What is 'The Officials Mind' Initiative All About?
‘The Official’s Mind’ is a new educational, training and integrative research site for officials from all sports and experience levels. The site focuses on the mental side of an official’s game, looking at concepts like stress, confidence, motivation, communication, attentional focus and the mind-body connection; and provides skills that can help all officials better manage their games…. Read More
Video Interviews
Dr. Lindsay Ross-Stewart
Dr. Lindsay Ross-Stewart – Sports Psychology Consultant & Associate Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville explains the importance of the ‘Mental Side’ of an Officials Game
Shane Butler
Professional Soccer Official and FIFA Futsal emeritus Referee Shane Butler talks about the importance of Mental Fitness with Karen Swanner
Dr. Eric Johnson
Dr. Eric Johnson, Head Men’s & Women’s Soccer Coach at Western Illinois University and former basketball and soccer referee, talks about mental fitness from both roles, as an official and a coach.
Articles
With the rising numbers of sports participants, recruiting and retaining sports officials has become significantly important in the execution of sporting events. Working as a sports official can be very rewarding, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety at any level. This is one of the main reasons that mental fitness,…
A look Paul Stewart’s NHL Officiating Career In sport, there are officials who are students of the game and some who are just born to be there. For New Englander Paul Stewart, a passionate ‘character’, who officiated in the National Hockey League (NHL) for twenty years, he knew as a child it was his destiny….
UConn Men’s Soccer Coach Ray Reid talks about Game Management, Perception & His Expectations of Officials “Mental fitness is really important for officials because they have to make tough, controversial calls in games; while taking abuse from fans, coaches and players,” said University of Connecticut Men’s Soccer Coach Ray Reid, of why he thinks the…
An Interview with CBC Coach Terry Michler Christian Brothers College (CBC) Head Soccer Coach Terry Michler is one of the all-time winningest coaches in high school boys soccer history in the United States and by far, one of the most respected. In his 38 years at CBC, he has won nine state titles, been the…
Contribute to Our Research
Thank you for participating in our survey about COVID and officiating. Here are some of the answers we received from you:
QUESTION 1: How has COVID changed your experience as a sports official?
- I was more careful during the season
- Had to follow more protocols
- I became more aware of health issues as it relates to player and officials interactions
- The tools in my tool box changed a bit
- I love officiating and their were few opportunities for me this past year…very sad!
QUESTION 2: Once you return to officiating, how concerned will you be about social distancing & health?
- While I was officiating during COVID, I made sure I was properly protected and safe before going to any facility
- Although the return should be safer with vaccines, I still plan to wear a mask when not blowing my whistle
- I plan to still follow all proper protocols that are in place, but not let fear rule
- Always wear a mask, bring my own water and stay 6 feet away when possible.
Don’t forget to answer our new questions, which center around returning to the game in 2021! Thank you for participating!
Research Your Organization
Hearing from your members and addressing their needs is one of the best ways to assist your organization with training, education, retention and enhancing the overall experience of your officials. The Midwest Missouri ISOA, which is the St. Louis area’s chapter of college soccer officials, is currently working with ‘The Officials Mind’, doing a research study, with the results to provide a platform for their on-going education and training. Visit their page by clicking on the Midwest Missouri ISOA icon or ISOA on our navigation bar.
If your organization is interested in doing their own study, enrolling in one of our classes, customizing a training program for your group or anything else that could help meet your members needs; fill out our contact form and a representative from ‘The Officials Mind’ will get in touch with you to develop a plan to help your officials be the best they can be!
Who We Are
