Team-Officiating
The Secret of ‘Officiating Up’
“Leading up” has become a common mantra in American business. Many have read the work of University of Pennsylvania professor Michael Useem, who argues...
Saying the Right Thing at the Right Time
We’re used to practicing restraint in conversations with coaches and players, because saying it like it is could cost us our careers. But should...
Dictator or Facilitator: What Type of Official are You?
The late Bill Klem, perhaps the greatest umpire in the history of baseball, was once shown a photo that supposedly proved he blew a...
Be a Team Player
“I hear you, Coach, but it wasn’t my call.” That statement can send shockwaves of negativity into a situation on the court or field....
Step Up When Your Partner Needs Help
The excitement of getting an important assignment can be dampened when you discover that your partner needs help because they may not be at...
5 Tips to Mentor the Next Generation
There may be no more important role for current officials than to be mentors. If the next generation of officials is to become proficient...
Break Time Doesn’t Mean Time Off for Officials
A college football game encompasses 60 minutes of playing time divided into four 15-minute quarters. But those 60 minutes typically require something approaching three...
How to Transition Smoothly with a New Partner
In many areas, we don’t have a choice about who we’re teamed with. We might have some input into the process, but the final...
Picking Up the Pace of Games
One of the great debates in sports these days is how long it takes to play the games. Television has been a great boon...
