Sideline Check-In

[ThreeCards]

Drew a late afternoon U14 boys game recently, and both teams along with all of their fans were set up on the west side of the field so as not to have to look into the setting sun. Usually I like to put the fans and teams on opposite sides, but I decided not press the issue since I was a little late arriving, having had to add quite a bit of stoppage time to previous game due to injury, and everyone looked all comfortable by the time I got there.

Anyway, both teams were finished with their warm-ups and were on the sidelines listening to their coaches when I came over to check them in. I gave my usual short homily about how they should play to the whistle since I do not stop the game for unintentional handling and will apply the advantage rule often during the game, all within earshot of the fans. Throughout the afternoon, unlike many other games, I heard no complaints from coaches or fans regarding uncalled handing or foul after which I gave a resounding “Play on, advantage”. There were even a few times after the ball bounced off of a players arm that I heard some dad or mom say “yes, that was unintentional”. All in all, it was a very pleasant afternoon.

Not sure if something like this will ever happen again, as I can’t see myself intentionally pulling a team over near the fans when I check them in. I was wondering if any of you have ever had a similar experience.

JB

[Wa-Soc-Ref]

All in all, it was a very pleasant afternoon.

Not sure if something like this will ever happen again, as I can’t see myself intentionally pulling a team over near the fans when I check them in. I was wondering if any of you have ever had a similar experience.

JBJust consider yourself blessed and enjoy it while it lasted. I find that teams playing at a higher level (premier, ODP...)have a greater understanding of the game and seem to accept the referee as a contributor. On the same level thought they expect to see you perform at a higher level. I find it ironic that our new referees do games with the least experienced parents, coaches and players, who all seem to get more grace than the new Grade 8 who is learning the mastery of ref'n. Now you know why over 30% of all first year ref's never make it into year number 2. Keep up the good work.

[brhsoccer14]

I am going to ODP as a referee this year and can't wait. Could anyone tell me how it was like for them? I have heard two different sides of that story.

As to the 'parents from heaven', I haven't had parents on the same side, but sometimes I hear them reasoning my calls out and get it right and it amazes me. After a couple games I had parents come up to me and say how well I did in a serious, sincere tone, and that's what makes me happy and keep doing what I am doing.

[blech]

I am going to ODP as a referee this year and can't wait. Could anyone tell me how it was like for them? I have heard two different sides of that story.

As to the 'parents from heaven', I haven't had parents on the same side, but sometimes I hear them reasoning my calls out and get it right and it amazes me. After a couple games I had parents come up to me and say how well I did in a serious, sincere tone, and that's what makes me happy and keep doing what I am doing.

good work! it is nice always to get the post-game compliment, but i particularly appreciate it (and know it's sincere) when it's someone affiliated with the losing team!

[Caesar]

I am going to ODP as a referee this year and can't wait. Could anyone tell me how it was like for them? I have heard two different sides of that story.

As to the 'parents from heaven', I haven't had parents on the same side, but sometimes I hear them reasoning my calls out and get it right and it amazes me. After a couple games I had parents come up to me and say how well I did in a serious, sincere tone, and that's what makes me happy and keep doing what I am doing.
It's excellent (and enjoyable) when you get nice post-game compliments from spectators, but don't live and die by it. Times will come when you get more negative comments than good - it's important to distance yourself from the opinions of the spectators and only take to heart the comments from those 'in the know'.

[ThreeCards]

I've done games at all levels, and I have to say that I've not noticed much of a difference in the degree of knowledge of the LOTG in the parents of kids that play at the higher levels, even ODP. As a matter of fact, many parents of DI and Premier players are more vocal, which makes them come across as less informed. Like the others, I tune a deaf ear to spectators unless I see it having a negative affect on the players.

[brhsoccer14]

I've done games at all levels, and I have to say that I've not noticed much of a difference in the degree of knowledge of the LOTG in the parents of kids that play at the higher levels, even ODP. As a matter of fact, many parents of DI and Premier players are more vocal, which makes them come across as less informed. Like the others, I tune a deaf ear to spectators unless I see it having a negative affect on the players.

I think you are spot on with that. As I have noticed the last few weekends at State Cup.

Oh, I would never live or die by the parents' comments, but it is good when the losing team tells you you did a good job. One time, I had a parent come up to me after the game and ask me why I gave her U12 son a "yellow card". I told her I normally do not use cards in a match at this age level, but if you didn't notice, your son fouled 5 times in the span of twenty minutes, I should have given it to him earlier! She goes on to say "You will never forget that call. You were horrible."..... now that I mention it, she was right, I never did forget it, but she meant it to haunt me. Like that is going to make me lose sleep or something?
It was funnier receiving this comment than me telling you this, I had to hold back from laughing to look professional.
Oh! To make matters worse (for her), her son was right there saying "Mom, I deserved the yellow card," but she kept right on going. :)