Communication
Communication is another tool in which we can anticipate play. During the session, I witnessed some effective verbal communication towards the players. Chris spoke loudly and clearly and easily commanded the attention of all the players bringing them under control. Chris also demonstrated an abundance of none verbal communication. By using the stance of his body or gesturing with his arms and legs, he was able to convey directions clearly when needed.
Chris kept up with play, which allowed him to maintain verbal and non-verbal communication with the players involved in that specific run of play. He made solid eye contact with players when addressing them and waved play on when he had made valid decisions.
By reading the body language of the player’s around the ball, such as the direction they were looking and the open angle of the body, Chris would have been able to have a better indication of which direction the flight of the ball was going to take. By judging the weight of the pass by the body language of the player of the ball, he would have been better equipped to determine the dropping zone of the ball or its intended target.
To read the game as a referee, you must be one step ahead of play, anticipating the next move of the phase of play before it happens. Initially, Chris seemed to be able to keep a level of control thorough-out the game without shouting, however as the game wore on the effectiveness of his communication began to diminish. Players began to ignore his instructions and mimic his gestures in an angry fashion when they felt the decision went against them. Chris should also in similar instances, listen to ‘the call’ from the team-mates of the player with the ball. This can often give an indication of the options available to the kicker and help read which direction they are intending to take.
Observation skills
A good referee is aware that careful thought, observation and movement is essential. During the session I was also asked to analyse Chris’ skills of observation. Some of Chris’ strengths I observed, are that he seemed to noticed the majority of fouls committed and gave the correct decisions at the correct times. The referee must at all times face the action in open play, whilst aiming to keep the maximum number of players in sight. Facing the action is clearly necessary for good control by the referee. Chris constantly seemed aware of potential conflicts by observing these pointers, This allowed him to recognise early potential hot spots throughout the game and deal with them at speed which in turn helped him maintain a high level of control. The more players a referee can see, the better his chance of anticipating the next area of play. Chris’ observation skills ensured that he missed virtually none of the off ball action. Chris was also aware of incidents off the ball; this can prove to be something that many other referees do not look out for. An area where Chris did let his performance falter came when the game got heated on one specific occasion and numerous players surrounded the ball so that his line of vision was limited. Chris should also aim to take up a sideway-on position to the intended dropping zone of the ball. This may mean adjusting his position at as the ball is played in order to get the greatest view of potential challenges and infringements. This also leads to accurate decisions being made and disputes over decisions being kept to a minimum.
Consistency
Consistency is the key to good refereeing. Being close to play gives credibility to all decisions. In the lesson I witnessed Chris’ ability to keep up with the pace of play and a result he was still making correct decisions even late into the second half. He worked well as an official in the 5 a side matches but seemed to loose confidence when it came to an 11 a side match. He seemed to loose focus and control and made a few wrong decisions. However, his decisions did remain impartial throughout and the level of consistency was maintained. Once a decision was made, Chris would not swayed by the players or spectators. Researchers analyzed more than 2,600 top English soccer matches from 1996 to 2003 and found that referees gave more penalties in the form of yellow and red cards to players of the away team. Yellow cards are used to caution players of misconduct, while red cards send them off the field.
Chris kept his nerve and went with his instinct, which 90% of the time was usually right and resulted in the correct decision being made. I think the players liked this and enjoyed the game due to the fact they knew he was remaining impartial and that his decisions maintained their safety was paramount at all times. The referee’s intention should be that decisions made at the end of the match are as accurate and as credible as those made at the beginning.
Part B – My plan
Knowledge
After I have talked about my partners strengths and weakness’ I am not going to talk about what I can do to make him a better official. I have planned out what I need to do to help him improve his knowledge as an official. I am going to advise Chris to go on the FA website and research the rules of the game. I believe this should improve his knowledge by seeing what other professional referee’s do everyday. Also I will point out to Chris that if he gets an official FA handbook, this should further his knowledge as an official. This will also help him because he can easily find out information that he needs without having to go on the website. One other thing I will advise him to do is to take a referee’s course, which will widen his knowledge as an official through being taught by a qualified team of referees. By under going an assessment at the beginning to gauge his knowledge and capabilities and again once he has completed Chris can monitor where he needs to improve further. Finally by watching or even attending officiated football games he will be able to gain valuable insight into the decision-making processes faced by officials. Chris could even try watching video clips of the referees, assessing when good and bad decisions have been made and noting the effect his decisions have on the outcome of the game. Match of the day highlights will also give him a chance to listen to professional players argue the strengths and weaknesses of professional officials who have taken part in games at the highest level.
Ability to deal with pressure
My second objective through this plan is to increase Chris’ ability to deal with pressure. Today’s officials face an assortment of issues, all of which can increase the level of pressure felt. Time spent on the pitch is stressful for officials who know that they have not only the players to contend with, but also the supporters and third officials. Understanding how to deal better with this pressure can be gained from watching and making notes one taped football matches. Assessing whether the decision given was the one you personally as an official would give. Examining how the referee and even linesman deal with the pressure from players, managers and spectators. Experience brings with it increased confidence and ability to deal with pressure. Once Chris has more confidence in his decisions then his ability to handle the pressure that accompanies it will grow. Once Chris has made a decision he must find the strength to stick to it. Backing down will only decrease his confidence in his own judgement, but also show the players than his decisions can be impacted upon through their actions.
Communication
None verbal
Non-Verbal messages are just as important to improve as verbal. Ensuring clear eye contact is crucial. Chris can practise this by using a mirror at home. Using facial expressions is also a good way to get a message across without the use of words. Examples include smiling, frowning and shaking your head. Gestures are also something else that Chris needs to be aware of, waving your arms, using finger signals and even tapping specific part’s of the body. Again Chris should make lists of how many of these non-verbal signs he can take note of when watching sports officials on TV.
Verbal
Making himself aware of and the pronunciation of names involved in the game will help Chris communicate verbally. Helping him to control the tone of his voice and make sure that the projection of his voice is clear and audible. Taking Chris to open spaces and having him verbally direct me blindfolded across a large area will allow him to improve in this area. Familiarising himself with the terminology used in the game will also give him the confidence to use verbal communication without the fear of making a mistake or being misunderstood.
Consistency
Chris should ensure that all his decisions are standardised throughout the game. A red/yellow card foul should have the same consequences at both ends of the pitch. Being fair and maintaining an unbiased approach will set Chris in good steed for the full match. Players want an official who controls the game fairly and does not maintain too tighter grip on the flow of football itself. By reading up on football newspaper reports and watching the analysis on television, Chris can improve his levels of constancy further.
Observation
Firstly Chris needs to make sure that he has clear vision of the game. Anything that t may potentially impede his view must be alleviated. It may sound like a simple thing to do but regular eye tests are a must. Helping Chris to monitor where he positions himself during the match will help him make sure he has clear view of the ball at all times. Should he behind the ball, in front of it or merely running along side play? These questions can be answered through filming and analysing him during games he referees’s in. Clear channels of communication with the linesman are crucial also as this provides him with a second opinion or even instruction should he miss an off ball incident on the pitch. Undertaking exercises where he can improve his level of trust in his associates is another idea. This allows him to feel he doesn’t necessarily need to have eyes in the back of his head when he can trust his other officials around him.
Awareness.
Being aware of your surroundings is crucial to the official. Chris needs to make sure he is conscious of the layout of the space in which he is officiating and where the people important to the game are actually stationed. Understanding the diameters of the pitch in relation to the players is also necessary, ie men playing on a 5 a side pitch have different view on the game compared to those playing at Wembley. Being aware of the atmosphere both on and off the pitch could prove beneficial to Chris. Tensions on the field tend to effect the tensions off the pitch. This could in turn result in negative energy being felt on the pitch, which could lead to heavy tackles and bad sportsmanship.
Part C - My Forecast
In summary, I feel Chris that can markedly improved his level of officiating by adhering to the points that I have made in my plan above. Although he did well in his session, there were areas that once he has read and taken on my findings, would seem a marked improvement immediately. Chris needs to undertake further research and gain valuable levels of experience. I feel he has all the basic traits and attributes needed to make a great referee. By taking note of the issues raised and the suggestions given I feel he will go on to be an excellent official. The points I have made are merely suggestions that I feel will help Chris. He will need to strive to develop in areas of personal weakness also. Again in order to progress to the next level, Chris will need improve his communication and his basic knowledge of the game. This will result in him being better able to command better control of sessions and also manage the time allotted for the session more efficiently and effectively as possible.
2 The Independent Newspaper July 2007
3 The Independent Newspaper July 2007
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