var msg = new Array();
Stamp = new Date();
today = Stamp.getDate();
msg[1] = '<font color="Red">Read the rulebook and casebook every chance you get!</font><br><br>An official who knows the rules has a greater chance of success than one who just thinks he/she does.';
msg[2] = '<font color="Red">Ask questions, but only at the right time!</font><br><br>Halftime and postgame meetings are great times to ask questions. Before or after association meetings are also good times to seek advice. Some referees don\'t mind explaining things during timeouts, but most agree officials have too many duties during timeouts to stop for a 60-second clinic.';
msg[3] = '<font color="Red">For newer referees: Be ambitious, but remember your place!</font><br><br>"A man\'s got to know his limitations," Clint Eastwood reminds us. You should be eager to call games, but don\'t expect to call the big ones, and don\'t expect to work varsity games right away.';
msg[4] = '<font color="Red">Don\'t underestimate the importance of mechanics!</font><br><br>Mechanics often differentiate the new official from the seasoned one.';
msg[5] = '<font color="Red">Don\'t let the sidelines rattle you!</font><br><br>That is a big challenge for new officials. Everyone wants to be liked, but you have to accept that fans and coaches aren\'t going to love you. Remember to focus on what\'s in front of you, not what\'s behind you.';
msg[6] = '<font color="Red">Watch how other officials work games!</font><br><br>Take in an extra match on an off day in order to really see how other officials are doing it.';
msg[7] = '<font color="Red">Listening to your fellow officials can be educational!</font><br><br>Why make the mistakes yourself, when you can learn from another officials gaffe?';
msg[8] = '<font color="Red">Don\'t get complacent!</font><br><br>The sport volleyball is quickly altering and you must constantly move forward if you want to remain a part of the game. Officials cannot remain motionless --you must be constantly working to improve your game or you\'ll become a liability instead of an asset.';
msg[9] = '<font color="Red">Don\'t stick out like a sore thumb!</font><br><br>When viewing matches as a spectator, be sure not to wear any officiating gear. You may be beseiged by questions about the rules or calls in the match, or worse, you may be targeted for abuse if calls go against the team whose supporters you are among.';
msg[10] = '<font color="Red">Stressed?</font><br><br>During dead ball situations, relax by taking a few deep breaths. At the same time, mentally review the potential play scenarios. That way, you\'ll be ready when things do happen.';
msg[11] = '<font color="Red">Be consistent!</font><br><br>Some matches develop into actionless contests. You have to keep calling infractions if they exist. Trouble starts and emotions run high when officials ignore calls, hoping the match will end. Yes, you\'ll be there an extra few minutes, but the alternative is worse.';
msg[12] = '<font color="Red">Over? Get out of there!</font><br><br>If you\'ve done everything correctly in the end-of-game procedures, there is nothing more for you to do but get off the court. Because end-of-game situations are highly emotional, think of your own safety. Fans sometimes rush the area, usually in celebration. Unfortunately, sometimes fans rush the area to get at the officials.';
msg[13] = '<font color="Red">Don\'t Showboat!</font><br><br>Calling fouls or penalties seems cut and dried. After all, the mechanics are right there in your rulebook. But even if you signal correctly, be aware you may be adding extra moves that aren\'t in the book. Even though you may want to sell a call from time to time, do be a showman. Also, the opposite holds true: Be careful not to appear disinterested when making your calls. People will assume you don\'t want to be there or that you\'re too tired or bored by the contest.';
msg[14] = '<font color="Red">Don\'t forget to postgame!</font><br><br>Improve your skills by reviewing each match with your officiating crew. What could you have done better, what did you do well. Take that to your next match.';
msg[15] = '<font color="Red">Watch what and how you say things!</font><br><br>What you say can be misinterpreted. What you might think is a funny joke, might be an offensive slur to someone else. What you might think is a private comment to your partner, may as well be a loudspeaker announcement if overheard by the wrong ears. Play it safe; play it smart.';
msg[16] = '<font color="Red">Be a looker!</font><br><br>Make eye contact with every player at least once during the match. That lets the players know several things about you: you are interested in them as individuals, you are trying to establish a link with them, you want them to see the human element in you rather than just the person wearing the uniform and you are having fun doing their match. If something is amiss in the match and they are edging closer to "the line", perhaps that eye contact will pull them back.';
msg[17] = '<font color="Red">Get it right!</font><br><br>Using correct signals, performed properly, is a priority for all officials. Signals are our language. Make movements clear, crisp, and sharp. What officials perceive they are doing and what is happening in reality may not be the same. Clear, clean, crisp signals assist greatly in communicating what has occurred on the field of play to further promote quality play.';
msg[18] = '<font color="Red">Clean out the junk!</font><br><br>Whistles sound and look better CLEAN!';
msg[19] = '<font color="Red">Practice! Practice! Practice!</font><br><br>Having trouble with lineup cards?  Help yourself out and use them at tournaments.  The extra practice will help you during your matches!';
msg[20] = '<font color="Red">Feeling rushed when you get to a match?</font><br><br>Arrive 45 minutes before gametime instead of 30.  Take the extra time to get settled into your environment!';
msg[21] = '<font color="Red">Be cool!</font><br><br>Make distinctions about when and how to respond to challenges. Some statements by players and coaches are best ignored, as are some questtions. If you do respond, make it pointed, brief and in an even tone. Understand when a controversial call has been made. Know when an odd situation occurs that needs sorting out.';
msg[22] = '<font color="Red">Establish a presence by looking and acting the part!</font><br><br>Carry yourself erect and act like you know what you are doing in a calm, dignified way. Be friendly but not too cordial. Avoid the role of comedian. Take the game seriously and make strong decisions promptly.';
msg[23] = '<font color="Red">Talk! Talk! Talk!</font><br><br>Communicate with your partner in an effective way. That includes seeking help on occasion and providing help when asked.';
msg[24] = '<font color="Red">Be a team player!</font><br><br>Volleyball is a team sport and this includes the officials. You\'ll get further by working with others instead of going off on a personal power trip.';
msg[25] = '<font color="Red">Leave the game site with your partner!</font><br><br>There is safety in numbers. In cold-weather climates, make sure both cars start properly before leaving. If you and your partner are going to stop for a bite to eat, consider stopping out of the town you just officiated in. You don\'t want to be a local celebrity or a target.';
msg[26] = '<font color="Red">Dress for success!</font><br><br>An unkempt or overworn uniform tells people that you don\'t take your role in the game seriously, and if you don\'t take it seriously, they won\'t take your authority seriously. So, wash out the odor, banish the wrinkles, polish the belt and shoes and replace worn equipment before the wear becomes obvious.';
msg[27] = '<font color="Red">Consistency!</font><br><br>Try to remember your primary responsibility -- to provide an environment for fair and safe play.  Because you determine the legality of each and every contact with the ball, you must be consistent in applying the standards that you establish.  Your decisions have to be based on the same criteria, regardless of which team or player contacts the ball, or what skill is used during the contact.  These judgements are your biggest challenges, but they are crucial to assuring that every participant has an equal opportunity to win or lose';
msg[28] = '<font color="Red">Don\'t be meanie!</font><br><br>View yourself as a facilitator, not as an enforcer.  Start by assuming that the participants are doing things legally rather than looking for reasons to blow your whistle and call violations.  Keep yourself in the background until your judgement is needed.  If you make sure that everyone is treated equally and fairly, you\'ve done a good job as an official.';
msg[29] = '<font color="Red">Give your best at all times!</font><br><br>Every match is important to the participants and they deserve a 100% effort from you, no matter the level of play or importance of the match in conference standing.';
msg[30] = '<font color="Red">Body language!</font><br><br>How you carry yourself says more about you than anything you can say verbally. How do you think people would react to an official who stands with a slouch and keeps his head down, avoiding eye contact when he arrives? That official won\'t be seen as someone who can get the job done. What about the official who arrives late and stands with his arms crossed as he glares intensely at anyone who looks his way? That official appears confrontational. You want to exude confidence while appearing approachable and professional.';
msg[31] = '<font color="Red">Elephants have long memories, but officials shouldn\'t!</font><br><br>Check your previous experience at the door. Every match is a fresh start. Don\'t let a previous match affect how you call the next match.';
function writeTip() { 
document.write(msg[today]);
}