1. Delaware Soccer Officials Association
Spring 2003
Delaware Soccer Officials Association

2. Agenda Just to make sure ... What could happen here?
A few more bookings
Fundamentals of Game Control -I
Advice for Bad Teamwork
What is the most important ...

4. Just to make sure ...
The goalkeeper (A1) takes a goal kick. The ball strikes the referee and is heading into the goal. A1 deflects the ball over the end line with their hand. Your call?
The goalkeeper (A1) takes a goal kick. The ball strikes the referee and is heading into the goal. A team mate (A2) deflects the ball over the end line with their hand. Your call?

5. Just to make sure ...
The goalkeeper (A1) takes a free kick from outside the penalty area. The ball strikes the referee and is heading into the goal. A team mate (A2) deflects the ball over the end line with their hand. Your call?

6. What could happen here? aGK Y X a
Inform A9 that he may not play if equipment problems are not corrected by the next stoppage.
Or, if immediate danger, ask A9 to go to the touch line, off the field, and remove jewelry.
At a free kick, X kicks the ball toward his GK …
GK catches the ball
GK catches after foot deflection by opponent
Defender handles the ball

8. A few more … Bookings from World Cup 2002
You be the referee ...

10. Credibility, Attitude and Accuracy
Fundamentals of Match Control - I

12. Credibility - Earn it pre-game
Pre-Game - Be Professional
Neat uniform, clean shoes, pack equipment
Call the school and partner
Arrive on time: inspect balls, field and players (and keepers jersey colors)
Get rosters - show an interest in teams - know importance of match
Confirm overtime
Don’t make threats or lecture the players
Set the tone: Fair, fun, and firm

13. Credibility - Keep it in-game
Know the rules - inside and out
No excuse for a bad goal or not calling a penalty kick when earned or not booking a player when needed
Making the wrong call destroys your credibility
Be close to play in game critical situations
Shots on goal
Hard challenges
Strong match-ups

14. Attitude Be Reasonable, Friendly, and Approachable
Not Overbearing, Aloof, Fussy, or Dictatorial
Learn players names and use them to calm tempers and situations
Demonstrate teamwork - communicate with partner
Take your responsibility seriously, but enjoy the game (:-)

15. Accuracy Correct decisions + Made with confidence +
Without delay --->> Match control
See and penalize the first foul
Be in position to see fair play AND foul play
Make the right call at your Moment of Truth

16. Moment of Truth
A single decision made at the right time that determines if the game will proceed successfully without much dispute or acrimony, or not …
Usually involves goal or misconduct not penalized (or overly penalized)
For example:
Goal awarded when ball did not cross end line
Goal disallowed for team mate not involved in play
Foul or misconduct unpunished - players want justice

17. Moment of Truth
France v Uruguay ...

19. Advice for Bad Teamwork

20. Advice for Bad Teamwork
Show up late and don’t call ahead.
Wear an old, worn out uniform. No patch.
Stay in your end of the field. Never cross the halfway line.
Make a quick call from across the field without eye contact with your partner.
Don’t hustle or back up your partner on fast moving play.
Call your partner and the school.
A clean, fresh uniform is a great first impression.
Hustle - set an example
Take time to talk during pre-game. During match, make sure the restart is right.

21. More Advice for Bad Teamwork
Be distant and casual about the game.
Speak to the players and coaches with snarling or critical words.
Talk a lot to the players and coaches.
Rationalize your mistakes.
Referee every match the same - don’t change
Be arrogant.
Other suggestions?
Care about and empathize with the players and coaches.
Put-downs undermine the image of the speaker.
Say what you need to say and no more, but don’t have a running conversation.
Learn from your mistakes, don’t blow them off. Ask your partner for feedback.
Adjust to players and the play.
Be humble and open-minded.

22. Antidotes for a Bad Partner
Set a good example
Discuss in pre-game
Draw out and connect with your partner - act like a partner
Feedback to assignor
Your Ideas?

23. What is the single, most important contribution you can make to improving your match preparation?

24. CALL THE SCHOOL AND CALL YOUR PARTNER
Before your match,
CALL THE SCHOOL
AND
CALL YOUR
PARTNER

25. Why should you call your partner?
Your partner turned back the match and their replacement has not called you.
Your partner’s schedule is tight and the bozo may arrive less than 30 minutes before the match.
Your schedule is tight and you may arrive less than 30 minutes before the match.
Clarify uniform and arrival specifics

26. What are the benefits? The schools (and players) play their match.
Officials arrive prepared and on-time.
You get to work the match.
You get to work the match with a partner.
Schedule glitches are corrected.
Referees are seen as pro-active by the schools.

27. Delaware Soccer Officials Association
Spring 2003
Delaware Soccer Officials Association