Pre-Game Conference Checklist
Introductions
Introduce yourself and Umpire to the Head Coach in a friendly and business-like manner.
Bench Area & Safety
Coaches must stay in dedicated space off field behind white lines. Officials need adequate sideline space. All interactions must be respectful.
⚠ Coaches ID Cards (CRITICAL)
All bench personnel (coaches, managers, trainers) MUST have physical Football Manitoba ID cards.
- Request cards before captains are called
- No ID = Not permitted in bench area
- Exception: Professional staff (therapists, doctors)
Equipment Certification
Key Equipment Items ▼
- Knee Pads: Must fully cover knees. Players without or altered pads = sent off field
- Mouthguards: Players can only have ONE mouthguard, must wear while on field (NEW RULE)
- Tinted Visors: Not permitted
Coach certifies all players are informed, equipped, and instructed to report illegal equipment.
Player Numbering
Ask for captains numbers and special teams players:
- Convert kicker
- Holder
- Long snapper
- Punter
- Check for ineligible numbers (50-79) in receiver positions
Unusual Plays
Ask if coach wants to share info about unusual formations, trick plays, or onside personnel on punts/field goals.
Questions & Clarifications
Ask if coach has questions about rule interpretations or anything else before the game starts.
Conclusion
End with a positive statement and confirm ID check timing before kickoff.
Example Script
Here's a practical example of how to deliver this conference:
"Good afternoon, Coach! I'm [Referee's Name], and this is [Umpire's Name]."
On Safety:
"For everyone's safety, coaching staff stay between the 15 and 45-yard lines. Players back about five yards from that. We need clear sideline space. All interactions with our crew should be respectful—and you'll get the same from us."
On ID Cards:
"We'll need physical ID cards for all coaching staff before we call captains."
On Equipment:
"Quick equipment check: Are all your players properly equipped? We'll be checking for:
• Knee pads covering the knees fully
• One mouthguard per player, worn on field
• No tinted visors
Non-compliant players sit out until it's fixed."
On Players:
"Can you give me your captains by number? Also, who's your convert kicker, holder, long snapper, and punter? Any numbering issues we should know about?"
On Unusual Plays:
"Any unusual formations or trick plays? Onside personnel on special teams?"
Wrap-up:
"Any questions for us? We'll check those IDs about three minutes before kickoff, then call captains. Have a good game, Coach!"