1931

587
A logal sequence is best kept by putting
Firmness
next in order.
Decision must be quick, but it must also be given firmly and
without possibility of question. A referee cannot allow himself
to be swayed by any external influences whatsoever. Cases have
occurred where players have endeavoured to argue with the referee,
but with a firm referee this would only happen once. If he loses
control of the players, as he will by a display of weakness, he is
in a large degree responsible for any foul or rough play which
ensues.
Tact
is another essential. However correct a decision may be,
the manner in which it is given must leave nothing to be desired.
The players are often excited and he may be surrounded by
it
crowd of onlookers swayed by the spirit of partisanship. A display
of tact and calmness on the part of the referee will very of'.eu
achieve the result of steadying the players or competitors and has
at the same time a tendency to quell any unruliness among the
onlookers. A good referee in other respects is often an unpopular
one simply by reason of his lack of tact. In individual sports,
such as boxing and fencing, this is particularly ilie case. Many
instances are known where a match or fight has become unsporting
and the unlookers got out of control simply and solely because
the referee was deficient in tact. Crowd psychology is a curious
thing, and it is extraordinary how quickly a tactless referee will
irritate spectators. They may pass over wrong interpretation of
rules and wrong decisions, but they will never forgive an
overbearing or domineering referee.
As in so many other aspects of life,
Self
-
reliance
is all important
to the prospective referee. Self-reliance is a quality that all must
cultivate, whatever their walk in life, and it is unnecessary to
stress the importance of it beyond a reminder that it can only be
required by self-effort and self-discipline.
Physical Fitness
is also of the greatest importance, particularly
in such games as Association and Rugby Football. The referee in
many instances is called upon to cover more ground than the
players themselves.
The aspiring referee may feel some qualms at undertaking this
highly important duty. He may feel that he lacks some of the
necessary qualities and that he will never be able to cultivate them
with success. He should bear in mind, however, that experience
is the greatest teacher, and that if he is content to begin in a
small way and progress gradually there is no reason why he should
not become efficient as an umpire or referee in the sport he may
select. A careful observation of the game or sport, the tactics and
play of the individual, the manner in which other referees carry
out their duties, will be of the greatest value.- If he will, when
watching games and sports, not be content with being merely a
spectator, but will study closely the play of the team or individual
and the referees and officials, for anyhow some of the time, he
will gain much useful help and experience.
A word or two to the aspiring referee in individual sport, such
as boxing and fencing, may not be out of place. Although
the