Sports Officials UKTop Ten Tips
- Know the rules/laws and apply them accurately –
- That way you will achieve the consistency which competitors need
- Be decisive and strong in your decision making –
- Competitors will trust decisions made confidently, assertively but not aggressively
- Make sure the players understand your decisions –
- Then you will reduce their reasons to challenge them
- Don’t take challenges personally –
- Questioning your decision is not an attack on your integrity
- Watch for flashpoints –
- If you see what might cause an outburst you can prevent it
- If you get a decision wrong, acknowledge it –
- Players accept you are human – they don't trust perfection
- Don’t try to redress injustices –
- Apply the rules/laws, and let justice take care of itself
- Be friendly and approachable –
- Players will relate to a person more than they do to an official
- Give every event your best effort –
- For some competitors this is the highlight of their season
- Enjoy your officiating –
- If you don't enjoy being there, the competitors will know