Signals
Certainly one of the important aspects for good officiating is good communication. One area for good communication is the use of appropriate signals, that is, signals that are appropriate to the high school game. An official’s credibility is enhanced when he/she use signals that clearly communicate what has transpired.
To be considered professional, officials should use NFHS-approved signals and mechanics. This includes using the proper stop-clock protocol any time the whistle is sounded. This includes raising the hand with the palm open when the ball goes out of bounds. It also means indicating the nature of a foul at the spot of the foul. Our observers report that there is the need for improvement in these areas based on their review of the pre-season tournament activity.
Pre-game Protocols
As in the past, it is the responsibility of the Referee to contact the crew 24-48 hours before an assignment and to confirm the details of that assignment (date, time, location). If you are not the referee and you do not receive a contact, please contact the referee. Doing so may help to prevent a mix-up where an official fails to show at the appropriate time and place for an assignment.
Upon arrival at the game site the referee should identify who is game management. The referee should also determine if an appropriate health care provider (AHCP) is present. Remember, if no AHCP is present, then, if you send a player out who is displaying symptoms of a possible concussion, that player is not permitted to return to play in that game, no exceptions.
South Carolina is an NFHS state. As such, we follow the guidelines in the NFHS Officials Manual for the pre-game meeting with the captains and coaches (page 16, paragraph 1.8). There should be one meeting with one captain and one coach from each team present. This meeting should take place at the center jump circle. Upon completing the meeting, the officials should return to their original locations and remain there until it is time to throw up the jump ball to start the game.
COVID
As was mentioned during the business meeting, there will probably be more than the usual chaos regarding assignments during this season. Please bear with this as we work through it. I will try to compensate assignments based on what happens as we move through the season.