Thursday, 31 August 2017

"Let them know you're pissed off!" A Ref's Guide to Anger Management

Game 14, 2017-18

 I'm faced with anger almost every game, and the general idea is that I, as the referee, must remain a steady rock of calm amid a thunderous sea of foaming fury. Yet there are times when it pays to show that you are, at the very least, mildly irritated. Here's my guide to anger management while refereeing:

The bloody huddle: for
 Christ's sake, get on with it.
1. Before the game. Both teams should have signed off on their final line-ups half an hour before kick-off, and the home side must produce a print-out of the teams for me to check against their player passes. This happens maybe once or twice a season. Upon arrival I always introduce myself to both coaches with a smile and a handshake, but I become less genial the closer we are to kick off and the coaches are still faffing around with passes and mobile phones. Less than 15 minutes before kick-off, I become exasperated. And if it turns out I can't check the passes until half-time then I pass into 'stern lecture' mode to let the wayward coach know I've already marked his card as incompetent.

2. Just before kick-off. You know the scene. Hands shaken, coins tossed, we're ready to start, but one of the teams has hunched into a huddle for a doubtless inspiring last-minute speech from the captain...
Want to read more? Click here to order Reffing Hell: Stuck In The Middle Of A Game Gone Wrong by Ian Plenderleith (Halcyon Publishing), published on August 8, 2022. 
-
Labels: , , , , ,

7 comments:

  1. Nemaram Punavat21 December 2019 at 08:07

    anger management classes

    Are you looking For Anger Management Classess in Edmonton? ... Emotional Intelligence Course on: 'How To Stop the Destructive Vicious Cycle of Chronic ...

    to get more - https://edmontoncounsellingservices.ca/services/edmonton-anger-management/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ian Plenderleith21 December 2019 at 12:47

      I love it when spam comments inadvertently hit the right post. I encourage all coaches and players who explode on or next to the football field to click on the link.

      Delete
  2. Alia parker4 November 2021 at 04:42

    Your blog site is extremely appealing. I am content with your post. I regularly review your blog site and also it's very valuable. If you are seeking Relationship counseling, after that visit life success counseling.

    ReplyDelete
  3. James Adam3 December 2021 at 13:29

    I was looking for a mental health counselor so that i can check up my self. Recently i am having so much stress because of mu work. That's why i need a good counselor. Can anybody suggest me a good mental health counselor?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Interborough Developmental y Consultation Center26 September 2025 at 17:44

    Interborough

    ReplyDelete
  5. Interborough Developmental y Consultation Center26 September 2025 at 17:45

    I really liked the way you framed anger as something to manage rather than suppress completely. It made me wonder if referees could benefit from structured support, like online anger management classes, to strengthen their resilience on and off the pitch.

    ReplyDelete
  6. United Ranker11 February 2026 at 23:19

    This is such a raw and honest take on the 'mental game' of refereeing. People often forget that sports officiating is as much about conflict resolution and anger management as it is about the rules of the sport. Maintaining that 'stern lecture' mode while keeping your own composure in the face of incompetence is a high-level psychological skill. We often find that whether you're on the pitch or in a high-pressure workplace, having the tools to regulate frustration is the key to maintaining authority and personal well-being. For those looking to strengthen their emotional resilience and overall mental health Florida resources, professional guidance can be a game-changer in managing stress both on and off the field. Great read!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)