Being involved in soccer for so many years, I have had my fair share of conflicts with referees as a player and as a coach. But what I do sincerely appreciate is their continued dedication to our sport.
As a player, I had a different viewpoint. I was angry when referees made poor decisions, because ultimately, those decisions cost us games. If referees at the professional level have trouble calling a game and have trouble controlling the game, then they should not be on the field. Referees should be judged like players – if you are good enough then you play, if not, you are benched.
What I do feel strongly about, is the way some coaches and parents treat our youth referees. They commit their time and energy to help. It amazes me when a parent or coach feels so strongly about a u’12 game, that they feel compelled to scream and shout at a boy or girl who is barely older than the kids playing the game. Is it not intimidating enough to referee a game against kids your own age? But then they must deal with the verbal abuse that can be thrown at them. They try their best, they try and make the right call, but sometimes they are wrong. They are not trying to make an incorrect call.
I am not here to dismiss the right to voice an opinion, we all do. But we must keep it in context, and we must be aware of who we are shouting at. We want the youth referees to continue to call our games, so that we have 3 officials at every game at every level. They are a crucial part of the game, and we must create an environment where they can enjoy the game, just like everybody else does.
July 25, 2009 at 6:24 am
Danny, interesting blog. Thanks for sharing your comments.
I agree with your comment on treatment of young referees but would extend that to adult referees as well. I have a daughter on your team, have coached for 12 years, and now am poised for my 4th year as a referee. It is amazing to me how some parents and coaches act toward referees. I have been certified 3 times, have done 100+ games, have undergone 12-15 hours per year of continous education and every few games receive a shocking amount of venom and anger from parents. It is amazing to me what attitudes some parents and assistant coaches, generally not head coaches, have toward referees. Attitudes are contagious. I have way too many stories that are a very sad reflection on how seriously some parents take this, how difficult it is for them to control themselves, and how poorly their behavior reflects on their team, their club, and the game. I have found my sideline behavior has been tempered dramatically having been a referee. I would encourage, perhaps insist that any parents who are critical of a referee, have to be quite, or provide proof of having taken a referee class and done a few games, even as an AR. This is the fastest way to gain respect for the referees, regardless if they are youth or adult.
Kent Baril