2016-17 LOTG Outline summary of Law changes

Law 01 – The Field of Play
• Artificial and natural surfaces may not be combined on the field
• Competitions may determine field size for their competitions (within Law)
• All commercial advertising on the ground must be at least 1m (1yd) from boundary lines
• Logos/emblems of FAs, competitions etc... allowed on corner flags (no advertising)

Law 02 – The Ball
None

Law 03 – The Players (new title)
• A match may not start/continue if a team has fewer than 7 players
• Substitutes may take a restart but must first step onto the field
• Clarifies situation when a player is sent off before/after kick-off
• Direct FK (or penalty) if a substitute/team official interferes with play
• If something/someone (other than a player) touches a ball as it goes into the goal the referee can award the goal if the touch had no impact on the defenders
• If a goal is scored with an extra person on the field and referee has restarted play the goal stands and match continues

Law 04 – The Players’ Equipment
• Any tape or other material on/covering socks must be same colour as the sock
• Player losing footwear/shinguard accidentally can play on until next stoppage
• Undershorts must be colour of shorts or hem; team must all wear same colour
• Electronic communication with substitutes is forbidden
• Player can return during play after changing/correcting equipment, once equipment has been checked (by referee, fourth official or AR) and referee signals

Law 05 – The Referee
• Decision can not be changed if play restarted or referee has left the field (HT+FT)
• If several offences occur at the same time the most serious is punished
• Referee can send a player off from pre-match pitch inspection onwards
• Referee can only use RC + YC after entering the field at start of the match
• Player injured by RC/YC foul can be quickly assessed/ treated and stay on field
• The equipment a referee can or may be allowed to use
• Diagrams of referee signals included (from Guidelines section)

Law 06 – The Other Match Officials (new title)
• More details about the duties of the assistants, AARs, fourth official
• Diagrams of assistant referee signals included (from Guidelines section)

Law 07 – The Duration of the Match
• More reasons for additional time (e.g. medical drinks breaks)

Law 08 – The Start and Restart of Play
• All restarts included (previously only kick-off and dropped ball)
• Ball must clearly move to be in play for all kicked restarts
• Ball can be kicked in any direction at kick-off (previously had to go forward)
• Referee can not ‘manufacture’ outcome of a dropped ball

Law 09 – The Ball in and out of Play
• If a ball rebounds off a match official it is in play unless it has wholly passed over a boundary line

Law 10 – Determining the Outcome of a Match (new title)
Kicks from the penalty mark:
• Referee will toss a coin to choose the goal (unless weather, safety, etc.)
• Player temporarily off the field (e.g. injured) at final whistle can take part
• Both teams must have same number of players before and during the kicks
• Clear statement of when a kick is over
• Kicks not delayed if player leaves the field; if not back in time kick is forfeited

Law 11 – Offside
• Halfway line ‘neutral’ for offside; player must be in opponents’ half
• Players’ arms not considered when judging offside position (including goalkeeper)
• Offside FK always taken where offence occurs (even in own half)
• Defender off the field only ‘active’ until defending team clear ball or play stops
• As above for attacker returning; before that re-entry point is the offside position

Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct
• Foul with contact is a direct FK
• Advantage for a RC – indirect FK if offender then gets involved in play
• Change of wording for handball so that not every handball is a YC
• Some DOGSO offences in the penalty area are punished with a YC
• Attempted violent conduct is a RC, even if no contact
• Striking on head/face when not challenging an opponent is a RC (unless negligible)
• Offence against substitutes, team officials, match officials etc. is now a direct FK
• Foul off the field penalised with a direct FK on boundary line (penalty in own penalty area)

Law 13 – Free Kicks
• Difference between ‘stopping’ a FK and ‘intercepting’ the ball after FK taken

Law 14 –The Penalty Kick
• Indirect FK + YC if wrong player deliberately takes the penalty
• Indirect FK if ball kicked backwards
• If ‘illegal’ feinting occurs it is always an indirect FK (and YC)
• Goalkeeper YC if infringes and PK is retaken

Law 15 – The Throw-in
• New wording makes it clear that ball must be thrown with both hands

Law 16 – The Goal Kick
• If GK kicked into own goal it is a corner kick to opponents
• An opponent in the penalty area when the goal kick is taken can not play the ball first

Law 17 – The Corner Kick
• If CK kicked into own goal it is a corner kick to opponents

US Soccer Bylaws 531-9

Policy 531-9—Misconduct Toward Game Officials  

Section 1.  General  

Misconduct against referees may occur before, during and after the match, including travel to or from the match.  Misconduct may occur also at later times when directly related to duties of a game official as a referee.  

Section 2.  Rule Application  

(A)  This policy shall supersede any inconsistent rules of Organization Members that pertain to assaults or abuse upon Federation referees, assistant referees, the manner and means of hearings, appeals, and rehearings in matters pertaining thereto.  

(B)  Nothing in this policy rule shall be construed to restrict or limit any league,  event/tournament or Organization Member from applying equal or greater restrictions to anyone not listed in section 4(a)(1) of this policy (i.e., a spectator associated with a club or team).  

(C)  This policy shall not apply to players, coaches, managers, club officials, or league officials while participating in Professional League Member activities.    

Section 3.  Terms and References 

34   

As used in this policy --   

 (1) “Referee” includes the following:  

(a)  all currently registered USSF referees, assistant referees, fourth officials or others duly appointed to assist in officiating in a match. (b)  any non-licensed, non-registered person serving in an emergency capacity as a referee (under Rule 3040). (c)  any club assistant referee.  

(2) “Hearing” means a meeting of at least three neutral members, one of whom is designated or elected to serve as chairperson.  The hearing shall be conducted pursuant to guidelines established by the Organization Member.  

(3) (a) (i) Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee.   (ii) For purposes of this policy, “intentional act” shall mean an act intended to bring about a result which will invade the interests of another in a way that is socially unacceptable. Unintended consequences of the act are irrelevant. (b)  Assault includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee: hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; head butting; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could inflict injury; damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property, i.e. car, equipment, etc.  

(4) (a) Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee’s property or equipment. (b)  Abuse includes, but is not limited to the following acts committed upon a referee:  using foul or abusive language toward a referee that implies or threatens physical harm; spewing any beverage on a referee’s personal property; or spitting at (but not on) the referee.  

Section 4.  Jurisdiction and Hearings  

(A)  General  

(1)  When any amateur or professional player, coach, manager, club official or game official assaults or abuses a referee, the original jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter shall vest immediately in the responsible Organization Member which is affiliated with the Federation. (2)  When an allegation of assault is verified by the Organization Member the person is automatically suspended until the hearing on the assault. (3)  The Organization Member must hold a hearing within thirty (30) days of the verification by the Member of the abuse or assault or, if applicable, the thirty-day 

35  

period provided by subsection (B)(3) of this section.  If the Member does not adjudicate the matter within that period of time, original jurisdiction shall immediately vest in the Federation’s Appeals Committee to adjudicate the matter, to which the same provisions as to the term of suspension shall apply.  (4)  Failure to hold the initial hearing shall not rescind the automatic suspension.  

(B)  Events and Tournaments  

(1)  In the event an assault or abuse of a referee occurs in an event outside the alleged offender’s home state, the referee shall (A) immediately notify the Event/Tournament Chairperson, and (B) forward a copy of the game report and his/her comments on the incident to the Event/Tournament Chairman. (2)  The Event/Tournament Chairperson shall have the right to immediately convene a hearing at the site of the Event/Tournament, at which the alleged offender, the coach of the alleged offender when the offender is a player and the game official should be present.  Information presented at this hearing shall promptly be relayed to the alleged offender’s Organization Member President by the Event/Tournament Chairperson, both orally and in writing; however, failure to provide written information shall not restrict the offender’s home Organization Member from taking action with regard to any referee abuse or assault. (3)  Final jurisdiction shall vest with the alleged offender’s home Organization Member.  A hearing shall be held by that Organization Member within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the initial report of the abuse or assault on a referee.  

Section 5.  Penalties and Suspensions  

(A)  Assault  

(1) The person committing the referee assault must be suspended as follows:  

(a) for a minor or slight touching of the referee or the referee's uniform or personal property, at least 3 months from the time of the assault; (b) except as provided in clause (i) or (ii), for any other assault, at least 6 months from the time of the assault: (i) for an assault committed by an adult and the referee is 17 years of age or younger, at least 3 years; or (ii) for an assault when serious injuries are inflicted, at least 5 years. (2) A State Association adjudicating the matter may not provide shorter period of suspension but, if circumstances warrant, may provide a longer period of suspension.  

36  

(B) Abuse   

The minimum suspension period for referee abuse shall be at least three (3) scheduled matches within the rules of that competition.  The Organization Member adjudicating the matter may provide a longer period of suspension when circumstances warrant (e.g., habitual offenders).  

Section 6.  Appeals  

A person who is found to have committed abuse and/or assault may appeal to the Appeals Committee by following the procedures of Federation Bylaw 705 within ten (10) days from receipt of the decision of the Organization Member.  

Section 7.  Procedure for Reporting Assault and Abuse  

(A)  Procedures for reporting of referee assault and/or abuse shall be developed and disseminated by the National Referee Committee to all Federation registered referees. (B)  Referees shall transmit a written report of the alleged assault or abuse, or both, within 48 hours of the incident (unless there is a valid reason for later reporting) to the designee of the Organization Member and the State Referee Administrator.  For tournaments or special events, the referee shall transmit a written report to the tournament director on the day of the incident and to his home state SRA within 10 days of the incident. 

US SOCCER BYLAWS AND POLICIES

http://www.ussoccer.com/referees/resource-center/administration

The Weekend Review!

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Every Monday During the Fall Season

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9/28/2015
Moderator: Richard Rodriguez

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Monday 9/28/2015  from 7:00PM to 9:00PM

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Circular No.3: Additional Guidance on Law 11 - Offside (Videos)

To all football associations, confederations and FIFA
Circular no. 3
Zurich, 17 July 2015 SEC/2015-C051/bru
ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE ON LAW 11 – OFFSIDE

Dear Sir or Madam,

Following requests from a number of football associations and confederations regarding offside, The IFAB would like to provide additional clarification and/or guidance relating to the definition of the offside offence of ‘interfering with an opponent’ and also to the definition of ‘save’ in the context of offside (Laws of the Game, p. 110).
This clarification follows detailed deliberations between our Technical Sub-Committee and the Technical Advisory Panel, which consists of refereeing experts from all the confederations.
Please be informed that this clarification replaces any non-IFAB instructions or guidance received previously with respect to this matter. We trust that this clarification will ensure a higher uniformity in the application of Law 11.
1. “Interfering with an opponent”
Clarification
In addition to the situations already outlined in the Laws of the Game, a player in an offside position shall also be penalized if he:
• clearly attempts to play a ball which is close to him when this action impacts on an
opponent or
• makes an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball

Guidance
• ‘clearly attempts’ – this wording is designed to prevent a player who runs towards the ball from quite a long distance being penalized (unless he gets close to the ball).
• ‘close’ is important so that a player is not penalized when the ball goes clearly over his head or clearly in front of him.
• ‘impact’ applies to an opponent’s ability (or potential) to play the ball and will include situations where an opponent’s movement to play the ball is delayed, hindered or prevented by the offside player.

However, just because a player is an offside position it does not always mean that he has an impact. For example:
• if the ball is on the right-hand side of the field and an ‘offside’ player in the center of the field moves into a new attacking position he is not penalized unless this action affects an opponent’s ability to play the ball • where a player tries to play the ball as it is going into the goal without affecting an opponent, or in situations where there is no opposition player near, he should not be penalized

2. “Save”
Clarification
Law 11 outlines situations when an offside player is penalized by becoming involved in active play and these include (p. 110):
• “gaining an advantage by being in that position” means playing a ball i. that rebounds or is deflected to him off the goalpost, crossbar or an opponent having been in an offside position ii. that rebounds, is deflected or is played to him from a deliberate save by an opponent having been in an offside position A player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent, who deliberately plays the ball (except from a deliberate save), is not considered to have gained an advantage.

As indicated in the last sentence a ‘save’ can be made by any player and is not limited to the goalkeeper. Therefore, The IFAB wishes to clarify that: A ‘save’ is when a player stops a ball which is going into or very close to the goal with any part of his body except his hands (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area).

NB: This clarification is consistent with the use of the word ‘save’ in Law 12 – Offences by the Goalkeeper (p. 122).

Additional information: change of FIFA Quality Program logos Unrelated to Law 11, we would like to take this opportunity to mention the change to the FIFA quality marks on footballs (p. 16), which was not part of the previous correspondence. This change is already reflected in the printed editions of the Laws of the Game 2015/16, which you received recently.

Thank you for your attention and please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or inquiries.


Yours sincerely,

On behalf of the Board of Directors
Lukas Brud Secretary

_____________________________________________________________

VIDEO #1

"Interfering with play" and "Gaining an advantage from that position" are both out. What's left? "Interfering with an opponent", so let's break it down.

Did the player in the offside position, ‘clearly attempts’ to play the ball? 

'Clearly attempts' – this wording is designed to prevent a player who runs towards the ball from quite a long distance being penalized (unless he gets close to the ball). YES. 

What's next? how close?

How ‘close’ is important so that a player is not penalized when the ball goes clearly over his head or clearly in front of him. YES 

Finally, did he impacted the opponent's ability or potential ability to play the ball? 

‘impact’ applies to an opponent’s ability (or potential) to play the ball and will include situations where an opponent’s movement to play the ball is delayed, hindered or prevented by the offside player. I CAN'T TELL WITHOUT A DOUBT. 

Decision: Play continues.

VIDEO #2

Offside, for interfering with an opponent. Red #10 in an offside position made a clear action within playing distance which impacted the ability of the goalkeeper to play the ball.

VIDEO #3

This is a tricky play and to get it right you need to break it down into manageable chunks!
White #9 was in an offside position when White #7 took a shot on goal.
Blue #14 made a goal-line "save". After the "save" White #9 challenges Blue #4 for the ball but he is unsuccessful. "Gaining an advantage by being in that position" is out. Why?
“gaining an advantage by being in that position” means playing a ball i. that rebounds or is deflected to him off the goalpost, crossbar or an opponent having been in an offside position ii. that rebounds, is deflected or is played to him from a deliberate save by an opponent having been in an offside position. In this play White #9 did not touch the ball.

So, what's next?

White # 9 from an offside position clearly attempts to play a ball which is close to him, this 'obvious action' clearly impacts on the ability of the opponent to play the ball.

Decision: OFFSIDE "interfering with an opponent".

Advanced Clinic 6/11

WSRO Advanced Referee Clinic

" Focus and Concentration "

Thursday, 6/11/2015 at 7:00PM

LARCHMONT  TEMPLE 

75 Larchmont Avenue, Larchmont, NY

(Willow Avenue entrance)

Please confirm your attendance as soon as possible

since the room only holds about 30 people.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me

RichardUSSF@Live.com



Make The Call 4/6/2015

HD Video click here

Do we have a foul?

Misconduct?

What's the restart?

Injury management: any comments?

ATR 5.8 Injuries

There is no higher priority for the officiating team than the health and safety of the players. Accordingly, referees must remain vigilant in any situation where an injury might have occurred to err on the side of protecting the safety of the player. This is particularly the case where an injury may have occurred to the head or neck of a player as a result of hard contact with anyone, whether or not as a result of a foul, or of contact with any hard surface. The first action to be taken immediately is to stop play and then
to bring medical assistance onto the field.
Players who are injured are required to leave the field under either of two conditions:
• the referee stops play solely for a serious injury (i.e., no other violation) or
• with play stopped for any other reason, the referee signals approval for someone (team official, medical personnel, etc.) to enter the field to assist the injured player.a goalkeeper is injured,

There are three exceptions to this rule:
• a goalkeeper is injured,
• one or more field players (regardless of team) and a goalkeeper are seriously injured in a collision, or
• two or more players from the same team are seriously injured in a collision.
In most cases, treatment for an injury is required to be done off the field but the referee must allow treatment on the field under any of the exceptions listed above or, where an exception does not exist, if a player’s injury is sufficiently serious that moving the player off the field would itself constitute a danger (usually, situations where immediate first aid must be administered).

If play has been stopped for an injury or if assistance has been waved onto the field, it is usually unwise to remain in the area of the injured player. The referee should move away and pursue other duties – consulting with one or both assistant referee about details of the event, calming other players understandably upset about the injury, checking in with the fourth official, and so forth.

HD Video click here

2/10/2015 Online Clinic

Mental Readiness

Video Analysis

HOMEWORK: 
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Dial +1 (571) 317-3112
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Game Management: Verbal De-escalation Techniques.

CAUTION: The guidelines presented below are intended for use with a player or team official whose agitated behavior is largely verbal, shows no signs of escalating beyond that point, and does not present as potentially physically aggressive or violent. Referees who suspect that a player or team official may present a safety risk to self or others should immediately seek additional assistance (Assistant referee/s, player/s, team official/s, etc.).

There are two important concepts to keep in mind:

1) Reasoning with an enraged player or team official is not possible. The first and only objective in de-escalation is to reduce the level of arousal so that discussion becomes possible.
2) De-escalation techniques are abnormal. We are driven to fight, flight or freeze when scared. However, in de-escalation, we can do none of these. We must appear centered and calm even when we are frightened.

Therefore these techniques must be practiced before they are needed so that they can become "second nature.”

THERE ARE 3 PARTS TO BE MASTERED IN VERBAL DE-ESCALATION

A. THE REFEREE IN CONTROL OF HIM/HER SELF

1) Appear calm, centered and self-assured even though you don’t feel it. Relax facial muscles and look confident. Your anxiety can make the client feel anxious and unsafe and that can escalate aggression.
2) Use a modulated, low monotonous tone of voice (our normal tendency is to have a high pitched, tight voice when scared).
3) If cards were shown and if you have time, put them away.
4) Do not be defensive-even if the comments or insults are directed at you, they are not about you. Do not defend yourself or anyone else from insults, curses or misconceptions about the game and misinterpretations of the laws of the game.
5) Be aware of any resources available for back up. Know that you have the choice to terminate the game, tell the player/team official to leave should de-escalation not be effective
6) Be very respectful even when firmly setting limits or when showing a caution, sending off a player or dismissing a team official for irresponsible behavior. The agitated individual is very sensitive to feeling shamed and disrespected. We want him/her to know that it is not necessary to show us that they must be respected. We automatically treat them with dignity and respect.

B: THE PHYSICAL STANCE

1) Never turn your back for any reason
2) Always be at the same eye level. Encourage the player or team official to maintain distance.
3) Allow extra physical space between you – about four times your usual distance. Anger and agitation fill the extra space between you and the payer of team official.
4) Do not stand full front to player/team official. Stand at an angle so you can sidestep away if needed.
5) Do not maintain constant eye contact. Allow the player/team official to break his/her gaze and look away.
6) Do not point or shake your finger.
7) DO NOT smile. This could look like mockery or anxiety
8) Do not touch – even if some touching is generally culturally appropriate and usual in your setting. Cognitive dysfunction in agitated people allow for easy misinterpretation of physical contact as hostile or threatening.
9) Keep hands out of your pockets, up and available to protect yourself.
10) Do not argue or try to convince, give choices i.e. empower.
11) Don’t be defensive or judgmental.
12) LISTEN in a way they want to TALK to you.
13) TALK in a way they want to LISTEN to you.


C: THE DE-ESCALATION DISCUSSION

1) Remember that there is no content except trying to calmly bring the level of arousal down to baseline.
2) Do not get loud or try to yell over a screaming player/team personal. Wait until he/she takes a breath; then talk. Speak calmly at an average volume.
3) Respond selectively; answer all informational questions no matter how rudely asked, (e.g. "Why do I have to leave the F.....ing field when I was the one being hurt?” This is a real information-seeking question). DO NOT answer abusive questions (e.g. "Why are we paying you when you're not doing your job?) This question should get no response what so ever.
3) Explain limits and rules in an authoritative, firm, but always respectful tone. Give choices where possible in which both alternatives are safe ones (e.g. you’re telling me my ARs and I missed a elbow to the back, I promise you we’ll keep an eye on him for the remainder of the match, but don’t do anything stupid, let us handle it, let him be the one getting a red card not you.)
4) Empathize with feelings but not with the behavior (e.g. "I understand that you feel angry, but it is not okay for you to threaten me or my crew.")
5) Do not solicit how a person is feeling or interpret feelings in an analytic way.
6) Do not argue or try to convince.
7) Wherever possible, tap into the player's or team official’s cognitive mode:
DO NOT ask: "Tell me how you feel."
Ask: "Help me to understand what you are saying to me”
People are not attacking you while they are teaching you what they want you to know.
8) Suggest alternative behaviors where appropriate e.g. "Would you like to take a break or have some water?
9) Give the consequences of inappropriate behavior without threats or anger.
10) Trust your instincts. If you assess or feel that de-escalation is not working, STOP! You will know within 30 seconds to 1 minute if it’s beginning to work. Tell the player or team official to leave and get the captain and other players involve.


There is nothing magical about talking someone down. You are transferring your sense of calms and genuine interest in what the player or team official wants to tell you, and respectful, clear limit setting in the hope that the player or team official actually wishes to respond positively to your respectful attention.

Do not be a hero and do not try de-escalation when a person shows any behavior that signifies hostility or intent to attack.

Videos Analysis: Mental Readiness

Anybody can say "THAT IS JUST WRONG". Recognizing WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW is what separates the Referee from the wannabes.

When analyzing the videos fill in the blanks:

• What...
• When...
• Where...
• Why...
• How...

And use the following considerations.

Concentration/ Awareness:

• Is the referee aware of a possible conflict in allowing the game to continue?
• Is there immediate communication between the match officials to avoid unnecessary protests or appeals?
• Does the referee keep his focus and concentration throughout the incident?
• Is the referee in a good position to make the correct decision?
• Is the communication process appropriate in deciding who the offending player is?
• Is the referee aware of what the law allows in certain situations?

Teamwork

• Is the AR closer to the action than the referee?
• Does the AR have a better view of the incident than the referee?
• Does the referee have a better view of the incident than the AR?
• Is the signal from the AR to the referee clear?
• Did the referee make a decision before the signal by the AR?
• Does the incident happen out of the view of the referee?
• Does the AR inform the referee about any misconduct?
• Should one of the match officials have seen the incident?
• Should the fourth official intervene if none of the other officials saw the incident?
• Has teamwork broken down because of a lack of concentration?

Positioning

• Is the referee too close to the incident?
• Is the referee too far away to make a credible decision?
• Is the referees view obscured by a player(s)?
• Does the referee create a good viewing angle in order to get the correct decision?
• Is the Assistant Referee better placed than the referee?
• Are both the referee and the assistant referee in good viewing positions?

Video #1

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Video #2

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Video #3

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Video #4

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Video #5

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Video #6

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Mental Preparation

“How to deal with pressure on the field”BY JANIE FRAMPTON

In almost every sport the top fifty competitors in the world are all as strong, as fast and as skillful and have as much stamina as each other. Yet in every sport some emerge as winners and others never quite reach the podium.

The same is true for Match Officials. We have those who work hard on their physical fitness, perfect their skills in law, application and management of people and situations. These skills and others can produce an individual performance that can reach levels unmatched by their peers.

What is it that makes the difference?

The winners are the ones who can overcome the mental pressures of a tough game. They can ignore or feed-off the crowd, or the importance of the occasion.

So where does the mental pressure come from?

The answer is – it comes from within! It is their own reading of the situation which causes pressure, and because it is from within it can be controlled: The winners are not necessarily born this way but have trained themselves both mentally and physically.

What are the mental skills?

There are a range of skills demanded of the match official; many of them can be linked to the individual’s state of mind. For instance, the first thing expected of a match official by the players and coaches is that he or she is consistent.

But from where does such consistency come?

It can only be the ability to focus on the game, ignore internal and external distractions and apply the law correctly in each and every situation.

Perhaps it is a good starting point to consider the mental qualities required by looking at what would be expected from the ideal match official:

• Calm under pressure

• In control of their emotions

• Confident

• Mentally alert

• Positive.

Let us consider these points in more detail.

The good match official does not try to avoid pressure; he or she accepts that it is part of the game at all levels.

Be confident that you have the skills to deal with the situation; pressure is not a threat but a challenge to be welcomed.

• Do not get upset by the challenge of the players to your decisions, they are not directing their anger at you, they do not know you! Their frustration is directed at the uniform and the authoritative role you represent.

Take a few moments to gather your thoughts and re-focus.

Do not lose focus on the game, and keep concentration throughout.

• Show no anger, no fear and no negative emotions. The only emotion which should be shown is enjoyment. Remember, this is what we are there for!

• Be strong in your decision making; take responsibility and manage the consequences whether your decisions are right or wrong

• Be confident; assertive but not arrogant; have a determined belief in your own ability that you can perform well. This will mean that you will not be intimidated by the pressures of the occasion, or by the antics of the players

• Be able to maintain concentration on the things that matter in the game, and have the ability to ‘switch-off’ no matter what the pressure.

So how do we get there?

How do you learn to officiate under pressure?

The answer is – you do not. Nobody performs well under pressure. The reason why our top officials at all levels of the game ‘shine’ when the stakes are highest, the competition the fiercest and the game the toughest is not because they can do it under pressure, but

because they eliminate the pressure and officiate in an ‘ideal mental state’!

When you are officiating at the ideal mental state:

• You feel relaxed although the adrenaline level is high

• You are a little nervous, but with a sense of calmness and confidence

• Your decisions will be made spontaneously without the conscious thought process as you will have a strong belief in your ability

• You will always feel as if you are in the right place at the right time

• You will maintain concentration and have an awareness of what is happening around you

• You will maintain control over your emotions and not become tense, therefore remaining in total control of yourself.

If you manage the above, you will eliminate the excess of pressure, which would otherwise prevent you from performing at your best.

So what will help you to reach the ideal mental state?

Relaxation – Take a few moments to gather your thoughts and re-focus.

Concentration – Do not lose focus on the game, and keep concentration throughout.

Visualization – Visualize how you will deal with certain situations and when they occur you will then be armed with ideas on how to deal with them. These are ‘closed

skills’, performed in isolation.

Emotional Control – The focus at all times must be on positive feelings. Examples of these are: Confidence, determination, relaxation and of course, above all, enjoyment.

Attitudes – Will controls a referee’s behavior. If you think you can, you will; if you think you have to be the best then you won’t be - be yourself!

Awareness – By harnessing strengths and working on areas that need attention, you will become a better referee.

Affirmations – It is good to have affirmations that deflect pressure. Mohammed Ali said, “I am the greatest”, because he believed it. This may not be a usual statement from referees, but other positive affirmations could be, “I never let emotions affect my

officiating”, or “I always spot the flash points”. These are positive and will give you confidence.

Handling the pressure

What can be done to handle the pressures which will arise? The first aspect must be to ensure a good pregame preparation.

Preparing for your game

Do not change your physical preparation. This means continuing any physical training at your usual level and do not change your pattern of relaxation. Relaxation is as important as physical preparation.

• Do prepare yourself mentally for anything which might happen

• Don’t try to make changes to your refereeing technique. What you have done so far has been good enough to give you the opportunities you are receiving; only make changes to your identified areas of development

• Do a little mental rehearsal every day; see yourself refereeing in an ideal mental state

• Don’t become anxious about your nerves. You will need an adrenaline flow for the game, so look forward to the ‘buzz’

• Do anticipate that you will enjoy the game. You are going to perform well, be in control and you are going to handle any situation that arises.

Thought stopping!

• Control unwanted thoughts

• Manage emotions

• Maintain composure

• Re-focus to task

• Positive mental attitudes

• Improve consistency.

Negative thoughts have no value, park them and move on!

Review these videos: 
http://vimeo.com/118436834 
http://vimeo.com/118436836

Law 1: Anchored Goals

Law 1: "Goals must be anchored securely to the ground. Portable goals may only be used if they satisfy this requirement".

"The potential for accidents from unsafe soccer goals is substantial. The U.S. Youth Soccer Program estimates that 14 million children play soccer each year. From 1979 to 2008,  there have been 39 deaths and 56 injuries from soccer goals that have tipped over. Hundreds more have been injured."  

Soccer goals are suppose to be anchored to the ground and checked by coaches and referees. But often that safety measure is overlooked, which can lead to injury or even death. 

List of Incidents

Game Management: How to Defuse Incidents

Soccer fields can be places of great anxiety and anger. Players, team officials, game participants and even referees can lose control of their emotions and become verbally or physically aggressive. This part of our series on game management discusses how the referee crew can take action to prevent or mitigate dangerous behavior.

For purposes of this article, crisis moments refer to those points in time when players and/or team officials lose physical and rational control of their behavior. Almost always, there are warning signs a person's behavior is moving toward a crisis. The following tips can aid in early interventions and increase the likelihood of referees de-escalating an incident before it becomes dangerous.

Respect Each Individuals' Personal Space
Personal space is the area around us that we consider an extension of ourselves. How much space each of us requires to feel comfortable varies considerably. What is almost universally true, however, is that anxiety rises when personal space is invaded. This heightened anxiety makes it more likely a person will act out in a more serious way.

To avoid such a response, maintain at least two (2) yards from a player or team official whose behavior is escalating. In this way, you will be less likely to increase the person's anxiety. You will also reduce danger to yourself by maintaining a margin of safety that allows you time to react.

If you must show player/s a card for misconduct or you must dismiss a team official for irresponsible behavior, wait and see! If the player/coach objects to the card, decide:
1) if showing the card can wait until the player is less anxious; or
2) if another crew member, (AR or 4th official) might be better suited to communicate what's about to happen, i.e. someone who has established stronger rapport with the player or coach; or
3) if the CARD MUST be SHOWN immediately, at this very moment. This third alternative should be done quickly. Be prepared for the possibility of the player/s reacting negatively.
Be Aware of Your Own Body Position
In addition to maintaining adequate space between you and an anxious player or team official, avoid eye-to-eye, toe-to-toe positions, as they might be interpreted as challenging. Positions perceived as challenging can evoke a "fight or flight" response from the other person, and neither of those reactions is likely to be helpful. Standing at an angle to the person and off to the side is much less likely to escalate an agitated person's behavior.

Be Empathic to Others' Feelings
Soccer is a passionate game. Try not to judge or discount the feelings of others. Whether or not you think their feelings are justified, those feelings are real to the other person. Pay attention to them, and don't be afraid to show how passionate you are about the game. Show the game participants you CARE about them and the GAME, always be FAIR but FIRM. Your presence is often more important than what could be conveyed with any words you might say.

Keep Nonverbal Cues Nonthreatening
As a person begins to lose control of rational thought, the person becomes more tuned into your body language and less tuned into your words. Nonverbal communication — including gestures, facial expressions, movements and tone of voice — becomes paramount in conveying a calm, respectful attitude.

Ignore Challenging Questions
When a player or team official challenges your authority, the Laws of the Game or league rules, redirect the individual's attention to the issue at hand. For example, suppose a team official keeps coming onto the field of play to coach his players. You remind him that only players are allowed in the field of play and ask him to go back to the team area. He responds by saying, "Focus on making the right calls and not on me stepping in and out of the field" Answering this type of question only leads to a nonproductive power struggle, and it also sidesteps the issue at hand — the team official entering the field of play without the referee's permission! It's better to ignore the challenge and restate your request.

Set and Enforce Reasonable Limits
If players, team officials or substitute players become belligerent, defensive, or disruptive, establish limits and directives clearly and concisely. When setting limits, offer simple, clear choices and consequences to the acting-out individual/s'. Be sure the consequences are reasonable and enforceable.

For example, as AR you might tell a team official who is insistent about entering the field of play to talk to the referee, "Please come back to the team area WITH ME, and I'll be sure the referee speaks with you about your concerns as soon as possible. If you try to enter the field of play again, I'll have to call him over, and then it will be even harder to get your point across..."

Permit Verbal Venting When Possible
It is often the safest and best alternative to let the person shout. Allow the person to release as much energy as possible by venting verbally. As a person is venting, there will be peaks and valleys in the outburst, as the person's energy expenditure rises and falls. If you cannot allow the person to continue venting, state the directives and reasonable limits during the valleys in the venting process.

Identify Real Reason for the Behavior
Even in the midst of an angry tirade, there is useful information to be gained about what a player or team official is thinking and feeling. The real reason for a person's outburst is often not what it seems to be. Anxious players and team officials can be highly critical of referees for reasons that are much more related to misinterpreting the Laws of the Game or league rules than to the ways the "referee crew is calling the game." Try to listen for the real message — the feelings behind the facts. Restate the message you think you have received in order to determine if you correctly understood the player's or team official's intent.

Stay Composed, Avoid Overreacting
It's hard not to take things personally, especially since angry people often say very personal things. But it is essential to do your best to remain calm and professional — at least on the outside. Your composed, rational response can go a long way toward influencing the person's behavior in a positive way.

Prevention Promotes a Safe Playing Environment
Not every situation can be successfully de-escalated, but Referees who know and apply these key principles are much more likely to influence behavior in a positive way by defusing potential confrontational situations before they become dangerous. Prevention is the best way to promote a safe and respectful environment for players to enjoy the game.

It is the duty of the referee, while protecting the INTEGRITY of the game, to provide and promote a SAFE environment for PLAYERS to play the game.

Published by Richard Rodriguez 6/08

Republished by Richard Rodriguez 9/14

Advanced Clinic 9/22/2014

WSRO Advanced Referee Clinic

Topics : "How to tell your partner ... You Are Wrong!"
"Two Bites of the Apple" Part II

Monday, 7/21/14 at 7:00PM

Discussion Group 6:00pm-7:00pm

I Will Grinton Library

Sen. Flynn Community Room
1500 Central Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10710

Please confirm your attendance as soon as possible

since the room only holds about 35 people.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me

RichardUSSF@Live.com

USSF 2014: Pre-Game Conference

Video click here

USSF 2014: Referee Signals

Video click here

USSF 2014: Assistant Referee Signals

Video click here.

F.I.R.E.

The F-I-R-E Principle for Dealing with Above-the-Shoulder Challenges

Actions aimed at the face of an opponent must be dealt with severely REGARDLESS OF THE FORCE USED if the actions are:

• Deliberate
• Intended to intimidate
• Endangering the safety of an opponent
• Insulting and/or offensive in nature
• Potentially inciting further action on the part of opponents

The following lists some specific examples (but not all examples) of the manner in which the contact can be initiated are:

• Use of the backhand
• Open handed slap
• A push/slap to the face
• The jabbing of a finger(s) to the face
• Grabbing hair
• Use of a fist

To assist referees in recognizing and properly addressing these situations, the acronym F-I-R-E was provided to assist officials with the identification of elbows that should be defined as red card offenses (violent conduct):

• Frustration
• Intimidation
• Retaliation (payback)
• Establish Territory or Space

When applying the aforementioned examples, the use of force becomes increasingly important as it relates to contact with the back of the player’s head as the likelihood for injury is somewhat lessened as compared to contact with the face.  Consequently, some discretion may be exercised on the part of the referee as it relates to contact with the back of the head depending upon the intent and the force used.

Video Clip: New England at Real Salt Lake (19:53) 
This clip involves violent conduct as a result of a player striking an opponent by head butting him. The player uses his head (hard surface) to contact the opponent in a very vulnerable area (the soft surface of the face). In addition, the act falls under the guidelines provided above and in the “Contact Above the Shoulder” directive. The player’s actions are: deliberate, intended to intimidate, endanger the safety of the opponent, incite further action on the part of opponents and are executed in a provocative and inciteful manner. As a result, the player must be sent off for violent conduct.

Referees can attempt to take preventative actions when similar situations arise. Although the referee attempts to provide flow to the game by allowing play to continue as the goalkeeper gains clear possession of the ball (despite a bridging/tripping foul being committed by the attacker as the keeper goes up in the air to gather the ball), the referee must be cognizant of the actions that follow and their potential impact on the game. In this case, a quick whistle on the part of the referee to stop play as soon as the players go chest-to-chest would potentially prevent further action. Given the attacker’s immediate actions, the referee could stop the game and eventually restart with a free kick for the defense. The free kick could result from the tripping/bridging foul as advantage did not materialize or for unsporting behavior for bringing the game into disrepute (review the “Game Disrepute and Mass Confrontation” directive. This would require the referee to caution the attacker for unsporting behavior and restart with an indirect free kick. By taking either of these actions, the referee is using common sense and is using preventative techniques to manage/control the game.

Once the referee has stopped the game, he should immediately sprint to the area of the confrontation. The referee’s presence could act as a tool to prevent escalation of the situation. Upon quick arrival, the referee could separate or channel the players thereby defusing the situation.

Pursuant to U.S. Soccer directives and guidance, the attacker in this clip should be red carded for violent conduct.

Make The Call -

What should the Referee do if he notices a goalkeeper, standing inside his own penalty area, smoking a cigarette while the ball is in play and possessed by one of his teammates who is about to take a shot to the opponents' goal?

 (ATR 12.28.1, 12.25)

Referees: Showing Urgency at the Right Time

Feeling the game comes in many forms whether it be identifying persistent infringement or sensing trouble spots or trouble situations in a match. The ability to anticipate these “flash points” or warning signs is vital to preventative officiating. For example, feeling a situation or “flash point” can lead to a referee modifying his position or to initiating communication with a player(s) all in the hopes of prevention.

A referee’s presence is often a key component of urgency. The speed and energy a referee uses to get to a spot or to be around the ball or play can play a vital role in helping to channel player behavior in a positive, preventative manner. Players can feel or sense a referee’s presence and this can influence their decision-making process.

VIDEO: Almost two minutes into added time, a throw-in is being taken by the team winning 1-0. The throw-in is deep into their attacking half. The thrower plays the ball toward the corner flag. This is a warning sign or potential “flash point” for the referee. The referee senses that the attacking team will work to hold the ball near the corner flag in an attempt to waste time, get a corner kick, get another throw in or be the benefactor of a foul.

As the clip unfolds and the throw in is played toward the corner, the referee can be observed increasing his work rate. He is not standing and watching. He is moving with the ball feeling a potential “flash point.” This anticipation allows him to be close when calling a foul and then the referee exhibits even more urgency as he recognizes a second “flash point:” Two players on the ground and attempting to get up. click here for the VIDEO