1938-39

"77
�N
580
REFEREEING AND UMPIRING
A logical 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 a
crowd of onlookers swayed by the spirit of partisanship. A display
of tact and calmness on the part of the referee will very often
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 the case. Many
instances are known where a match or fight has become unsporting
and the onlookers 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
acquired 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
general principles already enumerated are applicable and essential,