Guide for Marking Referees

Guide for Marking Referees

Overview

This guide explains how clubs should assess and mark referees following a match.

Referee marks must:

  • reflect the overall performance of the referee;
  • be awarded fairly and objectively;
  • not be influenced by isolated incidents or match results.

1. Referee Marking Scale

1.1 Performance Bands

Mark RangeDescription
100 – 86Very accurate decision-making. Controlled the game very well using strong management and communication to add value to the game.
85 – 76Accurate decision-making. Controlled the game well and contributed positively through good management and communication.
75 – 61Reasonably accurate decision-making. Some shortcomings, but generally controlled the game well.
60 and belowNoticeable shortcomings in decision-making and control which negatively affected the game.

2. Key Principles of Marking

2.1 Use the Full Range

  • Use the full mark range within each band
  • Example: A mark of 84 reflects a stronger performance than 77

2.2 Avoid Extremely Low Marks

  • Very low marks should be rare
  • Most performances will include at least some positive aspects

2.3 Assess the Whole Game

  • Focus on the overall performance
  • Do not base marks on:
    • a single decision; or
    • one incident

2.4 Do Not Be Influenced by Results

  • The match outcome must not influence the mark
  • Disciplinary decisions should be judged objectively

3. Mandatory Comments for Low Marks

3.1 When Required

If a mark of 60 or below is given:

  • An explanation must be provided via the marking form

3.2 Purpose of Feedback

Comments should:

  • help the referee improve;
  • be constructive and specific;
  • focus on performance, not criticism

4. How to Decide on a Referee’s Mark

4.1 General Approach

The following questions act as an aide memoire to support your assessment.

They are:

  • not exhaustive; and
  • do not need to be answered individually

However, they should be considered before assigning a mark.

5. Control and Decision-Making

5.1 Game Control

  • How well did the referee control the game?
  • Were incidents handled efficiently and effectively?

5.2 Decision Accuracy

  • Were players’ actions recognised correctly?
  • Were the Laws of the Game applied correctly?
  • Were appropriate sanctions applied consistently?

5.3 Positioning and Awareness

  • Was the referee well positioned for key decisions (especially penalty area)?
  • Did they stay within reasonable distance of play?
  • Did they show alertness and concentration throughout?

5.4 Game Understanding

  • Did the referee understand player movement and positioning?
  • Did they stay out of the way of play where appropriate?
  • Did they apply advantage effectively based on the flow of the game?
  • Were they aware of player attitudes to advantage?

5.5 Teamwork

  • Did the referee use assistant referees effectively?
  • Did the officials work well as a team?
  • Did the referee lead and manage the officiating team effectively?

6. Communication and Player Management

6.1 Communication

  • How effectively did the referee communicate with players?
  • Did their level of involvement suit the game?

6.2 Game Management

  • Did the referee respond well to:
    • changes in play;
    • player behaviour;
    • match tempo?
  • Did they demonstrate empathy for the game?

6.3 Authority and Control

  • Was authority applied firmly but appropriately?
  • Did the referee remain confident and composed?
  • Did they appear calm when making key decisions?

6.4 Player Behaviour Management

  • Did the referee deal effectively with:
    • dissent;
    • players surrounding officials;
    • questioning of decisions?

6.5 Body Language and Pressure Handling

  • Was body language confident and open?
  • Did external pressure (crowd, players, pace of game) affect performance?

7. Final Considerations

7.1 Be Objective

  • Avoid marking immediately after the game if emotions are high
  • Take time to reflect before submitting a mark

7.2 Judge the Whole Match

  • Consider the full match performance
  • Do not overemphasise a single moment

7.3 Remain Fair

  • Do not mark a referee down unfairly because:
    • your team lost; or
    • decisions went against your team

Quick Reference Summary

What to Consider

  • Decision-making accuracy
  • Game control
  • Communication
  • Player management
  • Positioning and teamwork

Key Rules

  • Mark the overall performance
  • Use the full mark range
  • Be objective and fair
  • Provide comments for 60 or below