How much dissent should we allow?

[empearson]

I don't have a theory of dissent to offer, merely my experience. Perhaps it's because I'm in the rural South or perhaps because soccer remains relatively new here, but I don't find dissent in the U-ll - Varsity High School age group to be a serious problem. I work very hard to be in position, and the kids and fans can see that. I try to have a complete knowledge of the LOTG so that I can offer an immediate explanation to the coach/parent/player at half or after the game. Those two elements seem to quell most problems. Otherwise if the dissent is public-- that is, I heard it and at least one other player heard it-- then I pull a card immediately. That's the end of the problem for that game. And often I can't help but laugh a little as I do so-- most dissent is silly and uninformed. I don't take it personally, but I won't let them disrespect the game, so in high school off they go to think about it. The last time that happened, a couple of weeks ago, the player came to me at half and apologized.

I suppose in more soccer-savvy areas and in other regions refs may have to deal with this problem more often.