Refereeing at the Higher Levels

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Refereeingat theHigher Levels

• Referee Clinic
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• February 7-8, 2004

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Do you have PRIDE?

• ersonal
• esponsibility
• n
• eveloping
• xcellence

P R I D E
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How do YOU get to the top?

• Knowledge
• Fitness
• Personality
• Experience

YOU control YOU own
YOU influence OTHERS control
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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 1 KNOWLEDGE

• Know the Laws of the Game
• The TEXT literal interpretation LETTER
• The SPIRIT how to apply the Laws
• The CONCEPT understand the Laws

Remember, knowledge is power but power can be
lost when its application is not accepted
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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 2 FITNESS

• Year round fitness (conditioning)
• Fitness Closeness to Play (PDA)
• Proximity Decision Acceptance
• Closeness to Play Sellable Decision
• Presence lends Authority/Conviction
• Referee is a SALESMAN

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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 2 FITNESS

• Physical fitness leads to Mental fitness
• The Avg. Referee runs 8 miles per game
• Cooper Test
• 12 minute run
• 50 m sprint (x2, repeated after 1st 200)
• 200 m sprint (x2, repeated after 2nd 50)

Remember, if you cant stay fit now, how will you
stay fit 5-10 years from now?
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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 3 PERSONALITY

• On-the-field
• Communication with players, coaches, referee crew
• Managing the players/game with your demeanor,
  presence and voice
• A stronger, more effective tool than the whistle
  or cards

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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 3 PERSONALITY

• Off-the-field
• Interaction with peers, administrators, assessors
  (networking)
• More important than what you do on the field
• Referees get in more trouble for things they do
  off the field than what they do on the field!
• Integrity Honesty ALWAYS

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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 3 PERSONALITY The Four Cs of Personality

• Confidence
• Composure
• Courage
• Conviction

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How do YOU get to the top?
Remember,

• Your attitude is communicated by your body
  language
• Actions speak louder than words
• The best referee is the one who is seen and heard
  when he/she should be seen and heard
• The greatest quality of a referee is HUMILITY
• Be Human laugh smile when/where appropriate

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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 4 EXPERIENCE

• Experience teaches everything
• The Game of Soccer is the best teacher.
• Gained as YOU show competency and consistency in
  Knowledge, Fitness and Personality
• Controlled by assignors but influenced by your
  actions and reputation

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How do YOU get to the top?
Factor 4 EXPERIENCE

• Accept assignments graciously whether they be as
  Referee, AR or Fourth Official
• Allegiance in Performance your first
  responsibility is to the game and the players.
  (Service before Self)

Remember, experience means quicker reactions but
slower motion.
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The Professional Official
Personal Performance Analysis
Analyzing Vs. Watching
Knowledge Fitness Personality Experience
Knowledge Fitness Personality Experience
Game Preparation
Mentorship
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What is Different Once You Get to the TOP?
The Average Referee
The Pro Referee
Whistles and Cards
Communicates
Fast Forward
Slow Motion
Pressure Avoider
Pressure Handler
Reactive
Proactive
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What is Different Once You Get to the TOP?
The Average Referee
The Pro Referee
Foul Recognition Management
Game Management (Player Management)
Calls Fouls
Sorts Calls
Sees Advantage
Feels/Anticipates Advantage
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Things to Remember

• Refereeing at the highest level
• Is no longer a hobby or avocation it is a
  career for all participants
• Officials have increased visibility and scrutiny
  (on and off the field)
• Increased responsibility and rewards
• Be the best you can you can be
• Be a leader, a role model for fellow officials
• Be PROFESSIONAL at every level