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DReffing

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Hello, I've been a referee for about a year now but it would be really helpful if there is any tips you wish you knew when first starting refereeing? From anything to meeting the coaches properly all the way till after the game. It would be really appreciated from newish refs like myself to learn from the more experienced.
 
The Ref Stop
Hyello, here are a few practical tips I’ve picked up over nearly two years, from amateur refs to UEFA officials. I’m an assistant referee, so that’s where my experience is strongest, but more experienced refs will definitely have more to add. Still, here goes.
Referee:
  • Building rapport -> At amateur to semi-pro level, rapport is huge. Learn the captains’ names and use them, it shows you care and earns respect. Keep short “pass-and-go” conversations during the match; observers notice this, and players respond well to it from personal experience. It also allows for better game management.
  • Consistency / Foul standards / Setting physicality -> Set a clear foul line early and stick to it. Note that conditions matter: wet pitches mean more slips; dry pitches mean players fall less easily. The first push, shove, or tackle sets the physical tone. If you call a soft foul once and ignore the same challenge later, you’ll lose credibility. Agree on physicality with yourself and your ARs before kickoff.
  • Eye contact (ARs) - Trailing eye -> On balls in behind or over the top, quickly check your AR for offside, player safety comes first. Flag up? Whistle immediately. No ARs and it’s extremely tight? Let the game flow, especially at the youth level (spirit of the game or summin' according to our mentors). Have a trailing eye, when the ball is played forward, briefly watch nearby players to catch late fouls or off-the-ball contact.
  • Move diagonally, work diagonally to keep the best angles. Stay close enough to sell your decision to the players but far enough to see the full picture and not be in the way.
  • Be aware of your positioning, do not get in the way.
  • DO NOT put your whistle in your mouth and then NOT BLOW you won't hear the end of it
  • Read IFAB laws as many times as humanly possible
  • Enjoy yourself!
I'll let others also write more if need be.

When it comes to being an AR:
  • Be a crab (crab walk and crab run as much as possible, depending how fast you are while crabbing about)
  • Make sure that you are using your right hand to signalize offside (IF YOU ARE NOT SPOTTED, NEVER, EVER PUT DOWN) wait until spotted
  • While sprinting, running or walking maintain your flag pointed towards the ground with the holding hand barely moving and always visible to the inside of the pitch (the referee)
  • Agree with the referee on things before the game, discrete signals, fouls, zone of control (i.e. where you take over with calls)
  • Proper signalling
  • Know the basics, ball out and others cant notice, flag up, wait to be noticed and show where attack goes
  • Corners stand behind the corner flag in line with the vertical line (applies to both sides)
  • Jot down whatever the referee needs (again, ask)
  • if in charge of benches and technical, set boundaries, don't be afraid to call the referee and make sure you use proper sub signs with your flag
  • ... it can go on and on but these are the basics to me, so if there are any specific questions, happy to oblige.
But most importantly, have fun, enjoy the game and make sure others can enjoy the game too.
 
All good stuff, @RunningTheLine, although unlikely that our recently qualified colleague will have the benefit of qualified neutral assistants just yet.
With club AR's, it is good practice to brief both together, make the point that you appreciate them helping as part of your team, then check during the early stages as to how helpful (and honest) each is. Remember to thank them for good practice and again at the end of the game.
 
ChasObserverRefDeveloper said:
qualified colleague will have the benefit of qualified neutral assistants just yet.
Click to expand...
I am a tad bit unfamiliar with the English tier system. I have sadly no clue when you all get proper assistants :wide: (That's also bizzare to me and one day someone will have to explain to me this whole shebang).

Then what @ChasObserverRefDeveloper said! Also I forgot to say, welcome to refereeing @DReffing !
 
Thank you everyone for the tips, I'll be sure to apply some of the knowledge to some of my games, especially briefing the club AR's, something I've never thought about doing before.
 
DReffing said:
Thank you everyone for the tips, I'll be sure to apply some of the knowledge to some of my games, especially briefing the club AR's, something I've never thought about doing before.
Click to expand...
If you search for The FA Briefing Club Assistants, you will find a helpful guide.
You will need to adjust the wording to your own style, as the document is too formal.
You will need to know whether Club Assistants in your area are asked to signal for offside offences, or just ball out of play.
Main thing is to keep it simple, e. g. "Please don't flag for offside unless the player plays the ball or challenges a defender" "OK with that, guys?"
Some will be experienced AR's, some less so.
They offer assistance, you make every decision.
Hope that helps.
 
A few things your "master" as you progress on with your refereeing career:
- Look confident (Nail that first decision and your be questioned less).
- Don't be afriad to uphold the LoAF - if it's a caution etc - give it and log your disipine on the relevant portal.
- Learn from workign with other officials - e.g. running the line on higher level games.
- Basics - don't forget your whistle and cards.. ;)
 
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