Managing the Technical Area

Techniques by Position

The following are techniques individuals on the officiating team can use to positively manage personnel in the technical area. Not only consider the actions of those in the technical area but also use the “public, personal, and provocative” nature of comments prior to dismissal.

Remember, all officials should be approachable before, during, and after the game where appropriate. Be firm, fair, and calm.

Official USSF Referee Program Directive click here.

Handling the Ball

Keys to Identifying Handling the Ball

There are several key criteria referees should use to determine whether contact between a player’s hand/arm and the ball constitutes a foul for handling. Many of the criteria have formed the foundation of referee identification of handling offenses for years. Despite this foundation, handling criteria continue to be applied inconsistently.

Going forward, additional criteria will need to be considered by officials in determining if contact by the ball with the hand/arm is, in fact, a handling offense.
For example: Did the player make himself bigger?

Official USSF Referee Program Directive click here.

Dissent: By Word and Action

What is Dissent?

There is no doubt that if allowed to go unchecked in a game, dissent will undermine your authority and will lead you on a path to a loss of respect and control if you are weak.
The Laws of the Game (Law 12 – Fouls and Misconduct) identifies “dissent by word or action” as one of the seven cautionable offenses. Although each referee must determine how to implement the Law based on the manner in which dissent is exhibited throughout a game and from game to game, the fundamentals of what is dissent and why dissent must be managed do not change. Dissent consists of language (both verbal and nonverbal) which disputes an official’s decision. Dissent must be managed because it:

• Erodes the authority of the referee;

• Reduces the enjoyment of other participants and spectators; and

• Can spread if left unchecked.

It must also be remembered that dissent must be dealt with when it is directed at an assistant referee or fourth official.

Official USSF Referee Program Directive click here.




 

Upgrade Clinic - 2/10/13

USSF Referee Program Instructor: Richard Rodriguez
Place: WYSL League Office- 71 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801
Time: 9am - 12noon
Contact Tel: 914-562-2922
Contact email: RichardRodriguez@USSF.info

 



We'll be analyzing a Barclays Premier League Match:

 2-2

"Only if you can" watch the match on FOX Soccer Channel Wed. 2/6  5pm - 7pm

or online 1st Half - 2nd Half.

 



Print and bring to the clinic:
Assessment Form | Assessment Request Form | Referee Report | Supplemental Referee Report | Expectations for Referee Performance

Read before the clinic:
Make the Call | Upgrade from 8 to 7

USSF Links:
US Soccer Referee Program | US Soccer Registration Dept. | US Soccer Assessments