Game Mgt Model 1Video ExamplesGame Mgt Model 2Game Mgt Model
3Game Mgt Model 4Game Mgt Model 5Game Mgt Model 6Game Mgt Model
7Game Management Model
The Objective of the Game Management Model: More game flow and
less stoppagesPlay through: trifling, minor, soft challenges
For example: taking risks and applying more advantage in the
defensive third of the field.
This is not an easy concept for referees, players or teams as
the soccer mentality has become accustomed to frequent stoppages
for minor challenges. As a result, it takes PRACTICE to refine the
approach and to get comfortable with the Model.
The diagram represents the model that should be used to guide
officials in their approach to managing the game. There are several
critical components that make the equation work.
< Have the students brainstorm what they think the Model
means before it is further defined for them >< The instructor
should adjust the content and discussion of the Model depending
upon the level, age, experience of the participants. >
By putting more flow or rhythm into the game, this illustrates
the potential results for players and spectators.The Core: Safety,
Entertainment, and 100% MisconductAt the core of the referees
management of the game are safety, entertainment value for
spectators/players and 100% misconduct. Referees must find the
right mix of flow, Foul Selection, and game control so that these 3
core factors are not negatively impacted.
Safety: Referees must find the right mix of game control, flow
and Foul Selection without endangering the safety of the players.
Should the safety of the players be jeopardized, the referee must
reconsider his approach to game management.
Entertainment: By providing flow and fewer stoppages in the
match, the ball is in play longer, which increases the
entertainment value of the game. 100% Misconduct: Referees are
presented with situations in the game that require a red or yellow
card be issued. The referee cannot ignore these situations and, for
the good of the game, must administer the appropriate misconduct
(yellow or red card) to the player(s) in question. 100% misconduct
situations are those in which the Laws of the Game mandate that a
yellow or red card be issued. These are situations that are
clear-cut, there is no gray area. When confronted with a 100%
misconduct situation, referees are obliged to deal with the
misconduct and cannot use the big picture to determine whether a
card should be given or not.
The Triangle: Flow, Foul Selection and Game ControlEach point of
the triangle represents an important ingredient for game
management. The 3 points must work in harmony to ensure that the
core is protected. In other words, Foul Selection and flow go
hand-in-hand with game control. The more game control that is
needed, the less Foul Selection the referee engages in. Hence,
referees need to find the right balance between taking risks and
allowing flow and game control.
Foul Selection: Refers to the referees ability to identify the
types of small/minor challenges that the players will accept. In
other words, the ability of a referee to manage the game in a
manner that maximizes the time the ball is in play by eliminating
unnecessary stoppages. Referees must choose the right opportunities
to take risks by not calling the borderline/minor challenges
(trifling) that do not affect game control. Appropriate risks are
ones that make sense given the location on the field, the type of
challenge committed, the opportunity for a successful result from
the application of flow, and the eventual impact on game control
given the big picture of the match.Flow: The ability of a referee
to manage the game so that the ball is in play by eliminating
unnecessary stoppages. By reducing the number of fouls called by
correctly differentiating the trifling challenges from the
careless/reckless fouls, officials can ensure more rhythm to the
game.
The Laws of the Game used to contain verbiage regarding playing
the game with as little interference as possible This concept is
being revisited as part of the Game Management Model. Game Control:
Represents the ability of the referee to find the right mix of Foul
Selection and flow. Game control is directly related to the
referees management of the game and how he sets the tone for what
is acceptable in the game and what is not acceptable. Presence and
how the referee projects his personality on the game is a
significant factor in game control. More game control is needed
when the players actions indicate they do not want to play within
the spirit of the Laws of the Game.
High level of game control = more Foul Selection and flowLow
level of game control = less Foul Selection and flowThe Circle: Big
PictureThe big picture relates to the atmosphere and mood of the
match as it is played out and the referees feel for what the game
needs at a given moment. If an act by a player could be interpreted
as either a foul or a possible cautionable foul or if the act could
be interpreted as either a yellow or red card (the act falls within
a gray area), the referee needs to consider the big picture
surrounding the match. In the few instances when similar borderline
cases arise, referees should consider asking themselves:
Does the player need the card?Consideration is given to the
players prior behavior (the overall conduct of the player to that
point) in the game and the intent of the players act.
Does the game need the card?Consideration is given how the match
is being played. The referee should quickly analyze where the game
has been and where it is heading based upon player conduct.The big
picture provides the referee with a framework for decisions but it
must not be an excuse for a referees failing to deal with 100%
misconduct situations or a referees inability to ensure the safety
of the players.Referees need to realize that there are no gray
areas when it comes to incidence of 100% misconduct. The directives
and video examples in this and other US Soccer training materials
are aimed at shrinking and eliminating the gray areas.
The BIG PICTURE is applicable to situations where there is some
discretion that can be exercised by the referee in determining his
action. For example:Is the foul just called a hard foul with a
stern warning or is it a cautionable foul?The foul borders a yellow
card or red card (the orange card)
The referee does not have a gut feeling either way relating to
the 2 aforementioned examples. In this rare instance, the referee
should consider the BIG PICTURE:The atmosphere of the match to that
pointThe behavior and conduct of the player to that point
The referee should ask himself:Does the player need the card?
orDoes the game need the card?
In the overwhelming number of issues, the severity of the foul
dictates the form of misconduct (Yellow/Red).
STRESS: The referee cannot use the BIG PICTURE as an excuse or
reason for not giving the appropriate misconduct in situations of
100% MisconductConsiderations for ImplementationThe referee must
recall the previous action / incidents: the big pictureKnow the
players skillQuickly calculate the probability of success or the
risk on each playUse the wait and see principleConsider the Warning
SignsFeel (fingerspitzengefuhl) the attacker has the opportunity to
play through the contact
In cases where the referee is applying the advantage clause, the
advantage signal should be used to demonstrate that the game is
being allowed to flow. Use of the advantage signal sends a visual
message to the players/spectators that the referee saw the
infraction, thereby mitigating potential negative feedbackTrifling
/ Minor / Soft Challenges: What are They?
Players Safety Not JeopardizedNot careless, reckless, or using
excessive forceAttacking player stops playingFeel: Player has not
been the target for a pattern of fouls which has caused him to
anticipate or be fearful of a possible next foulThe key is
understanding the differences
between:ChallengesFoulsAdvantageFlow
And how they interact and how the referee must possess the
ability to use DISCRETION to differentiate between these to ensure
that the product is safe and enjoyable.Trifling / Minor / Soft
Challenges: What are They? Candidates for flow:Upper body
challenges not using arms (nonviolent)Tugs and holds (simple and
non tactical)Incidental-type contactWarning Signs --- HAVE THE
STUDENTS BRAINSTORM the warning signs.
What are the WARNING SIGNS that a referee needs:Less Flow / Foul
Selection and More Game ControlThe following list are some of the
warning signs or flash points in a game that should resonate with
officials and provide direction regarding overall game/situation
management:Foul near the team benchesWet field comfort level of
players to make tackles increasesTackles extend from 3 yards to 7
yardsSequence / succession / repetition of challenges in a short
time span (cluster fouls)More body contactMismatched body contact
(feet versus chest, head versus knee)Change from containment
defense to high pressure and chaseChallenges (including 50-50) and
apparent challenges on the goalkeeperNear the touchline and no way
out for the ball or the playerRetaliation foul after play
restartsPlayer into goal to retrieve ball after a scoreThe winning
team protecting the ball at the corner flag to use timeExcessive
fouls on the skillful player (play maker and scorer)Escalation in
the severity of fouls committedFrustration level of players
increasing, player acceptance of decisions decreasingDissent
increasingPlayer feedback from both teams indicating we dont want
flowScore and timeWARNING SIGNS (continued) Foul near the team
benches Wet field comfort level to make tackles increases Tackles
extend from 3 yards to 7 yards Sequence / succession / repetition
of challenges in a short time span (cluster fouls)
WARNING SIGNS (continued)More body contactMismatched body
contact (feet versus chest, head versus knee)Change from
containment defense to high pressure and chaseChallenges (including
50-50) and apparent challenges on the goalkeeperNear the touchline
and no way out for the ball or the player
WARNING SIGNS (continued)Retaliation foul after play
restartsPlayer into goal to retrieve ball after a scoreThe winning
team protecting the ball at the corner flag to use timeExcessive
fouls on the skillful player (play maker and scorer)
WARNING SIGNS (continued)Escalation in the severity of
foulsFrustration level of players increasingDissent
increasingPlayer feedback from both teams indicating we dont want
flowPlayer with ball stops playingIncreased dissentScore and
time
Advantage: The 4 P PrincipleWhen considering the application of
advantage, the following principle is provided as a guideline for
officials. Remember, advantage application may differ depending
upon the skill level, age level, and intesity of the game.
The 4 P Principle of Advantage Application:Possession of ball:
control by team or player.Potential for attack: ability to continue
a credible and dangerous attack.Personnel: skill of attackers,
numerical advantage.Proximity to opponents goal: closeness to
goal.Video ExamplesGame Mgt Model 1 Decision: Correct decision by
the referee to allow play to flow despite high risk by giving an
advantage in the defensive third resulting in a goalReasoning:The
referee uses the wait and see principle to scan the field to see
the opportunities available to the goalkeeper despite the ball in
the defensive thirdNote the minor nature of the foul on the
defender. The goalkeeper gets the ball and there are no injuries or
confrontationKey is to recognize the space the midfield has to
advance the ballThe referee should also take into consideration the
players (goalkeeper and the other defenders) reactionsThe incident
occurs in the 85th minute; by that time the referee has a good feel
for the atmosphere of the game (the big picture)Giving advantage in
the defensive third is acceptable if: It is clear and effective:
the attacking team will clearly retain possession and have an
effective chance to advance the ball The atmosphere of the game
permits it
Game Mgt Model 2Decision: Correct decision by the referee to
allow play to continue and to restart with the throw-inReasoning:
The challenge is minor / soft / trifling in natureBased upon the
skill level of the players, the attacker should be able to play
through this holdDespite being held, the attacker has options to
play the ball. Look at the unmarked teammate just a few yards
behind himEven the player who makes the pass that goes out-of-play
makes a poor pass and should, at this level, be able to make this
passThe attacker for whom the pass is intended, stops playing
looking for the foul
Game Mgt Model 3Decision: Correct decision by the referee to
take appropriate risks by allowing play to flow on four
occasionsReasoning: First, yellow attacker is challenged but the
nature of the challenge (shirt holding) and the skill level of the
attacker makes this a low risk opportunity for flow by the referee.
The referee can use the wait and see principle to observe the
actions of the attacker and the defenders. If the advantage or risk
to give the game flow does not materialize, the referee can wait a
few seconds and then come back and award the foulSecond, as the
first attacker breaks away the runner, who receives the through
pass, is on the receiving end of an upper body challenge. This
challenge is a normal part of the game and should be considered
minor and, thus, should not be a candidate for a foulThird, after
the cross and shot by the yellow team, the defender is fouled at
the top of the penalty area. This is a difficult decision for the
referee due to the following factors:(a) It occurs in the defensive
third of the field (giving advantage in the defensive third is
acceptable but the referee must quickly calculate the risk). This
is particularly important when the style of play is counter attack
because the attacking team has pushed numbers up and the defending
team when they when the ball can exploit the fact that the
attackers are all in their attacking third(b) The defending player
with the ball is facing his goal (his does not have a view of the
attacking half of the field).Despite this contact being in the
defensive third, the referee can apply the wait and see principle.
The referee can exhibit patience to observe what the defender can
do with the ball in this case a teammate moves to open space and he
is able to lay the ball back to his teammate who can play the ball
unchallenged and initiate a counter attackFourth, as the counter
attack develops, the attacker is on the receiving end of a
shirt/arm pull and a tackle. The attackers team retains possession
of the ball and the referee correctly allows play to continue
leading to an attack down the right flank
Game Mgt Model 4Decision: Correct decision by the referee to
allow play to flow despite high risk Reasoning: The first challenge
occurs as the attacker loses the ball at the top of the penalty
area. He slides in and makes contact with the defender, causing him
to go downThe second contact as the ball travels away from the
penalty area is minor / soft / trifling given the skill level of
the players involved. Players at this level should be expected to
play through this type of contactIn both instances, the referee
needs to see the open, unchallenged space facing the attacking
teamThe referee must be positioned such that he can see up field to
see the attacking options the attacking runner who can be on the
receiving end of a long counter attack pass
Game Mgt Model 5Decision: Correct decision by the referee to
allow play to flow as there is no foul just a hard challenge on a
50/50 ballReasoning: The tackler goes in hard but only makes
contact with the ballNote how the tackle is made: Single footed
tackle Foot on the ground Tackling leg bent at the knee (not
straight leg) Tackling foot not coming directly at the attacker.
Tackle is from the sideNote the reaction of the players signifies
the fairness of the challenge. The player dispossessed from the
ball just gets up and chases to pressure the ballIn a game where
the atmosphere of the match is heated, the referee may decide that
this type of challenge is not acceptable
Game Mgt Model 6Decision: Red card for serious foul
playReasoning: This is a 100% red card tackleThis tackle is not a
candidate for the big picture in which the referee has discretion
relative to utilizing judgment or feel in deciding the
punishmentFor a tackle of this nature, the time of the match
(87:58) should not be a consideration in determining the
misconductFor a tackle of this nature, the score of the match (4-1
in favor of the team who is on the receiving end of tackle) should
not be a consideration in determining the misconductThe safety of
the player is endangered given the nature of the challengeThe
manner in which the tackle is committed should signify the
seriousness of the challengeReferees should consider the following
criteria that has been established to aid in determining whether
the challenge/tackle should be sanctioned with a red card: (a)
Speed of play and the tackleThe speed at which the attacker and the
tackler are running at the time and the force of the tackle. The
faster the tackler is moving, the greater the force.(b) IntentIs
the tacklers intent to take the player out and send a message?(c)
Aggressive nature of the tackleLunging, distance from ball/opponent
when the tackle was initiated, cleats exposed.(d) Position of the
tacklerIn particular, the legs of the attacker and the direction
from which the tackle was initiated from behind, straight on.(e)
Opportunity to play the ballGiven the factors above, does the
tackler have a chance to play the ball? Where is the position of
the ball relative to the timing of the tackle?(f) Atmosphere of the
gameConsider the overall spirit in which the match has been played.
Look at the big picture and determine how your decision will impact
the way the remaining game time is played.
Game Mgt Model 7Decision: Play should be allowed to continue
through the application of advantageReasoning: Despite the foul off
the ball on the runner, the ball clearly goes to an attacker who
has unchallenged time to continue the attackThe referee must
recognize the opportunities available to the attacker with the
ball. There are multiple choices facing the player with the ball
especially down both the right and left flanksThe referee should
exercise patience to see how play develops. Waiting the 2-3 seconds
to see if the advantage materializes does not preclude the referee
from coming back and whistling the infraction
