SoCal Soccer Attitude Change

We had some pretty good refs this past weekend. First game nothing out of the ordinary at all, second game on Sunday the kids were bumping each other. Our team isn't a physical team as it has never been taught and they just came from AYSO Extra, where very little bumping goes on, but it seemed like every time two kids would bump, the other team's kid would fall and start wailing. The other coach started going off on the referees for not yellow carding. Plus they were getting most of the free kicks. This didn't stop for the whole game. We lost a couple kids to injurys, but they hobbled off the field instead of laying on the field. Then a couple of our kids got elbows to the face, including one that drew a yellow card from the other team. Of course this drew our coaches into the yelling match about clean play. Referees didn't bow to either team and the game seemed really fair.
 
Sorry just a little tired.

Like I said.

Would that be the question I answered last Wednesday at 3:17pm? You may have even liked it. You asked if I would still referee if I had to do it for free. I said yes and gave you two examples. I have also been a mentor for a youth referee from one of my LA associations, which I did that for free. I would give him my game fees from when I worked as an AR. This helped him to buy all five colors of ref shirts and a good pair of running shoes. If I am missing an AR and have to use a club linesman, a spectator, to call the ball in or out, I pay them out of my pocket. If it is a kid, I usually give them $20 - $25. Most adults will not take the cash.
 
After a game this last Sunday. The center and AR. (Had the same last name so guessingbrother
Walking to their car one of the coaches said thanks guys you did a great job I really appreciate it BUT you know I have to give you a hard time...it's my job. And my parents expect it

Really how stupid....this is why we lose some of the good young ones. FYI I thought they did a fine job...from what I saw why treat em bad during the game if you think they are doing well

A few weeks ago we watched a boys game. 15-17 yrs I would bet. Many were driving away.
The center was amazing. He was within close relation to all plays and the ball. He must have run 20 miles. And those boys are fast....both myself and my wife went out and shook his hand. He earned his money and needed to know it. He was a bit surprised but was appreciative.

So here is my note on this. When you see or get a referee that is spot on be it center or AR. Let them know
They get beat up all the time.

BTW. The boys answer to that coach was. We get paid to do our job...if yelling at us is what you think you get paid for you earned your money too...have a great day and rest if the season.
I walked by laughing more about how nice they were and honest ..kids today normally are not that
Composed. Thought they would keep walking and call him a JA
 
After a game this last Sunday. The center and AR. (Had the same last name so guessingbrother
Walking to their car one of the coaches said thanks guys you did a great job I really appreciate it BUT you know I have to give you a hard time...it's my job. And my parents expect it

Really how stupid....this is why we lose some of the good young ones. FYI I thought they did a fine job...from what I saw why treat em bad during the game if you think they are doing well

A few weeks ago we watched a boys game. 15-17 yrs I would bet. Many were driving away.
The center was amazing. He was within close relation to all plays and the ball. He must have run 20 miles. And those boys are fast....both myself and my wife went out and shook his hand. He earned his money and needed to know it. He was a bit surprised but was appreciative.

So here is my note on this. When you see or get a referee that is spot on be it center or AR. Let them know
They get beat up all the time.

BTW. The boys answer to that coach was. We get paid to do our job...if yelling at us is what you think you get paid for you earned your money too...have a great day and rest if the season.
I walked by laughing more about how nice they were and honest ..kids today normally are not that
Composed. Thought they would keep walking and call him a JA

I have had coaches tell me that. I have usually just said, "Thank you" and keep doing what I was doing. I do like the way the two referees responded. Hopefully that coach will think twice before yelling at the referees again.
 
My 13 year old son just started reffing this year. This past weekend was his first U8 competitive game after reffing about a half a dozen U6 rec games. While he is still not a grade 8, they were so desperate for refs that they used him anyway. When he showed up to the game, there was only one AR who was about the same age as my son. The two teams (Albion and Express) actually impressed me with how well they played a heads up passing game. Express had a few more coordinated kids and dominated the game. Even though his team was dominating the game, the Express coach felt some need to question many calls and non-calls, all though he was otherwise a very positive coach with his team. To his credit the Albion coach never questioned the refs and also did a good job coaching his team. Remember, this is U8 soccer. Why on earth did the Express coach even need to talk to the refs? As I said, they were desperate for refs that day. Coaches like the Express coach are part of the reason why. And for the record, I kept my mouth shut.
 
My 13 year old son just started reffing this year. This past weekend was his first U8 competitive game after reffing about a half a dozen U6 rec games. While he is still not a grade 8, they were so desperate for refs that they used him anyway. When he showed up to the game, there was only one AR who was about the same age as my son. The two teams (Albion and Express) actually impressed me with how well they played a heads up passing game. Express had a few more coordinated kids and dominated the game. Even though his team was dominating the game, the Express coach felt some need to question many calls and non-calls, all though he was otherwise a very positive coach with his team. To his credit the Albion coach never questioned the refs and also did a good job coaching his team. Remember, this is U8 soccer. Why on earth did the Express coach even need to talk to the refs? As I said, they were desperate for refs that day. Coaches like the Express coach are part of the reason why. And for the record, I kept my mouth shut.
Tell your boy to keep up the good work, and if there isn't an older referee there to deflect dumb asses like the express coach, make sure you're there to keep an eye on it. Report behavior like that to his assignor. It's absolutely uncalled for and out of line.
I hope to see your boy on a game sometime learning and growing as a referee.
 
My 13 year old son just started reffing this year. This past weekend was his first U8 competitive game after reffing about a half a dozen U6 rec games. While he is still not a grade 8, they were so desperate for refs that they used him anyway. When he showed up to the game, there was only one AR who was about the same age as my son. The two teams (Albion and Express) actually impressed me with how well they played a heads up passing game. Express had a few more coordinated kids and dominated the game. Even though his team was dominating the game, the Express coach felt some need to question many calls and non-calls, all though he was otherwise a very positive coach with his team. To his credit the Albion coach never questioned the refs and also did a good job coaching his team. Remember, this is U8 soccer. Why on earth did the Express coach even need to talk to the refs? As I said, they were desperate for refs that day. Coaches like the Express coach are part of the reason why. And for the record, I kept my mouth shut.
I didn't know you could ref a competitive game if you did not have a grade 8 card.
What's the difference between Referee Grade 9 & Referee Grade 8?
Both are entry level referee grades. Grade 9 allows you to referee ONLY recreational youth matches. Many of these games may be done at volunteer base.

Grade 8 allows you to referee all youth games, competitive and recreational. Grade 8 referees usually get paid. Both have no minimum age requirements. (Cal South
 
At least the Express coach had a nice tone of voice when he was questioning calls. My bigger concern was the example he was setting for his players. Overall he coached them well (very positive, no yelling, age appropriate tactics), but because he is probably well liked by his team they are more likely to think such behavior is acceptable. At least with the a*&hole screamer coaches most of the kids know not to emulate them. With regards to the Grade 8 issue, he has completed most of the courses. I think the choices for Presidio were to either cancel the game, or use the available referee. I would not have let him ref a high level game, but there are no high level games at U8.
 
[...] With regards to the Grade 8 issue, he has completed most of the courses. I think the choices for Presidio were to either cancel the game, or use the available referee. I would not have let him ref a high level game, but there are no high level games at U8.
Not trying to bust your kid. I've just never heard of an assignor sending someone who does not have current Grade 8 license. Managers and coaches are instructed (ad nauseum by Presidio) to confirm that at least center has current ID card before game, and if not to contact the league president. Was he an AR or center?

Presidio is cracking down on teams re-scheduling, no confirmed licensed referee, etc. I am glad they let them play, just confirming the protocol as I believe home team obligated to supply referees.

Of course, at U8 no one should care.
 
Tell your boy to keep up the good work, and if there isn't an older referee there to deflect dumb asses like the express coach, make sure you're there to keep an eye on it. Report behavior like that to his assignor. It's absolutely uncalled for and out of line.
I hope to see your boy on a game sometime learning and growing as a referee.
At least the Express coach had a nice tone of voice when he was questioning calls. My bigger concern was the example he was setting for his players. Overall he coached them well (very positive, no yelling, age appropriate tactics), but because he is probably well liked by his team they are more likely to think such behavior is acceptable. At least with the a*&hole screamer coaches most of the kids know not to emulate them. With regards to the Grade 8 issue, he has completed most of the courses. I think the choices for Presidio were to either cancel the game, or use the available referee. I would not have let him ref a high level game, but there are no high level games at U8.
If the coach is questioning calls in a nice tone, why are you concerned? Speaking of setting examples, if you let your kid ref without proper license, what example are you setting?
 
My 13 year old son just started reffing this year. This past weekend was his first U8 competitive game after reffing about a half a dozen U6 rec games. While he is still not a grade 8, they were so desperate for refs that they used him anyway. When he showed up to the game, there was only one AR who was about the same age as my son. The two teams (Albion and Express) actually impressed me with how well they played a heads up passing game. Express had a few more coordinated kids and dominated the game. Even though his team was dominating the game, the Express coach felt some need to question many calls and non-calls, all though he was otherwise a very positive coach with his team. To his credit the Albion coach never questioned the refs and also did a good job coaching his team. Remember, this is U8 soccer. Why on earth did the Express coach even need to talk to the refs? As I said, they were desperate for refs that day. Coaches like the Express coach are part of the reason why. And for the record, I kept my mouth shut.

Because the Express coach was evidently a f'ing moron. You should have video taped the moron and sent it into the league and ref assoc. Presidio is good about protecting the youth referees and would have suspended te moron. Tell him to stick with it.
 
Because the Express coach was evidently a f'ing moron. You should have video taped the moron and sent it into the league and ref assoc. Presidio is good about protecting the youth referees and would have suspended te moron. Tell him to stick with it.

Interesting, i am not associated w express and don't know anything about that particular match, but why is express coach "f moron"? Coaches regularly interact with refs during the game, asking for explanations on certain calls or questioning certain calls...its funny when the protected class lashes out, but when people raise issues about the quality of refereeing some are too quick to play the role of perennial victims. I grew up in Europe and our refs earned their respect with knowledge and authority, what i have seen in the last four years (U8-12 boys soccer scdsl/coast) is ridiculous, I even took my father in law who was second division ref in Yugoslavia to some of my son's matches and he could not believe how low the quality of officiating is at the U9/10/11 level...there is lots of talk about regulative body that sanctions the refs, how is moving awful ref from officiating lets say U16 games down to U10 beneficial? In these four years i only witnessed a few great officials in the gaming circuit where my son played, i wish there is more of them...
 
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