Give Respect to Gain Respect

One vital skill that makes an excellent referee better than others is man-management. If one can manage the players and team officials effectively, then managing the game and control of misconduct will be an easier task. This skill does not exist in all who start refereeing. Some may be born with it, others acquired along the way and by listening to the experience of others. Feeling of empathy or understanding the feelings of others is an essence in man-management. Referee should be able to feel what the coach feel when his team is down, his player was badly fouled, a wrong decision by the referee, a misinterpretation by the assistant referee on the offside rule or the feeling of tension when the whole crowd is at the players’ neck. The feeling of a player who has just been fouled or tackled badly. The referee should 'feel' also the feeling of being tackle agressively by his opponent. With that, the referee will be able to judge and sanction appropriately with a caution of sent off. Before moving towards the coach, the standby match officials should have a rough or clear understanding of the situation and sees in the eye of the coach. By just standing and starring at the coach will send a message to him that he need to get back to his position once he finished with his instructions or a warning that his jumping at the decision of the referee is an act of dissent and will incite the crowd or supporters too or may get him off the technical area. Moving towards the bench will only be necessary when the officials in the technical area do not respect themselves and show disrespect towards match officials. Shouting at the referee’s decision or the assistant referee’s offside, throw in, goal kick, corner kick signals or even for a goal only show your poor control of your self and also your understanding of the laws of the game. “Give respect to gain respect”. Cooperation of match officials and the team officials should create a mutual respect for the important task and responsibilities that one carry. Referee should portrait professionalism in their appearance, attitude and administration. Being able to carry oneself on and off the field will influence your performance on the filed. Turning up at the stadium properly dressed will have a massive bearing to the perception of others to you. You will never get a second chance to create the first impression. The positive first impression once created will give a strong impact and it will go a long way. Your administration even as the fourth official should not let yourself down. You should control the controllable, expect the expected and at the same time expect the unexpected. If you are not prepared for the unexpected, you may be caught off-guard and will take a long time to regain respect and control over situations. Communication skills such as using your voice, hand signals and even your body language will help you to control the game better. Communication skill is part of man-management. In short, if you are not born with the talent of man-management, learn to acquire it through watching or listening to others’ experience in this area.