Concacaf Assessment Program Manual - ENG

The Concacaf Assessment Program Assessment Manual

Contents 01 02 03 04

The Referee Assessor

4 - 11

Prior to leaving home and during travel

12 -15

Arriving at the venue

16 - 19

The assessment process

20 - 33

Step 1 Pre-game

05 06 07

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Step 2 Observation

24 - 25

Step 3 Verbal feedback

26 - 29

Step 4 Written feedback

30 - 31

Step 5 The follow up

32 - 33

Scoring the Match Officials

34 - 49

The Assessment Form

50 - 57

Summary

58 - 62

Contents

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Chapter 1

The Referee Assessor

Contents

The Assessor profile

It is more than accepting an appointment – it is a lot of work that will challenge the assessor’s observational, analytical and communication skills.

The goal is: Excellence Assessors must practice their trade. They must watch games. They must be analytical and possess the ability to “read between the lines”.

The Assessor can have a bigger impact on the development of a Referee than an instructor because working Assessors tend to have more access to and contact with Match Officials – they see them more frequently in real-life situations on the soccer field.

The role of the Assessor is to: • • • • • •

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Coach, mentor and lead.

Eliminate bad habits and to create new, more effective habits.

Help Match Officials see their potential and the path to excellence.

Identify opportunities for growth, development and improvement.

Create an environment for learning and exchange of information.

Help Match Officials improve, at every opportunity, from what they ARE… to what they COULD be!

The Concacaf Assessment Program

The “3-F�

Process Fail Find Fix

Match Officials will FAIL or have areas for growth

Assessors need to coach the Referee to FIND the reasons for failure and FIND preventative and proactive solutions Match Officials need to use the findings/solutions to FIX the developmental areas for their next appointment

1. The Referee Assessor

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Additional Assessor qualities Be relevant

• Understand the modern game and the associated pressures and challenges.

• That includes recent, current, and on-going experiences in the game.

• Regularly refresh knowledge and expertise.

Technical knowledge and competence

• Have current and practical knowledge.

• Be a student of the game.

• Keep up-to-date on all interpretations related to the Laws of the Game.

Understand the modern game

• Know the requirements and demands placed on referees, players, teams and coaches.

• Have technical and tactical knowledge of systems of play.

Communication • • • •

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Possess strong verbal and written skills.

Ability to communicate development areas and give solutions.

Use communication skills to motivate and coach.

Have a dynamic and engaging approach.

The Concacaf Assessment Program

Football understanding

• “Soccer Intelligence” with a practical approach.

• Understand concepts related to common sense and management of the “gray areas”.

Analytical skills

• Ability to analyze situations, video clips and people.

• View the game through the eyes of the Referee.

• Read between the lines, see the details and how things are connected.

Multimedia knowledge

• Visual learning is vital and it provides evidence that can be a positive step in development.

• Ability to film the Match Officials using a cell phone, tablet or camera to provide real examples when the game is not broadcast.

• Ability to cut or make video clips for training purposes.

Other qualities • • • •

Knowledge of the scoring principles.

Text or content (“the written word”) of the written assessment must match the score.

Timeliness of assessment completion.

Be the “eyes and ears” of the assignors and the referee department.

1. The Referee Assessor

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Summary A successful Assessor is viewed as a coach, teacher, mentor and facilitator.

Their key skillsets include: • • • • • • • • •

Knowledge Listening Objectivity and fairness Analysis and identification Communication Support Being a team member and motivator Solutions provider for recommendations and development Confidentiality

Their key functions include: • • • • • • • •

Supporting the Match Officials.

Giving advice on how Match Officials can improve their performance (coaching).

Being invested in the success of the team.

Ensuring a uniform and consistent interpretation of the Laws of the Game.

Ensuring the Concacaf-isms are followed.

Assessing the performance of the Match Officials through a critical, yet constructive, eye.

Identifying talented officials.

Motivating each Referee.

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Chapter 2

Prior to leaving home and during travel

Contents

Prior to leaving home and during travel The Assessor must be prepared like a Match Official • • • •

Do your homework.

Be a member of the team.

Inspire, lead and contribute to success.

Know the background, culture, experience level and primary language of each member of the referee team.

The Assessor must be knowledgeable about the specifics of the game appointment • • • • • •

Research the teams, players and coaches that they will be watching.

Study the tactical approaches of the teams.

Know about special match-ups or rivalries between players and coaches.

Understand the history between the two teams.

Stay up-to-date on recent match results and any misconduct that occurred.

Know the regulations related to the competition and the stage of the competition.

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Chapter 3

Upon arriving at the venue

Contents

At the venue Upon arrival at the venue, you should introduce yourself to the Match Officials.

You should also be a conduit or facilitator between the Referee Team and the Game Organizers (the local organizing committee and/or hosting team).

As well as that, you need to support the Match Officials to make sure all equipment needed is at their disposal and ready for use, such as: • • • • • •

Communication systems Substitution boards Vanishing spray and clips/holders Paperwork – match forms, substitution cards, credentials Hydration fluids Soap and towels

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Chapter 4

The assessment process

Contents

The Assessment Process There are five steps in the assessment process Each step is important and must be understood and well executed in order to deliver a quality assessment that also provides a quality learning experience for the Match Officials.

1 e p e m St e-ga

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Step 3

5 p e t S w up

ba l f e edb a ck

Step 4

Written feedback 22

The Concacaf Assessment Program

Step 1 Pre-game Help the team succeed

• Do your homework by providing observations and information on the teams, the game, etc.

• Be a motivator for the Match Officials.

Referee pre-match preparation meeting • Participation is optional by request of the Referee.

• Listen to the Match Officials - after all, it is their game.

Remember the essentials • Ensure you travel to the game with your laptop.

• Make sure you have the correct software installed for video analysis after the game.

The Assessor must: Be aware of the tactical, technical, and physical expectations of the game.

Know the details from the prior encounters of the two teams.

Know the experience and work history of the officiating team.

Know the importance of the game.

Know the rules and regulations of the tournament.

Inform the referees of specific information communicated at the Match Coordination Meeting, such as entry to the field, warm-up area, number of substitutes allowed to warm-up, team colors and the Match Officials’ jersey color.

• Remind the officials of the important Concacaf or local guidelines, or instructions regarding injury management, time wasting etc.

• • • • • •

4. The Assessment Process

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Step 2 Observation Observing the Match Officials work The Assessor should obtain the optimum viewing position for the game.

• Ensure you have a good view of the field of play.

• Make sure it is quiet with no interruptions so you can keep full concentration.

Assessors need to observe all Match Officials, not just the Referee. The Assessor may have to change position during the match to accurately assess the performance of all four officials - especially the Assistant Referees.

The Assessor should not rely on the game video as a backup for live game observation.

At times, video may not be available or the incident(s) in question is not captured.

Note taking The Assessor must thoroughly document the Match Officials’ performance, noting strengths and areas for development.

Times of incidents to be discussed or analyzed must be written down and included in the final assessment.

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

The Assessor should use or design a form for note taking that works specifically for them.

It must be simple, to allow for as much time as possible for them to keep their eyes on the performances, and not on the notepad.

They must also ensure they have the various correct forms to help them fill in their observations during the game.

Organize your thoughts before discussing with the Referee Team • Summarize at half-time • Summarize at full-time • Categorize into topics of discussion, versus a review of the game minute-by-minute

4. The Assessment Process

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Step 3 Verbal feedback You must engage the Referee Team • Don’t lecture them • It is an exchange of thoughts, so get their perspective

Use the Laws of the Game and associated teachings • Find out if they really know the answer and the justification based on the Laws of the Game • Try and establish if they’re guessing or using real knowledge?

DO • Be a facilitator • Steer them to self-analysis and teamanalysis • Have the officials give the solutions • Make the referees think • Use questions to lead them to the answers

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

DON’T • Be a lecturer • Give the answers

The verbal feedback process Organize the feedback

Structure the feedback

Prior to the debrief, collate and categorize your information. Look for patterns and prioritize relevant situations, including topics focused on development and encouragement (positive areas of reinforcement).

• Start with complimentary and positive comments • Put developmental points in the middle • End with complimentary and positive comments.

Prioritize the key coaching points The debriefing should be structured in content. It is not a timeline going minute-byminute through the game. Think about what items will have the biggest impact on the performance of the Match Official in the next game.

4. The Assessment Process

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Key techniques for feedback Questions You should try to ask a question rather than making a statement. These could include asking the Match Officials:

The verbal debrief should not start until the Referee Report has been verified by all four Match Officials and the Assessor, thereby ensuring all information/names/times/ discipline matters are correct.

• Explain your thought process?

• What did you see?

• Can you think of a different option/ method?

To start the verbal feedback process or introduction, ask:

Questions should be open-ended. These are designed to encourage a full, meaningful answer using the referee’s own knowledge and/or feelings, and are more valuable than statements or closed-ended questions such as:

To conclude the verbal feedback process, ask:

• • • • •

• What have you done well today and what things you would improve on?

• What have you learned from our debrief that will help you in your next game?

I think…

Do not do…

You should/could…

That was not the best…

Do you think that was a penalty kick?

Listening

DO • Hear what the Match Officials have to say • Give them a chance to respond to your questions • Be open-minded • Use what they have to say to channel the discussion

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

DON’T • Be inflexible • Tell them, but guide them • Show negative emotions

Summary The Assessor should take no longer than 1530 minutes to facilitate the feedback session.

To allow total focus on the process, this should be in a quiet and interruption-free location, such as in the locker room, during dinner or in a meeting room. The Assessor must consider the time of the day and factors such as flight departures.

The comments should be pertinent to the written report which will follow, which must match the verbal feedback.

The debrief should be used as an opportunity for clarification and should be an interaction between the Assessor and the Match Officials, with a focus on their future development.

If evidence or information changes after the feedback session, it is the responsibility of the Assessor to follow-up and close-the-loop with the Match Officials. The assessment (and score) must reflect any new information. This might include: • Video evidence is provided that changes the previously agreed solution/decision.

• The interpretation of the decision changes upon review.

If a major issue or concern is not mentioned in the final written assessment report, it is assumed that it was also not discussed during the verbal feedback.

If a major issue is mentioned in the written report, it is assumed that it was discussed with the Referee Team during the verbal debrief session and that appropriate solutions were discussed and agreed upon.

One of the many measurements of the quality of an assessment is: who spoke the most… the Assessor or the Match Officials?

Most importantly

• Did the Match Officials believe you were there as part of their team to support, encourage and help them improve to reach excellence, and you were their coach/mentor/counselor?

• Or did they simply feel you were there to criticize and grade them?

4. The Assessment Process

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Step 4 Written feedback Ensure you draw a picture for the reader, which could be the Referee, their National Association or Concacaf administration.

• Include the time, the player/s involved (as well as their name or jersey number) and a description of incident.

• Include enough details so that someone who didn’t see the game would be able to visualize the situation.

• They should be able to go directly to the event on the video.

DO • “At 19:20, 32:16 and 63:18, the game needed the Referee to move into the penalty area to be close to play as there were one-on-one situations.”

• Provide a solution and/or recommendation • • • • •

DON’T • “The referee’s overall general positioning was too far from the play.”

Accurately show names, classification, date, and teams.

Reference only the game that has been observed.

Use clear, simple, understandable language.

Ensure the Laws of the Game are quoted correctly.

Use correct and relevant terminology, such as Dynamic, Optimal Line of Vision, Angle over Proximity, Practical Refereeing, Tool vs. Weapon, etc.

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

The assessment should be written in the third person • “The referee managed the game with personality.”

• “Assistant Referee 1 made an excellent nooffside decision at 21:42 that led to a goal.”

• “The Fourth Official needed to take more ownership of behavior within the technical areas.”

Lower scores require more thought from the Assessor • More information on areas for development with clear solutions should be given.

• The final score needs to be supported with more documentation and facts.

Do not write a novel • Be precise, but thorough.

• Be concise, but not wordy.

• Be factual to provide information that has meaning to the referee, an official’s Head of Refereeing, and administration.

The Assessor should think as a referee and feel the game as a referee • Consider the atmosphere and environment of the game.

• Assess the incident(s) for this game, at this time, by these Match Officials.

The written feedback must be objective • Base it upon facts and not personal opinion.

• Make sure it is honest with no outside influences.

Pay attention to technical and other important decisions • Match Assessors need to pay special attention and correctly assess the CMI (Critical Match Incident) decisions in the match.

• When issues are noted for CMIs or other key performance areas, the assessor must provide solutions (in the debrief and the final report) that guide the Referees toward improvement in their next appointment.

The Assessor must, for each Match Official, identify: • Key areas for improvement o Define developmental points and their associated causes and solutions.

• Key areas of success o Specify the areas in which the Match Official succeeded. o Areas that were key to the overall success of the game.

4. The Assessment Process

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Step 5 The follow up Reconnect with the Match Officials •

If you see a key point (positive or constructive) while reviewing the video that was not covered during the debrief, follow it up with the Match Officials via email, phone or Skype.

Send a clip and ask for the Referee Team’s opinion and analysis • Create a video clip and distribute to all Match Officials.

Ask for technical interpretation from top instructors • Provide specifics (game time, etc.).

• Send the clip to get technical input and answers.

• Once consensus is received, circle back with the Match Official(s).

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Things that were discussed at the debrief without the luxury of having the game video can now be confirmed and corrected with the Match Officials.

If the Assessor, after the game, determines that information communicated with the Referee must change (due to video evidence as an example), then the Assessor must communicate the changed information or decision to the Match Officials. Clarification is vital.

Chapter 5

Scoring the Match Officials

Contents

Calculating a final score To work out a final score, you need to make the following calculation:

Big picture

+

Details

Big picture • Overall game management • The “5 Factors” combined: 1. Control of game and foul/misconduct recognition 2. Personality and communication 3. Application of points of emphasis 4. Fitness, movement and positioning 5. Teamwork Be aware that The 5 Factors are not weighted equally!

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

=

Final score

Details • Critical Match Incidents (CMIs) • Incorrect yellow card misconduct (given or missed) • Incorrect offside decision (deductions/additions)

Key components of a score

There are three main components that will heavily affect the score: 1. Each Match Official’s personal performance This includes: • Control of the game • Positioning and movement • Teamwork

2. Degree of Difficulty This can vary for each individual Match Official

3. “Clear” and critical refereeing mistakes or errors This determines how well each Match Official judged a Critical Match Incident (CMI)

5. Scoring the Match Officials

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Key components of a score

1. Match Official’s personal performance CONTROL OF THE GAME This is a broad category that encompasses many components. However, it can typically be broken down into three pillars: • Game control and foul/misconduct recognition • Personality and communication • Points of emphasis Game control and foul/misconduct recognition • How did the Match Officials deal with misconduct situations?

• Did they protect the safety of the players?

• Was their foul recognition/dissemination suitable regarding “Game Flow vs Game Control”, and was there consistency in their application?

• Did they display practical refereeing skills, such as ”Soccer Intelligence”, management of the “gray areas” and common sense?

• Did they identify the game’s “Moment of Truth”?

• Did they utilize proactive and preventative refereeing techniques?

• How right did they get the overall decisions and control of penalty area incidents?

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Personality and communication • Did they show a dynamic personality by using verbal communication and good use of body language?

• Did they offer a calming influence?

• What was their management like when issuing yellow and red cards?

• Did they contribute to creating and maintaining a fair image of the game?

• Was a line of communication established with players and coaches?

• Did they prefer using a quiet word rather than public admonishment?

Points of emphasis • How well did they distinguish between careless, reckless and excessive force?

• Did they use the “Tool vs Weapon” guidance in incidents involving arms and elbows?

• How well did they manage injuries, including concussions and the quick removal and treatment of players?

• Did they deal correctly with dissent or offensive/insulting/abusive behavior?

• Were they proactive to defuse emotional situations prior to having to issue a caution?

• How well did they manage time wasting and delaying the restart of the game?

POSITIONING AND MOVEMENT This is the foundation for decision-making.

Good positioning and/or angle of vision to play leads to better decisions. At the same time, presence is a calming factor and increases player acceptance of decisions.

The following list contains important criteria to be utilized when evaluating the Referee’s performance in regard to positioning and movement: • The Referee kept the same fitness level throughout the match.

• The Referee anticipated play and the next phase of play.

• Explosive movement was utilized to get into credible positions.

• The Referee created optimal lines of vision to play.

• Hustle, energy and urgency in movement exceeded the intensity of the game.

• The Referee was alert and adjusted as needed for play inside the penalty area.

• Management of the drop zones on restarts (pushing/holding in the penalty area).

• The Referee was alert and adjusted as needed for play close to the technical areas/”free zone”.

TEAMWORK This is the collaborative effort of the Match Officials to achieve a common goal or to complete a task in the most effective and efficient way.

Teamwork involves communication, eye contact and co-operation to achieve excellence. The concept of “assisting vs. insisting” plays an important role in the success of a decision.

Key criteria to consider when evaluating this includes: • The team was empowered to ensure critical game decisions were addressed properly.

• The appropriate Match Official takes the decision (best viewing position).

• Due to communication (verbal/visual), no conflicting signals were evident.

• The Assistant Referees assisted the Referee in confrontation situations.

5. Scoring the Match Officials

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Key components of a score

2. Degree of difficulty This component is specific for each Match Official, who all get their own personal degree of difficulty for the game - for example, the Referee can have a “Very Difficult” rating, while Assistant Referee 1 can have a “Normal” rating.

General Criteria • The demands made on the Match Official during the entire match.

• The circumstances faced by the Match Official during the match.

• Previous expectations or incidents should not be taken into consideration.

The final performance rating must always match and corollate with the written word, for example: Was the overall performance: • Excellent • Very Good • Good • Satisfactory • Below Expectation • Unacceptable

Demands made on Match Officials include: • The behavior, attitude and co-operation of: o Players o Coaches o Team officials/administrators o Spectators • The degree to which players accepted/ rejected decisions.

• Conditions of the field of play.

• The weather or climate.

• If the Match Official faced challenging decisions/situations outside the norm for the level of play.

• The level (number of decisions) to which the Match Official’s abilities were tested.

You should consider these factors when determining the degree or level of difficulty faced by a particular Match Official.

Meanwhile, the circumstances of the game may require the Match Official to demonstrate: • Game management skills • Knowledge of the Laws of the Game • The ability to differentiate between careless, reckless and excessive force

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

The Match Official can make a big difference on the degree or level of difficulty of a game. They can make an easy game difficult, or vice-versa, and this affects the Assessor’s determination regarding the difficulty of the match.

• If the match became ‘Difficult’ to ‘Very Difficult’ because of the Match Official’s blatant errors or lack of control, then the match CANNOT be rated as ‘Difficult’ or ‘Very Difficult’.

• If the Assessor considers that the Match Official’s lack of match control was the contributing factor to the game becoming ‘Difficult’ or ‘Very Difficult’, then the game must be rated as ‘Normal’.

• The lack of game control on the part of a Match Official must NOT increase the difficulty level. A game that becomes more difficult due to the Match Official’s decision-making does not get rated more difficult.

• Exceptional control and game management by the Match Official which results in a game becoming less difficult, must NOT lower the difficulty level. The Match Official must get credit for their work.

5. Scoring the Match Officials

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Game difficulty In general, the concept of game difficulty can be impacted by many of the items listed overleaf. However, key consideration should be given to:

1. Critical Match Incidents (CMIs) • The ability to deal with, and the management of, the game’s CMIs.

2. Frequency and intensity of decisions in the game • The more decisions = increased difficulty.

• The nature of the decisions, e.g. more challenging decisions = increased difficulty.

• Technical aspects of the decisions: routine vs. challenging.

The Assessor must use their expertise, experience, and “feel” for the game to evaluate these factors and their overall impact, the type of decisions required, the complexity of the decisions and the quantity of decisions.

Degree of Difficulty

The three levels of game difficulty

Baseline Scores

Normal

‘Normal’ match with few difficult decisions

8.3 to 8.4

Normal

‘Normal’ match with one very difficult decision

8.5

Difficult

‘Difficult’ match with some difficult decisions

8.6 to 8.8

Very Difficult

‘Very Difficult’ match with many difficult decisions

8.9

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Key components of a score

3.“Clear” and critical refereeing mistakes or errors A Match Official can make decisions that are clearly incorrect. Such decisions may have an impact on the game or influence its outcome.

“Clear” means: • Any Match Official, at that level of competition, would be expected to make that decision.

• A decision that should have reasonably been expected to be seen or dealt with correctly by at least one Match Official.

Consideration should be given to: • How many replays do I need to verify the decision? The more replays needed, the less likely the decision is clear.

• If a group of refereeing experts voted, would the decision be nearly unanimous? If not, then the less likely the decision is clear.

• Given the requirements of the game, should that Match Official have the ability to make the correct decision? If not, then the less likely the decision is clear.

• Is the decision missed due to poor positioning, improper attention, poor mechanics, poor fitness, etc.? If so, then it is more likely the decision is clear.

• Is the decision a serious and/or obvious misapplication of the Laws of the Game? If so, then the more likely the decision is clear.

If the decision occurs outside the view of the Match Officials, it isn’t deemed to have influenced the outcome of the game.

There are two types of “clear” refereeing mistakes or errors: 1. Not directly impacting the outcome of the game: • Missed or incorrect yellow card 2. Having a direct impact or influence on the outcome of the game: • Missed or incorrect red card (including second yellow card) • Misidentification resulting in a red card to the wrong player • Missed or incorrectly awarded penalty kick • Missed or incorrect offside allowing/ denying a clear offside/onside goal or denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity

5. Scoring the Match Officials

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Calculating “clear” refereeing mistakes

Not having a direct impact • A technical error

Direct impact, influencing the outcome of the game • A “clear” decision that is judged to be game-changing

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Failure to caution for a clear yellow card offense

Deduction of 0.1

Clearly cautions a player incorrectly

Deduction of 0.1

Clear mistake about an important decision – includes a corrected decision

Good Performance (8.3+) becomes a maximum score of 7.9 Satisfactory or Lower Performance (8.2-) becomes a maximum score of 7.8

A more detailed explanation

Score

Conditions

8.8 - 10

An ‘Excellent’ performance in a challenging match

8.6 - 8.7

A ‘Very Good’ performance in a quite challenging match

8.5 8.3 - 8.4 8.2

8.0 - 8.1

A ‘Good’ performance with one correct, very difficult decision A ‘Good’ performance in a normal match, with the message that this Referee should continue this level of performance into the next match A ‘Satisfactory’ performance, with the message that the Referee has some small areas to be improved upon A ‘Satisfactory’ performance, with the message that the Referee requires important areas for improvement

7.9

When the Referee had a ‘Good’ or better performance of 8.3+, but with a clear refereeing mistake about an important decision (e.g. red card, penalty), the mark should be 7.9

7.8

When the Referee had a performance between 8.0 - 8.2 but with a clear refereeing mistake about an important decision, the mark should be 7.8 maximum

7.5 - 7.9

A ‘Below Expectation’ performance, where the Referee had no clear mistake but had a lack of overall control of the match and has significant points to improve

7.0 - 7.4

A ‘Below Expectation’ performance with one clear refereeing mistake and other significant areas that require improvement, or more than one clear refereeing mistake

6.0 - 6.9

An ‘Unacceptable’ performance with clear refereeing mistakes, major disciplinary inconsistency and/or no match control

5. Scoring the Match Officials

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Expected performance The benchmark performance range is 8.3 – 8.4, which is equivalent to a ‘Good’ performance.

A mark higher than 8.4 is possible even when the difficulty of the match is ‘Normal.’

If a match is ‘Normal’ because of the performance of the Match Official or a crucial and important decision is accurately

taken, then it should be awarded as a positive point (an additional +0.1) for the Match Official. In such circumstances, a mark of 8.5 can be deemed appropriate.

In the cases of 7.8 and 7.9, when filling in the Referee Assessor’s Report, an extra mark is also given in the box with the * to indicate what the score would have been without the clear error.

Use these marks and explain in summary

Score WITHOUT consideration for the error(s) Score WITH error This extra mark makes it much clearer for the technical staff to judge the performance of the referee by looking at the mark achieved.

A mark of 8.2 with no * box score indicates a ‘Satisfactory’ performance. A mark of 8.2 with a * box score indicates a ‘Good’ performance where the referee missed a clear caution.

Without the * box score, it would look like the same quality of officiating.

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Clear caution mistake or error Failure to caution for a clear yellow card offense

Deduction of 0.1

Clearly cautions a player incorrectly

Deduction of 0.1

In these cases, an extra mark is also listed in the * box to indicate what the score would have been for the Match Official without the clear caution error.

Scoring the Assistant Referees You should consider these factors when determining the performance of the Assistant Referees: • Offside decisions • Fouls and assisting in match management – Referee support/teamwork (switching from Assistant to Referee) • Positioning and movement • Flag handling techniques For these important disciplines, the combined performance rating given MUST match the written words.

• • • • • •

Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Below Expectation Unacceptable

5. Scoring the Match Officials

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“Clear” mistakes by an Assistant Referee Failure to call a clear offside that would have given the team a promising attack

Deduction of 0.1

Failure to call a clear offside or incorrectly call a clear offside that awards or denies a goal, or an obvious goalscoring opportunity

Deduction to 7.8 or 7.9

Failure to call a clear incident inside the penalty area which should result in a penalty kick, where the Assistant Referee had a clear view of the incident, with no offside or ball out distraction, or, where the Assistant Referee calls a penalty kick and evidence clearly indicates it is not

Deduction to 7.8 or 7.9

Failure to identify the clear location (inside or outside the top of the penalty area) of a defensive foul, where the referee is not in position to judge this, and the Assistant Referee has no offside or ball out decision to judge

Deduction to 7.8 or 7.9

Failure to correctly judge the position of the goalkeeper’s feet on, or in line with, the goal line when a penalty kick is saved

Deduction to 7.8 or 7.9

When a penalty kick misses the goal, the failure to correctly judge the impact on the kicker by the goalkeeper being off his line

Deduction to 7.8 or 7.9

In all these cases, when filling in the Referee Assessor’s Report, an extra mark is also listed in the * box to indicate what the score would have been for the Assistant Referee without the clear error.

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Chapter 6

The assessment form

Contents

Filling in the assessment form Statistical Information

You need to list the number of cautions and sending-offs in the match, which ones were correct/incorrect and how many were missed.

For each Assistant Referee, list the number of offside decisions and the number of correct and/or missed offside calls. Close offside calls when no flag was correctly raised should be counted as well. Clear “wait and see” and important no flag situations should also be counted.

This information can only be obtained correctly by carefully examining the game video.

Assessing the Referee

There are five categories of evaluation and measurement for the Referee: 1. Game control and foul/misconduct recognition 2. Personality and communication 3. Application of points of emphasis 4. Fitness, movement and positioning 5. Teamwork

For each of these categories, give an overall rating in the top row Overall Rating - Game Control & Foul Recognition - Please mark with an X 6.0 - 6.9

7.0

-

7.4

-

7.9

8.0 - 8.1

8.2

8.3 - 8.4

8.5

8.6 - 8.7

8.8 - 10

X UNACCEPTABLE

BELOW EXPECTATION

SATISFACTORY

GOOD

VERY GOOD

EXCELLENT

PLEASE MARK WITH AN X EACH OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW

Dealt with the Misconduct Situations Correctly

X N/A

Answer the questions (by typing an X in the appropriate boxes) using the colored scale ranging from “Not Applicable” to “Excellent.” Most answers, for a regular ‘Good’ performance, should fall in the stronger yellow shades.

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The Summary box for the Referee is for information related to the game observed that has not been previously mentioned. Only the score and the justification of the score for the Referee should be listed. Please do not mention the score or justification of the other Match Officials here.

SUMMARY

CAUTIONS

Given 2

Correct

1

Given 0

Correct 0

Given 0

Correct 0

EJECTIONS

PENALTY KICK

Incorrect 1

Missed

1

Incorrect

0

Missed

0

Incorrect

0

Missed

1

Cautions, red cards and penalty kicks are judged and entered in the appropriate boxes below the Summary box.

When a single incident is directly affecting the Referee’s final score, information must be written in the space below, and video clips of the incident(s) must be submitted with the report.

POINTS DEDUCTED CLEAR ERROR (PK, RED CARD) MAX SCORE 7.9

Time:

Type:

Time:

Type:

Time:

Type:

Description:

CLEAR INCORRECT/MISSED CAUTION -0.1 DEDUCTION

Description: CLEAR INCORRECT/MISSED CAUTION -0.1 DEDUCTION

Description:

At the end of each category for the Referee and at the end of the sections for the Assistant Referees and the Fourth Official, there are two text boxes:

Additional Positive Comments on Game Control

Additional Developmental Points with Solutions on Game Control

Please write both positive comments as well as comments for improvement in the top box, with recommended solutions in the box below. The lower the mark given, the more written solutions are expected.

6. The Assessment Form

53

Assessing the other officials For each of the Assistant Referees and the Fourth Official, an X must be placed in the Overall Rating section and also in the colored criteria scale: Overall Rating - Assistant Referee 1 - Please mark with an X 6.0 - 6.9

7.0

-

7.4

-

7.9

8.0 8.1

8.2

8.3 - 8.4

8.5

8.6 8.7

8.8 - 10

X UNACCEPTABLE

BELOW EXPECTATION

SATISFACTORY

GOOD

VERY GOOD

EXCELLENT

PLEASE MARK WITH AN X EACH OF THE QUESTIONS BELOW

Accuracy on "Normal" Offside Decisions when the flag is raised and/or not raised

X N/A

The Assistant Referee’s offside decisions must be carefully judged and entered in the appropriate places below. Video clips must be attached if the score is directly affected by a single incident.

OFFSIDE DECISIONS SUMMARY - ASSISTANT REFEREE 1

# OFFSIDE DECISIONS CORRECT # OFFSIDE DECISIONS INCORRECT

# of "WAIT AND SEE" OFFSIDE DECISIONS CORRECT # of "WAIT AND SEE" OFFSIDE DECISIONS INCORRECT

OFFSIDE POINTS DEDUCTED SUMMARY - ASSISTANT REFEREE 1

INCORRECT OFFSIDE

Time:

Type:

DIFFICULT OFFSIDE DECISION - LITTLE IMPACT - NO POINTS DEDUCTED

OR

ATTACKING TEAM DENIED PROMISING ATTACK - 0.1 POINT DEDUCTED

OR

ATTACKING TEAM DOGSO - MAX SCORE OF 7.9

OR

GOAL WAS INCORRECTLY AWARDED OR DENIED - MAX SCORE OF 7.9

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

The three questions below must also be answered for each of the four officials:

FINAL EVALUATION OF ASSISTANT REFEREE 1 Assistant Referee 1

Was the official receptive to feedback?

Yes

Somewhat

No

WHY?

Assistant Referee 1

Does this official have the capacity for this level of game?

Yes

Somewhat

No

WHY?

Assistant Referee 1

Does this official have the capacity for more difficult games?

Yes

Somewhat

No

WHY?

6. The Assessment Form

55

Getting a final score When you’ve finished watching the live game, the game video and writing the report, the final score should be relatively easy.

Start by determining if the performance by the specific official was: • Excellent • Good • Below Expectation

• Very Good • Satisfactory • Unacceptable

Having decided on the performance level, the range of scoring is determined by the severity and number of developmental areas encountered.

Excellent

Score between 8.8 – 10.0

Very good

Score between 8.6 – 8.7

Good

Score of 8.5 with correct very difficult decision

Good

Score between 8.3 – 8.4

Satisfactory

Score 8.2 with small area for improvement

Satisfactory

Score between 8.0 – 8.1 with important areas for improvement

Below Expectation

Score between 7.0 – 7.9

Unacceptable

Score between 6.0 – 6.9

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

Having decided on the general performance for each Match Official, this score becomes the final score if no CMIs (Critical Match Incidents) were observed in the match.

Before you finalize the score, start by writing your solutions and/or recommendations to the officials. This will help to determine the severity of the CMI or error, as well as assist in determining if there is a clear solution to ensure any Match Official should be reasonably expected to see or deal with the situation.

Then you decide if the error was clear and should result in a reduction in the score.

A Critical Match Incident for the Referee includes: • Missed or incorrect red card (including second yellow card) • Misidentification resulting in a red card to the wrong player • Missed or incorrectly awarded penalty kick

A Critical Match Incident for the Assistant Referee includes: • An offside error like stopping a promising attack, DOGSO or an offside call that incorrectly awards or disallows a goal.

• A 200% clear incident inside the penalty area, where the Assistant Referee has a clear view of the incident but did not make the call.

In addition, deduct 0.1 point for a clear missed or incorrect offside call involving stopping a promising attack (SPA) situation.

In the previous cases, a second score (the score before this deduction) is listed in the * box. This applies both to the score for the Referee and the Assistant Referee if the score is deducted for a single match incident.

If the game has a Fifth Official, they only receive a mark if they take part in the match.

In addition, deduct 0.1 point for a clearly missed or incorrect caution.

6. The Assessment Form

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Chapter 7 Summary

Contents

Summary Being a Concacaf Assessor is more than accepting an appointment. It is a lot of work requiring dedication and passion with the goal of achieving excellence, and a total commitment for a minimum of 2-3 weeks out of a year.

Your biggest contribution to the success of the Concacaf Referee Program, however, is the work the Assessor does on the domestic front through developing and mentoring grassroots referees. All Concacaf-level assessors must be active contributors in their home country for the majority of the football season.

Traveling to the venue

The Concacaf Assessor must: • Check for and obtain a visa, if needed.

• Make sure their passport is valid for at least six months.

• Always travel with cash (normally U.S dollars) and a valid credit card, just in case.

• Verify your departure time (prior to the day of departure) and date, to and from venue.

• Inform Concacaf if travel delays are encountered that will affect the itinerary and issues such as airport pick-up.

• Inform Concacaf if serious delays are going to cause a problem for you arriving on-time to fulfill your duties.

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At the venue – before matchday

Upon arrival at the hotel, the Assessor should make contact with the four officials and obtain their room numbers.

The Assessor shall accompany (or have knowledge and approve of the whereabouts of) the Referee Team at all times, for example, during meals, their training sessions, visits to stadiums and on any tours they undertake.

Assessors should find out from the Match Officials if they want to do physical training and, if so, what form, so that transportation and facilities can be pre-arranged. They should also select a time to visit the stadium, preferably the day before the match and at a time when the teams are not practicing.

The Assessor shall make sure that the Match Officials and themselves do not receive any gifts or accept any financial offers. Any such attempt must be reported immediately to the Match Commissioner and to Concacaf.

An Assessor should not act as an analyst on television during the competitions of which they are participants, or assess a game where conflict of interest exists.

The Referee Assessor shall ensure that they do not attend any social function unless approved by Concacaf.

In regards to the Match Coordination Meeting (MCM), only the Assessor needs to attend and bring the Match Officials’ uniform, including one shirt of each color.

Matchday

The Assessor shall leave the hotel in the same car as the Referee Team, so as to arrive at the stadium at least 90 minutes prior to kick-off.

The Assessor shall accompany the Match Officials back to the hotel after the match.

Any incidents or conspicuities shall be reported to the Match Commissioner or Concacaf Refereeing Department.

The post-match assessment report needs to be sent to assessors@concacaf.org within 48 hours.

They should be a facilitator between the Referee Team and the game organizers (local organizing committee and/or hosting team), and support the officials to make sure all equipment needed is at their disposal and ready for use, such as: • Communication systems • Substitution boards • Vanishing spray – clip or belts without advertisement • Paperwork – match forms, substitution cards, credentials etc.

• Hydration fluids • Soap and towels The Assessor should not go to the Match Officials’ dressing room during half-time, unless there are urgent reasons for doing so.

The Assessors and Match Officials shall not attend any press conferences or give any interviews before, during or after the match.

7. Summary

61

The process to become a Concacaf Assessor • • • •

Futuro III or MA Course Recommendation Experience as a Top-Level Referee English language comprehension Attend a Concacaf Assessor Course

Leading to an invitation to a tournament as: • Assessor In-Training • Successfully pass the Assessor In-Training evaluation

Contact refereeing@concacaf.org

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The Concacaf Assessment Program

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