do i personally? a yellow card is one tool that can be used to control behavior in a game. with younger players, most of the time some stern language and the fact that you let them know you're watching is going to be enough..... for me that is. I'm a large old man, sort of intimidating without trying. if that doesn't get their attention, than yes, a card can be effective, but not always. i don't do many youngers anymore, because i have enough experience to do the older games, and that's where the experienced referees are needed more.
First of all, thank you for being a referee - I realize that it can be a thankless job much of the time, but there are those of us that do realize the game at the youth level can't survive without you.
I will try to do my best not to offend you - but my opinion on this discussion is pretty solid and I can't see anyone being able to sway me to the other side.
I am a firm believer that the referee and the referee alone is responsible for the way in which a match is played. Yes, I realize that managers, players and parents all play a role, but in the end, the referee has all the power to change a match before it gets out of hand. Now, there might need to be a conversation about whether or not many referees can recognize a game getting out of hand, especially if they have never played, but lets's leave that conversation for another day.
If you don't mind - I have a few questions. I would really appreciate it if you could shed some light on your thoughts.
1) Do you call a U11 game any differently than you do a U17 game? If so, how?
2) Do you use the same criteria for a caution and a sending off in the younger age groups as you do the older age groups?
3) How often do you find yourself bringing both captains in for a quick chat when you see a match moving the wrong direction? What about your fellow referees?
4) How many times do you bring both coaches together for a quick chat when you see a match moving the wrong direction?
Hopefully, I can better understand where a ref is coming from based on your response.