Question Number: 29105

League Specific 1/15/2015

RE: tier I player Under 14

Mitchell of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

Hello!
I recently turned 13 and live in vancouver canada.I play club soccer,and after one of my games was approached and asked if i wanted to ref.I do need the money to fund my trips to the movies/mall,but i am not quite sure wether it is worth it to take the abusive behavior of the teams coaches/parents.Do remember though,its not like i cant handle yelling,as i was trained in soccer by carlo corrazzin,who had 48 caps with canada and is in the mls alumni.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mitchell
While the money may seem attractive it is not a good reason to referee. The money will soon become less important. I also think that by starting refereeing too soon without the necessary life skills to deal the challenges that come the way of referees can be overwhelming and many give up before too long.
My advice to young persons is to play the game for as long as they can. If they feel that playing has become less fun or that playing is not for them then by all means consider the refereeing route.
Refereeing can do with new young referees. The challenge is to do that in way that retains them and that they are not turned off at too early an age.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Mitchell,
When I coach the select teams part of the training involves all my players taking the referee course and helping out at the grass roots level in their local community. One or two players always seemed to excel at the officiating, kind of like they had a knack for it, some tolerated it, others were not interested at all, thinking the pressure and antics of the touchlines just impossible to put up with! The one thing it did though by taking the training and getting involved they became better players and had a valuable understanding of how difficult officiating a match can be.

It improved them tactically, made them restart savvy for knowing the LOTG. Plus they could better grasp an individual referees perspective and relate to him or her as a match condition rather than get abusive when the officiating was poor.

It is likely your association has guidelines or an age restriction as to what age or level of matches you at 13 could be awarded by your assignor. The U little's mini sided games are a blast for the most part. Most of those in attendance are good people simply looking to have some fun.

I suspect you are well prepared since you have had contact with Giancarlo Corazzin he was a solid striker with good habits and not one to dive or play dirty. I recall his golden boot in 20o0 at the gold cup so you are privileged to get a good start.

Just be aware there will be the occasional nut-bag parent intent on grooming little Sally or Johnny for WC status. Over enthusiastic bombastic individuals are part and parcel of the touchline theatrics. Many are blissfully unaware of their negative impact, so sure are they of supporting their kids. Look for an association with a zero abuse tolerance .

You will learn that refereeing involves being an AR which view a match differently than the CR. The effective level of communication is the sign of how well you work together. Yet at times you may be bored ,your attention drifting and it is at these times a critical incident will occur and catch you off-guard

I often use the terms Your Match Your Decision Your Reputation in emphasising a referee's path to gaining experience. My colleague is not incorrect in warning you of the pressure placed on young referees whereby they become disenchanted and fall away from the game. Be wary of taking on too much yet rise to the challenges if your character and integrity are intact.

You are based in a city that has effective and accessible resources. You need to find a good mentor, supportive colleagues and be a member of a resourceful, dedicated Football Association that back you up, train you and guide you on your chosen path.

I have always found the political and ego sensitive associations difficult to deal with, yet without ego your competitive drive to excel can suffer. It is a balance that you seek. A focus of will, mentally sharp, good physical conditioning! Your character emphasising respect, integrity, compassion and courage. You need to develop YOUR own style and comfort levels so your officiating reflects your personality. To that end you will have to discern those who seem nice, appear knowledgeable but are not very nice and too opinionated to give good advice. While others who may seem unkind or even sarcastic but in fact are well versed in the intricacies of managing difficult situations, without coddling to those that whine about everything.

The best way to protect yourself is to attend ongoing training, talk with mentors, get assessed, always keep an open mind and ask why. Your abilities are tied in with the effort you give, the knowledge you gather, and the experience's of not only your matches but of every match, every other colleague has ever done. Learn from all! We are here to help as well.

As a point of interest it could be beneficial if you kept a diary of everything you do as a referee and see the development of a career or a learning interaction which is what life is!
Cheers
PS The financial reward can be enticing but value your integrity and remember your duty is to protect those who are under your care on the field yourself included! The game is meant to be fun never forget that even if the competitive fervour strains the boundary

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Go for it. The referee class should discuss tools you can use to deal with parents and coaches. 90 percent of them are gems. There are only a few who are jerks, and when you know how to deal with them, you can still have fun out there. Moreover, there will be adult referees and mentors who can help and protect you.

Many start for the money but most stay because they love the game.