Be concise
Say more by saying less.
Just a note on a quick observation I’ve seen when discussing video replays in the Referees Discord server…
Less is more
When presented with a video replay that requires assessment, I’ve noticed a pattern when this is done by advanced level referees…
They always connect their analysis with LOTG language.
Most of their analyses are concise.
It’s the second part I want to focus on here…
In a heated game you blow your whistle to make a big call.
How long do you have to replay things in your head, analyze the situation and come to a game-changing decision (yellow card, red card, etc)?
1 second?
2 seconds?
Maybe 3 if you’re lucky?
High level referees are concise with their analysis because you have to be if you’re going to be an effective referee on the field.
It really is that simple.
This observation actually has a big impact on me. I can sometimes be fairly verbose with my analyses and like to experiment and discuss “what if” and parallel situations.
But if I can learn the Laws Of The Game well enough to completely internalize them and use that knowledge to concisely and correctly make my analyses, that’s what will help me become a top level official.
Thinking in this way will help me…
get more calls correct
manage the game and players better
be more confident in my decisions
avoid analysis paralysis and overthinking situations
more easily gain the respect of players, coaches and spectators
Takeaways: be more concise in my analyses and study LOTG more.
Know a soccer ref? Feel free to share this with them 💙