Question Number: 19034

Character, Attitude and Control 5/9/2008

RE: Rec/Select Under 16

Bob Roach of Charlottesville, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 19011

In response to 19011

It was not mentioned one of the main reasons we don't have enough competent refs is that not only are refs paid very little, but they take a lot of abuse from coaches and fans. Many times the younger refs decide it isn't worth sticking it out and there is a constant turnover and influx of inexperienced refs. People who critize refs should walk in their shoes at least once. Instead of being part of the problem, be part of the solution.

I became a ref as my coaching 'career' was coming to an end. My daughters were aging out/going off to college or choosing other sports. I had fallen in love with the game and it was my way of staying in the game. After becoming a ref I realized how much of a fool I had made of myself when coaching. It also taught me to be a little more patient with refs while coaching.

The more coaches and players who take the ref course the better - even if they decide not to ref.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bob,
we are in agreement that the inability for those watching, coaching, parents, even players and peers to curb their excited, emotional, need driven, perceptions, play a huge part in driving inexperienced or younger referees away. This is where league policy, codes of conduct, bylaws and pre, mid, and post season get togethers of ALL parties is crucial to set standards, monitoring, evaluation and the simple act of courteously listening to all concerns.
I too, like you, took to the field as a parent/referee because I too could see there are always issues which what people do and how others perceive them. I recall feeling frustrated at referees when coaching and feeling irritated at coaches when refereeing. Upon realizing that our NEEDS and perceptions are comprised from specific viewpoints as much as they are from the core moral values most normal humans attempt to live by I make a greater effort to improve the communication level at both ends of the spectrum .
As a referee I could approach fans and parents in the pregame while walking the touchlines to ensure safe distances away for player safety and AR lanes to run on. I solicit questions and engage in trying to dispel myths and improper conduct. One good idea for leagues to consider is PROPER technical areas located on the same side of the field on opposing sides of the mid line and spectators only on the opposite touchline. Much easier for a 3 man or single referee crew to control. One way to engage is to ask for help request the two opposing sides to monitor and pick the player of the other side which player best exemplifies the qualities of honest effort and fair play this focuses attention on the behaviour of the kids where it should be!.
I do not like to go into a detailed pregame with the coaches or interact unnecessarily with the teams although at time?s id cards and roster and equipment checks are required. I will introduce myself and my ARs. The ARs are strictly off limits and are not to be bothered by anyone at any time! Any issues are to be brought only to my attention by the captains. I am fair not perfect, while I will utilize the captains to assist me to communicate match needs it is when and if it is convenient . I could ASK the coach if he would like me to say or explain anything, often to younger teams or regarding tournament specifics and ensure the coaches are aware of my preference for following substitution protocol while realizing for some it is the first time they may so be approached..
When Coaching I politely ask the referee if my captains can approach him or her on occasion and if there are any special considerations he needs to make us aware of?. If my parent or support staff are not already engaged in statistical type duties I tell my parents and fans they are not to create unpleasant situations and their duty is to support our players not verbally or visually direct improper comments or actions towards the officials or opposing team but to bring to me only, their concerns. I will record and report on a referee performance if I think it is deficient. I might try to have my captain if the referee permitted it request clarification on a specific issue especially if I thought it protestable or a misapplication of law. I am aware of my duties as a coach are not to subject the referee to confrontation and if I do step over that line I could be dismissed or warned for such actions.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Bob and we agree. I think the figure we quote is we lose 44% of all referees each year and the number one reason is coach abuse. Number 2 is fan abuse. Adults tend to be bullies and young kids are affected by them. ADult referees quit citing the reason that it's just not fun anymore. I know I stopped doing lower level Select games a few years back because the kids weren't having any fun.