Youth League Soccer

[IHSAref]

I am going to start refing youth league soccer in a few weeks. This is nothing major just like Under 8 and Under 6 YMCA ball. The problem is i really know nothing about soccer. Any pointers??? We have a rules meeting in a few days but i dont want to go in blind. Thanks!!

[Nevadaref]

Think safety first and help the kids have fun.

[rc4rhijos]

Ahhh...........fond memories. We all start off doing these ages.........In the eyes of the kids, you can do no wrong.

Look at it as a teaching tool.......talk to them on the field......Let them know they did a good job when they kicked the ball.......Encourage them on the field.

Most of all, have a good time and keep the kids safe. You'll do fine

[sargee7]

Watch you ankles. Your going to have so many kids all going after the ball at the same time you probably won't be able to see it. As has already been said have fun and help the kids have fun. Do learn some basic LOTG.

[ref47]

http://ussoccerstore.com/officials.html
there is a nice, cartoon rendition of the laws of soccer from ussf. the clinic you plan to attend will teach you the modifications the league has made to these.
with the u-littles, any player down is normally a stop play, check for "injury" necessity. safety first, fun second, learn about soccer - a distant third.

[refnrev]

Ah yes, the glory of the little guys and gals! U-8 and U-6. Laugh a lot, have a lot of fun, and keep them safe. If you want to practice a game beforehand, know what the game will be like, go out into a field with a lot of chickens who are all chasing one big fat June bug! That's what it will be like. Whatever you do, don't take yourself or this level too seriously!

[IHSAref]

what kind of whistle is better? Lanyard or fignertip or wrist lanyard??

[refnrev]

At the low level it doesn't matter. At higher levels I recommend the wrist lanyard or finger grip. I use the wrist lanyard because I like them. You should use whichever you like best.

[ref2coach]

We have a referee in our association whose finger grip whistle was hit by a driven ball breaking both fingers under the "finger grip".

I use a wrist lanyard, over the back of the wrist then between the middle and ring finger. This allows the whistle to be easily gripped while bringing the the whistle to my mouth. This also allows for the arm signals to be given without the whistles "dangling" or whipping around when signaling with that hand.