Play of the Week 15: FIFA World Cup

In Play of the Week 15, PRO Training & Development Manager Paul Rejer turns his attention to the FIFA World Cup.

“This is more of a ‘Performance of the Week’,” said Rejer.

“There is no question that Mark Geiger and his crew of Sean Hurd and Joe Fletcher all earned international plaudits for their outstanding performances in the Columbia versus Greece game in Group C.

“If you are an aspiring referee you should watch this game and learn what being at the elite level is about. Managing players without fear or favor, yet showing empathy.

“Geiger had the ability to communicate with the players by sharing a smile with them but was then able to raise his profile when the occasion demanded and issued yellow cards appropriately and deservedly.

“His work rate was phenomenal but he appeared comfortable and always seemed to be in the optimum position to make that important call. He improved the quality of the game by allowing play to flow with no petty intrusions. The standard of his decision making was, quite frankly, faultless.

“Mark will know that behind every outstanding refereeing performance you need the support of your colleagues, who need to be as efficient and exactly on the same wavelength as you.

“Mark will appreciate that Sean and Joe gave him total support, between them they have established a team ethic where they have unquestionable trust in each other.

“In my previous job I had the pleasure to see at first hand the same bond between Howard Webb, Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey – the English refereeing crew also at the World Cup. Sean and Joe’s offside calls were accurate and their contribution to the team was perfectly appropriate.

“‘Team Geiger’ have now been assigned to the Group B Chile versus Spain game, which is well deserved and we wish them all the very best.

“Well done also to the USA team in beating Ghana 2-1, despite losing Jozy Altidore and Matt Besler through injury. The team ethic was also evident and important here; Clint Dempsey suffered a broken nose but was determined to see the job through, having scored a wonderful solo goal in the first minute, and John Brooks came on as a substitute to score the winner with a fantastic header. A great team effort.

“We also wish them all very the best in their next game against Portugal. A fantastic start for teams Geiger and USA!”