Lesson #1: Duties, skills, and ethics ===================================== *by Stephen Lorimor / Axis of Stevil* `Watch this lesson on YouTube `_ Last updated: January 21, 2018 Referee duties during scrimmages and games ------------------------------------------ - (top priority) Maintain safety - Protect game flow - Penalize illegally gained advantage - Establish an atmosphere of professionalism, impartiality, and fairness Referee duties (in general) --------------------------- - Teach the rules to others - Supervise or assist track setup - Officiate drills and scrimmages - Continue one’s own professional development - Mentor newer referees - Have fun! Required skills for referees ---------------------------- - Skating skills - Rules mastery - The ability to correctly spot, process, and issue penalties - This can take years to develop. - Scrimmage experience is an important part of developing this skill Conduct ------- - Display good judgment in regards to behavior, honesty, fairness, and integrity - Treat league and community members with respect, dignity, and fairness - Maintain exemplary (even over-the-top) standards of neutrality and impartiality - No clapping, displaying team logos, posing for pictures with skaters, etc. - No hugs, high-fives, celebratory behavior, etc. - Demonstrate a consistently high commitment to safety - We lose the authority to enforce safety in others if our own behavior is lax or inconsistent - Discuss rules and procedural disagreements privately, not in front of others. The more formal/public the atmosphere, the more likely discretion should be exercised. - Avoid conflicts of interest. Disclose all that exist to the head referee and/or crew - Avoid: gambling, public predictions, public opinions of skaters (coaches, etc.) - Allowed but disclose: Familial, financial, and associational - Refrain from gratuitous displays of attention-seeking behavior while on duty. - Zero tolerance of alcohol or drugs at derby-related events while officiating and/or on skates - Be wary what you post on social media about the sport - Always be respectful of NSOs -- they are equals, not inferiors.