Question Number: 15017

Other 3/21/2007

RE: Co-Rec Adult

Bob Roach of Charlottesville, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14997

I agree with both Refs Fleischer and Contarino in their responses to 14997. As I mentioned, I did not become a ref until after this incident, and while it seemed like the right thing to do at the time, I realize it was not.

I think Ref Contarino made a good point and if my memory serves me correctly (old fart disease is starting to set in) the young lady's action was simply a reflexive one and not intentional. I certainly could have approached it differently.

I sometimes cringe at the things I did and said before becoming a ref. I hope that I have not scarred any players I coached or refs I questioned before that time. I can only try to do my best now when on the field.

As always, thanks for a great resource.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

You'll find coaching is a lot easier now, playing too -- what, with the vow of silence you've sworn...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Thank you for the comments. I am sure the other panel referees thank you too.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Bob. I was as brain dead as any youth soccer coach before I became a referee. I cringe at the things I said which, in retrospect, only showed my obvious ignorance. Those of us that did not grow up with soccer have a hard time appreciating what makes this sport different from all the rest. Thanks for your comments and look forward to hearing from you soon.