In my experience at the youth levels, it’s usually due to the ref allowing dangerous play (elbow, horsecollar, grappling, hacking down, etc) and being too skittish of confrontation to properly diffuse the tensions (via a card, a talking to, whatever.) After this things can turn into a war of escalation, and the official usually loses control of the game. Also falls on the coaches to discourage dirty/dangerous play. However, if the ref fails to protect you and you’re getting hacked by lumberjacks, it’s not a surprise that players will dole out their own justice and games will turn into the Lord if the Flies.

Part of it is watching professional soccer on TV and seeing what is done in those games

Our game yesterday (u13 boys) was pretty nasty. Team from Manassas was tripping, shoving, pushing, and apparently calling our players various names.

I have three boys in travel and have never seen anything get so far as to be called a "scuffle."

Have seen it happen, coach(es) must control it right away by making player(s) sit out.

Have also seen hard fouls from players that almost turned into scuffle, ref has to control those but not all refs will do this.

Agreed with previous comments, as they get older the play is more aggressive, faster, and sometimes appears to be hard fouls. With that being said, at least at the travel games I've seen there has been NO scuffles. But then again, most travel coaches have pretty control of their teams. Even if they bark back at the refs, they generally get pulled to cool down.

My kid does U11 travel and, no, we don't see this.

The tackles become harder as the kids get older and the proper leaning/contact is used correctly---but no fights or outright fouls. Every now and then we run into an over-the-top physical team but it's usually tournament play and not a team we see in regular league play.

Not normal, but we did see a kid punch another kid on the field the other day. Most of the kids who play rec at U11 that we've met are sporty, hardworking kids who do other sports but this season we have run into two who don't know how to play but still want to win and just seem to be on the field to slam into or trip other kids on purpose. Never saw this at U10 or younger.

It's not normal, but it happens. My son is on an ASA U11 rec team, and we haven't had any scuffles so far this year. Last year there were a couple involving a kid who has since changed teams. Are the kids on your team getting into the scuffles kids who have been on the team for a while so you know this is new behavior for them, or are these new kids to the team who might be bringing their own issues with them?

Not normal. My u11 plays travel and I have never witnessed this at CCL games or tournaments. Games can be physical and the kids foul but never have I seen a fight or adults break kids up. I would especially find it odd at the rec level. If your team players have had 2 altercations, I think those players are instigating. It’s not normal or acceptable behavior.

Guys, what you you smoking? Anyone, who says that it is normal for kids to have repeated fights at U11 in a rec league, needs to see a doctor or social services worker. If you see a fight in a professional game, the players involved get red cards and a lengthy suspensions for violent conduct. Saying that fights are normal in youth soccer, is insane! If this is your experience at your current club, I truly feel sorry for you and your kid. You should consider moving your kid to a better environment.

I notice more interference and involvement in the games than ever from parents, and IMO this is a natural extension of that. Winning and losing is a BIG DEAL to some parents, and that is broadcast loud and clear. Kids internalize that pressure.

It’s not unusual, kids are getting bigger and more physical at that age but have trouble controlling emotions. It’s not unique to rec soccer, happens in travel and other sports. Coaches and parents need to make it clear that’s not how to handle the situation.

Anonymous wrote:We have had back to back games with players needing to be separated in u11.
Different players on our team involved with different opponents.

This is in ASA rec league. The games seem generally tougher/more physical but fighting is a first for me, let alone 2 in 2 games.
Our team (90% same team) never had any issues for years.

Is this typical as they get to this age?

No, this is not normal, especially in a house league (rec soccer). Coaches/club need to address this.

We have had back to back games with players needing to be separated in u11.
Different players on our team involved with different opponents.

This is in ASA rec league. The games seem generally tougher/more physical but fighting is a first for me, let alone 2 in 2 games.
Our team (90% same team) never had any issues for years.

Is this typical as they get to this age?