Referees play a pivotal role in every sport around the world, and soccer, the most popular of them all, is no exception. Soccer referees ensure that all activities on the field of play adhere to the established rules.
They officiate matches to ensure that the correct outcome is obtained and that all plays are fair. They have the highest decision-making authority on the field of play, which is why they can start and stop play at any time and even impose disciplinary action on players and coaches during games.
However, before being selected to officiate matches, referees must complete certain certification programs. These programs are designed to educate them on how to handle soccer game situations appropriately.
Depending on the laws of the league in which the referee serves, he may be required to undergo certification regularly; most likely on an annual basis. Referee badges are used to identify such certifications.
These badges are what distinguish referees in different leagues/tournaments. The FIFA referee badge is universal in all FIFA-approved competitions.
Soccer referee badges are part of their uniforms. Apart from wearing an entirely different color of uniform on the pitch, badges are to be pinned to a specific part of their jersey so that they cannot be mistaken for the players. The central referee is assisted by assistant referees, who all wear similar uniforms but with distinctive badges.
The badges usually have their roles outlined to distinguish the center referee from the assistants. For any of them, the ability to easily change these badges is essential for a variety of reasons; for example, your local soccer league may require that the badges be cleaned and dried.
This article examines the methods and detailed instructions for attaching a soccer referee badge.
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How To Attach A Soccer Referee Badge?
Soccer referee badges can be attached in a variety of ways. Some would need to be ironed before using such methods.
In others, you may need to apply glue, which must be dried in the sun to ensure proper adhesion. Overall, irrespective of the method used, the goal of keeping the badge attached to the kit must be done successfully.
You should, however, exercise caution when deciding which method to use. If you intend to remove the badge occasionally, it’s better to stick with attaching it with glue than sewing it in.
Furthermore, gluing it may leave a stain on the badge, which is undesirable if your kit is to be reused. The methods for attaching referee badges are listed below; with step-by-step instructions for each.
Method 1: Attach Badges Using Cut Out Adhesive
This is one of the best methods for attaching soccer referee badges, and it is also the simplest. It’s a go-to method for new referees.
Depending on the quality of adhesive you use, the badge will remain attached to the kit even after several washes; they do not come loose easily. You can also easily remove it after each match. The spray-on adhesive remover aids referees in easily detaching the badge and, like the adhesive, comes in handy.
It’s important to note that this method does not necessitate the use of iron to prepare the adhesive. Simply stick the adhesive to the badge and kit, and you’re done!
To attach a soccer referee badge with a cutout adhesive, you’ll need a pair of scissors, a pen or pencil, and your patch adhesive. With all of the necessary equipment in hand, the following are the steps to take.
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Step 1: Trace out the badge shape
Please keep in mind that the printed covering on the adhesive should not be removed just yet. Trace around the outside of your badge with the pencil or pen, making sure the adhesive sheet is facing up.
Step 2: Cut out traced markings
Cut out the adhesive with scissors, following the region traced by the pen or pencil. You must be careful not to cut the sheet out of proportion. If the adhesive sheet is wider than the badge, it will protrude and, as a result, the work will be untidy.
Step 3: Take off the upper covering
Now is the time to remove the adhesive’s printed covering. Gently remove the covering and place the adhesive in a safe location to avoid sticking to things
Step 4: Apply adhesive to the badge
Allow the adhesive to stick up to the badge with gentle touches. While pressing the badge to the patch, make sure it is properly centered.
Step 5: Apply the adhesive to the kit
With careful touches, remove the lower covering of the adhesive that has now been combined with the badge and stick it to any desired location in your soccer referee kit.
You should press down as hard as you can on both the front and back of the badge. Overall, make sure it’s well-adhered to and properly positioned.
Pros
One advantage of using cutout adhesive to attach referee badges is the simplicity it provides. The items required for it are easily obtained and readily available.
Furthermore, the adhesive is cut out according to the shape of the badge, ensuring that the adhesive strongly holds the badge at all edges. The availability of adhesive remover also makes changing referee badges easier.
Cons
Cutout adhesive is negatively affected by moisture, resulting in a less durable badge binding.
Method 2: Attaching A Referee Badge With Iron-on Sheets
You can apply your referee badge to your kit using an iron-on sheet, which is as simple as the previous method. A good pair of scissors, a steaming iron, and a pen or pencil are all you need.
The instructions for doing so are provided below in step-by-step format.
Step 1: Trace the badge on the iron-on sheet
Place the badge on the sheet, badge side up, and trace around the edges with a pen or pencil.
Step 2: Cut the traced shape out
Set the badge aside and cut out the traced shape from the sheet with a good pair of scissors. Make sure you do this correctly to avoid having the sheet wider than the badge.
Step 3: Adhere the badge to the sheet
Remove the upper iron-on sheet’s covering if it has or you may glue the badge to the sheet. Place the badge on this sheet, making sure it’s properly aligned.
Step 4: Apply the badge to the kit
Put the badge where you want it on your uniform. The badge will not stick until ironed, so take your time moving it to the position you prefer.
Step 5: Iron the badge
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After you’ve positioned the badge perfectly, run an iron over it for about 25 to 30 seconds. Following that, the badge should be properly attached to your kit.
Pros
Using an iron-on sheet to attach a referee badge is similar to the previous method. Both are inexpensive and time-efficient methods of getting a badge attached.
The iron-on method is preferable because there is enough time for positioning when the badge is being attached to the kit.
Method 3: Attaching Referee Badges With A Hot Glue Gun
Attaching badges to uniforms with a glue gun is a simple process. All you’d need is hot glue and a glue gun.
The glue gun method would result in a relatively permanent bond, so consider other options before using it if you need a temporary attachment.
The steps to get through it are as follows.
Step 1: Clean the gun’s tip
As a result of use, the tip of the glue gun may become clogged with residue and dirt. Clean the glue gun and the nozzle of the equipment with pointed objects such as a toothpick.
Step 2: Fire up your glue gun
Connect your glue gun to power and set it to the lowest setting. This is done to prevent the gun from becoming too hot, as doing so could result in the burning of your badge.
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Step 3: Apply glue to the badge
When you plug in the glue gun, you should see a thin layer of glue flowing from the tip. This indicates that there is heat present.
Apply a small amount of glue to the center of your badge by gently squeezing the trigger. Apply it in swirls or dots for an effective bond.
Step 4: Pin the badge to your uniform
Now, carefully attach the badge to your uniform. As you place it, apply gentle pressure until the entire badge is securely fastened to the kit.
Pros
Using a hot glue gun to attach a soccer referee badge is as simple as the previous two methods. It saves time and creates a more permanent bond.
Cons
This method is not cheap because a hot glue gun must be purchased. Used wrongly, the excessive heat from glue gun can damage the uniform.
The badge attached using this method cannot be removed easily; even if it could, the residue left on the uniform soils it.
Method 4: Stitching Badges On Soccer Referee Uniforms
One way a referee can have his or her badge on the uniform is by sewing the badge to it. It is as simple as the other methods and is more cost-effective.
However, it takes much longer than the previous methods and may result in injury if precautions are not taken. A thimble is usually recommended to be used with a sharp but strong needle.
While the thimble keeps the needle from causing injury to the fingers during use, a strong needle ensures that the badge is penetrated regardless of its thickness. Scissors and thread are also required tools.
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The following are some approaches you can take.
Step 1: Pre-attach your badge
Attaching the badge to the kit requires the use of cutout adhesives, fusible sheets, or hot glue. To do this, you should employ one of the preceding methods. This is to prevent the badge from accidentally slipping while being sewn.
Step 2: Thread the needle
This is accomplished by inserting and pulling the thread through the needle eye from one end to the other, yielding two thread tails.
After pulling, you can cut the thread to the desired length. Following that, you must knot the two ends however you see fit.
Step 3: Put on the thimble
Now put on your thimble and get ready to sew.
Step 4: Start stitching
Turn the kit inside out. Bring the needle up through the backside of the kit until you reach the knot. Make a small stitch to the right or left of the fabric, following the shape of the badge.
Make close-knitted stitches to hold the badge firmly in place. Sew around the edges of the badge.
Step 5: Finish with a knot
After the sewing is finished, knot the thread in a loop to seal and tighten the threading.
If you’re not an expert working with a thimble, needle, and thread, you can consider using a sewing machine. As long as you don’t hurt yourself and can make neat sewing around the badge.
Pros
The most durable method of attaching a soccer referee badge is by sewing. It ensures that the kit can be washed without fear of the badge coming undone.
Cons
This method is not ideal for attaching a soccer referee badge that is intended to be temporary because it may distort the kit if it becomes loosened due to necessity.
Conclusion
Before exercising their authority on the field, soccer referees must have their badges attached.
Many officials, particularly local referees, have had difficulty doing so, and for a variety of reasons, they have passed up the opportunity to wear these colors.
As previously stated, attaching the referee badge is simple; an adhesive sheet, hot glue gun, or, preferably, the badge can be sewed to the kit. However, the method to use should be determined by how long the badge will be attached to the kit.
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!