First Open Age Match

[andre69]

I have my first Open Age match next Saturday, having refereed youth games for the past two years. I have only done about half a dozen U18/U21 matches as preparation - would you consider this adequate?

Also, any tips on making that step up would be greatly appreciated.

For context, I am 47, and have plenty of experience as a player and coach.

Thanks in advance.

 

[RefereeX]

Hi

Well done for making the step in to open age. I actually started on open age immediately so I can't tell you about the step up itself, but having also done a fair bit of u18s since (which is the lowest age I've done) I would say there's not a massive difference. Once they're around 17 the testosterone is flying around and they can be just as challenging as adults. If you've been comfortable with what you've come up against in u18s and u21s then you should be fine.

 

[andre69]

Hi

Well done for making the step in to open age. I actually started on open age immediately so I can't tell you about the step up itself, but having also done a fair bit of u18s since (which is the lowest age I've done) I would say there's not a massive difference. Once they're around 17 the testosterone is flying around and they can be just as challenging as adults. If you've been comfortable with what you've come up against in u18s and u21s then you should be fine.

Cheers for that. I have had to deal with quite a bit at U18/U21 level. I've had a mass con, a sending off, a few dissent sin bins, and an almost abandonment after recieving threats from the sideline (all that in one particular match) . I anticipate that there will be less distractions from the sidelines but a faster pace to the game - would that be right in your experience?

 

[RefereeX]

Cheers for that. I have had to deal with quite a bit at U18/U21 level. I've had a mass con, a sending off, a few dissent sin bins, and an almost abandonment after recieving threats from the sideline (all that in one particular match) . I anticipate that there will be less distractions from the sidelines but a faster pace to the game - would that be right in your experience?

I wouldn't even say a faster pace to be honest. If anything maybe slower, but a lot more physical. You may have to adjust your threshold for physical contact, but you'll learn as you go.

 

[Kes]

Cheers for that. I have had to deal with quite a bit at U18/U21 level. I've had a mass con, a sending off, a few dissent sin bins, and an almost abandonment after recieving threats from the sideline (all that in one particular match) . I anticipate that there will be less distractions from the sidelines but a faster pace to the game - would that be right in your experience?

The games won't be that much different in terms of offences/appeals from the players etc. but what you might find is a bit more of players being "in your ear" ie trying to influence or undermine your decisions. In my own experience, you're also more likely to encounter OFFINABUS as well.

Enjoy.

 

[MCTaylor]

As an ex player/coach use your game knowledge to predict play and position yourself for the best view. Where you are improves your credibility and you will know as an ex player, if the Ref is 30yrds away down the spine of the pitch, your going complain more. If the Ref is well positioned and with 15 yrds. You’re going to complain less. It’s about your tolerance levels. I accept players asking me ‘what’s that for?’ Etc. but if it’s’joke’ ‘cheating AR’ etc. I use the tools and sin bin if available etc. Club ARs are the problem. Manage them like you would an appointed team. But don’t allow them to give anything other than in/out and signal a player in an offside position. It’s your call if they are active or passive. Have fun. Enjoy it.

 

[Archer]

Probably get less sh*t at OA than U18 tbh.

 

[DJIC]

My advice is give more free kicks, if remotely looks a foul give it, tendency as ex players is to let the game flow but losing match control is really easy.

A better scenario is ‘come on ref that was soft’ than an escalation to players confronting each other, you can then let the game flow later,

 

[andre69]

My advice is give more free kicks, if remotely looks a foul give it, tendency as ex players is to let the game flow but losing match control is really easy.

A better scenario is ‘come on ref that was soft’ than an escalation to players confronting each other, you can then let the game flow later,

Thanks. I would like to think that I learned this lesson at U18. My let it flow instincts have generally served me well in youth football, but Ive certainly had my moments of coming close to losing control in U18/U21 games, especially in poor conditions. I will definitely start OA with a lower tolerance for contact