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Responsibility. The basic responsibility of every official is to work as part of a team to create a competitive environment in which each competitor has a fair opportunity to achieve her/his best performances, with no competitor gaining an advantage or suffering a disadvantage.
Considerations/Approach.
- Athlete Centred. Always use a proactive athlete centred approach to officiating. The interests of the athletes must be considered as primary. The competitors are the central reason for having a meet, not the officials or spectators.
- Proactive. Ensure a fair competition – take proactive steps to avoid having to make a call – the goal is not "to catch the competitors" but rather to seek a fair competitive opportunity for all.
- Consistent. Treat all competitors and events equally – no one should get special treatment, but consideration should be given to ensuring to each the fair opportunity to compete. Sometimes fairness requires a referee's decision to disqualify. Do not shy from this duty when required.
- Positive Attitude. Take a positive approach to interactions. A dictatorial manner is usually upsetting and distracting to nervous competitors. Never take an action which interrupts the competition – all actions are taken once the running event or field event trial has been competed.
- Professionalism. In field events, consider the needs of the competitors, spectators and coaches. Announce all marks clearly. In running events, stay off the track and avoid unnecessary movement.
- Teamwork/Communication. Work as part of a team of officials, ensure clear communications with fellow officials and with competitors. Take the initiative to clarify to avoid possible problems.
- Stay On Time. Every official has a role to ensure that the meet runs on time. Each competitor who reports by the designated time needs an adequate and predictable warming up period. A poorly administered schedule may result in poor performances, lost confidence or injuries.
Key Qualities
The basic qualities required of an effective official are to:
- Exercise teamwork, common sense, judgement, tact and a proactive approach to assigned tasks.
- View officiating as both an art and a science – consider the circumstances in applying the rules.
- See every meet and every event as important – to maintain fairness, objectivity, consistency and impartiality in every situation and in every event.
- Work as a team to exhibit and exercise a high level of professionalism, integrity and consistency.
- Maintain a high standard of concentration and communication — remain prepared to react quickly.
- Focus on safety and act decisively, brisk but not brusque. Be solutions oriented.
- Be knowledgeable of the appropriate application of the rules to the situation – always verify any non-routine ruling by looking it up in the current rule book. Do not be afraid to ask or check.
- Be understanding of the athletes' needs and circumstances – be present, but not highly visible.
- Be patient and positive despite the conditions, statements of others or personal feelings.
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