RefIADad
RefChat Addict
I'm hoping that this group, with more games done with a single referee, will be helpful with some of my questions.
Over the past 3-4 weeks, I've worked two indoor tournaments. The field is basically 1/4 the size of a regulation field (about 55 yards x 30 yards). U14s and younger play 7v7 (6 and a keeper), U15 and up play 6v6 (5 and a keeper). Offside is not called in these games. We work as solo referees for these games. After doing some of these games, I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that I need some guidance on my positioning.
Over the past 3-4 weeks, I've worked two indoor tournaments. The field is basically 1/4 the size of a regulation field (about 55 yards x 30 yards). U14s and younger play 7v7 (6 and a keeper), U15 and up play 6v6 (5 and a keeper). Offside is not called in these games. We work as solo referees for these games. After doing some of these games, I've learned (sometimes the hard way) that I need some guidance on my positioning.
- The first just deals with general positioning. First of all, I do run in these games. I probably run too much. My general idea is to have as much of the field in my vision as I can, which means if the ball is swung sideline to sideline then I will work my way to the sideline where the ball came. I'm trying to get the right angle more than being close to play, but I don't always succeed. For those of you who do indoor, where on the spectrum between "standing at the center line" and "running all over the field" do you try to fall?
- This is more specific to corner kicks. In a game I did, I missed a takedown in the area because I was positioned close to the goal line so I could see a corner kick go over the line and then come back in (which did happen earlier in this game). As soon as I knew the ball wasn't going out, I did try to swing back to the top of the area. But as I focused on the landing area, the takedown happened off the ball and I missed it. The coach of the team was understanding about it (he specifically said "You're only one person - you can't see everything, and you can't call that unless you're sure you saw it"), but I still was pretty upset about it. If I was positioned at my usual spot in a diagonal system (usually at the intersection of the D and the penalty area away from my AR), there's no doubt that I would have spotted this.
- With a diagonal system, I usually do a good job of keeping my eyes on the player who has released the ball to make sure I see anything late. In these games with fast movement and quick passing, I feel myself starting to focus on the next phase of play and sometimes missing late items. How do you balance this when you're on your own?