As a former Premier League Assistant (1994-98) and Football League Referee (1998-2004) Lee Cable, now a National List Assessor and Regional Referee Coach, has much experience and wisdom to impart. The advice he gave us at a recent meeting of Kingston Referees’ Society was relevant to all levels of the game.
Pre-Match Preparation
• Know the Laws, including Interpretation and Guidelines
• Be fit enough for the game you’ve been appointed to
• Deal with admin efficiently
• Look good: kit and personal appearance
Selling Decisions
Ideally, there are no surprises, with nobody saying, “What was that for?”
Effective communication will enable others to understand your decisions.
• Confident body language
• Clear, positive signals
• Use whistle only when necessary
• Whistle must have an impact
• Use the captains to help manage discipline
• Always be proactive not reactive
• Take your time. Slow the game down as a means of control
Positioning in Open Play
• Be close to gain credibility
• Move towards active areas
• Keep play between yourself and the active assistant
• Keep wide of play but in touch
• Move to obtain an uninterrupted view
• Penetrate penalty areas
• Avoid the centre circle except when passing through
Positioning at Set Plays
• Keep maximum number of players in view
• Vary position to avoid predictability
• Anticipate the next area of play
• Move as ball comes into play
• At corners look at the kicker and attacking players for possible direction of the kick – have a clear view of the ‘keeper
Jim de RennesKingston RS
Source: Ted Ring – BENCHMARK Newsletter (February 2012).
A joint publication between Sheffield & Hallamshire County Football Association and the County Referees’ Association.
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