Department of Sport and Recreation

COMMUNICATION

Officials

Communication

• Communication is necessary to promote sport and exercise with a high degree of control for players and play.

• Clearly advises everyone of your decisions.• Encompass the use of rules and signals to

promote an increase participants enjoyment.

Communication

The official’s interaction with participants, and others, is undertaken in a range of ways which include:

• Voice - communicates decisions/rulings • Whistle – indication to participants to do

something or notify of decision• Signals – communicates decisions non-verbally • Body language - communicates an emotion.

Most Effective when using more than one method (eg. Voice & Signals)

Communication

It is worth noting that 90% of the conflict, both on and off the field, occurs because of the tone, or how something was said, rather than what was said

Communication

Participants and coaches are looking for officials who communicate in a clear, concise and confident manner.

• Clear Voice• Appropriate words (eg. From Rulebook)• Firm, pleasant manner• Direct eye contact• Loud enough for all participants to hear

The Three R’s of Communication

• Reinforcement- of rules and or decisions made

• Relevance - seek clarification about a specific

question• Relationship

- introduce yourself (approachability)- specific positive feedback

Voice – Post Match Discussions

• Talking calmly and slowly• Level, well modulated tone• Normal Volume• One person at a time• Remove the Emotion

Effective communication contains six elements:• Clear - Ensure that the information is presented clearly   • Concise - Do not lose the message by being long winded   • Correct - Be accurate, avoid giving misleading information   • Complete - Give all the information and not just part of it   • Courteous - Be polite and non-threatening, avoid conflict   • Constructive - Be positive, avoid being critical and negative

Voice – Post Match Discussions

Listening Skills

• Actively listen to the person presenting their side of the event.

• C - concentrate - focus on the speaker• A - acknowledge - through body language• R - respond - ask questions for clarification and interest• E - empathize - share in their emotions and feelings• D - do not interrupt!

• Remain calm and controlled during the conversation.

• Be Professional

Body Language

• S face the other person squarely

• O adopt an open posture

• L Lean slightly toward the other person

• D at a distance apart of about 1 metre

• E keep good eye contact

• R try to be relaxed

Remember: Up to 93% of

Communication is non-verbal

Resources

• ASC - Communications• ASC – A key to effective officiating• ASC – Officiating Videos