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UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION. Psychology of Refereeing. Refereeing is an exercise in HUMAN RELATIONS. • Referee teams must "manage": - 22 to 36 players - 2 to 4 coaches - 2 to x administrators = 26-42+different personalities.
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UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION Psychology of Refereeing
Refereeing is an exercise in 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, 1 fourth official
Whose Job is More Difficult?
Coach Player Player Player Player Player Referee Player Player Player Administrator The Assistant Player Player Coach Referee Player 22 Players Player Team Coach 3 Coaches Player Player 2 Admins Player Player Administrator Player Player Official Player Referee 2 Player The Pressure Chamber Referee 1 Fourth Assistant
The Referee's Management Philosophy It is the responsibility of the referee team to establish and communicate a clear set of rules and guidelinesfor players to follow andtocreate an environmentthat encourages players toupholdthose rules and guidelines
The Player's Management Philosophy The player has the responsibility to influence (through positive and negative means) the referee's decisions so as to gain an advantage over the opponent
The Player’s Psyche 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 (continued) 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
The Player’s Psyche (continued) 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
The Player’s Psyche (continued) 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
The Player’s Psyche (continued) 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
The Player’s Psyche (continued) 7. Players use gamesmanship and play games to bring the game into disrepute and make the referee's job moredifficult Referees: • Let the players know that YOU know what they are doing • Provide real-time, verbal feedback
The Player’s Psyche (continued) 8. Players are proud of their accomplishments Referees: • Compliment players for their proper behavior, for adhering to your manage- ment philosophy, for doing something exceptional "Honey still attracts more bees than vinegar"
The Player’s Psyche (continued) 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 must sell their management philosophy and game philosophy and: • Provide Real-Time Feedback clear, concise verbally, visually
Referees are Managers • Exhibit the Three "C's" care compassion consideration
Referees are Managers • Motivate Players reward protect be fair
Referees are Managers • 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
Referees are Managers • 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
Referees are Managers • 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
Referees are Managers • 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