Soccer Referee Training

In soccer, the referee is the most important person on the field. Without a referee, a match can fall into disarray. Referees should command respect and show authority, as well as apply the laws of the game to the best of their abilities. The training offered to referees is as much about learning how to behave and interact with players and officials as it is learning the rules of association soccer.

  1. Basics

    • The first thing you will learn is the fundamentals of being a referee. This involves a basic rundown of the laws of the game as well as a brief introduction as to how you are expected to behave as an arbiter. Furthermore, you will be encouraged to start refereeing matches as an official-in-training and you will learn how to approach a match day and establish a match day routine.

    Attitude And Approach

    • Your whistle is your greatest ally during a soccer match.

      The most significant aspect of your training is on attitude and approach--how to be an authoritative and commanding presence. No player or official can expect a referee to always make the correct decision, but a large element of whether or not players respect a referee comes down to your demeanor.

    Rules

    • Once you have learned how to carry yourself as a referee, you will then learn how to apply the laws of association soccer. You will be expected to learn the laws yourself, away from the classroom, but you will have interactive video lessons to help you apply your knowledge in actual match situations. Each referee will interpret the rules differently. Sometimes what one referee believes merits punishment, another will not.

    Hand Signals

    • Three referees will worker higher-level games.

      Hand signals are one of the ways a referee controls a soccer match, along with a whistle and interaction with other officials (when available). You learn various hand signals that indicate whether an offense results in a direct or indirect restart, and how to confidently call for play to continue in an advantage situation. When you show your assertiveness in signaling your decisions, it gives you added authority.

    Controlling Protocol

    • As you referee matches, you will establish a match day routine. Carrying out your tasks both pre- and post-match in routine fashion helps eliminate mistakes and make you a more consistent official. In your training, you will learn how to approach a match day, including preparing and testing your equipment, meeting with team officials and captains, carrying out pre-match safety checks and more.