When is an Assessment Required?

Formal assessments are required for referees upgrading to Section, National 2, and National 1 badge levels. The following table describes the assessments required for each badge level.

Badge Level Assessments Required Section One as Referee and one as Assistant Referee in a full length U14 (70 minute) match. National 2 One as Referee and one as Assistant Referee in a full length U16 (80 minute) match. Each assessment must be performed by a different assessor. The assessors may not be from the referee's home Area. National 1 Two as Referee and one as Assistant Referee in a full length U19 (90 minute) match. Each assessment must be performed by a different assessor. The assessors may not be from the referee's home Area.

Assessments - 10 Important Things Referees Should Know

As referees begin to upgrade and seek higher classification and/or referee grade, the assessor begins to look more intently at their performance. The following are a compilation of comments obtained from a number of years of assessing and were all at one time or another, the reason for low grades on an assessment.

The diagonal was not deep enough and/or broad enough. The dynamic positioning was not that of looking forward, across the ball, at the lead assistant referee. Positioning on static plays (re-starts) was predictable and unchanging. Too often it did not give a good perspective of the action in the goal area (such as on a corner kick). The referee, or assistant referee, was left behind on breakaways. Referees frequently compound this by persisting in the exact diagonal instead of racing to where active play is. Not recognizing serious foul play and then not having the courage to address it and correct it. Allowing encroachment by a defender on a re-start, and not establishing a defensive wall position. Missing the off the ball fouls and challenges, or where the assistant referee either misses these acts or fails to inform the referee of them. Reluctance to issue a second caution to a player who persists in further cautionable conduct. Assistant referees do not concentrate on the match, they become distracted because of inactivity, or sideline incidents, and do not follow the ball all the way to the goal line. Referees and assistant referees do not function as a cohesive, single unit. Many signals tend to be sloppy or, more often, casual. The functions of the team should be effective before, during, and after the match. Sideline control, bench control, and the handling of substitutions are frequently casual or ignored. Also the referee too often assumes this task and not the assistant referees.

Certainly there are many more actions and non-actions that can have an impact on an assessment. These ten however, seem to be among the more common and also the more correctable. Officials who work on these points will usually come out of a contest with more than satisfying assessment scores.

Game Management Guidelines

Starting the Game on Time Be diligent in starting the game on time Start at or slightly before scheduled kick off Referee team Both teams have at least 7 players To save time summon captains and execute the coin toss away from the field. Controlling the Game Every game use the diagonal system Tight control in the beginning of each half and end of each half Opening minutes Dangerous Play - whistle the foul Charging away from the ball - whistle the foul (Unless an obvious goal scoring opportunity) Assume command Don't be ticky-tacky Minor throw-in infractions, look for unfair contact and deal with it professionally Signaling and Communicating Use your whistle with authority Point toward offending teams goal confidently & professionally Avoid repetitive twitters Casual waves of your hands to show direction Maintain a look of control Give relevant instructions to Assistant Referees Assistant Referee must support the Referee Work out an effective communication method Time back up Consultations Disciplinary action Record keeping Wave-downs Acknowledgment of Assistant Referees' signals Presence Referee should have a professional demeanor Introduce self or greet coaches prior to start of match Show respect for players, coaches, and spectators Maintain a calm attitude throughout the match Assistant Referee should have a professional demeanor Flag on field side at all times Unfurled at all times Once in position at the beginning of each half Smart signals Eye contact Record Keeping Team scored is important, player is not Booking a player or substitute - Color, number, players name, time in game, infringement (blue, 6, John Doe, 23:40, UGC, hard charge away from play) Disrupters and Misconduct Coaches are responsible for dealing with disruptive spectators Individuals not associated with either team, terminate the game only if you firmly believe the safety of those present is compromised Report all serious injuries

Preparing for Your Assessment

Arrange a match to referee at least two weeks in advance Request upgrade assessment at least two weeks in advance: Section - Area Director of Assessment National 2 - Section Director of Assessment National 1 - Section Director of Assessment Contact your assessor to discuss assessment expectations Arrange your team of referees Confirm match time and their availability Agree on what color referee shirt you will wear and what the alternate color will be (All three referees should match) Arrange to meet at the field at least 30 minutes prior to the match Shine your shoes and look sharp Double check that you have all the necessary equipment Arrive at the field at least 30 minutes prior to the match Meet with the assessor and complete your paper work early so you may concentrate on the match Determine which teams are playing and what colors they will be wearing Make sure your referee shirt is different than the players' jerseys Check the field conditions with the Assistant Referees (If there is a match in progress, walk the perimeter of the field looking for unusual field conditions) Take a deep breath, smile, and relax (This is just another match to officiate) Give pre-match instructions to the assistant referees off the field prior to the teams taking the field (Make sure your assessor hears your instructions) Include in your instructions: Level of play (i.e. Boys 3, Girls 2, etc.) Length of match Time-keeping (running clock, back-up, etc.) Designate senior assistant Cover signals and positioning (re-starts and active play) Instructions should be relevant to the level you are officiating Go over tournament/local rule differences (e.g. Mandatory cool down after cautioning, substitutions, etc.) Walk onto the field together, as a team Check the players' equipment Collect a match ball from the home team and check it Call for the captains and do the coin toss ceremony Have the assistant referees check the nets and goal posts on their way to their positions Smile and Relax Start the match on time Keep eye contact with the assistant referees and be sure to acknowledge them Call the match as you normally do (Don't try to impress the assessor by being overly fuzzy about small details) Have the assistant referees join you at the half-way line at half time Don't forget to collect the ball Leave the field together as a team Smile and relax, you are doing a good job! Start the second half on time and end it on time Collect the ball at the conclusion of the match, meet your assistants at the half-way line and leave the field together (Return the ball to the team that provided it) Smile and relax, it is over! Meet your assessor and agree on a place to sit down and talk (The feedback session should take 15 - 20 minutes) Congratulations! You did your best and hopefully you have learned from the experience