Advice to New Referees for Second Grade Rec Games

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From a former coach:

Introduce yourself to both sets of coaches before the game. Shake hands, make I contact, and call everybody by first name. If something comes up during the game, use their first names when talking to them rather than "coach". Ex: "Hey Bob, is there anything we can do about that parent going crazy over there?" Or, if it's the coach going crazy, look him in the eye and say "Sorry Dan, that's just not the way I saw it."

Amazing how far that goes.

Ha maybe but I can't imagine my 13-yo calling a 40-yo dad/mom stranger by first name!

He is at work not a wedding. He is in charge so yes, call them by their 1st name.

[Anonymous]

My advise is when a parent yells at your child to ignore it 1st, then say, you have 1 warning, then talk to the coach, then throw them out.

One referee use to give parents yellow cards. It was so funny, he would walk to the sideline without a word, hold up the card... everybody knew that meant the parents are insane.

Also, remember... parents don't know the rules. They don't know kids can make contact so they will yell foul when there is none.

If the goalie is confused about whether to throw or kick or where to stand, take a moment to talk to the goalie and explain.

For throw ins just take time to explain if there is a child having and issue with a proper throw in.

It's a learning experience at this age.

Also, 12-0 is not a big deal, kids need to learn to lose with grace even if it is a slaughter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From a former coach:

Introduce yourself to both sets of coaches before the game. Shake hands, make I contact, and call everybody by first name. If something comes up during the game, use their first names when talking to them rather than "coach". Ex: "Hey Bob, is there anything we can do about that parent going crazy over there?" Or, if it's the coach going crazy, look him in the eye and say "Sorry Dan, that's just not the way I saw it."

Amazing how far that goes.

Ha maybe but I can't imagine my 13-yo calling a 40-yo dad/mom stranger by first name!

He is at work not a wedding. He is in charge so yes, call them by their 1st name.

Good point. But do you also call your coaches by first name only? I found myself calling them 'coach {first name}' more often.

[Anonymous]

I think a ref calling a coach just “coach” in an authoritative voice is plenty.