Question Number: 13860

Character, Attitude and Control 9/21/2006

RE: COMPETIVE Under 10

LUCY PENNINGTON of ASHVILLE, OHIO PICKAWAY asks...

WE HAVE A REF FOR OUR 9-10 YEAR OLDS. THIS REF IS ALSO ON THE BOARD, VICE PRESIDENT THIS YEAR. THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH HIM SHOWING FAVORTISIM.HE IS TRAING OTHER YOUNG GUYS HOW TO REF. THERE IS NO REASON THAT HE SHOULD EVEN REF. BUT HE WILL MAKE SURE HE REFS HIS FAMILY MEMBERS AND MAKING SURE THEY WIN OR TIE A GAME. WHEN YOU TRY TO TALK TO HIM ABOUT THIS HE WILL SAY TO US "YOU JUST CAN'T FACE LOSING" OR HE WILL TELL US "GO TO ANOTHER TOWN TO PLAY". THE PRESIDENT WILL NOT LISTEN TO US EITHER. HE STARTED USING "OFFSIDE" OUR KIDS MISSED FOUR POSSIBLE GOAL POINTS. FOUR TIMES OUR KIDS STARTED TO KICK FOUR TIMES THIS REF BLEW THE WISTLE. THE COACH ASKED HIM "WHAT ARE YOU ASKING OF MY KIDS?" ALL WE GOT WAS HE WAS KILCING OFF SIDE. THE KIDS AND TAHE COACH DIDN'T HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT. HE CAUSED A LOT OF ANGER FROM THE COACH AS WLL AS THE FANS. THE KIDS THOUGHT HE WAS JUST BEING MEAN AND DIDN'T WANT THLEM TO WIN THEIR GAME. AND THEY DIDN'T WIN. THE FORMER PRESIDENT TOLD US THAT THE REF WAS WAS CAUSING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY BEING ON THE BOARD AND REF TOO. THAT PROFESSIONALLY HE SHOULDN'T BE ON THE BOARD AND REFFERING TOO. WHAT DO THIN OF THIS PREDICAMENT?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Lucy ,
you do realize that writing text in Capitals is like screaming?
I tend to colour those with gripes about officiating as emotionaly biased as their views and needs are not the same as a referee who does not share their outlook of a match. That said it does not mean I dismiss or disbelieve what one says as the truth. I tend to at first think of it as their truth rather than the whole truth

If there are those who lack integrity then as in all those with free will who are faced with choice will eventually be called to task.

Precieved conflict by choice or accident is what one thinks based on what one sees and feels. While not always a true picture of the character of another the only way to resolve issues is to record , report and discuss!

It is a serious accusation to determine that at a YOUTH soccer match we have special interests by a referee that take away the FUN for the group. I referee and sit on soccer boards so as a conflict of interest, in my opinion no, as a single board member my vote counts as one. Yes those that sit on the board can wield influence and not all decisions made will make everyone happy.

I have refereed my own kids and had none of the issues you speak of at a recreatiional town level, IN higher level competative matches we refrain from refereeing our kids because of the percieved conflict of interest by those who see conspiracy under every rock if things do not go their way.

AS to offside criteria if you are 11 aside play then offside should apply in my opinion if you are less than 11 in mini soccer some leagues refrain from its implimentation.

Most those who volunteer their time and effort, even if they have character flaws are there to support the game and kids . If they are not and their actions bring conflict confrontation and discord then as a collective group those involved must deal with it!

Within the league bylaws they should be certain standards and means of resolving issues. There should be regular meeting where you can table issues and have them discussed hopefully in a reasonable manner free from the biased emotional needs of a match.

I often find in local soccer leagues or chapters there are very dominant individuals who by force of will do bends things to certain ways of doing things. That however is a fact of life those with desire and passion are often single minded at times to push their belief or version of the truth as they see it. If you do not see that same truth these individuals could be confrontational and irritating ! Welcome to world politics at the local level.
CHeers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I highly doubt that the referee is playing favorites at this level. My only advice would be to document specific things you see and present it to someone higher up than him.