08-05-2006, 10:49 PM
I "heard" from Wed.'s night meeting we take control when we enter the field as a team. Yet the rule book states we take control 15 minutes prior to the game. Does anyone else see any confusion? Bob
08-05-2006, 10:49 PM
08-06-2006, 12:02 PM
Well in both clinics, MD on Aug 1 and WV on Aug 4, each clearly stated that the new rules stipulate we take control 15 mins prior to the start of a game. But both instructors also stated, we would encourage schools to allow officials to have control once they arrive.
But I think we are focusing on something that is a highly unlikely occurence. Even if schools wish to adhere formally to the 15 min policy we still have a special report we can file to address it. While I do not have experience on the level of some in our association, the likelihood of a pregame event warranting a disciplinary actions I think would have to be small unless you have a history with that team or player.
In that instance, I would encourage you to contact your assignor to request not to work with that team or player and update your profile in Arbiter so you can avoid that conflict.
But I think we are focusing on something that is a highly unlikely occurence. Even if schools wish to adhere formally to the 15 min policy we still have a special report we can file to address it. While I do not have experience on the level of some in our association, the likelihood of a pregame event warranting a disciplinary actions I think would have to be small unless you have a history with that team or player.
In that instance, I would encourage you to contact your assignor to request not to work with that team or player and update your profile in Arbiter so you can avoid that conflict.
08-06-2006, 10:27 PM
Unfortunately, there is definitely a conflict within the Rulebook and also with what we were told at the clinics.
Rule 5, Section 1, Article 2 says that our juridicton begins 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. Rule 5 , Section 2, Article 1 says that we shall be in uniform at the site of the game no less than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
The most appropriate approach to questions of this type is to ask our association's Rules Interpreter, Paul Denchy, for clarification.
My personal opinion is that we should go with the direction given in the clinics for two reasons. First, the clinicians are trained to deliver the intent of the rules. Sometimes the wording of the rules turns out to be ambiguous or does not clearly convey the intended message. Secondly, both clinicians stated that 15 minutes is really not sufficient time to perform all of the duties required of the referee team prior to the game. I cannot speak to the "intent" of Rule 5, but I definitely agree with the clinicians. We should make every attempt to be entering the field of play 30 minutes prior to game time and we should assume our responsibilities immediately upon entering the field.
Rule 5, Section 1, Article 2 says that our juridicton begins 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. Rule 5 , Section 2, Article 1 says that we shall be in uniform at the site of the game no less than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
The most appropriate approach to questions of this type is to ask our association's Rules Interpreter, Paul Denchy, for clarification.
My personal opinion is that we should go with the direction given in the clinics for two reasons. First, the clinicians are trained to deliver the intent of the rules. Sometimes the wording of the rules turns out to be ambiguous or does not clearly convey the intended message. Secondly, both clinicians stated that 15 minutes is really not sufficient time to perform all of the duties required of the referee team prior to the game. I cannot speak to the "intent" of Rule 5, but I definitely agree with the clinicians. We should make every attempt to be entering the field of play 30 minutes prior to game time and we should assume our responsibilities immediately upon entering the field.