4 simple ways to win over a referee.

• Cat calls, including comments on height, weight, eyesight and hairline are always popular, but be advised your ref may already be immune to such kind words already.


• Making the suggestion as a parent to the ref that he or she “Call is the same on both ends” when their team gets called for their third foul when the other team is on their seventh especially endures you in the mind of your referee.


• Nothing warms the heart of a ref more than asserting that your five foot six child who got out re-bounded by their six foot five opponent isn’t getting a fair shake by asking politely for an over-the-back call.


• Are you very knowledgeable about the game that’s being played? Perhaps a former coach or player? Then make sure your referee knows that you would like to ensure that no ‘over-officiating’ is happening. Referees always want to be sure that they aren’t affecting the game or taking it away from the kids. So make sure you let your ref know that you’ve got your eye open for it and will let it be known if ‘over-officiating’ does occur. Your ref will thank you for it.

Frank Fitzgerald, an old mentor always said that no one notices or remembers a good official. “If you call it right from the start, you can let the kids decide it at the end”.

Joel Venia has refereed for over 20 years in many sports. He is one of ForSports' road sales associates. His e-mail is jvenia@fs4sports.com