Question Number: 17533

League Specific 10/27/2007

RE: Varsity High School

Jeff Whittemore of Fitchburg, MA USA asks...

Are the referee's on the field supposed to move with the play?

I ask because the referees in our league often just stand at each end or the field and barely move at all throughout the game. Yesterday we even had one sitting down on a slight rise during play.

Thanks,
Jeff

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Jeff,
surely your jest? Of course a referee should be in and around the actual play. If the pysical limitations of a referee are such that the referee wil expire of a heart attack it speaks to a severe shortage of capable officials in your area. If a two man system is in use and multiple games are on the docket some pacing to save yourself will raise some eyebrows but to not be able to stay with play you cannot effectively referee and be fair to those who suffer your efforts.
cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The answer is because someone plays them and someone and someone assigns them to matches even though they neither referee nor earn their money. This is because no one seems to care, other than you. I could be wrong if they have union jobs, work for the state highway department or the department of motor vehicles.

Make Waves with the athletic director, big ones...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

A good referee will keep up with play. At the same time, smart referees must utilize their energy efficiently on the field. Keeping up with play is essential to see fouls and also to sell decisions. Watch the top level referees and see how they do it.