Question Number: 25717

Law 5 - The Referee 11/7/2011

RE: Select Under 12

Dean Astumian of Orono, Maine USA asks...

Is there anything parents or coaches can do during a game about a referee that refuses to referee. There was a game two years ago (U10 tournament game) in which the single referee never left the center circle and attempted to view the entire game from midfield. It appeared that nothing whatsoever could induce her to put in the effort necessary to call a foul on either side, and the game progressed toward a free for all, with players on both sides pushing and shoving each other in a game bearing no resemblance to soccer, and becoming more and more dangerous.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dean
Referees are subject to ongoing assessment and training. In addition certain referees licenses are renewed annually on the basis of passing certain tests including written and physical tests.
Like all walks of life there are varied styles and abilities. In addition like everyone else referees have good and bad days plus a long tournament can take its toll including perhaps being constantly shouted at by irate spectators.
In general if someone has an issue with a referees performance the matter can be raised formally by a club with the referee assignor at the tournament or the assignor in an area. Those reports are treated seriously and the referee's match performance will be reviewed usually by observing games with advice and learning points given.
The ultimate sanction for a referee is that he/she loses his/her license. No one wants that to happen yet if performances continue to be poor with a risk to safety then that may have to happen.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Still obsessing about a game that was played 2 years ago? It must have been one poor referee.

Some tournaments have horrible working conditions for referees. Think of the toll on the players doing 3 or 4 games in the weekend, and then possibly a knockout round in addition. The referee does 3 or 4 games on Saturday morning alone. That doesn't excuse the referee from making an effort, but it does explain why some referees might not have the stamina to keep up with play the whole weekend.

It's too late now, but you should have had your coach talk with the tournament organizers. Make it clear that the team won't be returning if the quality of referees doesn't meet your satisfaction.

In a league game, there is usually a line of command where referee performance can be reported. If enough complaints get filed, the referee organization will schedule some additional training or observe the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes! First option: become a referee! Second option: protect the teenagers who are doing your child's matches from any unkind word from parents and coaches.

The truth is that many of us became referees because of what we saw that was happening at our kid's matches. We need more people who know and love the game to take up the whistle.

There is a shortage of young, fit people willing to be yelled at, cursed, and treated with disrespect. About 1/3 find another job each year. They never get the experience needed to be a fine referee. This results in an increasingly older, less fit, pool of experienced referees every year.