Question Number: 26383

Law 5 - The Referee 5/24/2012

RE: Competitive Under 17

Harris of Someplace, Somewhere Canada asks...

Hi AskTheRef,

I have just been appointed a game by my District for a U16 Boys game L4 for a District Assessment. I am extremely nervous and excited at the same time because the assessment determines my future games as well as prospects for upgrading.

Do you have any advice on calming nerves or approaching games that referees are to be assessed on?

Please let me know. Thank you.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Harris
The best advice I can give is to referee as you normally do. It is probably worthwhile getting a copy of the standard assessment report in your area and to then look at the points that you will be scored on.
Here is one that I came across
http://www.albertasoccer.com/clientuploads/RefereeForms/CSAAssessorHandbook.pdf
That will give you a sense of what the assesor is looking for so that you can at least work on the key points in preparation for the game which should help your confidence and calming the nerves.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

There are always other prospects. Don't turn this into your be-all, end-all.

Turn up, do a good job. That's all you need to do. If you stress out then this will affect your match. Try not to think about the assessor - he's there to watch how YOU referee. Your style.

And whatever you do, don't look over at him during the match - and if you do, don't stress because you see him writing. You don't know if it's a positive comment, a question, or something that happened 10 minutes ago.

Get a good night sleep, perhaps review the LOTG during the week to ensure there's nothing minor you're likely to miss. Arrive with plenty of time to prepare for your match so you can remain calm.