Game Management
MCFOA Meeting – 9/13/2010
Jeremy Valentine
What is Game Management?
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Many aspects of the game that
establish a positive (or negative)
perception of the crew on the field
The “Little Things” that no one notices
that make our lives a lot easier
Without them, we would have no
chance of providing a positive
contribution to the game.
It’s All About Perception!
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The perception of the crew is established
LONG before the opening kickoff!
– Referee’s confirmation email
– Interaction with Athletic Office personnel.
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It is imperative that the crew responds to
the Referee’s emails and requests promptly
so he can contact and request the correct
information in a timely manner!
– Parking and other Information
It’s All About Perception!
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First Impressions are EVERYTHING!
– You can only make it once!
Be on TIME (which means early!)
 Look and act PROFESSIONAL
 Treat your host, locker room, and anyone
else you may meet with RESPECT
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– You never know who that person is, or may report
to!
It’s All About Perception!
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Once you establish a good first
impression, MAINTAIN it throughout
the day
– Clock Operator, Chain Crew, & Ball Boys
(if available) Pre-games
– Meeting the AD, Supervisor, or Principal
The Little Things That Count!
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Ball Persons
– They will make or break your crew
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ALL sideline officials need to meet and have a
thorough pre-game with the ball persons on
your sideline!
– Learn their names, write them on your card, and
call them by their name for the entire game.
 I have yet to meet a ball boy who has the
name “Ball” or “Football”
– Has to be the same, rehearsed, SOLID pre-game
every week, no matter how good they look.
The Little Things That Count!
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Ball Persons
– Discuss:
Importance of their job (Make or Break!)
 They are part of YOUR crew!
 Game balls stay in THEIR hands unless they
are on their way to an official
 Hand-offs or SHORT tosses are the only way
to deliver a ball
 Footballs NEVER hit the ground…(why?
Remember, It’s all about PERCEPTION!)
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The Little Things That Count!
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Ball Persons:
– Discuss:
They need to stay focused on every play.
 YOU need to keep them engaged on every
play!
 Make themselves visible
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– Your crew’s game will become
exponentially easier with a solid pregame for your ball persons
Measure Up To the Task!
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Chain Crew
– Most of the time are at least three to four
football savvy individuals. USE THEM WISELY!
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Tell them to give vocal queues for the HL
– Say “First Down” as you run by for obvious calls
– Say “Close” if they think it’s close to the stick so you can
take a good look
– Yell “Flag” if there is a flag thrown
– Have the Down Box operator say the down and distance
to you EVERY play
– Tell him what that tape means so you don’t have to
look!
Measure Up To the Task!
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Chain Crew
– Again, a standardized pre-game is necessary!
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Get a good line to break the “I’ve been doing this for
30 years attitude!”
Be sure you cover:
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Safety (Drop them ASAP!)
Movement (Not until you’re told!)
Communication (Every Down)
Measurements
Again, get their names, REMEMBER them (or write
them down) and call them by name all the time.
It’s Almost Time
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Clock Operators
– Meeting is usually in the press box vs. on
the field
– Remember PERCEPTION! Whatever is
said with them around WILL be repeated
to anyone and everyone in the press box
– A standard pre-game is once again
REQUIRED!
It’s Almost Time
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Clock Operators
– Game Clock Discussion:
Get press box location, field blind spots,
recent issues with the time systems, etc.
 Can they hear the PA in the press box?
 Discuss timing rules.
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It’s Almost Time
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Clock Operators
– Game Clock Operator:
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Be sure they:
– Disable any automatic horn or buzzer
– Disable the 1/10th second display if possible
– Know the half time length and when to start the
clock
– Know to stop the pre-game clock at 1:00 and set it
for the next quarter
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Tell them where the start/stop signals may be
coming from on the field
It’s Almost Time
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Clock Operators
– Play Clock Operator:
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Be sure they:
– Know when to start the clock
– Know what to do if delay is or is not called
What is Game Management?
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They are there to make YOU look
good!
Utilize them correctly and it will
happen!
Good luck!