Scott Weyland February 26, 2011
SFSFL since 1983
Blog: For the Integrity of Soccer. "Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful." (Samuel Johnson, 1709-84).
Presentation Outline Participants/What Teams Want The Step Approach Refereeing Success/Management Sporting Goal/Referee Framework Keys to Match Communication Post Game Analysis Key Concepts Summary
Not the focus of this presentation; What s wrong with this picture?
Participant Considerations Players & Family/Coaches/Managers Age Life experience Committed/Invested Division Playing experience Amateur/Pro
What Teams Want: Referee s that are consistent (FAIRly consistent). Referee s aren t expected to be perfect..just, fair. The legally correct answer is often not the best answer. Make it look like you are taking action, even if you are not. Players will protect their own. The punishment must fit the crime. Don t swat flies with a shotgun!
Player s want respect and acknowledgement. Referee s: Don t demean or threaten. Don t yell. Quiet word->public admonishment->caution->send-off Compliment/encourage/teach proper behavior. Honey attracts more bees than vinegar.
Player s want to be heard. Referee s: Take-in the information (NOT DISSENT) and use to your advantage. Listening does not imply any promise of action. The Feedback can guide your decisions and approach. It s OK to admit a mistake.
Team s use Gamesmanship (CHEATING). Referee s: Be prepared, starting with the team check-in. Watch for these tactics. Let the player s know that you know.
Refereeing Success On-field SUCCESS requires: Management Psychology Communication
Management Event (incl. pre-game duties player uniform) Game
PAPERWORK Clear Concise Complete Correct Who, What, When Where, & Why Use the LOTG for Reference
Send-Off Report Narrative examples from 2010.
XXXXXXXXXX player #16-XXXXX XXXXXXX (CSAN XXXXX) was Sent-Off in the 51 st minute after receiving a Second Caution in the same game. He was first Cautioned in the 44 th minute for deliberately and recklessly shoving (pushing) an opponent, from behind, in an attempt to stop the opposing teams attack on goal. This incident occurred at midfield. The Second Caution was for Failure to Respect the Required Distance. In the 51 st minute, prior to the taking of a free kick, approximately 30 yards from goal, by the opponents, this player deliberately stood in front of the ball (approximately 2 feet away) interfering with the free kick. He was shown the Yellow Card and then the Red Card, when it was recognized that this was his Second Caution in the Same Game. After a short time, he left the field of play and play resumed with the free kick for the prior foul to the opponent.
XXXXXX player #7-XXXXXXX XXXXXXX (CSANXXXXX) committed a violent tackle against an opponent in the 87 th minute. The tackle was committed against the opponent at midfield and near the touchline. In making the tackle, he left his feet, jumping at the opponent with his studs exposed. He struck the opponent in the lower leg. Play was stopped and he was Sent-Off (shown the red card). He left the field and play resumed with a free-kick for XXXXXXXXXXXX.
In the 41 st minute, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX player #9-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (CSANXXXXX) committed a two-footed tackle, with excessive force, and with cleats exposed. The tackle was performed without regard to the opponents safety and occurred near the halfway line on the South side of the field. He made contact with the opponent at the level of the opponents ankle. He was immediately Sent-off (shown the red card) and left the field after a brief protest, which included foul language directed to the Referee. He retired to the bench (West dugout) were he remained for the short duration of the half. He left the bench area, after being instructed to do so, prior to the start of the second half.
Bench Management Managing the Technical Area Before During After ASK / TELL / REMOVE
Man Management can only be effective if players are prepared to accept that approach. If they want to do their own thing, and many do, then give them nothing, and throw the book at them at the first opportunity. Many referees are concerned, that being perceived as too strict will reflect on their assignments. If that is what they think, then perhaps they should go back to officiating recreational soccer. The letter of the law is paramount when it comes to serious transgressions. Don t concern yourself with consequences do what is right. Pat Smith
SPORTING GOAL SAFETY EQUALITY ENJOYMENT
Mantra s Referee: Not everything is a foul! Rhythm-More Flow, Less Stoppage. AR: Wait and See!
Refereeing is Thinking Before the Game: Competence (Experience+Knowledge+Plan) Appearance Pre-game (organization/duties) Confidence Reputation
Game Management/Psychology The Referee Team, creates the playing environment. Set limits Uphold the laws/rules Player s are seeking to gain an advantage: Referee s-don t be surprised or intimidated/ Take the opportunity to make your mark.
The Referee Team, must SELL their management and game philosophy. Be clear and concise. Communicate verbally and visually. Exhibit: Care Compassion and, Consideration.
Motivate player s: Appeal to their sense of Fair Play/Sportsmanship. Acknowledge Protect
Michel Voutrot/UEFA Manage matches through force of personality. Stay natural, let your personality come through, it will be noticed if you are not being natural. (Learn from others.) First Impressions.
Referee Considerations Football intelligence: Feeling the spirit of the game. Understanding the players. Observing the laws, but a flexible approach. Understanding team tactics Quiet but Strong: exude natural authority, gain respect, don t show doubt. Body language Anticipate events
Show respect/gain respect. Courage Confidence Vigilance Communication Respect
During the Game: Personality Mechanics Awareness Responsibility Consistency (Fair)
Cooperation Attitude Justice
When administering justice: Always get the player who started it first before dealing with the retaliator. Defuse the situation first. Watch for the third guy in. Use Referee Teamwork to control the situation.
Team s use pressure and intensity to confuse the Referee Team. Referee s: Slow things down. Use teamwork to GET IT RIGHT! Trust your instincts.go with your gut. Watch the player s reactions, then take action.
Some Keys to Match Communication Have your head on right! Don t be a tough person. Don t bark. Show confidence. Forget the fans. Answer reasonable questions. Stay cool. Choose your words wisely.
After the Game: Self Analysis Seek feedback >Colleagues/Players/Coaches/Managers/Administrators Assessment >Formal Assessment/D&G/Mentoring
A Proper Debriefing
Spirit of the Game
Spirit after the Game
Key Referee Concepts It s about relationships It s about perception (fair & impartial) You create an image. Pay attention to your presentation (image/appearance/body language) Use your personality You are the guardian (enforcement)
convince officials that integrity matters then send [knowledgeable] referees onto the field to do no more nor no less than defend the HONOR of the game. Robert Evans
Presentation Summary Participants/What Teams Want The Step Approach Refereeing Success/Management Sporting Goal/Referee Framework Keys to Match Communication Post Game Analysis
sweyland@comcast.net