8 Things Soccer Officials Must Do To Move Up The Umpiring Ranks
Many officials, especially younger officials, start officiating football and someday want to make it to a college power 5 conference or the NFL to officiate. However, when they are starting out, they are most likely refereeing pee-wee or high school football and have many years and promotions until they have a chance to be on a big stage like that. Here are 8 things soccer officials can do to help rise through the ranks of umpires.
1. Prepare for everything well.
If you want to get promoted, you need to show your fellow officials that you care about what you are doing. If other officials see the work you are doing, they are more likely to speak well of you to supervisors, opening new doors for you.
2. Performance well.
This should be a no-brainer, but officials must do their job well. All soccer referees will make mistakes, but try to make sure you get the easy calls. Missing a judgment call is one thing, but missing a simple call makes it harder for supervisors to look further to see its positives.
3. Get to know others and network.
Networking is not just for the business world! If you are a soccer official looking to get promoted, the more people who know you and have a high opinion of you, the better. Many officers who have been in business for a longer time may have relationships with supervisors who will recommend you for a promotion.
4. Contact supervisors.
If you ever want to move up to a higher level in the trade, supervisors are the ones who will give you that opportunity. Make sure to introduce yourself and try to get known.
5. Go to the clinics.
Clinics are not only great places to learn new skills that will help you become a better civil servant, but they are also prime places to network. Use these clinics as venues to show off your skill and introduce yourself to supervisors in person.
6. Practice and improve.
Hear what other officials are telling you and what you are learning in the clinics. Here’s how you improve. After acquiring that new knowledge, practice it. Then it will feel natural to you in the field.
7. Take advantage of all the opportunities you can.
On occasion, you may be offered to work on a game at a higher level, even on game day. Take advantage of that opportunity, accept it and perform well. This will impress teammates and supervisors by letting them know that you are ready for that level of soccer.
8. Keep a record of what you do.
Keep a list of the games you officiate. Sometimes supervisors want to see what you’ve officiated and it’s easier to give them a list. It also shows that you were prepared for this and want to move up.