1. 2006 Referee Development Positioning ALAN KIBBLER
State Director of Referees, Queensland

2. Best position is one in which the referee can make the right decision.
Definition
Best position is one in which the referee can make the right decision.
Positioning is a tool not a rule
Position description we have used is still valid
Best position= the place with the best view close enough to react effectively
This is another alternative

3. The basics
ABC is still the basis of positioning concepts
Angle is the most important aspect
Anticipation (WWG) is vital to achieve good position.

4. Strategy
Basic Strategy is go left
ANTICIPATION

5. AR R
AR’s patrol their appointed touchline AR

6. AR
Referee has a definite pattern of movement. This is not rigid and referees are encouraged to move off this pattern if play dictates. AR

7. AR
Referees are encouraged to keep out of the centre circle. 70% of the times when the referee gets hit by the ball happen in the centre circle. This is a no value area to the referee and one which he should avoid. AR

8. TARGET AREAS
This is the area the referee should strive to attain. It gives him a good view of action in the penalty area , it is close to the action without getting in the way and it offers a good chance to react favourably to the next phase in play should the attack break down.

9. Area of responsibility
This is the area where the assistant referee is encouraged to become active in the decision making process. This requires the referee to acvtively encourage the AR to make decisions in this area. Pre match instructions are important in setting guidelines so the AR knows what is expected of him
Area of responsibility AR

10. Critical
Transitional
Constructing

11. Corridors theory Constructing 1/3 sterile/less important area
Transitional1/3
recognition area (what kind of attack)
“don’t wait – anticipate”
Critical 1/3
need to reach target area

12. Concentration
Concentration levels increase in each third of the field

13. Set play positioning Kick off Corner kick Goal kick Penalty kick
Free kicks (around penalty area)

14. KICK OFF
Note referee now stand behind the ball at the kick off. This helps eliminate the possibility of getting in the way of the ball and the players

15. Corner Kick

16. Corner Kick

17. Goal Kick

18. Goal Kick

19. Penalty Kick
Referee position is now closer to the edge of the pennalty area. The AR is left to be goal judge and assist in deciding if the GK moves forward prior to the kick being taken. The referee can now spend more of his attention dealing with the very real possibility of encroachment.

20. Free kick
The referee can allow the AR to take some responsibility for action in front of the wall whilst he gets closer to the zone where the ball will probably land

21. Free kick
Referee moves a bit further out as the group of players in the target zone are further towards the edge of the penalty area.

22. Free kick
To the left of the ball and the wall and on the edge of the penalty area

23. Free kick
Still to the left of the ball but a little further into the area.

24. Free kick
Being left of the ball would put the referee to far out of the action .In this case he moves to the right of the ball on the edge of the penalty area. This puts him close to the target group of players.