Download Department of Sport and Recreation

COMMUNICATION
Officials
Department of
Sport and Recreation
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.
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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
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Talking calmly and slowly
Level, well modulated tone
Normal Volume
One person at a time
Remove the Emotion
Voice – Post Match Discussions
Effective communication contains six elements:
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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
Listening Skills
• Actively listen to the person presenting
their side of the event.
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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
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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