[bainsey]

I didn't work this one, but a friend (parent and fellow soccer official) was Facebook-ing about a middle school game that went 1:45, no overtime. (Her kid's team came from a 13-point deficit to win in the last minute.)

When I asked her about the number of fouls, she replied: "A lot.... [The officials] actually called what they should, most every carry, travel, lane violation, etc. It is how the kids learn. Many MS refs I find call about 1/3 of the calls and let the kids maul each other."

I certainly understand lightening up on the travelling, carrying, etc., or, as many a vet official has said, "we'd never get out of there." Bear in mind, too, we don't talk kids out of the lane here. I certainly don't advocate swallowing the whistle on fouls (and I have a JVG game from last night to prove it), but what are your thoughts? Are we doing a disservice by passing on some calls at lower levels, and do the younger kids really learn?