Customer Reviews

Fair or Foul: The Complete Guide to Soccer Officiating

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the optimal book for soccer referees. I covers everything a beginning referee must know, an intermediate referee should know and everything an advanced referee could know. This book helps with the debates that occur with interpreting the laws of the game. I learned something new everytime I read it, including the 5th time. Here's the answer to your questions.

Soccer laws underwent a major revision in 1997, and as this book is a 1995 edition there are references to former laws throughout the book that are no longer applicable. That is fine if you are aware of the changes in the laws, but very confusing if you aren't.

Much of the book seems to be a tribute to pillars of the soccer community from the end of the last century. Great for a historical perspective, but not useful to a referee today.

Finally, some of the specific advice given directly contradicts current teaching and practice. Though a 1995 edition, the book is dated.

When I was talked into refereeing soccer to support my children's soccer teams, I started looking around for a book to help me understand both the laws of soccer and how to use the as a referee. I looked at everything I could find on the subject, and this is head and shoulders the best. It covers everything from preparation, game control, interpretation of the Laws, to how to dress. After just about wearing out the library's copy, I'm buying my own now.