I was happy to be assessed when acting as Senior Assistant Referee on the Combined Counties Football League at the weekend. This is a supply league and I am picking up a lot (good and bad) from working with the various referees.
The results of the assessment were extremely positive, especially with regard to my speed and fitness which is something I have always been keen on improving.
However, like a good breakfast sets you up for the day, so does bonding with the rest of the referee team at the beginning. If this doesn’t happen then it will drag people down leading to a spiral of decay which we really don’t want to happen! In other words, the quality of the team was linked strongly to the my performance and therefore the eventual assessment.
I have posted before on this sort of bonding but now have some further thoughts to share:
- BE ON TIME: If anything sows ‘invisible dissent’ in a team it is one member arriving late, especially if they are not particularly apologetic for doing so. The others have made an effort to get there early or on time and there has typically been at least five days notice of the location and timings. If it starts to get close to the wire this will also cause nervousness in the team as they know they will be below full strength and have to call in a club-nominated official which will reduce match control effectiveness.
- WARM-UP TOGETHER: It surprises me how often this does NOT happen (typically when older referees are leading the team). This is KEY in my opinion and I would ALWAYS do it. Not only is it important for bonding but it is vital for injury prevention and gives the right message to the players (“We take this game seriously”).
- LOOK THE SAME: I liked this one: The referee had a collection of t-shirts with him that he gave us to warm-up in. The result? Looked like a team! Was a good feeling as well. You can also apply this to making sure you arrive in similar dress and even the same brand of refereeing kit if feasible.
- SWEETS: Sometimes the changing room can resemble a buffet party. It’s nice when each member has brought along their own snacks (jaffa cakes? Sports drinks?) and make an effort to share them. You can extend this if acting as Senior Assistant by having boiled sweets with you and offering them to the benches if they are getting angsty… or perhaps if they are well behaved?! I’ve not tried this one myself yet but will report back on the results.
- CARE ABOUT THE GAME: Blindingly obvious but if you want to gain the respect of the players then make the effort. Warm-up leads into this. From the moment you are leading the players onto the pitch be focused yet friendly and full of smiles. If the atmosphere is appropriate then take this into the bar afterwards as well!
I would love to hear about any other tricks and tips you have found to help with this! Horror stories also permitted!