Games 51-52, 2021-22
 |
Everybody's game (Pic: RT) |
I spend enough time on here complaining about the behaviour of players, coaches and spectators alike. Many referees, though, don't help much either when it comes to showing our profession in a good light. From my perspective as a coach, here's what I often see from the touchline:
* poor dress code, giving off a 'couldn't care less' impression. Tracksuit bottoms when it's neither really wet nor cold. Short socks, socks rolled down or wrong socks altogether. Shabby, polyester jersey from the 90s - no excuse for that as new kit's not expensive, and most clubs here pay for their refs' gear. Refs shouldn't be wearing caps, scarves or gloves unless the weather's really extreme.
* absent communication. I coach a U11 team. They're not hard to talk to - they're still in the pre-adolescent phase of being curious, cheeky and cheerful. They love jokes, for example. They don't mind clear instructions or explanations on, say, foul throws or where to stand on free-kicks, or even why you gave a particular decision. Really, any kind of human interaction to show that we're all in this game together.
