Communication is key in many walks of life, and the football field is no different.

Especially when it comes to officials.

A positive sports environment requires the respect of—and communication with—officials in order to create the best experience possible for everyone involved, including players, coaches and parents.

Joe Frollo, USA Football senior manager of education, has officiated a variety of sports since he was a teenager, and he’s seen his share of examples on how people interact with officials.

Everyone has witnessed or experienced an official’s call with which they did not agree. And while the yelled complaints that often follow are commonplace enough, Frollo believes communication and respect are a two-way street when it comes to the relationship that exists between officials and players.

Game officials can’t explain or even react to every close call that elicits a response. But a quick word is often all a player – most times through a coach – wants or needs to allow the game to progress smoothly to the next play.

Explain what you saw, let the coach have his say and move on. This avoids allowing resentment to fester or getting in extended conversations with players or coaches. Don’t talk directly to the players but let them know you hear what they are saying. Clarify a rule if they don’t understand it and take into account what is upsetting them in order to look for it down the line.

“Officials can head off most issues with proper communication,” Frollo said. “By saying exactly what he or she saw, an official can resolve most tension. We are not always going to agree, but we can agree to differ.”

Conversely, players – along with coaches and parents – need to respect the calls of the officials. Arguing every call isn’t going to get you anywhere.

USA Football recently released an online course titled Mechanics of Officiating Youth Football, which helps young or inexperienced officials build a solid foundation for what’s expected of them. The course discusses philosophy, player safety and communication with coaches, players and fellow officials.

Well-rounded and well-trained officials grow the entire game and helps officials cultivate the respect that they deserve.

“For the most part, officials are respected,” Frollo said. “They are authority figures on the field and as long as they act as such, there generally isn’t any problems.

“Officials need to be guardians of the game. We aren’t there to impose our will. We are there to make sure the game is played fairly so kids can enjoy the experience and focus on what they need to do.”