Let’s Talk Refs pt. II

Photograph by Zweli Ndhlovu

The past weekend was full of wonderful football and high scores both domestically and internationally. As with every week questionable decisions were made that had both the analysts and the fans debating whether it was the correct decision or not. No agreement is ever reached by the debaters but they are never on the refs’ side.

The toughest job in football has to be the referee’s job, closely followed by the coaches’ job of course. Think about it, the referee is the only person that is hated by all sides in a match, both teams hate the referee, the supporters would like to get their hands on the referee. Analysts, commentators and journalists will never miss the chance to highlight how the referee ruined the game for both teams and how incompetent the standard of referring was. There seems to be no getting away for the referee no matter what corner they turn on.

Refereeing is basically mediating between two parties that want their way and that on its own is a leadership position, guess that explains why a lot of our referees are also in the education sector, a sector that needs both leaders and mediators. So I compiled a couple of things that a referee should keep in mind as mediating leaders. 

I learnt this when my father was speaking at a leadership training on some other weekend. Some referees show these qualities I have to say.

Facing their fears

Referees often avoid punishing an opponent because they are afraid of ruining the game. That fear has led to some decisions that have affected the games result and that ruins games on its own. As referees they have to face these kinds of fears if they want to carry out a fair game.

Be prepared to be hated

Coaches are only hated when they lose, referees are never liked by anyone. As a referee some decisions taken will not be popular and people will be saying a lot of things your way and fans will boo you, coaches will scream at you. Analysts will be speaking like you told them what you were thinking. Basically you will be disliked more than Jacob Zuma in parliament.

Be comfortable with discomfort

As I said earlier, no one seems to be on the referees’ side, when it is match day. Referees have to be prepared to be an island, Isolated, alone and no one coming to their rescue. Waves of hate and questions can come from any side. As a referee, you must get used to uncomfortable situations as they keep you on your toes. Referees that are never prepared to be uncomfortable are the ones that look flustered when things take a turn in the game.

 Accept vulnerability

Referees are always at the mercy of someone, their decisions get questioned by everyone internally in their boards to people who hardly know the rules of the game. They are vulnerable to the people that pay to watch the sport and those that report it. They will always have to answer to someone not happy about their decisions. They have to accept that and be fine with it and not try to use the game to minimize their vulnerability.