Control the controllables.
I’ve been a teacher for over twenty years, a referee for three, and I am continually struck by the parallels between the two. I have no doubt my teaching experience has helped me become a better referee, and I suspect any referee becoming a teaching would be at an advantage because of their experience in the middle.
A similar argument (re: dress) runs through education. I turn up to school each day looking smart. This doesn’t mean I teach good lessons, but it helps sets the tone, it helps me tune in to my job (my students may not believe it, but I don’t always wear a shirt and tie. I sit writing this in shorts and t-shirt), it helps establish my status as a professional. However,
@Sheffields Finest is right, if I teach a rubbish lesson, my jacket ain’t going to stop the kids misbehaving.
I know some fantastic teachers who look a bag of spuds, their lessons are great, beacuase they are good teachers, despite what they look like.
But I have seen some teachers struggle, for all sorts of reasons, and, if they don’t look the part, pupils will use it against them. It is tangible, and an easy target. Looking the part probably increases one’s self-confidence, it certainly inspires confidence in you from others, and so much of teaching - and refereeing- is all about confidence.
Control the controllables - I cant control the mood my class (the teams) are in when they arrive at my classroom (pitch) but I can control their first impressions, and this will set the tone and help me (although I admit, it won’t stop me subsequently screwing everything up.)