Key to great sportsmanship for lacrosse scorekeeping

Minding Your Table Manners

Good sportsmanship should extend beyond the field to the sideline, to the scorer's table, to the fans and the pressbox. Yet sometimes it doesn't. Lacrosse can bring out the best and the worst in all of us. Likely we've all seen good and bad behavior at lacrosse games.

Let's remember: the table crew is NOT exempt from penalties. Some might call working the table - the no-fun zone. Well, they've never been there! It's truly the best seat in the house plus the best way to be "in the game."

Lacrosse scorekeepers, spotters, timekeepers and announcers contribute to all games in ways unimaginable. As unofficial officials, they play a crucial role in the overall outcome of the game. There's pressure to keep the stats accurate and fair, and ideally, being unbiased and neutral. That's extremely difficult at times.

Be a great host.

As the home field table crew, you're hosting the party. Um, the game. While you don't have to supply water to the opponent, promise great weather or offer locker room space, extending a warm welcome goes a long way. Great the visiting coaching staff and their table crew. Accommodate with a "looking forward to a great contest today. Best of luck." sets a positive tone.

Be cordial.

The words of Aaron Burr, talk less, smile more, ring true at the scorer's table. Unnecessary talking at or near the table can be distracting. Distractions create chaos at the table. There's nothing wrong with politely requesting less talking so the Scorer can hear the Spotter and the Timekeeper. If official evaluators, trainers or others talk, it's acceptable to ask them to chat during intermissions (aka half time). Silence is golden at the show AND the lacrosse table. What ever you say, do it with the best intentions and politely. Demonstrate good sportsmanship.

Staying neutral.

One of the hardest jobs is to remain completely unbiased at the table. There's no overt cheering either verbally or non-verbally. In fact, it's best just to call and record the game. At some point you WILL witness an exclamation - That's my boy! Did you see that? WOOOOO - Way to go! Might even be some jumping up and down with that one. Some table crewmates get very wrapped up in the moment. Suggestion - give them one moment and a gentle reminder, if you're the home team, you're keeping the official book for BOTH teams.

Handling disagreements.

It's not if; it's when - you and the visiting team's scorekeeper or spotter will interpret a stat differently. What counts as an assist and what doesn't tends to ruffle feathers. Keep in mind, if you're the home book, your call is the official call. If you're visiting, politely ask why the assist was/was not recorded.

It's okay to disagree; it's not okay to be disagreeable. Calmly discussing why the call was made creates commaderie at the table. Keeping an open mind to learning more about the game builds better table crews.

Dealing with the 'Impossible.'

And then there are THOSE people. The ones that release penalties early, argue with calls, fail to start/stop the clock with the whistle, walk in front of the table while keeping time and the list grows. You've likely witnessed it. So what do you do? Simple. After the first request to stop the behavior, and if the action persists, discretely take action. Ask the officials for assistance.

During an intermission (between quarters or halftime), approach the officials away from the table. Most officials remain at the midline at X during these breaks. Make a request to keep an eye on the box and table. Remember you and the officials work together. They rely on you for accurate game reporting. If you can't see the field or get distracted, you can't do your job to help them do theirs. Bench officials or near line officials can help you tremendously keep order.

Wrapping up the game.

Every lacrosse game ends with a winner. There are no ties in lacrosse. The best words to wrap up a game - pick one or more of these phrases and you'll smell like freshly laundered jersey, not a seasoned glove.

Good game. I enjoyed watching the boys play. Best of luck to you the rest of the season. Thank you!

Hugs optional. Summarize your book. Take a photo of the book and safely travel home. Some families will enjoy a happy ride home. Some will not. Either way, you did love watching your boys play a game they love. 'Twas a great day.