025 | LAND WITHOUT LAWS

WHAT DO REFEREES AND PLAYERS HAVE IN COMMON? THEY BOTH MAKE MISTAKES.

As players in any sport, soccer specifically, there is a significant factor beyond our control. While this factor may be, how we choose to react is something we can control. The most important thing that comes to mind is the referees. My view to react is how I learned to deal with it, and you might disagree, but at least hear me out.

With referees, you have to keep two things in mind. First, they are just like players because they are almost guaranteed to make mistakes. Second, most are there because they love the game or need to make a little extra pocket change. So while your first reaction may be to raise your voice or show some other sign of dissent, remember that how you react can either help or hurt your team.

Getting furious about calls can cause you to lose focus on the game itself. Take it from a player who has battled this and gone through phases of being an absolute jerk to refs. When you understand mistakes happen and learn to move on after the call, you can catch on to how that specific ref officiates. Some will let you play, and some will call it by the book. The second you start to disrespect them is the second you may cost your team a valuable call that can decide the result. A good rule of thumb is to be respectful and let the captain do the talking unless you are called on.

So next time you want to let a ref know how you feel about his officiating, remember this last thing. They are giving up their personal time to make a little money on the side, and they aren't out to get you. These refs want to do a quality job because they know it isn't about them. Many of them have played the game at some level and understand their role. The last thing they want to do is ruin your day on purpose, so don't ruin theirs and your teams in the process.