Refereeing - do you think you can make the call?

Every two seconds a top-referee and assistant referee makes a game-related decision in a 55-minute professional soccer (football) match. Can referee judgment be learned or is it natural common sense? In the January issue of Referee the debate was discussed considering what the key elements of judgment are, how newer officials are affected, the impact of judgment on veteran officials when rules change and dealing with areas in judgment that are not so black and white.

Overall there is agreement that having good instincts are essential to making a good official followed by how an individual handles stress and can concentrate during the game. A referee needs to be able to watch what is happening on the field while dealing with players, coaches and fans. Knowing what your role is, who you deal with on the sides (if anyone) and having an excellent understanding of the game can help an official make better judgment calls.

Although there is debate of how one makes a judgment call there is agreement that officials are humans and they sometimes make poor judgments. For example, in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea 26.2% of the offside situations were assessed incorrectly. So don’t feel too bad if you make a poor call now and again. It doesn’t mean that you are a bad referee; it means you are human and it can happen at all levels of the game. What is important is to learn from it and move forward.

If you would like to read more about this area check out the following resources in the SIRC Collection:

• Korth, Todd. (2010) Can you learn judgment? Referee, (399), 32-35.
  
• Catteeuw, P., Helsen, W., Gilis, B., Van Roie, E., & Wagemans, J. (2009). Visual Scan Patterns and Decision-Making Skills of Expert Assistant Referees in Offside Situations. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 31(6), 786-797.

Calling It Like It Is

If anyone was watching the FIFA World Cup final match this past weekend, they know that a referee’s job is not always easy. With a final match record 14 yellow cards and one red, emotions were riding high. So how do officials handle highly charged scenarios?

The referee plays a key role in soccer matches. His vigilance, concentration and authority on the pitch ensure the respect of the players and adherence – or enforcement of the Laws of the Game. This is true for any officiated sport. According to Sports Officials Canada and their Code of Conduct, officials are charged with emphasizing the spirit of the competition rather than its outcome, striving to provide a sportsman-like environment, and placing the safety and welfare of competitors above all else.

The following tips to prevent and resolve conflict are central to providing a competition focused on the sport itself as opposed to the personality of those participating.

Tips to prevent conflict:

• Prevention is always better than cure! If action is taken early in the game, conflict is less likely to occur
• Make competitors aware of your presence by reacting immediately to rule infringements (when appropriate)
• Remain objective, no matter what prior knowledge of participants/teams an official has.
• Be definite and firm with decisions and communication
• Look sharp and act sharp - this will gain respect as an official
• Don’t take criticisms personally. Remember that coaches and participants are seeing the game from a different perspective to the officials
• At the beginning of the competition, provide structure and guidance, but also start a dialogue with the participants.
• Acknowledge the participant’s abilities and experience, and invite constructive viewpoints from some participants
• Speak clearly and firmly in heated situations. This will indicate confidence in managing the situation
• Keep cool if the situation starts to get a bit heated

Tips to resolve conflict:

• Be professional
• Remain calm
• Address the problem, not the emotions
• Focus on the person
• Be fair - avoid team or individual bias at all costs
• Be confident and open
• Be firm

References from the SIRC Collection:
Grunska, Jerry (2010). Enough is Enough: Where Should Officials Draw the Line on Coaches? Referee, 35 (2), p.62-63.

Respect, Fair Play and Ethical Behaviour - SIRC Newsletter

SIRC Newsletter Now Online: Respect, Fair Play and Ethical Behaviour

We have heard before that respect, fair play and ethical behaviour (also known as sportsmanship) are all learned behaviours. The question is from whom and when do we learn these? It is never too early to learn the fundamentals, physical education classes and grassroots programs are excellent places to start. However this behaviour should be exhibited at all levels of sport, recreation through to high performance. As well it shouldn’t just be limited to athletes; parents, coaches, officials, fans and even sport organization staff should all show respect, play fairly and behave ethically. Sports and physical activity are meant to be fun; these behaviours help to create a positive experience.

SIRC has compiled the following articles to help you learn more about respect, fair play and ethical behaviour and how to lead by example.

Read the Full Newsletter: http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/mid-apr12/index.html

Officiating

SIRC Newsletter now available online: Officiating

There's no arguing, officiating comes with its challenges! Today's officials are fit, smart and passionate about what they do. Many are experts in their sport – from techniques, tactics, skills and strategies to formations in the game, it’s a job that deserves respect. Officials come from all walks of life, parents, teens, coaches and former athletes, all of which have one thing in common - a love of sport.

Read more:  http://www.sirc.ca/newsletters/april13/index.html