effectively if everyone pitches in and pulls on the same end of the proverbial rope.
It isn’t always easy to be placed in a subordinate role. It’s especially difficult for officials who may be on the downside of their career. Not so long ago, they were the person in charge but now have to take what they perceive as a step down or backward. We all have our egos, and most if not all of us feel we are capable of being in command.
Whether your feelings are bruised or not, you owe it to the crew and to the game to give it your best effort. Beyond the obvious — concentrating on your coverage area, abiding by the approved mechanics, etc. — here are some ways you can increase your value to the crew leader.
Accept your role. You do no one (least of all yourself) any good by moping around feeling sorry for yourself over something you can’t control. Your negative attitude can easily spread to others and lead to a dismal performance on the field or court.
Don’t argue or refuse to comply if the crew chief wants things done a certain way but he or she is not exactly sure how you do them.
Be helpful. Crew chiefs have plenty on their mind. You can handle some minor tasks that normally come under the crew chief’s purview. Something as simple as filling out the crew rosters that are provided to the coaches is one less thing with which the chief needs to be concerned.
If the lead official has to wear a microphone, help him or her ensure the equipment is properly worn and the wires are untangled.
Be active in the pregame without overstepping your bounds. If the crew chief inadvertently skips an important point or is incorrect, be respectful when you offer a correction. Ask pertinent questions rather than muddying the waters by asking how the crew will handle situations that are unlikely to occur.
Communicate. You can head off problems for the crew chief by answering questions or passing on information from coaches. Some coaches are under the impression that assistant referees, linesmen, wing officials or base umpires aren’t empowered to handle some situations. Others seem to think nothing is final until the head official says it is.
Although there are some situations in which the rules demand that the referee, crew chief, etc., make a determination, those are rare and the assistant referee, base umpire, linesman, etc., should steer the coach away from the crew chief.
Officials have duties and responsibilities during breaks in the action such as timeouts or between innings. But if you notice something that might help the crew chief, take a moment to share it.
If a plate umpire’s stance is too high or too low, adversely affecting his or her view of the strike zone,
that can be communicated between innings. Note that some umpires don’t like to be disturbed in that way during a game, however. Don’t nitpick over a pitch or two; save the conversation for a game in which you notice a pattern. And regardless of sport, don’t initiate a conversation shortly after a close or controversial call. The perception is the non-calling official is correcting his or her partner.
If coaches or players are complaining about calls made by your partner, cut them off. It’s likely the complainer will respond with something on the order of, “I’m not referring to you,” or, “I’m talking to my player.” Whether it’s true or not, coaches and players don’t get a pass because they are not directly addressing the object of their displeasure.
In many sports, the officials have equal authority to make calls, eject, penalize and carry out their duties. But sometimes, someone else has to take command. In those situations, remember the old saying about too many cooks occupying the kitchen.
Be part of the solution and not part of the problem, and no one will end up in the soup.
Jeffrey Stern is Referee’s senior editor. He officiated high school and college football and high school baseball. *
Referee Bobbie Beaulac (standing, center) is in charge of the pregame meeting of his Washington state football crew. But crew members (from left) Rollis Talalemotu, Seattle; John Sunderland, Renton; Keith Smith, Lynnwood; Brett Wortzman, Seattle; or Keith Smith, Lynnwood, might be able to contribute a valuable nugget. Beaulac is from Auburn, Wash.
Turning Down the Heat on Arguments
By the Referee editors
Remember that movie line, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore”? You’ve likely felt that way a few times. Your anger may have led to a well-deserved ejection or other sanction handed to a player or coach.
Arguing rarely solves anything. It’s best to avoid it altogether. Here are some suggestions for doing that.
1.Let the other person talk. You may have made up your mind and there’s no way you’re changing anything, but by fully listening to what the coach or player has to say, you can at least empathize with their viewpoint.
2.Repeat the problem back to the coach or player. That lets the aggressor know you heard him or her and you understood the message. It also gives that person a moment to calm down.
3.Don’t debate judgments. You
should always remain objective and not try to justify judgment calls once you have made up your mind.
4.Limit discussion only to the most recent call. When the coach or player brings up a play from earlier in the game, it’s time to shut down the conversation. Make it clear the past is history.
5.Remain assertive and decisive. Avoid being wishy-washy. It should never appear you were talked into a change. The worst thing you can do is look like you’re going back and forth with your decisions.
6.If you can help it, don’t engage in any discussion when you’re very angry. It’s easy to see how a person’s tolerance level would get shorter and shorter with each successive verbal assault. Situations like that call for an alert partner to step in, giving you a moment to cool your jets.
7.When discussing problems, focus on solutions. That doesn’t mean changing a call, but it might mean acquiescing to a coach’s request to consult a crewmate. Or you might say something like, “It was a good no-call, coach, but I understand your frustration and I’ll keep an eye out for the sort of contact you’re talking about.”
Remember anger tells you something is wrong and you need to deal with it. The best way to make anger work for you is to modify what needs to be changed, but don’t become an extremist and think you need to change your entire being.
Put things in perspective, leave your personal life off the playing field and leave your officiating gear at the game. The key to self-control is change, and vice versa. Always remember: No one can make you mad unless you want to be mad. *
SOFTBALL RULES MADE CLEAR
Softball’s most complicated rules are explained in everyday language and reinforced with 100s of illustrations.
Deals with real-world rules questions and situations like:
• Dead Ball
• Suspension of Play
• Pitching
• Batting
• Baserunning
• Plus much more!
FOR THE RECORD
AWARDS, ROSTERS, NOTABLES
POSTSEASON ASSIGNMENTS
COLLEGE
•Ohio State defeated Notre Dame, 34-23, to win the 2024-25 college football playoff national championship.
Officials were (crew order is referee, umpire, head line-judge, line judge, field judge, side judge, back judge, center judge, replay official, communicator): Steve Marlowe, Brent Sowell, Chad Green, Jeremiah Harris, Phillip Davenport, Justin Larrew, Keith Parham, Jason McArthur, John Allmond, Bryan Greenwood (SEC). Officials for preliminary rounds and bowl games (conference affiliation appears in parenthesis):
Celebration Dec. 14: Jackson St. 28, South Carolina St. 7 (C-USA) — Rory Bernard, DJ Johnson, Walter Sloan, Garr Holland, Thomas Hubbard, Chris Cockrell, Byron Adams, Tyrone Fort, Johnny Price, Earl McCrary.
Salute to Veterans Dec. 14: South Alabama 30, Western Michigan 23 (MWC) — Cal McNeill, Curnelius Arnick, Greg Downum, Jack Kuntz, Trey Castleberry, Duane Moku, Brian Wirfel, Scott Johnson, James Kilburn, Rod McLain.
Frisco Dec. 17: Memphis 42, West Virginia 37 (Sun Belt) — Jeremy Parker, Jason Simpson, Jordan Sharp, Bryan Baker, Terrence McClain, Keythric Merriweather, Eric Apolenis, Anthony Hayes, Colin Backert, Jay Hagood.
LA Dec. 18: UNLV 24, Cal 13 (Sun Belt) — Ted Pitts, Stanford Jackson, Elijah Ajayi, Jonathan Eubanks, Jordan Holland, Brandon Kirkland, Jimmy Colwell, Lonnie Brickman, Marty Abezetian, Eric Pollard.
Boca Raton Dec. 18: James Madison 27, Western Kentucky 17 (MWC) — Nolan Dumas, Austin Wright, John Winter, Tony Wright, Kenny Wilson, Danny Hoeft, Greg Rattler, Marcus Thornton, Paul Verna, Nathan Chitwood.
New Orleans Dec. 19: Sam Houston 31, Georgia Southern 26 (MAC) — David Siegle, Tony Smith, Jim Swider, Sam
Mattaway, Pat Dolphin, Ken Cloud, Kurt Dingmann, Chris La Mange, Ken Myers, Ed Beavers.
CFP first round Dec. 20: Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17 (Big 12)— David Alvarez, Marlow Fitzgerald, Andy Warner, Kelly Deterding, Gabriel DeLeon, Fulton Carson, Donnie Aultman, Dan Scanlan, Gene Semko, Tony Bates.
Cure Dec. 20: Ohio 30, Jacksonville St. 27 (AAC) — Edwin Lee, Tony Barrial, Jon Stabile, Joaquin Davis, Bryan Fortier, Dustin Drawhorn, Rob Luklan, James Jones, Mark Larson, Ed Bailey.
Gasparilla Dec. 20: Florida 33, Tulane 8 (MAC) — Matt Packowski, Dan Montgomery, Marc Shield, Brett Carpenter, Jim Wojcikiewicz, Jared Flesch, Chris Curry, Darren Haas, Jason Boykin, Kendall Miller.
CFP first round Dec. 21: Penn St. 38, SMU 10 (SEC) — David Smith, Walt Hill, Christopher Hess, Michael Taylor, Antonio Smith, Victor Sanchez, Tom Fimmen, Jason McArthur, Mitchell Wilkens, Crathman Stephens.
CFP first round Dec. 21: Texas 38, Clemson 24 (Big Ten) — Ron Snodgrass, Bobby Colosimo, Ric Hinkamper, Sergio DeHoyos, Justin Nelson, Phil Hicks, Robert Smith, Jason Nickleby, Tom Kissinger, Matt Aloisio.
CFP first round Dec. 21: Ohio St. 42, Tennessee 17 (ACC) — Jerry Magallanes, Danny Worrell, Darryl Johnson, Alex Amaya, Kip Johnson, Brian McGready, Michael Griffith, Anthony Calabrese, John Busch, Mark Baynes.
Myrtle Beach Dec. 23: UTSA 44, Coastal Carolina 15 (C-USA) — Rodney Burnette, Jonathan Forte, Bob Pritchett, Stephen Henley, Stephen Hrdlicka, Maurice Pierre, Terry Woodford, Paul Mitchell, Matt Stellges, Joel Hilliard.
Famous Idaho Potato Dec. 23: Northern Illinois 28, Fresno St. 20 (Sun Belt) — Marshall Lewis, Jonathan Gibson, Stuart Slaughter, Terry Allgeier, Grant Jackson, Carl Brinkley, Jay Earnhardt, Joshua Tucker, Delbert Bell, Bryan Beckering.
Hawaii Dec. 24: South Florida 41, San Jose St. 39 OT (Sun
Belt) — Tim Barker, Vaughn Cowan, Marty Adams, Travis Muhammad, William Elliott, Major Sosebee, Michael Meenen, Dustin Whitehead, Tim Fetsch, Yvette Matchette.
GameAbove Sports Dec. 26: Toledo 48, Pittsburgh 46 OT (C-USA) — Ron Hudson, Dauntae Finger, Hugo Cruz, Jonathan May, Ryan McLemore, Jermaine Livingstone, Andy Lebo, Jeff Guadagno, Todd Rath, Larry Clemens.
Rate Dec. 26: Kansas St. 44, Rutgers 41 (ACC) — Nate Black, Michael Prowell, Dan Harrington, Colin Formulak, Conor Clougherty, Jamal Shears, Scott Prewitt, Larry Hayes, Jim Northcott, Todd Evans.
68 Ventures Dec. 26: Arkansas St. 38, Bowling Green 31 (C-USA) — Garrett Dickerson, Stephen Marshall, Matt Mount, Jim Pidcoe, Leroy Jones, Adrian Carson, TJ Riley, Dan Lewis, Jess Peterson, Bryan Liles.
Armed Forces Dec. 27: Navy 21, Oklahoma 20 (Big 12) — Mike McCabe, Stuart Schake, Bradford Edwards, Bret Bascue, Robert Asel, Rick Ockey, Joel Wetzel, Stacy Hardin, Rick Jackson, Randy Roseberry.
Birmingham Dec. 27: Vanderbilt 35, Georgia Tech 27 (Big Ten) — Mark Kluczynski, Ed Feaster, Nick Brigati, John Wiercinski, Ryan Gannon, Steve Thielen, John Dascher, Tom Rienpenhoff, Dennis Lipski, Sergio Covarrubias.
Liberty Dec. 27: Arkansas 39, Texas Tech 26 (Big Ten) — Chris Coyte, Ken Zelmanski, Kristopher Loving, Rudy Studd, Raymond Daniel, Gaylon Williams, Dennis Morris, Ron Kay, Tom Herbert, Robert Lu.
Holiday Dec. 27: Syracuse 52, Washington St. 35 (Big Ten) — Jerry McGinn, Ryan McClellan, Bruce Keeling, Jeff Meslow, Matt Dornan, Grady Smith, David Lofton, Greg Nelson, Dave Witvoet, Terry Anderson.
Las Vegas Dec. 27: USC 35, Texas A&M 31 (ACC) — Marcus Woods, Tom Laverty, Baron Ballester, Jim Casey, Tony Tarantini, Michael Cullin, Ken Bushey, Joshua Fath, Bill Stimmel, Steven Genzale.
Fenway Dec. 28: Connecticut 27, North Carolina 14 (MWC)
— Patrick Foy, Rico Orsot, Joe Stahmer, John Kilmer, Matt Binford, Josh Aragon, Courtney Brown, Jeff Reid, Deven Nash, Eric Dumatrait. Pinstripe Dec. 28: Nebraska 20, Boston College 15 (SEC)
— Daniel Gautreaux, Russ Pulley, Nicholas Theriot, Chris Conway, Raymond Tate, Eduardo Balbis, Paul Schardein, Eddie Allbritton, Kevin Holmes, Jeff Chandler.
New Mexico Dec. 28: TCU 34, Louisiana 3 (AAC)
— Charles Lamertina, Bill Lamkin, Braden Cox, James Bryant, Ben Vasconcells, Jon Zenquis, Chris Scott, Josh Rusack, Jim Downey, Tim Schoen.
Pop-Tarts Dec. 28: Iowa State 42, Miami 41 (SEC) — Jeff Heaser, Paul Myers, Carl Gioia, Chad Lorance, Albert Bryant, Glen Fucik, Brett Toney, Marc Curles, Jordan Craddock, Dan Moore.
Arizona Dec. 28: Miami (Ohio) 43, Colorado St. 17 (AAC) — Steven Anderson, Hilbert Byers, Jordan Whittington, Curt Wilson, Jim Reif, Michael Sparling, Ryan Pike, John Dostal, Jim Schaefer, Matt Halladay.
Military Dec. 28: East Carolina 26, N.C. State 21 (MWC) — Jonathan Noli, Rod Tucker, David Gudgell, Steve Hoslett, Terrell Turner, Gary Reed, Corey Luxner, Charlie Hurd, Clair Gausman, Mike Contreraz.
Alamo Dec. 28: BYU 36, Colorado 14 (SEC) — Kyle Olson, Rodney Lawary, Jake Weatherford, Chris Snuggs, John Wisnewski, Bryan Murphy, Peter Buchanan, Chris Garner, David Almand, Pat Tate.
Independence Dec. 28: Army 27, Louisiana Tech 6 (MAC) — Jeremy Valentine, Will Steinke, Jeff Johnson, Mike Williams, Stacy Jameson, Jen Berke, Bill Foltz, Kyle Harbour, Jay Lyons, Scott Bova.
Music City Dec. 30: Missouri 27, Iowa 24 (ACC) — Mike Roche, Michael Wooten, Josiah Ford, Kirk Lewis, Michael Hall, Jerry Walter,
Do you have any rosters, assignments or awards that warrant mention?
Send info to us at ForTheRecord@referee.com
Jacques Hooper, Jeffrey Tomlin, Kris Raper, Ryan McCleery.
Fiesta (CFP quarterfinal) Dec. 31: Penn St. 31, Boise St. 14 (SEC) — Marlowe, Sowell, Green, Harris, Davenport, Larrew, Parham, Ron Turner, Allmond, Greenwood.
ReliaQuest Dec. 31: Michigan 19, Alabama 13 (Big 12) — Tuta Salaam, Mark Warner, Cat Conti, David Young, Scott Gaines, Brendon Barnes, Lyndon Nixon, Ian Malepeai, Tom Considine, Tom McCreesh.
Sun Dec. 31: Louisville 35, Washington 34 (Big 12) — Hank Johns, Rick Podraza, Steve Matarante, Mark Estermyer, Randy Smith, Mark Graves, Brian Ernest, Abram Anaya, Richard Brown, Alex Vaughn.
Citrus Dec. 31: Illinois 21, South Carolina 17 (Big 12) — Kevin Mar, Michael Henderson, Eric Carmouche, Darren Deckard, Matt Mills, James Murphy, Robert Lewis, Chris Tallent, Mark Marsden, Buddy Gingras.
Texas Dec. 31: LSU 44, Baylor 31 (ACC) — Justin Elliott, William Thomas, Troy Gray, Juan Cardenas, Jake Dishaw, Wayne Rundell, Pat Ryan, Teiresias Jones, Steve Joest, Carlos Guzman.
Peach (CFP quarterfinal) Jan. 1: Texas 39, Arizona St. 31 (Big Ten) — Larry Smith, Jim Shaw, Rod Ammari, Vince Winters, Nicole Randolph, John Hayes,
ROSTERS
2025 MLB Spring
Training Invitee Umpires
MLB selected the following umpires to work Cactus League and Grapefruit League games during 2025 spring training.
David Arrieta
John Bacon
Brock Ballou
Darius Ghani
Macon Hammond
Tom Hanahan
Steven Jaschinski
Justin Staehr, Mike Stumberg, Brian Brown, Melissa Barlow.
Rose (CFP quarterfinal) Jan.
1: Ohio St. 41, Oregon 21 (ACC)
— Adam Savoie, Johnnie Forte, John Hoffman, Jim Slayton, Hugh Brown, Milton Britton, Frederick Dimpfel, Ryan Wingers, Bill Scott, Frank Overcash.
Sugar (CFP quarterfinal)
Jan. 2: Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10 (Big 12) — Michael Vandervelde, Sheldon Davis, John Braun, Keith Garmond, Joseph Martinez, JB Garza, Daniel Young, Marvel July, Brad Van Vark, Jeff Yock.
Gator Jan. 2: Ole Miss 52, Duke 20 (Big Ten) — Jeff Servinski, Brad Hudak, Ryan MacDonald, Jim Wharrie, Joel Clay, Monte Tilgner, Kevin Schwarzel, Brent Durbin, Rick Nelson, Jim Brennan.
First Responder Jan. 3: Texas St. 30, North Texas 28 (MAC) — Greg Sujack, John Hanneke, Mike Lowenberg, David Middleton, Brad Brunet, John Masterson, Damon Wilcox, Rick Warne, Harold Beattie, Gerry Bram.
Duke’s Mayo Jan. 3: Minnesota 24, Virginia Tech 10 (SEC) — Jason Autrey, John Short, Ralph Green, Marc Bovos, Ryan Flynn, Jay Brown, Wayne Gautney, Brian Davis, Ken Switzer, Jamie Williams.
Bahamas Jan. 4: Buffalo 26, Liberty 7 (AAC) — Darryl DeBerry, Anthony Gibson, Jeff Pruitt, Jay Swanigan, Glenn
Crowther, Glen Wilson, Jeff Muha, Joe Clarkson, Steve Hazle, Rod Whittier.
Orange (CFP semifinal) Jan. 9: Notre Dame 27, Penn St. 24 (Big 12) — Vandervelde, Davis, Braun, Garmond, Martinez, Garza, Young, July, Van Vark, Yock.
•U.S. Soccer referees Kathryn Nesbitt and Guido Gonzales were voted the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female and Male Referees of the Year in January. The awards were launched in 2024 as part of U.S. Soccer’s continued mission to foster the best playing environments and grow the number of referees nationally.
•U.S. Soccer also honored Don Wilbur, the recipient of the inaugural Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award, at its annual awards dinner in March. The award, named after the late former FIFA Centennial Order of Merit winner who championed refereeing at all levels, recognizes the profound impact of such commitment to refereeing. Wilbur, whose officiating and administrative career has spanned over 50 years, refereed at the NCAA and NAIA levels,
ALL-STAR GAME
NBA All-Star Weekend
The following officials were selected to work events during NBA All-Star festivities.
74th NBA All-Star Game: Kevin Scott, Tre Maddox, Eric Dalen
including working the Atlantic Coast, Southeastern, Big South and Southern conferences. Off the field, Wilbur has worked to provide resources to referees in underserved areas, personally collecting and delivering referee uniforms to developing regions in Central America and Africa.
OBITUARIES
• James “Cookie” Cook, 65, of Melbourne, Fla., died Oct. 15, 2024, in an auto accident. Cook officiated football as a member of the Mid-Coast Officials Association in Brevard County, working numerous district championships, state playoff contests and Pop Warner national championships in Florida.
• Tom Perrault, 79, of St. Paul, Minn., died Jan. 15 after a battle with cancer. A longtime football and basketball official, Perrault refereed at the NCAA Division I, II and III levels, working conferences including the Big Ten, North Central, Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic (MIAC) and Northern Sun Intercollegiate. Perrault had served as the MIAC’s coordinator of football officials since 2005 and held the same position in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference; he was the MIAC’s longest-serving coordinator of officials. He worked a pair of D-II basketball championship games and three D-I bowl games.
James Jean
Edwin Jimenez
Austin Jones
Tyler Jones
Dexter Kelley
Louie Krupa
Jacob Metz
Jonathan Parra
Jen Pawol
Charlie Ramos
Jeremy Riggs
Derek Thomas
Willie Traynor
Brian Walsh
Rising Stars and All-Star Saturday Night: Jason Goldenberg, Mousa Dagher, Danielle Scott
NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and NBA G League Up Next Game: Jenna Reneau, Biniam Maru, Cat Chang
Punch Lines Drawn
By Alan Goldberger
Recently in this space, readers were urged to “get the call right” by moving quickly and reacting decisively in potential fight situations. Officials who would eschew this caution and are content to react by “standing back” and “taking numbers” rely on misinformation that has been passed on from generation to generation of otherwise competent officials. Still, long disproven mechanics persist in some quarters.
Today’s proficient official will have none of it — knowing well that risk management principles and avoiding liability dictate that officials do not permit players to fight.
So, what to do about managing the fight? Should your game degenerate to the point where punches are delivered, you may have a game-control problem that could result in legal complications.
If the players, inclined to fight, see the stripes and have a chance to reconsider, you may save your game, an injury and a lawsuit.
To avoid such situations, most proficient officials practice “officiating awareness” — a mental state marked by the ability to concentrate fully and act quickly and decisively under pressure, powered by two traits that all outstanding officials possess: concentration and quickness. How do they do it? By recognizing the aspects of play and behavior that often precedes fighting. Let’s take a look.
Trouble Spots
The following events are generally applicable to most team sports. Each event or time period represents areas of the game where opponents have an opportunity to cross paths at close quarters. Interactions under these circumstances can get ugly fast. Let’s check out some trouble spots: Loose ball pileups; injury dead balls; out-ofbounds plays; after a score; timeouts; between periods; “Here’s the ball,
dude” handoffs; the gloating flex; moving under an airborne opponent; and after any rough play infraction. Without a doubt, officials who recognize these trouble spots are prepared to manage the risk far better than the uninitiated officials among us.
Report the Fight
What if, despite your best efforts, blows are struck? Where I come from, disqualifications or ejections — depending on the sport — are in order. And then, the challenges of officiating will continue for a bit, including into the locker room. The crew chief, calling official or other designated official should confer with all crew members before preparing a narrative of an altercation. Include details such as quotations of exact words spoken, if directly overheard by a crew member. Unless your association or conference instructs officials differently, do not include recommendations or characterizations of the severity of the incident (i.e., “the worst display of poor sportsmanship I have ever seen”). Leave emotion or personal feelings out. Do not refer to prior instances or games involving either team or its personnel. If any remarks or actions led to the disqualification of team personnel other than the combatants, describe their actions in violation of the rules, including the exact words in violation of the rules. In no case should your report substitute the word “profanity” for the exact words you heard, no matter how objectionable or profane.
Not on Your Watch
If the players, inclined to fight, see the stripes and have a chance to reconsider, you may save your game, an injury and a lawsuit. That’s why, in the range of alternatives that we have for dealing with a potential fight, we need to select the one that gets us in between the opponents — and talk them down in the process. That way you have a fighting chance to save your game and prevent unnecessary injury.
Alan Goldberger is an official and attorney from Fairfield, N.J. This column is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. *
Watch Your Misstep
Be wary of how you approach a proverbial boiling pot. Don’t place yourself in a position where you are framing one participant by holding him upright to give the opponent a bigger target. Nor do you want to employ a “horse collar” or other aggressive technique. Rather, stay sensitive to trouble brewing so that you can move quickly and decisively between opponents. Use your whistle (if you have one in your sport) and your voice, as necessary. Defuse the situation while firmly placing distance between the opponents. And remember this: In most every fight in a game, at least one of the participants does not want to be there. If they can save face by your quick action, you can save the game — and a lawsuit or two!
Use-Case: Basketball
Officials need to be alert for moments when tensions may escalate into a fight. Here are some examples for basketball officials that might also apply to other sports. After a foul. The non-calling official(s) needs to continue to keep all players in sight while his or her partner reports the foul to the table. Effective action here does not include shuffling past the players, head down, or being obsessed with retrieving the ball instead of keeping the opponents under observation. After a scoring play. After a basket, one team won a battle in the war. The scoring area can be a fertile breeding ground for violence. Be aware.
Sideline hijinks. When opponents end up out of bounds, now is the time for you to remember that your game is sometimes played outside the lines. Stay with the players wherever their travels may take them. Injuries. When a player goes down, a teammate might think an opponent has a hand in causing the injury. Good officials practice injury mechanics by, among other things, discreetly making sure the teams are separated, with plenty of daylight to help distinguish should one of the flock wander into enemy territory. Intermission and pregame warmups. Watch out for nasty games before the contest or at halftime like: “Leave my practice balls alone,” and, “Circle the wagons.”
SOURCE: SPORTS LAW EXPERT ALAN GOLDBERGER
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LEADERSHIP RESOURCES
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management articles. Member associations also receive 12 issues of Referee magazine, monthly Advisor newsletters, e-newsletters, massive discounts on training materials and optional insurance coverage exclusive to membership. For additional membership information, contact Ken Koester at 262-632-5448 or visit the Association Advantage website at nasoadvantage.com.
EQUIPMENT/APPAREL
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QUIZ ANSWERS
BASKETBALL
1 — NFHS – b (3-3-6); NCAAM/W – a (1-22.10)
2 — All – c (NFHS 4-42-5, 5-9-4, 6-4-5, 6-4-6, 9-4; NCAAM/W 5-10.2.a, 6-3.2, 9-6)
3 — All – a (NFHS 9-13, 9.13.1A; NCAAM/W 9-13)
SOFTBALL
1 — All – c (NFHS 8-11d Eff.; NCAA 9.5.1.1 Eff.; USA Softball 8-1D-1; USSSA 8-4E)
2 — All – d (NFHS 8-43d Pen.; NCAA 12.12.5.3 Note and Eff.; USA Softball 8-5F-4; USSSA 8-14A-5)
3 — All – a (NFHS no rules provision; NCAA no rules provision; USA Softball 3-6F; USSSA 2-5)
4 — All – a (NFHS 8-6-7; NCAA 6.2.3.1, 12.12.2.1, AR 12-28; USA Softball 8-7G; USSSA 8-18T)
MISSION
BASEBALL
1 — NFHS – c (3-4-1b); NCAA, pro – b (NCAA 7-2b; pro 5.11b)
2 — NFHS, NCAA – b (NFHS 1-6-2; NCAA 5-16); pro – a (Umpire Manual)
3 — NFHS – a (5-1k); NCAA, pro – c (NCAA 9-3 Pen.; pro 6.02a Pen.)
4 — NFHS – b (6.1.3M); NCAA, pro – a (NCAA 9-1b; pro 5.07a2)
FOOTBALL
1 — NFHS – b (6-2-4, 6-55, 6-5-6, 6.5.6E); NCAA – a (6-3-6a, 6-5-1, AR 6-4-1 VII)
2 — NFHS – b (5-1-3e, 6-2-7); NCAA – e (6-3-7, 8-4-2b, AR 8-4-2 I)
3 — Both – b, c (NFHS 9-4-1 Pen., 9-5-1 Pen.; NCAA 9-2-6a, 9-5-1 Pen.)
4 — NFHS – b (3-1-6a); NCAA – c (3-2-1b)
* Ump-Attire.com — The #1 website for officials’ sporting goods. Now serving free returns to go along with more brands, product reviews, same-day shipping and world-class service.
TRAINING RESOURCES
* 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.
FLASHBACK MAY
40 YEARS AGO … 1985
•Umpire Satch Davidson retires. An umpire in the NL since 1969, Davidson worked the World Series in 1975 and 1982, as well as three NL Championship Series (1971, 1974 and 1978) and the 1976 All-Star Game. He was also an NCAA basketball referee for 21 years.
SOCCER
1 — All – b (NFHS 11-11b; NCAA 11.1.3; IFAB 11.1)
2 — All – c (NFHS 13-3-1; NCAA 13.2.3; IFAB 13.3)
3 — NFHS, IFAB – a (NFHS 12-7-3; IFAB 12.3); NCAA – b (12.4.10)
4 — All – a (NFHS 12-5-1c; NCAA 12.4.3; IFAB 12.3)
VOLLEYBALL
1 — All – c (NFHS 9-56a; NCAA 12.1.2.1; USAV 19.3.1.2)
2 — All – b (NFHS 9-5-1c3; NCAA 14.6.1.3; USAV 14.1.4)
3 — All – c (NFHS 10-41c; NCAA 12.2.1.2.2; USAV 19.3.2.1)
4 — All – b (NFHS 9-5-1c; NCAA 14.6.1; USAV 14.1.1)
Referee is a magazine written from an officiating perspective, blending editorial credibility and business viability. It educates, challenges and inspires officials at the youth, recreational, high school, collegiate and professional levels in all sports, with an emphasis on baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball. Referee is the journal of record for officiating and takes informed positions on selected issues. The magazine provides a forum for its readers, facilitates the flow of information, raises public consciousness about officials’ roles and serves as a catalyst for improved officiating worldwide.
30 YEARS AGO … 1995
•Longtime basketball official Earl Strom is elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Strom, who died of a brain tumor less than a year before his induction, refereed over 3,000 pro basketball games, working 28 seasons in the NBA (1958-69, 1973-90) and three in the ABA (1969-72).
20 YEARS AGO … 2005
• James Allen Jr receives the Eddie Pearson Award, the USSF referee program’s highest honor. Allen refereed soccer from 1972-91 and then served in several administrator and instructor roles, including as a USSF national director of assessment, NISOA regional and national assessor and USSF national referee instructor.
10 YEARS AGO … 2015
•MLB umpire Tim McClelland retires due to a back injury, while Tripp Gibson, Will Little and Mark Ripperger are promoted to MLB’s full-time umpiring staff. McClelland, who started as an AL umpire in 1983, worked five Division Series, nine Championship Series, four World Series (1993, 2000, 2002 and 2006) and three All-Star Games (1986, 1998 and 2003).
Locked Out, Locked In
You make a lot of friends during a career. If you work for a long time, those friendships multiply, usually exponentially. Often, you grow close to someone you only see once or twice a year, or less. But when you meet good people, the bonds grow strong.
Baseball umpires in Pennsylvania and beyond lost a good friend last September. Dave Lesko battled a blood disorder with dignity to the end, much as he bonded with players, coaches and partners for decades.
Dave and I were friends through American Legion baseball, working national tournaments together four times over a 20-year period. But while our contacts were few, my fondness and respect for Dave grew at every meeting.
Smiles turned to blank faces as the four men realized no one had the key to the dressing room door.
Trying to sum up someone’s life is quite a challenge. It’s easier if you can recall a pivotal moment that illustrates that person’s impact on those around him.
Dave’s baseball umpiring credentials were impeccable. Always a leader by example, a consummate professional, physically fit, excellent rules knowledge, mechanically sound, calm under pressure and willing to do anything to help his partners. One
day at the 1994 American Legion World Series, Dave demonstrated his “anything to help” willingness. It was Boyertown, Pa., and a sunny, 90-plus degrees, 85-plus percent humidity, late-August afternoon. In short — hot. Dave was off during the first game and scheduled to work the plate at 1 p.m. — just as the heat index would cross into triple digits. The first game ended and Dave met the crew at the door to the umpire room in a high school about 500 yards from the ballpark.
The four-person crew arrived, congratulating each other on a wellworked game. You can imagine the guys standing in a hallway amid lots of smiles, handshakes and a few goodnatured barbs of camaraderie. Then Dave asked the crew to unlock the door so he could get dressed for the next game, scheduled in about 45 minutes.
Smiles turned to blank faces as the four men realized no one had the key to the dressing room door. Every uniform and every bit of equipment for the entire umpire crew — other than what the first crew was wearing — was locked inside. Now there were 40 minutes until game time.
Two more umpires arrived. One was sent to search for a school custodian — a longshot on a weekend. Another went to the stadium, hoping someone there might have a spare key. If not, he would try to find a locksmith — on a Saturday, in a strange town, long before cell phones. Only 35 minutes until game time.
The easy decision came quickly. The three base umpires would work another game, simply trading positions. Then there was the hard decision. The first game was almost three hours in the August heat. Plate umpire Ken Schull was sweat-soaked, dehydrated and exhausted. But he was about the same size as Dave. Ken’s gear, even his uniform — his soggy, sweaty uniform — just might fit Dave.
With no custodian on campus, no spare key at the stadium, a locksmith at least two hours away, two teams and a huge crowd waiting and the clock
ticking, crew chief Wayne Morris made the call. “David, we have no choice.”
“Please, tell me someone is joking,” was Dave’s only reply. Only 25 minutes until game time.
Standing in the hallway, Dave stripped down to his birthday suit. So did Ken, actually wringing perspiration out of his T-shirt. I don’t know if you’ve ever had to dress in sweaty clothes, but my guess is if you have, they were your own. That disgusting, clammy feeling of “wet” everywhere is even more special when the clothes have just been worn by someone else. Shirt, pants, socks, shoes, even underwear — right down to the allimportant cup and athletic supporter — yeah, Dave pulled each item on and adjusted the fit as best he could.
“Anything for the crew.”
Wayne asked, “What do you think?” With just a mild grimace and the hint of a smile, Dave replied: “The shoes are a little tight.” Only 12 minutes until game time.
The crew got to the field on time. And with all the distractions — tight shoes, strange mask, odd equipment, another man’s sweat pressed tightly against literally every important inch of his body — Dave offered the traditional, “Play!”
I worked that game at second base. The perfect spot to watch a plate umpire. I swear, Dave never missed a pitch! The game went 14 innings as New Jersey beat Massachusetts, 5-4. “Anything for the crew.” That was Dave’s attitude. That afternoon, he walked the walk.
The umpires got back to find the locksmith just finishing his work. There, in the now open dressing room, hanging on a hook in Ken’s locker, was the missing key. Needless to say, Ken bought a lot of beverages. Dave got to take the first shower.
Dave, my friend, we miss you. Scott Ehret, Goodyear, Ariz., is a 60-year umpire still working small-college and high school baseball, and high school football. He is a former Referee editor. *
Do you have a personal officiating story to tell?
Send your story or queries to lastcall@referee.com
IT’S OFFICIAL
May 2025
NASO Selects Gold Whistle, Mel Narol Medallion and Inspire Award Honorees
NASO announced in March those selected to receive its 2025 awards. Dr. Debbie Primeaux Williamson was chosen to receive the Gold Whistle Award, officiating’s highest honor awarded to someone who has made a significant impact on officiating. The Southeastern Conference Football Officials Association (SECFOA) will receive the Mel Narol Medallion, which recognizes an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the betterment of NASO. Patrick Kepp was selected for the Inspire Award, given to those who bring about inspiration, pride and a confirmation of the values cherished by the officiating community.
All three awards will be presented at the Celebrate Officiating Gala sponsored by Fox 40 International on July 29 as part of the NASO Sports Officiating Summit in Montgomery, Ala. Williamson, Pearland, Texas, is the coordinator of women’s basketball officials for the Atlantic Coast, American Athletic, Atlantic 10, Big East and Big South conferences, along with the Coastal Athletic Association, the Ivy League and the Metro
Atlantic Athletic Conference. She served as NCAA women’s basketball secretary-rules editor from 200614, NCAA national coordinator of women’s basketball officiating from 2011-14, as an NASO board member from 2015-19 and board chair in 2019. (See more on Williamson on the next page.)
SECFOA represents, educates, trains and celebrates football officiating for the Southeastern Conference.
The group of more than 100 individual officials joined NASO group membership the first season it was offered to college football groups prior to the 2011 season and 2025 will be the 15th consecutive year for full NASO membership for the conference association. Kepp, Bethesda, Md., is a college football official and Montgomery County (Md.) police sergeant. He was struck by a vehicle Oct. 18, 2023, while on duty and attempting to deploy stop sticks during
a chase of a teenage drunk driver going 110 mph on I-270 near Washington D.C. After 10 surgeries and amputation of both legs, Kepp returned to his law enforcement work and college football replay duties last year.
Debbie Primeaux Williamson to Receive Gold Whistle Award
Very few individuals have fought the good fight for officiating better than Debbie Primeaux Williamson. The coordinator of women’s basketball officials for the Atlantic Coast, American Athletic, Atlantic 10, Big East and Big South conferences, along with the Coastal Athletic Association, the Ivy League and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference is set to receive the 2025 Gold Whistle Award, the highest honor in officiating.
The award will be presented by NASO July
Editor: Julie Sternberg
Sports Editor: Brent Killackey
Graphic Designer: Dustin Brown
Contributors: Don Collins, George Demetriou, Alan Goldberger, Joe Jarosz, Patrick Rosenow, Tim Sloan, Brad Star, Jeffrey Stern, Brad Tittrington, Scott Tittrington, Bill Topp
NASO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lisa Jones, Salt Lake City, Chair
Ron Torbert, Hanover, Md., Vice Chair
Bill Topp, Racine, Wis., President
Dana Pappas, Lebanon, Ind., Secretary
Mark Uyl, DeWitt, Mich., Treasurer
Dean Blandino, Santa Monica, Calif.
Paul LaRosa, Hendersonville, N.C.
Jason Nickleby, Lake Elmo, Minn.
Sandra Serafini, Yachats, Ore.
Rob Wigod, Los Alamitos, Calif.
Gary Zielinski, South Jordan, Utah
*Ron Foxcroft, Hamilton, Ontario, Special Adviser
*Barry Mano, Racine, Wis., Special Adviser
*Non-voting members
NASO MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of NASO is to:
• Serve members by providing benefits and services.
• Improve officiating performance through educational programs.
• Advocate opportunities for officials and engage in programs to recruit and retain officials.
• Create alliances with organizations that benefit from healthy officiating programs.
29 at the conclusion of the Sports Officiating Summit in Montgomery, Ala., during the annual Celebrate Officiating Gala sponsored by Fox 40.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and so humbled by this news because of the great respect I have for NASO and the good work done by many in and through this organization,” Williamson said. “The definition of grace is unmerited favor and much grace has been extended to me over many years by my Lord and yet again with this amazing honor. Thank you, NASO, for the impact you continue to have on my life and that of thousands like ‘us’ who just want to serve well.”
Williamson played basketball and softball at Louisiana Tech and was part of four Lady Techsters teams to reach the Women’s Basketball Final Four, including the team that won the first national championship in 1982. She coached basketball and softball at numerous high schools and colleges before focusing on academia and officiating. Williamson officiated women’s basketball in the Big South, Colonial Athletic, Peach Belt, South Athletic, Carolinas-Virginia Athletic, USA South and Old Dominion Athletic conferences and worked three D-II regionals before leaving her mark in officiating administration. Williamson served as NCAA
women’s basketball secretaryrules editor from 2006-14 and NCAA national coordinator of women’s basketball officiating from 2011-14. She served as NASO board member from 201519, including as chair in 2019.
Williamson has long been an advocate for officials and for the officiating community. She has led recruitment efforts, including the creation of the inaugural Player-to-Ref camps designed to help former college basketball players transition into officiating.
The Gold Whistle Award is presented to an individual or group that has made significant contributions to the betterment of officiating, demonstrated a high degree of integrity and ethics — qualities held in high
regard by the industry — had a record of presenting officiating in a positive light, exhibited a “service above self” attitude, provided public service to officiating and had a motivating effect on others and/or strong community involvement.
“Debbie Primeaux Williamson exemplifies every bit of what the Gold Whistle Award stands for,” said Bill Topp, NASO president. “She is a fighter for all officials and deeply feels the highs, lows and everything in between that we all go through. Behind the scenes or out front, you can always count on Debbie to do what is right for officials. She has earned this through passion and perseverance. NASO is proud to honor her.”
In chronological order, here are the previous Gold Whistle Award recipients:
1988: Art McNally
1989: Ed Myer
1990: Pete Pavia
1991: Larry Barnett
1992: Jim Tunney
1993: Steve Palermo
1994: Ron Asselstine
1995: Ed Hightower
1996: Bernie Saggau
1997: Ted Butcher
1998: Durwood Merrill
1999: Tommy Nunez
2000: Tom Dooley
2001: Paul Stewart
2002: Larry Young
2003: Bob Delaney
2004: Bob McElwee
2005: John W. Keys
Gold Whistle Award Recipients
2006: Blow the Whistle on Cancer Campaign
2007: Jerry Markbreit
2008: Marcy Weston
2009: Mills Lane
2010: Emily Alexander
2011: Esse Baharmast
2012: Terry Gregson
2013: Bill LeMonnier
2014: Joe Crawford
2015: Marcia Alterman
2016: Ron Foxcroft
2017: Ralph Swearngin
2018: Bill Carollo
2019: Tom Lopes
2020-21: UMPS CARE
2022: Joan Powell
2023: Violet Palmer
2024: Ted Barrett
Montgomery Summit Program Highlights Bold Leadership
For the first time ever the Sports Officiating Summit is headed to the state of Alabama. The event, which was originally scheduled for July 2020 and postponed due to the pandemic, will be held July 27-29 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.
a vivid picture of how to lead with courage in the officiating industry. Administrators and working officials will craft the strategies together in order to better develop, direct and defend officials.
This year’s theme, “Dare to Lead: Develop, Direct & Defend Officials” takes a unique approach to leadership in officiating. The industry depends on leaders at all levels and the program will equip attendees with the tools to lead successfully. Speakers will include national, state and local association leaders, active officials and many notable invited guests from throughout the officiating industry.
Some of the highlight sessions of the Summit program include:
Dare To Be Great — This year’s Summit program kicks off with discussion about how to effectively lead the officiating industry by developing, directing and defending sports officials at all levels and in all sports. Demands on officiating have never been greater and this session focuses on how we get equipped to rise to the occasion.
Developing a Staff — This panel session will offer insights from some of the officiating world’s foremost assigners and coordinators. They will discuss in detail how they identify, hire, support, direct and celebrate a staff of officials.
Workshops: Develop, Direct, Defend — Narrowly focused workshop topics will offer attendees the chance to create
Break Down That Play — The curtain will be pulled back and officials will give first-person accounts of high-profile plays. They will take attendees behind the scenes and put them in that moment they experienced. Attendees will gather playcalling insights, personal reflections and lessons learned from some of the best in the industry.
It’s Not the Critic Who Counts — Supervisors and coordinators are often stuck between supporting officials and answering to their bosses and the outside world. This powerful panel discussion will detail how a strong foundation is important in accomplishing the goal of moving the entire operation forward in a productive fashion.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T — Differencemakers Randy Novak and DeLano Morgan challenge attendees to reflect on how well they respect various stakeholders from a personal, crew, staff and association perspective. It may seem easy in times of comfort and convenience, but the real measure of a person is determined in times of challenge and controversy.
Referee Voices — The concept is simple: speakers under the lights, each telling a story, giving an insight, sharing a moment. Dramatic and heartrending. Not to be missed and only presented at the
Summit. Referee Voices is always unforgettable.
“We are looking forward to discussing the important topics of developing, directing and defending sports officials during this year’s Summit program,” said NASO President Bill Topp. “Our industry has so many natural leaders, and this Summit gives us a great opportunity to capitalize on the skills of those people. It also challenges us to think critically about the courage it takes to properly lead and defend officials when they need us most. Our moderators, panelists, speakers and workshop leaders will offer intriguing insights and promote healthy discussions on topics within leadership.”
The annual Celebrate Officiating Gala sponsored by Fox 40 will conclude the 2025 Summit and is the premier celebration of the sports officiating community. NASO will present the Gold Whistle Award, the Mel Narol Medallion and the Inspire Award during the ceremony. For more information and to register, visit sportsofficiatingsummit.com.
New NASO Partnership to Benefit Division III Officiating
NASO and the Division III Commissioners Association (DIIICA) announced a new partnership in February that will focus on addressing critical challenges such as recruitment shortages, behavioral issues, and the need for ongoing education and development of officials.
experience for everyone involved in Division III athletics.”
Over the next six months, the DIIICA Officiating Committee, working with NASO, will launch a series of initiatives designed to enhance the recruitment, training and support of officials in Division III athletics. A key component will be a DIIICA version of NASO’s “Say Yes to Officiating” campaign, featuring 30- and 60-second promotional videos customized for each conference. The videos will be showcased on livestreams, scoreboards and social media.
Additionally, establishing and utilizing programs that will connect aspiring officials with mentors, leveraging connections to guide recruits through the process of becoming registered officials. Social media content will also be developed to teach fans about the rules, fostering a more respectful environment.
“We are excited to begin our partnership with NASO and with these new initiatives, we’re not only addressing the immediate challenges of recruitment and retention but also building a strong foundation for the future of officiating,” said Jenn Dubow, DIIICA president and Souther California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference commissioner.
“By investing in education, mentorship, and community engagement, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting officials and elevating the overall
In the next nine months, the DIIICA will strengthen partnerships with organizations like NIRSA and NFHS to explore opportunities within officiating. Efforts will include recruiting and retention and recognition of veteran officials. Collaboration with NASO, NCAA, and RefQuest will focus on developing training and educational resources to ensure officials are well-prepared.
“We are thrilled to work with the DIIICA, the DIII conferences and the DIII officials,” said NASO President Bill Topp. “The DIII level means much to us, as many here on staff officiate at that level in various sports. We believe in the mission that DIII represents. Officials and officiating leaders need support, and we will help provide it. We know from first-hand experience that the DIII level is impactful for all participants, including officials. We are excited to get started and we thank the DIIICA and the NCAA for the opportunity.”
Looking ahead even more, the DIIICA plans to collaborate with NASO to launch DIIIexclusive digital newsletters that celebrate officiating milestones, share education, and highlight the role officials play. Coordinators of officials meetings will be organized to share best practices, while the Officiating Tree program will establish development pathways.
Through these initiatives, the DIIICA reaffirms its commitment to recruiting and developing officials, improving the officiating experience, and fostering respect for those who uphold the integrity of the game.
TO Montgomery will be the center of the officiating universe as nearly 500 of the brightest officiating administrators, supervisors, leaders and officials come together to share ideas, network and explore solutions to the critical issues facing the industry. 07/27-07/29
7 Things to Do While in Montgomery for the NASO Summit
The Renaissance
Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center will play host to the 2025 Sports Officiating Summit, presented by NASO. The event, which will be held July 27-29, will offer attendees three days filled with educational and inspirational sessions from renowned names in the officiating industry. It is the first time the Summit will be held in Alabama, and the hotel is located in the heart of downtown Montgomery, a short walk from the Alabama River and Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium, home of Minor League Baseball’s Montgomery Biscuits. The Biscuits unfortunately aren’t in town during the Summit, but there are plenty of other nearby attractions to give you a taste of Alabama’s capital city.
Here are seven things to do while in the area:
1. Experience Dining/Nightlife
Downtown Montgomery is bustling with dining options.
The Renaissance offers two restaurants, the House Restaurant and Wintzell’s Oyster House, while Ravello Ristorante and Dreamland BBQ
are within walking distance. If you’re want a drink after a long day, the Exchange is onsite, and Aviator Bar and Waterworks Rooftop Bar are nearby.
across the street from the hotel. Also nearby are the Rosa Parks Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and Old Alabama Town.
2. Enjoy Live Music
Montgomery prides itself on its live music scene. There is live music every night at the Renaissance’s Exchange bar, while there is also nightly live music just across the street at Jerry’s Juke Joint.
3. Go Whitewater Rafting
Montgomery Whitewater is a short drive from the Renaissance and offers several whitewater rafting courses, as well as ropes and ziplines, walking and biking trails, and many more outdoor activities.
4. Tour a Museum
The Renaissance is surrounded by museums spanning various topics. If you’re a country music fan, check out the Hank Williams Museum just
5. Explore the Riverwalk Riverboat tours and dinner cruises are offered at Riverfront Park along the scenic Alabama River.
6. Hit the Links
Gateway Golf Course and Lagoon Park Golf Course are public courses within driving distance of the Renaissance.
7. Visit the Montgomery Zoo
A short drive from the Renaissance, the expansive zoo with many animal species from around the world will be fun for the entire family.
For details about the NASO Summit, visit sportsofficiatingsummit.com or call NASO at 800-733-6100.
Can Member Trouble Bring Down a Group?
By Patrick Rosenow
If a serious player injury occurs doing a game one of your members is working, and the parents of the player sue the member and assigner from your association, could that legal action bring down your association? How can you protect the group?
Whether or not your association can be liable for the negligence of one of your officials depends in part on the relationship between the association and its members. Under the legal rule of vicarious liability, an employer can be liable for the misdeeds of his or her servant, even if the employer didn’t do anything wrong. The idea behind that principle is since the employer exercises significant control over how the employee does the job, it’s not unfair to hold the employer automatically responsible if something goes wrong. If Mom and Dad can show the member was at fault, the association is equally on the hook for the damages no matter how careful and reasonable it was.
That’s one of many reasons it’s important to make sure officials are independent contractors and not employees, particularly at the high school and rec level. There may be a few of groups out there that, for some reason, think abandoning contractor status, becoming employees and then unionizing will somehow work to their benefit. The wisdom of that reasoning is a topic for another day, but the good news is that officials around the country remain independent contractors.
However, even though your members are almost certainly independent contractors and your association is not automatically liable under the theory of vicarious liability, that doesn’t mean it is totally out of the legal woods. The group could still be held liable if Mom and Dad can prove the association itself was at fault. It comes down to showing the association was negligent in the way it trained or assigned the officials on the game in which the injury occurred.
Proving that negligence is difficult. As long as the local association generally follows state and NFHS standards in training its officials, it has met its legal obligations. Similarly, to prove the association was negligent in assigning an official, the parents would have to show the association either knew or reasonably should have known that by assigning the official, it was endangering the players.
So it’s highly unlikely an association would be held liable
ASSOCIATION ADVANTAGE
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.
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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,
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for an injury to a player in one of the games its members worked. On the other hand, on the outside chance that it happens, the assets of the group and perhaps even its officers could be at risk and the organization could be “brought down” financially. That’s why it’s important to protect the group.
The way to do that is to: (1) Make sure your members are independent contractors; (2) train your members according to state and NFHS guidelines; (3) don’t assign members to games they can’t handle; (4) make sure your bylaws and constitution are written in a way that minimizes your officers’ and members’ liability; and (5) take advantage of NASO’s programs that provide association and member insurance and legal coverage. Patrick Rosenow, Mandeville, La., is a retired Air Force judge who now sits as a federal labor administrative law judge. He officiated basketball at various levels. This article is for informational purposes and not legal advice.
assigning, legal issues and best practices specific to local officials association management.
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To learn more, go to NASO.org/Advantage or call us at 262-632-5448
New Baseball and Softball Guides
Pace of play issues have dogged both baseball and softball in recent years. In a recent survey of softball umpires, 62% of respondents felt there were pace-of-play issues at the high school level. While both sports have specific rules in terms of time between innings and pitches, umpires are often hesitant to impose penalties to speed up the game. Often umpires are their own worst enemies when it comes to how long games take. There is a lot of wasted time umpires should try to avoid. And while umpires can’t control exactly how long a game will last, there are several things umpires can and should be doing to keep the game moving. Because of these issues and the continued focus on pace of
play when it comes to preseason points of emphasis from the NFHS rules committees, Referee editors created a new guide to assist umpires in managing their games. The Ways to Speed up Your Game guides, for both baseball and softball, are 16 pages of content, filled with tips and techniques to help umpires keep games on track. The guides focus on all areas of the game: pregame, between innings, during the game, conferences and what to do after the last out of the game. Both sports explain the rules related to pace of play, but go into detail on ways to minimize down time and keep the game flowing. Enhanced with PlayPics and MechaniGrams, these guides are a perfect complement to every high school baseball and softball
umpire’s library and are small enough to fit in your bag. The guides are also perfect for association meetings to help umpires maintain consistency. They offer something for everyone. The guides cost $5.95 at store.referee.com. Use your 20% NASO discount to save more.
ODA Gathers for Winter Meeting
Officiating leaders from throughout the country came together Feb. 4-5 for the Officiating Development Alliance (ODA) winter meeting, hosted by the Big Ten Conference at its offices in suburban Chicago. Attendees included Bill Carollo, COC coordinator of football officials; Mark Geiger, general manager of the Professional Referees Organization; Darren Hackwood, vice president of officiating for the CFL; Matt McKendry, director of umpire administration for MLB; Dana Pappas, director of officiating services for the NFHS; Joan Powell, coordinator of women’s volleyball officiating for the
W4 Conference Consortium; Chris Rastatter, NCAA national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating; Bill Topp, NASO president; Andrew Walker, officiating department director of education and training for the USTA; and Stephen Walkom, NHL executive vice president and director of officiating.
Also in attendance was guest Emily Hughes of the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association.
Topics of discussion included gambling and its impact on officiating; data and its influence on the training and evaluation of officials; the pros and cons of replay command centers; officials announcements; and flopping
and faking injuries and how to deal with such situations.
“I have found these meetings and the discussions within to be incredibly insightful and informative,” Geiger said.
“Each leader brings a wealth of experience in their own sport officiating groups, and we are able to share and learn from the experiences of others. I have been able offer and take away many ideas and best practices that I am implementing within PRO for the betterment of the soccer officials with whom I work.”
The next ODA meeting will be July 30 in Montgomery, Ala., in conjunction with the NASO Summit.
sports section Save the Day
By Brad Tittrington
Chances are at some point in your career, even if it’s just beginning, you’ve heard the phrase, “Be a crew saver.” But what does it actually mean?
In every sport, someone on the crew is the crew chief. While that term may not be found in every officiating manual, in general, someone on the crew is the leader. Whether it is the first referee in volleyball, the center official in soccer, the plate umpire in baseball and softball, the white hat in football or the referee in basketball, someone on the crew is the leader and should be the one who steps up if there is a problem.
That person, however, does not have to be the crew saver (someone who steps up, fixes a problem and saves the crew from embarrassment). In fact, a lot of times, especially dealing with confusion on a particular rule, it may be the newest member on the crew who steps up to solve the problem. Why? Because newer officials only know the most recent incarnation of a rule and aren’t necessarily confused by multiple rule changes and interpretations over the years.
The problem is, most newer officials are reluctant to say anything when they suspect something is wrong for fear of stepping on the toes of a
veteran official. And part of the reason for this problem is a lot of veteran officials talk down to newer officials or try to assert their dominance, especially during the pregame meeting. This display of hierarchy often leads newer officials to be wallflowers.
Instead, as a cadre, we should be imploring newer officials to speak up if they think something is wrong. And not just newer officials, but all
and discuss the situation to make sure it was handled correctly than to remain silent, get to the locker room at halftime or after the game, look up the rule and realize you knew the ruling but were too afraid to speak up and fix it. In that situation, it does no one any good. Chances are no one on the crew will make that same mistake, however the mistake could have been avoided the first time by simply taking the
Crew chiefs aren’t always the best officials on the crew. They may be in those positions simply because they have the most experience or they are very good game managers.
members of the crew. Crew chiefs aren’t always the best officials on the crew. They may be in those positions simply because they have the most experience or they are very good game managers. But that doesn’t mean they are the best decipherers of the rules and know every nuance to every rule in the book.
During the pregame, the crew chief should implore the rest of the crew to speak up if something seems amiss. It is better to stop the game for 30 seconds to get the crew together
time to get everyone together and talking it over during the game.
Now, this doesn’t mean you should get the crew together every five seconds to discuss every call and non-call during a game. Instead, these moments should be reserved for those situations that truly could have an impact on the game. Every sport has some nuanced rules that have changed over the years and failure to slow down and think about all those nuances could lead to some significant errors. For
IT’S OFFICIAL - may 2025
example, in football, one rule that changed roughly 20 years ago was post-scrimmage kick penalty enforcement. Not to get too deep into the weeds, but basically on a punt, when the receiving team commits a foul while the ball is in the air beyond the neutral zone, the receiving team can keep the ball and the penalty will be enforced from the end of the kick.
using radios to communicate with each other (O2O), there is no reason to not get the attention of the rest of the crew if something doesn’t make sense or feels “off.” The crew chief may simply respond with, “We got it right, we can discuss later.”
Previous to the rule change, the kicking team could enforce the penalty from the previous spot and they could keep the ball. A pretty significant difference. When that rule changed, a lot of veteran officials struggled with the rule because they were so used to the old way of doing things for decades. Enforcing that penalty incorrectly could have a significant impact on the game. However, a newer official, who didn’t have years of experience enforcing the penalty the old way, could save the crew by simply saying, “PSK.” Those three letters could clue veteran officials into the new rule change and potentially save the crew from disaster.
It would behoove us veteran officials to not be dismissive of newer officials and we should implore them to speak up if they have a concern about the way we handled a play. Sometimes we need the lightbulb in our brain to be turned on as muscle memory takes over and we may fall back into an old ruling or interpretation and totally forget about a new change in the rule. We should never stifle conversation and let our egos guide us as it may end up costing the crew in a big way.
And if you are a newer official, don’t be afraid to speak up. You could potentially save the crew from an embarrassing situation by simply asking a question. Especially in sports
But that scenario is much better than having said nothing at all and realizing after the fact the crew messed up. Take a chance on saving the crew. We will all be better for it.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires
D-I softball and officiates high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football.
BASEBALL
Are You a Rookie-Level Veteran?
By Bill Ward
Do any of these principles sound familiar?
• Don’t let it “blow up on you.”
• Follow and turn with the ball.
• 12 feet behind the first baseman.
• Always lock in and don’t move.
• Hold your left fist out for obstruction.
• Call infield fly at the apex.
• Don’t call coaches by name.
• First-base-line extended for plays at the plate.
These principles formed the foundation when I first started umpiring and continue to serve as essential building blocks for new umpires today. However, the game has evolved, and so must we.
Many of the advancements in umpiring philosophy stem from technological innovations
and rule changes at higher levels. Even while high school games don’t utilize replay or pitch-tracking, those changes at the higher levels have led to the development of new techniques for getting the play right before replay, and that’s what matters for umpires at all levels. So, to be a top-tier veteran, we must continue pushing ourselves to develop and refine. Ultimately, the question for a veteran official isn’t just about experience — it’s about growth. Have you been developing as an umpire for 20 years, or have you been repeating your first year 20 times?
One of the most significant evolutions has been the philosophy of how we take plays at the plate. Many years ago, umpires were taught to get to the first-base-line extended. This allowed us to see the front edge of the plate. But, as the game developed and the rules changed, so did how we take these plays.
Now, we’ve adopted a more nuanced approach that focuses on angles and controlled movements as the keys to getting this play right.
Let’s highlight other areas of advanced umpiring that many veterans struggle to move on from.
Mechanics
It used to be universally accepted that you should be set and locked in for plays at the plate, and that was axiomatic. Now, we better understand that controlled movement is acceptable and beneficial for certain plays when they come toward you.
We used to “turn with the ball and let it take you to the play.” We now know to turn our head and eyes to the base as quickly as possible once we
determine the throw will not hit us.
We used to stay 8-12 feet behind the first baseman. We now know that the farther he is off the line, the farther up we can be, just never precisely even with him. We need to be far enough behind him so that if he dives or takes a hard step toward the line, we aren’t in his way, but we need to be able to see his shoelaces to rule on a trap or a catch. The closer to the line he is, the farther back we should be.
strike zone got squished like a marshmallow. It was pushed down and ballooned out. Like a “ranch-style” house, it was low and wide! This became the norm at all levels of baseball, from professional ball to rec ball. It was common for umpires not to call any pitch above the belly button a strike, some not even going above the belt!
umpiring. The best way is to get out of your “small pond” and go to camps and clinics led by umpires who work at higher levels. Don’t just parrot things that were taught to you years ago or that you have been told. Embrace the evolution, especially if you are a leader or instructor for your association.
We used to be taught to hold our left fist out to signal obstruction. This mechanic changed years ago to point and verbalize, “That’s obstruction!” Then, drop your hand and continue adjudicating the play.
We used to call an infield fly at the apex. We now know that if you are staring up at the ball, you are not observing whether an infielder can catch it with ordinary effort. The focus should be on whether all of the requirements of an infield fly were met, not on calling it at a specific time. Whether you call it early or late, it’s still an infield fly (by rule, even if you don’t call it).
Game Management
As I was coming up, I was always told not to call coaches by name. Modern philosophy is using their names and making sure they know mine. This creates a more professional environment and helps with game management by subconsciously reminding them that I am a human being, not some dark overlord umpire who is there to make their life difficult.
Balls and Strikes
This one is 100% a result of technology. For years, the
Pitch-tracking technology has caused Major League Baseball to direct its umpires in the major and minor leagues to get back to the textbook definition of the zone. The NCAA came out with its “Strike Zone Initiative” in 2023. Both organizations are pushing umpires to stop calling “ranches” and start calling “townhouses.”
Although we don’t have to contend with pitch-tracking technology at the high school level, the benefit for us is that as the “high strike” becomes more common and accepted, we can follow suit … and we should! I recently did a demonstration using a batter who was 5-foot11 to represent a typical high school athlete. Using the definitions of a strike found in NFHS rule 2-35 of the rulebook and situation 2.35.1 comment of the casebook, if you ball anything above the belly button, you are throwing away six inches of the strike zone. That’s roughly 20% of the zone! If you don’t go above the belt, nine inches of strike zone will be wasted! Almost a quarter of the zone! Legitimate strikes are just cast aside!
All these things we do now were unacceptable “back in the day.” But the game has evolved, and we have to keep up with that evolution. We must examine existing heirloom theories and reject ideas that no longer prove useful or don’t fit in the “new era” of
Ask yourself: “Am I still doing things like I was taught 20 years ago? Have I been umpiring for 20 years, or have I been umpiring the same way 20 times over and over?”
Bill Ward, a Wendelstedt Umpire School graduate, officiates in seven college conferences and remains active in high school umpiring.
SOFTBALL
Comm Device Advice
By Brad Tittrington
It has been an interesting last year or so as all four major rule codes have adopted new rules in regard to communication devices. And the four codes handle the devices a little bit differently. It is important for umpires who work multiple codes to understand the differences and how to handle these devices going forward.
First, let’s take a look at the rules in each code and the order they came about.
The NCAA led the way by passing a rule change to start the 2024 which allowed oneway electronic communication devices to be used by the defense to relay the pitch or play call from the dugout to the field (5.9.8, 5.9.9). The NFHS was next to adopt the rule for the 2025 season, however the NFHS rule only allows communication to the catcher, not the rest of the
defense and the communication must come from the dugout (1-8-6 Exc.). USA Softball was next to adopt communication devices for the 2025 season, but that organization expanded upon the usage of said devices. USA Softball allows one-way communication devices to relay the pitch or play call to the defense from the dugout, but it also allows one-way communication to relay signals to the offense from the dugout or from a coaching box (4-7C-1B and 5). Finally, USSSA adopted a rule change for this season allowing the devices as well and the USSSA rule mirrors the USA Softball rule (2-13).
devices in the game and how do we monitor if coaches and players are legally using them? The first thing to understand is what code you are working that day. If you worked college ball last season, you may have seen some of the devices. This year, you may see some at the high school level and leaders within the two major travel-ball codes believe there will be a lot of usage in those organizations. No matter which code(s) you work, you will likely see them this year. And that may give you some angst if you haven’t seen them before and had to work with them.
similarly.
The purpose of the allowance of these devices depends on who you ask. The intended purpose is to help speed up the game. The days of allowing pitchers and catchers to call their own game are for the most part over. More and more coaches now control every aspect and call every pitch. This led to the playcards on wristbands and elaborate color schemes and four-digit codes which took time to relay. The purpose of the electronic devices was to eliminate the time it took to relay those signals and now should be instantaneous. However, part of the reason for the change is coaches are paranoid and believed the other teams were stealing signs — which is how we got away from coaches giving signs by touching multiple body parts and ended up with the play cards in the first place. So, whether it is to actually speed up the game or to allow coaches to feel more secure in the relaying of signs, that really doesn’t matter to us umpires.
What does matter to us is how do we regulate these new
My advice, relax. Just like any other rule change, it will become second nature as time passes. There are a couple of things to remember. The first is all four codes require the devices to be strictly one way from the dugout (or coach’s box in USA Softball and USSSA) to a player. At no time should a player be communicating back to a coach or to another player. If a player is typing or talking into a smart watch or similar device or if you hear a player having a conversation with someone and no other player is around, chances are the device is being used illegally. The advice from national leaders is don’t go looking for stuff. Make it be obvious. Assume the communication is legal until you know for sure it isn’t. At that point, have a conversation with the player or coach who is violating the rule. The next step would be to eject if the offense is repeated. A warning should be suffice to end that behavior. And early in the season, coaches and players may not understand the rules, especially if those players or coaches also play travel ball. They may assume the codes all treat the devices
The best thing to do is work with coaches and players, be patient, warn when necessary and if the behavior continues, eject. At the end of the day, it is just another rule we as umpires need to understand. If you are struggling with the rule, talk to your rule interpreter and have conversations with other umpires until you feel comfortable with it. These devices are going to become more and more popular as teams use them, rules will most likely be adapted as time goes on and technology advances and we as umpires have to understand their place in the game. Embrace the technology and I think in the long run, umpires will love this change as it does help speed up the game.
Brad Tittrington is an associate editor for Referee. He umpires D-I softball and officiates high school basketball, college and high school volleyball and high school football.
SOCCER
Safety is the Best Policy
By John Van de Vaarst
Dealing with injuries is a critical part of any soccer referee’s duties. IFAB Law
5.3 allows the referee to stop play for an injury. The referee has the power to “stop play if a player is seriously injured and ensures that the player is removed from the field of play.” The referee may allow play to continue if “the player is only slightly injured.” NFHS 3-3-2b provides guidance on player injuries: “If the referee stops the clock and beckons a coach or appropriate heath care professional onto the
field for an apparent injury to any player, the player shall leave the field.” The key in this section is that the referee beckons the coach. If the coach refuses, the player must still leave the field of play. The coach may elect to have the team play with one less player or substitute. Remember in high school substitutions are unlimited. For IFAB, the team may play short or have the player replaced.
The referee is the individual who has the power to determine if the injury is serious enough to stop play or allow play to continue. At younger ages, the referee should err on the side of caution. It would be a rare exception for a young player to feign an injury to stop play. Younger players may only be slightly injured but react to the contact from the opponent and it then appears that the injury is more serious. It is not worth taking a chance at this level. The referee should stop play and have the player examined. If they are not severely injured, they can continue in the game as long as the stoppage was not too long (how long is “too long” is the referee’s discretion). Experience is the greatest teacher for a referee in determining when to stop the game or allow it to continue for what is only a minor injury. If a referee feels a player has a minor injury, the referee has the power to allow the game to continue until there is a stoppage in play or the referee determines the injury is more serious than suspected.
If there is an apparent head injury, the referee should stop play and have the player examined for a potential concussion. Rule 3-3-2b4 indicates that if any player
exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors of a concussion, the player shall be removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate health care professional. Any time there is a head injury, the referee should stop play and have the player examined for a possible concussion. Allowing a player to continue could result in longterm adverse health issues for the player. The NFHS rulebook provides detailed guidance on concussion protocol in Appendix B. This includes signs and symptoms of a concussion. Remember, unless the referee is a trained physician or trainer, they should not get involved in the diagnosis. Stop the game and let the appropriate health care official care for the player. At older ages, if the referee has determined a player is faking an injury to waste time or stop play during an attack, the referee has the power to discipline the player with a caution. The referee should first warn any player that fakes an injury so that all players know what to expect in the future. Stopping this type of action early in the game will prevent problems late in the game when a player fakes an injury while the opponents are on the attack.
the goalline, except between the goal posts and under the cross bar, the restart would be either a goal kick or corner kick.
Every referee needs to protect the players. If there is an apparent injury, the referee must assess the seriousness quickly and make a decision on whether to stop the game. If in doubt the referee should consider the safety of the player and stop the game. Head injuries must be dealt with quickly and the proper procedures must be followed before the player is allowed to re-enter or continue in the match.
When the referee stops the game for an injury, the correct restart is a drop ball for the team that had last possession of the ball before the stoppage. If the ball was in the defensive penalty area, the drop ball goes to the goalkeeper. If the referee stops the game for an injury while the ball was not in play, the restart is whatever it would have been before the injury. For example, if the ball was in touch the restart would be a throw-in. If the ball was over
Player safety is one of the most important duties of any referee.
John Van de Vaarst, Ellicott City, Md., is a NISOA National Clinician, National Assessor and former State Level USSF Referee and Assessor. He is Referee’s soccer coordinator.
ASK US
BASKETBALL
Foul After Time Expires
Play: With team A leading, 60-58, and time running out in the fourth quarter (NCAAM: second half), B1 attempts a try with 0:01.2 on the game clock. The try is in flight, the game horn sounds as the game clock reaches 0:00, and (a) A2 shoves B2 in an excessive manner before the try has ended, or (b) A2 shoves B2 in an excessive manner after the try has ended. In both scenarios, the try is unsuccessful, and an official calls a foul on A2 for the excessive contact. Shall the free throws be awarded?
Ruling: In (a), although time had expired, the ball does not become dead, and the quarter/ half has not ended until the try in flight ends. A2’s foul was during a live ball that is part of the fourth quarter (NCAAM: second half), and since the contact was excessive, the result is an intentional personal foul (NFHS), intentional foul (NCAAW) or contact dead ball technical foul (NCAAM). B2 (NFHS and NCAAM) or any team B player (NCAAW) shall receive two free throws with no players in the marked lane spaces, and if both free throws are successful, an overtime period shall be played. The overtime will begin with a jump ball, because the throwin part of the penalty shall not carry over from the fourth quarter (NCAAM: second half) to the overtime. In (b), since the illegal contact occurred after time had expired, and after the try had ended, the foul occurred after the fourth quarter (NCAAM: second half) had ended. A2’s foul for excessive contact shall be a technical foul (NFHS), intentional foul (NCAAW) or contact dead ball technical foul (NCAAM). Since there is no way to determine if an overtime period is needed unless the free throws are shot, the free throws shall be attempted immediately as if the foul had been part of the fourth quarter (NCAAM: second half). If both free throws are successful, an overtime period shall be played. The overtime will begin with a throw-in to team B since A2’s foul occurred after the fourth quarter (NCAAM: second half) had ended, so the overtime shall begin with the throw-in part of the penalty (NFHS 5-6-2 Exc. 1, 2 and 4, 6-7-6 Exc. a, 10-4-
Play: The field does not have a fence from the furthest edge of the first-base dugout all the way to the outfield fence. B1 singles to right field. The bouncing ball strikes F9 on the leg and deflects into deadball territory. Ruling: This is a two-base award from the time of the pitch (NFHS 8.3.3 Sit. J; NCAA 8-3o; pro 5.09a8).
Magic Tricks
Play: Bases loaded and one out. F1 attempts a pickoff at first while engaged to the rubber. R3 steals home on the movement. R2 is standing on second, while R1 dives back to first. The throw from F1 goes into the sleeve and jersey of R1 while R1 is diving back into the bag. Ruling: R3 scores. R2 stays at second. R1 stays at first (NFHS 7-3-5c Pen.; 8-4-2l1; NCAA 7-11l; pro 6.01a3).
Back to Basics
Play: R2 is on second, R1 is on first, one out. B4 hits a ground ball to F6. F6 throws to F5 at third base. The throw, which would have beat R2 to third base and is before R1 reaches second and B4 reaches first, deflects off F5 and rolls into the third-base dugout. When the ball enters dead-ball area, R2 has rounded third, R1 has rounded second and B4 has rounded first. Ruling: This is a two-base award from the time of the pitch. R2 scores, R1 is awarded third and B4 is awarded second (NFHS 8-3-5; NCAA 8-3o; pro 5.06b4g).
FOOTBALL
Backward Pass Muff
Play: First and 10 from team A’s 20 yardline. A1 takes the snap and throws a backward pass to A2, who is at team A’s 15 yardline. The ball goes through A2’ hands, hits his helmet and bounces forward across the line of scrimmage. It lands at team A’s 24 yardline. Since the ball hit the ground beyond the line of scrimmage, is that an incomplete forward pass?
Ruling: That is a backward pass since the initial direction of A1’s pass was toward his own endline (NFHS) and since it first hit a player behind where it was released (NCAA) and it retains that status until it is caught or recovered. It turns into a muff when A2 fails to complete the catch and the ball remains live. Either team may recover and advance the ball (NFHS 2-27, 2-31-5, 2-31-6, 7-42; NCAA 2-11-2, 2-19-2a).
Runner’s Helmet Off
Play: A1 takes a handoff and breaks free to the open field with no opponent to catch him. A touchdown run is certain when his helmet comes completely off. Can the officials use discretion to award a touchdown? Ruling: No, the ball must be declared dead when the helmet comes completely off the runner. If the helmet came off as a direct result of a team B foul, such as a facemask, the penalty would be added to the end of the run and the runner could remain in the game. If the helmet came off without a foul causing it, the runner would have to leave for one play. The codes agree (NFHS 3-5-10d, 4-2-2k; NCAA 4-1-3q).
Forward Handing
Play: K1 free kicks and R2
catches at his own 10 yardline. R2 then hands the ball to R3, who is coming across the formation and is located at team R’s 11 yardline. Ruling: The ball cannot legally be handed forward except for during a scrimmage down prior to a change of possession. R2’s handing to R3 is a foul, as is any such action on a free kick play. The penalty is five yards from the spot of the foul (NFHS 2-192, 7-3-2; NCAA 2-13-1b, 7-1-6b).
is issued, all play stands and the batter-runner is officially in the game. For the next violation, the head coach is ejected for the remainder of the game (5-5 and Pen.).
Fan Interference
SOFTBALL
Unreported Substitute
Play: With R1 on first base, R3 on third base and one out, B4 hits a ground ball to the shortstop. F6 fields the ball and tosses it to F4 for the force out at second. R3 comes across the plate to score and the batter-runner ends up on first. The defensive coach then approaches the plate umpire and states the batter-runner was an unreported substitute. The plate umpire looks at the lineup card and discovers the batter-runner was never reported in the game by the offensive coach. Ruling: In NFHS, the batter-runner is now officially in the game, play stands and a team warning to the head coach is given. The next violation would result in the player and head coach being restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game (3-3-4, 3-6-7 Pen.). In NCAA, the batter-runner is officially in the game and ruled out, R3 is returned to third base and R1 is returned to first base (8.3.3.3.2 Eff.) In USA Softball, the batterrunner is officially in the game and ruled out, the force out at second stands and R3 is returned to third base (4-6C-3 Eff.). In USSSA, a team warning
Offside Infraction
Play: In the bottom of the seventh inning with the visiting team ahead 3-0, the home team has bases loaded with two outs. B6 hits a long fly ball to left field. F7 goes back to the fence and tries to make a catch on the ball. The ball is completely over the fence and, as F7 jumps and reaches back to try to make the catch, a fan catches the ball in the stands. Ruling: Home run in all codes and the home team wins the game 4-3. The fielder is only protected if a spectator reaches into the field of play and interferes with an opportunity to make a play. Once a fielder reaches into dead-ball territory to make a play, they are not protected (NFHS 8-2-12; NCAA 6.9.4 Exc.; USA Softball 8-2O; USSSA 8-14E-1 Exc.).
SOCCER
No Hands!
Play: A3 is injured in the attacking penalty area. After the player is treated and substituted for, the referee restarts the game with a drop ball to B1, goalkeeper. B1 elects to play the ball with the feet rather than picking it up. A4 runs forward and intercepts the ball from B1 and is moving to the goal. B1 grabs A4’s shirt and pulls them down. Ruling: B1 had the option of playing the ball with the feet. A4 made a clean play on the ball. B1 is to be cautioned for DOGSO (NFHS 12-5-1f14; NCAA 12.4.9; IFAB 12.3).
Play: A3 is on the attack just inside the penalty area. B3 is defending A3 and is very close. A5 is in an offside position off to the right and near the goal area. A3 passes the ball in the direction of A5 and the ball deflects off of B3’s leg and continues to A5 who shoots and scores. Ruling: No goal. A5 is ruled offside since B3 did not make a deliberate play on the ball (deflected) (NFHS 11-1-5; NCAA 11.2.4; IFAB 11.2).
Frustration Boils Over
Play: B2 shields the ball from A6 when it is within playing distance and does not use their hands or arms to hold off A6. A6 tries to gain possession of the ball and pulls B2 off the ball by grabbing the shirt. After the referee stops play, B2 deliberately strikes A6 with their hand. Ruling: The referee is to award a direct free kick for team B for the grabbing of the shirt. A6 could be cautioned for this act. B2 is to be ejected for the striking of A6 (NFHS 12-3-1f3, 12-6-1f1; NCAA 5.7.4.2 Violent Conduct II, 12.7.10; IFAB 12.3).
Stutter Step
Play: Team A is awarded a penalty kick. A3 is identified as the kicker and places the ball on the penalty spot. A3 moves back into position. After the referee sounds the whistle, A3 moves forward, takes a stutter step and continues forward, stops and then takes the penalty kick. Ruling: Illegal. A3 may take a stutter step but must continue in one forward motion when taking the kick. A3 is to be cautioned and an indirect free kick awarded to team B (NFHS 14-1-4; NCAA 14.2.4; IFAB 14.2).
VOLLEYBALL
Coach Requests Lineup Check
Play: While the second referee administers a substitution for team A, team B’s coach asks the scorer for a lineup check to verify the correct server for her team. The scorer provides the coach with the number of the next correct server for team B. Ruling: Incorrect procedure in all codes. Coaches and other bench personnel are not permitted to request information from the crew at the scorer’s table (NFHS 5-63; NCAA 5.2.4.3, USAV 5.1.2, 5.2.1). The scorer provides information to the second referee regarding the number of timeouts or substitutions used by a team, and confirms the serving order when requested by a referee. When
a coach or other team member requests information directly from the scoring crew, the crew should direct them to the second referee.
Server Positioning
Play: The server wants additional space for her service approach, so she prepares to serve from a position outside the service area on the playing surface. Ruling: In all codes, it is legal for the server to start the service approach outside the serving area beyond the hash marks that define the service area. However, the contact of the serve must take place within the service area, and the server cannot be touching the endline, the court or the floor outside the service area hash marks at the moment the ball is first contacted for service (NFHS
2-1-6, 8-1-2; NCAA 13.1.3.6; USAV 12.4.3).
Visible Undergarments
Play: Some team A players are wearing compression T-shirts exposed below the short sleeves of their jerseys. Some players are wearing T-shirts that are the color of the uniform and others have sleeves that are not the color of the uniform. Ruling: In all codes, visible undergarments do not have to be the same color as the predominant color of the uniform. However, if multiple players wear visible undergarments, they must be the same color (other than the libero). In all codes, the above situation would be illegal (NFHS 4-2-1h-3, 4-2-1i-2; NCAA 7.1.1; USAV 4.3).
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