Letter to youth sports officials

[RonRef]

Originally Posted by Jimgolf

I ran across this item on a site called Mom's Team. It's an article by sports psychotherapist Dr. Keith Wilson sort of apologizing for bad attitudes exhibited by parents, coaches and players in youth sports.

It goes on to ask that referees be proactive in dealing with these issues.

Among his requests:

Full article at:
http://www.momsteam.com/alpha/featur...fficials.shtml

This all is much easier said then done. If it were this easy we wouldn't have a shortage of officials at every level. If I have to do all this I better get a big pay raise!

[26 Year Gap]

Why not just have a 'time out' corner?

[Nevadaref]

I agree with almost all of what the good Dr. writes. I have been saying much of the same for the past 5 years and I don't have a doctorate in sports psych -- not that one is needed to grasp this stuff.

The best thing that he wrote is "Take control of the Whole game." That is what a real referee does. You control the entire environment of play, not just the inbounds part.

He is a bit mistaken in a couple of areas however.

1. For youth soccer, it is far better to have the spectators on the opposite side of the field from both teams. It is even mandated at Youth Regionals and strongly preferred for NFHS play.
Instead he states:
"In order for this to be effective-the parents of the team must be on the same sideline as the coach so that it is clear which team the parent belongs to."

Actually, it doesn't matter which team this person is with. The referee simply dismisses them from the area and ensures that they cannot see the game from their new location. Their punishment is that they cannot watch any further action in the contest. Really why should we care which team this person supports? Should the ref make calls against this team or otherwise penalize them due to the poor behavior of a fan? The focus should be on dealing with the poor behavior, not who deals with it, and this is best accomplished by getting rid of the offender.

2. As JR posted the idea of explaining to the coaches how they need to communicate with a referee prior to the match is silly. The coach is an adult and should not need to be told to communicate in a respectful manner. When the coach does, the ref should respond to it by answering the question or at least acknowledging the point, but when the coach doesn't behave in a responsible manner the coach should be penalized. Nothing sends a stronger message about what is expected than that. Actions not words work.

PS Don't let Rut see this thread! He doesn't believe that game officials have a positive role to play in the behavior in youth sports.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

PS Don't let Rut see this thread! He doesn't believe that game officials have a positive role to play in the behavior in youth sports.

Wow, I am really in your head.

Maybe I will quote an NCAA rule and you will then go away.

Peace

[Jimgolf]

This article is indeed strictly for youth sports. High school level and above are supposed to have game management that instructs the fans, coaches and players to behave properly and exhibit good sportsmanship.

At the youth basketball level, there are many involved who are just learning the game, and it is helpful in the long run if the officials involved share their knowledge and experience, even though this is outside the normal job description. This enhances the game experience for all involved, including the officials, since the fans get to see that the officials are knowledgeable and on top of things, and usually behave better.

Of course there are some who will never get it, and the next article that site should publish is how to get the youth sports organizers more involved in game management.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Wow, I am really in your head.

Maybe I will quote an NCAA rule and you will then go away.

With credit to Patrick Roy... I can't hear you. I have my state championship rings in my ears!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

With credit to Patrick Roy... I can't hear you. I have my state championship rings in my ears!

You did not do it where I live or in the same association.

If you were such a good official, why are you talking about youth sports?

Peace

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

You did not do it where I live or in the same association.

Oh, we're back to that again. Illinois is the only place in the world that counts. So sorry, but there are 49 other states which have people who work and play.

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If you were such a good official, why are you talking about youth sports?

How nice of you to crap on all youth officials everywhere.
Perhaps it is because I enjoy giving some time to youngsters. Perhaps I have kids involved the league or a friend's kids are involved and they need a ref. Whatever the reasons are that people officiate youth sports, who the )^%#@ are you to judge them? I personally know three FIFA referees who despite working at the international and domestic professional level continue to officiate local youth soccer games.
These good people are out there doing something positive and you want to put them down. Once again you display your ignorance and lack of class.