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Posted by "3rdPersonPlural" a referee in Santa Barbara, CA on 5/2/2008:
I have 'managed' more than my fair share of games between aggressive and unskilled teams, and I also have a pregame lecture that I find works wonders for turning a potential donnybrook into an orderly game.
I say (ahem):
Gentlemen, my name is Mr. Plural, and this is Mr. Partner. We'll be officiating your game today.
I understand from your coaches that many of you are new to lacrosse. On behalf of Mr. Partner and myself, welcome to the brotherhood!
There's just 3 points I want to emphasize before we face off:
- First, lacrosse is indeed a physical game, but it is a CONTACT sport, not a collision sport. If you don't yet grasp the difference, Mr. Partner or I will be glad to allow you a minute or so in the penalty box to reflect.
- If either of us feels that any of your checks are late, brutal, or out of control, They are then illegal, and you will get a minute or so to realign your game.
- Lastly, and this is by far the most important.......Respect the Game! This means respect your opponents, respect your teammates, respect your coaches and the fans and, yes, the officials. You violate this rule twice, and you are going to miss the rest of the game.
We're really serious about this, so be gentlemen and have fun.
Goalies, wish each other luck at the X.............gentlemen, step up and wish your opponent the best, the timers on, we face in 20 seconds."
It takes less than a minute to recite, and it saves all sorts of anxiety during the game.
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