It worked! Thanks!

[pensmom4]

Thanks for the suggestion about talking to myself during the game! I've just finished 2 U13 co-ed games, and yippee! It works! Some of the players looked at me a little strangely....maybe I need to whisper.

Self-talk kept me focused and I felt like 98% of my calls were dead on. The other 2% I couldn't see, but I gave it a bold guess each time.

I'm so happy, I could dance! :p
Lee

[macheath]

Thanks for the suggestion about talking to myself during the game! I've just finished 2 U13 co-ed games, and yippee! It works! Some of the players looked at me a little strangely....maybe I need to whisper.

Self-talk kept me focused and I felt like 98% of my calls were dead on. The other 2% I couldn't see, but I gave it a bold guess each time.

I'm so happy, I could dance! :p
Lee


Glad it worked. I use it all the time--you do need to keep your voice down, though. I was mumbling "white--blue--all onside--white's off..." and suddenly a player near me said "What did you say?"

[intechpc]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one out there talking to myself. I do it all the time, especially with offside evaluation. Just helps me remember who is where a little better.

[Statesman]

I'm not so sure self-talking during the match is such a good idea. Sure it might help you focus and define the action, but it appears unprofessional and might confuse those around you. It doesn't do much to establish credibility, that's for sure. Personally when I see a person walking around talking to himself I tend to think he's a loon. Not the image you want the players to have of their referee.

Use it if you have to, but try to do without if possible. Try not to rely on it.

[nsa]

Personally when I see a person walking around talking to himself I tend to think he's a loon. Not the image you want the players to have of their referee.Then again, if they think that you've got a few screws loose they won't be quite as quick to argue. You never know what a crazy person might do. :)

I try to keep an internal commentary, occasionally vocalizing my thoughts to provide auditory support to the hand signal.

[JayJay4Pres]

I find myself actually speaking to myself more on the line, while as a center I tend to think a lot more about it, then say it out loud. If you get what I'm saying.

[Footer Phooter]

I'm not so sure self-talking during the match is such a good idea. Sure it might help you focus and define the action, but it appears unprofessional and might confuse those around you. It doesn't do much to establish credibility, that's for sure. Personally when I see a person walking around talking to himself I tend to think he's a loon. Not the image you want the players to have of their referee.

Use it if you have to, but try to do without if possible. Try not to rely on it.


I wouldn't do it either, if only because I tend to talk to players as needed throughout the game as well. I think it could become confusing.

[Wreave]

Guys, remember, we're talking about a new referee here. Sure, internal commentary is probably preferable to audible commentary, but if she gets some practice making the right calls, she'll get some more game experience and won't be muttering along.

Besides, we're talking about U13 coed rec. I'm glad she's focused on making the right calls and wants to be a good referee.

[macheath]

I wouldn't do it either, if only because I tend to talk to players as needed throughout the game as well. I think it could become confusing.

I think folks are overreacting a bit here. I think we're talking about "talking to yourself" in a very low, barely audible voice, not chanting so everyone on the pitch can hear you. And if it helps a new ref keep track of play and offside, and avoid bad calls, I wouldn't sweat it. Eventually it becomes an internal mental thing...

[intechpc]

I think folks are overreacting a bit here. I think we're talking about "talking to yourself" in a very low, barely audible voice, not chanting so everyone on the pitch can hear you. And if it helps a new ref keep track of play and offside, and avoid bad calls, I wouldn't sweat it. Eventually it becomes an internal mental thing...


That's at least what I was talking about. Many times, I'm not even sure the sound really comes out of my mouth but I do keep a running commentary.

[new old man]

If you wish to appear to be trendy, and not at all loonish, perhaps only boorish, position a bluetooth earpiece before the kickoff. Now when talking you seem to be even more important. An occasional "yes, Mr. President, I understand your point, but I think you are wrong on that" can only enhance the feeling of awe around you.
When I was a kid, living in big cities, those folks talking to themselves were to be left completely alone. Now they are movers and shakers, or kids talking about how to beat an xbox villain. Aren't things getting better, though? Regards.

[refontherun]

I'd say it's akin to learning to read. First you read aloud, then you progress to only moving your lips. After a while it becomes internal.

In my association all the teams wear the same two colors. Blue jerseys with blue shorts and socks, and white jerseys with blue shorts and white socks. After multiple games, you start to get confused. Occasionally I will look at the keeper's socks to remind me who's going which direction. Last night the white keeper was wearing blue socks. Talk about dyslexia. To top things off, we were using a right diagonal due to muddy field conditions. I ended up repeating "blue, east; white west" for about half the game.

[vabeacher]

Nothing wrong with talking out loud during a game. I do it all the time, especially in situations where a non-call is warranted. I'll make comments such as "Clean tackle, no foul" or "good run, everyone onside". It helps me stay involved and lets the players know that I'm paying attention but didn't see any problems. At the younger age groups, I'll even compliment good plays, as long as I do it both ways. Comments like "good shot and good save" and can make both teams feel good about themselves.

Most of the levels we referee are recreation leagues, where kids play for fun. Why shouldn't we have fun, as well. Of course, if the situation warrants (tournaments, travel leagues, state cup games, etc), I'll become more serious and keep my comments to myself.