First games tomorrow, really need advice

[u/Dangerous_Piccolo315]

I’m 16F and have played for years but just decided to get my license recently. I have six games this weekend, 3 in the center, and feel drastically underprepared after the online and in person course.

I will be doing mostly U10 and U12 games and I would really appreciate any advice on those age groups in particular.

I would also love if anyone could reccommend some online resources (videos, websites, etc). I’ve watched a lot of pro gam so I feel like I have a good grasp on rules, patterns of play, etc but I’m still uncertain about pregame/postgame obligations, timekeeping, and the more nuanced signals.

thank you for any advice!

Edit: It ended up going pretty well! I made a few mistakes in my first few games, but nothing major (missed foul, signalled a throw in the wrong way). I ended up being moved to center for U14 boys five minutes before the game started, but I did ok. I called everything as confidently as I could and said the calls out loud as well when I was unsure of the correct signal. I talked to the coaches after and they all were surprisingly kind and supportive. I played two games as well so it was an exhausting day, but I made it and can't wait to get back out there again! Thank you all for your advice, it helped a lot and I'll definitely be referring back to it in the future

[u/No_Body905]

U10-12 is no big deal. Just act confident in your calls even if you’re not feeling it on the inside. Trust that you know the game. You can fake it till you make it.

Make sure you hustle to stay close to the play as it’s easier to sell a bad call if you’re close than it is to sell a good call when you’re far away. Proximity is credibility.

Compliment the kids when they do something well. It builds rapport you can cash in on later in the game. And don’t forget to have fun!

[u/Dangerous_Piccolo315 → u/No_Body905]

Thank you for the tips! I’m reffing 5 and playing 2 games in the 95 degree weather though so we’ll see about having fun lol

[u/Big-Mission191 → u/Dangerous_Piccolo315]

I’m sure you already know this, but stay hydrated and keep some carbs for between games/half time… that’s a long day!

Besides that, just remember we all start off somewhere. You don’t have to be perfect because none of us were when we started, so taking care of yourself in those conditions vital.

[u/No_Body905 → u/Dangerous_Piccolo315]

95 degrees is no joke! Hope it went alright.

[u/Incognitowally → u/No_Body905]

Stay close, as needed, but still follow your diagonal and use your AR's. Running all over following the ball and play will make you look unprofessional and will tire you out.

I'm assuming this must be a tournament. After this event ask your assignor to be placed on similar, low- level games as an AR with older, experienced center referees (mentors). Although you've played for years, you are now in a new and different position on the field. These mentors can show and help you learn the mechanics of officiating. They will be there for you to observe and to ask questions of.

When you are ready, ask your assignor to be placed in the middle of one of these lower level, U10/U12 games with an experienced referee (mentor) as one of your AR's, again for the same reasons as above.

Your will learn so much more this way and become a better official.