Customer Reviews

For the Good of the Game: Modern Techniques and Practical Wisdom for Today's Soccer Referee

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This book is superior to any of the dozens of books I have read on officiating soccer. Bob Evans and Ed Bellion have co-authored an excellent resource for all referees--from the first-year recreational referee, to the veteran adult amateur hack, to the seasoned professional and international referee.

I have read this book several times over, and each time through it I learn something new or gain a fresh perspective on how to handle a challenging situation differently.

The authors demonstrate a broad and thorough understanding of the laws and spirit of the game through their writing. Diagrams in the book illustrate field positioning for the referee to consider so they can avoid mistakes and make proper decisions. Practical examples help the referee understand how to better manage players at any level, and ultimately how to best serve the game.

Every referee should add "For the Good of the Game" to their reference library.

--Steve Piercy, USSF State Referee, Referee Instructor, Referee Assessor

Bob Evans and Ed Bellion have made an important contribution to the lexicon of books on The Game. Over the years that I have been involved in soccer both as an official and as a National Director of Assessment for the U.S. Soccer Federation, I have read uncounted books and attended an immense amount of lectures, instruction, and training sessions on officiating the game. I only wish this book had been available when I was blowing the whistle! These guys know and love the game. They provide a new frame for officials who wish to rise to the top of their profession as well as for the Sunday referee calling a youth or amateur game. The book will be of value, also, to coaches, players, and fans of the game, providing them a unique insight into the game from the officials' points of view. For officials, this is a MUST read!

Don Creswell National Assessor Former National Director of Assessment U.S. Soccer Federation

I fully agree with the other reviewers. Simply stated this is the best book available for anyone truly interested in learning about refereeing soccer. Very readable, with many wonderful anecdotes about the game. Great use of examples... covers every aspect of refereeing soccer. Much, much more than just a synopsis of The Laws. It digs deeper to provide a true understanding of what is behind the Laws, and how one can improve performance. This book has helped me immensely in my developement as a State level soccer referee. It is absolutely required reading for any soccer referee who is truly commited to this avocation / vocation. Buy this book -- I guarantee 100% that you will not be disappointed. Read it once, and then again -each time you will learn a bit more, something a little different that you missed the first time around. This book is presently the "bible" for all soccer referees. Bob Evans and Ed Bellion are to be commended for taking the time to write this jewel for all soccer referees. Ignore this one at your own expense...

This is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive book about officiating now in print; with apologies to Izaak Walton, it's "The Compleat Referee."

If you're just beginning as a referee, study and learn the Laws of the Game. Develop a relationship with a mentor whom you trust. And read this book. More than once. Despite the authors' significant credentials as FIFA and FA referees, the newest official will find their style enlightening and eminently readable. The book covers the entire gamut of refereeing from pre-match preparation to effectively dealing with every imaginable - and unimaginable! - situation on the pitch. Personal anecdotes from the authors' considerable experience appear throughout each chapter and help clearly illustrate each point.

For more experienced referees, this book delves repeatedly into the very personal subject of player management - the mind game. The authors will repeatedly challenge you to evaluate each match on its own and ensure you're employing the right skills to effectively 'orchestrate' it.

I had the pleasure of attending a day-long presentation by Mr. Evans and Mr. Bellion and can tell you that these gents are every bit as entertaining and informative in their book as they are in person. Their good humor and passion for the game comes through loud and clear. You won't be disappointed!

This book is the best book I have read so far about being a referee. This is not a book to read if you are trying to learn the rules of soccer themselves. This book is full of techniques and practical advice for use in actually officiating a soccer match. This is my first year as a referee, after several years as a coach of youth teams and playing in adult leagues. This book was of enormous help to me and made my "rookie" year so much easier. I concure with the other reviewers. Many of them, from the titles they list on the reviews, are experienced referees. Their coments about this book influenced me to get the book and I am very glad I did. If you are looking to be a better soccer referee, this is a must read.

I just finished reading Bob & Ed's book a fourth time in preparation to teach an Entry (Associate) Level Referee Instructor course in Northern California next weekend, and every time I read it, I find not only things to help me (State Referee) in my game, but also to pass on to new Referee Instructors (State Instructor) in the development of referees.

P.S. I read it a fourth time not only for my up-comming instructor course, but also had State Cup U19 matches last weekend, and it helped!

I agree with my friend Steve Piercy (another reviewer) that this is a great book for all referees, but for referees that are serious about advancing as a referee, instructor, assessor, or even an assignor, it is a must read. Also agree with the other reviewers...if you're interested to improve your game in whatever role you play, do it with this book!

As a licensed but former coach and mediocre player, a great read to see it from the other side too.

For the Good of the Game.

As a Grade 7 referee upgrading to a Grade 6 - State Referee I have read everything I can about Soccer Refereeing. I wish I would have found this book first instead of last. The authors bring wonderful insight to the "sport" of Soccer Refereeing. They have given me so many new and wonderful ideas that I can't wait to try them this season.

Whether you are a new referee or an experienced referee I would highly suggest this book. It covers topics that were never ever discussed in my training sessions. So much so that I actually have a new outlook on how I referee this wonderful game of soccer.

The other books are good and are worth your time but read this book first, then go to the others.

Michael Metz - USSF Grade 7 Referee - AYSO Area Referee

An excellent book to read if you are interested in taking your ability as a soccer referee to a higher level.

I disagree with the Amazon reviewers that state this is a good book for all levels of referee's. I would strongly recommend against a first or second year referee reading this book. That new referee needs to commit the laws and strict application to his game. This book is for the referee to tune their game to a higher level. It will greatly increase the readers understanding of not only the finer points of soccer officiating, but understanding the spirit of the game every soccer referee is charged with preserving.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bellion at a Plano Labor Day tournament and sit next to him in the hospitality room while he critiqued a referee working a US National team game on television. He was able to teach everyone in the room a little bit from that referee's example.

If you are beyond being a rookie referee and looking to improve, find a copy of this and study it. It is too bad this book appears to be out of print. Search for a library or a referee mentor that will let you borrow it. Its that good.

Having played only American football and Rugby Union, I have found this book invaluable in learning about the "why's" of soccer/football. This book has given me invaluable insight into the mindset of ref'ing and perspectives on dealing with very dynamics situations on and off the pitch. The stories are wonderful and illuminating.

I am a referee with three years experience and this book is an excellent source of information. I now look forward to more challenging matches armed with the new knowledge I gained from this book. Every referee should read this book!