The Better Referee

The Better Referee

By Chris BuhlerSportsSoccer
Download on the App Store

The Better Referee episodes

  • 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.

    27 min
  • Season 2 Ep04 Parenting, Shoes, and Tunnel Vision

    Send Me a Message

    3 topics for this episode:

    1. Sometimes, as a referee you have to find a new way to assert your authority...and sometimes that means going "old school".
    2. Be sure to check your uniform and equipment, and replace whatever you need to BEFORE complete failure!
    3. 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.
      4. 25 min
    5. Season 2 Ep03 Handling Grudges and Finding a Mentor

      Send a Voice Message to Chris

      1. 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!
      2. 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!
        3. 21 min
      3. 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 responsibility as "better" referees.

        24 min
      4. 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!

        11 min
      5. 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"!

        2 min
      6. 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!

        26 min
      7. 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 "the better referee".

        37 min

      About The Better Referee

      From the publisher's feed

      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.