Game Official

Role Descriptor
Game Officials (i.e., referees, umpires) make certain that all players
perform within the game rules in the fairest way possible. They do so by
knowing and using the rules. They avoid giving one team or performer an unfair
advantage over the other.

Your Tasks / Duties

 Learn the game rules inside and out.

 Call teams/player together for pre-game routines.

 Be fair (i.e., impartial), firm and consistent in your calls.

 Provide decisive rulings on game events.

 Briefly explain your “calls” to players where appropriate/necessary.

 Determine pre-game decisions (i.e., who kicks off; gets first serve, etc.).

 Communicate with your game’s timekeeper and scorekeeper.

 Actively monitor players for un-sportsman-like conduct and report such

behavior to your teacher.

 Keep the flow of the game.

 Do your best (As a beginning referee, you will make an error here and
there . . .It’s OK).

What You Need To Be Able To Do and Know

 Be highly familiar with all of the game rules that are in effect for games.
 Ability to focus on the action in the game for extended periods of time
(i.e., not easily distracted).
 Demonstrate fairness toward all peers.
 Good communication skills.

From Complete Guide to Sport Education by Daryl Siedentop, Peter A. Hastie,

and Hans van der Mars, 2004, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.