Training Session – Whistles and 10 feet

Trainer needs: Interval timer app, whistle, penalty calling app, chair, rules, 10/20 rope, WFTDA Manual

Referees need: Whistles, rules

Time: 2 hours

10 mins: OFF SKATES: Whistle Practice

Refs split into two groups and go to opposite sides of big space either outside or upstairs on opposite sides).
One ref leads whole group – they do a derby whistle (either 1, 2 or 4 blasts) and first their group, then the other group repeat.
Whole group then comes together and a single ref does 4 whistles and everyone else mirrors (tweet-tweet-tweet-tweet pause-pause tweet-tweet-tweet-tweet)

15 mins: Skate up/warm up

While skating up/warming up talk to other refs about what your favourite positions require and what you need from other ref positions
Also during warm up, random refs blow four call off whistles and all other refs mirror after making eye contact/confirming call off handsignals with original ref

20 mins: ON SKATES: Penalty calling circuit

Circuit lasts for 60 secs with a 15 second break between – we are aiming for 2-3 full rotations.
Four spots are marked exactly ten feet apart – these are the corners. Two spots are marked at the apex of a triangle on opposite sides of the box – these are the points. On the corners of the square participants should be positioned with centre of hips over spot on floor. At the points participants can choose spot.
Each corner is a different on-skates activity. 1. On the spot running/walking on toe stops. 2. Sit ups/push ups. 3. Isometric squats. 4. Planks.
Point 1 has call app set up on a chair – ref does penalty calls with whistle and signal and point 2 mirrors signals and calls from opposite ref.

15 mins: ON SKATES: Referee skating patterns – respectful positioning

Drill is run like jams, bunny can call off jam.
Refs all select a position to start in. Encourage them to start in a position that they do not usually/often skate in. On the start whistle all refs skate as if there is a pack and jammers on the track.
A single ref acts as the ‘bunny’ or ‘pack’. If this bunny takes a knee before start whistle then this is a ‘NPS’ – if they do not, then it is a normal start.
Refs should practice good ref/ref and ref/skater communication during starts.
Encourage refs to make eye contact when they are speaking and to provide feedback to other refs about what they can hear, what they can see, if they are getting enough eye contact. Rotate through all roles and make sure everyone has a go.
As each jam is called off, all refs make eye contact with calling off ref and then mirror back whistles – we are aiming for all together on this.

20 Mins: ON SKATES: Judging 10 feet on the track

This drill will use as many Referees as possible. The person running the drill stands in the middle and everyone else skates around the track.
At the whistle those skating need to stop in a line with 10 foot gaps between them.
Check gaps with 10 foot rope. This drill helps to solidify what 10/20 feet looks like from both on and off the track – skaters will also find this useful.

20 Mins: ON SKATES: Judging 10 feet in the pack

Again, as many Referees as possible work on this drill together. Using extra Referees (or skaters if available) get a pack to skate around the track and stop in pack formation when whistle is blown.
Referees attempt to define pack.
Check measurements with 10 foot rope.
As the drill progresses, you will start to practice the pack definition hand signals and later attempting to define the pack without assistance. Person running drill may also add/remove cones to alter pack. This drill helps Referees learn pack definition skills as well as practicing seeing 10/20 feet.

20 mins: Cool down/stretch

All the drills to make the sessions