The Referee: A Manager of Emotions

I always state and believe the concept that the good referee has to be an effective manager of emotions.

As a referee, you need to control the game and handle all pressure. Yet, you control the game if you control your emotions, and you need to be confident in order to be able to handle pressure.

You need to have self-confidence in your all-round ability intertwined with a good knowledge and good feel of the game.

Yet, as in life, all revolves around balance, and you need to work hard to maintain an optimal level of confidence as overconfidence can easily lead to arrogance on the court.

Strive to stay cool and relax under pressure – be like the swan, visibly elegant and swimming gracefully above the water even if kicking and paddling like hell under the surface.

Bernard Vassallo