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by Fernando G. Alvarez, former State Director of Assessment
There are truisms associated with the game of soccer. I can think of two that are a part of the Assessing side of soccer:
No two people see the same thing the same way.
It all depends on their point of view.
There is perhaps one other thing that might be closer to the truth: when two people interact and the opening conversation is not positive, the person receiving the negative information may remember the opening remarks, and perhaps the closing statement, but will not remember what was said in between.
Assessing is a sharing process; one person performs a task of managerial proportions, hopefully to a positive conclusion. The other individual, with acquired expertise, evaluates the performance of the first individual against a given standard. Each one has a common goal, but more importantly, each one respects the other's point of view. Assessing must be approached as a teaching and learning situation or a sharing and exchange of knowledge, rather than an inspectorial, judgmental appraisal of performance.
The MEDIOCRE Assessor tells the referee.
The GOOD Assessor explains.
The SUPERIOR Assessor demonstrates.
But the GREAT Assessor inspires.
As previously stated if the assessor opens up the dialogue on a negative note, the atmosphere will deteriorate, and the interaction will not be amiable.
While it is always easy to accept congratulations and praise, it can be very difficult to accept criticism and to advise. A negative atmosphere need not exist if the Assessor remembers that his role is to motivate, even if the news he is giving is not always favorable to the referee.
The Assessor must not be a fault-finder; he must be a performance evaluator, adding encouragement and constructive advice which will lead to a balanced and objective report.
The Assessor's primary tasks are to consider the application of the Spirit of the Laws of the Game and to monitor the referee's game control.
In most cases Assessors have been referees in their careers. Some have reached the highest level through hard work and dedication. They must now strive to reach that same high level in the field of Assessing officials. Assessors should have the ability to share their skills and expertise in order to broaden the referee's horizon and their perspective. More importantly, it is essential for Assessors to have the humility to recognize that while they don't have all the answers, they will attempt to find them.
If it is not a pleasurable environment that the referee finds himself in, he may be asking the questions. Is the Assessor seeking "Confrontation" or "Clarification"? Referees will make mistakes. Most officials are intelligent people. They will know if their performance is not acceptable to their grade.
However there is a difference between making a mistake and being an incompetent referee. When a referee's performance is not acceptable, he doesn't need ridicule. What he does need is reassurance and a helping hand. In effect the Assessor should be suggesting, "Let me show you a better way."
Interpreting advice by the referee is critical, and requires much self-discipline. Unless the action is planned and put into practice at the earliest opportunity, the repercussions can be fatal. Assessors have a responsibility to convey constructive advice in a manner which the recipient can easily understand and which will help him in future assignments. Being too bland, over-critical, or too obscure in the assessment interpretation is not helpful. Seeking excuses, putting up barriers, or just looking for confrontation detracts from the Assessment system. Generally Assessors report honestly, and Referees should respect that honesty.
The Assessment system is only as good as its participants. It is up to each individual to ensure its continued success. A great deal of money, time, and effort has gone into making this program a success. We must continue to obtain the highest value for the product.
F. G. Alvarez,
State Director of Assessment
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