Question Number: 19518

Mechanics 6/26/2008

RE: Rec, Comp, Premier & Regional Adult

Peter Bowles of Ottawa, ON CANADA asks...

I have been playing and refereeing the game for many years. However recently in the last couple of years I have been taking higher level games and I am learing the finer points of refereeing. One of the biggest concerns or perhaps problems I find myself getting into is keeping the control or maybe better said the temperature of the game.

I do not seem to have the same troubles with younger players (U12 through 18) maybe it is because they have not learned to be as vocal. However with adult games I find that I have to fall onto my cards far to often. Sometimes I feel as if I am not calling or calling to much? The games slowly starts to simmer and then BAM I make a solid call but all hell breaks loose and before I know it I am having to resort to cards to shut people up. Probably not the best way but there must be something I am doing wrong? I have read through many of the scenarios here and have started to apply some of them ie 'No foul there' 'get up no acting on this stage' etc ... however when players are upset and arguing with you as the referee, when does it stop being questioning and start being dissent? Is it wrong to card to control a game ?

I very much like doing the games, as I love the challenge however I am finding my confidence is taking a kicking not knowing if I am doing well or just right out of it?

Thanks
Peter

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Take a deep breath. Sometimes, nothing you do or don't do will make a game go right, and you have to take whatever lessons you can and move on. But when you have noted a pattern in your games that is troubling, smart referees ask for help. Kudos!

That is a great first step. The best help comes from those who have the experience and knowledge you want, and who can watch you referee and make concrete suggestions. Get an assessment, get another one, and then more. It's worth the money.

Some things to think about:
1) listen carefully to the players' complaints - if they feel unprotected, check your choice of when and what you are calling - little gets players more upset and likely to argue than when they feel they have been wronged, both by the opponent and then by the referee, either by calling too much or too little, too late or too soon;
2) if you conclude you are missing calls or even if you think you aren't, think about where you are positioning yourself, and how you can change that to get a better angle of view. Proximity is excellent, but having the best angle is always better. Fitness may or may not be an issue - you know, I don't have to tell you on that one.
3) work on man management - it's an important item, in spite of the bad press it sometimes gets. Your voice, your whistle, your body language (positive and negative) - these are incredibly important to maintain the temperature in the match. Think about how you are using them, and think about ways to be more effective in their usage.

The best referees I've ever worked with (and I've had the privilege to work with and watch many excellent referees) have a magic combination of knowledge of the Laws, a professional demeanor that is at once commanding and yet approachable, an ability to know what the players want and need to show their skills and be protected and then to provide it.

It bears repeating - get assessed, listen, try out what they suggest; get assessed, repeat. Some of what you will learn you will not use, either because it doesn't fit your 'style' or because the assessor goofed in offering the advice. More of what you will learn will inform your refereeing, and open your eyes and mind to the means to become the referee you are wanting to become. Best wishes, my friend.