Ways to become a better official.  (excerpted from NFHS Quarterly magazine)

We all do what it takes to perform our on field duties successfully and at a high level.  Here’s a summary of what you can do, at whatever level at which you officiate.

1. Look professional.  This not only includes what you wear, but how you stand and your body language.

2. Act professional.  Equally spend time with each of the teams and coaches.  Do not emotionally respond to anyone’s comments.  Listen to coaches and players and respond appropriately when needed. 

3. Communication.  With players, coaches AND your fellow officials.  Be calm and deliberate with coaches and players.  Do not argue, but explain and quickly get on with the contest.  Spend time with your officials during your pre-game to review expectations and during half-time to review any issues. 

4. Be in position.  The best position to be in is one in which you can see the play, or in position to see the play that WILL happen. 

5. Be consistent.  Don’t confuse the players by applying different sets of rules for the teams or based on the time of the game or who commits it.

6. Know the rules.  Whether it’s HS, college, professional or u12 rec, know the rules…period.  This includes directives, memos and other memorandums.

7. Be humble.  Arrogance and attitude have no place on the field.  Confidence and game control will get you a lot further to having an effective, well managed game.

8. Signals.  Clear and correct.  Make eye contact with your fellow officials so you don’t get your signals “crossed.”

9. Continue your “education.”  Re-read the rules at least once a season.  You’d be surprised what you may learn.  Discuss situations with your colleagues.  Read MLS weeks in review and other material.  Watch as much soccer as you can.  Ask a respected, higher ranking official to watch you and offer his advice and suggestions as to how to improve your game.  Get assessed, formally or informally.

10. Get experience.  There’s no substitute for doing the games and experiencing a situation.  Even we don’t handle it properly the first time, we will learn from and hopefully not make the same mistake again.

11. Practice. No matter what level or how difficult the game is, there’s always something you can work on. An easy game can become difficult if you’re not “there” for the game.