Officials need today, more than ever, to be concerned with the law regarding liability for injuries, assaults on officials, legal rights and liabilities of officials associations, the independent contractor/employee question, contractual relationships, and numerous other aspects of officiating life that are affected every day by the legal system.

With the publication of Sports Officiating: A Legal Guide in 1984, officials' legal responsibilities -- and their legal rights -- were discussed in this first and only single volume book devoted to the law of officiating. The Second Edition of Sports Officiating: A Legal Guide, published in 2007, is the essential guide for sports officials and those who supervise, manage and use their services. "The Guide" comes alive in Alan's seminars, featuring a practical, "real world" approach to the challenges presented to officials in legal matters.

Now, you can bring your officials up to speed with the best practices in officiating -- designed to manage your officials' exposure to liability and help all officials assert their legal rights. Alan Goldberger's presentations on safety, liability and risk management for sports officials and their associations have been widely acclaimed throughout the country. Workshops can be tailored for team and individual sports for active officials and referee associations, for topics ranging from "Managing an Officials' Association Today" to "Defending Your Referees" to "Risk Management and Liability in Officiating." The material in these seminars can be put to use starting with your next officiating assignment. contract negotiation or executive committee meeting.

For example, officials who attend Alan's seminar, Officiating Safely will learn

· how a good “pre-game” can help avoid liability

· the key to controlling rough play, taunting and baiting

· the art of managing the fight

· the importance of injury mechanics

· why officials need to enforce equipment/uniform related rules

· the value of preserving the appearance of impartiality

· techniques to manage exposure to liability after the game

· how an officials' association can help

Alan Goldberger uses a practical -- not theoretical -- approach to the challenges faced by administrators, physical education teachers, and athletic coaches on a daily basis. Seminar lectures are geared to providing attendees with a succinct overview of the law of negligence and other aspects of the law which pertain to physical education and athletics as it applies in a education setting.

The ability to develop the virtues of positive behaviors and good sportsmanship during participation, to integrate game skills by following the rules of an activity and rules related to player safety, and the importance of practicing safe game techniques reflect the educational outcomes desired by all school districts. At the same time, the instruction in and practice of safe sport skills goes hand in hand with effective risk management. This philosophy results in enhancing professional development for teachers and coaches who master appropriate techniques and protocols and thereby demonstrate commitment to reducing risk associated with sports and physical activity, in these litigious times.

Alan Goldberger has trained thousands of administrators, recreation professionals, teachers, coaches and students in legal principles related to sport and physical activity. As a practicing attorney, he offers practical techniques and solutions based on his knowledge of the law and his extensive experience as a high school and college referee and umpire.

His program offerings profoundly enhance the professional development of athletic and physical education staff by demonstrating the importance of coaching and teaching safe game skills, adherence to playing rules, and sportsmanship. With the focus on maintaining the knowledge and skills necessary to provide a safe and positive experience for students and athletes, attendees benefit by receiving practical information they can put to immediate use. Knowledge of the activity, supervision, sportsmanship, and cross sport considerations are focal points in promoting learning and reducing injuries. Students learn safe game and activity skills from teachers who use an enhanced appreciation of their legal responsibilities as a springboard to maintaining a safer environment.

REPRESENTATIVE SEMINAR/WORKSHOP TOPICS

Alan's presentations encompass a wide variety of topics in the areas of sport and the law, association and business law, and related subjects. Below is a sampling:

For Upcoming Seminars, click here