The Ref Stop

Open Age First OA Game

J

Josh the referee

Well-Known Member
Level 7 Referee
Got my first Open Age game next Saturday. Looking forward to it and obviously a little nervous!

Done plenty of Adult Lines this season to get an understanding of what to do and what not to do. Any wise words of wisdom from anyone?

I'm hoping that it should be almost easier to manage than some youth games.
 
The Ref Stop
Not got any advice as I haven't done my first adult middle either, just a couple of adult lines, but please do share your experience after you've done it because this is a step I'm looking to take in the near-ish future!
 
dylanbailey4444 said:
I think what the men want is someone who communicates with them. They want a referee who will tell them why they’ve made a decision. Usually something along the lines of ‘you may not agree with my decision, but I saw you trip his legs, that’s why I’ve given the free kick’ works for me.
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Absolutely this - I had a game a couple of weeks ago where I felt I'd not had my best game but a few players came up to me afterwards complimenting my performance. One of them even said I was the best ref they'd had this season because I explained everything to them - as a young ref myself I normally end up saying stuff out loud to make it look like I know what I'm doing!!

Go for it @Josh the referee and @ChrisBLD because it's one of the best steps in challenging yourself in refereeing and best of luck if/when you do!!!!
 
Yes absolutely please tell us how it goes. I intend on moving into OA next season when the limits of Level Y have finally gone. Will benefit a lot from shared experiences.
 
Having done my first 8 or so open age this season my issue has been trying to turn too much of a blind eye to dissent and underpunishing - Its not always easy but dissent can snowball if you leave it unpunished
 
Talk to people. A lot of younger players don't care, some of the older players at open age will actually just want to listen and have a discussion.

I always say to try and identify who will work with you. Hopefully the skipper, failing that, most teams have one composed player who will talk to you,a nd if you get them onside, you can use them to get the team onside. It's not bulletproof and only works 50-80% of the time, but its better than none.

Ultimately OA is its own kettle of fish, you have to serve some time there, find what works for you and roll with it.

I'm quite lenient on dissent and I like a physical game, but I like to think I've recently begun to learn to when to turn that on its head. Every game is unique and has to be treated as such.

Referee the game they give you, and stick at it to build experience :)
 
My key piece of advice, give plenty of fouls.

If anything looks like a foul give it particularly defensive or halfway line fouls.

Keeping match control is key & easily lost if players think they can get away with putting their foot in.

Later in the match, if you have two teams wanting to play football you can release the handbrake!

Enjoy it with a smile on your face & be confident.
 
One thing I will say, people are correct when they say to talk to people etc, but don’t fall in to the trap of over explaining or explaining every decision. It’s about balance.

Also, be aware that if you’re young, some players will try to intimidate you, but they’ll soon get the message if it’s not working.
 
Just think about what you are about to say. Then say it confidently.

Don't be dragged into them making you over explain and don't say anything that makes it sound like you aren't 100%.

Just say enough. If they want more, they can talk to you at half time.

Body language too. Confidence mostly comes from experience. But starting out, fake it till you make it.

But don't be rude or a flat out liar.
 
Xavier said:
Whats the best way to show confidence. I love how marciniak referees and try to copy his style
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I wouldn't advise trying to copy the style of a particular top level referee. There's no way Szymon Marciniak refereed the way he does now when he was starting out as a junior referee. He gets away with that kind of aggressive, almost confrontational, refereeing because he is mega experienced and the players trust him. Do that at grass roots level and you are liable to get your block knocked off.

The best way to show confidence is to keep your head up. If you aren't confident on a decision the natural reaction is to give it and look down at the floor, I know as I was guilty of that for years and it took someone showing me on a video to even know I was doing it. Also be happy to explain what you have or haven't given, but don't let it descend into a debate.
 
OldNavyRef said:
Just think about what you are about to say. Then say it confidently.

Don't be dragged into them making you over explain and don't say anything that makes it sound like you aren't 100%.

Just say enough. If they want more, they can talk to you at half time.

Body language too. Confidence mostly comes from experience. But starting out, fake it till you make it.

But don't be rude or a flat out liar.
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Great advice.
Short, clear, proactive.
 
RustyRef said:
I wouldn't advise trying to copy the style of a particular top level referee. There's no way Szymon Marciniak refereed the way he does now when he was starting out as a junior referee. He gets away with that kind of aggressive, almost confrontational, refereeing because he is mega experienced and the players trust him. Do that at grass roots level and you are liable to get your block knocked off.

The best way to show confidence is to keep your head up. If you aren't confident on a decision the natural reaction is to give it and look down at the floor, I know as I was guilty of that for years and it took someone showing me on a video to even know I was doing it. Also be happy to explain what you have or haven't given, but don't let it descend into a debate.
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I also got pulled up on a coaching visit last March for looking down at the floor after giving decisions. I didn't have a video, but once he said it I realised he was correct.
 
RefereeX said:
I also got pulled up on a coaching visit last March for looking down at the floor after giving decisions. I didn't have a video, but once he said it I realised he was correct.
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It's just natural human behaviour, if you aren't confident in something you avoid eye contact, and the easiest way of doing that is looking down. My manager did exactly the same as he was telling me he was making me redundant a couple of years ago, not just a refereeing thing 😂
 
Was at a seminar and asked Mike Dean why he often did the "no look' card.
He said it was due to lack of confidence to look the player in the eye at that moment.
Not someone most would associate with a lack of confidence, suppose we all have our moments.
 
bester said:
Was at a seminar and asked Mike Dean why he often did the "no look' card.
He said it was due to lack of confidence to look the player in the eye at that moment.
Not someone most would associate with a lack of confidence, suppose we all have our moments.
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Awesome bit of information!

I love the idea of someone at the peak of the refereeing ladder, 1,000s of games under their belt and still being human.
 
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