Question Number: 30791

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 9/20/2016

RE: all Under 15

Mike Monce of Lebanon, CT USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 30781

I'd like to comment on the CRs behavior to his young AR on the handling call.

I generally ref within two adjoining small rural towns with small populations. The ref pool generally consists of 5-6 adult refs, and then numerous kids ranging in age from 12-18 with the average being about 14. We are constantly losing these young refs due to stress brought on by coaches and spectators yelling at them. We don't need adult refs doing the same. That CR should be mentoring these young refs, not disciplining them. If he perceived a mistake, then he needs to INSTRUCT them. The assignors in the two towns give the adult refs games with younger refs to help them develop. I wouldn't be surprised this young man decides to quit reffing after being berated by the CR. Sad.

Yes, making a call in the area opposite the ref's side is tough and sometimes ill advised, but also sometimes the AR will have the better view. When I'm working with these young refs I always take their signals seriously. If I have to wave down a flag, I always try to tell them why quickly, or explain in more detail after the half. If I'm not sure what they are seeing I consult with them. I may have missed something, but I also want to let them know I take their actions seriously. After all we want to them to have the confidence to take on the CR position themselves.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
Thank you for your comments which are well made. Refereeing like all walks of life has many views, opinions and referees with progressive attitudes and some who dont. I liked this young persons maturity and his writing plus the way that he dealt with it. Im sure he will progress well even if he comes across those who are not so enlightened in our sport.