Great article that goes with our philosphophy of ROOTS (R = referees). This was taken from one of our respected websites:https://play-positive.libertymutual.com/newsletter/2229/Respecting-Officials?src=cm-deml-brd-plp-pp1506111540&utm_source=pp&utm_medium=e&utm_term=june15&utm_content=respectofficialsplaybook&utm_campaign=fundamentals

Without officials, the game simply couldn’t happen! It wouldn’t start, it wouldn’t be fair, athletes wouldn’t be protected, and no one would validate the outcome. We need officials!

Sadly, we’re losing officials in youth sports because they aren’t treated with good sportsmanship by athletes, coaches and sometimes worst of all by fans in the stands.

What does it mean to practice good sportsmanship when it comes to officials?

It means introducing yourself to officials at the beginning of the game and thanking them for being there. That goes for coaches, athletes and parents alike. It means thanking officials at the end of the contest and even congratulating them on calling a good game or managing a tough situation well. It means having empathy for the challenge of making calls in a split second, especially as they are watching so many different things at once. It’s recognizing that officials are human and make mistakes – just like we do. And that an official never sets out to make a bad call or make a mistake. It means following proper protocols to respectfully question calls and to respect the officials’ answers, regardless of whether the outcome is in your favor.

Teach your athletes that officials are people too and deserve the same respect as your teammates and opponents. Often times the officials are volunteers and not getting paid for their time. They are almost always in the best position of anyone involved in the game to see a foul (even if you think your view is better from the stands!). They aren’t perfect. But, again, without officials, the game just wouldn’t be played.

So next time you head out to your youth sports match, take a moment to thank an official!