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You are in Referee Help >> "Recognising and Enhancing Refereeing Capability"
This article is taken from a interesting speech given by Keith Jarvis, Kent RA Coaching and Training Officer, at our October 2003 General Meeting.
Recognising and Enhancing Refereeing Capability
To progress up the ladder in the game, a Referee must have the right Attitude and Ability. The Match Referee is the team leader of the Match Officials which brings the following responsibilities and requirements before, during and after the match:
a. Preparation - Making proper contact with the home club before the match and researching both clubs' backgrounds.
b. Appearance - First impressions are most important, so arrive at the venue properly dressed and that your on-the-field kit is clean and smart.
c.
Correspondance - If the home club has not contacted you by the correct time, then you should contact them to get the match details - inform the league of this occurrence so they can take action. Ensure that you always reply to correspondance recieved as soon as possible after the receipt date.
d. Communication - During telephone conversations with club management, always speak to them as you would expect to be spoken to. During the match speak to players and management firmly but properly, whatever the circumstances.
e. Man Management - This is an important skill to be learnt for dealing with players, club management, spectators and club Assistant Referees. Often this is learnt by recollecting your mistakes during early career matches and observations from mentors or assessors. It is the Referee's responsibility to protect the Assistant Referees throughout the match whether they are neutral or club.
f. Confidence - Be confident in all your decisions - you can acheive this by knowing the Laws of Association Football and their correct interpretations.
g. Self Awareness - Be aware of your attitude on the day of the match, maybe due to some occurrence which has nothing to do with the match, which may affect your attitude to players and the game, therefore affecting your performance.
h. Well Informed - Always ensure that you are well informed regarding the two Clubs whom you are officiating, so that you are well prepared.
i. Mannerisms - Get to know your own mannerisms and try to curb them during a match.
j. Flexibility - Always be flexible in your handling of incidents, and always take all factors into consideration before making a decision.
k. Discipline - Always be in control of yourself as well as the players and keep your head whatever is going on around you.
l. Authority - Always apply this fairly and properly with confidence throughout the match.
m. Enthusiasm - Ensure that your attitude to the players shows your enthusiasm about refereeing the match.
n. Leadership - If you lead your team of Officials with confidence, this will rub off on to them to give you their full cooperation.
o. Consistent - Make sure that throughout a match your decisions are consistent, whatever standard you set you set at the start of the match you must continue throughout the match.
p. Courtesy - Always be courteous when dealing with players whether for matters of discipline or otherwise.
To officiate effectively the Referee must have a thorough knowledge of the Laws of Association Football and also the rules of the competition. If the clubs have a query on any matter, they will expect the Referee to have the answer. Whilst officiating, the Referee should also consider the following:
a. Avoid being officious - be firm without raising your voice, unless a loud voice is required to control the situation.
b. Indecisiveness - Ensure you make up your mind what is to be done and do it. Make sure that your signals are clear and decisive to all players.
c. Application of Advantage - Only apply advantage if it clearly is advantage, do not use it to cover up indecisiveness. When applying advantage ensure that you clearly indicate this by hand signal and voice so that the players now.
d. Frustration - Do not allow yourself to get frustrated about what is going on around you, keep a cool head and think out the remedy to put it right, even if this may be to abandon the match.
e. Even though this is no longer mentioned within the Laws of Association Football - use the degree of intent seen to assess careless, reckless or using excessive force.
In summary: Have full confidence with yourself in the handling of the match, but do not compromise your decisions or you will lose match control.
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This is only a brief summary of Keith's interesting talk, which was published in the November issue of Bexwell News. Want to add your ideas? Please visit our Discussion Board.