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.

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FAQs about The Better Referee:

How many episodes does The Better Referee have?

The podcast currently has 69 episodes available.

The Better Referee episodes:

October 08, 2021 Season 2 Ep05 With Knowledge Comes Consistency
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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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27min
October 01, 2021Season 2 Ep04 Parenting, Shoes, and Tunnel Vision
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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 to get into, but also pretty easy to get out of. Of course, there are also techniques you can use to prevent it from happening in the first place.
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25min
September 24, 2021 Season 2 Ep03 Local Rules Are Important
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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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13min
September 16, 2021Season 2 Ep03 Handling Grudges and Finding a Mentor
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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 better referee is to utilize a mentor. Find a referee and start asking questions. If you find the advice is sound, and with context, you may have found your mentor!
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21min
September 10, 2021 Season 2 Ep02 Pre-Season Prep
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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 responsibility as "better" referees.
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24min
August 29, 2021 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 not more. This has so many health benefits, especially for sweating and keeping the body cool. In fact, you may need to keep a towel close by!
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11min
August 23, 2021 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 them, and, hopefully, get some equipment reviews done. More on that later. Until then, keep striving to become the "Better Referee"!
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2min
June 02, 2021 Ep39 Upcoming Law Changes
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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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26min
May 20, 2021 Ep38 The Heart of a Referee
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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 "the better referee".
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37min
May 14, 2021 Ep37 Dissent and Its Consequences
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Dissent has consequences...and when you've had enough, you have to deal with it!
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37min

FAQs about The Better Referee:

How many episodes does The Better Referee have?

The podcast currently has 69 episodes available.