USQ HEAD REFEREE CERTIFICATION: FIELD TEST

Candidate name:
Test administered by:
Overall score:

THE TEST
Candidates are evaluated on five categories, with a total possible 50 points.
These categories are PROFESSIONALISM AND TEMPERAMENT, POSITIONING,
CONFIDENCE, CONSISTENCY, and COMMUNICATION.
Each category is broken down into three portions: OVERALL CRITERIA,
SPECIFIC CRITERIA, and NECESSARY CRITERIA.
Candidates must accumulate 40 or more points (80%) to receive a passing
score, and candidates must successfully accomplish everything listed within the
Necessary Criteria portion.

HOW IT WORKS
OVERALL CRITERIA consists of generally desirable and necessary actions or
traits. Not every situation will occur within a given game, and therefore a
candidate can receive a perfect score in the Overall Criteria without necessarily
accomplishing each item as listed.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA consists of specific traits and actions; each of these must be
accomplished or followed in order for candidates to receive a perfect score.
NECESSARY CRITERIA consists of unavoidable baseline traits and actions that
every certified USQ head referee must possess. Necessary Criteria items do not
add to a candidates score, but if the candidate fails to accomplish one of the
items, they automatically fail their field test.
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PROFESSIONALISM AND TEMPERAMENT

OVERALL CRITERIA _____
Candidate is respectful to fellow referees, players, event staff, and spectators.
Candidate is able to start a match in a reasonable time and solve pregame
problems as efficiently as possible.
Candidate is prepared with proper uniform and equipment (whistle, cards, and
coin).
Candidate does not show defensive or antagonizing behavior when in
conversation with other parties.
Candidate continues to be a good representative of USQ not only during the
game, but afterward.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA _____
Candidate arrives early to the game, inspects the field, and ensures that all
assistants know their assignments.
Candidate is able to address the concerns of both teams and assistant referees
appropriately and calmly.
Candidate performs an equipment check.
NECESSARY CRITERIA _____
Candidate does not display coarse, vulgar, or otherwise unprofessional
language or behavior at any point.

POSITIONING
OVERALL CRITERIA _____
Candidate is able to move with play without obstructing gameplay.
Candidate is able to understand and anticipate aspects of gameplay in order to
have the best vantage point to make proper calls.
Candidate is able to properly prioritize their focus.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA _____
Candidate demonstrates the consistent ability to stay out of the way of play.
Candidate is physically capable of keeping up with pace of the game.
Candidate is able to differentiate when to move close to gameplay (i.e. a fight
for a ball).
Candidate is able to negotiate the pitch and spectator boundaries and assign
balls to the proper players.
Candidate checks the scoreboard after each score in order to prevent
inaccuracy.
NECESSARY CRITERIA _____
Candidate makes reasonable effort to move and follow active gameplay.

CONFIDENCE
OVERALL CRITERIA _____
Candidate is able to stop play authoritatively without hesitation (paired whistle
blasts) and keep players from moving when play is stopped.
Candidate is able to correct players without stopping play (when applicable).
Candidate is able to handle hostile players during conversation.
Candidate shows proper body language and vocal confidence on the field.
Candidate shows conviction in calls that were made, or confers with another
referee without ceding any perceived authority.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA _____
Candidate does not become agitated or frightened when confronted by players
or spectators.
Candidate demonstrates control throughout the duration of the match.
Candidate speaks clearly, calmly and loudly.
Candidate demonstrates the ability to make quick, informed decisions.
Candidate demonstrates the ability to confer, and or discuss a decision if
necessary.
NECESSARY CRITERIA _____
Candidate does not allow a third party to affect the decisions that have been
made on field.

CONSISTENCY
OVERALL CRITERIA _____
Candidate makes the same calls in similar or parallel situations, no matter the
team or game situation, and no matter how many calls they have made against
the team already.
Candidate ensures that all players from both teams are spoken to in the same
professional manner during all stoppages. Personal relationships with players
should not affect this consistency.
Candidate ensures that no harm, no foul calls and rule interpretations are the
same for both teams.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA _____
Candidate demonstrates discretion when issuing appropriate penalties to the
level of infraction, including yellow for yellow card offense, and back to hoops
for small offense.
Candidate's behavior and calls do not vary throughout the course of the game.
Candidate does not miss clear violations, and doesnt improperly punish small
violations.
Candidate does not allow prior acts (card given to a team, the severity of an
injury) to affect the issuing of future penalties.
Candidate demonstrates a knowledge and command of the rules.
NECESSARY CRITERIA _____
Candidate does not demonstrate a measurable bias for or against a particular
team or player.
Candidate does not miss a significant amount of calls that can be deemed
game changing or dangerous.

COMMUNICATION
OVERALL CRITERIA _____
Candidate makes calls in such a way that the players on the field and on
benches, other refs, announcers, and fans know what the call is.
Candidate produces clear whistle signals:
Paired short blasts to stop play
One (1) short to resume play after stoppage or to make the quaffle live
after a goal
One (1) long to indicate goal
Three (3) long to indicate end of game
Candidate makes it clear when a call is changed.
Candidate is able to communicate to the whole ref crew: all officials should be
equally aware of appropriate positioning, game score, etc.
Candidate communicates concisely. Candidate does not let allow play stoppage
to last for longer than necessary.
SPECIFIC CRITERIA _____
Candidate can communicate with players without having to stop play.
Candidate demonstrates correct hand signals (see Appendix C of Rulebook 8).
Candidate holds a proper captain and assistant ref meeting according to USQ
procedure, reviewing any necessary information with teams.
Candidate calls together assistant referees to confer on decisions if necessary.
Candidate gives both teams some feedback avenue about candidate (e.g.
candidates email or link to an evaluation form).
Candidate is able to blow appropriate whistles properly every time, without
issue.
NECESSARY CRITERIA _____
Candidate does not lose control of their emotions or ignore the other officials
at any point during the game.