|
|
Post by defensewins on Oct 1, 2013 8:19:38 GMT -5
How old does one have to be to be a referee? Is there a rule here?
For the last couple of weekends, our academy teams (U12 Girls) have had what seems to be very young crews. Sunday, the center ref looked like he was at most 14 and the line refs may have been younger. I realize looks can be deceiving, but the boys seemed very "green" and timid. It didn't help that about half the girls playing were taller than they were.
This would normally be ok, but the calls were very inconsistent. It seems the younger refs seem to cave more to the parents that are yelling the loudest at the time (from my point of view anyway).
Maybe we've just had some new guys out there - just curious if there is an age requirement.
|
|
|
|
Post by spectator on Oct 1, 2013 8:54:16 GMT -5
Up through Academy, a ref can be as young as 13 and be center ref although typically clubs try to have an adult at center. There's a shortage of referees so the younger ages tend to get the younger less experienced refs.
However all refs have to take the certification so they are knowledgeable and human Even the more experienced referees will miss a call or offsides. Give the younger ones a break - Academy really doesn't "count" - meaning you aren't vying for a RPL spot or State Cup Title. Don't be the psycho parent who yells at the young refs. (Because that could be my kid out there. It's a great first job for teens)
|
|
|
|
Post by defensewins on Oct 1, 2013 8:57:46 GMT -5
The parents weren't yelling any more than normal. I thought the crowd was fairly tame. The game was very physical and his foul calls were very inconsistent. It was so bad that at one point he called a foul (that seemed obvious to all of us) and our player had to ask him who it was on. It would have been nice to have someone experienced there watching.
I understand that Academy doesn't "count" officially. But to the kids it counts. I was simply asking a question.
Sorry if I offended.
|
|
|
|
Post by reinalocura on Oct 1, 2013 9:07:45 GMT -5
Youngest age to be a referee is 12.
|
|
|
|
Post by jash on Oct 1, 2013 9:31:14 GMT -5
The parents weren't yelling any more than normal. I thought the crowd was fairly tame. The game was very physical and his foul calls were very inconsistent. It was so bad that at one point he called a foul (that seemed obvious to all of us) and our player had to ask him who it was on. It would have been nice to have someone experienced there watching. I understand that Academy doesn't "count" officially. But to the kids it counts. I was simply asking a question. Sorry if I offended. There could easily have been someone watching. When they do they won't step in and take over in the middle of a game, of course, but can take notes and instruct during halftime and after the game. Academy (and apparently U12 especially) is a great training grounds for upcoming referees. |
|
|
|
Post by zizou on Oct 1, 2013 13:47:29 GMT -5
Yea, saw a full crew of 12 year old boys working a U11G game a few weeks ago. They did a nice job despite getting screamed at by parents (there is a difference between being in an offside position and actually being offside, and it seemed to me the kid refs were correct) and a coach. I did not see what happened but the coach was over the line regardless; too bad, terrible lesson for kids.
Refs are part of the field of play. Can't fix an uneven pitch, and it would look silly to yell at the turf if the ball gets away from my kid because it hits a divot. Things happen fast. Hard to see everything. Even the top level officials in top level leagues look like they screw things up all the time. I certainly appreciate that it is hard to understand apparent inconsistencies but a lot about soccer is subjective, including officiating. That is not an easy job out there.
|
|
|
|
Post by spectator on Oct 1, 2013 21:16:13 GMT -5
The parents weren't yelling any more than normal. I thought the crowd was fairly tame. The game was very physical and his foul calls were very inconsistent. It was so bad that at one point he called a foul (that seemed obvious to all of us) and our player had to ask him who it was on. It would have been nice to have someone experienced there watching. I understand that Academy doesn't "count" officially. But to the kids it counts. I was simply asking a question. Sorry if I offended. Not offended at all One thing you can do is find another ref or at tournaments the ref coordinator and request the young ref be watched. We had a young ref replaced at a tournament for not calling fouls because the players were going to get hurt. He was too inexperienced to be center and was replaced at the half Player safety trumps everything but you can take official measures by having the ref monitored |
|
|
|
Post by oldoldsocceradmin on Oct 1, 2013 23:55:59 GMT -5
There is no minimum age for a young person to become a referee. The prospective referee just has to sit through the course and pass the test. There are USSF rules about what grade 9 referees can officiate (cannot be the Referee for any select, including Academy, game and they can be a referee for recreational games up to U14 and Assistant Referees on any game up to and including U14).
Referees are all novices when they begin. It doesn't help them to scream and yell and taunt. It does explain help explain why there is a turnover of 35% of referees each year.
Lastly, just three weeks ago a 15 year old referee in metro-Atlanta was approached by an irate mom after a game. She screamed obscenities at the referee and ended the confrontation with a two-handed push to his chest. This type of action CANNOT be tolerated and there is simply no time that it should be considered acceptable.
|
|
