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| The role of referee | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 13 2012, 09:21 AM (381 Views) | |
| Entity | Oct 13 2012, 09:21 AM Post #1 |
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The Kayfabe (storyline) role of the referee is to count pinfalls and to signal the end of the match if a wrestler submits. The referee also ensures that there is no outside interference and will ring the bell and end the match due to disqualification if this occurs. They also make sure that there is no cheating of any sort during the match, such as the use of weapons if the match stipulation does not allow this. The referee will count to a maximum of five if one performer is either touching the ropes, either during a submission move or if they are backed into a corner by their opponent. If the referee reaches the count of five and the hold has not been broken then he will call for the bell and disqualify the aggressor. In the case of tag team matches the referee will also use a five count if, after a tag, both members of a team remain in the ring. Again if the referee reaches five he can end the match and disqualify the team breaking the rules, although this almost never happens as the referee usually will instead remove the non legal competitor from the ring. The referee will use a ten count if one or both competitors are outside the ring, if the count reaches ten the match is ended and the competitor who is not in the ring is disqualified. Of course the real role of the referee is far more complicated than the storyline one. The referee is a vital part of a professional wrestling match, although the action inside the ring may be staged, it is still the referees job to maintain control of the match. They do this by communicating with the wrestlers, either passing on messages from the back or between the two wrestlers themselves if they are unable to communicate for any reason. It is also the referee's job to keep track of how much time is left in a match and tell the wrestlers when to go for the finish. One of the most important roles that a referee has in professional wrestling is to check on the performers. Although the action in the ring is pre-determined, occasionally injuries do happen. It is the job of the referee to check on the performers after a spot and report any injury to the people backstage. This is done in one of two ways, if the referee raises his hands above his head in an X shape that signals that one of the wrestlers is badly injured and calls for the match to be stopped and paramedics to come to the ring, however if the referee raises his hands straight up above his head that signals that although there may appear to be an injury, the wrestler feels that he can continue with the match. Often the referee becomes a part of the match; a heel performer will often perform illegal moves behind the referees back. The referee may be knocked down or may have been distracted by someone on the outside of the ring, while the referee is not watching the heel performer will perform an illegal move and then the referee will be signaled to turn his attention back to the action either by one of the wrestlers or whoever is outside the ring. Sometimes in a match someone who is not an official referee will be called in to officiate the match, this person is known as a "special referee". Other wrestlers will sometimes referee matches and on occasion celebrities such as Muhammad Ali will step in to officiate. This is often done to advance storylines or to create more interest in a match, a special referee will almost always be bias towards one performer, usually the heel, and will sometimes get physically involved in the match. The job of being a professional wrestling referee is not as easy as simply officiating matches, their job is a vital part of the match. Without a referee the wrestlers would not be able to communicate with the people in the back and it would be difficult for them to keep track of how much time they have left in their match. -source |
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| Entity | Oct 13 2012, 09:45 AM Post #2 |
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http://www.ehow.com/video_6093282_referee-position-wrestling.html http://www.ump-attire.com/wrestling_officials.html http://www.becomeaprowrestler.com/become-pro-wrestler/thank-you-to-bill-alfonso/ http://camelclutchblog.com/rules-wrestling-referee/ Edited by Entity, Oct 13 2012, 10:30 AM.
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| Entity | Nov 16 2012, 10:46 AM Post #3 |
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from Wikipedia The "X" sign Although professional wrestling is worked, real injuries can be sustained. In such an event, the referee raises his hand above his head into an "X" shape to alert backstage officials and paramedics, as well as any other wrestlers that what is going on is really happening. An "X" sign across the chest is a warning, it signifies that a wrestler may be injured, but is still able to compete. In TNA the "X" Sign has been used to signify storyline as well as legitimate injuries. An example of this is when AJ Styles was kayfabe injured after being powerbombed off the stage through a table by Bully Ray. WWE uses it more as legitimate warning to medics. An example of this is during the 2006 Money in the Bank ladder match match at WrestleMania 22 when Matt Hardy suplexed Ric Flair from the top of the ladder, and the two referees, Jim Korderas and Mike Chioda, used the "X" sign. After the X sign is given, the officials backstage will communicate to the referee, if necessary, revised plans to end the match quickly. There is also a "blow off" sign, raising both arms straight up, if a wrestler seemed injured but feels he can continue. Distractions and bumps Sometimes during matches, referees will be knocked down by wrestlers. This is usually to allow for a wrestler to use a foreign object or perform an illegal move, or for another wrestler to run in and be able to get away with it. To emphasize the power and fortitude of the wrestlers, referees are frequently "knocked unconscious" for periods of time by moves that are not considered particularly devastating when applied to wrestlers. For example, a wrestler being Irish whipped by his opponent may clip the referee. While a wrestler would probably only be knocked back in this situation, the referee would most likely be knocked across the ring and kayfabe injured or knocked out. As a general rule, professional wrestling referees will not make a decision based on anything they do not personally witness happening in a match. This is used to explain the ubiquitous "distract the referee" tactic, used by heel managers to take the referee's attention away from the in-ring action, allowing the heel wrestler to cheat with impunity while the official's back is turned, or vice versa. |
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| Entity | Apr 24 2013, 07:51 AM Post #4 |
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REFEREES, or: The importance of a good zebra (and how to become one) There is little in life more important than a good referee. Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration, but only slightly. If you have a good referee, hold onto him like you’re a man stranded in the desert and just discovered an aqueduct. Most referees on the independent scene are awful, and in this article I am going to tell you exactly why that is and how to fix it. Most promoters are not smart enough to know the true value of a good referee or even how to recognize one, so laziness or lack of talent is ignored or even outright praised and accepted. Their mindset is that referees are by definition a background supporting character, so who cares about what they do or how they do it? The answer: anyone who knows what they are doing in this business. The old adage of “being seen, not heard,” is often used in connection with referees, only reversed. A good referee should be heard, not seen (which isn’t to say all of the little things he does are inconsequential, but we’ll get to that in a minute). Referees are part of the show, but they are not the feature attraction. They’re a background support, whose participation is vital. That is what the “not being seen” part is about. Nothing is worst than a referee who tries to make the match about himself. Whether it is because you are acting in an over-the-top manner or you’re a gimmick ref (which in that case, burn your boots now). Another factor in not being seen: work around the camera, don’t make the camera work around you. Work the “horseshoe” around the ring, never walk in front of the hard cam side if you can help it. Always be facing towards the camera unless the action dictates you are unable to (counting out to the opposite side, etc.). Be mindful of any other roving cameras on the floor. Always find out where the hard cam is before going out. Now for the other aspect, a referee must be heard. Be as loud as you can possibly be while still maintaining a sense of professionalism. Don’t scream, instead boom and project your voice as loudly as possible. Do this for pinfalls, counts to the outside, five counts, anything and everything that is part of the showmanship aspect of being a referee. While a referee’s goal is to not be seen, there are still certain aspects they need to perfect (just on the off chance someone is taking a peak at them). First, they must look the part. This includes combed hair that would be acceptable in any other professional setting (preferably airing on the side of short), no facial hair (if you simply can’t part with your face hair, make sure it is well maintained and presentable), a tucked in referee shirt (traditional black and white zebra colors or if the company mandates a different color or style, that), black slacks or dress pants (not sweat pants, jeans, or shorts), a belt, black socks, and professional looking, all black footwear (amateur shoes, dress shoes, or sneakers are acceptable, black boots are preferred). I’d also recommend wearing kneepads. Some of the things that a referee should not be wearing: wrist tape, elbow pads, hats, gloves, or anything that will make you stand out and look unique. (Note: extra protective gear is acceptable if and only if the situation calls for it.) As far as body shape and size goes, there are two camps: one says they want a referee who is small in size and stature in order to make all of the wrestlers look bigger. The other says that they want an average size person refereeing, someone who looks as if they are capable of “handling themselves” for when the need to get physically involved comes into play. Think of MMA referees. Neither is wrong, but either way I suggest you at the least be in decent shape and have good cardio (nothing is worst than a match that needs to be taken home early because the ref is too blown to keep up. I’ve never seen it happen, but one can imagine). So now you’re looking the part, what other little things do you need to get under control to be a smashing referee? You need to maintain an aura of professionalism at all times you are in front of that crowd. That means not slumping in the corner during ring intros like an asshole, that only makes you and the company both look like amateur hour. Referees also need to retain the fact that they are the authority in the ring. They are the boss, the wrestlers have to listen to the referee, not the other way around. Don’t be afraid or cower (unless they are doing a “scary” gimmick, IE The Undertaker, but even then, only in moderation), even if they threaten to punch your lights out. You just point to your stripes and say, “listen motherfucker, I will throw your ass out in a heartbeat and award the match to your opponent. So unless you want to lose, you better focus your aggressions on him, not me.” You are ten feet tall and bulletproof, don’t ever forget it. Be confident, be in charge. Your counts. Counts are just about everything to the referee. General tip on all counts involved: always maintain the same cadence. Now let’s look at them one by one: 1. The pinfall. The most important count of the ref. Be at a position where you can clearly see both shoulders. Be close, but give enough space so that you aren’t hit if they do something stupid. Around one and a half feet is good. Hit that mat like you’ve got a pair. Verbalize the count. Don’t count too fast, give it a good “one Mississippi” in between each slap of the hand. Make it big, but not too big. Watch fed refs for the best example on how to time this. Also, do not under any circumstances let me catch you stalling your arm on a near fall when you know that it isn’t the finish. You bring that arm down, otherwise it kills all of the emotion of the near fall. Bring it down and if need be swipe it through. Also, don’t hit the three ten times faster than you would any other fall just because you know it is the finish, it is a dead giveaway to the crowd. Note: A lot of things I hear referees getting antsy about is, what happens if the guys don’t kick out in time? There are two ways to go with this. 1. Fuck ‘em, they should have kicked out. 2. They plan on having a super late kick out in order to build drama, in which case swipe everything but what you know the finish is. Which of the two you do is all about trust, because either could potentially go wrong. If you decide to swipe on everything, they know that, and they change the finish without telling you, that doesn’t just make you look bad. It makes them look bad too. So if you’re going to swipe, make sure you trust them enough to know that they aren’t going to change the finish without giving you the iggy that it’s going to change. In the end it is your call. Choose wisely. 2. Count to the outside. Make extra sure these counts are big and booming so that everyone hears you, especially the guys on the outside. Stretch the counts out to a reasonable amount of time to do whatever they’re doing. Fill in the brief time between the numbers with, “come on guys, in the ring, let’s go,“ etc. Find out before the match if the guys are going to the outside a lot, and if so, whether you should count from inside the ring, or if you should follow them out there (because they’re going to be a while). If one guy is on the outside and the other is inside, and they go to push past you, grab them and walk them back to the other side of the ring, tell them to stay in their corner. Then go back to the guy on the outside, restart your count. This is a ploy to give the guy on the outside more time, whether it is because he needs a breather or to get more heat from the crowd. 3. Ten count (double down). Take your time, make this big. All eyes are on you. Count should be slower than a pinfall, but faster than a count out. In between each count, check on alternating wrestlers. Aside from making things look legitimate, this is an effective way to communicate spots or other messages (something we will get to in a minute). 4. Five count (DQ warning). Slower than a pinfall, but only slightly. Give them time to work it. Be stern. Be within arm’s length for this. If you get to five and they aren’t breaking, don’t be afraid to grab them and pull them off. Get in there! Tag team wrestling. Two important things here: 1. pay attention to the cues from the heels and the faces. If the heel draws the face in the ring that isn’t legal, go and stop that face from coming in. Failure to do so and you will make the hot tag less important. 2. Wrestlers, don’t bury the refs, and refs, don’t let the wrestlers bury you. There is a five count in between tags. Give them enough time to get something in, but wrestlers, don’t go in there doing spot after spot for minutes at a time, it buries the refs and makes them look like shit. And what happens when you bury the ref in any way? Whether it be ignoring the five count or completely undermining his authority? You are essentially shitting on the company. Look at it this way: the referee is the official representing the company you are competing for, representing the owner, representing the rules they have laid down. If you disrespect him, you are disrespecting the company, the owner, and the entire professional wrestling business itself. And that will get you unbooked faster than fucking the booker’s wife. Note: In reality, there are no rules in professional wrestling, only the illusion of such. Everything is an illusion in wrestling. By breaking the illusion of the rules, you break the overall illusion that every single person backstage is working so hard to achieve. And that will deservedly get you heat. Now let’s look at a few other miscellaneous things to keep in mind as a ref. -Stay busy. Don’t just stand there with your dick in your hand. We are working to build up the illusion of legitimate competition, so make it look like one. Constantly be looking for submissions, making sure of the legality of the action going on before you in-ring, etc. Watch referees from legitimate sports and take notes. -Sell the in-ring action. The audience oftentimes looks to the referee for what the proper reaction to something should be, without that great reaction the angle won’t go over as well as it could. Whether it is the well timed look of disgust when there is a turn, that legitimate showing of confusion when you are told after the match the heel held onto the tights, the look of sympathy and concern as someone is hit, or the look of amazement when a death defying act is performed. A perfectly timed display of emotion heightens the drama and makes lifting the feeling of disbelief that much easier for the audience. -Checking submissions. This goes hand in hand with selling. Be intense, be concerned. Treat this like it is a big deal, that it could be the finish. If you don’t act like you believe it, why would the audience? -Work with the guy for cues. If he is right near the ropes while working the abdominal stretch, stay in a blind spot so he can pull on the ropes, then go check in-synch with when he lets go. -What to do if you fuck up? Two ways to go, rather go with the flow and be 100% confident in your portrayal to the crowd that you made the right call, or admit that you made a mistake. You didn’t mean to slap the mat a third time, the kick out was too last second to stop the momentum of your hand. Either way, don’t half ass it. Go one way or the other, otherwise the crowd will know you fucked up and will tear into you. Not to mention the guys when you get to the back. Note: Accidents happen. Before you tear into a referee for blowing a spot, think of if you would like being torn into every time you made a mistake? There’s a difference between constructive criticism and being a dick. -Use proper psychology. If you are in a situation where someone should be pissed, get pissed. If you get bumped, sell it. Don’t just pop up and be perfectly fine to hit the three count just because they got the cheating out of the way. Make it believable. Note for promoters: I see referee bumps being used far too often as a crutch to shoddy booking, instead of as a way to compliment and add to the drama of a story. The more often you do a ref bump, the less it’ll mean every time it happens. Now that we’ve worked out some of the presentation aspects of what makes a good referee, let’s look at the functional side of things. -Communication. The chief job of the referee is to be an effective communicator. This comes into play in a lot of different ways. Voicing spots to one another, communicating if the other is hurt or just needs a minute to catch his breath, how much time they have left (being able to mentally gauge how long the match has gone comes with experience for wrestlers and referees), watching if there is a “take it home” sign coming from the back. Some guys and some promoters ask the ref to take advantage of the fact they are so close and watching the action to tell guys if something they’re doing isn’t working, or give them helpful hints. Like to lay in a bit more because their shit looks weak, if a guy gets color and needs more or if it looks good, if he should focus on working the crowd more, etc. Some guys get a bug up their ass about this, so use your best judgment. -The iggy, which is the squeeze to the inside of the palm by the referee to the worker. Done to check if a worker is okay. If he is, he should squeeze the palm back. -Know your signals. The X sign for injury (if you are using it to work an angle, make sure you let the boys know so nobody shits themselves backstage). If you are using an ear piece, figure out other cues to say, “got it,” and, “negative.” So that’s what it takes to be a good referee. A lot more than most of you probably thought, huh? A hell of a lot more than just counting to three. So let’s start showing referees respect. Refs are workers too, not second class citizens within the professional wrestling industry. If I hear anyone telling a ref that the finish is when they, “count to three,” I’m requesting to work that guy next show. When they ask what I want to do out there, I’ll tell them we’ll call it in the ring, finish included. I also highly recommend that all referees read my article on hustle, as with the nature of referees it applies to them ten times more so than wrestler. Happy travels, zebras! http://angrywrestlingvet.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-importance-of-hustle-or-how-to-get.html Posted by Angry Wrestling Vet at 4:30 PM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook 1 comment: SmumdaxFebruary 27, 2013 at 1:44 AM I'd like to add that I think it's important for a ref to not fall down on the canvas when making a 3 count, because the loud sound confuses wrestlers and fans as to whether or not what they heard was the "one" count without a "one". Some other small points: no jeans, search the wrestlers once in a while, ask if they are ready, don't forget to signal the bell start and finish, clearly show the winner by raising his hand and pointing at him... and surely more that I'm forgetting (i'm not a ref btw )Reply |
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8:49 AM Jul 11