A Pre-Game, or Pre-Match, Discussion is an informal meeting held before each soccer game.

The discussion include all referees for the game and is led by the Center Referee. During this discussion, the Center Referee reviews expectations for the game with Assistant Referees.

As a Center Referee, it is important to cover these topics:

1. DISCUSS TEAM-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

If you know one or both of the teams playing, then it is important to go over this information with the rest of your referee crew.

For example, if you know that #17 on Team 1 is a very strong player who tackles a lot you should tell your linesmen this so they can watch out for fouls surrounding him more closely. This also applies to coaches – if you know a certain coach is very vocal, you can tell your linesmen so they can prepare to deal with it.

2. COORDINATE PREFERENCES

Every referee has different preference around how they want their linesmen to help them call the game.

For instance, if the ball goes out of play some referees like their linesmen to perform a slight signal in the direction they think the throw should be awarded so the Center Referee can then confirm the call. Once he does, they both signal together. Other referees prefer their linesmen to just call it and not to confirm with the Center Ref. These are the sort of things you want to go over in this section of your pregame discussion.

3. MOTIVATE ASSISTANT REFEREES

As the center referee, it is your job to make sure your crew is ready and up for the match. You can think of your referee crew just like one of the teams participating in the match – you want to be prepared and ready for the game ahead. Don’t overthink this step but giving a little motivation to your crew is always recommended.

If you are not the center referee, your role in the pre-game discussion is to listen and ask questions for clarifications.

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