OFFICIALS

Flag Football’s sustained growth has caused a great demand for skilled officials.

Officials are a special breed due to the nature of their environment. They are challenged to have a firm understanding of each rule and how to apply each rule to game situations. Successful officials are often noted by consistent, fair judgment and good relations with other officials, coaches, players and fans.

Every official develops with experience. There are always new circumstances to ponder like rule changes or the variety of rules, changes in equipment and unique field size and conditions, not to mention the increasing demand for promoting sportsmanship. Officials find ways to adapt and grow such as post game journaling, or debriefing with other officials. Regardless of methods it is imperative that the official is able to focus and learn from all occurrences.

From the Flagbec Officials Training Manual

12 QUALITIES OF A GOOD OFFICIAL:

1. Speed of Reaction
   Quickly, firmly and discreetly make presence known in the game.
   
   
2. Self Confidence
   Make firm calls, without aggressiveness or any particular emotion.
   
   
3. Consistency
   Coaches and players expect rules to be applied equally, whoever committed the  offence.
   
   
4. Judgment
   Judgment is born out of a deep knowledge and a true understanding of the rules.
   
   
5. Promptness
   A prompt official will have good mechanics and see everything as it happens.
   
   
6. Spirit of Decision
   Make decisions without hesitation.
   
   
7. Courage
   The highly skilled official calls everything he/she sees at the best of his/her  abilities with courage behind every call.
   
   
8. Objectivity
   Officials are human beings and can be influenced. Yet, contrary to most people,  officials are supposed to stiffen against external pressures. Officials should  mentally take a pledge before every game.
   
   
9. Good Relations
   The official must not neglect the human aspect of his/her work while consciously  completing his/her numerous tasks. A good official can certainly be courteous  and be friendly without putting his/her authority on the line.
   
   
10. Precise Knowledge of Rules
    Skilled officials take on regularly reading the rule book from cover to cover on  the eve of a game.
    
    
11. Tasks and Mechanics
    Mechanics are habits the officials must acquire while performing their tasks.  Position, signal and teamwork mechanics are all very important.
    
    
12. Conditioning and Appearance
    Your officiating can suffer from bad conditioning. A tired official certainly can’t  complete his/her tasks.
    

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