Preventive refereeing

[Grizzlierbear]

I had an interesting disscussion with a USSF colleague reguarding the merits of preventive refereeing. Speaking as a coach for a moment (Now do not gang up on me all at once!)I believe there is a fine line for referees to offer commentary to play fair and to unfairly affecting play. Sort of encroaching into my tactical realm if you wish. My esteemed colleague seemed irritated that a coach or player could take offence to being told how to play and what to do.

I will bend a bit at youth level and say a verbal request by a refferee for "ball over the head feet on the ground" is not likely to freak me out that my team is unfairly disadvantaged because we worked hard on our throw in proceedures when the other team did not.

In an adult match two good teams a defender runs and stands still directly on the spot of the touchline where the ball went out. Now we know he is there to impede the keeper we also know FIFA says it is ok to do this. As part of preventitive refereeing we have no wish to show a card so we say to him

"Back up, give him space to throw it in."

The fact is the player is NOT required to back up. the reason he is standing there is not to give him room. The player's only concern is not to move or gesture after that position is taken. FIFA makes it quite clear on that point. I personally think it is inappropriate, no correct that outright wrong for a referee to make that player move or imply that he must move. He could be distracted himself and miss a quick throw all together. What say you all am I an anal coach. :o)

I have other instances that apply but will wait to see what or if commentary is generated.

Would those inclined to answer list me appropriate comments versus inappropriate comments a referee could make or perhaps should not make?

[Statesman]

And I suppose referees should not be proactive in getting players back 10 yards while the ball is being fetched either? With experience a referee can anticipate gamesmanship and be proactive in eliminating it before it becomes a factor. Why wait for it to become a cautionable offense? If referees are not proactive to at least some degree the game will rarely establish a flow and usually become chippy or violent.

[NHRef]

You are right that player has a right to be there on the field, right infront of the throw or punt. HOWEVER if he even twitches when the thrower/keeper moves I am going to nail him for it.

There's "legal" and there's "right". The ref has to walk a fine line between the two to keep the game moving and keep it from falling into disrepute. How the ref accomplishes this is player and game management and is a learned skill and style that all refs will grow and will have different approaches to.

[Ref Flunkie]

I agree with you that it is not right for the referee (in THIS case) to tell the player to move off the touch line, but hey, he is in charge so you have to do what he says (I do what NHRef does and pretty much nail them if they know what they are doing and do "twitch"). If I was the player, I would simply ignore the referee's request unless he got all huffy and puffy over it ("You better move now or I'll give you a yellow card, blah blah"). I would probably then not do it again for the rest of the game, as I have learned that the referee (wrongly) thinks you can not stand near the touch line on the thow-ins (part of the player's job is to adjust to the particular referee). After the game, I would probably inform the referee that he is wrong...if he chooses to ignore your advice, so be it.

[ref47]

i might, but not always, tell the defender that s/he cannot move with the thrower. i would not suggest that s/he move or otherwise direct the action. on free kicks i will say - 10 yards - even when the kicking team has not looked to me for assistance. i will not step in or enforce the 10 yards unless asked by the kicking team. i just step back and see if the kicker wants a quick kick.
when two players are contesting for the ball i might say - watch the hands - or - carefull - to try and talk anyone out of a foul. i expect the same of the ar's when play is in front of them.
i formerly said - leave the keeper - when the keeper had possession and was trying to make a punt. but with the new q&a's for 2004, the line between interfering with the keeper's possession and a fair play on the ball opportunity does not permit that anymore.
and, if a throwin or two has been borderline legal, i might suggest at the next throwin to watch the mechanics.
i try to do things to keep the ball in play and not have to call back a restart or change its possession.

[ButIGotTheBall]

When you see this happening. Be proactive, the first time. Tell the thrower he gets a yard either side of the defender, far enough so he doesn't hit the defender with his arm or the ball or he's carded. Then tell the defender, if he moves toward the thrower before the throw is complete, he gets a card. Do this in front of both and I doubt it will be a problem.

If its a quick dynamic thing, I'll just tell the defender, "let him throw it". Seems to work.

[refmike]

But.., :eek:
Reasonable comments except for one thing.
Don't ever tell a player that if he does something he will get a card.
That is a threat and they will test you. They will move one inch - not enough to interfeer with play but enough to satisify your threat. Now you can give a card for something that does not deserve it or not give a card and loose credability.

[Crowdie]

In an adult match two good teams a defender runs and stands still directly on the spot of the touchline where the ball went out. Now we know he is there to impede the keeper we also know FIFA says it is ok to do this. As part of preventitive refereeing we have no wish to show a card so we say to him

"Back up, give him space to throw it in."

The fact is the player is NOT required to back up. the reason he is standing there is not to give him room. The player's only concern is not to move or gesture after that position is taken. FIFA makes it quite clear on that point. I personally think it is inappropriate, no correct that outright wrong for a referee to make that player move or imply that he must move. He could be distracted himself and miss a quick throw all together.

Law 18 applies here. The player taking the throw in will just move 1m down the touch line to take the throw in. If the player trying to block the throw in moves again so he/she is at the place where the thrower has moved to then he/she will be booked for delaying the restart of play

If you want another example how about players coming into the penalty area to stop a keeper releasing the ball quickly. I see it all the time. The LOTG says the keeper has six seconds to release the ball once he/she has picked it up but in reality the keeper has six seconds of uninterrupted time to release the ball. You see this in the EPL where the keeper will hold on to the ball and not be called if opponents are trying to box him in.

As the Americans say - "In Law 18 we trust" :D

[Grizzlierbear]

And I suppose referees should not be proactive in getting players back 10 yards while the ball is being fetched either? With experience a referee can anticipate gamesmanship and be proactive in eliminating it before it becomes a factor. Why wait for it to become a cautionable offense? If referees are not proactive to at least some degree the game will rarely establish a flow and usually become chippy or violent.

Statesman, how did you arrive at that inference from the post??? In law players MUST be 10 yards away except for INDFKs within 10 yards of the goal by the attackers on any free kicks so a gentle reminder or even a hard edged butt chew is fine. Not so on poor tactical approaches by players as in this case.

Preventive or maintenance refereeing to keep a match on track is part of good game and player management. My point is WHAT is acceptable and what is not when you talk to players? I am extremely interested in how do you TALK, COMMUNICATE, VERBALLY, INTERACT to get your point across and EFFECTIVELY man manage a potentially sticky situation? And if you feel those comments I quoted, by the referee to a player, are ok or overstepping boundaries of some sort? I recognize we can easily nail goofball players that choose to play unfairly and looking to show cards as part of management strategy is not in the best interest of every match where we COULD show them a way not to choose poorly.

I often refer to the referee as a field condition (like the weather, pitch surface etc...) be he a chatty bugger like myself or a grim faced mask of iron will and foreboding. Well versed in law and application for smooth sailing or inexperienced oarsman with one paddle in the water. My esteemed referee colleagues seemed irritated that a coach or player could take offence to being told how to play and what to do? Should that not be a consideration in choosing how to interact EFFECTIVELY???

I believe it would be beneficial to record referees during a match to review the body language of the video picture with the tone, inflection and actual voice a referee uses to dispense the verbal management portion of preventive refereeing as well as the responses to those measures by the players.
I KNOW for a fact many referee's overstep the bounds of officiating and unfairly interfere, unknowingly pissing off players and coaches.

We can not all parrot exact responses nor can we expect everything we say to be liked by everybody that hears it. Our very nature as individuals in a game where teams must perform to do well be it the team of players or the team of officials or coaching staff must blend to get the best results and minimise controversy. Still I believe that certain management styles and profiles have overlapping characteristics that CAN be taught and incorporated within an individuals own style. Or am I whistling alone here?:o

[Grizzlierbear]

Do you feel a referee yelling, "Well in! or "Great tackle!" is ok at ALL levels?? What commentary on the NATURE of play is ok in your opinions?? None at all, ok at youth, special circumstances? Can you site examples?? For or against? How important is preventive refereeing as part of a game or player management strategy?

Would those inclined to answer list me appropriate comments versus inappropriate comments a referee could make or perhaps should not make?

I agree preventive or maintenance refereeing to keep a match on track is part of good game and player management. My point is WHAT is acceptable and what is not when you talk to players? I am extremely interested in how do you TALK, COMMUNICATE, VERBALLY, INTERACT to get your point across and EFFECTIVELY man manage a potentially sticky situation? And if you feel those comments I quoted, by the referee to a player, are ok or overstepping boundaries of some sort? I recognize we can easily nail goofball players that choose to play unfairly and looking to show cards as part of management strategy is not in the best interest of every match where we COULD show them a way not to choose poorly.

[But Referee]

GB,

I'm really trying to understand the essence of why you're asking this question. I've read and reread your posts over and over and yet I feel that I really have to grasp EXACTLY what you're seeking to understand, to draw a fine line between black and white on this topic. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I've inferred, because of this statement, that this is somewhat a territorial issue;

I believe there is a fine line for referees to offer commentary to play fair and to unfairly affecting play. Sort of encroaching into my tactical realm if you wish.

Again, I'm not sure, but have tried to distill your comments and have this to offer. That being said, why are you getting so excited? There are certainly examples of referees going overboard when it comes to preventive refereeing (e.g. yelling "no foul, no foul, no foul" loudly when going deep in the corner with a couple of players), but for the most part (I feel) you should embrace the referee's attempts to manage the game. We should all strive for the enjoyment of the game and think big picture. Worrying about a referee having a few words with a player here and there (with regard to the throw in example) to a) keep said player out of trouble or b) speed up the game. TECHNICALLY does the referee have right to tell the player to back up, no, but then again TECHNICALLY coaches can't give instruction from the sidelines. Your example is almost akin (in the grand magnitude scale) to a referee asking you to put your other foot back into the technical area. Asking the question that you do, about cans and can't dos, in that specific example, seeking a black and white absolute. It adopts (again, my belief) a contrarian attitude. We're all in this together.

Players, coaches and yes referees all take liberties here and there. It's part of the game. The next time a referee does something like that, I would ask you to ask yourself, "what's their intent?". I think you'll find the majority of the time, at whatever level, it's to ensure the spirit of the game.

In terms of man mangement there will never be a book or a video about man mangement absolutes. So many times in the higher level clinics you get the "don't try this at home" warning. Soccer refereeing is not about absolutes and lot of referees (most in fact) don't get that. If you look at the response to assessments a referee will quote two different assessors (or even one assessor on two different games) they don't immediately understand when they get conflicting information. You as a referee HAVE to do what the game dictates. What works in one game brilliantly in one game will completely blow up in another. We have to give referees enough tools, and more importantly the knowledge of when to apply them. Again, getting excited about a referee telling a player to back up a bit ....ugh. I agree that many referees could benefit from videotapes of their performance, as we could benefit from coaches teaching foot skills to eleven year olds instead of the finer points of the offside trap.

I couldn't agree more that the referee is one of the factors that you have to deal with in the game. Coaches and players must adapt just as they would to the field conditions. My college coach demanded that we "play the referee", in that recognize their style and go with it. Does he let them play, know it. Does he call every little infraction, go with it. If it's your intent to get every referee to call exactly the same game, not going to happen. All coaches coach differently, players play differently. Coaches don't coach the same way every game, players don't, nor do referees. It really is part of the beauty of the game.

You can throw out some general guidelines, but I think the level of uniformity that you're seeking..........

[Statesman]

Don't worry But Ref, I'm not really sure what is being sought either. GB, my comments were in response to what I interpreted as fairly nitpicky examples you pointed out in the original response. I read your post as intoning referees are obliged to wait for offenses to occur and react accordingly as opposed to intervening beforehand. So, I provided a counter-example of my own that, at least to me, clearly shows where some preventative refereeing is for the good of the game.

As far as the other questions you ask, which are dizzying to be even considered and far too many to approach all at once (and, in the future, you might consider only asking one or two per post so as not to scare the replies away...), there is no perfectly straight-forward answer. Only Statesman can be Statesman on the field, and if Grizzly or But Ref or anybody else were to try and be Statesman it wouldn't work too well. What is acceptable for one person is completely unacceptable for another and there is no clear way to make that distinction.

For example, just yesterday I asked a player "do you always play this stupid?" and won the good nature of both teams -- virtually everbody on the pitch responded "yes!" before he could say anything. If I asked that question of a 12 year old girl I'd probably never ref in that district again. Even Statesman can't be Statesman all of the time.

As far as commenting on the game itself, if I want to compliment a player on his play then I do so. I see nothing wrong with that. It NEVER hurts to compliment anybody, no matter what reaction they may show on the outside.

However, I don't believe a referee should ever instruct the players on how to play except for explaining one of the laws, such as when little kids don't know how to do an IFK or the requirements of a throw-in.

The referee should never relay tactical advice. Ever. This includes saying "no foul, no foul!" This is really the only point I believe applies no matter what for everybody at all levels of the game. Everything else is just based on the personality of the referee and the requirements of the game. That is something that can't be taught.

[whitehound]

I had an interesting disscussion with a USSF colleague reguarding the merits of preventive refereeing. Speaking as a coach for a moment (Now do not gang up on me all at once!)I believe there is a fine line for referees to offer commentary to play fair and to unfairly affecting play. Sort of encroaching into my tactical realm if you wish. My esteemed colleague seemed irritated that a coach or player could take offence to being told how to play and what to do.

I will bend a bit at youth level and say a verbal request by a refferee for "ball over the head feet on the ground" is not likely to freak me out that my team is unfairly disadvantaged because we worked hard on our throw in proceedures when the other team did not.

In an adult match two good teams a defender runs and stands still directly on the spot of the touchline where the ball went out. Now we know he is there to impede the keeper we also know FIFA says it is ok to do this. As part of preventitive refereeing we have no wish to show a card so we say to him

"Back up, give him space to throw it in."

The fact is the player is NOT required to back up. the reason he is standing there is not to give him room. The player's only concern is not to move or gesture after that position is taken. FIFA makes it quite clear on that point. I personally think it is inappropriate, no correct that outright wrong for a referee to make that player move or imply that he must move. He could be distracted himself and miss a quick throw all together. What say you all am I an anal coach. :o)

I have other instances that apply but will wait to see what or if commentary is generated.

Would those inclined to answer list me appropriate comments versus inappropriate comments a referee could make or perhaps should not make?Okay I am not going to debate the nit noid rediculous call that you asked about. Having read and enjoyed your posts for quite some time I am dissappointed that you even brought this up and admitted to having done this.......As a reff, I would not like a know it all(coach) on the sideline telling me how to call the game on something as tactically insignifigant as whether your player can stand on the line or not. As a player I appreciate a referee using his voice to prevent having to blow the whistle. Sometimes I dissagree but at least I understand.

[Grizzlierbear]

It is true, perception one might have on something may not be the same as another but those who cannot fathom my reasoning need not worry. Just about everything and anything to some degree is talked about on the Internet. The basic how to referee stuff has been done and redone and will be redone again in the future. What is left are the nuances more than the meat of most things.

[QUOTE=whitehound]Having read and enjoyed your posts for quite some time I am dissappointed that you even brought this up and admitted to having done this.......As a reff, I would not like a know it all(coach) on the sideline telling me how to call the game on something as tactically insignifigant as whether your player can stand on the line or not.[QUOTE]

Those that concentrate only on the incident miss the point of the exercise. Nothing I said indicated I tear strips off a referee from the technical area my point and I believe it is very valid is preventive refereeing has conditions and limits that even your USSF guidelines point out and try to teach. If a referee offers advice tactically on offside during a match ie... "You guys are getting killed on the trap just remember to not play the ball and the flag stays down. A simple backpass request by the keeper "Can I pick it up ref? Do you think yes you can answer or no you should not? Do you put the whistle to your mouth as if ready to blow it so indicating you are thinking DO NOT pick it up?

I appreciated all response and welcomed their input. The making of a good referee at ANY level is their ability to be respected by those they are working together with on the field. Player or game management is a central characteristic of the approach a pro active referee takes in to each match. It must be highly adaptive to changing circumstances and can not, as many of you correctly point out, be the same for all people in all situations.


[QUOTE=Statesman]Don't worry But Ref, I'm not really sure what is being sought either. GB, my comments were in response to what I interpreted as fairly nitpicky examples you pointed out in the original response. I read your post as intoning referees are obliged to wait for offenses to occur and react accordingly as opposed to intervening beforehand. So, I provided a counter-example of my own that, at least to me, clearly shows where some preventative refereeing is for the good of the game.
[Quote]

Ok but I too firmly believe preventive refereeing is a GOOD thing I never meant to indicate it was not only in the manner it is done.

[QUOTE=Statesman]As far as the other questions you ask, which are dizzying to be even considered and far too many to approach all at once (and, in the future, you might consider only asking one or two per post so as not to scare the replies away...) .[QUOTE]

Good point I am at times more interested in the process than the actual words but some times less is more

[QUOTE=Statesman]there is no perfectly straight-forward answer. Only Statesman can be Statesman on the field, and if Grizzly or But Ref or anybody else were to try and be Statesman it wouldn't work too well. What is acceptable for one person is completely unacceptable for another and there is no clear way to make that distinction..[QUOTE]

Perhaps this is where we differ slightly is not the conceptual framework a trainable concept? Rather than actually spitting out word for word something that worked elsewhere for someone else?

[QUOTE=Statesman]For example, just yesterday I asked a player "do you always play this stupid?" and won the good nature of both teams -- virtually everybody on the pitch responded "yes!" before he could say anything. If I asked that question of a 12 year old girl I'd probably never ref in that district again. Even Statesman can't be Statesman all of the time. [QUOTE]

But that is a crucial point in knowing WHAT to say and when it is appropriate and not unfairly affecting the match?

[QUOTE=Statesman]As far as commenting on the game itself, if I want to compliment a player on his play then I do so. I see nothing wrong with that. It NEVER hurts to compliment anybody, no matter what reaction they may show on the outside.[QUOTE]

In that we agree

[QUOTE=Statesman]However, I don't believe a referee should ever instruct the players on how to play except for explaining one of the laws, such as when little kids don't know how to do an IFK or the requirements of a throw-in. [QUOTE]

Youth teaching concept is one that I also subscribe too.

[QUOTE=Statesman]The referee should never relay tactical advice. Ever. This includes saying "no foul, no foul!" This is really the only point I believe applies no matter what for everybody at all levels of the game. [QUOTE]

Finally a major break through, that is really an essential component of my dissertation

The ussf has many great training and instructional material in both written and video formats. Their ethical concepts, 8 point communication, tactical thinking in regards to positioning, man management strategies all factor in to the thought processes that preventive refereeing can utilize. I listed some below many of you are well aware I am sure. Perhaps referees from other countries or newer referees not yet exposed to ongoing training yet can better understand the concepts of saying the right things the right way at the right time at the right place to the right person.

The Internet is a great tool for sharing or exchanging opinions rather than arriving at absolutes. Buzz terms like preventive refereeing, passive offside, back pass are derived from the practical distillation of everyday events that require some context on the field of play. In any literature espousing the spirit and essence of officiating it deals with intangibles of effective communication.

[QUOTE=But Referee]GB,
You can throw out some general guidelines, but I think the level of uniformity that you're seeking.......... [Quote]

I believe you are correct in the first part of your last statement regarding general guidelines. I believe these to be some of them feel free to correct me or indicate others.

(1)FUN A smile goes a long way if players can SEE and FEEL you are enjoying the match WITH them.
(2)RESPECT you are granted SOME for the position but MUST earn it with the players in each match and most importantly it must be returned from you to the players. From this spreads your REPUTATION and a good one helps in preventive refereeing.
(3)CONFIDENCE is a crucial element provided arrogance does not supplant it nor a facade that breaks down under pressure
(4)EMPATHY the ability to reflect on the emotional level of a match and the appreciation for the tactical and skill required to play the game and acknowledge the needs of players and coaches to do well.
(5)PRACTICAL application in understanding of the laws of the game, the spirit in which they applied and the effort required by you to learn your job well.
(6) ETHICAL conduct and concern for the welfare of the players themselves.
(7)FORGIVENESS be it your mistake or the impassioned angry antics of disenchanted player, coach or fan.

My conceptual blueprint for making the most of verbal interaction is not unlike your statement.

[QUOTE=But Referee]We have to give referees enough tools, and more importantly the knowledge of when to apply them. [QUOTE]

This encapsulates my reasoning in bring up topics such as these. I appreciate that you and others have taken the time to read then comment intelligently on this post. I do not ONLY seek absolutes or agreement, even if I am of the opinion it is reasonable at times to do so. I applaud those who interject criticism and why and what ifs to round out viewpoints of an individual nature which mine surely are.


The start of preventive refereeing. aside from gathering history on the teams and players or experienced gained in other encounters with the same teams.

Pregame meeting with your ARS and 4th.
Aside from your own ideology these people are with you in pro-active intervention so HOW you conduct this sets up later in the match. A hand to the throat by an AR could indicate Get a grip of this match referee you are losing it!

Pregame team check
WHAT do you say to the PLAYERS? Coaches? Captains?
I personally subscribe to a (coach one on one) I ask for his or her permission to address players regarding ANY specific concepts he or she thinks it would be important to cover. With the coach I request his or her help in keeping the touchlines free and clear and sane. No contact or dissent with ARs except to indicate substitutions if 4th is not present. I address substitution procedures, I could ask his or her opinion on offside, deliberate handling, advantage, 10 yards and express my desire to communicate with the captains at the coin flip.
At the elite level, temper a talk to a brief introduction, We are fair not perfect I am easily approachable at the right time and in the right manner, we will give you our best effort, have a great game.
Captains get a bit of the coach talk with intro to my ARS and the you see only me only not the ARs with problems. We can work together to enjoy this game and as leaders I look to them to set the examples. Have fun play safe and enjoy the match.
Sometimes especially at tournaments I banter with fans and exchange some thoughts on offside and handling but generally I ask them to help identify a player from the opposing team the best personifies the true spirit of the game. Even if they become disenchanted with the result of the match it focus their attention on the real important stuff, our kids!

Preventive refereeing starts BEFORE a match. TOO much talk can cause issues the same as not knowing the limitations of the two teams with no history.

Below is a 5 point check list USSF excerpt in how to manage a communication exchange such as I just discussed
1. Make eye contact
“How many of you make eye contact with an offender every time he commits a foul? Do you look them straight in the eye?” “This is a “Key first step”.
2. Identify the mood of the player or coach
Is the player calm? Frustrated? Upset? Serious?
3. Establish rapport
Talk to the players or coach. “When does rapport start?”
4. Convey message
How are messages conveyed? Solicit answers. Suggest subtle warnings, facial
expressions, humour, cards as the last resort.
5. Declare completion
“When is the delivery of the message finished?” It is when you say it is (or turn your back - carefully- and walk away)

Needed, acceptable, uneccessary or useless chatter?

Off the ankles! Keep the arms down! Watch those elbows! Who is up for it? Put a name on it! Let go of the jersey. You are backing in. Watch the pushing! Hands over the head, feet on the ground! Careful, careful, easy guys get the ball not each other! That ball on his ankle is too little try the other bigger ball beside it!, I see it! I see it! Play through it! Play the whistle!
Well in lads! Turn and face! Great ball through! Excellent save! Good throw!
50/50 get on with it!
Nothing there get on with it!
10 yards NOW!
Is your team that good they can afford to play with ten?

Personal intervention
What is the matter? Are you OK? You are too good a player to be doing this. You need to calm down or face the possibility you could be sent off.
Ok both of you I saw that and I better not see it again!
Coach Your # 2 defender is really riled up and is acting recklessly a brief rest might help him!
Enough is enough one more time and you can enjoy an early shower
HEY! I blew the whistle! I stopped play! I saw it! YOUR reaction is FORCING me to consider blowing my whistle AGAIN! Let ME handle it ok?

Responses to players
He's off ref!
STOP standing with your hands in the air asking to go to the loo and get after the ball!
Handball ref!
NOT deliberate get on with it!
But he got an advantage ref?
ADVANTAGE has nothing to do with it. Get on with it.
What kind of a crap call is that?
A YELLOW one if I hear another comment!
Ref where is the card that is brutal!
TAKE the free kick and get on with it or the next card you see will be yours

HUMOUR
Moaning player about everything!
Are you coming over for Christmas?
Huh?
Are you coming over for Christmas?
What in thunderation are you talking about?
Well you moan so much I figure you are related to my mother inlaw and family always comes over at Christmas!

BOLD
FAIRPLAY situation.
keeper in possession of the ball, play stopped for injured player and opponent wants to contest the drop you say
Bugger off you idiot! and point him away.
The keeper had possession why are you here?
You drop the ball without saying anything but block the player off from the ball so the keeper can pick it up

SUBTLE
Two opposing players are push fighting behind the play as referee you
Stop play, castrate them as reckless miscreants and caution both?
Stop play show red castigate them for unnecessary violent conduct send off?
Stop play, see who started it from the AR possibly and award a free kick possibly cautioning one or both?
Stop play and suggest to the two coaches these players could use a rest as they appear to be sick looking suspiciously yellowish?

Ask yourself if the match had been no problems up until that point or a powder keg ready to explode would your answer likely be the same? Can you drop ball restart or only free kick restart? Could you wait till the ball goes out of play by yelling cut that crap out!


Below are USSF excerpts of 8 points in communication.


1. HAVE YOUR HEAD ON RIGHT - Don’t think your referee uniform grants you
immunity from having to take a little criticism. It’s part of officiating. Plan on it. Successful officials know how much to take. Ask one when you get the chance.
2. DON’T BE A TOUGH PERSON - If a coach is on your back but not enough to warrant confrontation, then stay away from him or her. This is especially true when the ball is out of play and at the half. Standing near an unhappy coach or fan, just to “show him,”will only lead to further tension.

Some officials develop irritating characteristics. Don’t be one of them.

3. DON’T BARK - If you don’t like to be shouted at, don’t shout at someone else. Be firm, using a normal, relaxed voice. This technique will do wonders in helping you to reduce the tension. Shouting indicates a loss of control, not only of oneself, but also of the game.
4. SHOW CONFIDENCE - Cockiness has absolutely no place in officiating. You want to exude confidence. Your presence should command respect from the participants, coaches, and fans. As in any walk of life, appearance, manner, and voice determine how you are accepted. Try to present the proper image.
5. FORGET THE FANS - As a group, fans usually exhibit highly emotional partisanship and delight in antagonizing the officials. Accepting this fact will help you ignore the fans, unless they interrupt or impact the game or stand in the way of you doing your job.
6. ANSWER REASONABLE QUESTIONS - Treat coaches and players in a courteous way. If they ask you a question reasonably, answer in a polite way. If they get your ear by saving, “Hey, ref! I want to ask you something,” and then start telling you off, interrupt and remind them of the reason for the discussion. Be firm but relaxed.

7. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY

- Don’t obviously threaten a coach or player; this will only put them on the defensive. More importantly, you will have placed yourself on the spot. If you feel a situation is serious enough to warrant a threat, then it is serious enough to punish the misconduct, without invoking a threat. Obviously some things you say will be a form of threat, but using the proper words can make it subtle.

8. STAY COOL - Your purpose is to establish a calm environment for the game. Nervous or edgy officials are easily spotted by the players, coaches, and fans alike. Avidly chewing gum, pacing around, or displaying a wide range of emotions prior to or during the game will serve to make you seem vulnerable to the pressure

[whitehound]

Finally the grizzly I know and love......I just got back from the eye dr after reading your post....Could somebody check and see if it is the longest on record?