United States Soccer Federation UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION Psychology of Refereeing

United States Soccer Federation

UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION

Psychology ofRefereeing


Refereeing is an

exercisein

HUMAN RELATIONS


• Referee teams must "manage": - 22 to 36 players - 2 to 4 coaches - 2 to x administrators = 26-42+different personalities

• Players, coaches, and administrators "manage":

- 1 referee, 2 assistant referees, 1fourth official


Whose Jobis

More Difficult?


The Pressure Chamber

TheRefereeTeam

Player

Coach

Administrator

Player PlayerPlayer

Player

PlayerPlayer

PlayerPlayerPlayer

Player

PlayerPlayer

PlayerPlayer

PlayerPlayer

Player

Coach

Coach

AdministratorPlayer

Player

Referee 1

Assistant FourthOfficial

22 Players3 Coaches2 Admins

Referee

Assistant

Referee 2


The Referee's Management Philosophy

It is the responsibility of the referee teamto establish and communicate a clear set ofrules and guidelines for players to follow

and to create an environment thatencourages players to uphold those rules

and guidelines


The Player's Management Philosophy

The player has the responsibility toinfluence (through positive and negative

means) the referee's decisions so as togain an advantage over the opponent


1. Players are coached to test the measure of the referee

Referees:• Don't be surprised or intimidated• Make your mark early in the game

The Player’s Psyche


2. Players want "justice"

Referees:• Be FAIRly consistent• The legally correct answer is often

not the best answer

The Player’s Psyche (continued)


3. Players want their "gripes/complaints" to be heard

Referees:• Be an active listener• Be sympathetic and/or empathetic



4. Players are emotional verbally, visually, and physically

Referees:• Remain calm and outwardly unemotional• Too many refs err later because they take

incidents personally• Be composed = better decision making• Have a sense of humor• Walk away, keep moving



5. Players want the pressure and intensity level to be high, thereby confusing referees

Referees: • At critical moments, don't hesitate to slow things down a bit



6. Players want to be treated like equals

Referees: • Don't threaten—do what you have to do without demeaning the players • Don't "talk down" to them

• Don't yell



7. Players use gamesmanship and play games to bring the game into disrepute and make the referee's job more difficult

Referees: • Let the players know that YOU know what they are doing • Provide real-time, verbal feedback



8. Players are proud of their accomplishments

Referees: • Compliment players for their proper behavior, for adhering to your management philosophy, for doing something exceptional

"Honey still attracts more bees than vinegar"



9. If the referee doesn't take action, the players will. Players have a sense of "protecting their own"

Referees: • Make it look like you are taking action, even if you aren't

• The punishment must fit the crime• Listen to the players—what do they want?



Referees are Managers

To be a successful manager, Referees mustsell their management philosophy andgame philosophy and:

• Provide Real-Time Feedback clear, concise verbally, visually


• Exhibit the Three "C's"

care compassion consideration



• Motivate Players

reward protectbe fair



• Acknowledge Players listen

• Communicate ask players: who, what, where,

when, why be in control

• Accept Criticism Graciously players don't expect us to be

perfect—just fair



• Appeal to players' sense of fair play . . . or skill level . . . or observed frustration level do whatever it takes to keep them in the game unless they want otherwise

• In disciplinary situations, always do the least that is necessary to control the situation don't swat flies with a 12-gauge shotgun



• Admit mistakes when they happen players/coaches find this refreshing and are forgiving

• Trust your instincts and go with your guts watch players' reactions, then take action



• Always get the player who started it first before dealing with the retaliator this may cool things down and permit

your second act to be accepted in a more understanding manner

• Use humor a smile and a laugh will defuse many situations



Review

• The referee must manage or be managed

• The player psyche

• The referee as manager

Documents

United States Soccer Federation UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION Psychology of Refereeing