Tips for New Refs

[AndyForrest]

I check boys/men girls/ladies as they are warming up, for ear rings etc, also socks over shin pads, hats, and if anyone is wearing glasses [unless they are sports glasses].
I might say `morning` to players and give them a smile, that`s it.
It`s a good idea to shake hands with the coaches of each team, and introduce yourself, and maybe say `how are you doing this season?` just to break the ice.
Other than that, say as little as possible.
The more you say, the more trouble you`ll make for yourself later, however friendly coaches may seem, they are not your friends, and you`ll only know how nice a coach is, on the final whistle.
I`ve learnt from experience that coaches can and will turn on you, and try and intimidate you during the game no matter how nice they are when you meet them.
I don`t want this to seem doom and gloom on coaches, 90% are great, but just be on your guard.
As for players, you`ll get to talk to them during the game!
I was/am asked to go into the dressing rooms for `cup final` games, which can be a bit of a headache, i usually tell them `they can be proud of themselves for getting this far, enjoy the game, and i`ll be watching you....lol` end on a joke!
To sum up, say as little as possible!

[DavidM]

When i passed the course these are a few tips i was told that in fairness are the best tips ever.

Tip 1,
Rule 13 - Common senses, use it, it works!

Tip 2,
Referee from you heart. if you referee looking to put the law down you will lose control. Refereeing from your heart you will know instinctively when something is a foul, off-side .ect just believe in your self and try not get hooked up in the laws you just do your job.

Tip 3,
Its your game of football, your the boss no one else.

Tip 4,
Enjoy it, if you don't go out wanting to be their then you wont want to be their at the end once you have made 100 howlers. Smile, be confident and happy.

Tip 5,
Preparation, Get your kit ready the night before. Do team research know where they are what the history is .ect.
Yes they say referee the same each game but if you know 99% they are gonna kick lumps out of each other then you settle them down adjust your team talking and how you set the tone of the game.

These tips were given to me by some friends who are national list assistants and referees.

[Danger Dicko]

When running the line, run it how the referee wants you to run it.
You are there to assist the referee.

[PJM1969]

Tips for club linesmen regarding offside:

Not sure, don't flag.
Sure then stop dead and flag.
If I see you running and flagging, I will acknowledge you but play on.
Always stand level with the very last man regardless of side (team wise).

Right or wrong, this has always worked and have had a great deal of consistancy with it.

[idds]

Not a tip but i wish i was taught confidence before officiating my 1st ever game. New refs are easily intimidated.

[Tealeaf]

Can you teach confidence though, or does that come from within? I know where you're coming from Idds, and I really feel the 10 game supervision and subsequebt mentoring are massive leaps forward and help people to become more self assured as referees.

I cannot speak for you, but in my case after qualifying it was a case of, "You're a referee now. Off you go."

[PJM1969]

Confidence comes from experience.
You cannot teach it but it can be enhanced by positive comments and criticism after matches.....mentoring works.