Question Number: 17237

Mechanics 10/10/2007

RE: N/A Other

Steve Shuler of Bryant, AR USA asks...

I've recently started questioning my officiating style. I worked a tournament this past weekend, centering four games. At each game, both coaches commented they thought I didn't call enough fouls, that I let too many plays go. That's eight different coaches from eight different parts of the region, including four happy (winning) coaches. I understand that all coaches complain and whine, etc., but I started to wonder if maybe I'm letting too much go.

These were all games at the U16 or U18 level, not young kids who were in danger of being injured more easily. At no time did I feel like I was losing control of any match. I didn't issue more than one caution per match, and none were for retaliation fouls. There weren't any cheap shots that I saw, and only a few players came up to me with quips like "Can you watch the hands in the back?" and other such requests. There were instances where I almost drew my whistle, but decided to let the play continue. In other words, I was comfortable with the play going on.

I do watch a lot of English F.A. football, and I won't pretend I don't use those games for inspiration for my officiating style. All this setup for this one question; How can I tell if I need to tighten up and start calling games more closely?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

You ask,
"How can I tell if I need to tighten up and start calling games more closely?"

When the players start doing your job by protecting themselves!

You say all 8 coaches, winners and losers all had something to say and it was all the same thing does point to a trend of sorts. Truly we cannot adequately address your question without seeing you in action.

I can tell you this from my experience age 15 to 17 USA soccer is not EPL material! Style points are not something to be imitated but adapted when the mechanics, positioning, fitness, attitudes, foul recognition and knowledge of the laws are working efficiently you are ready to experiment with the discretionary aspects of game/player management. Selective hearing is not the same as not listening and does not over look the language of the body. Much is said in silence and in the rumble of dissent.
Remember what you consider trivial or doubtful requires the players input in each and every match. Receiving that input is a watchful eye and a gutful of intuition! Then to a helpful a mentor or assesment from your peers gives validation to that action or alternatives to consider.

It is a tried and proven method to reign in the players a wee bit early then slowly take the brake off as they and you become comfortable with what will be fair play today!

Other than experience be it yours and/or from watching and sharing with others your character as a referee will realize that integrity as a match condition which is in effect each time you officiate is the consistency those watching will come to rely on!

It is good to seek advice and consider options post game but if the coaches are ready to tell you stuff then so too should the players. While we do not debate or apologize for our calls it is not the worst idea to have a talk with the teams you refereed to get a sense of their concerns. Perhaps not right after a hotly contested match but in the cool light of reason we can agree to disagree for the good of the game, fix rather then blame, seek solutions and explain.

GOOD communication fosters better understanding! If the motive is in fact to become a better referee, then remember the match is about the players! It might be difficult to listen to the players for what we hear is often irritating, frustrating or mind boggling at
the lack of knowledge on the laws of the game. But sometimes as a surprise an idea that you might not be aware of shows up
A teaching opportunity can go both ways!
Your Match. Your Decision. Your Reputation!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You said you have heard few comments from players. That could be because (a) there are no complaints to be made, or (b) the players figure that there is no point to say anything because you aren't going to change your mind. If (b), would you please send a few of those players my way to train the players in our league?

You might ask a fellow referee who you respect to watch you in action, sort of an informal assessment.

Also if you are doing U16 and U18 matches regularly, you might ask to have a formal assessment scheduled. If you are thinking about upgrading you'll need one anyway, and having the experience of an assessment will help when you go for your upgrade assessment. Even if not upgrading, getting a feel from an assessor for what you should be doing to improve can be valuable advice. Much better than we can give here from a distance.