Last posted here after my first couple of games so thought I would drop back with an update plus a little query.
The gist is I'm enjoying it all so far! Done my first 5 games and some now and been focussing on getting lots of different experience so done everything from U11s up to Open Age and had some great opportunities to see other Refs and their style with some NAR appointments. Got my first penalties out of the way, my first disallowing of a crucial goal for offside and my first cards for dissent and otherwise, still waiting on my first red card but I'm sure it will come.
I'm finding myself relatively confident in the major decisions; fouls, penalties, cards, and not had too many issues managing players or dissent. One thing I am finding more difficult which I didn't expect is the small decisions; corners vs GKs and throw ins. I find all too often I give a throw one way (both sides having appealed for it of course) and the other team respond infuriated. In retrospect I can see I'm often getting these wrong, too often I just don't know who it's come off last or I'm not in the best position to tell. I'm also finding with some of these small decisions it's almost like I'm getting a mind blank moment and then having to pick a side and pray. I do find being honest saying "I didn't see so I'll go defensive throw" or "I'm not sure so benefit of the doubt means goal kick" helps me however I also think getting 2 or 3 of these wrong in a match is meaning I'm losing match control and respect where I don't need to.
Any tips for this? Is it just part and parcel and to be expected? Do you naturally get better with experience or is it something you can work on somehow?
The gist is I'm enjoying it all so far! Done my first 5 games and some now and been focussing on getting lots of different experience so done everything from U11s up to Open Age and had some great opportunities to see other Refs and their style with some NAR appointments. Got my first penalties out of the way, my first disallowing of a crucial goal for offside and my first cards for dissent and otherwise, still waiting on my first red card but I'm sure it will come.
I'm finding myself relatively confident in the major decisions; fouls, penalties, cards, and not had too many issues managing players or dissent. One thing I am finding more difficult which I didn't expect is the small decisions; corners vs GKs and throw ins. I find all too often I give a throw one way (both sides having appealed for it of course) and the other team respond infuriated. In retrospect I can see I'm often getting these wrong, too often I just don't know who it's come off last or I'm not in the best position to tell. I'm also finding with some of these small decisions it's almost like I'm getting a mind blank moment and then having to pick a side and pray. I do find being honest saying "I didn't see so I'll go defensive throw" or "I'm not sure so benefit of the doubt means goal kick" helps me however I also think getting 2 or 3 of these wrong in a match is meaning I'm losing match control and respect where I don't need to.
Any tips for this? Is it just part and parcel and to be expected? Do you naturally get better with experience or is it something you can work on somehow?