Module 4: After the Meet

Once the meet is over, you may have other responsibilities such as debriefing with the Referee. Later, consider evaluating your performance as a Starter. Honesty is vital here. You can learn a great deal from reviewing your starting. When you recognize errors and the situations surrounding them, you may be able to avoid them moving forward.

The session or meet is over. Whew! You might be tired of standing on your feet, but excited to fulfill this new role as part of the officiating team. You and all the other officials worked together to ensure the competition was fair and the athletes got the best experience possible. Nice job!

What now?

Consider taking a moment to self-evaluate your performance. Honesty is vital here. And go deeper than just a feeling of “I had a good meet” or “That didn’t go well for me today.” Ask yourself “Why?” You can learn a great deal from reviewing your officiating. When you recognize recent errors and the situations surrounding them, you may be able to avoid them moving forward. At all levels, know that there is a lesson to be learned from every start - learn the lesson - forget about the start.

Use these questions to reflect after the meet. Take time to learn about your own officiating. Recognize any errors to avoid them moving forward.

As you complete your reflection on your officiating, take a moment to consider your overall performance as part of your officiating team. 

Ask yourself these questions. Did I...

• Arrive at the meet site on time?  

• Dress appropriately?  

• Participate in the Officials Briefing, as required?

• Complete all preparations that are my responsibility?  

• Develop and maintain genuine teamwork with the other officials, especially the Referee?

It helps to think about your own performance as an official, and then reflect on how you performed as part of the overall team.

Wrap Up

After each meet, review your performance. Reflect and find ways to improve. On that note, be open to mentoring that happens along the way, not just within your apprenticeship prior to certification. Continued feedback from other officials with more experience can be critical to building your knowledge and understanding of this role. 

Finally, keep it up! The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you will be within this role.

Click Next to take the Start certification test