Module 2 - Expectations, Responsibilities & Roles

In this module, we will cover:

1. Expectations & Responsibilities of Referees

2. Explaining the Student-Coach Role

3. Explaining the Parent Volunteer Coach Role

• Next Module: Module 3 - Attire, Equipment & Preparation

• Previous Module: Module 1 - Introduction

• See All Referee Training Modules

If you have any questions, please email training@nextlevelsports.com.

0:00 Greetings, Next Level employees! Coach Bradley here. In Module 2 of our Referee Trainings, we’ll cover Expectations, Responsibilities, and the different roles on a Next Level field.

0:14 Let’s talk about you, the referees. What do we expect of you? First off, by completing the onboarding link, you’re telling your site director and your coach that you’re ready to work.

0:24 On our side, that shows us you’re making a commitment. Once you sign up, you must be present and knowledgeable about everything going on at a Next Level field.

0:33 Arriving early is a must. Referees, student coaches, everyone—if you’re working at Next Level, be there at least 10 minutes before your scheduled shift. That way, your site director doesn’t have to worry about your attendance.

0:47 Communication and accountability are key. If you know you can’t attend a Next Level weekend, whether it’s a Saturday or Sunday, let your site director or coach know by Wednesday of that week.

0:59 Whether it’s a family event, travel plans, or another reason, just give them a heads-up so we can find a replacement.

1:08 If something unexpected happens on game day, like a flat tire or another emergency, call your coach ASAP so we can find someone to cover for you.

1:18 Moving on—stay engaged in the game and keep your phone off. You can check it at halftime or between games, but when a Next Level game is going on, your phone should be off and in your pocket.

1:29 Don’t check your phone during play. Not even for the NFL playoffs or the college football championship—keep it in your pocket. Also, keep your AirPods or headphones out of your ears and put them in your pocket or backpack.

1:44 You need to be fully engaged with the game. Remember, this is a job. You are employed by Next Level Sports, and we’re paying you. With that comes responsibility. If you fail to meet these expectations, you could be let go.

2:00 Now let’s talk about the responsibilities of a referee. First and foremost, know the rules.

2:11 We have a referee training video available on our webpage that covers key penalties you’ll encounter during a Next Level game.

2:22 When you make a call, do it loud and confidently. Whether it’s the down and distance or explaining a penalty to players or spectators, make sure everyone can hear you.

2:32 You don’t want parents yelling from the stands, asking, “What was the call?” Be loud and confident in your decisions.

2:39 And if you make a call, own it. Don’t let anyone pressure you into changing it. If they try, refer them to your site director. It’s their job to manage any issues with parents or coaches.

2:47 Stick with your call—what you say is what happened. After each play, follow the ball closely to ensure you know exactly where the runner stepped out of bounds or where the flag was pulled, so you can mark the ball properly.

3:09 This is not optional. You need to be moving and staying engaged on the field.

3:27 Now, a quick note on the other people you’ll encounter on the field. This includes student coaches, your fellow high school or college teammates, and parent coaches.

3:38 The student-athlete coaches are the head coaches of their teams. At Next Level, we empower them to make decisions and call plays. Parents should not be calling plays—unless the student coach is absent that day.

3:47 Student coaches are also mentors to their teams, just as your coaches are mentors to you.

3:54 Parent coaches serve as the general managers of their teams. Their main job is to assist with player rotations, which we’ll cover in a later module.

4:08 If the student coach allows, parent coaches can help with defense, giving the student coach time to review offensive plays with their team.

4:18 A quick note on parents in the huddle: We allow parents to help up to a certain point in the season, depending on the grade. For kindergarteners and first-graders, parents can be in the huddle the entire season.

4:27 For second grade and up, parents can be in the huddle for the first three weeks of the season. After that, no parents should be in the huddle.

4:35 Some locations may have different rules, so ask your site director if they have specific guidelines for parents in the huddle.

4:44 And that’s it for now. We’ll see you in the next training!