Question Number: 29084

Mechanics 1/5/2015

RE: competitive Under 9

Jason of Jupiter, Fl USA asks...

Hello, quick scenario:

Their are two teams both under 8. Team A gets a breakaway, its just one on one with the goalie until a defender from team B sprints as hard as he could and jumps on the ball with all hands and feet which in the opinion of the ref would be DOGSO.

My question-DOGSO is a red card offense, would you ever give a red card in a U8 game, if not what would you do.


Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

My approach with U8 is that the player must be sent off if the action clearly requires it under the laws of the game, but the mechanics for doing so should not be the same as with older players.

I have the player walk with me to the coach. I explain to the coach that the player has been sent off and why, and I ask the coach to explain it to the player what has happened. I then move back to the spot of the foul, move away from any players, and then raise the red card. (I used to skip this part and simply inform both coaches of the sen off, but I found it led to more confusion for the spectators.)

My view is that little kids don't need (or understand) what the cards symbolize.

Note: in most u-little matches, little presents an 'obvious' goal scoring opportunity. Nothing is a 'professional foul' and, it is rare that the match involves a truly competitive league (vs a recreational - let's have fun and learn the game - environment). Thus, it is equally rare that any event requires a sent off under the laws of the game.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jason
I adopt a lenient approach to Under 9s. Many U Littles perhaps don't understand the Law and may have an uneducated approach to the game. The laws are also highly modified such as the use of a Blue card which is a timed sin bin.
Without the Blue card facility in the scenario outlined I would ask the coach to remove the player by way of a substitution and ask him to explain the error of his ways. That allows another player to participate and it is somewhat of a sanction for the offending player.
I was once faced with two little team mates fighting during a game which was not game related and both players were removed by the coach and replaced by substitutes in what was a five a side game. It made little sense to do anything else.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jason,
first off good on you for officiating the wee ones. Quick answer sort it out with the coach, understand the local ROC = rules of competition. Know the LOTG remember, these are kids playing a game. The player requires discipline not intimidation, he requires compassion but held accountable for the actions taken.

The what we do must reflect the reasoning of why it must be done!
Even at a young age kids know right from wrong.
Kids playing a game, one young fellow has broken a law governing conduct.
Sorry mate you cannot do that, it is unfair, it is unsafe, it is in fact something for you need to feel regret for but can still be satisfied you took one for the team.

The who, when, where stuff is simply criteria based
WHY they acted in the manner they did you will set the bar of accountability.
WHAT they did is another level of responsibility.
HOW you choose to respond sends a message and forms a position from which life is teaching the player something.

If you follow this site at all you will note I often end many an explanation or answer with, Your Match, Your Decision, Your Reputation!
As a referee you will find, when you make decisions, when you apply situational awareness with your current level of thinking and application of the LOTG it all reflects in the integrity and compassion as your level of knowledge expands with experience. If you accept the accountability to have a professional attitude to be the best official YOU can be, no matter what level of play lies before you.

Jason the truth is each of us adjusts our thinking to the needs of the players for what YOU bring and for what YOU do. The coach, parents, all adults along the touchlines, the players themselves impact the character and behaviour of each participating player. They need to adjust for what THEY bring and for what THEY do! Life is not without risk, nor is meant to be fair, if it has ANY value I suggest it is the opportunity to learn. Everyone struggles with, Why am I here? The answer is to learn. Learn what? EVERYTHING!
Knowledge and wisdom are separate entities, for a collection of information means little if life was not learned by their acquisition.

You ask what I would do, I ask what did you do? What was your first thought? Were you thinking punishment or education? Were you worried for their Safety? Were you offended on behalf of Team A? Were you Impressed by player B's dedication?

The options of YOUR conduct to educate the young player's conduct is also tied to the coaches conduct who in these cases should be part of the solution. Cards are a tool for the management of an 11 aside match of football. In small sided matches the LOTG are adapted to the reality and necessity of the circumstances. Cards can be a part but are not always present and in fact different colours could appear with variations of sin bin timeouts . What is ALWAYS present is the teaching situation where ALL participants learn from their peers! To mentor examples of fair play and conduct and accountability for actions! Where the attitude and cooperation of coaches in match and player management is harnessed to the referees duty of providing a SAFE environment to play! Life has consequences, the concepts of accountability and responsibility are mere abstract thinking without implementing the cause and effect of actions .
Cheers