Where Do Games Go Wrong? – The Moment Of Truth
‘The moment of truth’, the phrase is many hundred years old and describes an instant in time when a decision has to be made, a decision that will affect the course of events.
Although control of a football match is not a matter of life or death, success or failure for the Referee might just depend on a single decision made at a particular time. Experience has shown that in each game there is a particular incident that if handled correctly could determine that the game will proceed to a successful conclusion without very much dispute or any kind of resentment. If such an incident is handled incorrectly or not appreciated then control could deteriorate very quickly. It is your ability as the Referee to recognise the “Moment of Truth” and there could even be more than one in a particular game. This will determine your success or failure as a Referee.
They can take many forms, but usually have one of the following characteristics;
Injustice given out, lack of awareness about something that the players react to, a simple error of ignorance or inexperience. Incidents such as:
A goal is awarded when neither the referee nor the assistant is in a correct position to see that the ball did not cross over the goal line. Players will never accept such a decision, and their subsequent demeanour will show that.
A goal is allowed for a reason that no attacking players saw, nor a defender appealed about. Was it a mysterious foul? An ‘offside’ player not involved in play?
An attacker is brought down in the penalty area, but the referee does not give the penalty kick, preferring to find safety in awarding an indirect free kick or moving the ball placement outside the area. Players will recognise this, and do not forgive. It can be seen as cowardice.
A particular foul goes unpunished or is not punished severely enough. Players want justice.
The referee seems unaware of the reaction of players to their opponent’s fouls. The players will give clues that you need to take action. There is a code of conduct amongst players. If the Referee does not take care of it, they will.
A nose to nose confrontation between two players after they have been battling for superiority during play. The referee must take some action to be seen to be in control.
A public display of dissent that the referee seems not to notice. The match then becomes a total debate or deteriorates into total bedlam with everyone shouting the odds. The referee must control the debate.
Retaliation is not handled correctly, but beware that players will seek justice and when the innocent is punished as the criminal escapes, then there is no justice. The players will make their own.
These are just a few scenarios that may happen in your game. There are many more like them so keep a look out. Try training yourself to spot these types of incidents in games you referee, watch live or on television. Sometimes they may be difficult to identify, but gradually with practice, and if you allow yourself to benefit from the advice of an experienced referee, it becomes easier to spot them. Eventually they will become very obvious to you. However how you do it, make sure that you understand and use this most important concept of in maintain control of a match.
Till The Next Time
Happy Whistling!!!!
Malcolm L
(The Refwatcher)