Interviews for Promotion

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Please find below some advice to Referees attending FA Contributory / Panel/ and National List promotion interviews in England (updated in 2004).

This page also includes some Disciplinary Interview tips

A series of excelent Level 3 articles by Simon Snartt are available here.

Introduction.

Congratulations – you have been selected to attend a promotion interview in recognition of your excellent practical performance. You have done the hard bit now it is time to prepare you for the interview.

You will feel both excited nervous about the interview. They are neither easy nor natural and you may meet new people in unfamiliar surroundings to sell yourself in what may be a competitive situation. However, with good preparation and practice it is possible to perform well and do justice to your skills and experience. Remember, the Interview Panel want you to do well in your interview.

'Going Up In The World' Dopey Ref Cartoon by Julian Carosi

Quotations:

‘Interviews can be lost or won in the very first moments of meeting. It is not only your words that count, but your whole sense of confidence, interest and enthusiasm.’

‘The only thing we have to fear is fear itself’

‘Any interviewer will tell you that the most common reason people fail interviews is that they haven’t prepared thoroughly.’

Preparation:

You have overcome the first hurdle, being selected for interview – this is now your chance to convince the Interview Panel that you are ready for promotion. A few things to consider are:

Get Organised

You will normally have a few days before the interview to get organised. Use the time profitably to inform and prepare yourself. It will help to reduce your nerves and prevent you from becoming tongue-tied. A referee who looks and feels the part is more likely to impress the panel, as will a business-like and positive manner. Interviews can be a very nerve-wracking experience, but the interview panel expects candidates to be nervous and will make allowances for it.

Make certain you know:

Where the interview will take place, the room and building.

Where can you park or the location of nearest station

How will you get there and how long will it take to travel

The time of the interview and how long it will last

Get Ready

First impressions count. You do not have to wear new or expensive clothes, but my advice would be to wear a dark suit, crisp white shirt and neutral tie.

Definitely no blazer and no pin badges

Avoid anything tight-fitting or clingy

Select a dress or skirt that is no more than two inches above your knee

White Shirt/Blouse (buy a new one if needed)

Neutral Tie (not a comedy one)

Make sure you also take time to polish your shoes. Smartness shows you have taken the trouble – second nature by now. Looking good will make you feel good, and that will boost your confidence in yourself.

Information

You would be wise to carefully prepare and rehearse:

A 60 second version of your career

Why you should be accepted rather than the other candidates (what do you have to offer?).

Contact a one or two referees were successful in gaining promotion last year and ask them the type of questions that were asked during their interviews

Relevant questions that you would wish to ask the board. It is considered that candidates show disinterest when they say No when asked if you have any questions.

THE INTERVIEW

Do not be late or too early for interview, about 20 minutes early is acceptable for the panel and for you to settle your nerves. Do not go into the interview with Train departure times, parking meter (20 mins to go) on your mind, give yourself no worries.

Try to relax and be yourself. Breathing slowly and deeply before you go in can help.
Listen carefully to the questions - don’t latch on to one word and assume you know what the panel are looking for. Remember to answer the question that is asked, you are reminded that there will normally be clues in the question.
If you think they have asked that before, then they probably have and you did not answer it correctly.
It is very important to give specific examples - do not waffle.
Don’t be afraid to admit to mistakes but ensure you can show that you learned from the experience or managed to turn it around to your advantage.
Don’t be afraid of silence. Sometimes you will need a few seconds to think through your answer before replying.
Finally, remember that this is not the time to be modest – you must sell yourself and highlight your achievements.

Use the interview to SELL yourself, do not exaggerate, but make sure the panel are aware of your strengths and enthusiasm, above all be natural.

When you enter, smile and shake hands positively – wait until you have been told to sit down, before taking up a comfortable sitting position, not hunched forward. Hold hands together on lap and do not tap or strum fingers/feet or fold arms. Do not be afraid to use your hands to amplify points but do not be a conductor.
Do not be boisterous or laugh nervously – aim for quiet dignity, this is not a time for humour/jokes. Smile, look interested and maintain eye contact with all members of the panel, not just the one asking questions (80/20%).
Do not be a ‘doormat’, but do not try and dominate.
Be friendly but not familiar.
Speech – avoid yes or no or one word answers. Watch the body language of the interviewer, this can often tell you whether you need to expand or shut up.
Be prepared to state your opinion – it will be needed.
When coping with questions, make sure you answer them.
Give as much relevant information as you can to each question – though do not be excessive, or too shallow.
Be honest. Lies and exaggerations often come to light eventually. However, do not be so honest that you do yourself out of a job.
If you are not asked about something that seems relevant and important to you, make sure you find the opportunity to say what you want you.
What if they ask you a ? you cannot answer? This should not arise, your confidence and research should ensure this will not happen. Doubt can cause you problems, be positive, on the field you give decisions – give the panel a decision.

Finally

Demonstrate some excitement or emotion, if you are really keen to be selected, too many candidates leave saying the same thing ‘ thank you for seeing me - I look forward to hearing from you’. The panel may have heard it several times already. Why not try

‘Promotion represents a challenge that I have been waiting for, if you offer me the opportunity you will have my total commitment and enthusiasm’

However you must choose your own words. In other words ask for the promotion – a great technique and so few people use it. Most are keen to leave and escape with the minimum of words, poor body language leaving a BAD IMPRESSION.

After the interview

Afterwards take some time to think about your performance – what went well/not so well.

If you were not successful take note of the panels comments and consider how you can do better next time.
You could also ask to discuss your performance with the Chairperson, but this should be done quickly as interviewers cannot be expected to remember your performance weeks afterwards.

Possible Areas for Discussion

Commitment

Here you will be asked questions about your availability

Remember the Panel will probably know how many dates you have closed during the past couple of seasons. Don't try and make excuses - better to say that you have discussed the situation with your Family/Employer and that there won't be a problem in the future. This shows that you have given the matter some thought and that you are committed to furthering your career within Refereeing. What about your availability for midweek afternoon games? – You do not see a problem, your firm/employers have been involved and are aware of your new commitments and are very much on-side.

Communication

Here you will be asked questions about your communication

Remember that the Panel will probably know details of games you have turned back, failed to close dates for, dealt with Correspondence correctly and within the prescribed time. They will also know how long it takes for you to answer correspondence. Again don't make excuses, be honest and say that you have learned from the experience and offer an example of how you aim to improve.

What you do if your car breaks down 10 minutes into journey? When do you contact the Referee/Assistant Referee’s prior to the game, what information do you exchange?

Knowledge of the Laws of the Game

Here you will be asked questions to check your understanding of the Laws of the Game.

The members of the Panel will know the Laws of the Game inside out. Be careful not to waffle - Read your LOAF before you go. You may also be asked your opinion on a particular Law - be honest - if you have a strong opinion about a Law - voice that opinion, but be prepared to support your opinion with a reason why and possibly a well thought through alternative.

You may be asked about how you would deal with a situation - this is to check that you understand the Law. Make sure that you give a complete answer, not just say eg "I would give an indirect free-kick" - give the reason why - would you consider taking any additional action, and if so, why? e.g. What do you understand about "Simulation" - it is not enough to say that it is "Diving" in order to gain a free kick. Explain what you understand about the Law, how you would deal with it. Can it be improved question? What would you do if a player is sent off, gets changed and returns to the Technical Area? Would you be aware? Did you brief your AR/4^th?

Competition Rules

Here your knowledge of the Competition rules will be examined.

Do you know what is required at the next Level?

What are the reporting times?

Are there any special rules concerning Safety etc?

Do you have to liaise with Security/Safety Officers etc. If so, when?. What are you hoping to achieve by speaking to them?.

What questions do you think you need to ask to ensure that your Safety/that of the players is ensured ? What do you need to include in your pre-match briefing? Is there any additional preparation for games required? If so, what do you think that might be ? What things might you have to report to the Competition - when, and how

Where do misconduct reports go?

In the case of an Assistant Referee - what would you do if the Referee asked you to do something which you know is Contrary to Law? How would you approach this? As a Referee what would you do in this situation? How would you deal with it ?

Do you read all correspondence relating to Competition rules ?

Do you/have you attended any Training seminars? What did you learn? Has this helped you with your match control?

Fitness

Here you will be asked questions about how you look after your Fitness

Do you know what is required by the Competition?

How do you go about preparing yourself for a) match b) fitness tests etc.?

What do you do to control your diet? What do you think about the Fitness tests? Do you have a Training plan?

Knowledge of and Opinions of Senior Officials - Planning, Preparation

Which Senior Match Officials do you know? What is your opinion of their performance?

What do you think their Strengths/Weaknesses are?

What do you think their preparation for matches consists of?

Do you think that they develop a match Strategy?

What do you know about the strategies used?

Have you heard about 10 minute Refereeing? What do you think that this means? What are your opinions of this type of Refereeing? Do you know of any other methods used by Senior Officials?

What do you think are the main qualities that Senior Officials have?

FA Initiatives

I would be extremely surprised if the Panel asked you questions relating to FA Initiatives, however, it is a remote possibility and you should be aware of them. Increased Training (In Service Training), Appointment of Regional Managers - do you know who your Regional Manager is?

What is your opinion about the introduction of the Regional Managers? Do you understand their role?

FAMOA - what do you know? Do you think it's a good idea?

Introduction of Mentoring Schemes. Do you have a Mentor? Has this helped you? If so, how ?

Changes to the Contributory League system.

Changes to the Panel League System

Equality of Opportunity for all.

Summary

The above notes are an example of the areas that you may be asked questions about. It is intended to be a guide to, and not, an exhaustive list of the areas that you may face questioning in. You may well be confronted with questions relating to other areas!

Remember the Panel should already know that you have the ability on the field. What they are looking for is for a confident, well prepared, organised official who is able to tackle any problem in a confident, calm manner. They will be looking for you to be proactive and to be able to back up decisions/answers with well thought out reasons.

Good luck to you all......................

2. Disciplinary Interview Advice Go back to the top of the page

Question: I have been asked to go to my first disciplinary hearing. What advice can you give?

Answer:
1. Get yourself a copy of the Disciplinary Board Procedure. This should be in your County FA Handbook (England). Reading this will make you feel more comfortable, because you know what’s coming, and what is expected of you.
2. Dress smart and wear a tie and shirt and polish your shoes. A good first impression goes a long way, and you are representing the FA – so make sure you look the part. Players usually turn up in a pair of trainers and jeans!
3. Think about whether you need to take any additional evidence. For example, I have on previous Disciplinary Boards, taken a plan of where the players were standing when the incident happened.
4. You can take a colleague, but they are not allowed to say anything. Taking a friend (preferably a Referee colleague) will make if much more relaxing for you, both during and after the Disciplinary Board when you might come face-to-face with the players!
5. Wait for a question to be asked of you. Do not butt in – especially when the player is telling a load of barefaced lies. You will have your turn. The panel will question both you, and the player (and any witnesses who will be questioned separately)
6. Always say the truth (this is the most important thing to remember.)
7. Go with the attitude, that if the player is found innocent, DO NOT LET IT EFFECT YOU. You have done your bit by sending in the report and attending the hearing. The FA are the ones who give out the punishment. It is very important to understand this relationship. You have one job to do, and the FA has another. Try not to get the two mixed up – whatever the outcome.
8. Be gracious and polite in both defeat and if your case is proven.
9. Take a copy of your report with you.
10. Arrive on time DO NOT BE LATE.
11. Try and find a contact telephone detail, so that if you get stuck in traffic, you can phone ahead and inform the Discipline members that you may be late.
12. Make sure you send back any acknowledgement to say that you WILL (or will not) be attending the hearing.
13. Think over the incident in your mind, and anticipate and problem areas. If you can’t remember something, say that you cannot remember. Do not make anything up.
14. The Disciplinary members are very good at getting at the truth. Be patient. The procedure can seem a bit long-winded at times.
15. Sit up straight. Look the questioners in the eyes. Try not to fidget and take deep breaths through your mouth and out through your nose to relax yourself if you get nervous (we all do!).

As with most things in life – the unknown is always daunting. Once you have your first hearing out of the way – the next one will be a breeze!!
The more you can prepare yourself, the easier it will be. And don’t worry – they will make you feel comfortable.
Good luck.
Regards
Julian Carosi (WebMaster)

Soccer.on.ca Ontario Policy 8.0 - DISCIPLINE BY HEARING (D.B.H.) SYSTEM Canada is also a useful document.

End of Promotion and Disciplinary Hearing page

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