New Crew

[COREF]

I am meeting with my new crew this weekend and while I have worked with a couple of them previously, only one has been on my crew before. I'm putting together a meting agenda that has several crew specific topics I want to cover, but I fear that there are some that I am missing.
What expectations would you make sure to cover as a crew chief, and/or what would you want to hear from your new crew chief?

[Line_Judge]

I've had the fortunate opportunity to work with some very good and not so good referees so far in my career.  I'll give you my thoughts below:

- Since you are new, lean on your vets.  You will have your way you want things to be done, but prior to that talk with them. Tell them how much you will need their help this season because of their knowledge and experience.  In a way, stroke their ego, because once they buy in so will the rest of the crew.

- Let them know that there are no egos on the crew.  We are all hear as a CREW to get the calls right.  We will pick each other up...but when it comes time for the blame, you take the blame no matter if it was your fault or not.  When/if your supervisor calls, you said it was your fault and you insert the reason.  No one wants to work with a Referee that places the blame on his crew.  When they see you take the bullets, they will fight harder for you.

- In return, when you take the blame, you privately hold the officials accountable for their mistakes.  You ask them how you can help them fix the problem and allow them to have a chance to come up with a solution.  Keep all of this within the crew.  Set the expectation early that ALL crew matters will be solved internally.

- Allow the crew to be creative with pregame assignments.  Don't just give them a topic such as Kickoff keys...challenge them to be creative whether it be with film, tests, etc.  It will help drive the discussion and you will see results on the field.

- Be aware of being a micro-manager, however, have some non-negotiable expectations...and align those expectations with those of your supervisor.  For example, being prompt, being prepared for pregame topics, film review, finishing tests on time...when someone gets out of line.  Handle it privately with that person until it becomes a pattern.

- When pointing out mistakes in film review, be critical of your self in front of the crew.  Too many times the referee may point out calls or mechanics for other crew members while not addressing his or her own failures.  It is okay to say "on this play, instead of doing this...i should've done this...".  It puts you on your level...because remember you NEED them probably more than they need you. Whenever there is an issue such as penalty announcement or sloppy enforcement...it is most likely due to the information you receive from them. 

- Don't be afraid to tell them how much you need and value them. When the crew falters, the visibility rarely goes to the line judge, or umpire...it goes to the "Smith" Crew.  Your name is attached to the crew and you will get all the praise and in turn all the criticism. 

- Point out when they do a good job, not just when they make a mistake and do that in front of the crew. 

That may be more advice than you wanted, but I just wanted to share my thoughts.  Good luck!

[COREF]

Thanks for the tips. Most of that is already in my agenda, but you have pointed a couple of things that I will add.
To be clear, I am not  new crew chief. I've been a crew chief for the last 5 or 6 years. Our association shuffled up the membership this season so that all crews are different. I have a list of items to cover, but I know there are a few things that I can add.
Keep the ideas coming. I can always improve myself and my crew.

Thank you!

[Etref]

 Not sure what code you are working

A good start is to get everyone on the same page with crew signals, communications and foul reporting. Let them know how to best help YOU in reporting fouls. For example do you want jersey color, then number, then foul? Will you be using mics and headsets, hand signals, etc

I always wanted my crew to give player, number, Jersey color, foul, location of foul, and what they did (on PI turn, arm bar, impede, etc). I also expected them to be able to tell me the enforcement. I would repeat back what they said, as it cuts down on confusion.

Secondly discuss transportation issues

Thirdly meeting/ clinic attendance

Fourth, uniforms. I know we all say we want to look sharp but you sometimes get that one guy...... you know what I mean

Lastly, I always want my L to be close during pressbox announcements, especially on multiple fouls

[ElvisLives]

Having been in those shoes, one of the most important things I can tell you is to follow this principal that I learned from a former boss, from a former referee (and mentor), and General Norman Scwartzkopf:

When in command, take charge.

Everything Line_Judge said is right on.  But there are other things, like room mate assignments, selection of restaurants, time for departures, etc., that will occasionally elicit disagreement among the crew.  By all means, give the crew opportunities to reach a consensus, but, when, needed, step in and make a decision, and issue your directive.  Here is an example:  At one venue, we dressed in a remote location, and were driven to the stadium, when ready.  Obviously, my U and I needed to be ready with enough time to visit the coaches beginning at 90 minutes before KO.  One member of my crew was insistent that those that wanted to take their time getting dressed should be allowed to stay in the dressing room, and be brought over to the stadium later.  Obviously that meant the stadium management would have to make two trips for us, and that was just not an acceptable inconvenience to them, in my view.  I directed that we would ALL travel over to the stadium at the same time, so management would only need to make trip.  While not popular with that one crew member, that’s what we did.  It isn’t a democracy.  Somebody has to make decisions, and that’s what a crew chief does.

Take charge.

Robert

[Ralph Damren]

Welcome, Line_Judge, to our forum. May you find it both interesting and informative. Our chapter doesn't work with crews ,so every weekly assignment involves a different set of crewmates. In lieu of telling each what to do in each situation (pre-game/ free kicks/ scrimmage kicks/ scrimmage plays /penalties/ measurements/ goal line plays). IMHO, this involves the officials better that a lecture from me. I'll lead in discussing commuting signals, so we all stay on the same page.