Take a look around

Last weekend I had the opportunity to watching potential MLS referees in the flesh.  The games were part of the Carolina Cup hosted by the Charleston Battery.  My local referee chapter put together a bus trip from Greenville, SC to Charleston, bought the tickets, provided food and then had a cookout with referees from Charleston.

When the eating and socializing was over the games began.  The referee in the first game was Mark Kadlecik, from what I heard he's somewhat of a newcomer to the MLS scene hoping to get a full slate of MLS games this year.  He's right on the cusp of being a regular face.

What the crowd will probably take away from this game was that he sent the left back from Toronto off in about the 30th minute for two professional fouls that happened within about two minutes of each other.  Both were great calls.  However, what I took away from his performance and will try to implement into my game is his awareness of the play, and by that I mean turning his head during dynamic play to see where the play is going to go next.

Constantly I saw him scan the field in front of him for movement that would tell him where the next phase of play was likely to be.  For example, if the ball was on his right, toward the sideline, he would look across the penalty area as it was likely that a cross or through ball would be coming into that area.  Now, I want to caution that we should not be looking as a play on the ball is being made by a defender.  We cannot look away from a challenge, that is when we must be looking at the play.  But when an attacker clearly has possession and you have a second to scan the field, take a look.

There are two reasons (and probably more) that this technique is helpful.  First, you get to see what is happening off the ball.  Is an attacker being held while he is making a run?  Are the players expecting a cross or a pass on the ground?  Is there a large group of people in front of the keeper?  Now you have a better idea of what is likely to happen and can be proactive rather than reactive.  Second, in the spirit of being proactive you can position yourself according to what you see.  If there is a run being made toward the AR you can cheat his way.  If everyone is congregating on the back edge of the goal area you can be ready for a cross in the air.  Maybe someone is checking back to the ball and has lots of space.  Position yourself for where the action is most likely to happen and remember presence lends conviction.