Once a referee reaches the point where they know the Laws of the Game well and have learned effective mechanics, what comes next to improve their game and advance their career?
There is more to refereeing soccer at a higher level than just running around calling fouls and the ball out of bounds. Effective game control becomes the next level of expertise to master. This is an especially important skill for referees working upper-level youth, high school, NCAA, adult amateur and professional play.
But what does “reading” mean? How does a referee read the game to gain better control?
Recognize Each Team’s Tactics
One factor the referee should recognize early in a game is the type of tactics each team is using. Does one team use a slow buildup, depending on many short passes to advance? Are the opponents using quick counterattacks with long passes?
Cautioning players who commit fouls to break up promising attacks may be necessary to take that problem out of the game. The referee must differentiate between careless fouls involving two players in a specific moment and tactical fouls that are part of a coordinated effort to neutralize the other team’s style of play.
Some tactical fouls may be subtle or dramatic. When fouls have a purpose, there is meaning the referee must identify and punish to show the teams they must not continue.
One team may be using an aggressive offside trap to neutralize the other team’s attack. While that is certainly within the laws when executed properly, the officiating team must work together to ensure it does not miss a properly executed trap.
On the other hand, if the defensive team’s trap is not effective, the officials must let play continue through the failed trap and deal with the defense’s ensuing frustration.
Identify Potential Troublemakers
The referee will have to identify troublemakers on either team and be prepared to watch them closely. Opponents may become fed up with one of those players and retaliate.
A quiet word with a troublemaker can serve as an effective warning by demonstrating that the referee understands what is happening and is prepared to shut down misconduct. Other verbal methods, including humor, may influence troublemakers to change their behavior once they realize the referee is aware of it.
Officials must understand, however, when preventive communication is appropriate and when misconduct requires stronger action. Well-timed warnings are useful tools, but they are not substitutes for enforcing the Laws of the Game.
Recognize Patterns of Fouls
If a player commits persistent fouls, the referee must warn or caution the player to stop the pattern. Counting fouls is necessary to identify persistent infringement.
While the laws do not specifically state how many fouls by a player should be considered persistent, it is up to the referee to make that decision within the context of each game, using their best judgment.
Sometimes the density of fouls within a period of time, or their relationship to a previous event such as a goal, sendoff or penalty kick, will also precipitate more fouls. Letting players know that a pattern of troublesome events will be addressed sends the message that the referee understands what is developing.
One team may have a particularly skilled goal scorer who is adept at eluding defenders. Watch challenges closely when that player is involved. Is a pattern developing in which several opponents are repeatedly fouling the same player? That may also constitute a pattern of unsporting behavior.
Watch Individual Player Matchups
Watch for player matchups involving a mismatch in skill. A less-skilled defender may resort to fouling an opponent to prevent a promising goal-scoring opportunity.
If the less-skilled player is attacking with possession of the ball, the referee should also be prepared for possible simulation. Observing those matchups early and recognizing the potential for foul play prepares the referee to warn or caution when necessary.
Anticipate What Will Happen Next
Based on how the game is being played tactically, the referee needs to anticipate what may happen and be prepared and positioned for the next event. That can be especially challenging if the match involves a great deal of sprinting. The referee must be up to the challenge both physically and positionally.
Anticipating what may happen does not mean deciding what the call will be before the play occurs. Officials must still let the whole play happen before making a decision.
Simply being a reactor may not be enough for effective game control.
Recognize Changes in Match Intensity
Game events such as an equalizing goal or a go-ahead goal in the final minutes can suddenly increase the intensity of a match. A referee who recognizes that change must respond accordingly to keep the game under control.
Staying closer to play, providing a stronger presence or tightening the standard for fouls may become necessary. Players will be working harder to score another goal, and the increased intensity may result in more fouls and possibly misconduct.
Listen and Watch for Warning Signs
Listening to players during the game and watching their facial expressions and body language can help the referee understand what frustrations may be mounting and what to watch for next.
That becomes especially important when angry exchanges occur between opponents. Identifying those exchanges and anticipating possible trouble is another form of reading the game.
Clear and purposeful interaction can also influence how players respond to the referee. Effective communication affects how participants perceive an official’s decisions and abilities.
Earn the Players’ Confidence
When players feel the referee understands how the game is being played and is dealing with important events appropriately, they will develop confidence in the officiating, settle down and concentrate on playing the game.
The referee’s job becomes more complex at higher levels, and learning to read the game will pay important dividends for the referee as well as for the match.
Ken Wikle, Howell, Mich., is a Referee contributor and an instructor in Michigan.
