Question Number: 27890

Mechanics 10/14/2013

RE: Amateur (USSF), College and below Adult

Caleb Perry of Independence, Missouri USA asks...

I have been a referee for eight years now. I just got my state badge this year and want to keep progressing up the ladder so I'm trying to refine my game. As I work with more referees and get more and more feedback, some of it becomes confusing. My biggest obstacle right now is attempting to perfect game management. Obviously, it takes time and experience to learn GM, but one of the things I have always used to my advantage is talking to players. But just recently while doing a college women's match, I was told by a fellow official to do less talking and faster whistling. So, my question is at what age group do you consider dropping the talking to players and just using the whistle, and what types of phrases have you used to your advantage in being a proactive preventive official? I'll also add what ideas do you have on preventive officiating and how it is accomplished?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Caleb
One size does not fit all. The referee that suggested less talking and faster whistling suited his style and perhaps personality. I have been with senior referees who do a lot of talking and in my opinion too much at times. They delay play and sometimes that frustrates me but it works for them. I have also been with referees who do no talking and simply get on with play using the whistle to do the talking.
My advice is to do what suits your personality and what you believe works for you.
Recently I have considered that I have crept into the habit of too much listening to gripes and complaints with explanations. That I believe is encouraging 'dissent'. So I'm working on more 'give and go' which means making the decision and then getting to the next position quickly. When one does not hang around for comments it makes it more difficult for the 'gripers' to make their point. Also getting play restarted quickly can limit the dissent as player have to get on with play and positioning. the problem arises when the free kick requires management and then the referee has no choice.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

What works for the referee who told you to stop talking may be fine for him but not necessarily for you. There is no age group or skill level where all of a sudden your personality has to change as far as how you manage games you work. I never made it as far up the ladder as you but I'm sure you remember a Referee named Collina who some regard as the greatest referee of all time. He talked to players constantly and I dare say he was pretty good at game management.

I think the biggest mistake you could make would be to ignore what comes naturally to you and follow others advice. As you point out, GM is our most difficult job. Personally, had I stopped talking to players at say U17 Select, my game management skills would have gone into the toilet. Do what works for you using techniques you have developed by trial and error over the years.