Final Version - Approved

RefeReeingJoint publication of FA Learning and The RA

Volume 09 April 2009

in THiS iSSUe

yellow CARD offenCeS

ConTenTSContributorsJane Bateman, David Elleray, Ken Ridden, Martin Coy, Marvyn Amphlett, Antonio Serrano, Neil Davies, Lee Betts, Steve Martin, Andy Martin, Andy Davies, Matthew Weston, Dean Mohareb, Janie Frampton, Sasa Ihringova, Natalie Walker, Ray Brown, Alan Clayton, Denis Hayes, Colin Harris , Neale Barry,

Editorial TeamIan Blanchard, Cassandra Rees, Anna Gray, Neale Barry and David Elleray.

AcknowledgementsThe contents of Refereeing are copyright of The Football Association. No articles, features or any aspects can be reproduced or photocopied without written permission of The Football Association.

The views of this journal are not necessarily those of The Football Association.

Published by:FA Learning, 25 Soho Square, London, W1D 4FA.

Website:TheFA.com/Refereeing

Email:[email protected]

The FA Crest is a registered trademark of The Football Association. The Football Association 2004

40SUmmeR fiTneSS TRAining

44women'S woRlD CUp

Foreword Jane Bateman 04

Introduction David Elleray 06

Unsporting Behaviour Ken Ridden 08

Dissent Martin Coy 12

Persistent Infringing Marvyn Amphlett 16

Delaying the restart of play Antonio Serrano 20

Failing to respect distance Neil Davies 22

Entering and Leaving Field of Play Lee Betts 26

Martin Bodenham Interview Steve Martin 28

Level 3 Coaching Scheme Neale Barry 32

Level 3 Coach Andy Martin 34

Level 3 Referee Andy Davies 38

Preparing for Fitness Testing Matthew Weston 40

Training Colombian Officials Dean Mohareb 42

Women's World Cup Chile 2008 Janie Frampton, Sasa Ihringova 44

and Natalie Walker

The Beautiful Game on Wheels Ray Brown 47

INAS-FID European Championship Alan Clayton 48

England's FIFA officials 2009 David Elleray 51

The Modern Day Assessing Scheme Denis Hayes 52

What's in a Name? Colin Harris 54

RA Events Colin Harris 56

Do You Really Know the Laws? Neale Barry 57

COVER

12-26yellow

CARD offenCeS

RefeReeingJoint publication of FA Learning and The RAVolume 09 April 2009

in THiS iSSUe

yellow CARD offenCeS

2

REFEREEING VOLUME 09 3

Get yer kit on. For nothing.Join the FAMOA incentive scheme and collect points for each game you referee, to redeem across a range of kit and equipment

To register e-mail [email protected] or call 0207 745 4651

FOREWORD

FEATURE

REFEREEING AT THE FA

FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES

FOREWORD

REFEREES

THE REFEREES ASSOCIATION OF ENGLAND

FEATURE


THE REFEREESASSOCIATION OF ENGLAND

When I joined The FA in 1998, my role as a member of the 2006 World Cup campaign team was to win votes for the English Bid from the 24 members of the FIFA Executive Committee. It was a fascinating era, travelling to all corners of the world to garner support for Englands candidature. It became evident during our travels, however, that The FA, whilst arguably the most famous FA in the world, had actually paid fairly little attention to other football nations and the wider interests of the global game. Sir Stanley Rous, President of FIFA in the 1960s and 70s, and the late Sir Bert Millichip, a former FA Chairman, had been well-known in the international community, but in the 2006 Bid process, we found ourselves short.

The visits around the world promoting the Bid were well-received. We were visiting many of the countries for the first time. And it wasnt enough. What was important was that we learnt from this Bid, and I believe we did. Firstly, our experience demonstrated the importance of investing in international relations; secondly, it was evident that we could and should be playing a greater role in helping to develop the game. It was our reaction to these observations in our Bid travels which led to what I believe became the foundation for The FAs enhanced position within

world football notably the creation of The FAs International Development Programme (IDP).

As I made the transition from Bid team to Head of a new International Relations department, one of the key tasks was to define an FA foreign policy. The questions I asked were: how could English football play a role in supporting FIFA and the confederations in developing the game? Could it be an excellent means to promote English expertise and a positive image for The FA? Wouldnt it educate our staff, our coaches, our referees on the global game? And finally, surely doing more would give us a better chance of winning future tournament bids?

In the early days, my focus was on three countries designated to The FA under the UEFA-CAF Meridian Project, where European national associations were partnered with African counterparts. England was linked with Botswana, Malawi and Lesotho. I will not forget one of my first visits to Botswana with a delegation of FA Referee Instructors, and the mutual admiration which emerged from the training course we ran. On the one hand, the fact that a delegation from England had made the journey to Botswana was much appreciated; on the other, our delegation was uplifted by the enthusiasm with which they were received, the eagerness to learn, and the level of achievement from referees with so little.

Such impressions have been repeated time and time again in all parts of the world since we established this Programme, and it makes me immensely proud. Evidence of how much the Programme has evolved and how much respect it now commands in world football was encapsulated for me at the end of last year when The FAs Neale Barry and Ray Olivier, together with Mike Riley, delivered a training course in Brazil a country of such football pedigree that we felt honoured to be invited. The FAs co-operation agreement with CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation, dates back to 2002 and has been a great success. I admit to being surprised, given that it was a continent renowned for its football brilliance, but our visits there have been consistently in demand. We are most frequently asked for referee training, and have developed excellent relationships with Ecuador through our annual referee assistance programme.

The work in Brazil last November complemented this perfectly. Our instructors worked with 33 elite Brazilian referees over four days. They were receptive to our approach to fitness, for example, to discussing the theories behind refereeing such as positioning and movement, and getting those big decisions right. CONMEBOL reported to us afterwards

that in the six years of our co-operation, this was the best course we had organised. Praise indeed!

Refereeing remains one of the mainstays of our IDP. In Asia, we work annually with elite referees, as well as Asian instructors and assessors. We have also worked in South Africa, as the country seeks to develop its football infrastructure in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup. And our instructors have delivered training in far-flung countries such as Fiji and the Solomon Islands our partners in the Oceania region. All of these experiences are mutually rewarding and educational.

This year sees a shift of emphasis for me, as I move on to Englands bid for the 2018 World Cup. In entering into this Bid, we have many strengths, one of which is undoubtedly the work of our IDP around the world, the knowledge we have accumulated and the friendships and partnerships we have developed. This work will be a cornerstone of our Bid a key part of our legacy proposals, which will be a prerequisite of the bidding process. The referees, coaches and tutors who have been involved in the IDP continue to play their part in promoting England and English football; lets hope we reap the benefits by hosting the World Cup in our country in 2018.

RefeReeing RemAinS one of THe mAinSTAyS of oUR inTeRnATionAl DevelopmenT pRogRAmme

Jane Bateman, Director of Campaign Operations for England 2018

4 REFEREEING VOLUME 09 5

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES

INTRODUCTION


FEATURE



oH, yoURe noT going To book me Ref!

In the early days of football the players were expected to run the games themselves and they only needed an umpire or referee to make a decision when they could not agree.

Indeed, the word referee probably comes from the verb to refer. Only as the game developed and became more competitive was there a need for someone neutral to become proactive in decision-making and also become responsible for discipline on the field of play.

Before the introduction of the yellow card players were simply cautioned the term implying that they were being warned that further misdemeanours would result in the ultimate sanction being dismissed from the field of play. When the authorities decided to take action against those who had been cautioned referees needed to submit a report so they wrote down the offenders name and details of the offence in their book which was invariably black! Hence players were booked. The yellow card was introduced to make it clear to everyone that a player had been cautioned and the need for some form of communication became especially apparent during the 1966

World Cup in England when some players were unaware that they have been booked until well after the game. Ken Aston, FIFAs Head of Refereeing at the time, said that he got the inspiration for the coloured cards whilst waiting at a set of traffic lights amber being the warning, red being stop (driving/playing).

The caution is a vital tool for all referees but, like the red card, it can only be used to discipline players, substitutes and substituted players. The following articles have been written to help referees decide when to use the caution. The most complex revolves around unsporting behaviour (formerly known as ungentlemanly conduct which reflected the sporting roots of the game) so who better to tackle this than Ken Ridden, former FA Director of Refereeing and Vice Chairman of the UEFA Referees Committee. The other cautionable offences are dealt with by some of our leading Level 3 referees.

These articles contain much advice but I would like you to consider one over-riding philosophy when you decide whether or not to bring out the yellow plastic. Cautions are best used to MAINTAIN CONTROL rather than to regain iti.e. use the caution as it was originally intended to prevent further trouble.

David Elleray


FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



For many years, the Laws of the Game made mention of the need for a caution for any player guilty of Ungentlemanly Conduct. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) decided that the terminology should be updated and hence "Unsporting Behaviour" appeared and exists in the present format.

In fact, more cautions are now issued each season for this specific offence than for any other.

Does the former definition of Ungentlemanly Conduct (an action contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game) cover the new terminology?

It does, but it needs to be amplified to clarify a number of newer unacceptable behaviours that have developed with changes in the style, intensity and speed of play in the last two or three decades.

UnSpoRTingbeHAvioURKen Ridden Former Director of Refereeing at The FA and former Vice Chairman of the UEFA Referee Committee


For a long time, the IFAB resisted calls for a formal list of Ungentlemanly Conduct offences, for fear that if some extra new unacceptable behaviour occurred (and was not listed) it would not be punished by referees or would be challenged by players and coaches in disciplinary appeals.

Even after its inception, the new offence of Unsporting Behaviour needed careful thought, understanding and application, beyond knowledge of a simplistic list of things that may just happen in the field of play from time to time.

Hence, two basic but linked concepts that referees should consider have emerged:

1. Did the player in question use a deliberate trick to circumvent the Law? (Law 12, IBD 3)

2. Did the player in question attempt to gain, for himself or his team, a benefit as a result of an unfair action?

Tricks to circumvent the Law or gain benefit unfairly include a player passing the ball to his own goalkeeper using his head or knee, if the referee is convinced such action is merely designed to cheat the intention inherent in the Law.

Similarly arising is the now common 'simulation' offence, whereby a player attempts to deceive the referee by feigning injury or pretending to have been fouled in order to be awarded a free-kick or penalty-kick unfairly.

Detection is not always easy, but positioning, presence and the reading of play (direction of

movement of the ball after the challenge, etc) are all helpful contributors to making a correct judgment and reaching the correct decision.

Continuing the theme of players attempting to benefit by unfair means, attention is drawn to the very unprofessional actions of those participants who wave an imaginary yellow card at a match official to try to have an opponent disciplined.

Any identified Unsporting Behaviour must, not may, result in a caution.

Physical challenges by players need careful scrutiny by referees, with concern being shown for the safety and welfare of the opponents.

Here referees often need to ask themselves (and find immediate on-field answers) what is actually behind a players behaviour or attitude?

Is it a genuine challenge only for the ball?Is it a tackle made in the knowledge that it may

well risk causing injury (manner of challenge)?Is it a relatively minor challenge (perhaps

involving shirt-holding, tripping, etc) or one of deliberate handling of the ball but with an unfair tactical purpose (circumstances of the challenge)?

To answer such questions properly and reach appropriate and correct solutions, match officials need to consider not only the mechanics of such tackles or actions, but also think about the manner in which they are made, their location and their designed purpose.

It has been said many times in Referees Association meetings and seminars, that not every deliberate handball or every intentional trip should be automatically punished with a free-kick or penalty-kick and a caution, despite some people exhorting a referee to react to his "It must be a yellow card" cry.

The manner and specific circumstances are both basic but essential factors.

Referees should consider, for example, precisely how a foul might occur when a player challenges for the ball.

Was it a genuine attempt to gain possession of the ball? Was the outcome affected by the ground conditions or other factors outside the player's control?

Better and more experienced referees try to help players to help themselves by being proactive in many situations (e.g. if jostling is spotted prior to a corner kick being taken, etc) and by being seen to communicate a friendly word of warning not immediately issuing a formal caution and reaching for the yellow card.

However, if the verbal warning is not heeded and the situation escalates, firm action must then follow, with the appropriate punishment determined by Law.

Similarly, if a challenge goes astray due to a genuine attempt for the ball being thwarted merely by the player mistiming his tackle, with no foul intent or malice involved, a free-kick (only) is the fair punishment for such careless play. There is no need for a caution and a yellow card.

Here referees should show understanding and tolerance in the spirit of the game and consider the appropriate use of a personal but formal verbal rebuke to supplement the obligatory free-kick award.

A referee who shows he understands the game, and not just the limiting words of the Laws, gains respect.

Beyond playing in a 'careless manner' (free-kick only) there is additionally the more sinister reckless play, where a player clearly knows the challenge may risk injury to his opponent, but still chooses to continue the thrust and expose the opponent to the known danger.

Any challenge judged by a referee to be reckless must be cautioned for Unsporting Behaviour.

However, there are also occasions when relatively minor shirt-pulling on a player involved in a developing movement toward goal will unfairly halt a promising attack.

The deliberate handling of the ball to prevent an opponent gaining possession or being able to continue the development of an attack is a further example of a circumstance where a caution for Unsporting Behaviour is demanded, i.e. it is an offence committed for the tactical purpose of unfairly interfering with, or breaking up, a promising attack.

Of course, there are other offences too, not detailed in this article, for which a caution for Unsporting Behaviour is required in Law making unauthorised marks on the field of play, verbally distracting an opponent during play or at a restart, etc but attention has been drawn to those offences which particularly mar the present game from 'ungentlemanly' actions.

By respecting the Laws and the spirit of the Laws, your officiating will be enhanced throughout the season and you will gain respect from those with goodwill toward the game.

Good whistling!

MORE CAUTIOnS ARE ISSUED EACh SEASOn FOR ThIS SPECIFIC OFFEnCE ThAn FOR Any OThER

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



PROFILE

Ken Ridden

19771992 FA National Training Officer for Referees

19832000 Attended International FA Board

19862006 Member of UEFA Referees Committee

19921998 FA Premier League Director of Referees

19922000 FA Director of Refereeing

Awarded UEFA Order of Merit for services to European Football


The Law in relation to dissent is clear, but dealing with dissent is one of the key challenges for referees at all levels, particularly at grassroots level and for those in the early stages of their refereeing career. With the increased emphasis on retaining referees it is important that officials have the skills they need to deal with dissent.

What is dissent?Football is a passionate and emotional game and it is therefore vital that referees can distinguish between players showing reasonable frustration and disappointment, and those who are committing an offence in Law.

Experience and knowledge of the game will help you recognise when a players reaction is acceptable. If a player reacts quickly and instinctively and the incident passes quickly it is likely that this is an understandable response. A quiet word in passing (after another phase of play) may help manage this player and stop his actions escalating into dissent.

You will generally know when a player has crossed your tolerance level. A strong and public display of disagreement should be considered as dissent by word. If you recognise that the comment is not made out of frustration or disappointment, but it is a direct criticism of you or one of your colleagues and may undermine your authority, then you should consider this dissent by word and caution the offender.

Martin Coy Football League Assistant Referee and Level 3 Referee

DiSSenT

yOU WILL GEnERALLy KnOW WhEn A PLAyER hAS CROSSED yOUR TOLERAnCE LEVEL

REF FACTS

Martin Coy

Age 24 Occupation PE Teacher 2003 Started refereeing

2007 Reached Level 3

2008 Assistant on FA Vase Semi Final Promoted to National List of Assistant Referees

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE




The following are clear examples of dissent by action and should be dealt with by a caution: Throwing the ball into the ground Throwing or kicking the ball away Running towards the referee or assistant

to argue with a decision Making a glasses signal Sarcastic clapping Crowding around a referee or assistant

how to deal with verbal and physical reactions to decisionsNormally a stepped approach can be used when dealing with verbal or physical reactions to decisions. 1. A quiet word to warn the offender and to

let him know that you are not happy with his behaviour.

2. A formal rebuke. You need to isolate the offender and ensure that he, the other players, managers and supporters are aware that you are not happy with his behaviour. You may consider using the captain at this point. A cutting the grass signal can also help you to sell the fact that you are not happy and will not accept anymore.

3. A caution. If a player shows dissent you have no option but to caution. If you have gone through the stepped approach most players and supporters will accept that you have warned them and they have only themselves to blame.

At times a player will show serious dissent to the refereeing teams decision. At this stage you need to caution the player immediately and it will not be possible to use the stepped approach.

Can we stop dissent?It is not always possible to stop dissent happening in your game. However, it is important that we are pro-active in our approach as prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips for helping to stop dissent: Do your homework

Is the game a relegation battle, championship decider or local derby? Is there history between the two teams? Factors like this can raise the tension and intensity of the match, so information such as this will help you manage the game. Also, are there individual players who are potentially difficult? What strategies have other referees used to manage the players successfully?

Read the signs

Try to gauge when a player is becoming frustrated as this is when dissent is likely. Their body language and attitude towards you, the opposition and team mates is a key indicator that dissent may soon occur. There are also times and incidents within games which can heighten tension and may ultimately lead to dissent. Examples of these times include: the beginning of the game, just before and after half-time,

when a player has been injured, when there has been a controversial decision, a last minute goal, penalty or a red card. These are all potential flashpoint moments which can cause players to lose their calm; this can lead to frustration and ultimately dissent. It is important that you recognise these moments within games and then deal with them appropriately. At such times you may need to raise your profile. You need to be alert and react appropriately, using all your skills to manage the game and avoid dissent.

Intervene early

As a referee you need to be on the lookout for players who you feel show dissent. Players who are making mistakes, being fouled, missing shots, being criticised by the manager and spectators are more likely to become frustrated and this in turn can lead to dissent. In order to prevent this show some sympathy for the player, try and work with them and get them on your side. You may wish to use the captain, this is something that many referees have done for a long time but is now more actively encouraged and appreciated due to the Respect programme. If a player will not listen to you maybe the captain or a key player can calm the player down?

Manage players and the game

Use your skills and management techniques in order to manage the game and players. Recognise that some players will respond well

to a joke to diffuse the tension whereas others will need you to take more formal action earlier in the game.

Quality and accuracy of decision-making

The best way to minimise dissent is to get decisions, especially critical decisions, right. Your key refereeing skills of positioning, signals and reading the game will help you make correct decisions and sell your decisions confidently which will reduce the amount of dissent you experience. ConclusionBe pro-active in your approach to dissent. Dont take dissent personally and do not allow the players to undermine your confidence in your decision-making. Develop your overall refereeing skills and your ability to deal with dissent and you will become a better official and enjoy the game more. You have a responsibility to the game, yourself and your colleagues to deal with dissent. Doing nothing is simply not an option.

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



A PLAyER WhO IS GUILTy OF DISSEnT By PROTESTInG (VERBALLy OR nOn-VERBALLy) AGAInST A REFEREES DECISIOn MUST BE CAUTIOnED


An important refereeing attribute is maintaining a high level of concentration and awareness during a game, particularly in the opening stages of a game when players are often keenly contesting possession. Being focused during these opening exchanges is crucial to confirming match control.

Identifying players who persistently infringe the Laws of the Game is a challenge in itself. However, there are many methods you can use to ensure that you identify and deal with those players who overstep the fair and safe environment you should be aiming to maintain.

The methods used to help detect players who may persistently infringe the Laws revolve around:

a) the location of challenges b) characteristics of the player

committing the offence(s)

a) For example, free-kicks awarded along the attacking left wing will more often than not be as a result of unfair challenges from the right full-back or right sided midfield player. Making a mental note here is useful. When you award a free-kick glance up at the offending player and if you cant note the shirt number try and identify his restart position. b) Another aid is mentally noting player characteristics. It may be this player has distinguishing facial features, maybe vocally or some other unique feature for you to make a mental recollection of this player.

Dealing with persistence inevitably involves a stepped approach which, in turn, is influenced by a measure of judgment of the seriousness of the offences. The first intervention may come after the first offence if it is a clear and more than routine offence. However, where a player commits a number of minor fouls or other infringements several may occur before the first

intervention (beyond penalising the offence). Once you start to deal with either of these persistence categories you will follow a stepped approach unless, of course, an offence is serious enough in its own right to merit a caution:

1st Step Quiet verbal advice2nd Step Public verbal advice

(consider using captain)3rd Step Caution

Each individual circumstance is different and often the timing and location of the challenges will be key components when deciding what action to apply. For example, the stepped approach is particularly useful should the repetition of challenges occur during a reasonable period of time, e.g. within 20 or 30 minutes as this will make the caution easier to sell to the player, opponents, club officials and spectators alike.

It is vital that in order to administer a caution for persistence successfully you use effective communication skills and sell the sanctions to the wider audience you want to make sure the blame lies with the player and does not give the impression that you are the villain!

The first stage of making the player aware of his actions with a quiet word can often take place either immediately after the challenge, if your positioning and control is not compromised, or in a passage of play shortly afterwards when an opportunity arises, but there is no need to make it public. Often the words be careful, try and get your timing right on those tackles or similar could be used.

The second stage is to stop play and make it clear to the player that his unfair challenges are increasing and a reminder that further repetitions will involve stronger action. Doing this verbally and using hand signals, such as crossing arm gestures indicating no more,

peRSiSTenTly infRinging Marvyn Amphlett FA Licensed Referee Instructor and Level 3 Referee

THE LAWS OF THE GAME

EACh InDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTAnCE IS DIFFEREnT AnD OFTEn ThE TIMInG AnD LOCATIOn OF ThE ChALLEnGES WILL BE KEy COMPOnEnTS WhEn DECIDInG WhAT ACTIOn TO APPLy

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



REF FACTS

Marvyn Amphlett

1992 Qualified as a Referee

2005Attained status as an FA Licensed Referee Instructor

2006Attained Level 3 status

Conference South Play-Off Final Assistant Referee


not carrying out a caution once you have actioned a public warning will undermine your control and credibility.

Offences which are classified as persistent will usually come under the category of careless or mistimed challenges. Some may be honest in intention and often, either due to the playing conditions or the speed, skill and agility of the opponent, will result in an unfair challenge being committed.

It is important to re-emphasise that several factors will determine when to carry out this stepped approach. It may be after the second offence that you decide to offer a quiet word, the third offence a public warning and the fourth offence a caution. It may be the intensity of the game, the timing of the challenges spread over 90 minutes and not 30 minutes thus less obvious to the spectator that will influence your actions. However, it is vital that you are seen to be dealing with those players who are potentially breaking up play with unfair

challenges, which will often frustrate opponents and it is important to be aware of this.

Using the start of the second half prior to the restart is an opportune and sometimes very effective time to remind player(s) of their responsibilities. Approach the player with a quiet word and/or a polite reminder to the captain. Try and come across as wanting to help rather than dictating remember you want to try and work with the players, not against them.

A further method to help your awareness will involve your team of match officials and often your assistants can help you identify offenders. Consulting with your colleagues during the half-time interval to ascertain their own observations on players committing several offences can be very helpful. Equally, as part of your pre-match briefing, consider asking your assistants to bring to your attention any occurrence, where you have publicly rebuked and failed to administer a caution, should another offence take place by the same player

IT IS VITAL ThAT yOU ARE SEEn TO BE DEALInG WITh ThOSE PLAyERS WhO ARE POTEnTIALLy BREAKInG UP PLAy WITh UnFAIR ChALLEnGES, WhICh WILL OFTEn FRUSTRATE OPPOnEnTS AnD ITS IMPORTAnT TO BE AWARE OF ThIS

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



In summary, mentally noting penalised offences to identify players who persistently infringe the Laws of the Game requires a high level of awareness, communication and team skills. You can gain much credence and help contribute to a safe, enjoyable and fair environment for players and spectators alike by dealing sensibly but firmly with persistent offenders.

SUMMARy

is an effective signal to use. You might also find an opportunity to use the captain either with the player (if the captain is nearby) or by having a quiet word with the captain very soon after the public warning, e.g. Your players got to be careful, you may also want to remind him. The more pro-active captain will advise the player and remind him. Alternatively, a shout over to the captain can be effective as it makes other players aware of the situation as well.

The third stage the caution - should be very sellable if you have carried out the previous routine(s). However, to apply further credence to your decision to award a caution to the player, use hand gestures to point to the previous locations and consider an open palm hand gesture with both hands down by your side as if to say you leave me no option and administer the caution appropriately.

Please be aware that if you carry out this stepped approach then cautioning the player at the third stage is crucial. In other words,

before play is restarted just in case of a memory block.

If you have the services of a fourth official this presents an opportunity to maximise their involvement and ask them to make a count of fouls committed by players, so again this can be discussed at half-time.


Acts which delay the restart of play frequently cause tension and frustration amongst players. Unfortunately for match officials, they can be something of a regular occurrence, particularly in matches where the outcome has a significant importance for either side.

Offenders adopt such tactics with the sole intention of slowing the game in order to gain some sort of advantage, whether that be to have time to re-organise defensively, impede the progress of a promising attack or break up sustained periods of pressure (thus lowering the tempo of the game). It is important that we correctly identify and punish such acts in order to ensure the beautiful game is played in a fair manner.

Identifying what constitutes to an act of delaying the restart of playI am sure many of us have dealt with the common instances of players kicking the ball away to prevent an opponent from initiating an attack. This can be at free-kicks, corners or as often is the case, a throw-in. It undeniably creates a defensive advantage for the offending individuals team. However, one should also be aware that there are a number of other situations which must be identified as acts which constitute a delay to the restart of play:

Players standing on the ball at free-kicks and not retreating

Holding the ball while retreating or moving to a position before returning it to the opposition

Goalkeepers taking excessive time to take a goal-kick or get in position for a penalty-kick

Remember also that under Law 12, a substitute or substituted player can be cautioned if he or she is guilty of delaying the restart of play.

Preventative refereeing How often are we aware of a player who is about to delay the restart of play, but allow it to happen on the field and then use the powers of the Laws to serve punishment? We can act using a preventative style of refereeing to reduce the possibilities of players committing the act in the first place. Sometimes, we only act when play has stopped, which can be too late. We need to be alert and actively manage an area that could lead to a potential problem. Waiting for an incident to occur before becoming pro-active is too late; being aware of the possibility of acts to delay the restart is a necessity from the very first whistle.

Control free-kick situations by facing the incident and waiting a little longer at the scene before moving into position. Recognise potential troublesome players who may have a game plan to deliberately slow stoppages. Use a mix of your voice and whistle to emphasise your presence and your requirement for players to retreat without interfering with the ball. Communicating verbally and with the whistle (with a use of an arm signal) is often a good way of dealing with a goalkeeper who looks to be deliberately slowing the game down at goal-kicks. Heighten your awareness as the game moves into its latter stages as offences are more likely to occur as teams fight for the result they require. Take into account the fatigue level of the players, the numbers remaining on the field of play and, often of greatest importance, the score. Teams winning 4-0 tend not to delay (though their opponents might) and those clinging on to a one goal lead will usually try every tactic possible.

Quick breaks often produce acts of delay to create defensive advantage so try to get as close as possible to be in a strong position to manage. If you are using neutral assistants consider their involvement with your preventive refereeing style, particularly with the goalkeeper and

DelAying THe ReSTART of plAy Anthony Serrano Level 3 Referee

CREDIBILITy IS EVERyThInG

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



REF FACTS

Anthony Serrano

2001 Started refereeing

2008 Reached Level 3 status

2008-9 Officiated at Football League grounds in The FA Youth Cup

Panel Assistant

2009 Appointed to first Conference South game in first year as Level 3 referee

incidents in their vicinity where they can effectively communicate; it may be worth setting this out in your pre-match briefing. Co-operation with club assistants may be harder and may look a little conspicuous if a club assistant is constantly shouting for play to be quickly resumed. It is therefore important that you take full control of the situation yourself, keeping up with play to be ready to handle any potential incident.

Using preventative refereeing techniques and being pro-active is a big part of being a successful match official. Dealing with potential acts that delay the restart of play is a good example of when these characteristics can be applied. Wherever possible take preventative steps to reduce such acts to ensure that your level of control and presence are heightened amongst players, officials, spectators and, of course, assessors.

We cannot prevent everythingInevitably, there comes a time where a deliberate act occurs that, even with the best preventative refereeing ability, merits action being taken. The question often facing you as a referee is,

do I manage this situation by using a public reprimand or is a caution the appropriate punishment?, Is tapping the ball away a short distance in a relaxed game the same as volleying it forty yards down field as an opposing team seeks to break quickly from a dead ball situation? We must have a seasoned empathy for the mood and spirit of the game to try to prevent unnecessary technical cautions. It must be made clear, however, that when the act is a blatant attempt to slow the game and gain an advantage, action must be taken under Law 12. Remember that some acts of kicking the ball away may be dissent against your decision and should undoubtedly be dealt with using the yellow card. If you decide to set your mark early with a caution this will then limit your ability to sell any management of this offence later in the game. Overall, whether managing or cautioning, it is crucial that you do not miss the first opportunity to act when an offence occurs. Doing nothing is not an option and can undermine your authority leading to more serious problems later in the game. Remember credibility is everything and your decision whether to manage or not must be understood by all concerned.


As match officials, we are sometimes in a tricky position when dealing with players failing to respect the required distance at a restart of play. On the one hand, players and managers do not want to have their attacking play unfairly and frustratingly restricted by their opponents. On the other hand, whilst those involved in football are generally accepting of referees being strict on physical offences, they are not keen to see cards for offences which they perceive to be trivial. So, how do we deal with this problem?

fAilURe To ReSpeCT THe ReqUiReD DiSTAnCeneil Davies Level 3 Referee

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE




The second category contains offences which are an attempt to obtain an unfair advantage. Examples might include:

A player in a defensive wall charging towards the ball before a free-kick is taken.

A player who, in the closing minutes of a closely fought match, deliberately fails to retreat ten yards from the position of a free-kick to prevent an attacking opportunity.

Choosing which category to place an offence is not easy, and there may be many factors to consider.

What stage of the game is it? Are the teams likely to want to slow

the game down? What is the score? Is one team chasing the game? What is the position of the other players

on the field of play? Did the failure to respect the required

distance allow team-mates to get back into defensive positions?

Has the same player (or several players from the same team) already been guilty of such tactics?

TO BE ABLE TO DEAL WITh ThE OFFEnCE, WE MUST BE AWARE OF PLAyERS WhO ARE InFRInGInG

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



REF FACTS

neil Davies

Age 23

Occupation Actuary


2005 Promoted to Level 4 Referee (West Cheshire League and Hellenic League)

2007 Referee Cheshire FA Youth Cup Final

Attended USA Cup and Norway Cup

2008 West Cheshire League Pyke Cup Final Referee

2008 Promoted to Level 3

2009 Referee Cheshire Senior Cup Semi Final

PreventionThere are several tools in the referees armoury which can be used to try to prevent players from failing to respect the required distance at a restart of play. When awarding a free-kick, consider getting close to the incident and use your voice and arms to encourage defending players to move away. Similarly, after positioning a defensive wall, avoiding turning away and talking to the defenders (for example, telling them to hold your position until the free-kick is taken) can assist in preventing creeping or charging forwards before the kick is taken. In both of these cases, because the players are aware of your presence, they are less likely to offend.

Dealing with the offenceIn the event that prevention techniques fail, referees need to take strong and effective action to deal with offenders.

If a player commits the offence of failing to respect the required distance at a restart of play, and it is judged to be a clear attempt to gain an unfair advantage, we have no option but to caution the offender. Failure to do so is likely to frustrate the disadvantaged players and, as a result, lack of the correct action could jeopardise

match control. Calmly issuing the caution, making it clear why the player is being penalised, will hopefully deter further offenders. However, if players persist in infringing the Law, then referees must be consistent and caution again.

When offences have been identified as falling into the category of a test of the referee, it is important to respond proportionately and effectively. If an immediate caution seems inappropriate then opt for a public rebuke (possibly involving the team captain), which makes it clear to the offender and to the other players that you will not tolerate such tactics.

You can judge whether your action is effective by asking yourself:

Do I need to respond to this challenge to my authority to maintain control?

Is the offended team unduly frustrated (which could affect our control) or disadvantaged?

If the answer to either of the above questions is yes then a caution is the only option. As much as we may want to avoid so-called soft cautions for technical offences, players and managers should not be in a position to complain if they have been sufficiently warned.

Although Law 12 deals with failing to respect the required distance at the taking of a corner-kick, a throw-in or a free-kick, this article focuses largely on offences that occur at the award of a free-kick, although the issues are generally consistent across the different restarts.

Recognition of the offenceTo be able to deal with the offence, we must be aware of players who are infringing. In my experience there are broadly two categories into which offences can be considered.

The first of these is the test of the referee. They are the instances where the players actions ask, What will you let me get away with? (to which we must come up with a robust answer). Examples of offences in this category might include:

Players in a defensive wall who shuffle forwards (penguin-style) when they think the referee is not looking after they have been moved to a distance of ten yards from a free-kick.

A player who, in the opening minutes of a game, with little to gain from slowing the game down, is deliberately slow at retreating from a free-kick to make it difficult for the opposition to restart play.


Lee Betts Football League Assistant Referee and Level 3 Referee

IT IS UP TO ThE REFEREE TO REMAIn ALERT AnD AWARE AT ALL TIMES AS TO WhICh PLAyERS hAVE LEFT ThE FIELD OF PLAy

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



REF FACTS

Lee Betts


2006Promoted to Level 3

2007 Norfolk Senior Cup Final Referee

2008 FA County Youth Cup Final Assistant Referee

Promoted to National List of Assistant Referees

enTeRing AnD leAving THe fielD wiTHoUT peRmiSSion

Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referees permission.A deliberate act of leaving the field of play has to be seen by the referee as being fully intentional. A player may seek to leave the playing area for a variety of reasons such as to receive treatment, to change or correct their equipment or to receive instructions from the touchline. In any such case, a player must get permission from the referee, no matter how temporary the absence from the playing area is, and failure to do so should result in a caution.

In addition, players have also been seen to leave the field of play deliberately in an attempt to place an opponent in an offside position. In this instance play should be allowed to continue and the offending player cautioned during the next break in play.

It should be remembered that for the purposes of offside, a defender who goes temporarily off the field is still considered on the field for the

purpose of offside as seen in the Netherlands v Italy match in the Euro 2008 finals. However, it is not an offence for an attacking player, who is in an offside position, to step off the field of play for tactical reasons thus showing the referee that they are not involved in active play. However, that player must then seek the permission from the referee to re-enter the playing area.

A player who has left the field of play accidentally should not be sanctioned, but the referee should make sure the player is making a concerted effort to re-enter the playing area as soon as possible. For example, a player could unintentionally leave the field of play due to their natural momentum in running or challenging for the ball or due to a physical challenge by an opponent. Similarly, a player in possession of the ball may also pass over the goal line or touch line in order to beat an opponent but as this is considered part of the natural playing movement it should not be seen as a deliberate act.

During the course of 90 minutes there are many instances where a player may need to enter or leave the field of play. The referee has a responsibility to make sure

that these instances are managed correctly and in accordance with Law. The challenge for the referee is to distinguish clearly between deliberate acts of leaving and entering the field of play without permission and those that are accidental and, as far as possible, prevent the deliberate acts before they become a cautionable offence.

Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referees permissionThere are several situations where a player may wish to enter or re-enter the field of play and continue their involvement in the game. For instance, after a player has received treatment for an injury, or has left the field of play to correct or change their equipment or because they have arrived late to the start of either half. An example of the latter was seen at the highest level last season when Howard Webb correctly cautioned Didier Drogba of Chelsea for deliberately entering the field of play without permission, following the players delayed arrival to the start of the second half.

It is up to the referee to remain alert and aware at all times as to which players have left the field

of play and may soon want to re-join the match. This high level of awareness is crucial to detecting a player who has re-joined the match without consent and the correct sanction administered a caution to the offending player and play re-starting with an indirect free-kick from where the offence occurred.

If a player wants to enter or re-enter the field of play they must seek permission from the referee and wait on the touchline. The referee must make sure that permission is interpreted as an unmistakable signal so there is no doubt that that a player can re-join the game in accordance with Law. Such a signal would normally be in the form of a clear hand gesture beckoning the player onto the pitch along with verbal communication. Also the referee has the opportunity to be pro-active and remind the player as they leave the pitch to wait for a clear signal before re-joining play which may help to prevent the player from re-entering prematurely and thus avoid a possible caution.

Remember the referee need not wait for a stoppage in play to grant permission for a player to re-enter the field of play except in a case where that individual has been told to rectify or remove a dangerous item or is returning following a blood injury. In both cases the referee must fully check the player before permission can be granted.


LIKE REFEREEInG ITS ALL ABOUT GETTInG ThE MAJOR DECISIOnS RIGhT

Martin Bodenham is the first person to officiate at the top level in both football and in cricket. Steve Martin caught up with him and found out what it takes to be a top cricket umpire.

SM: What made you make the transition from refereeing football to umpiring cricket?MB: I played 2nd XI championship and league cricket so when I finished refereeing, it was a natural progression to take up umpiring. I managed to get the top grading in the Sussex League and became the local umpire for 2nd XI championship matches. The Sussex coach, Peter Moores, encouraged me to go on to the ECB Reserve List.

SM: Are there any umpire fitness tests you have to undergo?MB: We have tests at Loughborough which include hearing, eyesight, a 12 minute bench step up, and positioning yourself behind the stumps and then moving quickly sideways to judge run outs.

SM: Is your fitness monitored throughout the season?MB: If reports from our coaches or the team captains suggest that there may be a fitness issue, you could have a mid-season test, not too dissimilar to football refereeing.

SM: Is there a camaraderie between cricket umpires, similar to referees?MB: Like refereeing, its very much a team game and you have to give support and assistance to your colleague, particularly if he has had a difficult period of play, i.e. he has had all the major incidents and numerous appeals.

SM: how does the increased use of technology in cricket affect you?MB: Its fairly straightforward. Ive done two TV replays as the third umpire in one day games and it has worked fine. I have not been the on-field umpire yet but I am looking forward to being involved as its all about getting the major decisions right.

SM: Do you have any specific training on what to do in certain situations if you are not sure if he has been run out for instance?MB: Its not too dissimilar to offside; if its inconclusive the decision goes to the batsman just like the advantage goes to the attacker in football. However, there are freeze frames etc, so 99% of the time the information is there for you to make a correct judgement and there isnt a problem.

Steve Martin National List Assistant Referee and Contributory League Referee

boDenHAm joinS 2009 UmpiReS liST

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



Martin Bodenham (right), Warwickshire v Gloucestershire, Edgbaston


SM: how do you think technology can be best brought in with football?MB: I agree with David Elleray, Id like to see a sin bin for yellow cards so the player would be penalised for that specific incident rather than another team benefitting from him being suspended in another game. Id also like to see goal line technology and possibly two or three referrals for anything else that the referee/team may wish to be reviewed. I would not want a stop-start game as we want to see a game of football that is always in progress. In cricket we can do that because there is a natural delay from one ball to the next. In football it is different. I appreciate that we have to get the major decisions correct, its just how far do we go?

SM: Could you describe a typical day as a cricket umpire?MB: The night before is spent in a local hotel. I am at the ground two and a half hours before the start and checking the sight screens, the wicket, field of play, creases etc. I familiarise myself with the rules and regulations/local rules for that particular venue, e.g. at Canterbury there is a tree inside the boundary and if the ball hits it then it is a four. The matches start at 11am and

go on until 6pm. At the end of a days play, I reflect on what went well for me and the areas I need to improve on. As with refereeing I do a self assessment which is sent to my umpire coach.

SM: What are your thoughts on the new Association for Elite Sports Officials AESO?MB: I attended the inaugural meeting and it was fascinating to hear and share ideas with officials in other sports. The sports that form the association are football, cricket, rugby union and rugby league. The aim is to exchange ideas and techniques and also promote a positive image of sports officials. It really is an eye opener into what goes on behind the scenes in these sports.

SM: Are there any memorable moments from your refereeing career?MB: The main games that stand out are the three FA Cup Semi-Finals that I refereed and the League Cup Final. I was also 4th official in the AC Milan v Barcelona 1994 European Cup Final. What also stands out most for me is the six months I spent in Japan teaching and refereeing in the first year of the J League. It was a fantastic experience.

SM: Is there anything that stands out for you from the Final in 1994?MB: The interesting thing about that game was that we werent appointed to the match until three days before it was due to be played when UEFA decided to change the Dutch match officials because of Dutch players in the Barcelona team. In Athens we were taken off the plane and through a special gate missing out customs and passport control.

SM: When you were active, what were the relationships between players, managers and referees like in comparison to how they are today?MB: I dont think theres too much difference. Football is a passionate game and occasionally people overreact. There is lot more money involved now and with it comes added pressure. As a referee you have to earn respect and mustnt be complacent. My aim was to always give the game a chance and to let players express themselves. I only intervened when I felt it was necessary and I dont think thats a bad benchmark to work on.

SM: As a referee, what personal qualities do you think you need to have to be a professional referee?MB: You need to have commitment and be fit, even more so these days. The game is quicker now and I know that the referees are fitter than ever before. Its important to be fit but at the end of the day you have to obtain the optimum viewing position to judge incidents. If you are two yards from an incident, you will not get the same view if you were ten yards away as your field of vision would be different. It is essential for a referee to be a good man-manager, have a thorough knowledge of the Laws of the Game and be a good communicator both on and off the field of play.

SM: Was there a particular player whom you found harder to deal with when you were an active referee? MB: When Vinnie Jones played you were always in for an interesting 90 minutes but he was one of the nicest people youd ever wish to meet off the field of play.

SM: Which League ground did you most enjoy officiating at?MB: St. James Park, White Hart Lane and Highbury because of the atmosphere. In addition the games generally also went well for me at those grounds which was a help!

SM: If you could give advice to a referee who is just starting out what would it be?MB: The most important thing is enjoyment. You must also be ambitious and the Level 3 referees in my coaching group all set themselves realistic targets; if these are achieved then anything above should be looked at as a bonus.

SM: To comply with European Law we have no retirement age in refereeing. What is your opinion of this and are there similar restrictions in cricket umpiring?MB: With cricket umpiring, you retire at 65; there are no extensions any more. As for refereeing, I would like to see an age limit to avoid blocking the system for new referees coming on the list.

SM: If you could change one thing about your refereeing career what would it be?MB: I wish I could have been a stone lighter and a bit faster. I was a pretty good reader of the game and had an ability to be in the right place at the right time; I had plenty of stamina but I just wasnt the quickest.

SM: Which local RA Societies do you attend?MB: I am an associate member of my local Worthing RA and Vice President of Brighton RA. The meetings are always great fun and it is good to catch up with colleagues and share experiences. The RA meetings are the perfect opportunity to meet referees and I can pass on advice and experience and hopefully help referees reach the higher echelons of the game.

SM: What are your goals for the coming cricket season?MB: To enjoy my first year and get established. I have been umpiring championship and one day cricket for the past year so its not completely new.

WhEn VInnIE JOnES PLAyED yOU WERE ALWAyS In FOR An InTERESTInG 90 MInUTES!

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE




FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



The scheme is monitored using the following criteria: Club and assessor marks Subjective views of clubs and leagues Rates of retention at Level 3 Promotion and progress of leading Level 3

referees; ultimately the number moving to the Football League/Premier League and FIFA

Feedback from Level 3 referees Impact on referees lower down the pyramid

who aspire to Level 3 and beyond

There are ten coaches who are responsible for the referees in particular counties. For season 2008/9 they are:

Phil Prosser Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Middlesex, London, AFA

Steve Lodge West Riding, Sheffield & Hallamshire

Barry Sygmuta Durham, Northumberland, East Riding, North Riding, Cumberland

George Cain Lancashire, Liverpool, Manchester

Andy Martin Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Birmingham

Martin Cassidy Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon, Cornwall, Worcestershire

Phil Joslin Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire

Peter Walton Norfolk, Essex, Huntingdonshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk

Martin Bodenham Kent, Sussex, Surrey Dave Frampton Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire,

Berks & Bucks

Each coach has a number of new Level 3 referees (approx six-seven) and around five-six referees who, by their performance in season 2007-8, were identified as having the talent/potential to progress up the pyramid.

This season there are 122 referees in the coaching scheme: 67 new Level 3 referees 40 Year 2 referees 15 Year 3 and above referees

During the season any referee whose performance indicates the possibility of advancement will be brought into a coaching group. Equally, a referee

level 3 RefeRee CoACHing SCHemeneale Barry FA Head of Senior Referee Development

who does not appear to be embracing or benefitting from the scheme may be dropped from a coaching group.

Role of the coach All coaches operate within the same framework under the direct guidance of myself as Head of Senior Referee Development and David Elleray, Vice Chairman of The FA Referees Committee. The coaches:

Discuss with each referee an individual development plan which will include targets for performance, fitness and administration

Watch each referee in their group at least three times each season

Have regular contact with referees, particularly before and after key matches

Where appropriate, take a referee to watch a match either when the coach is assessing or when another group member is officiating

Assist referees within the group if they encounter problems with fitness, health, administration, availability or any other issue where the referee may benefit from advice/intervention/assistance

Arrange occasional meetings of the whole coaching group

Receive and analyse all assessments on referees within his group

Submit regular reports on each referee to the Head of Senior Referee Development and submit recommendations for promotion from Level 3 and for movement into/out of a coaching group

Where possible, watch a referee from another coaching group if requested

If requested, watch a Level 4 referee who has been identified as a strong candidate for promotion to Level 3

Identify trends within the group which can become the focus of attention/development for all Level 3 referees and assistants

Submit to regular appraisal by the Head of Senior Referee Development and Vice Chairman of The FA Referees Committee

The impact of the scheme has already been very good, with many clubs commenting positively on this key FA initiative. The referees are also benefitting as demonstrated by the merit tables and their growing confidence and competence. It is hoped the scheme will be extended for the 2009/10 season.

The Level 3 Referees Coaching scheme was introduced in 2006 and its aims are to: Raise the standard of refereeing at Level 3 (Contributory League) Assist referees newly promoted to Level 3 to settle in quickly and effectively Identify and develop those referees showing the potential/talent to progress to higher levels Identify and assist those referees struggling at Level 3 Identify development areas for all Level 3 referees and assistant referees


35

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



LEVEL 3 REFEREE COACH

AnDy mARTinREF FACTS

Andy Martin

1986 2005 Level 3 Referee

1991 - 2005 National List and Select Group Assistant Referee

1997 FA Vase Final Assistant Referee

2002 FA Match of Unity in Kabul Assistant Referee

11 European Appointments as Assistant Referee

I am one of The FAs ten Level 3 Referee Coaches. I have twelve referees in my coaching group and, like my fellow coaches, some are in their first season as a Level 3 referee. My major role is to help these new Level 3 referees settle into refereeing football at this level but I also have to decide at the end of the season which ones I think The FA should keep in the coaching scheme. Apart from the new Level 3 referees, I also have some who have shown in recent seasons that they have the potential to progress. My role is to motivate them and refine their skills.

Overall, whether a referee is a new Level 3 or someone with more experience, my responsibility is to monitor their performance levels and challenge each referee within my coaching group to work towards achieving an optimum performance level.

I work with my referees in a number of ways. We have several group meetings which include discussion sessions and also give me the opportunity for a one-to-one, face-to-face review with each of them. Most of my work, however, is on an individual basis by phone, e-mail or watching games.

Every Friday I email all the referees in my coaching group to give them a particular topic which has been raised in assessments, in The RA/FA magazine or in a recent high profile incident. I challenge them to think about the topic but I am not expecting them to go out and change their style of refereeing. I just want them to be thinking about it and to be aware of refereeing issues whether they are national or specific to themselves.

If I decide to go to a game as referee coach (which I do most weekends) I let the referee know and try and help him or her (I have one female referee in my group) ensure they are totally focused and prepared. I normally arrive at the ground at 1.45pm, meet the home and away Club Secretaries and briefly explain my role. I will also meet up with the assessor if there is one. I do not go to the match officials dressing room until after the exchange of team sheets but I ensure I am there well before the officials pre-match warm-up as I do not want to interrupt or interfere with their preparations. I have a quick look at the team sheets and discuss any issues relating to the weather, pitch, team tactics etc. I then run through a previously agreed short game plan with the referee and ensure that the referee and assistants are focused and ready for the game. I try to inspire confidence in them all.

MAnAGInG ExPECTATIOnS IS VERy IMPORTAnT


On Sunday afternoon I phone all my referees who had a Contributory game the day before. We briefly discuss the key incidents and developmental points which arose in the game. Crucially, each referee then completes a detailed self-assessment form which must reach me by the Monday following a Saturday game. Self-assessments are so important at Level 3 where not all games are assessed (though the number covered has greatly increased in the last couple of years) as referees who want to progress must become highly self-critical if they are to improve.

Once I have studied a self-assessment I email a detailed response highlighting any areas of concern (on or off the field) and offer advice. If the referee was assessed I will also have a detailed discussion (usually over the phone) about the assessment, focusing particularly on the strengths and even more importantly, the areas raised for development. Each referee keeps a log spreadsheet of the game, assessment mark, three strengths and three areas for development. This is forwarded to me

on a monthly basis and assists me in compiling my referee coaching reports for The FA Head of Senior Referee Development, Neale Barry. The spreadsheet also encourages referees to take responsibility for their own refereeing and personal development. I use this data for my one to one discussions with them as part of each referees performance management.I also encourage each referee to look toward their next game. This may involve the referee phoning other referees who have officiated those teams recently to find out about individual players, pitch conditions, playing styles etc. Some of the referees also do their homework by checking team websites and reading local papers.

Another vital role comes when the banding letters are sent out. Some referees need building up, some need motivating and some need help keeping their feet on the ground. Managing expectations is very important, no matter where a referee is on the merit order and I find setting them short and medium term targets usually proves very beneficial.

REFEREES WhO WAnT TO PROGRESS MUST BECOME hIGhLy SELF CRITICAL IF ThEy ARE TO IMPROVE

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE



If there is an assessor at the match I usually sit with him but make sure that he appreciates that he is the key person. I do not go into the dressing room at half-time unless I feel it is absolutely necessary (I have only gone in twice this season, on both occasions I knew the referee needed help and support).

I accompany the assessor to the officials dressing room about ten minutes after the final whistle. I listen to the assessors debrief and I am always very interested to see the referees response. If invited by the assessor to do so, I add my own observations. If there is no assessor I carry out a ten minute de-brief with the referee and include some strengths and development points for the assistants. The referee and I will also agree the best time on Sunday afternoon to talk through the game in detail.

As well as my direct work with the referees I also have regular contact with Neale Barry, the Level 3 Appointment Officers, Support Staff in The FA Referees Department and other Level 3 Referee Coaches. We frequently talk to each other about issues we have noticed in our games and it also helps us to prepare for the group meetings, presentations at Level 3 and 4 meetings and the Annual Conference. Twice a year my performance is formally appraised by Neale Barry and David Elleray (Vice Chairman, The FA Referees Committee).

I get huge satisfaction from helping the new referees to settle in and working with those who have the potential to rise through the ranks to the highest levels. It more than makes up for no longer being an active official.


Paul Simpson, Shrewsbury Town Manager.

In my first season as a Level 3 referee, I was invited onto the new Coaching Scheme by The FA. The scheme was introduced in October of the 2006/07 season and the candidates were all first year referees who were to be given a great opportunity to develop their skills with the help and guidance of an experienced referees coach.

I was appointed to the Southern region group, which was headed by Dave Frampton. Dave manages a group of up to 15 referees at any one time. Both Dave and The FA decide on the retention of each individual over a period of time depending on performance, development and potential to progress through the refereeing pyramid.

My personal experience of being in the coaching group has been a very positive one and there are a number of aspects which have played a prominent part in my progress over the past two seasons.

The initial task of the referee/coach relationship was to establish achievable goals for the coming season both long and short term and to put into place a plan that would enable Dave and me to analyse all performances and assessments after every game to help achieve those goals. Below are the three main areas that we cover both pre and post-match: Self-assessment (SA)I complete an FA self-assessment form after every game and submit it to Dave for feedback. The self-assessment has a number of headings which include pre-match, decision-making, man-management, discipline, advantage and post-match duties. For the self-assessment to be of any use, it is essential that you are 100% honest with yourself. If used correctly the self-assessment can be an excellent learning tool. I then receive feedback from Dave and his thoughts on how I can use the experiences in each game to improve in my next performance. Assessment reviewAfter every assessment I review the mark, the strengths and development areas with Dave. Reading assessments can be a very emotional task, so having Dave to talk through every aspect both positive and otherwise is a great help. Dave's role is to keep my feet on the ground when things are going well and, more importantly, to be honest and upfront if an improvement needs to be made in a certain area.

Contact with the coachHaving a coach with whom I can interact freely and easily is the most beneficial part of being in the coaching group. I have contact with Dave before and after every game I referee. If Dave is not in the stand watching, I will speak to him whilst travelling. We will go through my latest performances and aspects of my game that I need to concentrate on in the 90 minutes that lay ahead. Also, it is very important to remember what you are good at doing and having contact with my coach is a great way of reminding me of how well I am refereeing and giving me the confidence and self-belief that we all need to go out and referee at this level of football.

Dave tries to see all the referees in the group as often as possible. My match day routine is not altered at all when he is present at one of my games. He is always invited to my pre-match briefing along with the match assessor as he is as much apart of my team on the day as the other members. One aspect of my match day routine that I was not comfortable with early on in my career was my pre-match brief. Dave and I spent time getting my brief correct and I am now very comfortable giving my instructions and motivating my team. Dave will come to the de-brief after the game (if invited by the assessor) and we have our own de-brief 24 hours later to discuss our thoughts on how the game went. I receive a coachs report which includes strengths and development areas to discuss and work on.

The coaching group meets at least twice a season and these are really good opportunities to spend time with the other referees and discuss our different experiences and progress. The meetings normally include a presentation on a certain aspect of refereeing which Dave feels we will all benefit from and we finish off with a discussion group. Alongside the group meetings, I will have a minimum of two one-on-one appraisal style meetings with Dave and we discuss where I am with regards my seasons targets. We also have several informal meetings throughout the season where we can both be honest on how I can improve my performances and marks.

Being part of the coaching group is a fantastic opportunity for anybody but it takes honesty and commitment to make it work. The relationship with your coach must be two way and it is imperative that you are both as honest and open as possible.

If you are lucky enough to be offered the opportunity, grab it with both hands, work hard and do not take your position for granted. You will enjoy the rewards.

REF FACTS

Andy Davies

2003 Started Refereeing

2004/5 Promoted to Level 6



2007/8 Promoted to National List Assistant Referees.

LEVEL 3 REFEREE

AnDy DAvieS

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES


FEATURE




SUmmeR fiTneSS TRAining

After long periods of preparation, hard work and stressful competition, any athlete needs time to recover and it is no different for a football referee at the end of a long and arduous season. Therefore, a rest period after the end of the season is required in order to provide a referee with an opportunity to recharge their batteries.

However, with rest comes the physiological process of detraining. This is where the cessation or reduction of training leads to a partial or complete reversal of training induced adaptations. Many studies have demonstrated that significant rest periods lead to reductions in physical fitness. Therefore to counter this the rest phase (ideally two to four weeks) should facilitate psychological rest, relaxation and biological regeneration, whilst maintaining an acceptable level of general physical conditioning. This can be achieved via one to three low intensity sessions per week utilising activities that are different in nature to those used during the regular training season.

Once training resumes, one of the most important fixtures in any referees calendar during the summer months is their fitness test and in order to be successful on the day, a thorough preparation period must be followed. This article outlines some of the key principles of fitness training that should be followed in order to ensure success when it comes to passing the fitness test.

All fitness training programmes contain elements of frequency and intensity. Training

frequency refers to the number of training sessions performed; whereas training intensity is the effort required to perform an exercise. It is usually referred to as a percentage of maximum and common tools used to measure exercise intensity are heart rate monitors and scales of perceived exertion.

Improvements in fitness will occur with an increase in weekly training frequency. Research has demonstrated that a frequency of three to five training sessions per week will improve cardiovascular (endurance) fitness levels. However, the magnitude of the change becomes increasingly smaller and tends to plateau after a frequency of three sessions per week. The risk of injury increases disproportionately if training is performed too frequently due to the excessive strain applied to the joints, muscles etc.

When considering which of the two elements, training frequency or intensity, has the greater effect upon fitness levels, it is the intensity at which exercise is performed that counts, although a structured training programme should allow for both.

A recent study examined the effects of 24 weeks of moderate and high intensity training on the cardiovascular fitness of previously untrained, middle aged men. The group who undertook the moderate intensity training improved their fitness by an impressive 14%. However, the group who performed the high intensity training improved their fitness by a massive 22%, despite both groups training at a frequency of three sessions per week!

Therefore, in terms of percentage gains per minute of training performed, training intensity has the greater impact. Thats more improvement in less training time! This has significant implications for those referees who find it hard to train three times per week due to work, family and geographical constraints. Therefore, if your training frequency needs to be decreased, then simply increase the intensity of your remaining sessions. However, a word of warning in that high intensity training can also be associated with an increased risk of overtraining, i.e. a decrease in physical performance despite continued training, as high intensity training takes more out of the body and consequently takes longer to recover from you should not commence your next training session until the body has recovered from the previous one. High intensity training also requires a good level of initial fitness in order to perform effectively. The principle of specificity plays a major role in the changes to fitness levels that occur following exercise training, as adaptations are

highly specific to the nature of the training performed. Ideally, training should mirror as closely as possible the movements and energy systems employed during refereeing in order to maximise gains. Referees run and the fitness tests involve running therefore, most of your training should be running.

In conclusion, the best advice to anyone worried about passing their fitness tests is simple get the preparation right. Follow a structured training plan that contains the appropriate amount of training frequency and intensity to improve fitness levels. More is not always best. Also, ensure that your training is specific as possible to your refereeing, as the overall aim should be fit to referee not just fit to pass a test.

Pre-Season and In-Season Training plans can be downloaded, free of charge, from www.refworld.com. An overview of the Select Groups 2008 pre-season training plan is provided below.

Matthew Weston BSc (hons) MSc CSCS

FOREWORD

FEATURE


FITNESS & TRAINING

REFEREES

REFEREES

FOREWORD

REFEREES


FEATURE



x1 x2 x3 x4Weekly training frequency

Fitness gainsInjury risk

x5 x6 x7

55 65 80 85Training intensity (%hRmax)

Impact on fitnessOvertraining risk

90 95 100

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Week PhASE

1 REST/ACTIVE RECOVERY



30 MI Cycle CONDITIONING REST 30 INT Activity FLEXIBILITY 4 GENERAL 70 - 80%HRmax 70 - 80%HRmax PREPARATORY

25 MI Run FLEXIBILITY 30 MI Cycle (Intermittent CONDITIONING REST 1230 on 5 off x2 MI/HI INT REST 5 GENERAL 76 - 84%HRmax Program) 70 - 80%HRmax PREPARATORY

30 MI Cycle (Intermittent FLEXIBILITY 12 on 4 off x2 HI INT CONDITIONING 30 INT Activity 4 on 1 off x 5 HI INT REST 6 GENERAL Program) 76 - 84%HRmax 86 - 88%HRmax 70 - 80%HRmax 86 - 90%HRmax PREPARATORY

5x 20m, 5x 25m, 5x 30m CONDITIONING 6 on 1 off x 5 HI INT 40 MI Cycle or Row REST 150-600-150-600m HI INT REST 7 SPECIFIC (375m) 3/4 pace 86 - 90%HRmax 70 - 80%HRmax 88 - 92%HRmax PREPARATORY

2x(8x100m) in 17 REST 4x 2000m on Rower HI INT CONDITIONING 5x 20m, 5x 25m, 5x 30m 3x 1000m, 3x500m HI INT REST 8 SPECIFIC Rec 20/5 SE 85-90%HRmax Maximal Pace 85 - 95%HRmax PREPARATORY 90 - 95% maximal speed

4 on 3 off x4 CONDITIONING 5x 25m, 5x 30m, 4x 40m REST 3x 1000m, 4x 500m, 5x 4x (6x 7sprints) SE REST 9 SPECIFIC 90-95HRmax (435M) Maximal Pace on Rower 85-90%HRmax 90% maximal speed PREPARATORY

3x 1000m, 3x500m HI INT CONDITIONING 5x 25m, 5x 30m, 4x 40m REST 2 on 1 off x8 4x (5x40m) Sprints SE REST 10 SPECIFIC 88 - 92%HRmax (435M) Maximal Pace 90-92%HRmax HI INT Maximal speed PREPARATORY

(1 on 30 off x8) x2 HI INT CONDITIONING 15x 10m, 6x 40m (390m) REST (30 on 30 off x12) x2 HI INT REST REST 11 SPECIFIC 90-92%HRmax Maximal Pace 90-92%HRmax PREPARATORY

PASSING THE FITNESS TEST

Fitness test week


Select Group Referee Chris Foy, Lancashire FA RDO national List Assistant Referee Dean Mohareb and FA Regional Manager Ray Olivier were invited by The Football Association to deliver a four day workshop in Colombia for Elite referees. The FA International Relations Manager Lucia Sanchez accompanied the delegation on their January visit as this was the first time The FA had delivered referee training in the country so it was an important visit. She was delighted with the feedback from the delegates, It was a great experience. The Colombian referees really enjoyed it and learned a lot from the workshops. All of the feedback has been extremely positive, with many complimentary comments.

The seminar was highly publicised in the local and national media, with television companies, radio stations and newspaper journalists present throughout. The President of the Colombian Football Federation, Mr Luis Bedoya, attended the opening ceremony and spoke about the support and faith that the organisation had in its match officials. Other dignitaries in attendance during the visit were The President of The Referees

Commission, The General Secretary of the Federation and a FIFA Observer.

The workshops were delivered with a mixture of theory and practical fitness sessions. All the officials were involved and enthusiastic throughout. Topics such as Steps Towards Excellence, Where We Are Now, Offside, Teamwork, Player Management and Getting the Big Decisions Right were all delivered by Ray, Dean and Chris.

Practical fitness sessions were run every afternoon. Specific high intensity, speed and agility, and low intensity (recovery) training was introduced each day and the delegates also tried the new Yo-Yo Assessment, which has been introduced in England this season. Despite the high temperature and difficult grass surface, the results were extremely impressive.

The course was very well received by the Colombian Federation, the elite officials and FIFA. Amelio Andino, the Observer for FIFA, commented that the course was excellent, For me, the technical and physical work the English instructors have delivered has been unbelievable. All of the officials and instructors have been impressed with the professional work undertaken.

They have learned and I have learned.Elite Referee Oscar Ruiz, who has been a FIFA Referee since 1995 and represented his country at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, spoke very highly of the workshop and the instructors who delivered it, The International Instructors have taught me many things this week. I have learned and developed, and I will improve more so that I am a better referee. They must come back the course was not long enough for me.

Lancashire FA Referees Development Officer and Course Tutor Dean Mohareb was thrilled to have been involved in the workshop, When Ian Blanchard telephoned me and asked to deliver the workshop I was absolutely dumbstr

Date post:	15-Sep-2015
Category:	Documents
Upload:	begalex1977
View:	21 times
Download:	2 times

Final Version - Approved

Documents