OFFICIALS

History of Officiating

“Officials" and other "intermediaries" are a part of the history of sports. Officials have been an accepted component of every sport competition on record. The following excerpt dates from the 14th century, “All things are reduced to nothingness and uncertainty without a ruler (official)”.

The word “referee” is an extension of REFER and is defined as follows “to submit to an authority for consideration, help, decision and action.” The one referred to could be anyone appointed or selected by the sport body involved.

The terms of reference applied to “officials” in circles of law have been passed down to “officials” in sport competitions. The latter interpret and apply the “laws” of the game.

England was the first nation to recognize the need for sport “officials.” Their introduction into sport occurred during the early 1800’s when it was accepted that competitions, which were hotly contested, should be under the jurisdiction of a third party.

Some 20 years later, “officials” were introduced into North American sports.

The Role of the Official

The fundamental role of the official is to cause the game to progress smoothly within the rules. As an official, you commit yourself to these two interrelated responsibilities. You must see that the game proceeds as it’s meant to - that is, in accordance with the rules. At the same time, you charge yourself with ensuring that the action proceeds smoothly, with as little interference on your part as possible.

However, this is not to say that rule enforcement should be neglected. The competent official should not only be concerned about penalizing rule infractions, but also preventing rule infractions before they occur.