The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog comes after referee Rob Styles awards Nottingham Forest a controversial penalty in the Division One promotion clash at Sixfields.
Football: Rob Styles - Penalty!
It's mid-way through the second half of the Northampton Town - Nottingham Forest clash. The scores are level at one-all, when Cobblers keeper Mark Bunn snatches the ball from the feet of stumbling Forest striker Nathan Tyson. To the amazement of the Town players, Rob Styles awards a penalty. It's a vital decision, as it secures three precious points for Forest. But is it the right one?
And, perhaps, more appropriately, why is Rob Styles refereeing this game? Styles is a very good official. Comfortable with Premiership players and their behaviours and temperaments. Player-referee relationships that have been developed over time. It's unlikely that he would be very familiar with many of the League One players on view at Sixfields last night.
So surely, an experienced League One official should be handling this match? A referee familiar with the players. That has developed long-term relationships with them. Has mental pictures of their styles. Knows exactly what to expect of them. This familiarity allows decision-making to come easy. Allows the referee to give players the benefit of the doubt when needed. To referee the players, not just the play.
Often, Premiership officials fail to impress when asked to officiate in the lower divisions. And it is no surprise. They don't know the players. The players don't know them. Without these personal insights, the referee is at a disadvantage. Which their Premiership experience cannot compensate for.
For good refereeing is about more than knowing the rules. It's about understanding the psychology of individual players. Their attitudes. Temperaments. Behaviours. Knowings that can only come through games. Northampton Town v Nottingham Forest was an important game in League One. And that is why it was perfect for an experienced League One official.
