Pre-Game Tips for Referees
Before the Verbal Pregame
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff (KO), professionally dressed.
- Conduct a friendly crew greeting, confirm jersey and badge selection.
- Field Inspection:
- Check goals, nets, flag positions, and balls—allow time for corrections.
- Ensure goals are anchored (a common oversight).
- Player Equipment & Uniform Check:
- Inspect player uniforms and equipment.
- Conduct roster checks (electronic or paper).
- Collect game-day sheets.
- Housekeeping Duties:
- Establish team and official areas (3 and 3 for rec, 10 and 10 for HS/college).
- Move spectators back from the field.
- Clear bench areas of non-roster personnel (if applicable to ROC).
11 Minutes Before KO: Coin Toss
- Conduct the coin toss with captains.
- Ensure you still have 10 minutes for a proper pre-game crew conference.
Pre-Game Crew Conference
Critical Topics to Cover
- Game Expectations:
- Boys’ match: Fast, competitive, physical contact?
- Girls’ match: Technical play, clumsy play?
- Likelihood of bench dissent?
- Key Points of Emphasis (Your Priorities)
- Yellow Cards (YCs) for:
- Contact with the keeper.
- Unnecessary takedowns when shielding the ball.
- Slide tackles with studs exposed.
- Yellow Cards (YCs) for:
- Assistant Referee (AR) Responsibilities
- AR1 (Bench Side): Monitor bench behavior & substitutions.
- AR2 (Far Side): Watch spectator behavior & record incidents.
- Lead Ref vs. Trailing Ref: Define roles and responsibilities.
- Flag Mechanics for ARs
- Offside: When to delay or drop the flag.
- Multiple Conflicting Concerns: Handling fouls, ball out, or offside simultaneously.
- Throw-ins: When should ARs call foul throws?
- Fouls & Misconduct
- ARs should let the Center Ref set the tone, unless misconduct is clear.
- Define areas where AR should prioritize foul calls.
- Penalty Area (PA) Calls:
- How should AR signal a penalty call?
- How to communicate foul inside vs. outside PA?
- Penalty Kicks (PKs)
- Define AR’s role in PKs during the match.
- Instructions for kicks from the mark (KFTM) in tiebreakers.
- Placement of players, coaches, and waiting goalkeepers.
- Off-the-Ball Incidents
- Define how long CR will track challenges after a pass.
- Should Trailing AR assist with 10-yard distance on free kicks?
- How should Trail AR monitor counterattack targets?
- Technical Areas & Substitutions
- Discuss sub-procedures (formal vs. quick cycling).
- Bench decorum & handling coaches.
- How to handle bench escalation professionally.
- Special Rules & Oddities
- Review any competition-specific rules (ROC).
- Share recent incidents for awareness.
Halftime Discussion
- Game Adjustments:
- How will tactics change in the second half based on score, cards, and team dynamics?
- Are there expected shifts in pace or intensity?
- Referee Crew Analysis:
- Verify consistency in foul calls.
- Address any bench concerns (are they questioning calls?).
- Self-review: Did positioning affect decision credibility?
- Is the crew physically and mentally sharp for the second half?
- Feedback & Improvements:
- Discuss missed calls or possible adjustments.
- Remind ARs to anticipate play and positioning.
- Fine-tune communication with players and teams.
Post-Game Debrief
- Start with Positives:
- Highlight what the crew did well.
- Identify personal doubts or challenges.
- Encourage Constructive Feedback:
- Ask ARs for input on your performance.
- Discuss how to improve positioning and player communication.
- Give Focused AR Feedback (Max 2 Tips):
- Example: “Try stepping further downfield before signaling goal kicks.”
- Example: “Work on keeping better eye contact at stoppages.”
- Take Notes for Future Improvement:
- Identify areas you can control and improve.
- Seek advice from mentors or experienced officials.
Final Thought
Your goal as a referee team is to orchestrate the match smoothly, balancing game flow and control—like a conductor leading an orchestra. 🏆
Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Frank