How to Become a Referee

[The Incredible Ike]

How do you become a referee

[eac]

Not searching the forum is one thing. Not scrolling down to see that you're copying the same topic that's being discussed right now is quite another.

[larkmaj]

Not searching the forum is one thing. Not scrolling down to see that you're copying the same topic that's being discussed right now is quite another.

He is referring to the "Judging Tips" thread, the title is not obvious.

[seven6ty]

More importantly, why would you want to???

Heh, my coach said it best when he began refusing to referee any more when asked. "No thank you, I'd like to keep my friends."

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

If you have to ask, you're not ready.

[mrbiggs]

I think what he's asking is how to become an official (USFA) referee.

What you need to do is go to a seminar given by an FOC and/or have them give you a written test. After passing the written test, you must be observed, usually at a tournament, to get a real rating. That's the short answer...

[keropie]

More importantly, why would you want to???

Wow. That's a GREAT attitude. It's too bad not everyone feels the same way, because then we could have no refs whatsoever. Or even if everyone felt almost that way, we could have no refs who felt like it was worth any effort, and then we could have only terrible refs.

But you know, coaching isn't much more fun. We should probably get people to stop doing that, as well. And I can't imagine anyone really likes making equipment. We'd probably better put a stop to that next.

But, to stop the cynicism, there are two answers. If you're looking into how to become a rated ref, check out http://www.fencingofficials.org/. The basics were covered above, but you can find more information there.

If you just want to start being a ref in general, just start. Read the rulebook, watch other refs, get an idea of what is correct both in interpretation and in the letter of the law (they don't always agree, btw). Do it at club, and at events where they'll let you. Get better at it. Rinse, wash, and repeat. And avoid thinking that reffing is a 'bad idea.'

[Kettch]

A good place to start is with video footage of world class events. Pause the video after each hit, and make the call. Then press play and see how the ref calls it. If you get it wrong, play it back in slow motion to understand why you were wrong.

(The reason I suggest starting with world class fencing is because it is usually much cleaner)

[KD5MDK]

Let's not drag up threads that are 18 months old.