Teamwork U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Grade 7 Referee Course Online Training Script: Welcome to U.S. Soccer’s online training for the Grade 7 Referee Course. Training for this course is specific to preparing officials for the amateur adult game. This presentation focuses on teamwork. Classroom Instructor Talking Points: U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program Grade 7 Referee Course Amateur Adult Training

Perception Online Training Script: In order to build a positive impression the officiating team must understand that they will be under the microscope before the game even starts. The manner in which the officials can often be the coaches’, players’ and spectators’ first and sometimes lasting impression of the referee team. Since perception is reality, this means a professional demeanor and look from the referee team must be exhibited from the moment they arrive until they leave the field of play. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Preparation Know the Laws of the Game Understand the playing environment and expectations Make a good impression and set the right tone Professional demeanor Online Training Script: One of the challenges in the amateur adult game is that the players and coaches can be critical and test the referee team. Establishing professional interactions within the referee team will help build confidence in one another and confidence in oneself. This positive interaction within the referee team is critical as each official will need one other at key moments in the game. This high level of professionalism should continue as the referee crew interacts with coaches, players and spectators. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Communication Online Training Script: The key to a successful referee team is the use of communication to convey necessary information at any given moment in the game. In order to effectively convey information the referee team must know what is expected of each of them. The pre-game conference is where these expectations are addressed and clarified. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Pre-game Conference Local rules of competition Team tactics Styles of play Player characteristics Playmakers Enforcers Leaders Additional issues Online Training Script: In addition to discussing the referee team’s communication plan, it is also critical to cover the local rules of competition, team tactics, playing styles, and any additional relevant issues. In addition, the referee team should also discuss the characteristics of individual players to identify the skilled players, goal scorers, enforcers, volatile personalities and team leaders. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Assistant Referees Discuss how AR will handle: Offside Game critical decisions Incidents off the ball Fouls out of the referee’s view Constant communication Mass confrontation Goal line decisions Online Training Script: The amateur adult game requires that assistant referees understand the importance of their role as part of the referee team. In addition to signaling for offside, assistant referees must be prepared to provide information and perform duties that will allow the entire team to be successful. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Halftime Conference Confirm game information Goal scorers Misconduct Prepare for the second half Make adjustments Communication Expectations Potential situations Online Training Script: Just as the pre-game conference is important for preparing for the match, the halftime conference is important for making any midgame adjustments for success. In addition to confirming the existing game information, the halftime conference is a great opportunity for the referee team to provide input and discuss expectations for the second half. By making adjustments based on what happened in the first half, the referee team can be better prepared to finish the game effectively. This includes the assistant referees exchanging information in anticipation of the teams switching sides of the field. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

After the Game Online Training Script: Although the final whistle means the game itself may be over, the referee team still has work to do. In addition to confirming the game information in preparation of submitting the required paperwork, each member of the referee team should be mindful of the post game environment. It’s important for the referee team to avoid any unnecessary conflicts with players, team officials or spectators following the game. If an issue arises, the referee team should work together to defuse the problem and leave the field as a group. Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question Is communication between the assistant referees and the referee critical for the success of the referee team? Yes No Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question Is it important for the referee team to have a professional demeanor and appearance from the moment they arrive until the game is over and they leave the field of play? Yes No Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question Who can be positively impacted by the referee team having a professional demeanor? Players Coaches Spectators All of the above Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question Should the referee skip the pre-game conference because the amateur adult game is simple and doesn’t require the referee to ensure the team is prepared for the match? Yes No Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points:

Review Question In addition to confirming game information, the halftime conference is a great opportunity for the referee team to ______. Discuss expectations for the second half Make adjustments Prepare to finish the game effectively All of the above Online Training Script: Classroom Instructor Talking Points: