can't do that".  For me, on every occasion when such inane comment has been made I am comforted that everyone knew before a ball was kicked, what I would or would not accept during the game.

Now what could those words of guidance possibly be. Well, before I list some of my array of let's call them "one liners", I think it is worth stressing that it could be of benefit to certainly of our new referees who are just embarking on a career of control over twenty two potential "thugs" (no particular victimisation is aimed at any particular player) as well as the more experienced referees amongst us to share such "one liners", so we could all work towards a STANDARD practice.
That is of course, for those of you still reading the article and who actually take time to say anything before a match to the teams.
For those of you who don't, that too may be the right way to handle matches, but again I'm sure we'd all like to understand your reasoning for saying nothing and or under which circumstances it is appropriate to say nothing!

Now for the possible comments we could use in the team dressing rooms (or alternately on the park if more convenient, because of congested all in one dressing facilities)
· "Take out/off your jewelery or tape it up. I don't make up the laws and yes I know you see earrings worn on TV but not today"
· "You're playing on a public park (lucky you who have moved on from this) so I don't want any swearing"
· "Let's keep the swearing down…Heat of the moment frustration I'll tolerate to a degree, but any foul and abusive language aimed at me or my officials and you're off"
· "Try and play within the laws (knowing they haven't a clue what they are) and leave the refereeing to me"
· "You might not like a decision I make, but all I ask is that you temper your frustration, as dissent I won't have and any abuse and you'll be off"
· "It's very wet and slippery, so try and control your tackles. Don't go taking a player out by sliding through him and ask for any sympathy from me suggesting it could not be helped"
· "Play to the whistle"

As a continuation of good (or bad) comments that you find effective, please send them to Dave Churchley to be noted as PRE MATCH HABITS. Thoughts of those of you that find it better to say nothing is useful to hear and the circumstances under which you take this approach.

Mike Taylor