SUMMARIZED: NASO's 13-Point Plan to "Getting Back to Officiating Sensibly"

NASO President Barry Mano addresses sports officials and a common-sense approach to game resumption and personal safety.

"...feel much more confident in taking the floor, field, pitch and diamond."
-Barry Mano

We summarize his 13 points and categorize them by stakeholder and filter them to the 7 that are competition-related.

(NOTE: We do not include that you shouldn't officiate when you are sick or have a fever. You know that already.)

Organizations

1. Responsibility & Provisions for Officials
   Organizations, not officials, should be responsible for maintaining a virus-safe working environment for all, including "adopting & publicizing provisions designed to enhance the safety and well-being of the officials."
   
   
2. Rules Adjustments
   Any that are adopted must give "strong consideration to the officiating role in the application and enforcement of those adoptions."
   
   

Assigners (& Assignments)

1. Independent Contractor Status
   Officials have the choice of taking (or not) any assignment for personal health concerns.
   
   
2. Respectfully Declined Assignments
   Be thoughtful should an official not take an assignment for health reasons.
   
   

Sports Officials (& In-Game Officiating)

1. Personal Hygiene
   Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer and minimize touching your face.
   
   
2. Social Distancing
   As reasonably as you can, stay safe at 6 feet away from players, coaches and other officials.
   
   
3. Mask Wearing
   Know whether or not you are required to wear a cloth mask. If optional, accept any risk inherent of not wearing one.
   Buy Your Cloth Masks Here.
   
   For any referee who wears a mask, consider using an electronic whistle or other appropriate device.
   
   

Read the Full 13-Point Article at NASO.org
Includes additional recommendations on testing and vaccinations