During the 2002 annual NISOA clinic in Meridan, Connecticut, the guest speaker Joe Machnik (director of game operations for the MLS) reviewed the ten keys to successful refereeing.

 

 

1. Be in charge. The referee is in charge of the game and his/her calls dictate how the game will be played. Do not allow things to get out of hand early on. Avoid advantage until game control is established.

2. There are certain key periods during the game when a referee has to work extra hard to stay on top of things. The first fifteen minutes of each half is very essential as the referee establishes game control and flow. The last 15-20 minutes of each half is even more demanding as fatigue becomes a factor, resulting in mistakes and frustration.

3. Try to stay within 5 to 10 yards of play whenever possible. Imagine that a television camera is following the play. You want to be on the fringes of the picture to the side, so that you have a good view of the action.

4. Prevent violence by preventing frustration. Calling simple holding fouls will reduce a player's tendency to lash out at the opponent holding him, with an elbow. Once game control has been achieved, then the referee can allow the game to flow more freely.

5. Stamp out serious foul play and violent acts that have no place in the game, including over the ball tackles, tackles into the Achilles tendon, elbows to the head and off the ball fouls.

6. Dissent cannot be tolerated. These include abuse of assistant referees, visible gestures, confrontations in the face of referees, and packs of players chasing an official.

7. Get 10 yards during free kicks. Failure to do so undermines credibility of the referee and results in the erosion of control.

8. Communication and teamwork with assistant referees is vital. Make sure that eye contact is established and information exchanged at every stoppage.

9. Read the body language of players. Deal with trash talking, prevent off the ball holding/pushing, and diffuse aggressive attitudes that do not belong in the game.

10. All players must be protected. Referees insure that skillful players will have an opportunity to exhibit their athletic abilities. If we provide a safe environment for the talent to be showcased, then the game will flow and that is what makes the game a joy to watch.