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wikiHow to Become an Excellent Soccer Referee

Studying the rules, attending classes, and it all is worth the badge you receive that officially certifies you as a referee. The rules won´t completely help you become a perfect referee. There´s a lot more to the job. This article provides some tips that will assist a newly certified referee master his or her officiating skills. These tips won´t focus on any rules, because this should have been already explained to you, but they include little mental ideas that will help.


  1. 1
    Focus. Nowadays, the game of soccer moves fast. This means that a referee always needs to maintain their focus on the pitch. A few seconds of watching another game could determine whether you notice a serious foul, or miss the infraction completely. Always, always, always be alert.
  2. 2
    Ask. If you´re not sure about a rule, or what technique to use while officiating, ask! Asking can lead you to valuable information that you may not even know about.
  3. 3
    Watch soccer matches on TV. You might just be sitting at home one day, surfing the channels of your TV. Why not watch a soccer game? FIFA certified referees have officiated countless number of games, and they know the proper techniques. Watch how they signal for throw-ins, offside, corner kicks, etc.
  4. 4
    Reread the Laws of the Game, and be aware of any rule changes. Sure; you may have just learned the Laws of the Game, but you most definitely will forget some of them after you pick up the dusty rulebook a few years later. Therefore, you should frequently read the Laws of the Game. Also, make sure to be informed of any alterations of the Laws of the Game. Most likely you will receive an Email, so check your Email regularly. If not, go to FIFA.com on the Internet to read any changes.
  5. 5
    Know the rule modifications of the league you are officiating in. Almost certainly you will begin officiating youth soccer teams. Many youth leagues make changes to the number of substitutions, size of the ball and field, number of players on the field, the duration of the half, etc. Ask the league coordinator or other referees to find out about any modifications.
  6. 6
    Remain in control of your actions and emotions. There has never been a referee who has not blown a call. It happens, so after you blow a call, remain cool and do not let the fans, coaches, or players get your goat. Thinking about your mistakes will just cause you to miss another infraction, or make another incorrect decision. It is very difficult to control your emotions when you are being yelled at left and right, but it will show to everyone that you can remain in control and deal with the chaotic situation. Who knows, maybe there is an assessor in the crowd watching the game. He or she just might be impressed by your ability to handle the situation.
  7. 7
    Act appropriately. You are being paid to officiate the game; therefore you should behave properly. Don´t talk to your friends in the middle of the game, talk bad to anyone, or act goofy. Don’t run around with your hands in your pockets, or look bored. Simply act mature, and take your job seriously.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • How old do I have to be?
    wikiHow Contributor
    For most REC leagues, the age is thirteen. As you get older, you can ref older kids, and earn more money, too.
  • What are the ethics of a good official?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Good officials should be fair and consistent.
  • What are characteristics of a bad referee?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Bad referees are biased, do not understand the rules of the game and allow themselves to become distracted during matches.
  • Why are young kids on championship teams allowed to repeatedly injure opponents?
    Adam Blyth
    You'll find that with younger games of soccer, there are no assistant referees to help. If the referee does not see the foul, he cannot give a free kick/penalty. They'll also try to be softer around young kids so they don't scare them away from playing.
  • What is an offside?
    wikiHow Contributor
    As long as there are two opposing players between the person who is receiving the pass and the opposition's goal (normally one defender and the goal keeper) it is not an offside.
  • How do I deal with abuse during games?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Ignore it. If the abuse turns physical, escape and make a police report when it is safe to do so.
  • What is the offsides rule?
    wikiHow Contributor
    A player is offsides if he is on the attacking side of the field and there are fewer than two defenders (including the keeper) between him and the goal.
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    • When asking for advice, make sure the person you are asking knows what they´re talking about. You should later verify what he or she told you.

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    Categories: Soccer


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