There are several things a new or old referee can do to improve. Some are so
obvious they should not need mentioning, but I will anyway.
- Read the Laws of the Game from time to time, especially during the
season. None of us knows the Laws as well as we should. The part we are
rusty on will be the situation that comes up in the next game. Know and
enforce the Laws of the Game. Just because it’s an Under 9 game is no
reason to let players get by with sloppy throw-ins that don’t meet the
requirements
- Dress the part. Wear your shirt tucked in, your socks pulled up.
Clean your shoes at the end of the day. It’s a lot easier to get mud off
when it’s wet than after it dries. If you shoes look bad enough, polish
them! Have the accessories that you need (pen/pencil, paper, watch, badge,
whistle, cards, flags, etc.)
- Act the part. Be confident but not overly confident. Show respect
for the game, players and coaches and as much as possible, even the fans.
Remember that the game is just as important to the Under 8 players as is the
game to the Under 16 players. Don’t skimp on the game just because it’s
not important to you. Treat every game as if it is important, because it is
to those involved.
- Smile a lot, but maybe not too much when you are issuing cards.
Have fun!
- Think of the safety of the player, especially with the younger
ages.
- Get in the habit of checking for substitutes every time the ball
goes over the touch line or goal line. Before the game, instruct the coaches
to have their subs behind the mid-field flag and then look back before the
coaches have to yell to get your attention.
- Run, don’t walk. Stay up with the action. If you are close to the
action, you will have an easier time making and selling your calls.
- Don’t be shy when you blow your whistle. Players, coaches and
fans should all be able to hear your whistle.
- Do a good pre-game with your assistant referees or club linesmen.
At halftime and at the end of the game, give and get feedback from your
assistant referees. Get names and CARA number of your assistant referees.
- Ask each coach for a roster with jersey numbers before the game
starts. It’s easier to get before the game than after and you never know
when you might have to issue a card during the game.
- Get another referee to watch your game. Get feedback from someone
who knows what refereeing is about, not just from players, coaches and fans.
- Watch other referees to see what they do right and what they do
wrong. After the game, ask questions about things you didn’t understand.
- Submit your game reports promptly. Keep your score sheets until you
get paid, in case your paperwork gets lost.
- And my favorite, Call your assignor early and let him know when you
will be available or just as important, if you are not available.