Using comms for the first time
Using a communication system for the first time this evening so I'm making sure I'm prepared with the basics today...
I’m working a USL-W match tonight and the officiating team will be using comms.
Important to note that Grassroots referees here in the US (such as myself) are not supposed to use comms. But in this case, it’s allowed by competition rules.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned about comms basics…
Here’s a presentation with full detail that’s a good resource too: Effective Use of the Communication System for Referees, Assistant Referees and the 4th Official (sorry if this link’s not working. I’ll have it working soon!)
The basics
Comms are not meant to replace the signals and mechanics that the officiating teams use without comms.
You must discuss comm system use during the pre-game, even if you have experience and comfort with the system.
The ground rules
Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard
Avoid negatives unless you are only saying “No no no” or “nothing there”
The timing of any input is just as important as the advice being given (avoid talking when the Referee or AR is highly concentrated or already involved in dialogue with players, unless it is time-critical)
Avoid talking when referee is in a crowd of players. Wait until the referee makes eye contact or asks for input
The AR should not say “foul” when the result will be a penalty kick. Instead, the AR should say “penalty”
When the referee is moving up field the referee may ask the trailing AR to watch for potential problems or problem players
AR to Referee basics
Throw in: Say the jersey color of the team that will be taking the throw, corner, or goal kick
A tight decision on the goal line or touch line: Say “Good” or “Still in” for when the ball remains in play
If a restart is taken quickly: Say the “Ball in” so all members of the team are aware that the ball is in play (can be Referee to AR as well)
Alert the referee to violent conduct behind the referee’s back
AR to Referee offside
Broadcast offside decisions when the ball is kicked. This makes it easier for the referee to anticipate a flag or start to run
Avoid saying “onside” as it sounds too similar to “offside” (just say “He’s good” or just “good”)
To help differentiate, the Referee may ask the AR to repeat “offside” 3x vs saying “he’s good” only once. Again, another way to differentiate the two in the event the message doesn’t come through clearly
If the AR is unsure which player touched/played the ball through to an offside positioned attacker:
AR should say “Help, Touch?”
Referee will reply “Touch” (refers to attacker) or “Defender” (keep flag down)
Ideally the Referee will anticipate this situation and say “Touch” or “Defender” when the play occurs so the AR can move to the next phase (talk about this in pregame)
AR to Referee fouls
If AR sees foul that the referee may not see, the AR can say “foul”
If the AR is in a more credible position or has best angle, the AR should then support with flag
Fouls right in front of AR should be supported with standard flag mechanics.
AR to Referee misconduct
AR advice on 100% misconduct must be given.
Avoid saying “I think”, or “at least” a yellow when trying to decide between a yellow or red card
If the AR doesn’t know, the AR should not guess
The AR can advise the Referee to verbally warn a player vs giving a yellow card
The AR should advise the Referee about persistent infringement and players being targeted
When the Referee calls the foul and is “between yellow and red”
Can say “I have yellow” or “I have red”
The Ref can invite the AR to contribute
The AR should give an opinion in this instance but should be clear if not 100% sure
AR to Referee tactical info
For potential quick transitions, the lead AR can inform the referee about counter-attack scenarios (i.e. numbers up on counter, etc)
This info can tell the Referee whether the need exists to sprint immediately, or whether it is ok to save energy when moving up field
Trail AR should monitor players that are not in view of referee when no threat of offside exist
Help Help Help!
Should the Referee end up far behind play on a counter attack – The Referee should say “Help”
This alerts the lead AR to be prepared to act on behalf of the referee. The AR may signal for fouls in the center of the field during the time while the Referee is too far away
The Referee will tell the AR when caught up and in position, so AR knows when mechanics return to normal
Teamwork
The Referee should acknowledge having heard teammates (verbal, hand wave, or gesture)
Know a soccer ref? Feel free to share this with them 💙