These words were uttered by me the fan.
Why?
Because I was watching one of my favourite teams, and the referee gave a straight red card for a supposed "professional" foul. Now I say "supposed" because I disagree with the call, and as a fan I let him know my feelings. This was both right and wrong. Right because referees are not immune from criticism. They are not perfect, they make mistakes and they should be made aware of any calls that are not right, or close. It was wrong, because the comment didn't accomplish anything, and even worse, may dissuade a more sensitive referee from refereeing in the future.
They deserve respect, from players, coaches and fans, and they deserve our support. But what do they do for the game and why are they different from hockey officials, or umpires in baseball.
The first and critical difference is that a referee is there to "enforce the laws of the game". This establishes the fundamental difference. They are "laws" not "rules". Laws need to be interpreted, whereas rules are either infringed or not. For instance a pitch is either a ball or a strike in baseball, or a hit is fair or foul. It is or it isn't. In soccer a foul may not be a foul because of circumstances such as the weather. where a slide tackle that is late may not attract a card because the field is wet. In certain circumstances the referee may waive off a foul to allow an "advantage" to develop after the foul. As a result, the person who commits the foul may not be sanctioned. Thus the referee must interpret the laws as the game is being played. It is fluid and dynamic. It is extremely challenging and calls for a great deal of common sense and judgement.
For example, a player spits on the jersey of an opponent who is behind him. This serious conduct that warrants a red card. Simple. But what if the referee had observed the "spitter" being struck in the mouth just prior to the event, and they then turn to spit out something in their mouth. Not so simple any more is it.
This is why their role is so challenging. Every situation may have a different interpretation because of how the circumstances develop within the game. It isn't easy, and we need to cut them some slack once in awhile.
Oh yes, Howard Webb is a Man Utd ringer, and SHE WAS GOING FOR THE BALL NUMBNUTS!!!!!
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Communication
I yelled at someone today.
Now before you stop reading this post saying that Hal White must be a boorish coach, who mistreats his players, it wasn't one of my players. It was someone who works in my profession, and this person wasn't accepting the genius of my position. I would be remiss if I didn't say that their position had some merit, but not very much in my estimation. Nevertheless, the act of yelling/shouting/browbeating was not going to make the person any smarter, more perceptive or more comfortable with my point of view. I suspect that this person is probably less receptive to my point of view, my input and intellect than they were before. And that will probably never change again in the future.
What does this have to do with soccer?
A lot.
How a coach communicates their philosophy, their training views, and their pleasure with a teams success is critical in the success of a team.
Let's look at Rafa, King Kenny, and the very unfortunate Avram Grant.
Rafa Benitez was by times animated, gesticulating and shouting. Other days he just sat there. But most of the time he was just giving small bits of tactical advice and direction from the sideline.
Why would he do that, his players are professionals and amongst the best in the world after all? What could he, a middle aged, former middle of the road player, tell world class players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres? Because they are not able to see and do everything at, and because he was their manager and was responsible for adjusting and assisting in their tactics as a game progressed. His role was as much tactical as motivational. King Kenny is doing the same thing. He watches, he absorbs, he analyzes and shouts encouragement and tactics to his players.
Now poor old Avram Grant, no doubt a solid coach and manager just sat there, and looked really really gloomy. He had good cause to look gloomy with both Portsmouth and West Ham, and his gallows like complexion reflected the accurate demise of these teams. But he could have done more, or at least appeared to have tried to have done more. The teams needed it tactically and on a "motivational" basis.
So what is the amateur coach to do. Look to the professionals. The good ones are engaged and aware of what is going on on the pitch and with their players. Wenger is always on the line, Ferguson, and Ian Holloway. Mick McCarthy seems to be about ten seconds from jumping on the pitch himself. They are not competing themselves but are essential to the quality of the competition.
So from the start of the warm up to the final whistle be prepared to be engaged, involved,
aware and positive.
WARM UP
Set up your warm ups grids, and start the players in their drills. Be present, observe their pace, touch and engagement. Talk to them, encourage them and suggest improvements and see if they adapt. Make your assessments as to who is ready to play.
THE OPPONENTS
If you are able watch the other team for a few moments, in particular the keeper. See how the keeper is preparing . Do they tend to drop the ball, trouble in the air or lateral movement. Pass on any of this information to your players.
DURING THE GAME.
Watch the game, look for the opponents weaknesses and pass the info on to the field players.Pass on strategic advice, and be positive. tell them to play up, rather than say they are playing to far back. Tell them some things are "unlucky " rather than a "poor touch", as they know if it is bad. Pay attention to their pace and ask if they are all right.Watch the opponents and how they are adapting to your strategy and tactics. Watch the on field match ups change them as you see fit.
HALF TIME
Ask about injuries, and inquire about any challenges they are experiencing on the field . Remind them about their tactics and especially about what is working well.
For the rest of the game help your team accomplish their objectives. Praise and assist as required, but keep yourself engaged for the whole game.
END OF THE GAME
Fill them in on what went right, compliment them if compliments are warranted. Keep your criticisms to yourself for the time being, but remember them for training issues for the next sessions.
Remember the pros are engaged the whole game through, and you should be as well. Keep the players informed as to what is going on that they can't see, and encourage them to take advantage of opportunities that they aren't aware of.
YNWA
WALK ON
Hal White
Now before you stop reading this post saying that Hal White must be a boorish coach, who mistreats his players, it wasn't one of my players. It was someone who works in my profession, and this person wasn't accepting the genius of my position. I would be remiss if I didn't say that their position had some merit, but not very much in my estimation. Nevertheless, the act of yelling/shouting/browbeating was not going to make the person any smarter, more perceptive or more comfortable with my point of view. I suspect that this person is probably less receptive to my point of view, my input and intellect than they were before. And that will probably never change again in the future.
What does this have to do with soccer?
A lot.
How a coach communicates their philosophy, their training views, and their pleasure with a teams success is critical in the success of a team.
Let's look at Rafa, King Kenny, and the very unfortunate Avram Grant.
Rafa Benitez was by times animated, gesticulating and shouting. Other days he just sat there. But most of the time he was just giving small bits of tactical advice and direction from the sideline.
Why would he do that, his players are professionals and amongst the best in the world after all? What could he, a middle aged, former middle of the road player, tell world class players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres? Because they are not able to see and do everything at, and because he was their manager and was responsible for adjusting and assisting in their tactics as a game progressed. His role was as much tactical as motivational. King Kenny is doing the same thing. He watches, he absorbs, he analyzes and shouts encouragement and tactics to his players.
Now poor old Avram Grant, no doubt a solid coach and manager just sat there, and looked really really gloomy. He had good cause to look gloomy with both Portsmouth and West Ham, and his gallows like complexion reflected the accurate demise of these teams. But he could have done more, or at least appeared to have tried to have done more. The teams needed it tactically and on a "motivational" basis.
So what is the amateur coach to do. Look to the professionals. The good ones are engaged and aware of what is going on on the pitch and with their players. Wenger is always on the line, Ferguson, and Ian Holloway. Mick McCarthy seems to be about ten seconds from jumping on the pitch himself. They are not competing themselves but are essential to the quality of the competition.
So from the start of the warm up to the final whistle be prepared to be engaged, involved,
aware and positive.
WARM UP
Set up your warm ups grids, and start the players in their drills. Be present, observe their pace, touch and engagement. Talk to them, encourage them and suggest improvements and see if they adapt. Make your assessments as to who is ready to play.
THE OPPONENTS
If you are able watch the other team for a few moments, in particular the keeper. See how the keeper is preparing . Do they tend to drop the ball, trouble in the air or lateral movement. Pass on any of this information to your players.
DURING THE GAME.
Watch the game, look for the opponents weaknesses and pass the info on to the field players.Pass on strategic advice, and be positive. tell them to play up, rather than say they are playing to far back. Tell them some things are "unlucky " rather than a "poor touch", as they know if it is bad. Pay attention to their pace and ask if they are all right.Watch the opponents and how they are adapting to your strategy and tactics. Watch the on field match ups change them as you see fit.
HALF TIME
Ask about injuries, and inquire about any challenges they are experiencing on the field . Remind them about their tactics and especially about what is working well.
For the rest of the game help your team accomplish their objectives. Praise and assist as required, but keep yourself engaged for the whole game.
END OF THE GAME
Fill them in on what went right, compliment them if compliments are warranted. Keep your criticisms to yourself for the time being, but remember them for training issues for the next sessions.
Remember the pros are engaged the whole game through, and you should be as well. Keep the players informed as to what is going on that they can't see, and encourage them to take advantage of opportunities that they aren't aware of.
YNWA
WALK ON
Hal White
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