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A Few Thoughts About Officiating

Apr 24

Written by: Steve Stenersen
4/24/2010 9:14 AM 

You may be surprised that some of the strongest influencers of my development as a lacrosse player were officials. It’s been a while since I played my last game, and three knee surgeries have prevented me from taking the field as a "masters" player, but I vividly remember the qualities of a few officials whose effort and style contributed greatly to my lacrosse experience. Unfortunately, officials have become convenient targets for coaches, players and parents because the concept of personal responsibility has been all but lost in our sports culture. It’s just too easy for everyone to blame an official for any number of outcomes within a game, including the final score. I think most people, when pressed, would admit they understand that the accumulation of hundreds of decisions by coaches and players throughout a game – both well and poorly executed – are the true determinate of a game’s outcome. And most appreciate that officials – like coaches and players – are bound to make mistakes from time to time. Unfortunately, the reaction to an official’s mistake (real or imagined) is too often one of blame. The irony of this reaction, particularly regarding parents and fans, is that it’s often based on ignorance of the letter and spirit of the rules.

The best advice I can offer to developing officials is to build an appropriate on-field relationship with players, coaches and fans throughout a game. Officials have a significant responsibility to objectively enforce the rules of play to assure a fair competition and maximize player safety. But youth and high school officials, particularly, have the opportunity to help teach the game and temper emotions that could lead to unsafe play. In doing so, they have the opportunity to build greater respect from players. In my experience, no one did this better than Scott Boyle, who died tragically at age 55 from a heart attack while officiating a men’s game between Navy and Georgetown in 2005.

Although Scott had become one of the best men’s lacrosse officials in the country, he was always focused on improving his craft…whether he was officiating a world championship, NCAA championship, high school game or youth tournament. He was the absolute best at talking to players during the heat of competition, reminding them that the rules prohibited certain behavior, and telling them to take it easy when intensity flared. "Take it easy number 36…let the man move inside…keep your checks down…" This wasn’t meddling with the outcome of a game, it was effective game management that allowed action to flow, reduced the number of whistles, and made a better game experience for players and fans alike. When I saw Scott officiate youth games, he made every call a teaching moment for players. He also took the time and had the courtesy to appropriately engage parents with updates on simple things like time remaining, game score and, from time to time, quick-witted game commentary that always broke the tension of the often-too-serious focus of parents. It’s true that Scott had a personality and sense of confidence that helped him become a good official, but it’s also true that he worked hard to become a great official. He believed that officiating was much more than knowing the rules and blowing a whistle. He engaged and connected with players, parents and coaches while he worked and, in the process, reminded us all that officials were human after all.

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Re: A Few Thoughts About Officiating

The greatest thing that can happen at a youth lacrosse game is to have an extremely accomplished official show up, somebody who does big time high school and even college games, but who understands where they are at that point in time, be it "A", "B", or even "C" youth games. They have this great feel for the level of play, and adjust their calls for that day. I never have a problem when they let the play of the game take care of itself more in an "A" game, or take extra time to talk to players at the "C" level. I relax when those kind of officials show up. I have been lucky here in Connecticut to have those officials more than just a couple of times, and I get to worry about whether or not I'm doing the best job coaching that day, and not whether or not my players are safe and looked after. They fit the mold you describe. Pete Weaver, Steve Golden, and Ralph Baldelli. Great refs all.

By Newt on   5/5/2010 4:58 PM

Re: A Few Thoughts About Officiating

The one bad thing about officiating that any official can fall into is developing bad habits when a Lacrosse game is 14-3 or 15-1. Once that margin hits 12 or more goals and the running clock starts, youth officials will start missing calls due to their disinterest in a game that has been decided back in the 2nd quarter.

No matter what level, officials need to call every game as if it's a one or two goal game. My maintaining this mindset, a game stays under control, players prevent from getting "crazy sticks", and an official's consistency on calls is never questioned by coaches. You don't ever want to hear from coaches, "Hey, that was a penalty in the 1st quarter...why isn't that a penalty now?". As an official, I've started to take this mindset and be more of a teacher to the players on the field that can make all officials recognized and understanding all of the levels of play better.

By ciso77 on   5/21/2010 10:41 AM

Re: A Few Thoughts About Officiating

I can say I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Scott Boyle. He is a true mentor to everyone he encountered. When I was just starting in the 'corporate' world, he took me under his wing. I will never forget how he always put his family first, radiated with pleasure over the past weekend's games, and had such an influence over so many people. Since I was newly married at that time, Scott always told me to save a little, spend a little, and take time for yourselves and each other. He said you never know what tomorrow would bring—so enjoy the day. His actions towards his children are what I admired the most—he was a tremendously dedicated father. I now have two boys of my own--and both play lacrosse! I think of Scott often. Thank you for your memorable blog.

By Jen T. on   6/8/2010 5:57 PM

Re: A Few Thoughts About Officiating

Stene, great article and you hit on all the important points of officiating. Scotty was a truly great person.

By Joe Mono on   9/2/2010 1:38 PM

Re: A Few Thoughts About Officiating

This article was written just under one year ago --good article and I agree. This last weekend I was at the Women's tournament in Santa Barbara (WDIA) and heard on the sidelines from a ref observing--our discussion surronded the issue that the governing body wants the women's game to be played on a safer level and not migrate towards helmets. The reffing crew obviously got this message as they called every game very dillignetly. The only issue I have is the officiating crew did not take the time and/or care to have an open discussion with coaches, players and spectators. The stoppage of the games really influenced the flow and officials were absolutely un willing to engage in a explaination of any calls. This did not endear the crowd as they were not used to these "tighter" calls and officials not willing to help educate. Not a good situation for building rapport and educating--great job of alienating though.

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