TAKING and PASSING an EXAMINATION
by Colin Hutchinson           PDF Format

For many people, one of the major problems associated with clinics is having to take and pass an examination. To try to overcome this problem, let us see how we can take some of the difficulty out of it.

1. First, carefully consider the instructions given in most examinations

   1. Make sure that you read and understand the questions before attempting to answer them. Answer all parts of the question.

      • Don't jump to conclusions. Be sure that you are clear on what is being asked.

      • Don't leave out parts of the question.

   2. Don't read more into the question than what is being asked.

      • Be clear on exactly what the question needs.

      • Don't add extra words or make long-winded explanations that are not necessary.

      • Be selective and specific - don't use the "shot gun approach".

   3. Unless it states otherwise, put your answers in point form.

      • short points often are easy to write, and save time.

      • Exact wording is better than general statements (use words or expressions found in the Laws)

   Be sure you understand all of these instructions, because your chances of passing are lower if you don't.

    

2. Next look at the type of questions that might be asked. There are four main types:

1. Listing questions.

2. Statements about Laws.

3. Descriptions of things.

4. Test cases

Let us look at each of these types:

 

1.    Listing question

 

Sample question:      “What are the seven reasons for sending a player off the field of play?”

 

Sample answer:        

1. Is guilty of violent conduct.

2. Is guilty of serious foul play.

3. Uses foul or abusive language.

4. Receives a second caution in the same match

5. Spits at an opponent

6. Denies the opposing team a goal or goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.

7. Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent by an offence punishable by a free kick or penalty kick

 

2.    Statement about the Laws

 

Sample question:        “Where should the ball be placed when the defending team has been awarded an indirect free-kick within its own goal-area?”

 

Sample answer:          Within any part of the goal-area.

 

3.    Description

 

Sample question:        “Describe when is the ball out of play?”

 

Sample answer:          When the whole of the ball has crossed the goal-line or the touch-line, whether on the ground or in the air, or when stopped by the referee.                    

 

 

4.    Test case

Test cases are another matter. This is where you must decide.

 

- is the game stopped or must the referee stop it?

- why is the play stopped?

- what action (if any) should be taken by the referee?

 

e.g. - verbal warning, caution or send off and the reason for this. If sending off is necessary, will the teams play short-handed? If not, why not?

 

- how should the referee restart the game and from where?

 

Sample question:        At a throw-in by team “B”, before the throw-in is taken. The referee observes player “A” throw the ball into the face of an opponent. What complete action should the referee take.

 

Sample answer:

- The ball is already out of play.

- Show the red card and send off player “A” for violent conduct.

- Team of player “A” will play one short for remainder of the game.

- Restart with a throw.-in to team “B”, from the point where the ball went out of play.