My Fellow Officials,
With the regular season getting started, I want to remind everyone to keep your blocks up to date. I’ve been an assignor myself and let me assure you, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing someone with an open block who turns back an assignment at the last minute. Hey, I get it, life happens. If we’re being honest; however, those times when something comes up really should be the exception, rather than the rule.
Make sure you communicate with your partner 48 hours prior to game time. The lead official should initiate the communication. If you hear from your partner – RESPOND! If parking is tight at a particular school (I’m looking at you, Dominion High School), save a spot for your partner. Have a good pre-game and decide who is doing what.
Please remember the uniform policy as it exists now. I have heard about some umpires not wearing the NV logo hats on high school games in Northern Virginia. This is a uniform policy violation and needs to be corrected. Click here to read the current NVBUA Uniform Policy
For those who need to purchase official NV or MAC on-field caps, please visit “Adamczyk’s Attic” right here on Blue Crews News.
Remember you need a verbal declaration from the head coach that his or her players are legally and properly equipped, and you need to remind them that sportsmanship ‘begins with the four of us’ (the two coaches and the two umpires).
If you are the lead official on a game, you have two responsibilities AFTER the game is over. The first is the game report. Nothing could be easier; I usually try to complete it before I leave the site. If everyone was on time, it takes two clicks to complete. This is a critical piece for billing. The second responsibility is the evaluation. This requires much more thought. Please be brief and succinct. You should not put anything in the evaluation that you did not discuss with your partner. Remember, your partner will be able to see the final comments. If your partner needs to work on something specifically – TELL HIM – and put those comments in the evaluation.
If you are not the lead official on a game, tell the lead what you are working on. Ask for feedback! Don’t assume anyone is going to offer unsolicited feedback.
Our next membership meeting is Sunday, April 6th at 7pm via Zoom. We will have the limit issue fixed! (sorry about that 😊). One of the things on the agenda that night is a discussion of how to handle situations involving coaches.
As always, please remember that attendance at membership meetings is expected.
That’s it for me! Have a great season.