COC NEWSLETTER 3/28/06

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US LACROSSE COLLEGIATE OFFICIALS COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER 3/28/06

From Warren Kimber, NCAA National Coordinator of Officials:

There are several things I would like to share with you relative to officiating games that have been brought to my attention during the last few days. I think the results you have achieved in reducing the number of face off violations is excellent, please keep it up. I understand the concerns you have relative to coverages but again you are doing a great job, stick with it.

In your pregame discussions please give extra attention to pages 72 & 73 in the NCAA Rules book pertaining to stalling. In our 2006 NCAA film, Chuck Winters, Don Zimmerman, and I gave special attention to keep-it-in warnings given early in the first quarter of games and the continuation of those warnings throughout the game. Remember, KEEP IT IN is NOT a penalty. Omit the verbal, "show me some offense." Just tell them to KEEP IT IN. It is apparent that players at the top of the box are stepping in the box with one foot and right out to comply with the ten second count. Please avoid telling them you are going to give them the warning. After you've communicated with your crew, once they step in just tell them to KEEP IT IN and they'll only step out once after you've taken the ball away from them. Telling them what you are thinking about could be considered by the opponent as coaching.

A stall warning can be given during the substitutions as in each transition it is apparent the substitutions are taking close to twenty seconds. You have this tool to speed up the game. The other tool is your quick restarts.Tthe only people who have to be ready for restarts are you.You are urged to continue fast restarts. There is a considerable amount of concern about speeding up the play of the game, and you have the ability to make a contribution toward that end. Please do so.

Looking at the results of games thru last weekend it is apparent that on any given day anyone can beat anyone. The competitiveness of this season is going to put more pressure on the performance of officials. You have to be at your best each and every game and that requires total concentration on the task at hand.

When doing stick checks take at least one long pole a game. You'll be suprised at what you find. Repeating earlier statements, there seems to be more contact in our sport this year. Remember back checks, illegal body checks, and helmet to helmet contact are serious points of emphasis in 2006. Make a serious effort to step up your on field performances during this second half of the season.

On an entirely different note each of us is well aware of the serious circumstances surrounding the allegations confronting the Duke University team. It would do well if in whatever way we can, we show some compassion for and with those people with whom we interact in our sport throughout this difficult time. Think about it and do it in the best way you are able. Thank you for your attention.