Question Number: 28159

Mechanics 2/4/2014

RE: Select Under 16

Landon of Kennesaw, Georgia United States asks...

I am refereeing five games in a tournament this weekend where I do not have any ARs. What are a few tips you have for adjusting my refereeing technique while doing these games?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Landon
The one piece of advice I would give is movement.
I would say that there has to be much more movement off the diagonal, bringing the referee closer to play when on your own. I would also say that movement sometimes has to be wider bringing more players into view and also giving a wider angle for viewing offside. The trick is knowing when to do that without compromising foul recognition and critical calls which requires good reading of the game and what will happen next.
During free kicks near the goal and corner kicks the referee has to be in much deeper towards the goal line which then requires quick movement on transition.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Without assistant referees, the referee will have a problem judging offside position. My practice is to call the offside unless you are sure that the player was onside (the opposite point of view from when there are three referees). My experience is that if you don't call that first offside, the attacking players will keep testing you. If you do call that offside, the attacking players will make sure that they are on. Players adjust.

I don't agree with the alternative approach - - when the solo referees stays far away from play to make sure that the referee can catch the offside on the counter-attack. The first priority has to be to call the critical fouls, and the referee still needs to be close to play to see it and to sell the call. No one believes a penalty awarded from 40 yards away.

The solo referee needs to anticipate play rather than wait for it to happen. It can help to adjust your movement patterns one notch. Walk where you otherwise might be standing. Jog where you might otherwise be walking. Sprint when necessary. This is where your fitness really can pay off.