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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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
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1 comment:

  1. UnknownMarch 12, 2010 at 2:24 PM

    This is a very insightful article. All of youth sports would be lost without the referees. Thank you to all who spend their time ensuring our kids have a safe and fair environment to play.

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