Hey Ref: April 2019

by Barry Faguy HEY REF Last call! Well folks, nine years later, it’s the end of my writing the officiating column. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a Canadian doing it, but it’s fitting that someone...

Hey Ref: January 2019

An “Official” Q&A by Barry Faguy HEY REF Is it true that the PSA decided to eliminate the usual practice of giving only a let (instead of an obvious stroke) when the striker refrains from hitting...

Hey Ref: October 2018

by Barry Faguy HEY REF I referee a fair amount and I’ve noticed over the last couple of years that there seems to be a lot more no lets given for access interference situations, way...

Hey Ref: July 2018

by Barry Faguy HEY REF Once in a while when it’s my turn to referee, I wind up with bad behavior from the players and I get flustered and unsure of what to do. Poor behavior...

Hey Ref: January 2018

by Barry Faguy HEY REF I often hear some referees’ explanations that strike me as kind of weird. Is there some advice to help me get it right when it’s my turn to give explanations? ...

Hey Ref: October 2017

HEY REF Other than the marker making calls like “out” and “down,” is it permissible for the referee to stop play? It’s allowed, but it’s rare and usually for safety reasons. An intervention would typically...

Hey Ref: June 2017

by Barry Faguy HEY REF Is there anything a referee can do about what seems to be dishonest play? Dishonesty has many guises, but we’ll focus on two key areas. The first regards the failure of...

Hey Ref: Underwater Basket Weaving

by Barry Faguy HEY REF I was told that when I’m officiating, I shouldn’t ask questions of the players. Is that right? Nope; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. The rules make specific reference to the...

HEY REF An “Official” Q & A by Barry Faguy

HEY REF I’ve heard the term “wrong footing” used with interference situations. What are we supposed to do when it happens? We often see this issue of wrong footing misinterpreted and wind up with unfair...

Hey Ref: An “Official” Q & A

by Barry Faguy HEY REF! Sometimes I get stuck reffing a match with seemingly endless calls. Is there any way to cut down those numbers? That’s a very topical question, and this longer-than-average answer is far...