Accountability in Officiating

Accountability in Officiating

…responsibilities of officials to “the game”…responsibilities of “the game” to officials


Expectations

September 24, 2011David Weicker, Coordinator of Officials Development for Athletics CanadaDavid Weicker, Coordinator of Officials Development for Athletics Canada

Accountability in OfficiatingPART 1 – 2003 NASO Conference

Summary of what we (Sports Officials Canada) planned, how we did and where we go next


Accountability in OfficiatingOverview

The background of this talk is a discussion paper summarizing the content of an NASO conference in 2003 intending to help chart the course for Sports Officials Canada



What were the targets?

How’d we do?

What next?


Accountability in OfficiatingThree ‘elements’ or focusing on:

officiating in a fair, objective and impartial manner

becoming and remaining competent as officials

others respecting the rights of officials


Accountability in OfficiatingFirst element

In order for sport to be contested, all of the participants must believe that the game is being officiated in a fair, objective and impartial manner.


Accountability in Officiating…the target

We needed a ‘code of conduct’ at the broad sports officials level

Most sports officials groups had one but we didn’t have a national or overarching one


Accountability in OfficiatingHow’d we do?

Sports Officials Canada does have a ‘code of conduct’


Accountability in OfficiatingSports Officials Canada’s Code of Conduct is based on sportsmanship and fair play in order to provide a positive experience for all participants.1. Officials must conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical

standards and be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance.

2. Officials must place the safety and welfare of competitors above all else, and will strive to provide a sportsmanlike environment.

3. Officials must emphasize the spirit of the competition rather than its outcome.

4. Officials must be impartial, consistent, objective, unbiased and courteous when making decisions.

5. Officials must accept responsibility for their actions and decisions. 6. Officials must know the rules and apply them within their spirit and

intent. 7. Officials must respect, support and remain loyal to other officials. 8. Officials must avoid any situation that may be construed as a conflict of

interest.


Accountability in OfficiatingWhat next?

What do you think needs to be done now?

How do we audit the effectiveness of the SOC code of conduct?

How do you audit the effectiveness of your (NSO) officials code of conduct?


Accountability in OfficiatingSecond element

In order for officials to be able to provide the best possible service to athletes and coaches, they need to be competent and remain competent in their vocation.



Athletes deserve the best officials

They (and their coaches) are those to whom we, as officials are ultimately accountable



SOC annual professional development conferences

Increasing funding for upgrading and professional competence in general


Accountability in OfficiatingHow’d we do?

SOC annual conference on professional development focusing on needs of members

Most, if not all, NSO’s have programs for upgrading of officials targeting on international standards

Most of these programs focus on face-to-face training programs


Accountability in OfficiatingWhat next?

developing a long term officials development program (for sport or by NSOs)

combining computer-based training and face-to-face interaction

recruiting and mentoring of younger officials


Accountability in OfficiatingThird element

In order for officials to be able to perform at their best, other participants must respect the rights of officials



In order to do our ‘officiating’ job we must feel safe and secure



Covenant between other participants and officials (NASO type)

Less abuse and violence toward officials


Accountability in OfficiatingHow’d we do

True Sport Movement has made some significant movement toward a covenant

Quebec Federation of Sports has a ‘covenant’

Some hockey rinks have “respect for all participant” posters etc.


Accountability in OfficiatingWhere to next

More work on a covenant of sorts?

What do you have in your sport?

What do you need in your sport?

When a game becomes ‘sport’

why we officiate



PART 2 – what we, as officials owe to ‘the game’

‘Sport is life with the sound turned up’

…Barry Mano, President NASO



http://umpire clip


Accountability in Officiating What responsibilities do officials have to ‘the game’?

Overarching Principles – we shouldElevate the profession of officiatingImprove the image of officials in eyes of the publicExpress expectations of officialsEnsure a higher standard of behaviourEnsure consistency in performance



We can achieve these by:Focusing on clear, measurable and significant goalsMonitoring progressConcentrating on improvement in performanceHaving effective evaluation toolsHaving appropriate incentivesInvesting in results



In being accountable we must ensure that officials:Practice StudyHave clinicsHave standards for physical conditionUnderstand the rulesAnd demonstrate them through game performance



To be accountable we must monitor progress by:Having annual evaluations which focus on the goals

identifiedEmploying developmental tools including mentoringComparing this years’ performance to previous yearsComparing performance with that of peers



To help; we must concentrate on improvement in performance by:

Avoiding intimidation tacticsAccentuating the positive Providing examples of how the best officials

performAssigning senior or more experienced officials as

mentorsAnd demonstrating what we expect



To be accountable we must have effective evaluation tools:

Video tapePeer reviewCoaches assessmentsObservers assessmentsWhatever works in your sportSuch as?



To be accountable we must have appropriate incentives:

Post season gamesNational championshipsTravel opportunitiesPsychic income Whatever might work



To be accountable we must invest in results by:assigning the best officials for the toughest

situationsrewarding performance in other waysOther ideas?

participant expectations


Accountability in OfficiatingPART 3 - What responsibilities does ‘the

game’ have to officials?




Respecting our vocationRewarding us for our contributionsSupporting our future development




Respecting our vocationDo you feel respected in your vocation?What can we do to feel respected?




Rewarding us for our contributionsDo you feel rewarded for your contributions?How could this be improved?




Rewarding us for our contributionsSome things that might help:

Making the experience fun and enjoyableTreating officials with respectRecognizing officials publicallyReimbursing officials for expenses/costsProviding game fees – honorarium, etc




Supporting our future developmentPutting money into development coursesSupporting life-long learning objectives


Accountability in OfficiatingOther issues affecting officiating

Role of the mediaUsing the media to advance officiatingWhile officials may need training on how to “control”

media interviewsThe media may need educating on the rules and how

officials apply them



Disciplining officialsWhat do you do?How should be discipline officials?Under what circumstances?



Disciplining officialsUnder what circumstances?

For decisions on “judgment” 68% said noFor decisions for “misapplication of a rule” 34% said noIf we see the play and make the wrong call that’s badOur objective is to ‘get the call right’



officials responsibilities

Accountability in Officiating

Documents

Transcript of Accountability in Officiating