
"The Multi-Sport Official — Lessons from Different Fields of Play"
From Whistle Talk by Mike D the Referee
February 18, 2026 · 54 min · Season 3 · Episode 6
About this episode
The episode explores the experiences and insights of multi-sport officials in officiating various sports.
In this episode of Whistle Talk, host Michael D'Ambrosio engages with multi-sport officials Les Bagley, Chuck Knaub, and John Devaney to explore the intricacies of officiating across various sports. They discuss their journeys into officiating, the benefits and challenges of being a multi-sport official, and the importance of communication and fitness. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of working with different crews, dealing with assigners, and the cultural differences between officiating male and female sports. The officials share valuable advice for aspiring referees and emphasize the need for continuous improvement and adaptability in their roles. Takeaways Multi-sport officiating keeps you engaged year-round. Communication is key in officiating across different sports. Physical fitness is essential for officiating multiple sports. Understanding the culture of each sport is crucial. New officials should ask questions and learn from others. Dealing with different assigners can be challenging. Transitioning between sports requires adaptability. Flopping and embellishment are common issues in youth sports. Consistency in officiating builds trust with coaches and…
People in this episode
Host: Michael D'Ambrosio
Guests: Les Bagley, Chuck Knaub, John Devaney
Topics covered
- multi-sport officiating
- communication in officiating
- fitness for referees
- cultural differences in sports
- advice for aspiring referees
Keywords
- officiating
- sports
- referees
- communication
- fitness
- adaptability
- youth sports
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