Kill the Referee documentary takeaways
KtR unveils the lives of several professional football referees at the EURO 2008 championship. My takeaways from this fantastic film...
My takeaways:
When match is over, talking with players: “We are not gods. We make mistakes.”
Yellow cards are a tool but the ultimate tool is gaining the players respect.
The AR made a big mistake in this match and allowed this goal. You can see the white player in the middle of the 6 is clearly offside when the ball is shot. “If you had been in the right position [2 steps to his left], you would have gotten that decision right.”
Referee’s families are watching the game and make this comment. “Did you see? But then nasty. I’ve never seen him look nasty. When they are there, their faces look so different. But do they have to take on that bull-like position?” You often have to put on a performance and tap into a different side of yourself during a high-pressure match. Sometimes I feel like a different person when I’m out there. This comment definitely resonates. If my family saw me working one of these matches, they’d probably make similar comments!
“What we see doesn’t count. What matters is what is said about what we see.”
An AR’s flag came off during a Euro 2008 match. Just like mine!
Consoling players after losing a big game is OK. It’s not showing favoritism; it’s showing empathy.
Know a soccer ref? Feel free to share this with them 💙