Refereeing the Game, Not the Scoreboard: A Philosophy for Officiating Blowouts

As a high school basketball official, one of the most important mantras I’ve learned is this: We don’t referee the scoreboard. Our job is to enforce the rules, maintain fairness, and ensure the game is played safely and respectfully—regardless of the score. But let’s be honest: blowouts happen. Whether it’s a 30-point lead in the third quarter or a lopsided matchup from the opening tip, officiating a game where one team is dominating can be tricky. How do you stay true to the rulebook while also managing the flow of the game and maintaining sportsmanship?

This blog explores the philosophy of officiating blowouts, shares real-life examples, and offers practical advice for handling these situations with integrity and professionalism.

The Philosophy: Fairness Over Everything

The core principle of officiating is fairness. Whether the game is tied or one team is up by 40, our responsibility is to call the game consistently and objectively. However, officiating a blowout requires an additional layer of awareness and communication. Here’s why:

Player Safety – In a blowout, emotions can run high. Players on the losing team might feel frustrated, while players on the winning team might become overly aggressive or careless. It’s our job to ensure the game doesn’t spiral into unnecessary physicality or unsportsmanlike behavior.

Game Flow – A blowout can feel like a slog for everyone involved—players, coaches, fans, and even officials. While we can’t control the score, we can manage the pace and tone of the game to keep it respectful and efficient.

Sportsmanship – Blowouts are an opportunity to model good sportsmanship. By staying composed, communicating effectively, and treating both teams with respect, we set the standard for how the game should be played.

The key is to strike a balance: enforce the rules without over-officiating, and maintain control without escalating tensions.

Real-Life Examples: Handling Blowouts with Integrity

Example 1: The 40-Point Lead

I was the crew chief in a game where the home team was up by 40 points midway through the third quarter. The atmosphere was tense—the losing team’s coach was visibly frustrated, and the winning team’s players were starting to showboat.

During a timeout, I gathered my crew and said, “We’re not going to let this game get out of hand. Call the obvious fouls, but let’s avoid ticky-tack calls unless they’re necessary. Keep an eye on unsportsmanlike behavior—we’re not tolerating any showboating or trash talk.”

By communicating this approach, we ensured consistency among the crew. We called fouls when they impacted the play or safety, but we didn’t over-officiate. The game ended without incident, and both coaches thanked us for keeping it under control.

Example 2: The Frustrated Coach

In another game, the visiting team was down by 30 points in the fourth quarter. Their coach was furious, yelling at his players and arguing every call. It was clear he was frustrated with the score, not necessarily with our officiating.

I approached him during a break and said, “Coach, I know this isn’t the game you wanted, but we’re going to finish it the right way. Let’s keep it clean and respectful for your players.”

This simple acknowledgment diffused some of his frustration. He still didn’t like the score, but he appreciated that we were focused on fairness and sportsmanship.

Example 3: The Running Clock

In some states, a running clock is used in blowouts to speed up the game. I was officiating a game where the running clock rule was in effect, and the winning team continued to press full-court despite their 35-point lead.

I quietly reminded their coach, “We’re in running clock mode. Let’s keep it respectful.” He nodded and called off the press. This small intervention helped maintain the spirit of the game and prevented further frustration from the losing team.

Practical Strategies for Officiating Blowouts

Officiating a blowout requires a combination of awareness, communication, and adaptability. Here are some strategies I’ve found effective:

1. Communicate with Your Crew

As the crew chief, it’s your responsibility to set the tone. Before the game or during a timeout, discuss how you’ll handle fouls, unsportsmanlike behavior, and game flow. For example:

“Call the obvious fouls, but let’s avoid over-officiating.”

“Keep an eye on frustration fouls—we don’t want this to get chippy.”

“If the winning team starts showboating, we’ll address it immediately.”

2. Stay Consistent

Consistency is key, even in a blowout. Players and coaches need to know what to expect. If you start calling the game differently because of the score, you risk losing credibility. Stick to the rulebook, but use common sense.

3. Manage the Tone

In a blowout, small actions can have a big impact. For example:

Avoid making dramatic calls unless necessary.

Use a calm, respectful tone when speaking to coaches and players.

Address unsportsmanlike behavior immediately to prevent escalation.

4. Be Proactive with Coaches

If a coach is frustrated, a quick word can go a long way. Acknowledge their feelings without engaging in an argument. For example:

“I know this is tough, but let’s finish the game the right way.”

“We’re going to keep it fair and safe for your players.”

5. Focus on Player Safety

In a blowout, players on the losing team might take risks or play recklessly out of frustration. Stay vigilant and call fouls that protect player safety, even if they seem minor.

6. Model Sportsmanship

As officials, we set the standard for sportsmanship. Stay composed, treat both teams with respect, and avoid showing frustration or impatience.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

Officiating a blowout isn’t just about getting through the game—it’s about upholding the integrity of the sport. High school basketball is more than just wins and losses; it’s about teaching young athletes life lessons like resilience, respect, and sportsmanship.

When we officiate with fairness and professionalism, even in a blowout, we show players and coaches that the game is bigger than the scoreboard. We demonstrate that rules matter, respect matters, and how you play the game matters.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Blowouts are a reality of high school basketball, but they don’t have to be a negative experience. By staying true to the rulebook, communicating effectively, and modeling sportsmanship, we can officiate these games with integrity and professionalism.

Now, I want to hear from you.

How do you handle blowouts as an official? Have you faced a challenging situation where you had to balance fairness with game flow? Share your experiences in the comments below—your insights could help fellow officials navigate these tough situations with confidence.