How to become a modern referee

In the past, the referees’ role was that of ‘policeman’ and referees in training learned things like: ‘Keep them at a distance’, ‘Don’t talk to them’ and ‘Give them a card’. The role of the referee has developed strongly over the years; increasingly focused on communication. This development now continues towards empathy and the search for solutions together. The modern referee is a ‘facilitator’.

THE MODERN REFEREE
As a facilitator, you try to let the game go on as much as possible, so that athletes have maximum fun. In this changed role conception you carry the responsibility for a sportive course of the game not alone, but together with other officials, trainers, coaches, captains and athletes. The moment things go wrong, you ask the question: ‘How are we going to solve this together?

Clarity and structure are not only needed during the competition, but also before and after. If you express your expectations to other officials, captains and coaches before the game, they know what agreements they have to keep and it is easier to address them during and after the game.

Apply the rules of the game consistently, carefully and impartially, so that everyone feels treated fairly. But this does not mean that you have to express yourself for everything. When you choose the right moment to intervene or let go, you give the game the space it needs and keep up the momentum of the game.

With a referee headset system you can always communicate with your assistants in a second to make sure you made the right decision, so you can improve yourself and the game.