Every referee faces challenging calls during a game. Whether it’s a borderline offside, a questionable penalty, or a disputed goal, these moments define how well an official manages the game.
Here are some tips for handling those difficult situations:
Stay positioned correctly. Good positioning gives you the best angle to see plays develop. When you’re in the right spot, tough calls become clearer.
Trust your instincts. You’ve trained for this. When you see something, make the call with confidence. Hesitation leads to doubt from players and coaches.
Communicate with your partners. In multi-official games, work as a team. If your partner has a better view, defer to their judgment. Two sets of eyes are better than one.
Stay calm under pressure. Players, coaches, and fans may disagree loudly with your calls. Maintain your composure and focus on the next play.
Learn from every game. Review your difficult calls after the game. What could you have done differently? Each experience makes you a better official.
Remember, no referee is perfect. What matters is making the best call you can with the information available to you at that moment.