Just a few things that came up at the 5-6-7 recert in Orlando on 8-21-04.

Game suggestions:

• Just as the teams adjust at halftime, we should also take the half time to assess our performance to that point and work with our AR’s to make certain we come out strong for the first 10 minutes and maintain control in a close game.
• Read the game script. Team coaches have written a script for the teams to play against each other. Read it and try to understand the style of play so you can look to position yourself properly and adjust your style to the game.
• Be prepared to deal with unpredictable situations. Each match is unique.
• Check to see if you’ve lost your smile. Don’t have such a strained look that you don’t look like you’re having fun.
• If you’re being assessed, embrace the choices that the assessor will communicate to you at the end of the game.
• If you are still officiating the same way you were a few years ago, you’re doing a disservice to the game.
• As officials in a match, we serve as the role models and must deal with our anger and game issues in a positive and constructive manner which commands respect.
• Remind ourselves as to why we are officials and motivate ourselves to striving to be the best.
• Understand the level of the competition and the dynamics of the game you are officiating from the very beginning. Don’t get caught off guard by not knowing some of the details of the match which could determine how you might make changes to the way you officiate. For example, are the teams rivals? What was the result of their last game? What is this match’s importance? Are there players who need to be protected? Are their players who are considered enforcers? What are the field conditions? What is the mind set and abilities of your AR’s?
• Ways to maintain control of the game:

1. Your knowledge of the rule, the teams, the AR’s and foul recognition
2. Your experience. Not just the number of games, but the quality of them.
3. Your interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. See yourself as others see you.
4. Mobility. Be in the right position at the right time to observe the anticipated incident.
5. Tactical awareness.
6. Recognize the seriousness of fouls.
7. Understand what is trifling.
8. Respect the players so you get the same respect.
9. Seek a way for the match to end positively.

• Understand that the focus of the game has become more mental. It is therefore more important than ever before to think faster, think clearer and respond accordingly. Applying the laws in the midst of game conditions is stressful. The mental aspect is then much bigger.
• Stay focused. There are many complaints, arguments and insults which arise during the course of the match. Use your common sense to diffuse situations and respond accordingly with your cards to protect players, not your ego.

General suggestions:

• Our job is to maintain balance with work/job, family and soccer. When one consumes too much of our time, our happiness is at stake.
• The good life is a state of mind. It’s a direction, not a destination.
• I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone.
• You can’t make a brand new start, but you can start now and make a brand new ending.

Books to read:

• Soccer Match Control, by Stanley Lover
• For the Good of the Game, by Bob Evans
• Rules of the Game, by Pierluigi Collina