Sports Official how-to

How to Prepare for a Game

Preparation builds confidence.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Preparation builds confidence. In short: review; check; arrive, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Review rules and recent changes.

  2. Check assignments and crew.

  3. Arrive early.

  4. Inspect the field and equipment.

  5. Hold a pre-game meeting.

  6. Warm up physically.

Safety reminders for sports officials

  • Inspect fields and equipment
  • Stop play for weather such as lightning
  • Watch for heat illness
  • Leave venues safely after heated games

Mechanics · Signal · Crew · Foul · Advantage · Ejection: see the full sports official glossary.

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