Managing TIMEWASTING It is easier said than done.

Many Referees Assessors often advise the referee that he should have tackle the time-wasting incidents better. How should it be done? There is no specific approach in overcoming it. An excellent referee has the capability to SMELL (sense) that the players or team are involved in tactical strategies to delay the game or display time-wasting acts. When players complaint or appeal to the referee that the opponent is delaying the game of timewasting, the only wise reaction by the referee is to show the watch and indicate that time has been stopped and time will be added. Managing time-wasting or delaying tactics is not about adding the time wasted or the approximated time delayed at the end of each halves. You can be assured that no mater how much time that you have added the losing team will never he contented with the amount added. So how can the referee overcome such awkward situation? As I have indicated earlier that there is no one way or approach that can overcome all, perhaps the following suggestion may assist in the whole process. Sensing and reacting instantly with appropriate to the sign on delaying tactics or time-wasting will reduce the pressure faced. If a referee can manage the match in the WAY he WANTS the game to be played, then he is successful in the first step. 1. Have the free kicks be taken as fast as possible is the key point. Running immediately in to his position after the whistle indicate to the players that he wants the game to be played immediately and this also will reduce confrontation when he is near to the ball. Once the ball is being played, the player who has been fouled will quickly rise. 2. Player who stands near the ball or the place of infringement should be shooed (ask to go) away as soon as possible even when the ball is not at the place of infringement. 3. Player should be prevented from picking the ball or kicking the ball away. Check early if possible, Caution when persist. 4. Get the wall back and move the player near to the ball with as you move the wall. More often referee will move the wall and then walk back to get the player standing in front of the ball. 5. Injury should be attended immediately. Care should be taken to ensure that only serious injuries or bleeding injuries be attended to. CRAMPS are not injury and should only be attended to when the ball is out of play. Attending to cramps will invite players using it as a delaying tactics. Faking injury by goalkeeper is common especially when leading. If there is no contact prior to his injury you can give him a stern verbal warning for that and caution accordingly when he persists. Calling in the stretcher immediately when you sense that there is a delaying tactic. 6. Handling the medical team with assertiveness. You should be SMART not to leave it entirely to them to assess the injury. Hard impact will result in serious injury but if slight impact is questionable. 7. Many a time, after calling the stretcher, the player walked out with the stretcher. More time is being wasted. This is permitted by the Law but I am looking for the day when a referee will caution the player for not going up the stretcher (be cautious with that decision). Amir Sharifuddin Wong.