Question Number: 18479

League Specific 3/5/2008

RE: Travel Other

Fred Landau of Harrisburg, PA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 18460

In our local Youth Travel League, if the assigned referee is a no show, the match must still be played. The League Rule for selecting a referee in that situation is First, a Certified referee not associated with either team; Second, a Certified referee even if associated with one of the teams; and Third, a volunteer who is not certified.

As a result of the above, I have ended up officiating a match involving one of my sons on 9 or 10 occassions over the past 15 years. It is never easy. I find that I am always overly concerned about even perceived bias. I second guess myself particularly about non-calls involving the actions of the other team. I have to work hard not to hold my child to a higher standard than the other players on both teams.

However, I've viewed the alternative. The year before I started refereeing I watched an uncertified volunteer try to officiate a U 13 boys match. The play became ugly as both sides quickly learned that he did not know what he was doing or how to deal with foul play. Three or four players were carried off the field with injuries. The coaches stopped the match part way through the 2nd half and the poor volunteer was being screamed at by parents from both teams.

The only solution...Recruit, Train and Retain more referees.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Fred,
I can empathize with you somewhat I had three one daughter and two sons. To be honest I had an easier time then many for my attitude was that any game demanded the same principles applied. The discomfort I had was more in not paying closer attention to my offsprings overall play. I always asked their permission and frequently they would offer my services if they knew I was there and there was a shortage or a problem. I often coached them as well adding to the issues of time and being present at each match. I once refereed our travel team at an out of town tournament and on one occassion I coached them at the same time when the opposing coach begged me to as no one else was available. I did not really want to but sort of felt pressured to do so. There was no problem with the game or the spectators and I had a good ast coach to fill in. Lots of positve feedback but felt it was not in the interest of my team do it again!
We need to remember that it is a game played for fun but when competative juices are running the fun because more like fume if things are not as we might like!
cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

My sons hated when it I was forced into refereeing one of their matches, I taught them all the foul play I got away with when I played and they couldn't use it when I did the match. If they did, well it cost them beyond what it would have if another referee was on the match because I knew exactly what, why and how much force was actually used to execute whatever it was they tried. No fun for them... Sometimes they took a ride on the red sled because I knew EXACTLY what they were doing and it was sending-off material.

This should be a wake-up call to all referees, players are going to do whatever you let them do. Make sure you keep your standards high and force them to use a better quality foul play than you can recognize. If they're that good at it then you, referee, better improve your foul recognition...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

First, let me say I think your Travel League's rule is insane. Far better to replay the game at a different time than have a non-certified person try to control travel caliber players. The incident you tell us about exemplifies this. Given your choices, your jumping in and officiating your children's games makes more sense although I'm on record saying I'd never referee one of my kid's matches. I suppose I should not say "never" because given your choices I'd probably jump in also