Becoming a Referee
Soccer cannot thrive without officials, but taking a basic referee course entitles you only to
take the field with whistle in hand. It does not guarantee success on the field, and often will not
even prepare you for what you will face once the game begins. Whether refereeing a youth game or adults, there is more to being a soccer referee
than knowing the rules and blowing the whistle, and you must face your on-field challenges bravely and honestly.
In the first chapter of the Referee's Survival Guide, we see some of the traits that make someone a good
official.
Blowing the Whistle
There is much for the officials to do before a soccer match can begin. Setting the proper tone for the match, organizing the paperwork, and preparing
mentally for the challenges that lie ahead are only part of the referee's job, and one that few of the participants ever see. In addition, most
accomplished referees have similar attitudes about the game and themeselves, that help achieve success on and off the field. With a little effort,
even the beginning referee can begin to develop the kind of outlook that can help, once the whistle sounds to begin the game.
Personalities on the Pitch
In soccer, as in life, there is an endless array of personalities and temperaments, and part of a referee's training is preparing to deal with all of them. Knowing the various types of players can help,
and many of those types are not only colorful---they can actually be quite amusing, as long as we manage to keep our sense of humor.
More reaction to The Referee's Survivial Guide by Jeffrey Caminsky
“You have put into one publication a life-time of experiences, astute observations and practical advice to encourage any official to soldier on in our not-too-popular hobby....
The contents are worthy of a place in every instructor’s arsenal of teaching material....Congratulations! Your work deserves great success.”
Stanley Lover, author of Soccer Match Control and Soccer Laws Explained.
“A very comprehensive and thorough piece of work....good sound and practical common sense advice for referees....I am very impressed.”
David Ager, author of The Soccer Referee’s Manual
“A very informative and enjoyable read. Referees at all levels of the game will benefit....”
Keith Hackett, Professional Game Match Officials, Ltd