Top 5 Reasons Referees Should Journal

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As a referee, the importance of being able to reflect on your games cannot be understated. One way to achieve this is through the use of a journal to recap games. Keeping a journal not only serves as a record of your experiences but also provides a platform to reflect on your performance and assess ways to improve. Here are some reasons why referees should use a journal to recap games:

1. Memory retention

The human memory is not infallible, and often important details may be forgotten over time. Writing down important details of the game in a journal can serve as a reference point for future games. This could include the final score, significant incidents or decisions, and any challenges that were faced.

2. Reflection

Recapping games in a journal can provide a platform for reflecting on your performance. As a referee, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and make decisions based on instinct. However, taking the time to reflect on your decisions after the game can provide insight into what could have been done differently. This can be particularly useful for improving performance in future games.

3. Accountability

Using a journal to recap games can create a sense of accountability for the referee. By writing down key decisions and incidents, the referee can take ownership of their actions, and assess what went wrong and what went right. This sense of accountability can be used as motivation to improve performance in future games.

4. Feedback

Recapping games in a journal can also provide a basis for receiving feedback from others. By sharing your journal with other referees, coaches, or mentors, you can receive valuable feedback on your performance. This can be a great way to gain insights into areas that need improvement and identify areas where you have excelled.

5. Development

Keeping a journal to recap games can be an important tool for development. By tracking your progress over time, you can identify areas where you have improved and areas that still need work. This can help to build confidence and provide motivation to continue to develop your skills as a referee.

In conclusion, using a journal to recap games can be an invaluable tool for referees. It can help to improve memory retention, provide a platform for reflection, create a sense of accountability, provide feedback, and aid in development. By making a habit of recapping games in a journal, referees can become better at their craft, and ultimately provide a better experience for players, coaches, and fans.