Real meaning
Apologizing is a skill that does not always mean that the referee is wrong and the player is right. To the contrary, it means that the referee values more his relationship with the players and fans than his own ego. This gesture reinforces his leadership and honesty. That is why it is necessary for the referee to recognize he's wrong in a sincere way.  From the fact of being human, we are in the position that anyone can make a mistake.

Turning point
The credibility of the referees and  the quality of their relationships and fair treatment, then become the main factors of loyalty for the real professionals in the match. This also implies empathy toward understanding how a hasty or wrong decision affects a team or players. This is  a turning point from which the referee agrees to not to refrain from. An apology begins with one step, that of self-criticism, reflecting upon what is being done and what has caused the error or mistake.

How to apologize
The era of the infallible, ego centric referee is gone.  Today professionals are required to assume the possibility of a mistake and be able to apologize when it happens. Of course, considering that in a game this action occurs two or three times, while if it is more than that, it is necessary to review the decisions being made.  Do not forget that the apology is attached to a promise of  a change in attitude and  a solution to the situation created. In other words to show that it will not happen again.

Magic phrases
The apology should come from me, never from you. "Sorry to make you feel bad for my mistake." "I have erred in this decision." "I made a mistake." In this way we eliminate any hint of attack that can be felt by the players if we try to justify our own attitude based on their reaction. The phrase "I was wrong, you're right" has an enormous capacity to release tension. These are magic words that encourage the player to accept the apology and automatically recognize your part in the mistake.

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Source: Jose Borda , Revista Arbitros 

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