Effective Match Control
Tools for Effective Match Control
Effective match control stems from a number of "tools" and "habits" that each referee should work to develop and maintain. Some referees even refer to these skills as their "toolbox". The more successful referee develops these tools at a faster rate and at an earlier point in their career and their progress improves as a result. Here are a number of simple reminders and some drills, which can be used in various situations during a match to establish and enhance the referee's control over the game at hand. Have a look at them and adapt them for your own style, and put them in your own referee toolbox.
| Reminders | Notes from meeting: |
| Positioning | |
One principle many referees should try using is the "Where, Where, Go" method. This basically means the referee takes a short amount of time to read the play.
For the standard diagonal system the referee should remember to get on the left side of play so as to give him a clear view of both play and his Assistant. Also if play changes direction, then you need to get back to where you came from.
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| Advantage Signal | |
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This is one problem that most referees have. The problem is the referee giving the advantage signal (two arms pointing forward with palms facing up) simply to indicate that an incident will not be stopping play. The most common example of this is the tackle, which borders on a foul - many referees use the advantage signal in this case simply to show that play will be continuing. In junior games it is also used commonly on the accidental handball which causes half a dozen players to call "hand-ball ref.!" due to their inexperience with such incidents.No official signal exists for the referee to indicate that the referee has seen an incident, which has occurred, but that he judges it as insufficient for a stoppage. Some referees simply shake their head to indicate "no" when players appeal to them for a foul, although this can be interpreted as stubbornness by the players, and is difficult to see for the coaches and spectators. Some refs simply yell "Play On" to anyone who appeals, which is audible everyone at the game, but this also implies that an incident has occurred and many players and coaches will start arguing over the existence of an advantage. There are referees who give the advantage signal but only with one arm, but this can look like a hand in the air for a foul or offside from a distance. No proper instruction has been issued to referees, so what is the best thing to do? |
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| Active Zone of Play for Offside | |
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One of the most debated parts of the offside law is the definition of "involved in active play" as it applies to the player in an offside position. Some assistant referees will flag the player who is simply standing in an offside position near another player, which is incorrect. It is generally accepted that the player must almost get the ball, or prevent another player from getting the ball, for the offside player to be penalized. A player who simply had a "possibility of doing something" cannot be penalized, at least until he actually does something and is gaining the advantage. Of course, in certain situations, because of their positions on the field, the CR and AR would interpret "involved in active play" differently. |
The key here is to ensure that the pre game instructions to your AR's are clear, and encompass the situation where the AR might see the play as being in the active zone and flag. The CR should make it clear to the AR that a wave off from the CR is OK, and ensure that the players and the coaches know that the AR has signalled an off side position but the final decision on the offside stays with the CR. |
| Arm Signals | |
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This applies to Centre and Assistant Referees. No matter how tired you are, arm signals should always be made quickly and in the correct location. Slowly dragging the arm up to a position, which is still higher or lower than it should be, is not a correct hand signal.
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| Body Language | |
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Stand tall. Your body language and appearance can largely influence the player's attitude towards you. The referee whose shirt is out and tells a player to tuck his shirt in has lost the respect of the players. The referee who slouches and walks towards play, only to grumble when the ball is kicked to the other side of the field, has lost the respect of the players. The referee who looks smart and sprints or jogs to play as is required is the referee that players listen to and respect.
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| When a Goal is Score | |
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Never use this as a break and an excuse to walk back to the centre circle. Sprint back (or at least jog) to the correct position and record the goal. The assistant referees should make sure that they are keeping an eye on their assigned zones, to make sure that no trouble is brewing, so that the field is always being monitored.
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- References: Adapted from an article by Steve Fenech, an Australian level 2 Referee Inspector. Also acknowledgments to Gary Power, Australian National Director of Referees. Original articles downloaded from AUS.REF, the Australian Referee Web site.
Additional material drawn from refresher course material provided by Doug Bewick, ASA Instructor / Assessor.
Details from the technical session have been added to reflect the discussion between the members of the Edmonton Society of ASRA on the topics.
