Player Communication

Communication

“Effective referees and umpires will coherently explain their decisions in order to prevent defending them”.

D. Stevens (2004)

Communication

• Communication of decisions to players need to be clear and concise

• The main types of communication are:– Non-verbal

• Body language,• Whistle,• Signals,• Positioning,

– Verbal• In play,• Stoppages.

Non-Verbal

• Body language– This will be read, either intentionally or not, by

players and club officials from the moment you arrive to the ground,

– Walk tall, proudly, and dress respectfully,– Act appropriately and accordingly,– All of these will communicate to the players

that you are the official, you are the one in

Control.

Non-Verbal

• Whistle– Different tones at different lengths for

alternate situations, practice these,– Confident and loud pitch that will halt players

immediately,– Remember that your whistle is like your voice,

don’t mumble.

Non-Verbal

• Signals– Unobstructed signals allow players further

away to decipher a decision and the type of restart,

– Signals should be unhurried, allowing players an opportunity to take them in,

– Take time to learn all the signals, if you don’t know them, how can you manage and position the players effectively.

Non-Verbal

• Positioning– Quick to the mark of a restart, providing there

is no need to watch players in a heated situation,

– Urgency at turnovers, a vital for correct positioning, will communicate to the players where 10m from the next play the ball is,

– Don’t drift from play, if you are too far away, your verbal abilities are hindered.

Verbal

• In play– Be respectful

• Players of all sports are worthy of the officials respect when stepping onto the pitch,

• Without offering respect for players, respect will not return to the official,

• Players react positively to someone they respect and respects them,

• Maintain eye contact while giving warnings,• Speak to players honestly and on their level and

don’t bellow orders like they are anything less.

Verbal

• In Play– Vary the calls and requests of players

• i.e. don’t repeatedly call for “square markers” or “players back onside” at every play the ball,

• Look to instruct both individuals and the team at different play the balls and during play,

– Confident• Remain calm, keep a level head when faced with a decision,• Be confident that you made the correct decisions with what

you saw in the 80 minutes,• Confidence shows players that they can not interfere with

your decision making process.

Verbal

• In Play– Loud and clear

• Don’t mumble, be heard while addressing a large group of players,

• Portray that you are confident with your abilities and judgements,

– Don’t argue• Be careful not to fall into the trap of overly justifying your

decisions,• If a player continually challenges your decisions, tell them

that you will not argue with them, and move on.

Verbal

• Pre-match and Stoppages– Toss the coin:

• Ask Captains for their names, remember them, use them, and give them yours if you wish,

• Captains will have the respect of the players, so use them to get the best out of the players,

– Stoppages• Perfect opportunity to communicate,• Discuss discipline issues e.g. 10m, scrum formation, ruck

area,• Speak with captains about problem players, warnings etc,• Speak with problem players stating your requirements.

Scenarios

• Task 1: Toss of the coin– 1 referee, 2 captains– How will you greet the captains?– How effectively can you get your point across

to the players?

• Task 2: Warning a player– 1 referee, 1 player, anyone else?– Warn a player for a high tackle.

Scenarios

• Task 3: Deal with a player for directing foul language at the TJ– 1 referee, 1 player, anyone else?– How will you address this situation?

• Task 4: Warn a team for persistent offending– 1 referee, who else Mr Referee?– Who do you warn, and how do you do it?

Scenarios

• Task 5: Argumentative player– 1 referee, 1 player– Have the player question the referee’s

decision and argue with the referee– How will the referee get the decision across?– Can the referee keep out of an argument?

Communication Summary

• Effective communication is fundamental to effective refereeing,

• Look at the areas in your game that you can improve and practice them in everyday life, then effective communication will become second nature.