RULES, MECHANICS, TECHNIQUES:

BASEBALL
Take Control on the Field: Appearance and Communication Are Critical Aspects; Penalize the Offending Team; Say the Count You Show; Proper Use of the Indicator; Five Minutes With … Jim Paronto

SOFTBALL
Tough Calls Are Half the Battle: Rulings Require Knowledge, Ability to Explain; 2007 ASA Mechanics Changes; Obstruction at Plate?; Use Care When You ‘Borrow’ Rule Interps

SOCCER
2007 NCAA Rule Changes Cover Protests: Objections Must Occur Before Referees Sign Box Score; A Trifling Advantage?; Chalk Talk: Direct Free Kick: Referee Caught on Counterattack

BASKETBALL
2007-08 NFHS Basketball Rule Changes: Replacement Time for Disqualified Player Reduced; Chalk Talk: Center Must Stay on the Ball in Rotation

FOOTBALL
A Blast From the Past: NCAA Reinstates Previous Timing Rules; Two Defenders, Blocked Kick — Whodunit?; Timing Signal for NCAA Games; Use the Chains to Aid Penalty Enforcement

FEATURES:

One Heck of a Job Description
Calling a game is just one part of a crew chief’s job. There are many other tasks that must be performed. How those other tasks are handled will often determine the success of the crew.

Not an Inadvertent Whistle
It’s a whistle with a purpose. The Fox 40 whistle is a staple in the officiating industry. What is the story behind the whistle? How was it developed and how is it produced? Get the “blow by blow” of how your whistle makes it from the plant to your mouth.

'Of All the Averages Referees ... I'm One of the Better Ones'
Maybe you’ve never fully reached the limelight of a state tournament or championship game. Maybe you never will. Just because you haven’t gotten that big game doesn’t mean you’re not a great official. Success is measured by more than one game or one assignment.

Basic Training: Tune Out and Zone In
Are you in “the zone” when you officiate? That means you’re focused and you don’t let anything distract you from the task at hand. There are plenty of things out there that can cause you to lose your focus during a game, whether it’s a missed call, fans going crazy or business issues weighing you down. Good officials tune out the “noise” and concentrate on getting the calls right.

COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS:

Publisher’s Memo
So, Why’d You Call That?

The Gag Rule
What if the Referees Don’t Show?

The News
NBA Suspends Referee for Postseason: Crawford Wants to Return; Coach Complains to Cops After Ejection; A Helping Hand

Back to Basics
Show Respect for Anthem, Flag; Get Better Instead of Getting Angry; Accuracy Trumps Personal Pride

Getting It Right
Official’s Dream Sparks Charity Drive; Nice Day for a Long Walk; Campaign Aimed at Sportsmanship

Profiles
An ‘Extreme’ Change for the Better; Engineering Success; Too Old … And Still Going

Tools
Heart Rate Monitor/Watch; RefNStripes Referee Data Card; Cliff Keen Pro-Pattern Knickers; Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants & Stars

For the Record
CFL and WNBA rosters

Law
Do the Rules Apply to Spectators?; Words of Wisdom; Failure to Penalize May Lead to Suit

Classifieds
Camps/Clinics/Schools; Equipment/Apparel; Miscellaneous; Leadership Resources; Publications

Last Call
You Really Stink! “As they put on thick socks under their skates, I choose, to my wife’s chagrin, to wear no socks. Never have. It causes her great discomfort. Bluntly, she’s pretty well embarrassed.”