Education: Dare to be Great
by Corny Galdones
To an average fan there is not much distinction between a good referee and a great referee. But there are many intangibles that separate the two.
Good.
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Great.
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Praised.
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Respected.
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Administrates.
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Facilitates.
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Knows and applies the rules.
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Understands the spirit of the rules.
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Knows what to call.
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Knows what NOT to call.
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Knows the game.
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Knows how the game is played.
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Honest, ethical, reliable , industrious
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Beyond reproach in character
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Avoids impropriety
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Keeps in mind perception is reality
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Communications skills.
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People skills.
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Gives best effort.
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Knows the match is huge to someone.
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Enjoys officiating.
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Makes the competition enjoyable.
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Properly dressed and groomed.
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Spic-and-span.
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Takes care of business.
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Pays attention to the business at hand.
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Proper mechanics.
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Polished mechanics.
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Interacts with work crew.
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Works as a team, not as a one-man band.
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Hustles.
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Hustles without looking rushed.
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Competitors do not violate the rules.
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Neither team gains an unfair advantage.
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Correct and impartial judgment.
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Unquestioned integrity.
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Consistent in calling.
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Not afraid to make the tough call.
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Confident in decisions.
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Looks and acts confident (but not cocky).
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Composed.
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Has calming effect on everyone.
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Controls misconduct.
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Prevents misconduct.
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Minimizes mistakes.
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Does not make the same mistakes.
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Remembered for performance of match.
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Not remembered at all.
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Accepts corrective criticism.
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Objectively evaluates weaknesses.
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Works to improve self.
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Helps fellow officials improve.
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There is a fine line between a good referee and a great referee. Understanding and overcoming the subtle differences between the two will help a good referee become a great referee.