Becoming a Referee

Special Agent Oso

Hi, i've just done a recent referees course and should start reffing at underage level now in the summer, just the football i havent played hurling so i wouldnt be comfortable reffing it tbh. I've been reffing soccer as well for the past year and i've gotten kinda use to the type of stick il probably get, im just wondering if anybody thats reffing at the moment has any advice??

Cheers

wonga77

Dont take anything too personal would be a start but you will know that already. A few things i dislike about refs (from personal exp) I hate it when a ref is pally pally with a member of the opposing team, even if you know them dont get too friendly cause you leave yourself open for abuse. On the other hand there is a ref i know that wont look or respond to you, even if you ask him how long is left he ignores you, drives me nuts.
And finally, use your umpires or linesmen if you need to

Clareman

If it's underage challenge games, explain to the players why you are giving frees or letting things go, don't be afraid to use breaks in play to go back to a player and point something out to them. You might want to talk to the team mentors and ask them if there's anything you want to be overly harsh on (steps, hand of back, etc. etc.), also explain to them that you won't be taking any back chat and you'll be expecting their support in that, that if you feel that a player is being mouthy that you'll ask them to take him off.

If it's championship games, make sure that everything is done as if it's an All Ireland Final.

Couple of general pointers for being a ref, you will make a mistake (many of them), do not try to even it out by giving something to the other team, only makes it worse. You are the ref and as such should be above everything, don't use bad language, have your gear right, arrive on time, be as professional as you can. Make sure ALL players have their safety equipment, in football that's gum shield, do not let a player on the pitch without 1. Remember it's a game and if you do your job right people won't even notice you.

rebel girl 15

Last sentence of Clareman's advice sticks out - make the game so that you are not the talking point. You are going to make mistakes, its a learning process. Always try and explain why a free was given, a free for overcarrying, just call out too many steps or something like it - players no matter what age appreciate the explanation of why the free was given against them.

Use your umpires and linesmen if you have them - and see if you can do line or umpire for other referees, great way to learn. No backchat from anyone, make sure you fill out your paperwork on time. Not much else to add really!