The Art of Sports Officiating covers all aspects of officiating for any sport. Based on the principle that officiating is an art, not a science, this very unique text prepares an official beyond the memorization of rules and mechanics. Important topics, overlooked in other texts, are covered, including the characteristics of officials as effective leaders and professional role models, the importance of communication in controlling the game and in working with others, the controversy over the evaluation of officials, legal liability and safety considerations, the psychology of dealing with stress, and the inclusion of women in officiating.