Page 33 - Sports Officials Handbook

Officials — Keys to Good Sportsmanship
One of the goals of interscholastic competition is to teach important values while enriching the educational experience of the young men and women who participate. Good sportsmanship is certainly one of those important values, and as a result, promoting good sportsmanship is clearly one of our highest priorities.
We also believe officials play key roles in teaching and promoting good sportsmanship. The following information contains a brief summary of sportsmanship expectations for officials. By following these guidelines, officials can enhance the lifelong lessons that are being taught in the interscholastic classroom. We urge you to read them carefully and hope you will remember to SPORT A WINNING ATTITUDE when officiating interscholastic contests for IHSA member schools.
• Accept your role in an unassuming manner. Showboating and over-officiating are not acceptable.
• Maintain confidence and poise, controlling the contest from start to finish.
• Know the rules of the game thoroughly and abide by the established Code of
Ethics.
• Publicly shake hands with coaches of both teams before the contest.
• Never exhibit emotions or argue with participants and coaches when enforcing
rules.
• When watching a game as a spectator, give the officials the same respect you
expect to receive when working a contest.
IX. OFFICIALS INSURANCE
The IHSA will provide insurance for all licensed officials. An explanation of the insurance and contact person for the insurance company is located in the Officials Center.
X. GROWING AS AN OFFICIAL
The day you stop learning as an official is the day you start to deteriorate. High school sports programs in the State of Illinois are improving every year, and it is part of the job of the officials to grow with the games. Always remember that in order to improve, you have to be open to criticism from others. Use each contest as a learning experience. Even the best officials make mistakes.
Here are some tips for both new and veteran officials on how to keep sharp and ahead of the game.
1. KNOW THE RULES in order to avoid problems.
a. Review the rule book and note the changes.
b. Converse with other, more experienced, officials about rules or game
situations.
c. Observe other officials work. Watch your counterparts during contests
paying specific attention to his/her rule application, positioning, and mechanics.
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