Letter to youth sports officials

[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:

Take Control Of The Whole Game

The laws of the game are focused on what happens on the field. However, some other very manageable actions will help to transform the youth sports culture.

Be proactive in what you expect in the game. Referees are very good at letting players know what they expect and consequently players have learned to play to the referee's level of expectation. When the referee does not make this clear, the ref spends significant time in the game establishing the level of play that is acceptable.


Be proactive with the coaches. Make it clear at the beginning of the game how you want the coach to communicate with you. It is much easier to keep coaches at the level of interacting you want when the standard has been stated clearly at the outset of the game. It is easier to intervene the first time the coach tests the limit because it has been clearly stated before the match. When it has not been clearly stated, the coach often responds negatively because they feel they are being picked on and the standard is not the same for both coaches.


Be proactive with the coach concerning the role of parents at the game. Make it clear that the coach is responsible for the action of the parents. If parents are being negative, you will approach the coach to have them take care of the situation. If the coach does not take care of it then you will have the parent leave the field.


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.


The coach wants to be focused on the game and not distracted by the parents. The coach will help the parents stay in a contained manner in their cheering and communication about the play on the field.

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

[Junker]

I thought that was a pretty good article. It was nice to hear a parent admit they don't know the game. As far as the requests they have of officials, most of us try to do that, but I don't think the parent understands their place on the pecking order. Often their games will get newer officials or officials that are working many games in a day. I gotta say I'm a better official at a varsity double header than a weekend tournament when I'm working 7 games in a row.

[Jurassic Referee]

Please note that the article relates to youth sports or "kiddy" ball. It's certainly not very relevant to any higher level imo. It's certainly not relevant or recommended for any high school level.

Tell the coaches before the game how they will have to talk to you? And the first time that they don't follow your instructions, you will.....? Put all the spectators over by the coach's bench? Heck, no...that wouldn't distract the coach.

If they really want to improve youth sport's culture, they should just tell the parents to stay home. That'd work.

[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!