NJPA WEATHER POLICY - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ---->
UMPIRE RESPONSIBILITIES:
You are the only ones in the entire program that are getting paid for their service. This is a job. Act the part. Walk the field, check for holes in the ground, check to see that the goals are properly placed behind the endline (not on it). Introduce yourself to the coaches of both teams. HAVE A COIN TO TOSS at the beginning of the game. Have a whistle. Wear sneakers. Cover the field during the game, don’t just stand around or walk. Know the rules specific to the division you are officiating. Have a copy of the rule book with you in the event there is a question or conflict.
Be authoritative and demonstrative during the game. Using hand and arm signals, even if you don’t feel the need to whistle a foul, will go a long way towards letting both sidelines understand what you’re doing. You have a difficult job to do, but how you present yourself will have a major impact on just how difficult it is.
You can (should) also check on the website (under participating town information) whether the coaches involved in your game have passed the rules test. While we can’t disqualify them from coaching, you will at least know what you’re dealing with, and can use that information to color how you handle that coach.
Most of you as officials will be working games in your home town and involving your hometown team. Please be reminded that you need to be perceived as impartial by all involved. This can be difficult, but it is a necessity to keep a game (and the conduct of coaches and spectators) under control. You are getting paid – you must act professionally.
Game Management Advice:
Be sure to use both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques throughout the game.
You may be surprised how a raised or pointed arm while you’re holding your whistle will cut down on the ‘communications’ you receive from the sidelines. When you want the ball placed for a restart, point to the spot where you want the ball while instructing the player. Point to the corner hash, the “25”, the goal, center, whatever – just point. It will supplement your voice and make you appear more in control.
Talk to the kids, particularly in the 2/4 division. They will need a little extra help understanding your calls. If you call a hack, supplement that with something like “number 12, you can’t come from behind and hit her stick like that”. Point to where a restart needs to take place, but talk the kid through it as well. The more you communicate, the less you’ll leave open to interpretation from kids, parents and coaches.
Blow your whistle loudly and clearly. It is never as loud as you think it is, and no one ever said that they were confused because the whistle was too loud.
Do not be “flat” to your partner - have a “lead” and a “trail” official – each of you should cover about half to three-quarters of the field. One will run from endline to midfield / far 25 on one side of the field, the other will do the same on the other sideline. In other words, one official should always be ahead of the play, right up to the endline of the goal being attacked, the other should be trailing the play. The lead official is looking for ball-related calls (whether a goal is scored, advancing the ball with the foot or body, obstruction, hacking, etc.). The trail official should be looking for procedure calls – positioning, too many in the circle (2/4 division), defensive players are back to the 50 on corners, obstruction, reaching from behind, etc.). Discuss with your partner before the game who will work each sideline and who will be the lead/trail in each direction.
The ref closest to the foul should call it. Work together. Be careful not to unintentionally silence your partner by making the calls they should be making. Conversely, don’t put your partner in a position where she feels as though she must make all of the calls because you’re not making any.