Be Assertive:
First off, this comment could be made every week and usually is! You have to blow those whistles louder and be MORE ASSERTIVE out there. You don't realize how big the field is or how hard it is to hear you guys on the other side of the field. Also, be more assertive and committed to your calls. A specific example... When a ball goes over the touch line, your primary responsibility is to make sure EVERYONE knows which team has the ball. One arm points to the direction of play and the other arm should be pointing at the spot to restart play. Make sure the other referees and the coaches on the other side of the field can see the call, because the coach may be grumbling over substitutions and he needs to know if it is his ball or the other team's throw-in. As a side note, let the soccer players retrieve the ball. That is their job, your job is to make sure everyone knows who has the ball and where the ball went out. top of page
No one behind goals:
Don't forget, no one is allowed behind the goals during play. For whatever reason, people leaving the 12/13 field tend to stop behind the 8/9 field. Don't be afraid to stop play and ask them to move if you feel they are too close and distracting the goalie. top of page
Be MORE Assertive:
BE MORE ASSERTIVE!!! Don't be afraid to make a call and control the game. I know, I know, it sounds like a broken record, but we need to be in control of the game and make the calls you see. top of page
Side Referees:
Make sure you are in position and helping the Center Referee. You have a responsibility to make calls and provide assistance on calls that the Center Referee can't see. If the Center Ref doesn't want your help, he'll tell you. Remember what Mike Tretick said, "There are three teams on each field, the team of referees needs to have a game plan and a strategy too!!!" Discuss beforehand what each of you expect from each other and how you will move up and down to cover the field. top of page
Rain Policy:
Remember our rain out policy. If the fields are open, you should be at the fields to work. If the game is rained out once you are up there and attempting to start the game, or assisting the coaches in determining whether the field is safe to play, make sure you fill out a game slip and note that the game was cancelled. You will get paid in that situation, but you won't get paid if the fields are closed by the County.
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Handling Coaches:
Always a tough area for teenagers with an adult yelling over their shoulder.
You feel like you're on an island out there. Handling coaches is always a case-by-case basis, but just a few guidelines of what you should and shouldn't do. This covers that gray area before you pull out the red and yellow cards but you really don't feel like the coach should be yelling so much. 1. You should ignore it. You know the rules, you know there is always a little interpretation in the rules, you know you can't make everyone happy. You know some coaches will complain and scream anyway, so you have to grow some thick skin and just ignore them. 2. If you can't ignore them, you can ask them to calm down because it's distracting to the players and you to have him constantly screaming. You can remind them that they signed a code of conduct to participate in this league and ask them to honor that contract. 3. Lastly, pull out the yellow card and make a note of it on the game slip. THINGS YOU CAN'T EVER DO. 1. Argue back with the coach. If you do this, you've let the coach get under your skin. You don't want a reputation as a referee that can be bullied or manipulated by a coach. It is a valuable life's lesson to learn, you can't control what other people do, you can only control your reaction to it. The league tries to control all the coaches, but sometimes frustration, confusion, and competition gets the better of a coach. You have to be ready to deal with that, put it behind you and not let it ruin your beautiful day! top of page |