Refereeing By Yourself Education Session – February 28, 2013

Session Goals To help referees recognize differences in preparation, player management and positioning when refereeing matches alone compared to with a crew of qualified officials. To help referees recognize that a method of self assessment is necessary to discover if actions during the match were optimal when considering the fact that they were alone on the pitch. To clarify any questions referees have regarding situations and how to handle them when doing matches without the aid of other officials.

Activity #1 Take 5 minutes to think about pre-match duties that you need to fulfill that normally are done by Assistant Referees or 4 th officials? Do you always complete every duty? Did you give yourself enough time before the kickoff to complete these tasks? Is it professional of you to neglect your duties?

Match Preparation Does your preparation for matches alone differ than when you work with a crew? When alone the referee must be responsible for the following: – Knowing Competition Rules – Time management and allowance for pre-game duties – Organizing and motivating teams to start on time – Warm-up prior to match – Time for mental reflection and focus prior to match

Lack of Match Preparation When referees are rushed, performances during games are often less than optimal. FIRST IMPRESSIONS – Opinions of referees are formed by teams and players based on how referees act prior to a match – Influences the behaviour of players – Creates tension – Leads to more difficult matches

Dealing With The Team That Just Doesn’t Like You When working with a crew, you can avoid certain individuals that you may have had prior issues with….. What do you do when you are alone? – Must be professional, polite and respectful. – Get the job/duty done quickly – Utilize an alternate person from the team to deal with if possible – BEST OPTION – HAVE AN OPEN MIND AND APPROACH THE INDIVIDUAL AND GAME WITH A CLEAN SLATE

Player Management During a Match Back to First Impressions – Greetings and Body Language – Look the part of a referee, look focused As you are alone, your decisions must be communicated in a clear manner – Arm signals (frequency and length) – Voice – Whistle tones

Management of Situations During a Match When Things Go Wrong…Who to turn to? – Team Captains or Individuals you can identify as non hostiles – Opposing team – Venue staff Maintain Composure – Avoid arguments/confrontations – “Blow and Go” – Keep your cool

Half Time/Full Time What to do…Where to go? – Talking to players and answering questions is acceptable, avoid arguments, be approachable – Minimize delays for restart (half) – Avoid remaining in an uncomfortable area (between benches, near a specific team) – Give yourself space to complete post game duties and compose yourself (ask for assistance if required).

Positioning Diagonal/S pattern vs. Randomness – “The best position is one in which the referee can make the right decision” – Play will dictate where you need to be – No one is around to assist you – Always Keep Moving – Avoid Standing Around and Watching

Positioning Diagonal/S pattern vs. Randomness

Corner Kicks With a Crew

Corner Kicks Without a Crew….How does this Differ? – Fitness and Pace of match is critical to your decision of where to stand

Free Kicks Does it Differ when you are by yourself? Considerations Offside Shot on net Obstructions Players Sunlight

Self-Assessment Referees need to critically breakdown events and evaluate aspects of their performance Identify uncertainties and seek clarification and guidance on issues (LOTG) Learn from Mistakes and Adapt DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP OR SUGGESTIONS

WHAT DO YOU DO? SITUATIONS WHEN YOU REFEREE ALONE Arrive late Goal Scored while you are incapacitated Team claims you have already cautioned a player and wants a dismissal Injury/Sickness “I have to go to the bathroom” You write down the wrong score or forget to mark down a goal

Situational Questions?