"Winning can be defined as the science of being totally prepared." George Allen

Every referee has walked off a field after the final whistle at least once in his career shaking his head about something that went terribly wrong during the game. Game control problems such as fights, incidents of spitting or abusive language, and red cards for violent conduct are the referee's worst nightmare. Don't lose heart, even the best referees in the world sometimes lose control of games. On the other hand, you should try to learn what you can do to prevent game control problems from occurring. The number one way to minimize game control problems is to anticipate when they will occur so that you can be prepared to deal with them.

Game control problems can occur anywhere and anytime during a game; however, problems are more common in certain specific circumstances. A good referee should never be surprised when problems occur. There are a few basic who's, what's, where's, and when's that will help you predict when problems will occur.

Who?

Fouls against two types of players are likely to invoke strong reactions among the players. First, just like people own pets because they love dumb animals, players seems to love goalkeepers and will protect them from opposing players. You need to be close to the play when contact occurs between a goalkeeper and an attacker. Furthermore, don't be shy about blowing the whistle even if the goalkeeper retains possession of the ball. The whistle indicates you are going to protect the goalkeeper against over-aggressive forwards. Teams also tend to be protective of their star players. To prevent repeated fouls against the star player from developing into a major problem, you need to identify the playmakers on each team and recognize if those players become victims of repeated fouls.

What?

Several specific types of fouls often lead to strong reactions. Fouls from behind are particularly bad because players has no defense against this type of foul. Tactical fouls designed to break up offensive surges, including intentional handballs and jersey grabs, are disliked because they prevent potential scoring chances. Straight leg tackles and two-footed tackles are hated because they are only meant to injure opposing players. Finally, racial slurs are a cancer that are guaranteed to result in a loss of game control. The only way to prevent these types of fouls and misconduct from resulting in a loss of game control is to recognize these incidents when they occur and to deal effectively with the first incident. By not properly punishing offenders from the very beginning of the game, you send the message to the players that you will permit this sort of behavior to occur in the future.

Where?

There are two places on the field where serious game control problems are more likely to occur. Incidents that occur near the penalty area are obviously more dangerous than those that occur near midfield since goals can occur (or be denied) as a result of foul play. Again, being close to play is critical for identifying fouls in the attacking third of the field. Fouls close to the benches also present particular game control problems. An alert assistant referee (or fourth official if available) can be of major help in these situations to prevent bench personnel from entering the field.

When?

There are several times in each game that are critical junctures during which the referee can make or break the game. These times include the first and last 10 minutes of each half, the few minutes immediately following a goal, and the time just after a red card has been issued. During these critical times, it is important that the referee be alert and focused. In addition, many good referees tend to "pull in the reins" a bit at these moments in order to guarantee that the game doesn't get away. In addition, misconduct is more likely to occur during "big" games. While every game is important to the players involved, it is always to the advantage of the referee to know if this particular game is of special importance. Are these two teams bitter rivals, are they fighting for a playoff spot, or did the last game between them go particularly poorly? Talk to your fellow officials to find out as much as possible about the teams involved before the game starts.

By being alert for situations where game control problems can occur, good referees may be able to prevent headaches in their games and increase the enjoyment of the game for everyone involved.

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