Question Number: 31864

League Specific 10/5/2017

RE: Intermediate Under 14

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31861

Having refereed AYSO for about 10 years, I understand the frustration & time pressure that a referee feels. As Referee Dawson mentioned, games are scheduled, one after the other, on the same fields. While there is a little leeway, every minute extra means that the next team gets to warm up with less time.

Nevertheless, I have never allowed a quarter (or half) to start without all teams on the field AND ready. I have never heard of any referee in our region allowing the game to start without everyone on the field. The quarter usually ends with the ball out of play, so the restart is usually a throw-in or goal kick. On rare occasions, it may be a kick-off or free kick. At this age group, at least some of the kids don't remember what the restart is and line up as if it's a kick-off. I have to remind them where the restart is & allow them to get into position.

In our region, & I believe this is true for all of AYSO, the players are reminded at each quarter break that they cannot leave the field (until substituted out). The break is only for water (on the field) & substitutions (all players in AYSO must get the opportunity to play 3 quarters, if possible). Of course, coaches are always giving instructions (lol) Also, during this time, an AR is with the team because he or she must keep track of who plays, who's goalkeeper, & who is out. When I signal that the game must resume, I do it both verbally & with a whistle & make sure that the AR's are the ones who put pressure on the coach, if necessary. If one or both sides do not have ARs, only linesmen, I make sure the linesmen hear me & tell their coaches.

If worse comes to worse & we are running out of time, I may have to shorten the half or the final quarter. These are not professional games & the player's enjoyment is more important than either the parents or coaches. Parents & coaches never keep exact time anyhow.

It seems to me that this could be a referee training issue. I would make a suggestion to Ozzie. I would go to the regional manager & tell them what happened...not as a complaint, you don't even have to mention the referee's name, but to suggest that they implement a few things, if they haven't already: 1. Make sure players don't leave the field on quarter breaks, 2. that ARs or linesmen notify coaches that it's time to retake the field, & 3. that the CR tells both teams what the restart is & that they must wait for the whistle.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Phil ,
thanks for the well reasoned & thought out input. As you say there is no reason to be at odds with coaches over such senseless antics! I hope all who read this concur and implement such conditions !

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi hills
Thanks for your contribution and advice here.
Clearly this should not happen in any game and all need to find a way to ensure that the game starts / restarts in a timely manner without the need to resort to questionable procedures.