My referee objective

 

Anyone who seen me officiate, watched me play or coach or talked to me knows I have one rule in soccer:  Law 18- Common sense and Spirit of the game.

 

If you let that be your over riding factor, most everything you do will be true to the integrity of the game. 

 

Here are some of my thoughts.  People a lot smarter than me have written these down, in one form or another.  But they’re just common sense…..

 

Thanks to all for their contributions to the list.  Feel free to email me with others.

 

 

  1. Start the game off right.  Let your first calls set the tone.  It’s easier to have control first than to try to get it back later.
  2. Always listen.
  3. Try to get better every game.
  4. Forgive and forget. Every game is a new one.
  5. Just because we have the last word, doesn’t mean we have to use it.
  6. Relax!  Others feel your tension and will react accordingly.
  7. You never know who is watching your game.
  8. Hear only what you need to hear.
  9. Watch what others do and implement what you like.
  10. Work with captains and let them know they can talk to you, and vice versa.
  11. Control play with both your voice and your whistle.
  12. Watch the entire play.  Don’t anticipate a foul.
  13. Don’t turn you’re back when administering a free kick.
  14. Make frequent eye contact with your AR’s.
  15. If you believe fans, players, etc when they say you’re good, you should believe them when they say you are bad.
  16. One poor game doesn’t mean you’re a poor official.
  17. Be careful what you say.  More referees get into trouble for what they say than what they do.
  18. Learn to walk away.
  19. A player or coach asking a question is not showing dissent.
  20. Many fans and parents don’t know that they don’t know.
  21. If possible, use a quiet word with a coach or player.
  22. You must show respect to earn respect.
  23. Make your partners look good.
  24. The job isn’t over till the paperwork is complete.
  25. Remember where you started.  Do some youth games.
  26. Your reputation precedes you, but you’re only as good as your last game.
  27. It’s OK to enjoy what you are doing.  Smile.