Ummmm where to start? Very difficult to answer for you as everyone has their own preferences.
I was just wondering if you can get too close to the ball.
I have had mixed comments from other referees who say get as close as you can and then I have some say dont get too close but my way of thinking is if I can get close enough then I wont miss anything so I am not really sure as to what approach to take.
For me, yes, I can get too close
to the action. I don't get too hung up on the ball position as that's not necessarily where the 'action' (foul) is. I try and keep about 10-15 yards from the action, as I find, with MY eyes, I can concentrate on the ball/feet/challenge while still having wide enough peripheral vision to spot any arms/elbows/off the ball in the vicinity. Of course, at times you also need to anticipate where the 'action' is going, so that IT comes to within 10-15 yards of you. It's a personal thing with many different factors,, but generally, if you are able to see the action/ball/challenges clearly, then you are in a pretty good position.
I am also not 100% sure where to stand when there is a corner and also not 100% sure where to stand when there is a goalkick.
There is a whole section in the Good Book about recommended positioning from dead ball situations, but again, this can be a personal preference.
However, many refs change position corner by corner, to keep the players on their toes.
With Goal Kicks/ kicks from the hands, I try and get level with where I think the ball is gonna drop, and wide - so that the ball is dropping over my right shoulder (with my back to the GK who is kicking).
A 'general' bit of advice I have been given, is to try and keep the action on your right hand side - it works pretty well!
Most important though, is to talk to your mentor/coach/assessors about it - they all have different preferences as well, and what works for you, might not work for them.
