Transcript Clerking by Terri Eldridge

Clerking
by Terri Eldridge
Tips for dealing with: Coaches,
Competitors, and Head Officials
(Photo from Jr. Nationals IU 2012)
Official's Performance Guidelines
The USA Track & Field Officials Committee expects all
officials to be prepared and to conduct themselves in a
professional manner. These Performance Guidelines outline
several characteristics which should be demonstrated by all
certified officials.
USATF Officials shall:
1Comply with the USA Track & Field Officials Code of Ethics.
2Be punctual in reporting for assigned officiating duties,
including allowing adequate time for venue inspection and
set-up prior to the warm-up period and competition.
3Possess the appropriate rule book(s) for the competition.
4Possess and maintain appropriate uniform items and wear
the national uniform or other dress prescribed by meet
management, and be prepared to continue duties in all types
of weather.
5Inspect assigned venues to ensure the safety of athletes,
officials, and spectators. Correct or report apparent or
suspected dangers to meet management before beginning a
competition.
6Be calm, positive, and polite. Refrain from dialog with
athletes and coaches regarding disputed calls or decisions,
and instead refer them to the referee, protest table, or
games committee for resolution. Report abusive behavior
toward officials to meet management.
7Not use any electronic or photographic devices, including
cell phones, while officiating.
8Assist in submitting competition results, cleaning the
event area, and returning equipment. Before departing the
site, determine if any other venues need officiating
assistance.
9Attend periodic training sessions or clinics to maintain or
update officiating skills. Assist, as appropriate, in
developing and presenting training materials.
10Keep physically fit, and advise their association or
coordinator of officials of physical limitations on their
ability to perform any assigned duty.
11Mentor less experienced officials by sharing information
and techniques, demonstrating use of equipment,
identifying potential problems or issues and
recommending solutions, and encouraging questions.
12Assist in recruiting new officials.
13Consider active involvement with the officials’
committees of the local association and USATF.
14Make recommendations for rules changes as
appropriate.
Tips for Dealing with
Athletes
Pole Vaulter High School State Meet
•
• Clerk’s Check-In
Procedures/Instructions
•
• Check bib number
• Check spikes
• Highlight name on event sheet
• Advise of heat/section & lane
assignment
• Advise of when & where to
report to Staging Area
• Advise of any schedule delays
• Check relay team member’s
uniforms (all 4 together)
Tips for dealing with
Athletes page 2.
Scott Rose, Terri Eldridge, and
Bill Fyffe (RIP 2013)
•
• Clerk’s Staging Instructions
•
• Advise re: stay in this Staging Area now
• Advise re: # of laps, starting lines, # of
staggered turns, break lines
• Advise re: advancement procedures to
finals
• Advise re: any schedule delays
• Advise to put spikes on now
• Call names & hand out hip numbers
(advise: left/right/both/top)
• Ask for questions
• Good Luck!
• Advise re: sweats/basket crews,
movement to track, strides
• Escort to track, place in lanes/step-up
line
Tips Learned from Personal Experience
working with athletes.
• Be friendly and direct, remember any incorrect info you give
may come back to haunt you! (we’ve all experienced this)
• Do not socialize.
• Ask if the athlete has any
questions.
• Don’t repeat yourself, but
rephrase your answer.
• Don’t talk “down” to athletes.
• Most athletes are very polite
and are thankful for your work.
Tips For Dealing with Coaches and
Head Officials
Coaches
Head Officials
• The coach is working, too.
• Coaches are looking out for
their athletes, and can be
“personality challenged”
during tense meets.
• Get help from your head
clerk IF you can’t satisfy the
coach.
• Clerks are there to help!
• Meet and talk with the Head
official of any Field Event for
which you are clerking.
• Get their time schedules for
athlete movement to events.
• Introduce the field to their event
chief and turn the athletes over
to them.
• Help with escorting later flights
and finalists to the venue.
• Meet and work with Starters.
Question/Answer??
World Masters Meet Clerking Crew in Sacramento.