Referee Development Group Meeting November
This month’s Development Group meeting saw us all meet at the Mansfield Hosiery Mills at Sutton In
Ashfield, the former home of Sutton Town.
It was clearly a bad night for most. There had been an accident on the M1 causing delays for those
travelling from Nottingham and work issues for a number of the 'grown ups' including head coach
Dave Plowright. What was clear was the commitment of all to attend these meetings even if rushing
around to get 5 or 10 minutes late.
Firstly we were treated to our regular fitness session from Coach Stuart Richardson. On a cold night
with the light fading we all joined in with a couple of laps of the football pitch used mainly to loosen
up and catch up with each other.
Then down to it! 10 yard then back, 20 yard then back, then 30 yard sprints followed by 30 seconds
rest before doing it all again. 10 times! I think I'm safe to say the first couple seemed quite easy until
the rest period started to take its toll on us resulting in us all getting out of breath and extremely hot
very quickly. This session was geared around us all having to concentrate on our abilities to put in
short sharp sprints and focusing on our movement as well as general fitness. A warm down followed
then shower and break before our classroom based session inside the club itself.
To begin the team was split into smaller groups based on current refereeing level. Together we
discussed our season so far and any issues during our games that we could all learn from.
Once the discussion had ended we all discussed the issues that had been raised together.
It was clear that no matter what our level we all had the same issues that had come up during our
discussions. We discussed how our behaviour pre and post-match can affect the clubs secretary's
perception of us. We all agreed that the only way to conduct ourselves was professionally at all times.
It was also discussed how we approach our games when being assessed. It was clear that it was a
waste of time changing what we do week in week out just to appease the assessor. Their mark and
advice would not be a clear reflection of our abilities. It was agreed that our standards should be at
the highest at all times assessed or not.
Paul Wade who had attended as an observer in his assessing role advised us on what he looks for
both pre match and during the match. Other topics included assistants dictating when they will arrive
rather than when requested and also the number of games we were each doing. We had all
completed around 5 to 8 middles which seemed the going rate for this time of the season
Now for the main part of the evening and the viewing of video clips from the game the month
previous that was officiated by myself, Ibby Arsali (5) and Frazer Williamson (6) at AFC Mansfield.
Firstly an example was shown as to how standing and letting the play pass you rather than chasing it
and getting in the way is always better. I think I learned that just because you’re running all over the
place doesn't necessarily mean you are working hard. To use dev. group coach Ian Dudleys word's
"calm down". Let the play happen. Consider what’s happening, where you will be best placed to make
a decision and only move when it’s safe to do so.
Then a clip of a clear free kick (from my perspective) gave another opportunity for discussion. Firstly
was it a free kick? I say now that it was clear from my position on the field of play however the room
was split on whether it was a free kick or not. What this does show was how positioning and how you
deal with the incident itself can also affect how it is viewed by all watching including spectators. The
question raised was "is it possible to see too much". Could your match control be hindered by not
letting some decisions go if it isn't going to affect the game at that moment? Although the room
seemed split the conclusion was to consider this point when making any decision during our games.
The footage did show me having given the free kick looking down towards the ground as I considered
my next move. I never realised I did this until seeing the footage but does show that you have to be
aware of what happening at all times. Keep your head up!
I have heard it mentioned at a previous group that you should always be holding your view no lower
than 'corner flag height'. Correct or not nothing is going to happen with the ants in the grass.
Finally Fraser’s moment. A quality offside decision and flag seen late by me. The footage showed me
awarding the offside however had I have held back on the decision an advantage could have been
played and allowed me to get out of jail. Having seen this and discussed this with the group I hope to
not do it again. The point raised was if its late have a look around to see what’s happening before
dragging the ball back. Seconds seem like hours and should be treated as so.
In my defence there were good points raised about my performance and also Fraser and Ibby's.
The chance to discuss one of your own games with the group doesn't come around too often at our
level and has helped me since during my games. Hopefully everyone took valuable learnings points
from this part of the session also. The session ended with the digging into cake provided by Ibby
cementing his place as the most valuable member of the team for another month.
On behalf of myself, Ibby and Frazer I wish to thank the coaches for the opportunity to have one of
our games recorded and also the group for providing invaluable advice on what was recorded.
As mentioned I'm sure each and every one of us took something from the discussion that we will use
in our own games. December’s meeting will again be held at the same location on the 12th December
meaning a trip down south can’t be far off for us northerners.
On behalf of the group if any assessor or coaches wish to attend any of the meetings you are more
than welcome to do so. Your advice and input will be greatly received.
Neil Allsop (level 4)