Coach P...excellent article... it should be a requirement at all referee courses.
Bazza...unfortunately I routinely run into "what I mean and what I wrote may not be the same thing".
What do I mean by not talking???
I find that historically the game starts getting out of hand, when the referee starts focusing in things other than the game. This leads to talking to fans, coaches, players. I especially do not like trying to explain the call, because "the call" was not what you liked, "the explanation" will also be not what you liked. Therefore the call is automatically wrong and the ref is a moron.
The referee needs to keep control, I agree... for the better of the game. A smart aleck remark (as in the article) will invite a smart aleck remark back...etc.
At any DECIDED game whether you make all the right calls or all the wrong calls, 50% of the people will leave happy. It has nothing to do with you, it has everything to do with the outcome. Therefore, call what you see, stay in shape, stay up-to-date on the rules and do the best you can.
My last word on this.... after refereeing 2-3 games in a row, you get tired both physically and mentally. You are expected to stay focused in the very next game and make all the right calls. Not easy to do, as in the article, keep asking why you are there.
Great discussion ... thanks for participating...
