Open Age Keeping concentration

[TobyTheRef]

Afternoon all,

Had a very pleasant game yesterday morning - both sets of players were very easy-going and fair, they played competitively and to a high standard, and the whinging was at an absolute minimum, which makes a change!

It wasn't that the game was easy, obviously I had to keep up with play etc., it was more that the match was uneventful - as I say, both teams played some really nice football it was end to end for much of the game, but there was very little for me to get involved in - it finished 6-4, and I genuinely think I blew my whistle more for the restart than I did for anything else.

I found myself, probably for the first time ever, drifting concentration-wise - I think it was a combination of enjoying the football (as opposed to standard Sunday League fare) and generally having little to do.

Not that it'll likely ever happen again, but has anyone else had this kind of match before, and if so how do you stop yourself from... drifting?

 

[Samuel]

Talk to yourself during the game. You may look nuts but it helps so much for me personally

 

[Archer]

Commentate. Blue last touch, 4's playing them on, great ball out wide, etc. Talk to a player at a throw, nice day innit, etc.

 

[Tim Punter]

Learnt a lot from do assistants for more senior refs, and they always signal to step it up in key moments of the game. When I feel my mind wandering, I give myself a little, 'right, lets step this up'

 

[The Gump]

I’m with @Samuel and @Archer - I’ve started talking to myself a lot more, barely audible but just little things like “that’s off red”, “last touch green”, “great save” etc. Really helps generally with concentration but improves decision making. I also find (or wonder if) that as the players who are in close proximity hear those little bits at various points throughout they game they at least know you’re on it and games have been far easier to manage.

 

[NoFoulsAllowed]

Lots of people saying narration which I back.

I like to constantly think of what ifs.

What if there is a DOGSO, what if there is a excessive/reckless/MASSCON right now. Prepare for signalling it, really be prepared for it. What are the captains names and just double check I know where they are and how to get their attention quickly if I need them. Maybe try and say something positive with them if I get a natural chance to buy some credit, especially when things are going well. Concentrating on who is attacking in what direction. Maybe think of who has done what so far, where might my next key decision come from.

Chuck a smile, or a thumbs up at the ARs to keep them concentrating.

Also when it is quiet it is a good time to try and figure out the formation, style and how not to get caught up in play.

Split the game into 5 to 10 minute chunks. Really think about what does this 5-10 minutes look like.

 

[JamesL]

Adding to the commentary. I've always done this and another thing is to say the number of the player about to challenge and if you know it, the challenges. Helps identify them if it kicks off.