Okay, Doggie. Serious answer as I'm sobering up from a very delightful wedding party.
1. Be sure your officials have a place to change that gives them some privacy; an office or classroom might be wise if you don't have an extra locker room available. Offer them water or a gatorade or something like that; I've heard of some places that put out modest snacks/meal, but not sure if that's needed. The room should be able to be locked, either give the refs a lanyard with a key or be sure someone is nearby to lock it as they leave and have it open as they arrive for halftime or the conclusion of the game. You don't want the refs to be waiting in a hallway or even worse, in a public area (see #2 below), five minutes for the guy with the key to come and open up the room for the refs.
2. Keep interaction between fans and officials to a minimum. I know some places try to have the refs park in a secure area away from general parking and offer some escort following the game. I doubt that problems often occur, but I've heard of them ... I know of an instance where an official actually instigated a fight with a fan and police were called. But most times, if it happens, it's the stupid/drunk/idiot/all of the above fan that starts the problem. Just keep that in mind as you make your plans; by planning for the worst, you usually are never suprised.
3. Let the refs know what your pre-game protocol is. When will the coin flip be? Are you announcing players, etc., national anthem, prayer, etc. It's a good idea to have this part of the porgram somewhat scripted. For example, at 5 minutes on the pregame clock, teams will take their benches, followed by the coin flip, introductions, national anthem, and prayer; followed by kickoff (if the teams do a banner run-through, put that on the schedule). By the way, it's a good idea to recognize the officiating crew and introduce them. I usually say something like this: "Today's officials are members of the Austin chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials, (introduce them). We thank them for their service and devotion to the sport, our schools and our student athletes." Doesn't get any better calls, but hey, it's worth the try.
4. Your officials should meet the game administrator prior to the game, and know what other support is available (police, EMS). But remember, the officials job is to call the game, not run the venue. That's your job. Of course, the officials crew should be arriving about 60-90 minutes prior to game time and have notified you before the game that a crew is assigned to the game. They will also go through all the rules checks, equipment checks, discussions with both coaches prior to the game.
5. During the game, especially in early season 90+ nights, have some bottled water for the officials if they need to grab a drink during the game. Let them know where it will be; your water boys may have to get it for them.
6. At halftime, be sure they can get to their dressing room quickly without having to plow through a crowd of fans (escort them if needed). Ask if they need drinks, etc. and get them quickly. Let them know when halftime is down to 5 or 3 minutes so they can be back on the field.
7. After the game, be sure they can get back to their dressing room quickly as at half. Find out if they need anything. By the way, it's not time for you or anyone else to critique all the rotten calls they made during the game. Be sure that before they leave, you have a payslip with information on who, where to pay the officials. Some folks like to pay them before they leave, but if you need to have the office cut a check, be sure to cut and send it within one week of the game. Refs shouldn't have to wait a month or more to be paid.
8. Kennels for the refs'' seeing-eye dogs are optional. Most don't carry their white canes onto the field with them anymore.
