Referees: Ask Us Anything

[Anonymous]

This isn't really ref specific, but maybe you can help. A player on our team (U12) has two yellow cards (not from the same game). Does he have to sit out the next game now?

[Anonymous]

RantingSoccerDad wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many refs seem to be overweight elderly men. Why is this?

Don't worry. Covid will fix this.

Ha -- I already had it and lived, so you're stuck with me.

Probably a false positive. There's still a chance you'll go down.

[Anonymous]

RantingSoccerDad wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

RantingSoccerDad wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many refs seem to be overweight elderly men. Why is this?

Don't worry. Covid will fix this.

Ha -- I already had it and lived, so you're stuck with me.

Probably a false positive. There's still a chance you'll go down.

Three different antibody tests. Also donated plasma a couple of months ago and got a fourth. Donating again today.

(Yes, I wonder if my plasma is now propping up a politician.)

A small chance then.

[Anonymous]

What's the worst behavior you have ever seen from a parent or coach. Feel free to name names.

[Anonymous]

This is interesting. I've been surprised when my kids rec games (SYA) get more mature referees, I always assumed they would save the more experienced people for the more important games.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This isn't really ref specific, but maybe you can help. A player on our team (U12) has two yellow cards (not from the same game). Does he have to sit out the next game now?

it depends on the league, I know EDP the answer is yes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is interesting. I've been surprised when my kids rec games (SYA) get more mature referees, I always assumed they would save the more experienced people for the more important games.

That's the thing...some refs just like to stay close to home and do rec games. Some like find the most competitive games. So just like certain ages groups. Some just try to find 2 or 3 games in a row at the same field. It's hit or miss. And don't think tournaments get the best referees. Tournaments are always struggling to find refs. They'll take anybody.

[Anonymous]

This isn't really ref specific, but maybe you can help. A player on our team (U12) has two yellow cards (not from the same game). Does he have to sit out the next game now?


it depends on the league, I know EDP the answer is yes

NCSL

[Anonymous]

Parent, not a ref, but a parent who volunteers and is around a lot. My question is what do you think should be done about misbehaving parents (which I see as my childrens' club's biggest problem)?

And, a comment: I think the refs are mostly older men because the younger ones are too busy at home with their young children to be a referee all weekend, plus, as my children are older older now (one out of college, one in college, 2 in HS), I see fewer adults of all genders volunteering to do anything at all. Yes, refs are paid, but I don't think it is enough to deal with the abuse heaped on by parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much are refs paid ? please list a break down age , league. field vs sideline

This really really varies but let's say NCSL....Up to U11 Center, they don't use ARS, gets $45.
U12-U13 center is $50. AR is $30
U14: Center $55. AR is $30
U15-U16: Center is $60 AR is $35
U17-U19: Center is $65 and AR is $40.

Other leagues might be plus or minus $5 here and there.

[Anonymous]

Why are yellow cards not issued more at the u13 and u14 age groups? They're so many intentionally reckless tackles at those age groups that are overlooked.

[Anonymous]

Is a ref allowed to ref a game that their kid is playing on?

Is a ref allowed to ref a game for a team for the same club his kid plays on?

We got stuck with a ref that we know is dad of a player on a younger team. He was overly making calls against us and some parent got irritated. I thought it would be conflict of interest to be honest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parent, not a ref, but a parent who volunteers and is around a lot. My question is what do you think should be done about misbehaving parents (which I see as my childrens' club's biggest problem)?

And, a comment: I think the refs are mostly older men because the younger ones are too busy at home with their young children to be a referee all weekend, plus, as my children are older older now (one out of college, one in college, 2 in HS), I see fewer adults of all genders volunteering to do anything at all. Yes, refs are paid, but I don't think it is enough to deal with the abuse heaped on by parents.

It's not enough money. What's baffling is that, just because I wear a yellow jersey and ref a kids soccer game, people think they can talk to me however they want...often very aggressively. I'm a pretty easy going guy but I'm not afraid to get into it. I can drop refereeing in a heart beat as well. It's not for the money at all. For coaches, I don't stand behind you and question all your crappy substitutions or question your ability to coach because your team can't connect a pass at U13. As for parents, I don't stand behind you and question all your shitty decisions. I have a kid that plays soccer and I understand that I want the game to be reffed fairly and I want the refs to do their best. I get pissed when they make a bad call and comment. I personally don't mind comments that address to tighten up my calls or loosen them up or that I'm missing fouls. It keeps me even more focused. But some parents go to far and one day that parent is going to run into the wrong ref on the wrong day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is a ref allowed to ref a game that their kid is playing on?

Is a ref allowed to ref a game for a team for the same club his kid plays on?

We got stuck with a ref that we know is dad of a player on a younger team. He was overly making calls against us and some parent got irritated. I thought it would be conflict of interest to be honest.

Not without the consent of both coaches and that's if a ref doesn't show up. I think it's against the "rules" for me to ask to be assigned to ref a game my kid plays on. However, if a ref doesn't show up and both coaches agree, I can ref my kid's game.

You are allowed to ref for a team in the same club. No restrictions.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this -
physicality in soccer - we have been to a few tournaments over the past year where there have been fists flying. The kid who may have appeared to have started it gets a yellow card but no one else and we have been told that if a kid enters the fight and did not start it, he is fine. Is this true? Not condoning any of it, but very surprised at this from more than one ref.