Anonymous wrote:Interestingly at ODP tryouts my small but very skilled DD had multiple fouls made against her that would have been called in a game, or at least one hopes… like pushes from the pack, jersey pulling over, and elbow in the ribs. It didn’t stop her at all, she is a good player, but she has some very big bruises. It shows what happens when things are unchecked… wish the girls had biobanding!

How do you know this if you were sitting in the car as instructed?

Anonymous wrote:Interestingly at ODP tryouts my small but very skilled DD had multiple fouls made against her that would have been called in a game, or at least one hopes… like pushes from the pack, jersey pulling over, and elbow in the ribs. It didn’t stop her at all, she is a good player, but she has some very big bruises. It shows what happens when things are unchecked… wish the girls had biobanding!

Until biobanding isn’t culturally considered ‘cheating’ this country will not produce consistent talent. Ever notice the small players often dominate the pace?

My take it is the influence of other American sports: immediately look for tall (and often technically lacking) players is an American football and basketball thing that is like a virus in American soccer.

Anonymous wrote:Yes I have seen it. It is really bad for development because any technically skill players get beat up.

Just recently witnessed this! One team would constantly push the other - particularly on headers- in the back. Completely blocked goalie on crosses. No calls. Maddening!

Interestingly at ODP tryouts my small but very skilled DD had multiple fouls made against her that would have been called in a game, or at least one hopes… like pushes from the pack, jersey pulling over, and elbow in the ribs. It didn’t stop her at all, she is a good player, but she has some very big bruises. It shows what happens when things are unchecked… wish the girls had biobanding!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it just me or does anybody else notice the lack of carding done by referees at the youth level? Some may disagree but I feel like if players are deservedly carded at a young age that can help clean the game up as they get older. After watching my daughters for a number of years I definitely feel like between the two of them that it feels like refs are more inclined to not card than card players out there.

I've seen the same thing, and seen certain teamz exploit it and make cynical fouls. I agree it would benefit everyone if referees held youth players to a higher standard than they are now.

It's "teams"

Anonymous wrote:Just like education starts at home, similar goes for soccer. Coaches in Travel spend quite some time talking about the rules, positions, etc. Rec coaches not so much.

Referees know this so they don't tend to stop a game and/or give out card unless there is strong violation. Refs in Rec also get paid a LOT less than Travel refs, so the expectations are different as well.

Nothing here is accurate.
There are very few coaches, at any level, that talk about the rules, or even know them well.
Referees don't care if players and coaches know the rules, and they certainly don't have different standards based on that.
Pay is generally based on age, not skill. I do everything from MSI to MLS Next, and the pay isn't that different. A little higher in the better leagues, but certainy not a lot more.

Just like education starts at home, similar goes for soccer. Coaches in Travel spend quite some time talking about the rules, positions, etc. Rec coaches not so much.

Referees know this so they don't tend to stop a game and/or give out card unless there is strong violation. Refs in Rec also get paid a LOT less than Travel refs, so the expectations are different as well.

And I'm sure you're all the same people that scream out "let them play" any time the ref calls a foul.

I also notice that if refs don't take early charge of a game by calling penalties and fouls, the game can quickly get out of hand.

My son plays U14 and if the ref makes early calls (against both sides), both sides tend to clean up the game and the level of play tends to be much better.

U15 & U16 I see them a lot and for coaches too. ECNL boys

Yes I have seen it. It is really bad for development because any technically skill players get beat up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it just me or does anybody else notice the lack of carding done by referees at the youth level? Some may disagree but I feel like if players are deservedly carded at a young age that can help clean the game up as they get older. After watching my daughters for a number of years I definitely feel like between the two of them that it feels like refs are more inclined to not card than card players out there.

I've seen the same thing, and seen certain teamz exploit it and make cynical fouls. I agree it would benefit everyone if referees held youth players to a higher standard than they are now.

DD had one team where they were praised for it. Anyone getting behind the defense was getting knocked down. She was on that team for a couple of years and we saw no red cards and a couple of yellow cards and less than 5 pks awarded.

Cards are way too rare - as are fouls for anything other than offsides and hand balls.

Anonymous wrote:Is it just me or does anybody else notice the lack of carding done by referees at the youth level? Some may disagree but I feel like if players are deservedly carded at a young age that can help clean the game up as they get older. After watching my daughters for a number of years I definitely feel like between the two of them that it feels like refs are more inclined to not card than card players out there.

I've seen the same thing, and seen certain teamz exploit it and make cynical fouls. I agree it would benefit everyone if referees held youth players to a higher standard than they are now.

Is it just me or does anybody else notice the lack of carding done by referees at the youth level? Some may disagree but I feel like if players are deservedly carded at a young age that can help clean the game up as they get older. After watching my daughters for a number of years I definitely feel like between the two of them that it feels like refs are more inclined to not card than card players out there.