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Melksham Referees' Society Members are sent to Prison.

"Forget the outside World. Life has different Laws in here."
(Alexander Solzhenitsyn)

It was with some trepidation that I accepted a request from our Melksham Referees' Society Chairman Herbie Magri-Overend to help out with a Referees' weekend Training Course in May, organised by our local (England) Wiltshire County Council Sports Development Officer. The trepidation refers to the fact that the course was being held inside our local Erlestoke prison - the students consisted of a mixture of 4 guests of Her Majesty’s prison, 2 primary school teachers, and a University sports student AND a warder who remained with us during our two-day sentence! As a player in years gone by, I had competed in a number of games within the compounds of the prison in the late 70's and early 80's, when the Erlestoke prison team blessed the Division 4 of the local Trowbridge & District Football League. I therefore had some vague recollection about the inside of the establishment. In my 'playing' days this was a Class 'D' prison - since upgraded to Class 'C'. I started to feel a little bit more comfortable when Herbie told me that one of our experienced senior instructors (an ex-Policeman) would be part of the training team. The trepidation returned some weeks later when family commitments meant that it would now only be Herbie and myself. We were duly both found guilty, and henceforth sentence to a weekend in prison.

The Wiltshire County Sports Development officer met us in the visitors’ car park, bright and early at 7:30 on Saturday morning. Following a quick introduction, we made our way along the 100-yard approach road to the prison gate. The sun was shining and the birds were singing beautifully in the trees. The prison is set on a hillside in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside between the towns of Devizes and Westbury - the panoramic view north towards the World War 2 Keevil Airfield were magnificent. The green fencing (as high as my 'chimbley' pots) topped by razor wire blended with the surrounding trees and fields.

"…..So if I start to internally combust........ you've had it."

The ‘outsiders’, two schoolteachers and the University student were waiting for us at the main gate. The prison warder duly arrived with his 'clinking' keys and we were admitted after a cursory 'checking-in' procedure with the guardroom. I looked down at Herbie's brief case and his multitude of carrier bags (full of training aids) - and it looked as though he was arriving for a very long confinement! I was glad to be only carrying a ' visitors only’ bag. The main gate closed with an ominous 'clunk'. Those of you who have watched 'Porridge' on TV will know what I mean, when the 'clunk' of the closing door sent shivers down our spines. I am beginning to realise exactly what claustrophobia just might be! The warder introduces himself, and asked if we would kindly not call him Mr Mackay! Not wishing to extend our stay any longer than necessary, we duly obliged. We followed the jangling keys dancing their way though a series of other locked gates - and the feeling of entombment was complete. The last mammoth gate revealed a 'Brick Works' and in my stupidity, I asked the warder if the prisoners were still required to construct bricks for a living?. He looked at me as if I was daft (I own up to that qualification). After a weak smile, he explained that the 'Brick Works' is there to teach inmates the skill of brick laying. I think that I may have read too many Charles Dickens novels - I must keep up with the modern hard times. Another door unlocked (and then locked behind us) and we found ourselves in the prison gymnasium. After an introduction to a mountain of a prison physical education officer (and we are certainly glad to have him on our side!) we made our way through what can best be described as the archetypal designed prison door. Herbie and I both agreed that prison doors must be especially designed to close with a such a BANG as to leave you with no doubt as to exactly where you are and when they are being used (and they all seem to be so easy to get into, but stubbornly difficult to get out of.) I know appreciate where the term 'slammer' came from.

The training room turned out to be the old prison Art room, recently whitewashed by the prisoners. The smell of oil and water paints still pervaded the air. A smell that had always reminded me of my own primary school days - sadly not any more! Herbie and I quickly made the most of the scant facilities to set out the room to the best of our abilities. The prison warder fetched the four guests who were duly introduced. A shaking of the hands helped to break the ice of uncertainty that we were all experiencing. We settled down into our designated areas - and then Herbie finally sealed the tomb by asking the warder to "go over the domestics".

"In the event of a fire, the only way out of this building is by me using the keys to open the doors. So if I start to internally combust........ you've had it".

Herbie replied with some alarm. " So what are we supposed to do then!"

The warder quickly replied. " Oh don't worry, the prisoners know exactly where my keys are - and they will be the first ones out - just follow them."

There followed a furtive glance by all of us - towards those precious keys hanging securely at his waist.

I timidly squeak. "It's rather hot in this room" and apprehensively look around at the windows. I meekly ask if I can open one or two. This was granted - and on opening them, found that they were all protected by a metal grill that you could hardly pass a red card through. I take a few gulps of the provided bottled water to make me 'cooler'. A radio in the distance was faintly playing some 'rap' music. Is that old red paint stains on the windowsills? - Or could it be something else?

The toilet door is unlocked for me to quickly 'slop out'. BANG - it is locked back again. Thankfully I managed to get out first. More smells to register!

On with the course! - The four guests sat on one side, the rest of the class on the other. The warder (who is also taking the course and has to be with us at all times) sits authoritatively at the front. Herbie opens the course with his usual banter and we both try very hard at breaking down the barriers by involving the students in set-plays. As Herbie raises his whistle to his mouth for a demonstration - we are quickly reminded that it would not be prudent to blow whistles inside the institution. Another furtive glance at the warder revealed a police type whistle as big as I have ever seen, dangling alongside those oh! so coveted keys. What I would give for a whistle like that on the field of play. We try very hard not to kick the students too hard when demonstrating reckless tackles of an excessive nature. It fleetingly crosses my mind that maybe - just maybe, I had made a few real late tackles myself on these very same guys in my playing days. Then it's my turn - Law 6 Assistant Referees' 'Death by PowerPoint' slideshow presentation. I move to turn the lights down - and in no uncertain terms I am told NOT to press the alarm button by mistake - unless I want the door to be ripped off its hinges in a matter of seconds! I carefully press the correct switches, move swiftly away from the vicinity of the door and gulp down another golf ball of anxiety.

The morning session is interspersed with a visit to the prison field of play surrounded by its own razor-topped fence and more locked gates. One of the goals is quite near the corner of the enclosure, and I stupidly quip towards the warder - "That's some fence to climb over to get the ball". And was duly told that balls were very often thrown back over by dog walkers. Herbie and I segregated the students into two groups and proceeded to teach the field of play inspection, throw-in goal-kick etc. procedures. At the stroke of 11:50, the four guests suddenly disappeared - and we were told that under no circumstances would they be happy to be late for their mid-day meal. We didn't argue. The rest of us ambled back to the training room with the warder - and Herbie and I were provided with good old prison fare of pork pies, quiche, crisps and cakes. And they went down a treat. A longer than expected lunch break meant that our course timetable was also being eaten into. We rushed through the afternoon session in the hope that we could escape before the gates were finally closed for the night. As I leave the training room, I draw a line on the chalkboard (one more day to go!). We joined the exiting band of prison visitors, and once again, Herbie with his menagerie of bags looked as though he had finally been released after a long confinement.

Sunday morning and once again we were 'banged up' early in the prison ready to start at 08:30AM. The students were markedly more relaxed and more intimate than yesterday. During the morning, we make our way once again to the field of play to witness a game in progress between 22 prisoners. The Referee is none other than our friendly mountain mentioned earlier. He was both Referee and a player. I'm not so sure about all those dangerous appurtenances hanging from his belt though! The game disappointedly turns out to be a tame affair, with hardly any incidents to discuss. The warder informed us that because of the lack of linesmen, they never used offside. As 'Sod's Law would have it, we were then duly obliged with an offside decision given by the Referee mountain. The warder conceded that offsides were sometimes given if they were obvious. The Referee confirmed this after the game, but added with a smile, that he only gave offside if it was against a player of the team that he was not playing for, and if it looked as though a goal was going to be scored against his side! Now there's a thought for Law 11. I explained that I had expected more of a physical contest between such athletic and surprisingly skilful players - he told me that they had been warned previously that some visitors would be looking at them this morning, and hence their good behaviour. "They are not normally so well behaved".

I also asked him about how they disciplined players. "How do you deal with red cards?"

He replied, " Oh we don't have any trouble with that here, the players know that if they misbehave, they will not be allowed out of their cells to play football again - it works a treat."

The course ended in a rush, with our schedule flying out of the window (well, at least it would have done had it not been for those stifling bars). We just managed to keep the candidates awake after two whole days of tuition. I reckon Herbie and I probably learnt just as much as the pupils did! A taut timescale will be needed if we ever return for bad behaviour.

We were very well looked after by the warder - fed and put back out to grass in an efficient manner. All of the candidates were a credit to themselves under such awkward circumstances. We never did manage to completely break down the barriers as we would normally do in an 'outside' course - but considering the circumstances, I think we "done OK".

I've never seen Herbie move so fast when he packed up his belongings (there's life in the old dog yet!), and before we knew it, we (minus four guests and a warder) were all back outside the main gate contemplating an experience that will remain with us for a very long time.

Julian Carosi

Melksham Referees’ Society

2. The UK National Health Service takes a 'Red' Card from the Punishment Book of Football (Soccer).             Take me to the top of this Article 3 Page

The National Health Service is bringing in new "zero tolerance" policy guidelines to allow nursing staff and doctors to withdraw a patients right of treatment if they are persistently violent to staff.

"It is a sad, sad, sad world that tolerates abuse to nurses.."

The time has arrived for football authorities to come down with a heavy hand - else what hope for our children. It is clear that fines alone are not the solution. Points taken from league records will provide a corporate punishment for offending teams. Banning infringing teams from playing or registering. Insisting in pre-season goodwill returnable deposits. Instigating and insisting on signed Code of Conducts for players, managers and parents. Increasing Referee powers......... all are alternative methods that may be considered.

"It is only when the Referee or Nurse dons their uniform, that the switch of improper behaviour is breached."

It is worrying to hear that most inner-city medical practitioners have been assaulted at least once, and that nearly half the nurses interviewed during a recent Unison (Union) survey had been attacked in one way or another during the previous year. In comparison, the Football Referee is also expected to suffer abuse of one form or another in EVERY game. Such behaviour would not be tolerated by the 'man in the street'. It is only when the Referee or Nurse dons their uniform, that the switch of improper behaviour is breached. A tolerance has been allowed to grow over the years, whereby abuse against these decent groups of people seems to be accepted as part of their lot - and beyond those normal Laws of the country that swiftly deal with similar acts against citizens on the street. It is a Nation's duty to prosecute and heavily fine or imprison for such acts of violence -so why does it not act in these two walks of life? Maybe because there is a growing concern that action is not being taken by those who have been assaulted, for fear of retribution. It is a sad, sad, sad world that tolerates abuse to nurses whose dedicated aim is to provide comfort for the ill.

"What hope the rest of us?"

There are libel and moral concerns that conflict with professional ethics - why should nurses be expected to behave like Referees when their vocation is to treat patients irrespective of their behaviour? And why should Referees be expected to behave as deaf policemen when their vocation is to provide control for what essentially is an amusement for the benefit of mankind?

3. Fun and games                 Take me to the top of this Article 3 Page

(by Richard Dawson Canada, who gives us his opinions)

    As long as my health and eyesight allow I consider myself fortunate to be given the opportunity to officiate several games at all levels each week. I remain challenged by the pace and intensity of adult or select play. You too may relish the gamesmanship of the older youth and adults where your
talents will be tested and your abilities to discern the spirit and intent pushed to the limit. Yet, the youth can offer you a chance to be active in the promotion of fair play and conduct on the field by fostering an atmosphere of fun and a love of the game. Fun, safety, genuine concern and
respect for all players is for all levels of play not just youth.

It is important to our young players that we show them respect and value for their efforts. In striving to present the game in a fun and rewarding atmosphere (particularly at the youth level) a referee's code of conduct will enhance or decrease the odds of this happening.

Many referees show up just before kick-off (even after start time) or improperly attired as if to say this game is of little consequence. Circumstances have occasionally prevented me from being on time, work commitments, family matters, car troubles, etc. I have been asked to referee while standing on the touchline as a spectator so my attire on these occasions is less than stellar. However, I always apologize to the teams if this occurs and ask them to forgive my indiscretion. Not to overstate pomp and ceremony but in my humble opinion we should try diligently not to let this happen.     We must not overstate our importance as referees in a game that is supposed to be fun and full of passion for everyone. Referees are not always needed if those that play remember fun and fair play are the real spirit of this game. Bending the rules to accommodate the spirit of the
game is well recognized and may well be the delineating factor between good and great referees. Speaking from every angle, as a parent, coach, official, manager, player, fan and as a referee the evolution of any individual within this most passionate and humbling of games lives within the center circle of Faith. Faith in each other and ourselves to allow for divergence of opinion but united in purpose to make each game the best experience to the individuals that play it. We spend a lifetime gaining insight into making the perfect call when it is well within our grasp to make a good call.

In terms of the youth, I believe in a teaching approach to refereeing other than a strong silent sentinel style. The only consideration in this approach is not to focus attention on you and take it away from the kids.     While I am not shy about addressing the spectators, parents and fans as to
their role in this fun game I humbly recognize the know it all approach isn't one likely to curry favour with your peers or the players. I often ask the spectators and fans to help me decide a player from each team that best exemplifies the spirit of hard work and fair play. At match end, this has been a very positive influence as we are busy focusing on the real important issue, the players. In youth matches, where ego and pride are the only vices since money is not yet involved the central issue remains this game is for fun and it is for their benefit not anyone else's. Your
difficulties will more than likely come from the sidelines rather than the
field of play at the lower youth level.

In Canada, we often referee the recreational leagues without assistant referees. Positioning differences by a referee in the absence of assistants can prove to be a daunting task, as the stamina and fitness required with adults and older youth pushes this old guy to some serious heavy breathing. I am a firm believer in being close to the play to better gauge the intent. Experience and perception leads to anticipation of ball and player movement. Visual and verbal clues of a players actions and intent are often far easier to ascertain if you are within range to observe. I am not
implying that the ball should hit you as in active play but it is a far shrewder referee than I who can call fouls from 30+ yards away. If you can achieve a balance, let me know I have yet to perfect it. If you find yourself involved in active play by quickly changing circumstances, freeze if the ball is moving in tight and be aware of those near you in pursuit as a quick change of direction or pace on your part and you step on or into a player.

 
I have often in my exuberance 'high fived' the keeper after a solid save, actually explained why I called a foul or blown the whistle. Yell, "Well in lad or lassie" after a good clean tackle. Self-absorbed coaches who feel I impinge on their authority do not always appreciate my antics on the soccer pitch. Often when I offer advice to youth at any age it is to correct or instil a good habit or at least what I personally consider a positive comment. "Turn and Face, Talk, Who's up for it, Great ball through, and Excellent throw" are a few examples: At the youth level foul throw ins from the touchline are whistled so often it is a wonder play continues at all. This is a simple method of restarting play and need not be complicated. Allowing the other team to successfully get the ball back into play by reassuring youth as to proper form or encouragement after a successful throw should not evoke passionate pleas by the opposition coaches that I am taking sides because their team is less likely to have a foul throw due to their great coaching technique.

I will often in my pre game talks explain to each team what it is I expect from them and in turn what they can expect from me.
"We have a great day (lets assume its sunny) to play one of the greatest of games are you lads / lassies up for it? Did your coach prepare you well?
Everyone ready to have Fun. Are we properly dressed; shirts tucked into shorts, shinguards, socks pulled up, no jewellery or watches, proper footgear?"
Address any laws or tournament rules that are new or changed.I believe this year the 6 second rule and the elimination of the 4 steps for the keeper was front and centre. 

Substitutions all teams on own ball possession (generally two at a time but be flexible at youth level); over touch line or goal line or if other team initiates. Not on fouls for free kicks unless injury to player. All players leave and enter at centre; high five by out going players and incoming substitutions will prevent confusion. I explain I will add time to make up lengthy delays but I expect all players to hustle on and off. Use the assistant referees if they are available to indicate the substitutions.  Tell them to concentrate on the game and communicate with each other. Do not listen to the Touch Line comments but play the whistle and not to assume if the ball is in or out.
    Ask them if they know the difference between an indirect and direct free kick. Show them the correct signal and tell them to look for the signal not ask if it is or isn't.  We should not be stating how much time is left in the match, if they are observant they should know. If extra time will be added I will say so near the end of the game or half. I usually try and wave off substitutions in
the final minute or so unless there is a valid reason.  I drive the point home on my view of offside, particularly when officiating as a single referee. Unless I am, 100% convinced that an offside has occurred, I will not blow the whistle. Explain that if you are running offside traps you had better be sure positioning is consistent with ability to properly view or the risk is play will keep on. Raising your hand and yelling offside will not be viewed favourably.  In many instances when  attacking and defending players are playing the ball, we will not be able to identify who last touched it out. I will choose the attacking side generally because they are forcing the play. I explain my desire to play advantage when ever possible and delay the whistle a few moments in non-essential matters. There are far too many handballs and whistle stoppages at the youth level. Much of this is due to referee inexperience. As our foul recognition and confidence increases so will our concepts of game management and the intent of players actions.

Always ask the players if they have understood and solicit their questions if they want to know more or have other questions concerning the game. I personally have no problem with any player asking about a call if they do it in a polite, respectful tone when the time allows for it during a match.
Otherwise I ask them to table it for after the game. I have often explained to players after the game why I called a particular foul or handled a situation a certain way. This has never caused me a problem, although at the elite level I seriously doubt it is a good idea given the goofiness of national politics and the tension we manage to inflict on the game.

If you are using cards to id players I suggest have the team line up with one knee down on the penalty area line parallel to the goal. Have them raise a hand when called. Stand in front of them if you have assistant referees to check cleats and player #'s from behind. Stand in behind if officiating by yourself so you can them to come to you. Release the player by indicating they can get up and go. Even in youth league games this approach sets a professional tone for the teams and shows you care about the game.

   
There is far stricter protocol in professional and national matches then anything I have presented. It can easily be changed depending on the level of play and circumstances but as a guide serve me well. I have no problem with others that feel my view of the game differs from theirs. We can agree
to disagree. It is in our nature to disagree with each other but it is in the way in which controversy is dealt with that separates the truly aware individual from those mired in limitations.

I love this game with all its passion. I have been involved in football as a coach for many years, spending my share of time rendering or at least wanting to render some referees limb from limb for some of the dumb decisions that either endangered my players or caused games to be protested and replayed. Recognizing the referee needs to learn does not make a parent, spectator or coach immune from calling out if their child or team is hurt or threatened in some way. I have always believed those that blow the whistle, myself included, must elevate their knowledge and game management to reflect the spirit of integrity and fair play and provide a fun, safe experience for all concerned. In closing remember this final thought

This is a Game.

This Is Fun.

"Nothing is so firmly believed in which we know can least be disproved or
in absence of knowledge claimed as truth.

4. A Fledgling

by Otis Wirth

As I finish my initial year as the head referee in most matches, I canıt help but think back to how much Iıve learned about officiating and myself. Never lacking confidence in my own abilities, I stepped out on the field only to find out two things. One- no one knew what kind of game I would call, because I was an unknown entity. Two- no one really cared who I was, as long as I put forth a quality effort that was consistent and fair to both teams. This article will try to focus on what I learned about myself all within the game of soccer.

Iıll begin by saying I had an absolute blast this season. That they actually paid me to go out on a field to run around, blow the whistle, talk with people who have common interests, manage emotions, and travel around New England during the most beautiful months of the year, is beyond comprehension. Yes I know I was paid to do a job, but think about it. Where else can you get paid for doing something you totally enjoy and staying fit at the same time? There were ups and downs during this season, but there was never a moment I regretted the decision to officiate.

I spoke with many officials this season and I constantly declared to them, "My learning curve is not a curve at all. Itıs a straight line going up at a forty five degree angle." What to call? What not to call? How to talk to players and coaches alike? When to assert my authority? When to step back out of the way and allow the game to flow? All questions that Iıve had to figure out. One thing is for certain, there is no one way to officiate. What worked during one match, didnıt work in another. Officiating is a complex profession. Not necessarily because itıs difficult, but because there are small intricacies of officiating a match that you must experience before you realize what you are doing. Every match taught me something about myself.

The two basic fundamentals that I learned early on were to dress looking like a professional and to arrive at the game site in a timely fashion. Dress appropriately in a sport coat, tie, pressed shirt and slacks, and polished shoes. I had to remember that these teams did not know me and first impressions could never happen twice. I had to project the image of confidence and professionalism each time I went to the game site. Arriving in a timely fashion is maybe even more critical. I had two games in which an assistant referee showed up as I was conducting the coin toss. Totally unacceptable. Not only did it make me and the other assistant look bad, but they were in a no win situation throughout the match. No matter how good they were during the match, the coaches and players first impressions were: "This person doesnıt want to be here today." How does an official climb out of that hole? I made a point to arrive at least ninety minutes before the start of the game. It allowed me to unwind from the stress of driving and to focus on a task for which I was being generously paid. By being there early, I could walk the pitch and talk to game personnel to ‘iron out’ many potential problems. It all goes back to doing the job that you were assigned to do - from start to finish.

I went to a conference a year or so ago and the guest speaker broke a soccer game down into six periods. The first, the middle, and the final fifteen minutes of each half. He alluded to the fact that in the first minutes referees must blow their whistle to establish what is going to be acceptable during this match. In the final fifteen minutes the referee must blow the whistle to control the emotions of the players as they press forward to net the equalizer or the go ahead goal. He went on to say that the middle fifteen minutes (if youıve done your job properly in the first fifteen) is a time for the referee to enjoy the game as it was meant to be played. I took this as the Ultimate Law of Maintaining Control in a Match, as this speaker is a well respected, well travelled official. With all of that said, when I began this season I forgot all about his words of wisdom. I allowed players to take liberties on the field from the get-go and although it was an uncomfortable feeling for me, it was what I thought was ‘the norm’. These games were supposed to be a conglomeration of clutching and holding and unfair challenges on fifty/fifty balls. For the majority as an assistant referee, thatıs the kind of game I witnessed. I remember thinking, ‘Why doesnıt that referee do something about it?’ But the more I witnessed, the more I thought that was the way it was supposed to be. Little did I know.

As I said, I began my season by allowing too much disorder during the match. I found myself carding players left and right trying to regain the control I lost or better yet - never had. Something had to give or I was going to hold the record for the shortest career of being a referee or the referee who blew his chance at breakneck speed. I could almost hear the players walking off the pitch wondering when they got drafted for duty in the armed services. To me, it was that bad. I wasnıt used to this level of athlete. The professional fouls that the players were exhibiting. The general lack of respect for the opponent. I never felt like I was over my head, but I also never felt comfortable. Then along came a match I was assigned four months earlier. When I looked at my schedule in May, I said, "Wow, thatıs going to be a real gauge of my officiating skills." That match came before I knew it. And fortunately for me, it came at the right time.

The match was between two rivals. One team was already established as a quality club. The other was an up and coming team trying to break through the upper echelon of the league. I knew as soon as I saw this game on my schedule I would have my hands full. To further compound the ferocity of this match, the two opposing coaches are well known to be verbally abusive to referees. To make it simple, I was in a ‘no win situation’ doing this match. No matter how good or how bad I was, it wouldnıt make a bit of difference. I went into the match knowing I already had lost in both teams and coaches’ eyes so why not give it everything I had? I was determined to blow my whistle a thousand times if necessary. There would be little or no play-ons. I was going to ref this game like it was my last one (which it could have easily been.) After blowing a total of sixty three fouls, handing out five yellow cards, one red card (for a second yellow on one player) the two opposing coaches came to me at the conclusion of the match and said, almost in unison, "Youıll never work for me again! You were awful". Was I surprised that this was their collective reaction? Not at all. It was at that moment, that I became a head referee.

I officiated that game like the guest speaker I spoke about earlier said it should be done. I never had the luxury of ‘coasting’ the middle fifteen minutes, but that was all right by me because I was on a mission. I was going to do things my way. This game was not going to get uncomfortable for me. So I took the match away from the teams and made it mine. As a matter of fact, one of the coaches in the middle of the match bellowed out, "This game is not about you!" All of this sounds like I wanted to be the centre of attention that evening, but that couldnıt be further from the truth. My goal was to be true to myself and my style of officiating. My style had been to make sure all players remained safe and the level of play was one in which everyone plays fairly. Somewhere I lost sight of that. This match brought that all back into perspective. I am a firm believer that I must put forth a hundred percent effort in each match, blow my whistle to control the match to my satisfaction and to leave the pitch knowing I did my very best.

One of the two coaches sent the video of the match to the conference soccer commissioner, who also happens to be the assignor of officials. I called him as he was watching this video (unbeknown to me.) He pointed out that he was watching the video and would call me back. Several hours later I got the call. I didnıt know what to expect. I know I left that match feeling good that I did what I thought needed to be done. I kept the match under control. He thought I did a nice job. At least thatıs what he said. Iım not sure if he said that because he knew I was a fledgling or if he really meant it, but those were the right words to say at that time. My confidence soared. I had gotten the verbal affirmation that what I did was favourable. From that match on, my style has been a no nonsense approach. I go to the match to blow my whistle (not sixty three times I might add) and leave knowing I did my best and the match was under control.

I learned a great deal during and after that match. Itıs important for me to leave each match knowing I gave a full effort and that I was true to myself and allowed the game to be played the way I think it should be played. I think as long as a referee can say, "Iım happy with the way I officiated today" and truly mean it, it doesnıt matter what the coaches or players say or do. We, as officials, can only do what we can do. Our job is to manage a highly emotional game by any means it takes.

Iıll end by saying that I finished the season issuing only six yellow cards in the last fourteen games. All this I attribute to going to a match, blowing my whistle, and organizing a fair game. I completed the post season as the head referee in a menıs division three conference final, a womenıs NCAA regional final, a menıs NCAA quarter final, and a menıs NCAA regional semi-final. In those four post season matches, I issued only three yellow cards all in the first half of play as I was assuring players that the game was going to be played a certain way. Not too bad from where it all began. Somewhere out there, someone likes the job I did this past season. It was a tremendous growing season for me. I can only hope that what I learned this year will carry over into next season. I look forward to the challenge.

Good luck and send your comments to Otis at the NHSOA. Email owirth@nhsoa.org

 Otis Wirth

New Hampshire Soccer Officials Association Member

NISOA and NEISOA Member

Unites States of America

 

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5. "Are you a Lazy Referee?"

By Merv Woodage

Being the Referees’ Appointments Secretary (now commonly referred to in abbreviated terms as ‘RAS’) of one of the largest leagues in the North West of England keeps me very busy. My league (Warrington District Saturday League) operates seven open age divisions, and on average I have to appoint 45 Referees to games each week.

I am here to help Referees, but in return I expect some help back when planning games. It is not just a question of putting a Referee’s name against a game – a lot of thought is given to each appointment. Each RAS must learn the strengths and weaknesses of all of his individual Referees. To enable Referees to be considered for promotion, or allocation to cup games, I also have to compile the Referees’ Club marks, and submit these, together with the League average mark to the respective County Football Associations at the beginning of March each year.

What can you do to assist me?

I will discuss some ways that this can easily be achieved. For those Referees who are keen to progress up the ladder, full co-operation with your RAS's will be demanded from you especially if you are operating on senior leagues. Failure to do so will most probably effect your progression in reaching the top. Communication and Administration are equally as important as Refereeing on the field of play.

What does a RAS expect of you?

Firstly, and bearing in mind that most League fixtures are compiled four to six weeks in advance of the actual date of the games, the RAS will need to know your availability. I send out an availability sheet on a quarterly basis that lists all the dates (including mid-week) that matches are scheduled for. All I ask is that when Referees CONFIRM their appointments to me, the boxes indicating their availability dates are also ticked at the same time.

YES you do need to confirm your appointed games – again, this is a requirement that senior leagues (and most other leagues) will demand of you, so you might as well get used to this at all levels. It is not always possible to know in advance if you (the Referee) are definitely available on certain dates – this fact is appreciated by the RAS. This being the case, I ask the Referees on my panel only, to indicate their definite dates, and then let me know nearer the time if they are free.

Appointments allocated by the RAS are given lots of thought. From my point of view, it is much easier to add you onto a game, than to take you off. Similarly, if having indicated that you are available and subsequent events deem you to be unavailable, then please advise your RAS immediately. Do not leave it until the last minute. I appreciate that family and work commitments sometimes take priority, but the more notice that you can give - the greater the opportunity the RAS has of reallocating your game. Please also remember that when opening or closing your dates, you MUST also advise your Local County Football Association, and if applicable, all other Leagues that you operate on.

If during the week leading up to your game, you develop an injury or an illness that might be ongoing for a few days, there may be a possibility that you would not be able to ‘do’ your game - please contact your RAS immediately. He/she needs as much notice as possible. It will alert them to the fact that they may have to reappoint your game, but at the same time, will enable them to monitor the situation with you. Thus giving you every opportunity of retaining your original appointment if you pronounce yourself fit later on.

Occasionally, especially on match days, the RAS may need to contact you as a matter of urgency, especially in times of inclement weather, when a game is likely to be (or has been) called off. There is also the possibility that the RAS may wish to change your appointment at very short notice. If you are in possession of a mobile phone or pager, then please leave them switched on where possible.

If a Referee has no transport (or your car is temporarily out of action) inform your RAS. Advise them of what grounds you are able to get to easily using public transport. This will enable consideration to be given in appointing you (or re-appointing you) to nearby games. Similarly, if you are working on match days, and may struggle to make it to the ground on time, then tell your RAS. We are here to help and make things as easy as possible for you.

Any change of personal circumstances – we need to know! For example, change of address, mobile or landline telephone numbers must be advised (remember to also inform your respective County Football Association). In return, the Leagues will periodically inform you of any other handbook amendments.

PLEASE ENSURE THAT ANY NOTIFIED CHANGES ARE AMENDED IN YOUR HANDBOOK AS A MATTER OF URGENCY.

Finally, please remember that your RAS also has a ‘Domestic and Social’ life. They will inform you of the times and the days when they can be contacted. Please try to help the RAS to help you.

The above is not too much to ask, so please try not to be a "Lazy Referee".

COMMUNICATION AND ADMINISTRATION IS ALL THAT WE ASK.

Merv is the Referees’ Appointment Secretary for the Warrington and District Football League, and his article sums up the problems that Referees’ Appointment Secretaries have around the country. Merv’s sensible advice can be applied to all RAS’s, so whatever system is used by your RAS, help them where you can.

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