A message from the Region Referee Administrator to our coaches:
We need your help to improve the game environment so that adults and youth will feel comfortable volunteering their time to become referees for your games. Here is some advice one referee instructor passed on to his coaches.
Below is a list of things to keep in mind once the season’s games begin:
1. Referees like to have fun too. AYSO is about everyone enjoying themselves including the referees. If a referee has fun at your game, then they will sign up to do more of them. Everyone needs to work together to be respectful of one another and to appreciate the efforts each person brings to the program to make it enjoyable for all involved – especially the kids.
2. Treat the officials with respect (this is in the Laws of the Game). All officials make mistakes. All humans make mistakes. Let the officials be human and learn from their mistakes. Most times they know when they have made a mistake and try to improve. The referee may be wrong, but not as often as you are? Have you ever seen a referee change his mind because a coach or parent shouted at him or her? You will probably find that the referee made as many mistakes against the other team as with your team. It all balances out. If you watched the World Cup Tournament you probably saw the mistakes highly paid world class referees made.
3. Leave the game on the field. When the game is over, no amount of comment, question or discussion with the players, officials or coaches can change the outcome.
4. Keep the game fun. Winning is more fun than losing, but each player should enjoy playing because they love the game. Some players dread it when their coach or parents start shouting at the referee. Remember that this is recreational league soccer and is designed for everyone to have fun.
5. Think about your favorite sport. Would you enjoy it and continue with it if people yelled at you each time you made a mistake? That is what happens with some of the referees, especially youth referees. Many referees quit and many people refuse to become referees because of the ridicule referees receive.
6. How should coaches communicate concerns about a referee? It is understandable and human nature for coaches and parents to get consumed with emotions in the heat of competition, but it is important to remember to never yell at a referee during or after a game. Always be sure to thank the referees after each game and let them know that their efforts are appreciated. The appropriate way to express any substantial concerns you may have about is sending an email to the Region Referee Administrator describing which law of the game the referee was not following. The Referee Administrator will then provide additional training to the referee. Referees do want to better their game and want feedback on how to improve but this is best done in a neutral and calm setting with the Referee Administrator.
7. How should referees communicate concerns about a coach? If there is one word for referees to remember this season it is “de-escalate”. It can be difficult at times, but it is the referees’ job to de-escalate a volatile situation by remaining calm and not participating in arguments with parents or coaches. If a referee observes a coach or parent that has exhibited behavior that is inappropriate for the program, then that referee can reach out to or send an email to the Coach Administrator describing the inappropriate behavior.
With all of that said, we will not tolerate any abuse of the referees. NONE!! If you need and want a referee for your games let them have fun too and they will be happy to sign up to referee your games.
Region 1370 Referee Administrator