NOAA LCDP CLASS X: Leadership Learning Series (#28)

NOAA LCDP CLASS X: Leadership Learning Series (#28)

Title: Managing Chaos: From a Sport’s Official Perspective

Date: February 21, 2018

Presenter: Terence Lynch

BACKGROUND

The motivation for doing this seminar was to share with my cohort leadership lessons that I have learned on the basketball court and football and lacrosse fields as an official. Yes, it can be chaotic however it is a very rewarding occupation that has helped me in my career and on a personal level.

INTRODUCTION

Who would want to be a referee with all that effort spent learning rules, working out to stay in shape, and then doing something that is important for a sporting event to take place only to be criticized and shouted at by everyone who are convinced that every decision you make is wrong? While sports officials frequently incur the wrath of players, coaches and fans, they play a vital role in any organized sporting contest. Without them, games could evolve into chaotic events where rules are repeatedly broken and players' safety becomes jeopardized. Good officials are fair-minded and impartial and have a thorough understanding of the sports they officiate.

Officials provide leadership and guidance to the participants, ensuring that the competition is conducted in a safe and fair manner. Qualities such as integrity, honesty, trustworthiness and respect are integral to the role of the official. This includes how they behave and relate to others prior to, during and after competition, how they present themselves as an official, and how they go about their role. Officials are responsible for their actions and attitudes. People expect the official to be a person they can trust to control the competition.

It is important to remember that the competition in which the official is officiating is the most important competition that day to those participating in it. Nobody cares what level you have worked (e.g. college, professional). It is the level you are doing that specific day that matters!

PREREQUISITIES:

In preparation for the discussion, the Power of X was encouraged to view the presentation Managing Chaos and following videos and articles:

Videos:

1)Chaos Controlled - a documentary featuring Terence highlighting the importance of officials

2)Officials Meet to Get Game Ready – Atlantic Coast Conference officials preparing for the season

Articles:

1) Americans Take A Knee On NFL Anthem Protests

2) Players and Owners Response to the President's Comments

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: “YOU MAKE THE CALL”

1) Can you call a penalty/foul if you really did not see it?

●It depends on the situation and whether the penalty/foul is in your area of responsibility? Positioning is very important when making calls. Was the penalty/foul in your area of responsibility or was it in your partner’s area. When on the field, officials have to work with each other in order to make sure the call is correct. It is important to have a strong rapport with the crew or partners that you are working with and to establish trust. Always consider the source.

●You are not going to be able to see everything on the field or the court. That is why we have a partner/team/crew. Again, you have to learn to trust your crew and be willing to work together and trust each other.

●As a manager, it is important for you to know who is working for and with you. If you truly know them, you know what to look for as their body language and work results will determine if you need to “call a foul” or just stay focused on your area of responsibility.

2) How do you overcome a bad call/decision?

●You have to “own” it. As an official, you know when you have made a bad call. People are generally understanding and know that officials are human and that they are going to make mistakes. As for their understanding, you just can’t make those mistakes against their team.

●Fans, coaches, and players respect those officials who are honest and admit they have made a bad call.

●Over the years, you come to know the coaches and they come to know you. A relationship is built but what good is a relationship without “trust?”

●Although you have to always be “on top” of your game and be able to concentrate under intense pressure, you cannot let one “bad” call define you. Learn from it and keep it moving as there is still time remaining in the game and your partner/crew is depending on you.

3) Is a conversation really that "difficult?"

●A conversation is just a conversation.

●Some parts of a conversation may be difficult for others—when talking with a coach, fan, player or supervisor, make sure you are referencing the rules.

●Remember your role and you reason for being at the game. You were hired to enforce the rules and maintain the integrity of the game.

●Consider whether you have credibility and are considered a person with integrity. What type of relationship do you have or have built with the person you are conversing with because they will hold you accountable.

4) Was it really about the "knee."

We did not get a chance to have much discussion on this question however the following were noted in the presentation:

●When things are not addressed…………..they take on a life of their own.

●As managers, we have to be aware of what is happening and assess the fact that if we don’t address issues, there are repercussions for our actions.

●A part of game management is knowing your personnel (teams, coaches, star players, venue etc.), but there are times when you have to be able to plan for the unexpected.

●No matter how you feel about the situation, always respect the other’s position. As an official, you may not always like/agree with my call, but remember it’s MY call.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS

1)How can we build the constant feedback loop in our work environments like in the referee field?

●Expand your network - Learn to interact with everyone and not just those you feel comfortable around.

●It is important not to just interact and have conversations with those persons at your level.

●Aside from those that are fond of you, it is also important to communicate and maintain a relationship with those that don’t like you.

●It is important to gather feedback within and outside the office.

●Whether you realize it or not, people are observing and conversations do happen.

●Make every effort to make yourself available and get outside your comfort zone.

●weigh in and be will help you get that constant feedback.

2)The parallels of being an official and a supervisor are very interesting. Have you ever had a coach or player trying to be friends with you in an effort to sway you?

●Over time, you establish relationships but you have to maintain professionalism and remember why you are at the game and focus on the mission!

●People will come to know you and your tendencies and will respect your “space” when it is time for you to go to work.

●Officials should never put themselves in a position whether they are question is they have a bias for a certain team.

CLOSING:

Many problems can be avoided in sports just by having a conversation. We call this “preventive officiating.” It is important to talk with the coaches and players about the expectations to ensure everyone is on the same page. No matter how good you think you are, you are only as good as your last call. When the game may be over, speak to other officials, coaches and/or players to see what they think of your performance and what they feel your areas for improvement are. Use a mentor in a structured way – ask them if they are willing to work with you over time to help improve your performance.

And remember, Don’t go to the game- Let the game come to you! - There is no need to go looking for calls. They will happen.