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All of you have, of course, read the latest LOTG, and the section on the Diagonal System of Control. And all of you, of course, know how to run the DSC.
But is it the best way to manage a match?
The DSC provides the mechanics for good match management. However, as with the LOTG themselves, referees should remember that the Spirit takes precedence over the literal interpretation. That is why there are no ruts worn from left-corner to left-corner in every soccer field across the country. Referees - good referees - know that they must wander from that diagonal as the situation warrants to maintain good match management and control.
So, what are some keys to this wandering?
First, Presence Lends Conviction. This is the old "Be There" line with which we are all familiar. But beyond your physical presence is how you present yourself. Be firm, decisive, solid. Let the players know you are there and you are in charge.
Second, Proximity Enhances Credibility. This is fancy talk meaning the closer you are to what happened, the more they will believe you. Try to stay within 10-20 yards of the action; if you are farther away when something happens, sprint toward the spot.
Next, Anticipate. This will reduce your need to sprint even when something happens away from you. You should:
Start sooner. Read the play, read the players' minds, learn to judge the speed, skill, style, strength, and spirit of the players. Try to second guess when your presence will be needed.
Get there quicker when you need to sprint. Run faster and keep going until you get there; don't sprint halfway and walk the rest. Try motioning and/or whistling as you move; besides letting the players know you are on top of things, this provides a distraction… both from what just happened and from the fact that you weren't quite on top of it physically.
Here are some tricks to Better Referee Positioning:
Corner kicks. Try standing off the end of the field; you'll be out of the way and looking into the anticipated action. Vary your position during the match; don't let the players anticipate where you'll be. Watch for the counter attack and sprint upfield with the kick when it develops. Watch the players' eyes; where and how they look is a clue to what might happen next.
High ball dropping to challenge. Sprint for a side view of the ensuing action. Again, watch the players' eyes; this will tell you where the ball is, and what they intend to do about it.
Foul/No Foul - player(s) on the ground. Sprint to the spot and talk to the players to let them know you saw what happened and how you judged it. Apply justice.
Foul - offender remains. Again, sprint to the spot and talk to the players; a quick word from you can defuse a potential problem. Also, remember to apply justice.
Challenge with the ball gone or coming. Watch the players, not the ball; the ball won't cause you any problems. Let your sight linger a little after a pass; let it get there ahead of the incoming ball.
No ball, but opponents close to each other. Ah, the temptation! With no ball nearby, the players expect you not to be watching… so watch the players; you don't need to stare, but a quick glance or two can keep you - and them - alert. If necessary, let them know you are watching; run by them and maybe say a quick word or two.
Wall management. It sounds trite, but be the first brick in the wall; you say where the wall goes, not the players. Know your ten yards and avoid pacing it off; use it and enforce it consistently.
Ball near boundaries. Anticipate what will happen next… but control your whistle. Watch for a flag from your AR; use peripheral vision instead of turning away from the action.
Never turn your back at restarts, confrontations between players, or after misconduct. These situations present too much opportunity for players to misbehave without you helping them along.
Communicate with your ARs. Use eye contact and head talk. Remember, you are a team, too.
In summary, to run an effective diagonal, you don't need to stay on the diagonal, and in many cases, you shouldn't. What you do need are:
Concentration
Anticipation
Intuition
Perspiration
And probably in equal parts.
The DSC provides a mechanical framework for good match management. But it's only a tool and - like any tool - your results depend on how well you use it.
(If you wish to comment on this article, send a message to basra@basra-refs.org.)
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