Refs are not above the game. Any game

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.

An Amateur Referee's Guide to Communication

Games 34-35, 2019-20

"Communication is the most important aspect of refereeing." It's an old guy, leaning on the surround barrier of the field where I've just reffed. We're watching the game following mine. I don't know if he's making a general comment, or if the comment's specifically aimed at me. Either way, I spent a lot of Sunday's game talking with players, right from the moment I arrived at the club house. Here are some of the different ways that an amateur referee verbally communicates with the two teams over the course of the three hours spanning our arrival to an occasionally embittered departure.

PRE-GAME

1. Introduce yourself. On arrival seek out both coaches, shake their hands and smile. Greet players just arriving or already warming up, strike up a conversation if the chance arises. No one wants an aloof authoritarian in charge of their game. As a player, I hated refs who thought they were too good for Sunday league. Let the teams know you'd very much like their team line-ups confirmed online 30 minutes before kick-off. If they're having problems, especially before evening kick-offs when many players are rushing to arrive from work, show that you're flexible, but start to look less flexible as kick-off approaches. 

2. Make known your expectations. Chat with the players about what you expect from today's game as they line up to run out on to the field. You are naturally anticipating a fair and sporting encounter...