Lesson #1: Duties, skills, and ethics¶
by Stephen Lorimor / Axis of Stevil
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.