Referees

Determination

Determination is the ability to express one's opinions with conviction. When a technique scores, the referee must indicate the call without hesitation. Any hesitation shows a lack of determination. Novice referees will probably be slow in making calls, but with experience, the speed of calls improves. It is important that the calls be right rather than fast, but it is even better if they are both right and fast. All scores should be called on impact and not before.

The referee must not give in to intimidation by the spectators or coach on the calls being made. Calls must always be made as the referee sees them. The referee should not be persuaded to be lenient for a questionable warning because the other competitor almost scored a warning earlier or a penalty was overlooked.

There is no such thing as compensating for an earlier call. Never compensate for a change of mind by calling the next point higher than it actually is. One incorrect call is enough. Once the mistake has been made, it is not in anyone's interest to try to make up for it. Compounding errors dilute the authority, control, and presence that have been established.

Consistency in a referee's qualities is important. A referee should not try to adjust calls up or down during an actual contest to compensate for calls that have been changed by the judges. Trying to make calls "match" the judges is a recipe for disaster. The calls should continue to be made as the referee sees them. Once the team is out of the ring, the referee should speak with the judges to determine the problem and work out a solution.