Need better training for soccer refs

[SoccerRef]

Anonymous wrote:Referees like to use their knowledge of the intricacies of the Laws of the Game as a cudgel to batter anyone who dares to question their authority, but, tbh, for our travel teams we're only asking for this minimum of professionalism (and it's usually not there). Referees should:
Arrive on time.
Correctly identify the field where the game is to be played.
Not reek of cigarette smoke or body odor.
Make eye contact during pre-game interactions with coaches and players.
Know how long the game is to be.
Be physically able to jog box to box (approximately).
Call fouls.
Protect the keeper.
Show cards.
Keep track of the score.
Don't make female players and fans feel uncomfortable by being creepy.

And that's about it. We can let the errant sideline calls and a lot else go if refs can just get those things right. Showing up to the game on time in itself would be a step in the right direction.

Your list of expectations is entirely reasonable, and if those expectations aren't met, you should make sure that the coach contacts the league assignor and/or officials and lets them know what happened.

As for your opening comment, I'd like to hear some examples of what you're referring to.

As a ref, my expectations are simple:
Parents, set a good example to your kids by not arguing with the ref or complaining about any calls.
Coaches and players, feel free to disagree with me respectfully, and I'll happily explain why I'm calling things the way I am.

And to everyone, learn the Laws of the Game. There's no excuse for parents, coaches and players that put so much time and effort into soccer, not to understand offside, or the difference between a direct or indirect kick, or many, many other basic issues.

The vast majority of the time when I'm cudgeling parents with my knowledge of the laws, (where's the sarcasm font when you need it) it's because, simply, I'm right and they're wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Referees like to use their knowledge of the intricacies of the Laws of the Game as a cudgel to batter anyone who dares to question their authority, but, tbh, for our travel teams we're only asking for this minimum of professionalism (and it's usually not there). Referees should:
Arrive on time.
Correctly identify the field where the game is to be played.
Not reek of cigarette smoke or body odor.
Make eye contact during pre-game interactions with coaches and players.
Know how long the game is to be.
Be physically able to jog box to box (approximately).
Call fouls.
Protect the keeper.
Show cards.
Keep track of the score.
Don't make female players and fans feel uncomfortable by being creepy.

And that's about it. We can let the errant sideline calls and a lot else go if refs can just get those things right. Showing up to the game on time in itself would be a step in the right direction.

Seriously? You sound like a child. In my experience (about a total of nine years in travel if you add up three kids' worth) the referees are much more professional, knowledgeable and amiable than the parents... by far. It is true that we have a surprising number of older, out of shape referees, but for the money the make and the abuse they get, I always feel lucky to have them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just love it if ours actually showed up. We had two rec games (3rd grade - when they actually keep score and do standings) in a row where the ref didn't show up at all and a parent had to do the honors. I had to go to Dick's and buy whistles for next time, because the kids don't hear the ref if there's no whistle.

when the refs do show, they're mostly great. (we're ASA.)

Yeah, I realized coaching rec you have to have a whistle in your equipment bag. And hopefully a parent on your team who knows enough to step in.

There is a huge problem recruiting refs for youth soccer because it just doesn't pay that well, and the people most likely to do it are probably watching their own kids play somewhere else.