How to be a successful referee

Referees play a crucial role in controlling the match alongside extended match officials by acting as a timekeeper, keeping a record of disciplinary action, ensuring players’ safety, & more. However, the journey to becoming a successful referee requires a perfect balance of dynamic training in terms of theory, practice, fitness, and the ever-evolving nature of the sport.

Referees play a crucial role in controlling the match alongside extended match officials by acting as a timekeeper, keeping a record of disciplinary action, ensuring players’ safety, & more. However, the journey to becoming a successful referee requires a perfect balance of dynamic training in terms of theory, practice, fitness, and the ever-evolving nature of the sport.

To arm aspiring referees with requisite knowledge and training, RFYS joined forces with AIFC for its first referee workshop in 2022.

Hosted by renowned referees:
● Walter Pereira (AIFF & WFA referees board member, FIFA & AFC Elite assessor)
● Crystal John (FIFA referee since 2021, officiated the Hero ISL final 2021-22) to delve deeper into referee training, match appointments, career path as a referee, and more.

With a plethora of experience in the field, our expert panel focused on the nitty-gritty of referee training & other important stuff that every referee needs to keep in mind. Crystal John shared insights into how referees need to train. And not overlook the importance of a healthy diet, similar to the athletes. However, the intensity varies according to the number of matches they officiate. Most of the referees cover 9-12 km. in 90-minutes and require enough hydration and supplements.

Career ladder as a referee

Category 5: Beginner level- Focuses on the basics
Category 4: Moderate level - Focuses on foul recognition & conducting the highest number of matches
Category 3: Advanced level - Focuses on foul recognition in tough situations & high-intensity matches
Category 2: National level- Focuses on youth & senior level matches (Santosh Cup, Youth Cups, & more)
Category 1: Top-level in India - ISL, I League professional referees
FIFA: Nominated by AIFF, limited referees get a chance to become international FIFA referees- International friendlies, invitational tournaments, international youth cups
AFC Elite: High-level AFC Competitions- AFC Champions League, Asian Cup
FIFA Elite: Top referees of the world- World Cup, Euros, etc.

When going into matches, the referees need to keep in mind the 3 main aspects of the game-

Pre-match discussion

● Pitch & player inspection
● Teamwork
● Discreet signals
● Assistance in challenging situations

Half-time discussion

● Save mistakes made in the first half until after the match
● Discuss player behavior & strategy to help referees after side change
● Developments in communication
● Other relevant issues were faced during the first half.

Post-match discussion

● Discussions over main incidents before filing the match reports
● Debrief match report with assessor, coaches, and seniors
● Review match videos for self-improvement

At the end of the workshop, Referee Crystal summarized by stating the importance of attending regular training sessions, knowing career prospects, setting expectations for each match, working in teams, and communicating effectively.

In addition, he also shared some key takeaways from the workshop that will be useful to aspirants. We marked the end of the session by addressing queries & doubts.

If you have any, feel free to reach us on Instagram/Facebook or email us at info@rfyouthsports.com.

 

Learn how to make it big as a referee in India