The best referee's in any sports are those that don't take shit from anyone. While players will listen to a whistle and respect a rule book they will always be rowdy if they don't respect the person with the whistle. Being able to either be amicable with the players shows that you don't think you are better than them just because you are a referee. The same with not taking a backwards step, always give a warning but if a player continues to talk back and question your decision then a referee needs to take action. If they don't then the players will continue doing this which will lead to players eventually getting out of control. This will mean there are fights and other extra curriculars that will make the job of a referee all the more challenging. Basically don't be a dick head to the teams but don't take a backward step.