Question Number: 26503

Law 5 - The Referee 6/26/2012

RE: Rec Other

Marcus Zmafir of sacramento, california United States asks...

I am 15 years old and I now have my badge to referee and I'm going to do my first game in 2-3 months. I keep going over the rules of the game but I'm still a little worried. I worried I will get on the field and will forget everything and have no idea what to do in a situation during the game. Is there anything I can do to not feel so nervous? Do I need to study more?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Marcus
Being nervous and apprehensive is fine and indeed I would be surprised and worried if you were not. The fact that you have got your badge means that you have passed the necessary conditions to begin officiating. What you need now is experience and that will only come from doing games. Like any new learned skill, improvement comes from practise and doing the task.
In refereeing it is no different.
As regards studying more, my advice is that it should never stop. I'm still studying and learning the game, trying to improve my skill level.
Most game situations are straightforward and they cause the referee little difficulty. If you read the questions of match situations on this site you will note the unusual situations that happen and that must be dealt with. A good knowledge of the Laws would help deal with these and the ability of a referee depends on how well he/she deals with these situations.
So my advice is to prepare well. Do the best you can and then review your performance afterwards as to what went well, what did not go so well.
Then work on the parts that need improvement.
I would also ask you to consider getting a mentor who will help you in the early games. That person can be an invaluable aid to your development.
Best wishes for the future in refereeing

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Marcus and congratulations! You've passed the course, but now the real learning begins.
In addition to Ref McHugh's excellent advice I would add to go watch games being refereed by referees you respect or at least ones with experience. Pick one or two things you had questions about and politely approach the referee after the game, tell him/her you have just passed your course and would like to ask a question.
Most of us will be happy to answer any questions you may have

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Don't worry. We were all nervous at our second match. (I completely forgot about the need for a coin toss.)

Ref McHugh's suggestions are terrific, particularly if there will be a delay before you can start. My suggestion for your first game: get there an hour early. Walk around the field, inspect the nets, watch the players, talk with the referees from the match before yours and have a long pregame with the referees working with you at your match. Tell them you are new, and ask them for feedback. The best question a referee can ask is: What can I do better?