Do Your Homework

Something that I've recommended to less experienced referees is to do your homework before a game.

Check the relative league positions of the teams involved or how their season is progressing if they are in different leagues (cup games). Also look at their recent form. Have they gone on a long undefeated run or are they facing their 5th defeat in 5 weeks? If possible, check if they have some players out through suspension, they could be key players but it will also help if they suddenly "appear" on your teamsheet.

Another check which can be done is to talk to the referee of the reverse fixture or the same fixture last season. Going one further is to talk to the referee from the previous week, especially with a new team so you can develop a game plan and a strategy to deal with any issues which may occur during the game.

Now if I'd only taken my own advice in Game 32 (between 1st and 2nd in their Division), then I might have seen the potential for the "fun and games" I actually experienced.

Happy New Year to all readers ... and do your homework for your next game, even if it is only to have a glance at the league table ...