BAY AREA SOCCER REFEREE ASSOCIATION

A MINI-CLINIC

Learn to Read

A recent thread on a coaches' bulletin board addressed what coaches should look for in their opponents with the intention of adjusting team play. The things they discussed should also be observed by the referee, so that s/he can make adjustments as well.

In the first 10-15 minutes of the game, try to read these things about the each team:

• Is a team's strength in the middle or toward the flanks, and if the flanks, which? This will determine where a team attacks and could affect the diagonal you run.
  
  
• Is their strength up front, in the middle, or in the back? This is where they will try to disrupt their opponent's play and start or press their own attacks, and will affect where you need to be, and where you need to be going.
  
  
• Do they have a "super star" or "spark plug" on offense? S/he will be the focus of their attacks, and the focus of the other team's defense. You may have to protect this player from tactical fouls.
  
  
• Do they play a possession type of game or a direct, breakaway style of play? This will determine how much and how fast you will run.
  
  
• Do they display creativity and fluidity, or do they play a mechanical style of play? This, too, determines how much and how fast you will need to move.
  
  
• Does their coach give a great deal of instruction or just observe the game? A coach who gives lots of instructions also gives lots of information about his strategy and tactics, and his weaker and stronger players. A vocal coach may also have lots to say to you; the quiet coach may say something only when it's really important.
  
  
• Defensively, do they have a high or low restraining line? Here's where you will need to watch for offside and defensive challenges.
  
  
• What's their defensive style… an offside trap, compress the field, or three defenders inside the 18? What defensive formation are they employing… man-marking, zone or sweeper/stopper? This style will determine how the other team attacks… short or long passes, quick counters or slow setups… and how you will have to adjust.
  
  
• Do they have a good first touch? Are they adept at receiving balls at chest level and higher? If so, the pace will be faster as they won't have to stop and collect the ball as much.
  
  
• What is their overall team speed and ball handling skill? Look for potential mismatches in speed and skill; these could be problem areas that need more of your attention.
  
  
• Do they communicate verbally/nonverbally or don't they need to? If they communicate, pay attention to the clues this offers. If they don't need to, things could move quickly. Watch for the patterns they use.
  
  
• Do they consciously try to switch the point of attack? This could mean lots of crossing passes that you will need to watch. It could also lead to offside if the pass is timed wrong.
  
  
• Do they make full use of the width of the field? If so, your diagonal will need to be wide, too.
  
  
• Are they a physical team or a finesse team? This could determine the frequency and type of fouls, and your use of advantage. If you have one of each, you'll need to manage things so both can play their kind of game fairly, which could mean applying advantage differently for each team.
  
  
• What are their goalkeeper's strengths and weaknesses? Is a punt better than a free kick, for instance?
  
  
• Having observed all this, how will the weather, the condition of the field, even the time of day affect their play?

Once you feel you have learned the teams' tendencies, you can adjust your style to best match theirs. But, they could change their tactics in the second half, so pay attention.

Also, don't get lost in the details. Remember to look at the "big picture" and not concentrate on the little pictures that can cloud the view. Pick out the details, but put them in context.

Finally, good teams try to learn the tendencies of not just the opponent, but also the referee. While teams should try to mask their tendencies to confuse their opponents, this is not a good idea for referees. Be so open that nothing you call will come as too great a surprise.

Posted: 10/24/03

Learn to Read - Part 2

(If you wish to comment on this article, send a message to basra@basra-refs.org.)

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