Most County Football Associations send a copy of the Assessor's advice to the Referee in order to give the benefit of their experience concerning his performance. It is important to be able to extract accurate data from such advice or reports.

The confidential report to the County Football Association is usually made on one of the standard Football Association Referee Assessment Forms (CFA/Fl/02) as illustrated below.

In order to attain uniformity of assessment, The Football Association issue a Guide to Assessors (see here) and recommend that it should be studied by Assessors before watching a Referee and before completing the Assessment Form. Courses for assessors, leading to a recognised qualification of The Football Association, are held to standardise methods and keep abreast of trends in the game. The Guide to Marking (see here) is also included for your information.

As an indication of the factors studied in depth by the Assessor at a match, an example of a completed assessment form is reproduced immediately below. The form CFA/C/02 is sent to the County Football Association. The form the Referee receives (CFA/R/02) does not contain the remarks made in confidence to the County Football Association or the mark awarded. The comments will make him aware of the considerations made in judging performance on the field of play. A careful study of the questions posed will help keen Referees understand the necessary components of their role and assist them in their attempts to improve their own performances.

REFEREE ASSESSMENT FORM

Reasonably smart but your boots and laces were not clean at the start of the match. Remember that Referees are expected to be smart in appearance even when they have had limited time to renovate equipment after an earlier match.

The whistle was blown loudly so that players were aware that you were halting play. However, you might consider whether more variations in tone would be even more helpful in communicating to players. You used your voice well and hand/arm signals were always clear and concise.

The game was stopped too many times for trivialities. Consider carefully the benefits to be derived from applying advantage appropriately. You did ensure that players were correctly positioned at free-kicks and your estimation of ten yards was accurate.

Used very sparingly but justified fully on the occasions when it was applied. It was encouraging to see also that both offender and the player offended against, were made aware that you had used advantage and not simply missed seeing the offence.

Difficult with untrained club assistant Referees. However, they both did the same things which suggested that you had briefed them sufficiently. I congratulate you on making the best use of the service they provided.

6. APPLICATION OF THE LAWS

The actions of players in making challenges were recognised well and you dealt with misconduct identified quite firmly. Please reflect on the length of time spent in cautioning players. It did seem excessive and tended to delay the restart of play excessively. Consider carefully the action necessary when players show disagreement with your decisions. Perhaps you were, with hindsight, too tolerant?

You left the normal diagonal path very wisely in order to remain close to the centre of play. Reflect on the viewing positions adopted to scrutinise No 9/No 5 confrontations; side-on-views are usually more helpful.

A physically fit Referee should be able to maintain maximum activity for the whole of the game. You slowed down somewhat in the last fifteen minutes.

Consider developing a patrol path to give you clear views of incidents, but keeping you clear to play itself.

A tight but fair grip on the match was maintained for most of the time, but some dissent was allowed to go unchecked. Players should not be allowed to surround you in protest without some action being taken.

No major issues were overlooked and no decisions were shirked, but please do reflect on your approach to dealing with open dissent.

A number of factors have been highlighted in the earlier remarks which you should find beneficial on reflection. Consider each carefully. It would certainly be worth streamlining your cautioning technique and thinking about the minor item mentioned in respect of appearance. Remember that players and spectators make judgements of you right from the start, so first impressions are important.

You have set yourself a standard on which to build. If you modify your role slightly in the area identified, I am sure that your efforts will be rewarded with even greater appreciation.

You did, however, make a sound contribution to the success of this match. Keep up the good work.

Remarks in Confidence

This young Referee is enthusiastic, but a little untidy in his work in one or two areas. I think he will respond well to the advice offered. Currently, he is a competent as expected for his present classification.

Signature of Assessor______________________________________________________

Name in Block Capitals ___________________________________________Date: 5/5/02

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