Question Number: 25491

Law 5 - The Referee 9/24/2011

RE: club Under 13

kat owen of san diego, ca usa asks...

Hello all, we seem to notice a trend in new
(or seemingly new because of the youthful appearance)refs. who seem to be very careless about the game of soccer. We realize there is a shortage of refs. I am considering becoming one myself. But, several we have witnessed have seemed to come to the game only to collect a paycheck. Standing in the middle of the circle refusing to move around, missing major calls, refusing to use the whistle, not watching the game appears as severe laziness. Could these youngsters be merely collecting a pay check? They do not have to care about a game- and there is NO ONE
watching them, they have a 'God card' if you will, to make calls as they please. This is not right. Do they have a boss?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kat
Every referee is subject to ongoing assessment and training. It is a pyramid structure with all of the new referees starting at the lowest level and working up through the pyramid gaining invaluable experience as they progress. And yes there is a local assessor whose role it is to ensure that referees officiate in a professional manner.
Whether we like it or not these 'new' refs cut their teeth at underage games and it does take some time for them to be trained to an acceptable standard.
I might add that the fee structure is also graded so that underage is the least attractive in financial terms and if they are in it solely for the money they will soon leave. I continue to do underage after many many years and the match fee is not even minimum wage.
I would encourage you to take up officiating. The game has a shortage worldwide and new referees are always very welcome.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The only way any referee can get a game to work is if he or she is assigned one by the referee assignor. Every league has a referee assignor. If you have a complaint that's where you need to go.

Could these referees just be collecting a paycheck. Sure but it's just as likely the young referees are getting no practical training or mentoring, which is a shame. Referees are not paid a great deal from an adult standpoint and the lower the age group the lower the pay. Consequently many adults do not want to work lower ages groups like yours. Also, there is nowhere for young referees to get experience other than the lower age groups.

But you have a good solution. Come join us! I didn't realize I knew very little about soccer until I became a certified referee. It's enlightening and fun, and you do get paid.