Scenario Reffing Manual-Paint Checks

[Mr. GQ]

When Reffing, you may not ever hear your name, but you will certainly hear players calling for a paintcheck. Sometimes on themselves, mainly on other players. So that your legs don't die from running back and forth as opposing players yell for paint checks, here are a few tips...

For a base of knowledge, a paintcheck is called for when
A.) a player has been hit, but cannot see or touch the area to confirm if the ball broke. Usually, top of the head, back, or upper chest area.
B.) a player thinks they have hit their opponent and the opponent did not call themselves out. As a player, when calling for a paintcheck, be as specific as possible with where the ball broke (podpack, leg, back, etc.)

As a ref it is our responsibility to investigate paintchecks for the benefit of the players.

There are two styles of paintcheck, to keep things lined up, general and specific.
1.) when doing a general paintcheck, you are simply keeping an eye on the players and observing whether or not they get marked. The tough part here as a ref is to not "bird-dog" the player, particularly in woods-ball as sneakiness is a significant part of the game. The best way to still be effective and keep the players happy is to set yourself a good distance away (10 yards or so) and scan the entire area as if no player is there and to focus more with your eyes than your head when you scan over the player. The principle behind this is to move your head, but look with your eyes. Otherwise, the opposing players will notice where you (the ref) are focusing (staring) and zone in on the opposing player based on your posture as a ref.
This idea of not bird-dogging the player is nearly thrown out the window when the player is already located by the opposing team or is out in the open. However you should still be mindful of your posture regarding the player.
2.) In a specific paintcheck, you are asked to check on a player for a potential mark. The best way I've seen this done, is to get in, look over the player, and get out quickly. Thereby, minimizing the amount of hits that you will take. Feel free to move the players jersey or clothing to the side to get a better look, particularly baggy jerseys will overlap and cover actual hits. Podpacks with empty slots can also be a spot for hidden marks. Giving the player room to maneuver, as they are still a "live" player unti they or you call them out, is also something to consider.
A tip here, if a player has a potential mark, and doesn't give you much room to investigate, for instance if there is a suspected mark on the chest, but the player is lying down to target their opponents. Ask them to roll to a side or crouch to give you a better view, if their bunker permits. You should be as thorough as is reasonable to ensure that the player is either marked or clean.
Anoher tip here, after you've paintchecked a player, keep an eye out when they move to their next bunker as you may get a better view of the area when the player changes position and repositions behind a new bunker.
Lastly, not exactly a paintcheck, but to help out players...When a player has received a great deal of splatter, but no direct hit, as a ref you can move in and call the player clean and wipe splatter from the mask, etc. if the player would like. This can be a touchy area so be certain that you watched the ball break on a solid object and splatter onto the player before moving in to clear the splatter. Also, ask the player if they would like you to clean them off. We all know how distracting a smear across the lenses can be if the cleaning was done in haste.