Interpretation Decisions
Football is a sport that allows its Referees a great deal of flexibility in interpreting and applying the Laws
subjectively. Albeit that Referees are trained to be consistent in their application of the Laws - they are written in such a way, that the individualism of each Referee is allowed to flourish and enhance the game of football.
Each Referee will have his own style, his own limits, and his own tolerance levels. This flexibility adds to the uncertainty, unpredictability and excitement envisaged in the game world-wide.
The Laws allow both the Referee and Football, to retain their human characteristics. Referees like the dual role of 'peace keeper' and 'adaptability'. This allows Referee characters to develop - this in turn, enhances the match excitement further. Interpreting the Laws is a skill gleaned from both experience, and by interacting with fellow Referees. Learning the Laws by rout and passing the Referees' exam is the easy bit. The hard part is applying the Law interpretations and dealing with man-management on the field of play. Common sense and Law interpretation used fairly and correctly identifies a good Referee from a bad Referee. Interpretation examples are:
(i) Should a player who fouls another player always be cautioned?
(ii) Is the attacking player standing in an offside position, actively involved with play?
(iii) Was the tackle a completely accidental tangling of the players’ legs?
(iv) Was the handball intentional?
(v) Can a Referee drop the ball to the goalkeeper alone?
The quickest way for a new Referee to learn Law interpretation skills, is to:
(a) officiate in as many games as possible, and learn by experience:
(b) interact with Referee colleagues. e.g. by joining and participating in Referee Societies, and reading Refereeing material.
(c) learn by watching as many games as possible.
A new Referee who does none of the above, will undoubtedly take much longer to build up his interpretation and interpersonal skills. A Referee who does all the above, will swiftly improve his skills, and will quickly become acceptable within the footballing community.
Courtesy Julian Carosi
