Refereeing as a Critical Tool

After a two year absence from both coaching and officiating I have just re-certified as a Missouri High School Soccer Official. I have always believed that as a player or a coach I have a responsibility to promote sportsmanship in soccer. I think that one of the best ways for players and coaches to do this is by committing some time to officiating. Stepping into someone else's shoes is a chance to understand the game from a different angle, and to appreciate to role of the referee. I prided myself on trying to call a great game and am still in search of my first perfect game – I know that will never happen but it is my objective every time I step on the field!

Many of my players spent time as youth soccer referees in fun leagues or in FIFA leagues. It was a great way for them to make some spending money and made each of them a better player. Especially for players in the age where they are starting to play without restrictions (full 11 v. 11 play), officiating can be a way to solidify the rules of the game. Players will be able to play within the rules and better understand the calls when they see it from a new perspective.

I also believe that being a referee helped me as a coach and is a key reason I was able to keep my perspective on the sidelines. It was instrumental in keeping a perfect record in over 1400 games of never being carded as a coach. I wish there was a way to force more parents into a “one-time” officiating role to teach them to demonstrate better sportsmanship themselves. In addition to developing respect and understanding for the role of the referee, I was exposed to a lot of great soccer. Officiating provides a unique opportunity to see different line-ups, pre-game techniques, and what works and does not work. Unlike a coach (who is stuck on the sideline) or a player (who is engrossed with their role in the game), a referee gets to see the flow of the game from within it.

A player or coach that wishes to be a true student of the game should definitely consider spending some time as a referee.


Posted by: Tom Fahey

All Time Favorite Drill

One of our favorite drills we called Half-Court. It was similar to playing half-court basketball. We would ususally play 6v6 up to 8v8 and on one side of the field with a marked area to clear the ball after any change of possession. Both teams played with goalies who stayed near the goal but went on attack if their team possessed the ball and defended on transition. By playing in one end many balls go over the goal line so we practiced a high number of corner kicks and finishing. The constant change of possession made every member of each team work on offense, defense, and transition. It makes for a fast and furious drill and gives the goalies tons of work. Keep several balls at each corner and several behind the goal and use the penalty area if marked as the clearing area or mark a 15-20 yard semi-circle for clearing - once cleared you can shoot!