Question Number: 30904

Other 10/16/2016

RE: competitive Adult

Jacob Mungoma of Malindi, Kenya Kenya asks...

Cheers for your contributions! Wonderful! l want to highlight that most people in this place do not know the LOTG. I usually ref the lowest three league levels out of five levels; District, county and provincial leagues where the fields of play are open and anytime the fans (outside agents) can flock into the field whenever they are not content with a decision. Dismissing an assistant is next to impossible though the LOTG bestores such powers to CR. Ignorant fans can mob up anytime and force the game to an end, but still l appreciate we are growing! we will reach higher levels one day. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Jacob,
good for you for donning the armoured skin of a referee, we are always happy to help a fellow colleague on the official journey of experience. LOL The concept of wisdom is to use the mistakes of others as well as your self to make better decisions in the future learning what to and not to do based on what did not work so good the first time out or has proven to be timelessly useful! lol. The learning curve is steep if you are mired in a quagmire of poorly organized leagues not providing the knowledge and training to those who require it. Be it the fans, parents, players, coaches or referees, a holistic approach to the fundamentals of the game, respect and fair play must cross the minds of all who show up at the park to play or watch the beautiful game!
If your associations are full of good intentions please ensure they seek the correct approaches to be effective and efficient . They must insist on reasonable behavior and hold those who participate to a high standard of accountability to deal with the inevitable conflict and attitudes that arise in competitive situations.
Try to find ways to teach the game to everyone!Ignorance is a by product of the unknown truth but remember we all see things from a personal perspective, particularly in competitive winner orientated settings . A spectator sees what they want to see. A player sees what they feel. A coach sees what he wants to see . Only a referee sees what he sees. As a neutral official he has no vested interest in the outcome.
Good fortune to you. Integrity on and off the FOP will always serve you well.
Cheers