Expectations of Officials

Flag football can be a difficult, but rewarding game to officiate. The position demands a strong performance from each official. Each team of officials must work cooperatively to make intelligent calls on the field.

The primary job of an official is to see that each game progresses smoothly. Don’t interfere with play more than necessary. Call the penalties that are clearly illegal. If you aren’t sure about a call, don’t make it. You want to be seen as someone that knows what he/she is doing, not someone that likes to guess about calls.

The essentials of good officiating include:

1. The ability to handle players in a friendly, firm and, fair fashion, while maintaining control of the game and its players.

2. Knowing the rules and applying them fairly and intelligently without fear.

3. Knowledge of and adherence to improve on mechanics with a thorough mastery of the assignments and duties of each officiating position.

Setting the standard for calls is something that needs to be done from the onset of the game. Players will be looking to you for consistency and fairness. Be aware of the level you are officiating. Don’t expect young players to be able to correctly execute plays the same way more experienced players can. Keep your standards of what is a legal play in accord with the level you are officiating.

Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to help officiate 49ers PREP Flag Football. Your efforts will help provide our players a fun and safe environment where they can learn and play the game of flag football.