09/04/2025
We are all getting very excited for the first games of the fall soccer league. Part of getting ready for the start of our season is recruiting and training referees. While reaching out the past couple of years, we have noticed a downward trend in the number of students willing to return to ref. While we understand that some of this is due to busier schedules as they get older, we do also know that some of it is due to them being berated by adults in past seasons.
We ask current students/soccer players to ref in our youth league for several reasons. They know the game, it is a great way to expand their knowledge of the game, and the younger kids love connecting with the older kids. Will they make mistakes as they learn and grow? Yes. No one on that field will call a perfect game and mistakes will be made. If you feel something is not being called correctly, we ask that you address it with the coach or any of the administrators after the game. Yelling at refs, especially 12-18 year olds, is not okay and will not improve the situation for anyone. This not only affects the refs, but also the players who look to the adults on how to behave.
We can only have experienced refs on the field if they return, and adults harassing them to the point of not returning will continue to have a negative impact on the quality of reffing we have in the future.
Please read the article in the link below to see how your actions can impact the refs, the teams and your children.
In the heat of competition, emotions run high. Players, coaches, and fans often find themselves frustrated with the decisions made by referees. It has become all too common to see people vent their frustrations by complaining, arguing, or even shouting at the officials. However, this behavior sets a...
