young players

[Foulplay]

This Fall will be my first season officiating soccer and I am sure I will be calling many games for real young players. At what age do players graduate from the "swarm" (playing like a beehive)? Did you start out with those kinds of games?

[Greyhound]

My first games were as a non-registered official as an iron-man(single official) referee. I then spent about three months doing AR only duty in a mens division one amatuer league in DC until I could get my badge(about 5 years ago)Directly after getting certified I took assignments as a center in mens amatuer matches at various levels.......So I never really did much youth. It was a great was to learn the game fast. Im not saying I didnt make dumb mistakes the first year or so(or yesterday for that matter) but I dont think you gain much from staying at the U10 and under level for long. It helped that I had played at a reletively high level before becoming a reff. Take as high level games as you feel comfortable with as soon as you can. Good luck.

[drinkeii]

I found that the players who were around the age of 12 or so seem to be the ones who stop swarming, to answer your question.

On a side note, I think at this point, I much more enjoy reffing the younger kids (middle school age), because they are willing to learn, and most of the time, not out for blood. I find that the high school kids are very serious, and win-win-win... not a bad attitude necessarily, but it takes a lot of the "fun" out of the game. And they certainly argue more than the MS kids... they seem to want to have fun.

[grizzlierbear]

It would help if we knew your background in football. By your comments, I infer you are new to soccer in general. Is that a correct assumption?
Why did you become involved? Are you a former player? Are you involved as a parent?
As Greyhound suggested, your knowledge of player management or mastery of the laws is not likely to escalate at mini soccer but much enjoyment is to be had if you simply allow them to have fun. The swarming you refer to is a by-product of the u-8 level and lower. Once 11-aside soccer is initiated things begin to spread out as their understanding of the game increases. However, depending on the caliber of coaching and the level of play, youth can remain swarming until u-12 or beyond.
I am fortunate to referee at many levels within a given week. I remain challenged by the pace and intensity of adult or select play. As your confidence increases you may relish the gamesmanship of the older youth and adults where your talents will be tested and your abilities to discern the spirit and intent pushed to the limit. Yet,the youth can offer you a chance to be active in the promotion of fairplay and conduct on the field by fostering an atmosphere of fun and a love of the game. Fun, safety, genuine concerns and respect for all players is for all levels not just youth. Your difficulties will more than likely come from the sidelines rather than the field of play at the lower youth level.
In terms of the youth, I believe in a teaching approach to refereeing rather than a strong silent sentinel style. The only consideration in this approach is not to focus attention on you and take it away from the kids.
It is important to our young players that we show them respect and value for their efforts. In striving to present the game in a fun and rewarding atmosphere (particularly at the youth level) a referee's code of conduct will enhance or decrease the odds of this happening.
Many referees show up late, just before or even after kick-off or improperly attired as if to say this game is of little consequence. Not to overstate pomp and ceremony, but in my modest opinion we should try diligently not to let this happen. Circumstances have occasionally prevented me from being on time, work commitments, family matters, car troubles, etc. I have been asked to referee while standing on the TouchLine as a spectator so my attire on these occasions is less than stellar. However, I always apologize to the teams if this occurs and ask them to forgive my indiscretion.
While I am not shy about addressing the spectators, parents and fans as to their role in this fun game I humbly recognize the know it all approach isn't one likely to curry favour with your peers or the players. I often ask the spectators and fans to help me decide a player from each team that best exemplifies the spirit of hard work and fairplay. At match end, this has been a very positive influence as we are busy focusing on the real important issue, the players. In youth matches, where ego and pride are the only vices since money is not yet involved the central issue remains this game is for fun and it is for their benefit not anyone else's.
In Canada, we often referee the recreational leagues without assistant referees. Positioning differences by a referee in the absence of assistants can prove to be a daunting task, as the stamina and fitness required with the adults and older youth pushes this old guy to some serious heavy breathing. I am a firm believer in being close to the play to better gauge the intent. Experience and perception leads to anticipation of ball and player movement. Visual and verbal clues of a players actions and intent are often far easier to ascertain if you are within range to observe. I am not implying that the ball should hit you as in active play but it is a far shrewder referee than I who can call fouls from 30+ yards away. If you can achieve a balance, let me know I have yet to perfect it.
I have often in my exuberance high fived the keeper after a solid save, actually explained why I called a foul or blown the whistle. Yell, "Well in lad or lassie" after a good clean tackle. Often when I offer advice to youth at any age it is to correct or instill a good habit or at least what I personally consider a positive comment.
I will often in my pre game talks explain to each team what it is I expect from them and in turn what they can expect from me. If you are interested contact me personally and I will send you a summary of an approach that I use with a great deal of success. Best of Luck to you.

[Foulplay]

Thanks for all the replies and advice! I am currently a basketball referee but it has been so long since I attended a youth soccer game. I will be sure to keep your suggestions in mind this fall!

John in TN

[Greyhound]

Grizzly,
You do sound like you have a great attitude. I wish I liked youth as much as you. Cheers!