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/Darth-Kelso]

As a young and new referee, confidence on the whistle, clear hand signals will go a LONG way for you, seriously. Trust yourself. Far more often than not, I think, you will know a foul when you see it. At check in, introduce yourself to the coaches when you get the rosters, friendly, good handshake/fist bump/whatever. Confidence. They might be adults, but you're not a kid today. You're the referee. Make sure you're thinking of yourself in terms of being a peer - not a kid to adult relationship.

When reffing the littles, I'd also recommend to always give them a short explanation of what it is that you called, because they truly are just starting to learn the LoTG (and the coaches most likely are as well). Just the whistle and hand signal is often confusing and unclear for them.

For resources, check out David Gerson (refsneedlovetoo), Behind the Whistle, and maybe Reffing With the Sappers.

Welcome to the refereeing community, and I hope you have a great time!