Set-Pieces
- The Referee's Pre-Match Brief
By Julian Carosi.
(A series of articles on how to
officiate in a proactive way by improving how you deal with specific incidents
and how to become a better Referee).
Introduction:
The advice given here, generally covers situations when there are three
qualified match officials available, the Referee and his two Assistant Referees.
Assistant Referees should carry out their duties based on the requirements of
Law 6 (The Assistant Referees). The pre-match brief should take place in
private, but not necessarily in the Referee's changing room. There are obvious
advantages from utilising the field of play for the pre-match brief, but during
inclement weather, the players' tunnel or any other covered space that enables
you to point out the various features of the venue will suffice. You should try
to create a harmonious atmosphere and show a positive attitude towards your
Assistant Referees when delivering the brief. You are the team leader, so this
is an ideal opportunity to develop a positive relationship. It is most likely
that the flow of pre-match instructions will be broken by interruptions, so it
is important that you maintain your concentration throughout.
Why do I need to deliver a Pre-Match Brief?
Prior to the commencement of each game, you need to provide your Assistant
Referees (and if available, Fourth Official) with a pre-match briefing covering
their duties, and to inform them of what you require them to do in certain
situations. Amongst other things, the pre-match briefing allocates certain
responsibilities, and informs the Assistant Referees where to stand and how to
act in certain circumstances.
What should I include in my pre-match brief?
There is a lot of information for you to consider, and this is captured in the
brief shown below. This can be watered down or added to, depending on your
individual preferences. Nevertheless, there is enough information below to cover
all of the standard briefing material.
The contents of the pre-match brief below, are based on the standard briefings
used by Referees in England at all levels. The choice of which touchline each
Assistant Referees will patrol, or which Assistant Referee will be responsible
for taking a full match record, or how long the warm up will be, or where the
players' equipment check will take place etc., is the prerogative of the
individual Referee, and is also dependent on circumstances. In other words, the
briefing shown below is not mandatory, but a baseline on which you can structure
and compile your own briefing preferences. Or it can also be used exactly as it
is, to provide a very good standard briefing that covers all of the main
Refereeing points required in a standard game of football.
The following is an example of a Referee verbally giving his two Assistant
Referees a pre-match brief. I have included paragraph subject headings that can
be used to compile a crib list.
The briefing is broken down into three sections followed by a Summary;
1. BEFORE THE MATCH: 2. DURING THE MATCH: 3. AFTER THE MATCH:
Section 1: BEFORE THE MATCH:
Questions: Please question me at any time during this briefing if you are
not sure of anything - and I will clarify.
Warming up routine:
I would appreciate your company when I warm-up before the game, and when I
warm-down afterwards. This imparts a strong message of togetherness that we can
build on during the game. We will complete a 10-15 minute warming up routine 25
minutes before kick off and then return to the changing room to make our final
preparations 10 minutes before kick-off. I would like you both to take part in
the warm-up unless there is a reason why you can't.
Senior Assistant Referee and Junior Assistant Referee:
I'd like the Senior Assistant Referee to patrol the 'Technical Area' side of the
field of play, and the Junior Assistant Referee to patrol the far-side touchline
throughout the game. If I get an injury and am unable to continue, the Senior
Referee will take my place in the middle. Can both of you please take out all of
your equipment, including whistle, coin and notebook.
Fourth Official:
Note: If using a Fourth Official, they should also be asked to carry a
whistle, coin notebook and cards, keep a complete record of the game, monitor
and control the Technical Area occupants, inform the Senior Assistant of
substitution requests, look after the replacement match balls and look out for
any serious incidents that have been missed by the match officials.
Match Records:
I'd like the Senior Assistant Referee to keep a note of the full match records.
For example, which team kicks off in the first half, substitutes, the goals
scored, and any cautions/sending off details etc.
I want the Junior Assistant to be my additional set of eyes during the game, and
to keep a look out for misconduct, for example, following the scoring of a goal;
but do not take any match notes.
Touchline patrol path (right wings):
Please patrol the touchline adjacent to the right wing positions, and stay in
this same position, on the same side of the field of play in the second half.
Players' equipment check:
Can the Senior Assistant Referee please check the home team players' equipment
as they come out of their changing room, or gather players together on the field
of play around the centre circle. Check for correct undershorts, undershirts,
shin pads jewelry or any damaged studs. Please complete the inspection properly,
as this will be the first contact that you have with the players; it is
therefore important to set a good early example. Can the Junior Assistant
Referee please check the away team players' equipment as they come out of their
changing room. I will be in attendance, so please summon me if there are any
problems.
Entry onto the field of play and goal net checks:
We will walk out together as a team at the beginning of each half, with both of
you either side of me with your flags held unfurled in the outside hand. It very
important, that as we walk onto the field of play, that we generate a very
positive impression of our commitment towards this match.
When we get about 20 metres onto the field of play, I will give you a nod to
break away and check your respective goal nets. Please come back to meet me in
the centre together in the first half, and together to your touchline positions
prior to the second half starting. In the first half, I will introduce you to
the captains, and then complete the coin tossing ceremony. Before you break away
to take up your position in the first half, we will shake hands just to show
everyone that there are three teams here today.
After this, sprint away to your touchline position and await my final readiness
check with you, before I start each half.
Buzzer Flag Testing:
Please test the buzzer flags one at a time just prior to our entry into the
field of play when I say so. Test them again when I look towards you immediately
prior to kick-off and once again immediately prior to the start of the second
half. I'll give you a thumbs-up to say that everything is OK. If there is a
problem with the buzzer flags, I will give you a thumbs-down. If this happens,
we will have to revert to flag signals only.
Section 2. DURING THE MATCH:
Assist, don't insist:
Please offer assistance to me at all times and try not to interfere with what
I'm doing.
Priorities:
Your priorities include assessing offside situations, and indication of the ball
in and out of play. Support me in all other situations where your advice and
input can improve and enhance our overall decision-making ability and control of
the game.
Gestures:
Don't make any obvious gestures, however, a discreet hand signal on occasions
can be used to clarify a decision.
On the same wavelength:
Try to always be in tune with my style of Refereeing, so that we all operate on
the same wavelength. This may vary throughout the game depending on
circumstances. For example, if you see me applying strict Law to keep control of
a fractious game, then you must do the same. Whereas if a phase of play warrants
it, I may be more relaxed about how I interpret the Laws, in this case, follow
my relaxed style also.
Ten Minute Refereeing:
The first 10 minutes of a game; the five minute period immediately before and
immediately after half time, and the last ten minutes of the game normally
contain a large proportion of problems. I intend to Referee these periods more
strictly/closely than normal. An arm down-stretched with the hand clenched into
a fist will tell you that I intend to take stricter control of the game during
those periods (or during the next ten minutes if tighter control is needed
during any other period time in the game). During periods of tighter control,
please can you follow my example by strictly applying the 'Letter of the Law'
when making decisions whilst patrolling the touchline. An arm down-stretched
with the fingers outstretched tells you that I have reached the end of a 'Ten
Minute Refereeing' tight control period, and that I will be officiating in a
more relaxed and tolerant way. It is important that both of you follow my lead.
It is no good if I tighten down on control in a game, if one of you is doing the
opposite. I may also use this signal to retain control of the game after a
flash-point."
Eye to eye contact:
When the ball is in (or approaching) your patrol zone, please increase your
state of alertness. I will be making lots of eye contact with you so let's work
as a team and keep in touch throughout the game especially when decisions are
being made, or are about to be made. For disciplinary issues, use discreet hand
signals to describe the offence. If I need to consult you, you can advance 2-3
metres onto the field of play if necessary (e.g. if you are near to the
Technical Areas), else remain on the touchline.
Do not be distracted by banter from spectators and keep your eyes on the field
of play. Try to 'clock' my position regularly as the game progresses, so that
you know where I am when you need to make a decision. In other words, when the
ball comes into your immediate zone, try to locate where I am, and be more
'switched on' and prepared to react, especially if I am some distance away and
catching up with play!
Flag technique:
As soon as we leave the changing rooms, please unfurl your flag.
Can you make sure that you hold your flag in the hand nearest to the field of
play and switch hands whenever you change direction so that the flag is visible
to me at all times. When facing the field of play, please always hold the flag
in the hand closest to where I am positioned. And as a general principle, try
and always show as much of the flag (unfurled) surface area towards me as you
can - even when standing still. This makes it much easier for me to locate you
out of the corner of my eye. If you hold your flag straight downward, there is
very little of it that I can see from the corner of my eye.
When signaling, stop running and make eye contact and raise the flag with a
deliberate (not exaggerated) motion. Use the hand that will be used for the next
signal in sequence, and towards the restart direction. If you need to change
hands, change hands low down before you raise your flag.
If you signal that the ball has gone out of play, continue the signal until I
have acknowledged it.
Try to allow yourself some thinking time before signalling, as this will
minimise stopping play unnecessarily or denying possible advantage situations
from developing.
Signal beep:
Only use the signal beep to gain my attention if I have missed a flag signal.
Situations where it would be useful are; offside, fouls (outside of my view
particularly a penalty), throw-ins/corner kicks/goal kicks/ goal scored
situations during tight decisions.
Ball in and out play:
Let me know when the ball leaves the field of play by using the flag signal
showing the correct restart and direction. If you are unsure of the direction,
just indicate that the ball is out of play and I will make the call.
Restarts:
Wherever I stop play, or delay play for whatever reason, try to remember
what the restart is. I may need reminding when I come to restart the game!
Replacement balls:
I will control the need for replacement balls.
Flagging for a Law 12 offence:
Use the 'wait and see' technique in order to allow play to continue if there is
a possible advantage for me to apply. It is important for you to make eye
contact with me.
Before indicating for a foul, take into account where I am in relation to the
incident, or whether I am actively seeking your assistance. Ask yourself, is it
credible to get involved? But please have the courage to make important
decisions even if they may influence the outcome of the match.
To distinguish it from the signal for offside, when a foul occurs out of my
view, make eye contact with me, place the flag in the hand that indicates the
free kick direction, then raise it and wave it to and fro, avoiding excessive or
aggressive movement. Use the electronic beep if necessary.
Free kicks close to the penalty area. (So-called Ceremonial Free
Kicks):
I will control the ball and organizing the defensive wall. Please let me know if
the ball is moved illegally whenever my back is turned. Take up a position in
line with the second last defender to check the offside line, and be ready to
follow the ball by moving down the touchline towards the corner flag if there is
a direct shot on goal to keep an eye on the goal line.
Free Kicks - controlling the 9.15 m distance:
When a free kick or a throw-in has been awarded close to you, help me by
ensuring that the opponents retreat the required distance; but you do not have
to enter the field of play in order to achieve this.
Offences missed by me (the Referee):
Please signal for any fouls that I miss. If you are better positioned and I have
clearly not acted on an offence, or you have additional information concerning
an offence (for example, unsporting behaviour or violent conduct) raise your
flag (or use the electronic beep signal) to bring this to my attention. Give me
some indication of what the foul is, and indicate with your flag, the direction
for the restart of play. If you have time before signalling for a foul, look
towards me, to see if I have already seen the incident, and am about to act on
it. In other words, let me have the first bite! This is particularly important
if a penalty kick is considered.
If you deem a foul worthy of more punishment than just a free kick, wipe your
nose innocently with your free hand, I'll then judge the incident from my angle,
and if I need to, I will come over and consult you.
Note: Some Referees ask their Assistants to 'tap their pocket' if they think
a card should be issued, but this signal is easily seen by players and can make
matters worse - so use it carefully. Whatever signal is used, try and choose a
method that will not easily communicate itself to the players.
If there is any disciplinary action to take, please make sure that you can
identify the offender(s) and what the exact nature of the incident is.
Dealing with mass confrontation:
If a mass confrontation arises, come along the touchline to observe, and enter
the field of play if I summon you or if it is obvious that I need help. Form a
triangle around the scene. I will identify the instigators, the Junior Assistant
Referee will look out for players joining and inflaming the affray from the
immediate area, and the Senior Assistant Referee will firstly manage the
Technical Areas and then look out for players coming in from a distance to
inflame the situation. Make a mental note of who does what, and aim to identify
at least one culprit from each team - any others will be a bonus. Do not write
any notes during the confrontation, but observe. Before I take any action, I
will consult you.
When a goal has been scored:
When a goal has been scored, make eye with me and sprint quickly down the
touchline 25-30 yards towards the halfway line without raising your flag.
In borderline cases where a goal has been scored, but the ball appears to remain
in play, first raise your flag to attract my attention, and then run away
quickly 25-30 yards down the touchline. Supplement this by pointing with a hand
towards the halfway line.
If the ball has not entered completely into the goal and play continues as
normal because a goal has not been scored, make eye contact with me and if
necessary (apart from retaining any signal already given) we will use a discreet
hand signal. We will then continue as normal, and I'll decide to consult you
further if I need to.
Offside:
Please keep in line with the second last defender or the ball if it is nearer
the goal line if it is nearer than the second last defender, and always face the
field of play.
Offsides are yours at all times. Please use the "Wait and See" technique before
you raise an offside flag. I'd rather you were slightly late and correct, than
to be too quick and wrong. If you decide that an offside player becomes 'active'
raise your flag, if he remains 'non active', refrain from flagging. If you are
not sure, then always give the 'benefit of doubt' to the attacking team.
If there is s possibility of a collision between the goalkeeper and an attacker,
do not delay raising an offside flag; get it up as quick as you can so I can
stop play much sooner.
There are three elements to being actively offside. This is sometimes referred
to as 'PIG'. Playing the ball, Interfering with an opponent
or Gaining an advantage by being in that position.
When you raise an offside flag, use the hand closest to the goal line, make eye
contact with me and stand 'square-on' to the field of play.
If I don't immediately see your flag, keep signalling until it has been
recognised or the ball is clearly in control of the defending team (or use the
electronic beep signal to alert me to the flag signal). Else retain the flag
signal and I may either consult with you when I notice it, or signal for you to
drop your flag. Let me know at the end of each half - if I have missed any of
your signals.
If you are to make valid and credible 'offside' judgments you need to be in
line, because even a slightly out of line position will give a distorted view.
Whenever possible, face the field of play and move sideways (crab) up and down
the touchline when monitoring a slow moving offside line as this gives you a
better view.
If I want to keep play going to the advantage of the defending team following an
offside flag signal, I will acknowledge you with a raised arm. If I do this,
then drop your flag immediately.
Whenever you signal for offside, raise your flag high, make eye contact with me,
and then lower your flag to indicate where the offside was located. Retain your
flag signal until the ball is positioned correctly and then make your way to
your restart position."
Throw-ins:
If it is a clear throw-in, show the direction whenever the ball goes out along
the whole of the touchline. In your half, I will generally go with you and in my
half I have a tendency to go quick, so follow my direction. If I am not sure and
believe you have a better angle, I will have a quick glance at you to seek
direction.
Don't indicate a 'tight throw-in' that could possibly be given either way, in an
unconvincing, 'wishy washy' manner, as it will look like you are unsure of which
way to award the throw-in. If you have any doubts about the direction and I am
unable to lead you, award the throw-in to the defending team, or just raise your
flag, make eye contact with me and follow my direction signal. Either way,
deliver your flag positively and with confidence, using a sharp, crisp, clear
signal, then the decision will be more readily accepted as correct.
If you signal one way, and I signal the other, please drop your flag
immediately, and the throw will be taken in the direction given by me. (This is
not done to undermine you, or to say that you were wrong and I was right, it is
done to avoid any confusion, and to minimise any show of team weakness).
On very tight decisions, when the ball stays in play, give me a discreet hand
signal if you can.
If I miss your throw-in signal, retain it until I have acknowledged it and taken
action.
When a throw-in has been awarded close to you, ensure that the opponents retreat
the required 2 metre distance; you don't have to enter the field of play to do
this.
When the first few throw-ins of each half occur, we will use them as a means to
'BOSS' the game. Make a sharp signal, instruct the player to take it from
exactly the right place, and keep a close eye on proceedings. In other words, we
will use this as an early example to demonstrate that the Laws must be adhered
to. Please try to get the first few decisions in each half correct.
On tight decisions, I will try to lead you with a discrete hand signal left or
right, and would like the same from you if you notice that I am unsure (flag in
the hand ready for direction). If either of us can see that the other has got it
completely wrong, over-emphasise the lead so that we both signal the same
direction.
Please monitor the correct placement of the feet when a player takes a throw-in,
I will look for hand faults
Corner Kicks:
When signalling for a corner kick, point your flag towards the base of the
corner flag. Try to firstly make eye contact with me, and place your flag in the
hand nearest to the goal line, and in the best position for me to see it easily.
In tight decisions, when the ball completely crosses the goal line but it still
appears to be in play, raise your flag high, and then point it towards the base
of the corner flag.
When the ball crosses the goal line far from your position, raise your flag and
follow my decision.
Take a position behind the corner flag in line with the goal line. Check that
the ball is correctly placed inside the corner arc. If you see me delaying the
corner kick to deal with pushing inside the penalty area, stand in front of the
ball until I am ready; else do not interfere with the kicker.
Goal kicks:
If the ball is not placed correctly inside the goal area, and you are unable to
communicate this to the goalkeeper, stand still, make eye contact with me and
raise your flag. Once the ball is placed correctly, move up the touchline
adjacent to the edge of the penalty area, and then to your offside monitoring
position, which is a priority in any case. If the second last defender takes the
goal kick, move directly to the edge of the penalty area. Closely monitor the
first few goal kicks in each half and thereafter, give more emphasis to reaching
your offside monitoring position quicker, rather than remaining next to the
penalty area.
Use a clear flag signal to indicate a goal kick, by facing the field of play and
making eye contact with me. Use the hand that is nearest to the goal line when
flagging for a goal kick, as this will increase your eye contact line towards
me.
Goalkeeper releasing the ball from his hands:
As with goal kicks, watch the first few occasions in each half to make sure that
the goalkeeper is releasing the ball within his penalty area. If the goalkeeper
is getting close to infringing, just let him know by giving him a verbal
warning. Stay alongside the goalkeeper if there is an opponent close to him.
Once the ball has been released, sprint to check the offside line, which is a
priority in any case.
Six-second Release Rule:
I will deal with the goalkeeper's 6 seconds possession time limit - so please do
not flag for this.
Penalty Kicks:
On most occasions, I will probably award a penalty before you indicate. So
before you signal for a penalty, make eye contact and look to see where I am. If
I have seen the incident, allow me the first chance to make the decision to
award the penalty or not (if I have not already done so). If the incident occurs
out of my line of sight or if I am a long distance away or I have not taken any
action, make sure you are 100% sure that it is a penalty kick offence before you
signal.
To indicate a penalty kick, raise your flag high and wave it to and fro as you
would for any other free kick offence and use the electronic beep. Then make
your way quickly to the corner flag - this will indicate to me that it is a
penalty kick.
If the infringement occurs just outside of the penalty area, rather than inside,
take up a position on the touchline boundary adjacent to just outside of the
penalty area line and raise a free kick flag.
When I stop play, I will look over to you, and consult you if necessary. I will
deal with any players that approach you.
(Note: You may wish to instruct your Assistant Referee to signal a penalty
kick by placing his flag across his chest. Whilst this signal has never been
officially shown in the Laws of the Game, it has been widely used. If an
Assistant Referee uses this signal, it leaves the Referee with little option but
to award a penalty kick, and it focuses all the negative attention - blame -
onto the Assistant Referee. )
To monitor a penalty kick, position yourself where the penalty area line
intersects the goal line. If the goalkeeper blatantly moves off the goal line
before the ball has been kicked, and a goal has not been scored, stand still and
raise your flag. If the penalty has been taken correctly, make eye contact with
me to check that I agree, and then make your way quickly backwards to your
touchline by the shortest practicable route.
Obvious incorrect decision made by the Referee:
If you notice me make a blatant mistake, such as issuing two yellow cards to the
same player without sending him off, or a red or yellow card to the wrong
player, let me know immediately by vigorous flagging, beeping or even by
entering the field of play to vocally warn me. Do not let me re-start the game
without telling me. The other Assistant Referee (or 4th official) should if
necessary, also assist if needed.
Substitutions:
Please can the Senior Assistant Referee manage all of the substitution requests,
even if you have to run from the corner flag - this ensures that there is no
confusion about which substitute has come on during the game.
Use the approved flag signal to indicate a substitution. Please check the
oncoming players' equipment, studs and jewelry etc,.
If I miss a substation flag because I am looking the other way, I'd like the
Junior Assistant Referee to also raise a substitution flag to bring this to my
attention. You can both also shout at me if I am nearby.
Ensure that substitutes enter at the halfway line, and not until the outgoing
player has completely left the field of play.
Keep a note of the substitutes' names and numbers as they occur.
Just prior to kick off, we will double-check to see that we have the same names
and numbers of the substitutes in all of our notebooks, before we leave the
changing room.
If substitutes need to warm up, please ask them to do so behind you, and not
along the touchline half furthest away from you.
Bleeding and checking player's equipment:
If a player leaves the field to adjust his equipment or to have a bleeding wound
treated, please check that the equipment has been corrected and any blood issues
dealt with. I will look towards you to seek confirmation from you that this has
been dealt with, before I allow the player back onto the field of play.
Concentration levels:
Please try to concentrate 100 percent during the match and remain fully alert
and aware at all times. Even when play is furthest from you; be totally focused
and 'switched on', always be ready for any eventuality and to 'expect the
unexpected'. Do not be distracted by comments from the crowd behind you. Avoid
responding to crowd comments, as they will probably provoke further comments. If
the ball goes over the touchline near to you, leave it for the players to fetch,
even if it is very close to you; I want your eyes to be focused on the players
at all times. Never make a comment that may commit me to a particular course of
action; because this may put me in an impossible position and cause unnecessary
embarrassment.
Advantage:
Signalling, deciding and applying the advantage clause are my prerogatives so do
not indicate advantage to players by making any verbal or hand signals. If I am
unsighted and you see a foul, try to give me a 'hidden' signal that a foul has
occurred. For example, by discretely tugging your own shirt. If I do not see the
foul (or your discrete signal), and it is a minor foul, apply the 'spirit of the
advantage clause' in your mind and keep play going when you can - and only flag
the foul if the advantage does not ensue within 2 to 3 seconds.
Managing the Technical Area Occupants:
Adopt a low key approach initially, but be assertive when necessary Please deal
with any minor misconduct yourself by being assertive and polite. Ignore most of
the banter, but bring to my attention any very bad language such as usage of the
'F' & 'C' words particularly directed at me the Referee, at you the Assistant
Referees or players, clearly aimed at destroying the game or inciting the
players. Remember exactly what was said.
Do not get distracted. If you need to call me over, wait until play reaches a
natural stop, step onto the field of play and wave your flag towards me
rigorously. We will discuss (away from others) what has happened, and then I
will deal with any problems. If I need to approach the Technical Area we will do
so together. You will stand alongside me, facing the field of play with your
back to the 'Bench', keeping an eye on the players on the field of play. I will
do all the talking, but listen for any reaction, which may need to be mentioned
in any report.
Whilst I am talking to the occupants, please do not intervene unless I ask you
to.
As a general rule of thumb, if there is trouble brewing with the Technical Area
occupants, use a gradually assertive stepped approach, for example:
1. Ask them politely to behave. 2. Tell them assertively that the
Laws of the Game require them to behave responsibly and that they have already
been warned by you, 3. Warn them that next time, you will summon the
Referee; and finally, 4. Report them to me. ASK: TELL: WARN : REPORT.
Be consistent with this approach.
Timekeeping:
I would like the Junior Assistant Referee to keep his watch running
continuously, and the Senior Assistant Referee to stop and start his watch to
correspond to stoppages allowed by me; as a general rule this will be for
injuries, substitutions and blatant time wasting.
When the last five minutes of the half approach, be prepared to provide me with
a discrete time-down hand signal. Use your outstretched fingers downwards
alongside your shorts to let me know how much time remains (i.e. two
outstretched fingers means 2 minutes left to play). Watch out for me looking
towards you as the half draws to a close. Do not signal completion of time
unless I've completely messed up.
Section 3. AFTER THE MATCH:
As soon as I blow my whistle to
end a half, please sprint to meet up with me as quick as you can. We will then
wait until all of the players and team officials have left the field of play,
before we leave. If there is any expected trouble brewing, please let me do all
the speaking, whilst you both closely monitor what is going on.
Can the Fourth Official please not come onto the field of play, but rather
managed the movement of the Technical Area occupants, and then wait for us at
the exit point so that we can all preceded to the changing rooms together.
Please refrain from passing comment on any aspect of the game, solicited or
otherwise, until we have taken the opportunity to consult with each other in the
privacy of our dressing room. Please do not invite anyone into the dressing
room, as this is my prerogative. If we have a visitor, please do not speak
unless I ask you to.
Are there any questions or have I missed anything?
This is the end of the Referee's pre-match briefing:
Summary:
The above brief is comprehensive, and there are probably even more things that
you could include. You may wish to formulate your own style and pre-match
briefing content. It is best to create a standard brief to use at most games,
and then add on anything additional that is peculiar to each game.
As you climb up the Referee promotion ladder, there will be other briefing areas
to consider: security, policing, crowd control, floodlighting, media relations,
photographers and many more topics to be covered in your brief, and you will
always need to read the Rules of each Competition to look out for other topics
to include in your brief, such as the number of occupants allowed in the
technical area, where to inspect players' equipment and local protocols
etc...............
It does take some time to memorise a complex briefing; so do not be afraid of
writing down your briefing list as bullet points on a piece of card, and using
it in your first games involved with Assistant Referees. You will soon learn to
memorise your briefing after a few games. It is far better to cover all your
topics, than to try and be clever and remember your entire brief by heart. One
good way of structuring your brief is to do it whilst you walk around the field
of play with your Assistant Referees, using markers as a prompt. For example,
begin by the Technical Area and discuss how to deal with the occupants and
substitutions etc. As you walk down the touchline towards the corner flag,
discuss for example, throw-ins, offside, penalties, and then corner kicks. Walk
along the goal line and discuss goal kicks, penalty kick monitoring positions.
When you reach the goal itself, discuss the six-second-release rule, monitoring
goalkeepers when they release the ball from their hands, checking the goal nets
etc. As you walk into the field of play itself, talk about free kicks,
eye-to-eye contact, advantage, missing incidents, concentration levels and how
to deal with melees etc. When you reach the centre circle, discuss the coin
tossing ceremony, taking notes, which touchline to patrol and who will be the
Senior Assistant etc. If the weather does not allow you to give your brief
during your field of play inspection, use your imagination to picture yourself
walking around the field - this will prompt you to remember all the parts of
your brief as you communicate it to your Assistant Referees in the comfort of
the warm and dry changing rooms. There are many other ways to structure your
brief so that you can remember it. Using a tick-list or an alphabetically
produced list is effective or grouping topics in subject headings such as:
Stopping Play, Team Work, Club Officials, Responsible Areas etc. Use whichever
system suits you best.
But please remember - the briefing you give to your Assistant Referees is not a
list of orders, it should be a two-way communication between you and your two
Assistants (and Fourth Official if he is present). Please listen and discuss and
clarify any queries from them. The pre-match brief should not be overly long,
but approximately of 10-15 minutes duration
The Referee needs the Assistant Referees, and the Assistant Referees need the
Referee!
Julian Carosi www.CorshamRef.org.uk
Happy reffing.