Advice to New Referees for Second Grade Rec Games

[Anonymous]

Spin off of https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/801226.page#14948806

So, coaches, parents, how can a new ref do better in second grade rec games?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spin off of https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/15/801226.page#14948806

So, coaches, parents, how can a new ref do better in second grade rec games?

Be prepared for parents to think and act like its the finals of the World Cup.
Immediately quell any parent outbursts and let them know they won't be tolerated --- if you are shy, address the coach and make him responsible for his team parents.

IMO, be prepared to function as a teacher, kids this age won't understand hand signals and have a limited knowledge of the rules.
Be kind, be clear, and be patient --- the goal isn't to create the next Mia Hamm or Christiano Ronaldo, its to help kids have fun and learn to the game.

[Anonymous]

I have a second grade girl, and I think the best thing a ref can do for this age group is to be very clear about the call they are making and repeat it if necessary. They don't always know which team should be taking the throw in or whether it is a goal kick or corner kick. And on goal kicks, the other team is supposed to stand further back, but they sometimes forget.

During the game, it is really hard for them to hear the coaches and they can't hear the parents, so the ref providing reminders that it is "blue's" throw in or green needs to stand behind this line makes the game more enjoyable for the kids.

[Anonymous]

Be fair, obviously but also remember that one of the primary duties is also to keep the game safe. Don't be afraid to call reckless play.

[Anonymous]

As a former ref, parent and coach, I'd say:

1. just do your job as a ref - (a) walk the field looking for dangers (metal broken glass etc.) this is YOUR job (not the coaches')
(b) call the game consistently - 2nd graders are cute yes, but a handball is a handball and they are here to learn and will recover
(there are no adults permanently scarred from having handball called on them in the box as a 2nd grader)
(c) ignore the parents - many of them for 2nd grade have no clue about the rules and are overprotective and excited for their kids - just deal with it
don't confront the first sign of behavior - just have a thick skin and move on , fill out your game report with any poor behavior
2. realize that your primary job is player safety, make the call and explain it
3. be cheerful and friendly - the ref is not the bad guy, but if you act like it you can become it
4. have fun its part of the job

[Anonymous]

Our 4 x 4 U8 rec games don't have referees, they start at U9 when they move up the "big" field. (Don't all the rec leagues do 4 vs 4 for U8?)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our 4 x 4 U8 rec games don't have referees, they start at U9 when they move up the "big" field. (Don't all the rec leagues do 4 vs 4 for U8?)

It's a good opportunity for the refs to gain experience on a smaller field and a less competitive environment.

[Anonymous]

Don't be shy about carding those little munchkins.

[Anonymous]

Be clear, I'm reffing a 2nd grade game and my job is to make sure they are safe and having fun. Walk away.

[Anonymous]

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.

I

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our 4 x 4 U8 rec games don't have referees, they start at U9 when they move up the "big" field. (Don't all the rec leagues do 4 vs 4 for U8?)

our u8 definitely had referees. also 4v4

[Anonymous]

My 13yo son is a new referee this year and the assigner said new refs should not do U7 and U8 rec games. They require more judgment and finesse. He said to stick with AR'ing in U10/U11 games.

[Anonymous]

Ignore the parents, you deal with the coaches and players only. Don't be afraid to tell them to back off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a former ref, parent and coach, I'd say:

1. just do your job as a ref - (a) walk the field looking for dangers (metal broken glass etc.) this is YOUR job (not the coaches')
(b) call the game consistently - 2nd graders are cute yes, but a handball is a handball and they are here to learn and will recover
(there are no adults permanently scarred from having handball called on them in the box as a 2nd grader)
(c) ignore the parents - many of them for 2nd grade have no clue about the rules and are overprotective and excited for their kids - just deal with it
don't confront the first sign of behavior - just have a thick skin and move on , fill out your game report with any poor behavior
2. realize that your primary job is player safety, make the call and explain it
3. be cheerful and friendly - the ref is not the bad guy, but if you act like it you can become it
4. have fun its part of the job

the kids are 7 FFS, the ref is also there to teach kids where to stand, etc