Question Number: 21462

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 6/2/2009

RE: Competitive Under 14

Susan of Casper, Wyoming USA asks...

My daughter played played in a Colorado tournament this weekend. We played local teams. Several games were being played at once. The AR for one of our games watched the game that was being played behind him. Needless to say he missed several offsides calls for and against my daughter's team. He also applauded when the team we were playing scored. Is there anything that can be done in a situation like this? It is really aggravating as a parent to travel to other states and have the team treated this way. I do realize that no referee can see everything but this was over the top. I know I won't be going back to any tournaments in that area.

Thank you

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You should write the tournament organizing committee and explain what you have said here, and tell them why you won't be coming back. Clubs that host tournaments often use them as fundraisers; if the paying teams aren't happy, they should let the club know.

Normally I'd also say to tell the referee assignor about the referee's lack of interest in the game he was being paid to ref. But in a tournament setting, it's often hard to find out who is in charge.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Try not to let one no-mind create such a bad impression of the whole effort. While it could be mentioned that such conduct is not appreciated at the time to harbour a screw them guys for a guy mistake seems harsh to me? I suggest approach the tournament directors tent with a complaint in a well documented and reasonable fashion. FIX it instead of point a finger of blame!
Cheers