The simple stuff
Doing these
things, most of which aren’t taught in the classroom, can help to keep your
focus on what most of us consider our biggest and sometimes only
responsibilities: game management. But these affect the games just as much and
not ignoring them, will hopefully make it easier.
These are
what I’ve seen in the past TWO weeks, in no particular order:
·
Confirm your games.
I don’t know if you’ve seen them or are coming or not. If I presume and you don’t show, you let the
entire referee community down, as well as coaches, players and fans. “I confirm the 2 sat games. Thanks.”
That’s all I need.
·
Pay on the field games: These are FSL and RIII Premier games. Get your money
before the game. It’s noted on your
schedule.
·
Don’t
wear a hat. Don’t wear sunglasses. It’s not professional and not a part of the
uniform. Lather up with sunscreen.
·
Come prepared when coming to the fields, that is,
with a whistle, flags, pen, paper, cards, flipping
coin, the proper uniform and watch.
·
Arrive at the fields 30 minutes
before game
time. Check in with me so I know you’re
here.
·
The proper uniform consists of black shorts (not Nike
or soccer shorts), 3 stripe sox (or the newer versions), not plain black, BLACK
shoes (not white or red or teal or…) and minimally a gold uniform. Shirts are to be tucked in and socks pulled
up when you approach the field, not afterward.
The first impressions of the team and coach are CRITICAL in your efforts
to manage the game.
·
Conflict of interest should be avoided at ALL times. http://www.law18.net/conflicts.htm
·
Water break best practices: refer to link but note the summary
below: http://www.fysa.com/docs/coachingresources/Water%20Break%20Policy.pdf
o
It
is mandatory for all FYSA sponsored u12 and below games.
o
It should be pre-determined before the match
with the coaches when the heat index is above 85 degrees or when either one of
the coaches requests it, or if the official feels that one is required based on
the players’ behavior.
o
Players
remain on the field, get their water and get back to the game.
o
Allowance
for lost time should be considered.
·
Passes are to be checked for ALL games where
passes are required. NO PASS. NO PLAY.
·
Coaches must have a pass, or be on the
roster and provide ID (if you request).
·
Coaches
ONLY may remain on the bench side. All others are to be on the spectator side.
·
Game reports, when required, should be complete
and legible. You need a game report for:
o
Adult
league games with goals scored.
o
RIII
games
o
Games
where a player is sitting out a red card
o
Serious
injuries where a player does not return
o
Ejections
o
Other
special situations
·
Games
where scores, cautions and ejections are being reported should be corroborated with each member of the
crew for accuracy. It should be embarrassing
if you don’t know the correct score or who won or who was cautioned. Center officials should make certain they
have communicated to the ar’s who was cautioned.
·
Know who your crew members are and
where they may be coming from to expedite games
starting on time. If you’re the line on
the second game of the day and your center is coming from field 1 from the
first game, you should know that and be prepared to check in players and do
whatever it takes to get the game started so when he DOES arrive, you’re ready
to go. Otherwise, if you have a minimum of
15 minutes prior to game time available, you should all go to your field as a
TEAM.