INTRAMURAL OFFICIALS
MANUAL
2004-2005
Introduction
Purpose of
Handbook
The aim of the Intramural (IM) handbook is to acquaint you with the policies, procedures, and regulations of the IM program as they pertain to your duties and responsibilities as an IM official. It is meant to serve as a guide to some of the information you need to know to be a successful IM official. You have been selected for this important position because of your knowledge, interest, and ability to perform the duties required. As an IM official, you will be responsible for aiding the IM staff with a wide variety of functions. You are responsible for all the information in this handbook.
Programs
Staff Listing
(
Name Position Phone Email
Tyrone Fuertes Intramural and Club Sport Director 768-5053 Fuertes
Ted Stavropoulos Associate Athletic Director 768-4650 TStavrop
The IM office is located on the first floor of the
Important
Numbers
Intramural Office 768-5053
Equipment Room 768-3915
Public Safety 768-7777
Campus Information 768-4100
Web Site www.intramural.hartford.edu
STUDENT STAFF
GUIDELINES
General
Responsibilities
Being an effective IM official requires knowledge of the rules regarding the specific sport (s) you choose to work. IM sport rules are based on the general rules of the sport and are modified to serve the varied skill levels of the recreational participant and the legal liability have had a causal effect on rule changes in our programs. You must be aware of all rule modifications and interpret and implement them within the scope of your job assignment.
Duties include the following:
ü Knowledge and compliance of all Intramural policies and procedures
ü
Knowledge of IM sports and a thorough
understanding of the rules and regulations governing these sports.
ü
Attendance at all official clinics for the
desired sport is mandatory. Knowledge of
the information given at these clinics is essential.
ü
Responsible for all hours scheduled
ü
Responsible for all athletic equipment assigned
to your field/court
ü
Responsible for the proper application of rules
during a game and the control and supervision of all actions in your area of
supervision. Any problems or incidents
must be reported to the supervisor immediately.
ü
Follow all procedures for accidents, incidents,
protests and/or altercations according to guidelines. Maintain constant communication with all
staff members including IM Director, supervisors, and IM assistants. Communication is very important!
Qualifications
Individuals interested in being an IM official must have:
ü A basic understanding of team and individual sports.
ü A genuine interest in athletics and sports
ü The ability to learn specific rules and regulations in a specific sport or activity.
ü The ability to handle confrontational situations with self composure and assertion
ü The ability to remain controlled and even-tempered through difficult situations
ü The ability to work cooperatively with other staff members
ü Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills.
Work Standards
Pre Game Duties
ü Sign in for work
ü Arrive 15 minutes before first scheduled game time with WHISTLE and UNIFORM. You cannot work if you do not have proper equipment
ü Upon arrival he/she should report to the supervisor to review shift activity
ü Check to see that the playing area is prepared properly and clear of all hazards.
ü Call captains together to discuss the rules of the game before the start. Introduce yourself and partner, ask the captains if they have any questions, clarify necessary rules, conduct the coin toss. Take care of any potential problems before the game. Preventative officiating makes your job much easier. Ex. (Make sure teams are distinguishable and clarify rules that seem confusing to captains. Many teams do not fully read the rules and may be unaware of certain changes that exist. If you tell them before, they won't be arguing later.
ü Make sure all players are listed on the score sheet.
Game Duties
ü
Always begin the game at the scheduled starting
time
ü
Do not argue with coaches, players, or
spectators. Be firm but courteous
ü
Hustle.
Officials should always be on top of the play. Presence Lends Conviction
ü
Blow your whistle sharply, when making a
call. Voice with firmness
ü
Never criticize other officials judgment. If you wish to discuss the other official's
misapplication of a rule , do it privately away from the players
Post Game Duties
ü After the game, check over the score sheet for proper information
ü Give sportsmanship ratings
ü Police your field for any items left behind
ü Check with IM field supervisor before leaving to discuss any problems throughout the night and sign out
Code of Ethics
for Officials
ü Honor all game assignments regardless of personal inconvenience
ü Study the rules of the game diligently, observe the work of other officials, and attempt to improve at all times.
ü Remember that while your work as an official is important, you must conduct yourself in a manner so that spectators attention is directed at that game and not at you
ü Be fair and unbiased in your decisions, rendering them without regard to the score or the quality of the play on the field/court
IM officials are expected to display a positive image of the Department. This includes:
ü Being dressed neatly and properly
ü Displaying a positive attitude
ü Acting as a service person (or referring to a supervisor) to those in need of help.
ü Promoting the IM program
ü And most importantly, leading by example.
Work Area
Conditions
Certain regulations will apply to all student employees while on the job. A breach of these rules may lead to probation, suspension, or dismissal. The field supervisor must grant any exception to these policies. These regulations include but are not limited to the following:
¨ No smoking
¨ No televisions or radios
¨ No Walkman
¨ No Cell phones
¨ No entertaining friends!!
¨ Employees must remain alert at all times
¨ Employees may not participate in an activity while they are working
¨ Staff shirts must be worn at all times while working
Officials Clinics
All officials are required to attend clinics for each sport the will be officiating. Training provides the officials with both confidence and competence, enabling him/her to be better equipped in game control. However, almost anything can happen given the excitable conditions of a well-contested intramural game. Properly trained officials can react to these conditions in a manner which is prudent and professional.
Sportsmanship Rating
As an official, one of your duties will be to assign sportsmanship ratings. The following are the guidelines. Each team will receive a sportsmanship rating from the official(s) and or supervisor at the conclusion of the game. This rating can range from 4.0-0.0
4(Excellent)- given to a team which demonstrates good sportsmanship and maintains an excellent attitude of complete cooperation. Full and complete support of the officials.
3(Above Average)- given to a team when there is no incident of poor sportsmanship. Respect shown for opponents and officials.
2(Average)- given to a team when unsportsmanlike conduct is not present in the game except for rare minor infractions. Poor behavior limited to individual/s, not to the entire team.
1(Below Average)- given to a team if players, other than the captain, persist in questioning officials' decisions; and/or they repeatedly argue with the officials. For frequent use of profane or vulgar language. If spectators, clearly related to the team, fail to cooperate with the officials and the team is not supportive of the officials' efforts.
0(Poor)- given to a team when a player is ejected and the team does not assist the officials in removing the player from the area. If players disregard warning of unnecessary roughness, unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language or action, etc. If the team refuses to attempt to control their fans after a request to do so from the IM Supervisor.
A team that defaults will receive a 2.
A team that forfeits will receive a 0.
A team must have at least a 2.5 rating average in order to be eligible for the playoffs.
A team must have at least a 2.0 rating for each game in the playoffs to advance to the next round. Any team that receives a 0.0 in a playoff game will be disqualified from that playoff tournament and suspended from all IM events for a period of time to be determined by the IM Director.
Work Hours
Intramural play, tournaments, and special events typically occurs on the weekends. Each employee will fill out an availability form at the beginning of the semester. Work hours will be based on seniority, ability, and availability. The schedule will be posted each week on Wednesday for the following week. Schedules can be found outside the IM Office. Employees should check this board frequently for any changes or other postings.. employees are responsible for their shifts at all times.
Duration of Employment
Although many of us would like to think otherwise, no job can be considered permanent. The department works on a supply and demand basis. As a season comes to an end the number of individuals working in that particular sport may be reduced. Employment is seasonal. The department will make efforts to retain its quality employees.
Dismissal
It is essential that each employee accept responsibility for the success of the program. If a student employee is found to be negligent in their duties, certain disciplinary actions will be taken according to the nature of the offense. Student employees may be placed on probation, suspension, or be terminated for any of, but not limited to, the following:
1. Lack of work
2. Poor attendance
3. Unsatisfactory job performance
4. Mistreatment or abuse of fellow employees
Substitution Policy
IM has set up a very flexible system of substitution for the employees. It is your responsibility to obtain your own substitute. The office staff should not be expected to get your shifts covered for you. Do not wait until the last minute to call for a substitute. The office provides updated phone lists of all IM employees. If you are unable to find a qualified substitute, you are obligated to work that shift. One un excused absences can be grounds for probation or suspension.
Officials as Participants
Most officials play intramural sports as well as officiate. IM encourages this to build a good knowledge of the game and to have fun. However, an IM official who participates must remember he/she represents the entire IM Program and is expected to show above average sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike behavior by an IM official will not be tolerated and is grounds for suspension or termination. An official who is the team captain will be expected to have greater control over his/her teammates than other team captains.
Multiple Sport Officials
IM officials are encouraged to work more than one sport. Good officiating skills carry over from one sport to the next. Officials who work multiple sports are generally the best for the IM program.
Payroll Procedure
Paychecks are issued biweekly on
Fridays. Paychecks can be picked up on
Friday at the Sports Center Membership Office between the hours of
Dress Code
All IM officials will be given a whistle, lanyard and officials shirt. Officials are expected to maintain a clean, professional appearance and demeanor at all times. Clothing should fit properly. Black or solid colored pants, wind pants, or shorts are preferred, no jeans (pants need to be at waist level.). Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Sneakers are required.
Evaluations
Officials will be evaluated each semester by the supervisor and IM Director. This evaluation will help to serve as a guide to future assignments. It is also intended to give you feedback on your performance. It is not intended to be a negative report, instead it will help you to become a better official through instruction. Evaluations may be unannounced and random. Officials may be asked to evaluate the supervisors and IM Director throughout the course of the year.
Incidents
Unfortunately, there will always be incidents, such as flagrant contact and fighting that will occur at IM contests. If an incident occurs the supervisor should be notified immediately. Some general guidelines for dealing with such incidents include:
1. Keep yourself safe.
2. Do not attempt to physically separate players unless you can do so without harm.
3. Do prevent others from joining the incident.
4. Take whatever time necessary to sort out all aspects of the incident. You will need to identify the individuals involved as well as give as much detail as possible as to how the incident occurred.
Procedures for Handling
Accidents and Injuries
1. When an injury has occurred, your first priority is to protect the well being of the injured participant. If the player is not in immediate danger, continue play until play approaches the injured player. Never allow play to continue near an injured player regardless of the circumstances.
2. After the game has been halted, immediately call for the IM supervisor. Do not move or attend to the injured person. Inform the field supervisor and let them take care of the injury.
3. Make sure to note all necessary game related details at the time of the stoppage (time remaining, score, possession). After the injury has been taken care of, the game can continue at the correct point.
4. You are not responsible to offer any medical advice to the participant. Let the field supervisor handle it.
Salary
Officials starting pay is $7.15/hr depending on the sport and the amount of experience.
Raises
Increase in pay are not automatic. Employees who feel deserving of a raise must make a formal request in writing to the IM Director. In order to be considered for a raise, employees must meet the following conditions:
1. Must be employed a minimum of 12 pay periods.
2. Demonstrate reliability and punctuality.
3. Practice above average customer service.
4. Demonstrate an ability to work independently.
An employee will be notified with a decision within 7-10 days. The amount of pay increase will be decided by the professional staff, and may range from $0.25-0.50.
Advancement
Officials who perform all job duties exceptionally may be given the opportunity to become an IM supervisor. Promotions will be made at the discretion of the professional staff.
Off Campus Opportunities
Local leagues frequently contact IM Sports in search of officials. These often include basketball, soccer, volleyball, and softball. If you are interested in furthering your experience contact the IM Office.
Awards
An employee awards banquet will be held annually to recognize outstanding performance and achievements. Other awards may be presented at other times throughout the school year.
Opportunities For Officials
Fall Intramurals Spring
Intramurals
Flag Football Basketball
Outdoor Soccer Indoor Soccer
Co-Rec Softball Team Handball
Co-Rec Innertube Water polo Volleyball
Kickball
3-3 Basketball