The Better Referee

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Apr 29, 202201:00:43

Season 2 Ep 15 Mentoring

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In this episode, we discuss what happens when respected referees pick and choose what to enforce on the field. We also dive into what a mentor is supposed to do for a lesser experienced referee (and what should NOT be done). The finale is just a little vindication for myself because of some news that I heard!

Let's dive into becoming Better Referees!

Apr 19, 202230:56

Season 2 Ep 14 An Referee's Arrogance Is Never Good

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In today's episode, we catch up on the last couple of weeks. One of topics of the discussion involve how a referee should not encourage the spectators through inappropriate interaction. The other items we talk about encourage referees to know the Laws of the Game and proper positioning during play.

Apr 07, 202221:02

Season 2 Ep 13.8 Laws of the Game: Final Thoughts

We conclude our series, "Laws of the Game", with some points of emphasis and final thoughts on applying the Laws. The most important aspect is to know the Laws, apply them, and use experience (your own AND that of others) to gain wisdom. Doing so consistently will allow you to become "the Better Referee".

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Mar 22, 202231:00

Season 2 Ep 13.7 Laws 15-17

Laws 15, 16, and 17 are probably the easiest of the Laws to understand and interpret. However, as always, there are a couple of caveats that every referee needs to know about. This episodes discuss the laws and some of these caveats.

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Mar 14, 202221:13

Season 2 Ep 13.6 Laws 13-14

Laws 13 and 14, “Free Kicks” and “The Penalty Kick”, are discussed in this episode of our series on the Laws of the Game.

There are a few things about these Laws that can be confusing to referees, as well as some players and coaches. The important thing is that, as referees, we familiarize ourselves with the Laws beyond our formal training in order to become better referees.

Mar 13, 202242:21

Season 2 Ep 13.5 Law 12

In this session of the “Laws of the Game” series we focus on Law 12, Fouls and Misconduct.

As referees, our primary duty is to keep players safe, and Law 12 is at the heart of how we do so.

You are encouraged to read this Law yourself, ask questions, and really try to improve your recognition of fouls, how you handle various situations, and how to apply Law 12 to these fouls and situations.

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Mar 09, 202201:30:15

Season 2 Ep 13.4 Laws 9-11

This episode, the 4th installment, of our series on the Laws of the Game covers Laws 9, 10, & 11.

Law 9 The Ball In and Out of Play

Law 10 Determining the Outcome of a Match

Law 11 Offside (Notice this is NOT plural!)

Mar 07, 202249:36

Season 2 Ep 13.3 Laws 6-8

Today, we discuss Laws 6, 7, and 8. Each are simple to understand, but very important to officiating a game (pay particularly close attention to the example I give concerning a dropped ball)!

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Mar 04, 202230:36

Season 2 Ep 13.2 Law 5

In this installment of our "Laws of the Game" miniseries, we are discussing Law 5, "The Referee". We cover the powers and duties of the referee, which includes when and how to exert said authority, as well as talking about the primary goal of all referees, and how we achieve that goal.

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Mar 01, 202229:12

Season 02 Ep 13.1 Laws 1-4

In this mini-series episode, we discuss Laws 1 through 4. We don't into exhaustive detail, but hit the basics that everyone should know.

Law 1 The Field of Play

Law 2 The Ball

Law 3 The Players

Law 4 The Players' Equipment

Feb 28, 202235:53

Season 2 Spring Announcement

Hello!

It has been a while, but it is time to get ready for the upcoming season!

Over the next week, I will dropping multiple episodes of this podcast discussing all 17 Laws of the Game, as well as discuss what I expect for the opening weekend of games.

Thanks for being here!

Feb 27, 202200:46

Season 2 Ep12 Fall 2021 Sign Off

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In this episode, we look at some minor events that happened in a game from the past weekend. It could almost be used as a preview to the Laws of the Game series I will be hosting between the fall and spring seasons.

The second topic discussed is that of prepping for high school soccer in the spring. I just completed a course called "Implicit Bias". I discuss my thoughts on this. WARNING: I do get a bit personal in this section...but I am honest!

Nov 22, 202119:49

Season 2 Ep11 Getting Rid of the Element

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There are certain elements that have no place in youth sports, or even professional sports, for that matter. Referee abuse is near the top of that list, right alongside player abuse. As coaches, parents, players, referees, assignors, administrators, and volunteers, it is imperative that we eliminate these elements. By doing so, it is so much easier to create an environment where everyone involved can learn and play the sport they love, and have FUN doing it!

Be the change!

Nov 18, 202120:07

Season 2 Ep10 Knowledge is Power

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I have said before, and I say it again: "Know the Laws of the Game and the local rules of competition!"

This past weekend, we had an incident occur, then a friendly debate about what should have happened if the out come were different. I am proud to say that I was right (not being vain), and I can say it because I have actually read the book!

Nov 10, 202124:28

Season 2 Ep09 Be the Change

We have all heard the quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." This applies to many aspects of life, including being an official. It is the reason I started this podcast: to help others be better referees, while holding themselves, other referees, players, coaches, and parents accountable for their behavior. Once the referee community start to do this as a whole, we will begin to see, I believe, a change in the culture that has been the direct cause of the referee shortage we are all facing.

Nov 04, 202119:17

Season 2 Ep08 Referee Abuse is NOT Okay!

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Referee abuse and threats, whether real or implied, MUST be met with consequences! This one of the major reasons that we have a massive referee shortage in every youth sport. My understanding is that is not just in the United States, but globally. Granted, the shortage is worse in some countries than others...but in NO WORLD is referee abuse or threats justifiable, no matter how benign the perpetrator claims such abuse or threats may be!

Oct 28, 202122:51

Season 2 Ep07 Assignors Beware

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If you are an assignor, please make certain of a referee's availability before assigning...especially if the referee does not generally work at your club!

Oct 21, 202117:52

Season 2 Ep06 You MUST Enforce the Laws

As referees, our #1 priority is player safety! We enforce the Laws of the Game and local rules to make the match as safe as possible. Sometimes, that means pulling out the cards, even when we don't want to. Failure to do so can lead to injuries, and, at the very least, a disreputable match.

Oct 14, 202119:57

Season 2 Ep05 With Knowledge Comes Consistency

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I am always preaching that referees MUST know the local rules of competition. Knowing these rules, alongside a good understanding of the IFAB Laws, can allow a referee to be confident in what calls he or she makes during a game, and certainly what happens after the whistle is blown.

Oct 08, 202126:23

Season 2 Ep04 Parenting, Shoes, and Tunnel Vision

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3 topics for this episode:

Sometimes, as a referee you have to find a new way to assert your authority...and sometimes that means going "old school".
Be sure to check your uniform and equipment, and replace whatever you need to BEFORE complete failure!
Tunnel vision is very easy to get into, but also pretty easy to get out of. Of course, there are also techniques you can use to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Oct 01, 202124:32

Season 2 Ep03 Local Rules Are Important

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The local rules of competition do not just apply to the game between the first and last whistles. They also include pre-game checks and how to handle anomalies.

Sep 24, 202112:47

Season 2 Ep03 Handling Grudges and Finding a Mentor

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How does one handle "grudges" against coaches? Let's be honest, sometimes it can be hard to not go into a game with a clean slate...after all, we're human. Right? Nevertheless, we must be cognizant of remaining professional and fair!
One of the best ways to become a better referee is to utilize a mentor. Find a referee and start asking questions. If you find the advice is sound, and with context, you may have found your mentor!

Sep 16, 202120:58

Season 2 Ep02 Pre-Season Prep

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We have to do them before every season: equipment checks, uniform checks, learn about change to the Laws of the Game, learn changes to the local rules of competition, and HYDRATE!

In this episode, we discuss these items, plus I will share a story that gives an example of our responsibility as "better" referees.

Sep 10, 202123:59

Season 2 Ep01 Have a Backup Plan

Just like what happened with my technology this past week, you should always have a backup plan! You never know what's going to happen, and you should try to be prepared for anything.

On a side note, stay hydrated! This cannot be emphasized enough! Drink at least a half gallon of water a day, if not more. This has so many health benefits, especially for sweating and keeping the body cool. In fact, you may need to keep a towel close by!

Aug 29, 202110:24

Season 2 Pre-Launch Announcement

Hey, Better Referee Family!

I just wanted to let you know that this season's first episode will be available this Thursday morning, August 26th! We have some great things lined up, including information on the new Better Referee YouTube channel. The plan for that is to show clips and analyze them, and, hopefully, get some equipment reviews done. More on that later. Until then, keep striving to become the "Better Referee"!

Aug 23, 202101:08

Ep39 Upcoming Law Changes

In this seasonal year finale, we briefly discuss the upcoming changes to the Laws of the Game. I also go over some of the things that I will be working on in the off-season in order to make next season even better!

Thanks for following!

Jun 02, 202125:33

Ep38 The Heart of a Referee

In this unscripted episode, I share with you where I am at in my officiating journey, where I came from, and what the future may hold for me. Many thanks to all my listeners for allowing me to speak into your life as a soccer referee. I hope that one day we will all be considered "the better referee".

May 20, 202136:11

Ep37 Dissent and Its Consequences

Dissent has consequences...and when you've had enough, you have to deal with it!

May 14, 202136:23

Ep36 Officiating League Games vs Playoff Games

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All games mean something, the question is whether you, as an official, will call a game differently based on the type of game it is...a regular season league game or a tournament/playoff match.

Some things to consider are:

What is at stake?
Do teams care more about one type of game over the other?
How much does experience of the referee play a part?
Should a playoff/tournament game be officiated differently than a regular season game?

May 07, 202110:05

Ep35 Whistle Control and Rule Interpretation

Part 1: Proper whistle control allows you to communicate without saying a word, and allows confusion to be kept at a minimum.

Part 2: Taking the time to talk with your crew members about how they look at certain situations will help keep everyone on the same page and will aid in continuity and consistency of calls during a game.

Apr 29, 202113:19

Ep34 Field Conditions and Continuity

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Part 1

Safety is the #1 priority of a referee. With that in mind, we must remember that our authority extends to the playing field itself. It is our duty and responsibility to deem the playing surface safe before starting - or continuing - a game.

Part 2

As discussed in past episodes, communication between all crew members is key. Otherwise, you will not be on the same page and be able to effectively manage a game as a team.

Apr 20, 202120:56

Ep33 Understanding Age Divisions

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Just because a game is not competitive, or because it is young kids, you cannot let your mind wander. In fact, in those situations, you must endeavor to keep yourself in the right frame of mind!

Apr 13, 202115:39

Ep32 Consistency in Calls and Eye Contact

Be watching! We are going to be transitioning from a private FB group to a fan page in the coming weeks!

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Being consistent in your calls not only makes your life easier, but if all referees know and understand the Laws and rules of the game, then we can be consistent with each other, making all referees' lives a little easier...and that's even though we may never meet!

Also, eye contact can be one of the most powerful, yet most understated form of communication. Mastering this concept will certainly make your games go smoother.

Apr 05, 202124:60

Special Announcement

Due to technical issues, this week's normal episode has been delayed. Hopefully, we will be back on schedule next week.

Apr 01, 202100:36

Ep31 The Importance of Rest

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Rest is an important part of being the best referee you can be. Physical and mental respites are essential in keeping you interested and properly able to officiate, regardless of the assigned position.

Mar 22, 202107:18

Ep30 Communication is Key

When you communicated effectively - regardless of who you are trying to communicate with - you will be successful!

Mar 16, 202116:54

Ep29 When Referees Have Differing Philosophies

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What happens when your philosophy on what is or is not a foul conflicts with a member of your crew? Not being on the same page can lead to injuries and an unsafe environment for the players.

Mar 09, 202148:45

Ep28 Muscle Recovery and Communication

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Well...I had no idea this did not publish last week! So, enjoy episodes 28 and 29 this week!

When you aren't the best of shape, you are likely to be sore after the first few days of officiating. Know your body and find the best way to recover from the soreness quickly. In this episode, I share a few techniques to speed the recovery process. In addition, we discuss how communication can affect a referee crew, the players/spectators, and, ultimately, the game.

Mar 08, 202145:25

Ep27 Hydration and Communication

Hydration and communication are two essential elements of becoming a better referee. The first deals with keeping your body healthy, while the other allows your crew to be on the same page when it comes to officiating a match.

Feb 22, 202126:02

Ep26 Mentoring