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Post by spectator on Oct 20, 2013 11:53:25 GMT -5
My daughter and many of her teammates have expressed an interest in getting certified to referee. It involves a two day all day class and an investment for the training and gear. For a young teen who plays and knows the game, it's a good way to earn some cash. Once certified, the girls could be center ref for any Rec or Acdemy up through U12 8v8 games and AR for up to U14 11v11 games.
At least that's the up side.
The down side - parents on the sidelines. I've seen too many games over the past year or so where parents literally bully and berate the referee or AR. There's also an article on GA Soccer that states most referees quit after their first year and in GA less than 600 current refs have over 4 years experience - reason sited - parents on the sidelines.
So - fellow soccer parents, would you want your teen to be a referee in GA? Maybe that's what we all need to think about before criticizing any referees - that could be your kid out there.
And yes, she's taking the class with her teammates - she knows what to expect.
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Post by dreaddy on Oct 20, 2013 20:18:00 GMT -5
So - fellow soccer parents, would you want your teen to be a referee in GA? Maybe that's what we all need to think about before criticizing any referees - that could be your kid out there. That is so true! I would be willing to bet that the worst parents would go berserk if someone shouted at their child the way they shout at referees. I hope your daughter will find the joy of refereeing. It can be fun, but that doesn't happen right away. Just like a player takes time to develop the skills needed to play well, a referee needs the time to learn her skills as well. One piece of advise - ask her to take every game she does seriously, no matter what the level. That will go a long way to keeping the crazy parents off of her. It's not foolproof because there those parents who can never be satisfied, but it will help. Take this from one of the 600 who has been an active referee for over 4 years (over 30 years, in fact). |
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Post by silverback on Oct 21, 2013 7:15:38 GMT -5
Being a ref is a great way to earn money, shows the kids the other side of the game and maybe/hopefully they learn to appreciate the role of the ref. It certainly helped my kids and gave them a new perspective and respect for Refs. When you first get your license (L9), you typically ref younger age groups like U5-U8 at the Rec level, so you don't have to deal with as many pyscho parents (usually). There are also other options like the Y leagues. My kids ref Y leagues game and make more money per game than at our club, but they typically don't get as many games per weekend. Also, the parents and coaches are much more reserved as the games are not as competitive.
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Post by zizou on Oct 21, 2013 22:25:37 GMT -5
No. Not given the way things are now. Clubs could fix this immediately by imposing a zero tolerance policy. Some sideline observer screams at official and they are gone.
You would think some of these folks would at least be embarrassed for their kids given the way they behave. What are they teaching their children about attitudes toward authority figures?
I have seen some really poor officiating. As well as some outstanding officiating. Sometimes on the same day in consecutive matches. The times poor officiating becomes a safety issue someone needs to summon a club representative immediately. There could be a coaches option just like in tennis that if there are serious officiating concerns the coach can request the match be paused until an impartial observer is summoned to monitor the situation. When there is really good officiating it should be acknowledged in some public fashion. I have thought about having our kids get a good official to turn toward our sideline after a match so we could give them a hand.
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Post by jack4343 on Oct 22, 2013 6:34:41 GMT -5
I have searched out a ref after a game to thank them as I know that it's a rough job, pays little and you open yourself up to all kinds of abuse. Mostly by parents but also even the players and coaches. Being a ref is not for everyone. One that is easily intimidated or easily swayed by people that object should not be refs. It takes a certain type of person to be it. I'm not thick-skinned enough to be one but my wife could be. She'd have all the parents sitting in their cars in a split-second. LOL She's even went after parents on our own team that get overly unruly. My Mom would too. My 77 year old mother last year went up to a Dad that was coaching non-stop and said "Maybe you should go on the other side of the field with the other coaches?" Needless to say, when a 4 foot 9 old lady dresses you down on the sideline, you shut up. Back on topic, no I wouldn't want my kid to be a ref but if they loved the game so much that they wanted to do it to earn extra money then why not? Doubt I'd go to any of the games she worked though as I doubt I could take the abuse she might get thrown her way.
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Post by spectator on Oct 22, 2013 11:08:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the responses. She is definitely taking the class and wants to work with younger kids. We will see how it goes.
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Post by TheMadOx on Oct 22, 2013 15:35:18 GMT -5
I would, just prepare them for the worst. Learn to filter out sideline noise and focus on players. It's tough to do at times.
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