Officiating In Perspective with Barry Mano

Officiating In Perspective with Barry Mano

You Are On Call

There is an old adage in this business that goes like this: “Don’t call ’em the way you see ’em. Call ’em the way they are.” That can be quite a mind veer for us since we have been taught since Day One to call them the way we see them.

I submit these viewpoints don’t have to be at odds if we can come to agreement on what is meant by “seeing them.” There is seeing in the strict sense of looking at a play, watching it unfold, discerning a foul or violation and then responding to that. There is also, though, the deeper meaning of “seeing,” that of placing things in context, of quickly determining what has occurred and its material effect on the game.

Historically the principle of “advantage/disadvantage” has been the primary guide used by sports officials in making their calls. Unfortunately over its long run this principle seems to have been perverted into a justification for officials to call plays any old way we like. At times, the elasticity of our enforcement under this principle has led many in positions of authority to question our impartiality, indeed, our competence. We need to rein ourselves back in. We need to recommit to, or construct anew, a philosophy guiding our calls.

Let’s take a minute to consider the term “philosophy.” Its primary meaning is the investigation of the causes and laws underlying reality. Further, as a secondary meaning the word signifies a “basic theory; a viewpoint.” And finally, a philosophy is “a system of values by which one operates.” In the case of sports officials, it would be a system of values underpinning the calls we make.

Foul, violation or not? Those are the questions. On what basis does an official properly pass on a call or not pass? To be fair, impartial and believable an official must have a consistent and well-reasoned philosophy. It’s delusional to believe: “It is nothing until I call it!” I say this especially with the memory that at Referee magazine we have marketed and continue to market a hot-selling T-shirt with that very saying on it! Wink-wink! The level of today’s scrutiny of officiating performance is such that our strengths and weaknesses are on full view. The world watches. Replay replays.

The concepts stated above should be thought-provoking and, in some cases, controversial. Good. It is my belief that only through consideration, development and implementation of a true philosophy of officiating decision-making will you, can you, become an effective and respected official. The finest officials have walked that path.

Many bright, dedicated people as well as forward-looking organizations have for years been teaching and mentoring officials. They have done yeoman service to our industry. They are to be applauded. With that said, though, I urge you to build upon what you know. Impose upon yourself a disciplined study. Come to know the philosophical process and apply it to your officiating. It can sound daunting I know. Yet realization of your potential will rest upon your willingness to experience the discomfort of breaking trail.

Allow me to close with one of my favorite aphorisms, which is included in a new collection of aphorisms I just self-published: “Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded there.” (Words from Wayne Dyer, USA motivational speaker, 1940-2015).

Referee Magazine Publisher, Barry Mano’s latest Publisher’s Memo. Found in the October, 2024 issue of Referee magazine. For more information or to subscribe to Referee magazine, visit www.referee.com.

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