Player Communication

Communication “Effective referees and umpires will coherently explain their decisions in order to prevent defending them”. D. Stevens (2004)

Communication Communication of decisions to players need to be clear and concise The main types of communication are: –Non-verbal Body language, Whistle, Signals, Positioning, –Verbal In play, Stoppages.

Non-Verbal Body language –This will be read, either intentionally or not, by players and club officials from the moment you arrive to the ground, –Walk tall, proudly, and dress respectfully, –Act appropriately and accordingly, –All of these will communicate to the players that you are the official, you are the one in Control.

Non-Verbal Whistle –Different tones at different lengths for alternate situations, practice these, –Confident and loud pitch that will halt players immediately, –Remember that your whistle is like your voice, don’t mumble.

Non-Verbal Signals –Unobstructed signals allow players further away to decipher a decision and the type of restart, –Signals should be unhurried, allowing players an opportunity to take them in, –Take time to learn all the signals, if you don’t know them, how can you manage and position the players effectively.

Non-Verbal Positioning –Quick to the mark of a restart, providing there is no need to watch players in a heated situation, –Urgency at turnovers, a vital for correct positioning, will communicate to the players where 10m from the next play the ball is, –Don’t drift from play, if you are too far away, your verbal abilities are hindered.

Verbal In play –Be respectful Players of all sports are worthy of the officials respect when stepping onto the pitch, Without offering respect for players, respect will not return to the official, Players react positively to someone they respect and respects them, Maintain eye contact while giving warnings, Speak to players honestly and on their level and don’t bellow orders like they are anything less.

Verbal In Play –Vary the calls and requests of players i.e. don’t repeatedly call for “square markers” or “players back onside” at every play the ball, Look to instruct both individuals and the team at different play the balls and during play, –Confident Remain calm, keep a level head when faced with a decision, Be confident that you made the correct decisions with what you saw in the 80 minutes, Confidence shows players that they can not interfere with your decision making process.

Verbal In Play –Loud and clear Don’t mumble, be heard while addressing a large group of players, Portray that you are confident with your abilities and judgements, –Don’t argue Be careful not to fall into the trap of overly justifying your decisions, If a player continually challenges your decisions, tell them that you will not argue with them, and move on.

Verbal Pre-match and Stoppages –Toss the coin: Ask Captains for their names, remember them, use them, and give them yours if you wish, Captains will have the respect of the players, so use them to get the best out of the players, –Stoppages Perfect opportunity to communicate, Discuss discipline issues e.g. 10m, scrum formation, ruck area, Speak with captains about problem players, warnings etc, Speak with problem players stating your requirements.

Scenarios Task 1: Toss of the coin –1 referee, 2 captains –How will you greet the captains? –How effectively can you get your point across to the players? Task 2: Warning a player –1 referee, 1 player, anyone else? –Warn a player for a high tackle.

Scenarios Task 3: Deal with a player for directing foul language at the TJ –1 referee, 1 player, anyone else? –How will you address this situation? Task 4: Warn a team for persistent offending –1 referee, who else Mr Referee? –Who do you warn, and how do you do it?

Scenarios Task 5: Argumentative player –1 referee, 1 player –Have the player question the referee’s decision and argue with the referee –How will the referee get the decision across? –Can the referee keep out of an argument?

Communication Summary Effective communication is fundamental to effective refereeing, Look at the areas in your game that you can improve and practice them in everyday life, then effective communication will become second nature.