PODCAST · sports
The Better Referee
by Chris Buhler
This podcast is designed to help those who officiate youth sports be the best they can be by teaching skills and providing tools to handle most situations.Share a thought by sending a voice message at https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/support
Episodes
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Season 2 Ep 17 Move On
Nobody is perfect! Not even referees...and to think that they should be is unrealistic. As a referee, though, one should always try to better themselves in an effort to reduce the mistakes. At the same time, when mistakes (real or perceived) are made, everyone...and I mean EVERYONE...needs to…
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Season 2 Ep 16 Holding Ourselves to Account
We have a real issue when it comes to getting enough referees to cover games...and it is not just soccer that is facing this issue. In this episode, I discuss the four variables that are key to getting this issue solved! Take Control of Your Health! Send Me a Message!
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Season 2 Ep 15 Mentoring
Share Your Thoughts! In this episode, we discuss what happens when respected referees pick and choose what to enforce on the field. We also dive into what a mentor is supposed to do for a lesser experienced referee (and what should NOT be done). The finale is just a little vindication for myself...
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Season 2 Ep 14 An Referee's Arrogance Is Never Good
Send Me A Message In today's episode, we catch up on the last couple of weeks. One of topics of the discussion involve how a referee should not encourage the spectators through inappropriate interaction. The other items we talk about encourage referees to know the Laws of the Game and proper...
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Season 2 Ep 13.8 Laws of the Game: Final Thoughts
We conclude our series, "Laws of the Game", with some points of emphasis and final thoughts on applying the Laws. The most important aspect is to know the Laws, apply them, and use experience (your own AND that of others) to gain wisdom. Doing so consistently will allow you to become "the Better...
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Season 2 Ep 13.7 Laws 15-17
Laws 15, 16, and 17 are probably the easiest of the Laws to understand and interpret. However, as always, there are a couple of caveats that every referee needs to know about. This episodes discuss the laws and some of these caveats. Send a Message
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Season 2 Ep 13.6 Laws 13-14
Laws 13 and 14, “Free Kicks” and “The Penalty Kick”, are discussed in this episode of our series on the Laws of the Game. There are a few things about these Laws that can be confusing to referees, as well as some players and coaches. The important thing is that, as referees, we familiarize...
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Season 2 Ep 13.5 Law 12
In this session of the “Laws of the Game” series we focus on Law 12, Fouls and Misconduct. As referees, our primary duty is to keep players safe, and Law 12 is at the heart of how we do so. You are encouraged to read this Law yourself, ask questions, and really try to improve your recognition of...
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Season 2 Ep 13.4 Laws 9-11
This episode, the 4th installment, of our series on the Laws of the Game covers Laws 9, 10, & 11. Law 9 The Ball In and Out of Play Law 10 Determining the Outcome of a Match Law 11 Offside (Notice this is NOT plural!) Click to Send Me a Message
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Season 2 Ep 13.3 Laws 6-8
Today, we discuss Laws 6, 7, and 8. Each are simple to understand, but very important to officiating a game (pay particularly close attention to the example I give concerning a dropped ball)! Let Me Know Your Thoughts!
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Season 2 Ep 13.2 Law 5
In this installment of our "Laws of the Game" miniseries, we are discussing Law 5, "The Referee". We cover the powers and duties of the referee, which includes when and how to exert said authority, as well as talking about the primary goal of all referees, and how we achieve that goal. Send Me a...
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Season 02 Ep 13.1 Laws 1-4
In this mini-series episode, we discuss Laws 1 through 4. We don't into exhaustive detail, but hit the basics that everyone should know. Law 1 The Field of Play Law 2 The Ball Law 3 The Players Law 4 The Players' Equipment
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Season 2 Spring Announcement
Hello! It has been a while, but it is time to get ready for the upcoming season! Over the next week, I will dropping multiple episodes of this podcast discussing all 17 Laws of the Game, as well as discuss what I expect for the opening weekend of games. Thanks for being here!
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Season 2 Ep12 Fall 2021 Sign Off
Send a Message In this episode, we look at some minor events that happened in a game from the past weekend. It could almost be used as a preview to the Laws of the Game series I will be hosting between the fall and spring seasons. The second topic discussed is that of prepping for high school...
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Season 2 Ep11 Getting Rid of the Element
Send a Message There are certain elements that have no place in youth sports, or even professional sports, for that matter. Referee abuse is near the top of that list, right alongside player abuse. As coaches, parents, players, referees, assignors, administrators, and volunteers, it is imperative...
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Season 2 Ep10 Knowledge is Power
Message Me! I have said before, and I say it again: "Know the Laws of the Game and the local rules of competition!" This past weekend, we had an incident occur, then a friendly debate about what should have happened if the out come were different. I am proud to say that I was right (not being...
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Season 2 Ep09 Be the Change
Send Chris a Message! We have all heard the quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world." This applies to many aspects of life, including being an official. It is the reason I started this podcast: to help others be better referees, while holding themselves,...
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Season 2 Ep08 Referee Abuse is NOT Okay!
Send Me A Message To Share On Air! Referee abuse and threats, whether real or implied, MUST be met with consequences! This one of the major reasons that we have a massive referee shortage in every youth sport. My understanding is that is not just in the United States, but globally. Granted, the...
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Season 2 Ep07 Assignors Beware
Send Me a Message! If you are an assignor, please make certain of a referee's availability before assigning...especially if the referee does not generally work at your club!
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Season 2 Ep06 You MUST Enforce the Laws
Send Chris a Message! As referees, our #1 priority is player safety! We enforce the Laws of the Game and local rules to make the match as safe as possible. Sometimes, that means pulling out the cards, even when we don't want to. Failure to do so can lead to injuries, and, at the very least, a...
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Season 2 Ep05 With Knowledge Comes Consistency
Send a Message! I am always preaching that referees MUST know the local rules of competition. Knowing these rules, alongside a good understanding of the IFAB Laws, can allow a referee to be confident in what calls he or she makes during a game, and certainly what happens after the whistle is blown.
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Season 2 Ep04 Parenting, Shoes, and Tunnel Vision
Send Me a Message 3 topics for this episode: Sometimes, as a referee you have to find a new way to assert your authority...and sometimes that means going "old school". Be sure to check your uniform and equipment, and replace whatever you need to BEFORE complete failure! Tunnel vision is very easy...
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Season 2 Ep03 Local Rules Are Important
Send Chris a Voice Message The local rules of competition do not just apply to the game between the first and last whistles. They also include pre-game checks and how to handle anomalies.
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Season 2 Ep03 Handling Grudges and Finding a Mentor
Send a Voice Message to Chris How does one handle "grudges" against coaches? Let's be honest, sometimes it can be hard to not go into a game with a clean slate...after all, we're human. Right? Nevertheless, we must be cognizant of remaining professional and fair! One of the best ways to become a...
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Season 2 Ep02 Pre-Season Prep
Send a Message! We have to do them before every season: equipment checks, uniform checks, learn about change to the Laws of the Game, learn changes to the local rules of competition, and HYDRATE! In this episode, we discuss these items, plus I will share a story that gives an example of our...
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Season 2 Ep01 Have a Backup Plan
Just like what happened with my technology this past week, you should always have a backup plan! You never know what's going to happen, and you should try to be prepared for anything. On a side note, stay hydrated! This cannot be emphasized enough! Drink at least a half gallon of water a day, if...
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Season 2 Pre-Launch Announcement
Hey, Better Referee Family! I just wanted to let you know that this season's first episode will be available this Thursday morning, August 26th! We have some great things lined up, including information on the new Better Referee YouTube channel. The plan for that is to show clips and analyze…
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Ep39 Upcoming Law Changes
Send a Message In this seasonal year finale, we briefly discuss the upcoming changes to the Laws of the Game. I also go over some of the things that I will be working on in the off-season in order to make next season even better! Thanks for following!
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Ep38 The Heart of a Referee
Send a Message In this unscripted episode, I share with you where I am at in my officiating journey, where I came from, and what the future may hold for me. Many thanks to all my listeners for allowing me to speak into your life as a soccer referee. I hope that one day we will all be considered...
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Ep37 Dissent and Its Consequences
Send a Message Dissent has consequences...and when you've had enough, you have to deal with it!
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Ep36 Officiating League Games vs Playoff Games
Send a message! All games mean something, the question is whether you, as an official, will call a game differently based on the type of game it is...a regular season league game or a tournament/playoff match. Some things to consider are: What is at stake? Do teams care more about one type of…
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Ep35 Whistle Control and Rule Interpretation
Send a Message Part 1: Proper whistle control allows you to communicate without saying a word, and allows confusion to be kept at a minimum. Part 2: Taking the time to talk with your crew members about how they look at certain situations will help keep everyone on the same page and will aid in...
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Ep34 Field Conditions and Continuity
Send a message Part 1 Safety is the #1 priority of a referee. With that in mind, we must remember that our authority extends to the playing field itself. It is our duty and responsibility to deem the playing surface safe before starting - or continuing - a game. Part 2 As discussed in past...
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Ep33 Understanding Age Divisions
Send me a message Just because a game is not competitive, or because it is young kids, you cannot let your mind wander. In fact, in those situations, you must endeavor to keep yourself in the right frame of mind!
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Ep32 Consistency in Calls and Eye Contact
Be watching! We are going to be transitioning from a private FB group to a fan page in the coming weeks! Send me a message Being consistent in your calls not only makes your life easier, but if all referees know and understand the Laws and rules of the game, then we can be consistent with each...
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Special Announcement
Due to technical issues, this week's normal episode has been delayed. Hopefully, we will be back on schedule next week.
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Ep31 The Importance of Rest
Join the Facebook Group Send Me a Message Rest is an important part of being the best referee you can be. Physical and mental respites are essential in keeping you interested and properly able to officiate, regardless of the assigned position.
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Ep30 Communication is Key
Join the Facebook Group Send a Message When you communicated effectively - regardless of who you are trying to communicate with - you will be successful!
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Ep29 When Referees Have Differing Philosophies
Join the Facebook Page Send Me a Message What happens when your philosophy on what is or is not a foul conflicts with a member of your crew? Not being on the same page can lead to injuries and an unsafe environment for the players.
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Ep28 Muscle Recovery and Communication
Join the Facebook Group Send Me a Message Well...I had no idea this did not publish last week! So, enjoy episodes 28 and 29 this week! When you aren't the best of shape, you are likely to be sore after the first few days of officiating. Know your body and find the best way to recover from the...
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Ep27 Hydration and Communication
Join the Private Facebook Group Hydration and communication are two essential elements of becoming a better referee. The first deals with keeping your body healthy, while the other allows your crew to be on the same page when it comes to officiating a match.
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Ep26 Mentoring
Join the Facebook Group We need the good, more experienced referees to take new referees under their wings and mentor them, coaching and teaching them the tools and skills necessary to become better referees.
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Ep25 Tools of the Trade
Join the private FaceBook Group Invite others to listen The focus of this episode is the equipment that we use as referees, both those things that are required as well some optional equipment. Of course, we do hit on a couple of other things, such as pre-season prep and referee positioning. In…
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Ep24 NFHS Differences
I am constantly telling my listeners to know the local rules of competition. The differences between US high soccer and USSF club soccer are minimal, but can absolutely say a lot about you as a referee if you do not what those differences are!
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Ep23 Getting Ready and In Shape
Join our Facebook group! If you have a fitness plan, now is the time to implement it! Keep preparing for the upcoming season. Also, we discuss the performance of a high level referee during a maybe-not-so-high-level competition. Referee Fitness Test Files
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Ep22 Pre-season Prep
It's time to get into the referee state of mind...and body!
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Season 2 Announcement
The Spring season is almost upon us! We will be back on January 19th for some more information on how to become THE BETTER REFEREE!
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Ep21 The Last Weekend
It's important to call the last game of the season just as though it was the first. Always work towards being consistent in every game!
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Ep 20 Know the Laws, Teach the Laws
To be a better referee, you have to be able to explain the Laws of the Game to players, depending on their age level.
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Ep19 Off-season Research
What will you do during the off-season? I make the suggestion that in addition to keeping in shape, you add research into different scenarios concerning the Laws. Share a message Join the Facebook group
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast is designed to help those who officiate youth sports be the best they can be by teaching skills and providing tools to handle most situations.Share a thought by sending a voice message at https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/support
HOSTED BY
Chris Buhler
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Better Referee have?
The Better Referee currently has 69 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Better Referee about?
This podcast is designed to help those who officiate youth sports be the best they can be by teaching skills and providing tools to handle most situations.Share a thought by sending a voice message at https://anchor.fm/thebetterreferee/message Support this podcast:...
How often does The Better Referee release new episodes?
The Better Referee has 69 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Better Referee?
You can listen to The Better Referee on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Better Referee?
The Better Referee is created and hosted by Chris Buhler.
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