Sport-Specific Articles

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Shorten Your Learning Curve

As a young or newer referee works to master the art of officiating, she or he soon finds out that, while the rules are...

Scrutiny on Player Safety Increasing in Softball

Over the years, the NCAA has done many things to try to protect players and prevent injuries. But I have had a couple of...

Similarities Between Fishing and Soccer Officiating

On the surface, the title of this article seems to be rather confusing. However, individuals who arbitrate the rules/Laws of soccer on a regular...

Tips for Handling Baseball Time Limits

While there are some pace-of-play initiatives introducing a clock to the game of baseball, the traditional game doesn’t worry about a clock the same...

Don’t Waste a Chance for Self-Evaluation

Over the years, I’ve spoken to many officials approaching the end of their careers. They speak of being less keyed-up before games, grumpier during...

Penalize Careless, Reckless, Excessive Tackling

There seems to have grown a notion that the Laws of the Game forgives almost anything if you just get the ball. Not surprisingly, there...

Making Amends After a Blown Call

It’s a terrible feeling. You’ve blown a call. You know it. Your partner may or may not know it. What’s worse, the blown call...

Find Those Stray Baseballs

Before a half-inning begins, remember to check the field and backstop for stray baseballs. That’s especially important before the top of the first inning....

Prevent Free-Throw Huddles to Eliminate Delays

At best, it’s an unnecessary delay that interrupts the flow of the game. At worst, it’s an open invitation for gamesmanship that complicates critical moments...