Advice on how to handle mouthy players

[JRutledge]

It really depends on your personality. If you do not mind saying what you need to say or you are one of those guys that is afraid you are going to offend will dictate how you handle this. Usually I am very direct with kids and do not mince words. I do not treat them as equals (which they are not) and I do not treat them like they are stupid either. Most of the time kids know exactly what they are doing and saying and if you call them on their behavior they will usually fall in line. I have several lines that I vary by a word or two that work for me, but then again they fit my personality. I would suggest you deal with players in a way that fits your personality. I also do not like to go to coaches to handle players either.

Peace

[Toren]

I'm a fairly new official too, but for the younger ages if I have to think should I have called a T? Then it's a sure fire I called a T. For varsity, i tend to be more lenient and give the team a warning. I am also going to try this year to get the captain's more involved as Tref advised.

Since the season is early, you may want to see how giving a Tech the next time this occurs changes the outcome of your experience. Then make a determination of what works for you.

[ballgame99]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

It really depends on your personality. If you do not mind saying what you need to say or you are one of those guys that is afraid you are going to offend will dictate how you handle this. Usually I am very direct with kids and do not mince words. I do not treat them as equals (which they are not) and I do not treat them like they are stupid either. Most of the time kids know exactly what they are doing and saying and if you call them on their behavior they will usually fall in line. I have several lines that I vary by a word or two that work for me, but then again they fit my personality. I would suggest you deal with players in a way that fits your personality. I also do not like to go to coaches to handle players either.

Peace

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated. Rutledge, I'm a pretty direct person and would have no problem telling a kid to watch his mouth. Being a new ref I just wasn't sure of the most appropriate way to do this. I didn't want to be out of line, and the more vet official working the game with me didn't do anything. After the game he acted all tough and said he would have T'd them if he heard it. He must be deaf because it was non-stop. I agree some strong eye contact would probably do some good, but I need a line. I'm thinking just a sweet and simple "that's enough 32" would suffice?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ballgame99

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated. Rutledge, I'm a pretty direct person and would have no problem telling a kid to watch his mouth. Being a new ref I just wasn't sure of the most appropriate way to do this. I didn't want to be out of line, and the more vet official working the game with me didn't do anything. After the game he acted all tough and said he would have T'd them if he heard it. He must be deaf because it was non-stop. I agree some strong eye contact would probably do some good, but I need a line. I'm thinking just a sweet and simple "that's enough 32" would suffice?

I have even said to players, "When you have the amount of zero's behind your name on a check, then you can talk to me that way." You would be surprised how they get the message and shut up. Or better yet, their teammates get the message and handle it. Because there always seems to be one kid that wants to act like he is grown talking to me or my partners. And I also use the FT line as a way to say things to multiple players and get the message across as well. Again not something that happen every game, but techniques that work for me and prevent further problems.

Peace

[tref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

And I also use the FT line as a way to say things to multiple players and get the message across as well.

+1

Efficient dead ball preventative officiating.