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No matter what the sport or what level (e.g., youth, college, pro) there are missed calls
and incorrect calls made by officials. That is the nature of sports.
Philosophy
Our league chooses to use youth officials.
This allows continued ministry to these youth.
It also consciously sets the desired "tone" for the league.
Our expectation is that this choice increases the number of "questionable" calls in our games.
Our league de-emphasizes competitiveness and we encourage a "kid-results" focus.
Thus when an official fails to make a call or makes a questionable (or wrong) call, the intent
is to teach players to not focus on what they cannot control but to concentrate on doing their best.
We expect our coaches to teach by both example and words to not put attention on the
calls but on the players' behavior.
At times adults become "game-results" focused rather than "kid-results" focused.
(We hear all kinds of rationalizations about how their interest in the officiating is only for the kids.
We do not accept these rationalizations.)
When this happens to a coach they forfeit their opportunity to properly guide the players.
Instead they train players to blame their surroundings and not take responsibility for
their own actions.
Implementation
We do not tolerate negative comments about the
officiating of our games. The following are examples of the comments that are not acceptable:
- "Call the foul!"
- "That's a walk!"
- "He palmed the ball!"
- "That's OK, Johnny. You got all ball!" (when a foul was called)
Note that we do not limit this restriction to comments worded as direct to the officials.
Such comments undermine the integrity of the officials and the integrity of the game.
These are considered "unsportsmanlike" and are not allowed.
If the officials hear such comments from spectators, they are instructed to stop the game.
The coaches are then expected to approach and deal with the spectators.
If there is a question about which team the spectator is associated with,
then both coaches should handle it together.
Spectators who fail to comply will be directed to leave the gym.
If a coach or other bench personnel makes such a comment that can be heard by
anyone in the gym, then a technical foul has been earned.
(See below.)
This includes a coach "talking to himself" or "herself" where they can be heard by another.
The officials are instructed to grant the technical foul that was earned.
Impact
We regularly receive feedback from parents about how they
like our "no tolerance" sportsmanship policy in the administration of our games.
The community identifies this as a unique characteristic and one of the key
values of our league.
We also recieve positive feedback about using youth as officials and how the
quality of the officiating is great for the purpose of the league.
We view this as honoring Christ in the roles and behavior that we promote.
Excert from NFHS Rule 10
Section 4 Bench Technical
Bench personnel, including the head coach, shall not:
Art. 1 ... Commit an unsporting foul. This includes, but is not limited to, acts or conduct such as:
a. Disrespectfully addressing an official.
b. Attempting to influence an official's decision.
e. Objecting to an official's decision by rising from the bench or using gestures.
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