Soccer Referee Supplemental Report Guidelines
As a referee, your observations and documentation are crucial for addressing incidents of abuse and ensuring fair adjudication of allegations. Below is a detailed guideline to help you write an effective supplemental report.
Please seek advice from your assignor and Area Referee Administrator when preparing this narrative.
Detailed Incident Description
Who:
Identify all individuals involved, including players, coaches, and spectators.
Include jersey numbers and positions of players, if applicable.
What:
Describe the nature of the incident (e.g., verbal abuse, physical aggression).
Use direct quotes when possible, especially for abusive language.
Where:
Specify the exact location on the field where the incident took place (e.g., near the penalty area, coaches touchline).
When:
Provide a timeline of the incident, including the minute it occurred within the match.
Why:
If known, explain the circumstances leading up to the incident (e.g., prior fouls, disputes).
Action Taken
Immediate Response: Detail any actions you or others took in response to the incident (e.g., issuing a yellow or red card, verbal warning). Mention any conversations with players, coaches, or spectators. Use exact words when possible, even if offensive.
Writing Tips
Be Objective:
Stick to the facts without inferring motivations or emotions. Present information in a neutral tone to maintain credibility.
Clarity and Precision:
Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon and ambiguous terms that may not be understood by all readers. Ensure each sentence communicates a single idea.
Timeliness:
Complete the report as soon as possible after the match while details are fresh in your mind. This increases accuracy and reduces the likelihood of forgetting key details.
Chronological Order:
Present events in the order they occurred. This helps readers follow the sequence of events and understand the context better.
Use Active Voice:
Write in the active voice to make the report more engaging and direct. For example, “Player A shouted at the referee” is clearer than “There was shouting directed at the referee by Player A.”
Include Relevant Details:
Provide specific details such as the atmosphere at the time of the incident (e.g., crowd reactions, weather conditions) that may help contextualize the event.
Be Professional:
Maintain a professional tone throughout the report. Avoid using slang or overly casual language, as the report will be reviewed by senior officials within the referee and greater soccer community.
Proofread:
Before submitting, carefully proofread your report for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A well-written report reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
By following these guidelines, you will create a thorough and effective supplemental report that will help us address the referee abuse.