FOCUS FEATURE ARTICLE

ZZZ Every contest you work must begin with you entirely focused on the assignment at hand. Whether you are working alone or with a partner, it is essential that you have a pregame that sets the stage for everyone to be at their highest level of concentration when the game begins. During the game, you must establish eye contact and communicate verbally when you can to keep everyone in the game and discuss contingencies for unique game situations. Take responsibility for the mindset of others in your crew and rely on them to do the same for you. Often, the official who is having trouble focusing will double his effort if he feels a sense of responsibility for his partner. Lastly, take the time to have a postgame conference or evaluation, to form a blueprint for improved concentration in the future, even if it is only a simple look within.

Focus is an aspect of officiating, just like rules knowledge or mechanics. It’s easy to get distracted, and all officials do now and again, but recognizing your weaknesses when it comes to lapses in concentration is the first step toward solving them. Keep your partners informed on how they can help you, and never let your guard down.




		ZZZ Every contest you work must begin with you entirely focused on the assignment at hand. Whether you are working alone or with a partner, it is essential that you have a pregame that sets the stage for everyone to be at their highest level of concentration when the game begins. During the game, you must establish eye contact and communicate verbally when you can to keep everyone in the game and discuss contingencies for unique game situations. Take responsibility for the mindset of others in your crew and rely on them to do the same for you. Often, the official who is having trouble focusing will double his effort if he feels a sense of responsibility for his partner. Lastly, take the time to have a postgame conference or evaluation, to form a blueprint for improved concentration in the future, even if it is only a simple look within. Focus is an aspect of officiating, just like rules knowledge or mechanics. It’s easy to get distracted, and all officials do now and again, but recognizing your weaknesses when it comes to lapses in concentration is the first step toward solving them. Keep your partners informed on how they can help you, and never let your guard down.
		(William R. Smith is the rules and officials training chair for the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation. He’s from Hesperia, Calif., and has officiated softball, baseball, basketball and football for 17 years.)