To create a safe, risk-free environment for new and inexperienced referees to develop and “learn on the job” without being subjected to abuse and ridicule from players, coaches, and, most importantly, parents.

Training League Goal:

Objective of a Trainer:

It is not our goal to transform a new referee into a great referee.

We are not even trying to transform a new referee into a good referee.

The primary objective of Mentors, Trainers, and experienced referees is to encourage new referees to do just one more game. Everything else will come later.

It is vital that you complete the New Referee Feedback form. It is quick and easy and the main way that we know when to move referees out of the Training League

A Trainer’s Role:

Model best practices –no shortcuts.

Focus on “survival skills” –very limited and very simple list below.

In fact, whether the referee/AR missed a call in a game (foul, offside, etc.) is NOT our primary concern.

Our focus must be on the positive even in the face of a blown call that changes the outcome of the game.

Exception–misapplication of the Laws of the Game. This must be corrected in the proper way

Most importantly, you must protect the new referee.

New Ref Survival Skills:

Referee –only three things:

  • Give the necessary effort.

  • Blow the whistle.

  • Work on confidence.

Ars –only three things:

  • Be even with the STL defender.

  • Stay focused.

  • Watch for offside and signal appropriately.

NRDP Points of Emphasis:

1.Work Rate and Effort

–The is the number one priority above all others. Hard work and effort can dramatically change the attitudes of coaches, players, and parents.

2.Attitude and Communication

-look like a referee / properly uniformed / strong whistle.

3.Mechanics

-always professional / signals tell a story.

4.Foul Discrimination

–call the simple foul –if you think it’s a foul; blow your whistle. Better too many fouls than too few.

Tips for Trainers:

  • Above all, Keep it Simple! No ref will be great after one game, we just want them to come back and ref again!

  • Introduce yourself.

  • Remember you are there to help, not criticize.

  • Consider what the referee is able to comprehend before you begin speaking.

  • Have your three good things and one or two things work on before you talk to the referees.

  • Don’t talk for more than 5 minutes.

  • Make sure to end with a positive and thank them.

  • Download the IFAB app and put it on your phone to help explain any misapplication of laws.

  • Be positive, no matter what.

Easy Feedback Examples:

1.Move more.

2.Be in position.

3.Look like a referee

4.Sound like a referee

5.Call the simple fouls

6.Know the Laws of the Game

7.Do your homework

8.Always strive to improve

Feedback like this leads to more confidence, improved accuracy, less static and more fun!

Report Abuse:

A full and detailed report must be provided to the league and an email sent to reportabuse@nrdp.soccer

The referee can also call or send a text to 402.603.0011.