Tips to become a good soccer player?

Tips on being a good soccer referee?!?

• Well I'm 14 and have been playing soccer for about 9 years. About 2-3 months ago I took a 8-hour class to become an official grade 9 soccer ref. I called my local parks & rec and they hired me to ref games for them on the weekends. So this saturday I have 4 U10 to U14 soccer games all in a row to referee. I know after my first game I will be fine, but as of now I am really nervous! (Probably bc since I am a soccer player, I know how mad parents & players can get at the refs). So do you guys have any tips? Hints? Is refereeing for little kids hard? What if I make a bad call? I'm nervous! Bonus Question: will being a referee from my freshman year to senior year look good for college apps? thanks :)

• Answer:

  To start with, you WILL make bad calls, but that is part of learning. You just want to minimize them and try to not make any game changing mistakes. That said, at U10 rec level a lot of what you're going to have to figure out is what is a a real foul and what is just clumsiness. Use your best judgment on keeping the game safe. At that age, even if you're not sure about a foul, if it looks bad and players go down it is often better to make the call. This ensures the players are safe and the parents and coaches will not get as upset. As far as the parents and coaches go, most are worried about safety at that age. Error on that side, but make sure you aren't whistling every little touch and foul. You've played a long time so you have a feel for when you're blowing the whistle too much. Also, make sure you don't appear lazy on the field. This is one thing that drives me INSANE. Referees should not be standing in a 20 yard radius. They should be moving up and down the field with the flow of play. (Don't be too close to get hit.) On all calls, use hand signals even if you think it is obvious. Throw-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks, fouls, everything. It's okay to verbally tell the players whose ball it is, but parents and coaches across the field may not know what's going on. Using hand signals is a simple way of communicating with them and letting them know you're in charge and know what you're doing. By your last game you will be tired. Try to keep yourself going through all the games and don't get lazy. Lazy referees are easy to pick on. Make sure you bring water and food for half-time and between games. You'll need it. As to your college application, it will depend. I can tell you I used my referee years on my resume to get a job during college and even right after college. I listed it near the bottom, but when asked about my ability to work under pressure and deal with people I quickly brought it up that work experience. Good luck!