Please note this content has now been added to the Archives.
It is available for reference purposes but otherwise neither maintained nor updated.
If you require an accessible version please contact info@sportnz.org.nz.
Game management - communication skills
Game management - communication skills
Communication skills resources designed to give the confidence to manage the game effectively using a wide variety of communication methods.
Should you require more information about what to do in sport-specific situations, contact your national sport organisation (NSO).See below for a brief description of the communication skills resources.
Communicating with participants and coaches
An important part of officiating is good communication. This fact sheet has simple hints and tips for communicating effectively with a wide variety of people involved in your sport.
Communication styles
This fact sheet summarises the four main communication styles, and points you in the direction of what the preferred style is for officiating.
Importance of being assertive
In order to maintain control of the game and provide a fun environment, being assertive is a key skill for every official. This fact sheet outlines the key behaviours of assertiveness.
Writing reports
From time to time you'll have to write reports that provide information for others on the game you have officiated, especially with regard to incidents or injuries and your comments about the behaviour of both teams.This fact sheet provides report writing principles to keep in mind when submitting any reports following a game.
Emotional intelligence for sports officials
Emotional intelligence is the ability to handle emotions in a way that enhances your productivity, personal power, and quality of life around you. It involves making your emotions work for you.As a sports official you are dealing with a wide variety of emotions as players strive to compete. How you handle their emotions and your own can have a significant impact on your effectiveness and the enjoyment of others involved.This fact sheet provides more information on what emotional intelligence is and how to enhance it to the benefit of your officiating.
Session plan
This part of the toolkit provides some basic instructions and recommendations for delivering your session on communication skills. Those planning on delivering a session are strongly encouraged to go through this section before using the resources.
Roleplay activity cards
-
Roleplay activity cards
These can be used in a workshop environment or among colleagues to improve your communication and conflict management skills. Ensure there is an observer who can provide accurate feedback to the person playing the role of the official.
Role play activity cards 1 (PDF 28KB)
Role play activity cards 2 (PDF 28KB)
Role play activity cards 3 (PDF 28KB)
Role play activity cards 4 (PDF 28KB)
Self-study scenarios
These are the same scenarios as used in the roleplay activity, but the ideal responses for each scenario are included. This exercise is helpful to those who are not able to attend a group session where role plays provide an opportunity to put the learning into practice.
Self-check quiz
A simple multi-choice quiz so you can see how your communication skills knowledge is shaping up. If you're struggling with the quiz, time to head back into the resources!
