Very often referees ask colleagues questions about the ”Laws of the Game,”, Procedures, Registration/Re-certification, etc. Sometimes the advice/information received is accurate and useful; however, quite often the information is incorrect or incomplete!
Referees sometimes think that because a colleague has a higher referee rating/grade, e.g. , National or State 5, that the information must be correct!! WRONG!
To avoid receiving and acting upon misinformation you receive from colleagues, you should do the following:
Only a USSF certified Instructor can definitively answer any questions you have about the Laws of the Game! If the instructor doesn’t have an answer, he or she will go to a higher level for assistance. Getting advice from colleagues, especially those who are more experienced or higher rated than your, may be helpful. Accept the advice or information gracefully; however, DO NOT ACT on the advice/information until you have it verified by a certified instructor!
Referees sometimes think that because a colleague has a higher referee rating/grade, e.g. , National or State 5, that the information must be correct!! WRONG!
To avoid receiving and acting upon misinformation you receive from colleagues, you should do the following:
- Go online ussoccer.com and look up the information in the USSF publications (LOTG, Guide to Procedures, or Advice to Referees which is an extremely valuable source))
- Go online to FIFA.com and at end of the LOTG there is an “Interpretation” segment. Great help!
- If you still cannot answer your questions, contact your NOCRA INSTRUCTOR or some other USSF certified Instructor.
Only a USSF certified Instructor can definitively answer any questions you have about the Laws of the Game! If the instructor doesn’t have an answer, he or she will go to a higher level for assistance. Getting advice from colleagues, especially those who are more experienced or higher rated than your, may be helpful. Accept the advice or information gracefully; however, DO NOT ACT on the advice/information until you have it verified by a certified instructor!