nwsoccerclub.org

Conduct Toward Referees...

There is a critical shortage of qualified youth soccer referees. Why? Referees cite repeatedly that they quit refereeing because of the abuse they take from parents, coaches and players. Many teenagers quickly discontinue refereeing youth soccer games because it is not worth what they are paid to be yelled at, insulted, belittled and threatened. It does not matter whether you are a coach, a parent, a player or a disinterested fan: don't tolerate a climate that allows yelling at or abusing the referee. Some guidelines:

• Support the referee's decisions. Refereeing soccer, like playing soccer, looks easier from the sidelines then it is on the field. The field is large, there are a number of players moving both with and away from the ball, and the referee cannot see everything from all angles.
  
  
• Understand the laws of the game. FIFA rules give soccer referees a great deal of discretion. They are not required to call every single breach of soccer's laws. Reasonable humans often disagree whether conduct resulted in a breach (depending, of course on whether the breach helps or harms their team). Under FIFA rules only the referee's opinion counts; if the referee didn't call it, it is not a foul.
  
  
• Inquire about calls respectfully. If coaches do not understand or disagree with a call they should discuss it one-on-one, quietly and rationally, with the referee at half-time or after the game. If parents disagree with a call they should ask the coach to explain it. Parents and spectators should not question referees directly under any circumstances. PERIOD.
  
  
• That referee is your neighbor's child. Quite often youth soccer referees are teenagers. Treat them, whether or not you agree with their calls, as you would want other adults to treat your child should he or she be in the same position. Treat them as you would want to be treated if your were performing a difficult job in a fluid, fast-paced game.
  
  
• Look at the big picture. Soccer is a GAME. Most of our youth soccer players will stop playing before high school. Keep the games in perspective. If you cannot watch the game without losing control, stay home.