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Originally Posted by wardtc
Am I nuts? What could I have done better?
This weekend I reffed in a tournament. Most games I had were U11 & U12 boys and girls.
As I have seen kids at this age group challanging for the ball with arms extended. elbows up, grabbing, holding, etc.... I specifically mentioned that I would have none of this during the team check ins.
the game started, and sure enough, arms ups, etc...., I called them when they were very obvious, hoping to set the tone for the game, and let these kids settle down a little. Just the opposite happened! It seemed to get worse! The players started getting frustrated and committing even more fouls. It didn't help that the parents were openly dissentful, urging the kids to push back. The coaches (both) did not help as every call was against thier player (of course).
What should I have done better/differerent.
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Ward,
Since you have taken past advice very positively and I hope that it has truly helped you, I'm going to be a little tougher and give you a couple of items that you absolutely must start doing.
1. I know that you are still rather new to reffing, but you have to get tougher when it comes to taking control of the game environment. By that I mean not only what happens inside the lines. At the youth level, YOU are the one who must manage the sidelines. Certainly at the U12 level you should not be putting up with coaches and parents complaining about the officiating. They will behave as poorly as you allow. So what should you do about it?
a. The coach is the problem. At the next stoppage (ball out of play or a free kick is awarded) hit the whistle and stop the kids from continuing play. Jog over near the offending coach and tell him that his behavior is unacceptable, he needs to direct his focus to HIS team, and warn him that if the behavior continues you will remove him. Then follow through.
b. The parents are the problem. Same as #1, but when you reach the coach of the team whose parents are misbehaving, you instruct the coach that at the youth level HE is responsible for controlling the behavior of his spectators. Let him know that their comments need to be POSITIVE and directed at the kids, not the officials. Also be sure to let him know that if he isn't successful in altering their behavior you will have to remove them AND HE LEAVES WITH THEM.
2. Don't make any comments at the pregame equipment inspection or captains meeting about how you are going to call the game! That is not the time or place for it. Keep this for things such as make sure you aren't wearing any jewelry, keep your shirts tucked in, and tell the captains that they are the team leaders and that they need to make sure no one on their team causes any problems, for if they do you will have to deal with it and we all know how refs deal with that kind of stuff (hint: giving cards).
3. During the game, if in YOUR opinion the challenges are unfair or unsafe (and that is the only person's opinion which matters since YOU are the referee), blow the whistle and point. Don't say anything, don't give odd signals, just whistle and point. If the kids keep it up, then keep whistling the fouls.
They will either alter their tactics or give up free kick after free kick.
The kids will eventually change or one of them (or perhaps a coach) will ask you why that is a foul. Tell this person that you will explain it to the captain. When the captain finally gets around to inquiring about it. Tell him/her that his/her teammates need to keep their arms/elbows down when challenging for the ball, stop coming in from behind, keep the boots down, etc. Just make sure that it is something short and simple that the captain can pass on to the team and then go on with the match.
I'm sure that you are learning quickly as you keep doing more and more matches. Tournaments are a very productive learning ground as you can get in a bunch of games in a short period of time AND have the opportunity to work with quite a few other refs. You can always learn something from your colleagues. Some will teach you things that work and which you should emulate, others will demonstrate techniques that you should stay away from.
Lastly, the level of play will tell you how much contact the kids can handle. You will find a feel for it. Best wishes and hang in there.