Department of Sport and Recreation

1. Department of Sport and Recreation PREPARATION for Officials

2. Accreditation • Are you sufficiently qualified and accredited for the level of game/event you wish to officiate? • Contact your sports organisation to verify your level • Determine methods to increase your level of accreditation and career pathway

3. Pre Season • When does your season commence? • Verify with the local organising body • Conversant with any rule changes • Do you need to undertake a fitness regime? • Do you require to pass a fitness or theory test to officiate in your sport?

4. Your Appointment • Have you received notification of your next appointment? • Confirm your availability • Who are the competing teams • What is the level of competition • Where is the venue • When do I need to be at the venue

5. On The Day Food Intake – Hydration, energy foods (carbohydrates) allow time for digestion Make sure your uniform and equipment are ready Prepare - mental approach Allow for travel time and arrive early “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.” Aristotle

6. Before The Game • Are you fit enough, no injuries? • Pre game preparation • Your routine • Rituals • Administration, team lists, scrutineering • Pre game disruptions • Warm up

7. Psychological Preparation Mental preparation, concentration and confidence are critical to good officiating They should include: • Warm up • Game strategy – knowledge of competitors • Flow – speed of game/competitors/your positioning • Imagery – awareness, what if? • Selective attention - focus

8. After The Event • If of a physical nature, remember to warm down • Re-hydrate • Finalise result sheets/match cards • Game or incident reports to be filed • Self analysis

9. 6 P’s to Preparation Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance