The Ref Stop

Sitting out Pre season games

Egg man

Active Member
Level 4 Referee
I’m not doing any pre‑season games this July. With Step 5/6 starting in August, I’m just staying fit.

Is anyone else sitting out pre‑season?
 
The Ref Stop
I’m not doing any pre‑season games this July. With Step 5/6 starting in August, I’m just staying fit.

Is anyone else sitting out pre‑season?
Brave thing to do. I wouldn’t recommend it, but at the same time i can understand it. However, presumably you are aware of the potential pitfalls which will include being rusty with fitness, rusty with decision making whilst at the same time being marked by clubs & with the potential of an Observer being at an early season game.
 
Brave thing to do. I wouldn’t recommend it, but at the same time i can understand it. However, presumably you are aware of the potential pitfalls which will include being rusty with fitness, rusty with decision making whilst at the same time being marked by clubs & with the potential of an Observer being at an early season game.
Maybe, I'll try and fit one in at end of the month. But generally feel if my fitness is good any rusty will be gone within first 10 min. I will have be very unlikely to get a Observer on first game back.
 
Brave, with significant law changes.

But you do you mate. Manage your closed dates and be ready when it all kicks-off.

Will be found out pretty sharp if you’re not ready.
 
I had first match of the season today on 2 hrs 17 mins sleep. Last whistle in March. I would have benefited from a truckload of Hammerite. #rusty Take those warm ups!
 
You thing you need to get physically fit in pre-season for refereeing which I agree with. If you can find a way to do that without refereeing, it works.

You also need to get mentally fit in pre-season for refereeing. If you can find a way to do that without refereeing, it also works.

For me, the best way to do both above is to do some pre-season games complemented with others things like fitness activities, law studies, seminars etc.
 
I wasn't aware that some counties do centralised appointments of pre season friendlies. Here, it's a free-for-all based on who knows who and which higher level refs get a better offer. I find it tricky to pick up any decent level matches.

Additionally, I hate trying to judge the line of where to caution in friendlies. Caution for a spa offence early doors and everyone will be gobsmacked. But if you don't caution for it, the tackles can get worse and worse.

With that said, I've got my first PSF tonight. Step 5 vs step 6 I think
 
I wasn't aware that some counties do centralised appointments of pre season friendlies. Here, it's a free-for-all based on who knows who and which higher level refs get a better offer. I find it tricky to pick up any decent level matches.

Additionally, I hate trying to judge the line of where to caution in friendlies. Caution for a spa offence early doors and everyone will be gobsmacked. But if you don't caution for it, the tackles can get worse and worse.

With that said, I've got my first PSF tonight. Step 5 vs step 6 I think
Two thoughts on this (from hard earned, bitter, experience!). Think of them as competitive matches not friendlies … generally they are not remotely played in a ‘friendly’ spirit. Being far more lenient on tactical fouls is, IMO, fine. However I’d make clear pre game that my threshold for physical fouls, dissent, VC etc would be unchanged from a ‘proper’ game and sell this approach as helping to get players used to what they should expect when the season starts. Only other thing is to discuss with both managers pre game whether they wish to keep it 11 v 11 in the (hopefully unlikely) event that someone gets sent off!
 
Two thoughts on this (from hard earned, bitter, experience!). Think of them as competitive matches not friendlies … generally they are not remotely played in a ‘friendly’ spirit. Being far more lenient on tactical fouls is, IMO, fine. However I’d make clear pre game that my threshold for physical fouls, dissent, VC etc would be unchanged from a ‘proper’ game and sell this approach as helping to get players used to what they should expect when the season starts. Only other thing is to discuss with both managers pre game whether they wish to keep it 11 v 11 in the (hopefully unlikely) event that someone gets sent off!
The easy way to put this into wording with managers and captains is "if it's played like a 'friendly', it's reffed like one, if anyone starts being silly with mouth or tackles, cards will come out". Seems to work ime.

Can't say you didn't warn them...
 
The easy way to put this into wording with managers and captains is "if it's played like a 'friendly', it's reffed like one, if anyone starts being silly with mouth or tackles, cards will come out". Seems to work ime.

Can't say you didn't warn them...
Exactly what I say.
 
The easy way to put this into wording with managers and captains is "if it's played like a 'friendly', it's reffed like one, if anyone starts being silly with mouth or tackles, cards will come out". Seems to work ime.

Can't say you didn't warn them...
I never say nowt to anyone in terms of game expectation. Players, Secretaries, Managers
Waste of effort and much more likely to be 'taken down and used as evidence'. Discuss the weather. A British tradition
 
I’m not doing any pre‑season games this July. With Step 5/6 starting in August, I’m just staying fit.

Is anyone else sitting out pre‑season?
May be helpful to do one or two, allowing you to become accustomed to some changes in law which are going to confuse players and team management, e. g. the one minute off if play is stopped for an injury.
 
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