Referee one-liners to help you better control games and players

Here are a few lines you can keep in your back pocket and use when needed.

Small talk can lower the temperature of a game when done right and help you build a good rapport with players.

Thanks to Steven for this video! Make sure you subscribe.

One-liners

• “Not today” | “Not in this game”

• “I hear you”

• “You’re not wrong”

• “I saw that”

• “What did I miss”

• “I missed it” (don’t use it too often or it hurts your credibility)

Some from the comments that I liked

• “Careful”

• “Be smart”

• “Good, good, good” (when shielding or jostling happening)

Of course we’ll all develop some favorites of our own but these are some strong options to fall back on in the moment.

Don’t…

A few things I learned at my State Final clinic.

• Use Abusive/insulting language

• Criticizing other officials

• Criticizing coaches, players

• Say “I would have…”

• Make physical contact with coaches, players

• Add fuel to the fire

• Invite debate

• Let irresponsible behavior persist

Know a soccer ref? Feel free to share this with them 💙