OFFICIALS

Role of the Official

The fundamental role of the official is to allow the game to progress smoothly within the rules. An official is committed to these interrelated responsibilities. An official sees that the game proceeds as it is meant to – that is, in accordance with the rules. At the same time, an official ensures that the action proceeds smoothly with as little interference on their part as possible.

The competent official should not only be concerned about penalizing rule infractions, but also preventing rule infractions before they occur.

General Principles of Officiating

THE TOTAL SCENE

The official must see the total scene in order to be able to make a just decision. For example, the full act of “pass interference” must be seen before a ruling can be made.

An official’s duty is to see all and know all. However, the human limitations must be taken into consideration. Something may happen directly in front of you but you will entirely miss it because at that moment you were concentrating on another phase of the play, or your vision was blocked by a player or players.

Coaches, players and fans must be made to realize that there are times when an official does not see the complete act, and thus the official is to be commended for a refusal to render a decision when he or she had not seen the complete act.