Psychological Effects in the Game

"Butterfly in the stomach" or nervous is a normal effect manifested by the anxiety level in a referee prior to a match. Having a manageable anxiety level will instill in the mind of the referee to be prepared mentally and physically for the match. High anxiety level may be detrimental to the performance resulting in wrong decision, unable to give full concentration to have the game or difficult situations under his control. Low anxiety level leads to complacency and thus will be reflected in a uncommitted, careless, lethargic or incompetent performance.

High level match (top of the table derby or knock-out stage) will affect the referee in his preparedness for the game. Experience will differ a referee from from another. Having the ability to absorb the high pressure will be an advantage to the referee. Ability to psyche-up or motivate oneself to perform at his best is also a characteristic that an excellent referee possessed.

Knowing your strength and weakness and understanding unwanted thoughts (pondering over mistakes or thinking of protest from players) that affect your feeling will be helpful. Get rid of or control unwanted thoughts. If you realized that you made a mistake, admit and forget about it for the moment by giving your best attention in the rest of the duration. Manage your emotion. You do not need to be angry or scared of situation. Maintain your composure by staying calm (take a deep breath). Refocus or stay focus to your task (move your position if you need to do so).

When your decisions are always being contested, use your card to stamp your authority or be more assertive on situations (time-wasting, moving the wall, dissent). Maintain a positive attitude towards the game. Do not be prejudice to situations (simulation or time-wasting) or players (arguing, questioning or protesting) by not assuming situations or the behavior of the players. The moment you make a decision, run straight to your commanding position and not to the incident. This will avoid the players to gather and crowd round or confront you. Try to improve your consistency in your decision by moving nearer to see clearer (wider angle of vision) and decide better.

A thorough self evaluation after the match will not hurt anybody. Be sincere to yourself for the sake of your improvement and development. Elite referees who improve themselves match after match will instill on the peers to follow and to adapt incremental improvement.

Self-talking or self-analysis even during the game may be useful as there is no way others can communicate with you if you are not equip with the communication system.

Good luck.