Easing the referee crisis

[Guest]

Since it didn't attract any serious replies in the Copa Surf thread - isn't there some way to ease the referee crisis? Without referees, we can't have the best competitive matches.

The idea that a flat fee across all weather and types of games and locations, unchanged for years, is enough to make the system work seems just insane. It isn't hard to imagine a couple changes to provide better incentives for weather and distance. And what about experience? At a couple bucks per player more for certain games, it's well worth the cost.

While we're at it, let's improve the quality of refereeing.

I agree that some parents can't behave themselves with refs but I don't see that much in our club matches, and none from our club parents. But on the other hand, I've never seen a ref have a word with a coach to have a word with the parent. Some clubs are spreading the word, but not in any focused way that is getting attention. Refs and clubs can't just do nothing and expect anything but that it gets worse.

The same is true with the players and teams that seem determined to send the other team's players home in an ambulance. A few refs manage that. Most don't. It's not that hard, and it is the ref's job.

[Guest]

Since it didn't attract any serious replies in the Copa Surf thread - isn't there some way to ease the referee crisis? Without referees, we can't have the best competitive matches.

The idea that a flat fee across all weather and types of games and locations, unchanged for years, is enough to make the system work seems just insane. It isn't hard to imagine a couple changes to provide better incentives for weather and distance. And what about experience? At a couple bucks per player more for certain games, it's well worth the cost.

While we're at it, let's improve the quality of refereeing.

I agree that some parents can't behave themselves with refs but I don't see that much in our club matches, and none from our club parents. But on the other hand, I've never seen a ref have a word with a coach to have a word with the parent. Some clubs are spreading the word, but not in any focused way that is getting attention. Refs and clubs can't just do nothing and expect anything but that it gets worse.

The same is true with the players and teams that seem determined to send the other team's players home in an ambulance. A few refs manage that. Most don't. It's not that hard, and it is the ref's job.

Yes, bar parents from games and automatic red card for coaches that chastise a ref. Next problem that needs addressing.

[Guest]

Since it didn't attract any serious replies in the Copa Surf thread - isn't there some way to ease the referee crisis? Without referees, we can't have the best competitive matches.

The idea that a flat fee across all weather and types of games and locations, unchanged for years, is enough to make the system work seems just insane. It isn't hard to imagine a couple changes to provide better incentives for weather and distance. And what about experience? At a couple bucks per player more for certain games, it's well worth the cost.

While we're at it, let's improve the quality of refereeing.

I agree that some parents can't behave themselves with refs but I don't see that much in our club matches, and none from our club parents. But on the other hand, I've never seen a ref have a word with a coach to have a word with the parent. Some clubs are spreading the word, but not in any focused way that is getting attention. Refs and clubs can't just do nothing and expect anything but that it gets worse.

The same is true with the players and teams that seem determined to send the other team's players home in an ambulance. A few refs manage that. Most don't. It's not that hard, and it is the ref's job.

I for one would like to see refs get more training in sensitivity....many have thin skin, most of the time the heckling is minimal yet these p-ssy refs get their feelings hurt....FK your feelings and ignore the bs comments from the sidelines....do the best you can and call the game fairly....that would be enough for me....just please mr. referee, quit your belly aching.

[Guest]

My d is a referee, I’ve actually decided to referee too because I’m there anyway! Parents suck but honestly, the worst part is the constant recertifications, field days, tests, fees, scheduling…it’s such a pain. Hardly worth the money. I can handle the criticism but the hoops we are required to jump through is enough to throw in the towel.

[Guest]

I for one would like to see refs get more training in sensitivity....many have thin skin, most of the time the heckling is minimal yet these p-ssy refs get their feelings hurt....FK your feelings and ignore the bs comments from the sidelines....do the best you can and call the game fairly....that would be enough for me....just please mr. referee, quit your belly aching.

Ban this person from any games, and probably his kid because chances are the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

For something that can actually be done -

1. you have to pay more. Gas is going to be $6/gallon by Summer so unless the ref is working the same location the entire day and lives close to it their profits will be eaten away driving around.
2. Get control of your end of things enough that the ref doesn't have to give himself a pep-talk just to get out of the car and walk onto the field (or pitch I guess). What does this mean? If your team's parents, players, or coaching staff is doing a lot of squaking then they get ejected from the facility. Asking for clarification on a call etc isn't what I'm talking about, constant feedback about how the ref is performing is not needed.
3. More free ref certification classes all around the state. You need to get some younger kids into the job but the more younger folks you have out there the more #2 has to be done.

[Guest]

Referees complaining about making $40-$50 an hour (9v9) game. Whilst being totally incompetent and only having to do 1 certification.

[Guest]

The crisis in refereeing is not caused by low pay, or lack of education/certification/training, nor by gas prices. There is only one reason why we are in this situation... both coaches and parents who address referees in an aggressive manner, verbally abusing them, and sometimes to the point of physically threatening them. Until these coaches are eliminated form the sidelines and parents educated properly, the shortage situation will not change and in fact it will get worse as older referees retire and not enough new ones sign up.

[Guest]

Referees complaining about making $40-$50 an hour (9v9) game. Whilst being totally incompetent and only having to do 1 certification.

No all get paid that much (depends on the level) and they have no control over the training (it's whatever is provided). Less training means they have less confidence. When my oldest trained they had a mentor who they worked with for a few games to build confidence, could ask questions etc. Five years later my youngest was thrown into a game straightaway with two other young teens who also lacked experience.

Then there's the "is the harassment worth it?" piece, abuse that comes from both parents and coaches. How long would you stay at a job where you got yelled at frequently?

[Guest]

I for one would like to see refs get more training in sensitivity....many have thin skin, most of the time the heckling is minimal yet these p-ssy refs get their feelings hurt....FK your feelings and ignore the bs comments from the sidelines....do the best you can and call the game fairly....that would be enough for me....just please mr. referee, quit your belly aching.

says the guy who yells at refs

[Guest]

Yes, bar parents from games and automatic red card for coaches that chastise a ref. Next problem that needs addressing.

Coaches are part of the problem not just with their own yelling but more so not taking charge of the parents. It may not be possible to do it during the game, but bad parents need to be reigned in. Clubs need to give them a a warning them boot them if they can't stop. I've seen it work.

[Guest]

Since it didn't attract any serious replies in the Copa Surf thread - isn't there some way to ease the referee crisis? Without referees, we can't have the best competitive matches.

The idea that a flat fee across all weather and types of games and locations, unchanged for years, is enough to make the system work seems just insane. It isn't hard to imagine a couple changes to provide better incentives for weather and distance. And what about experience? At a couple bucks per player more for certain games, it's well worth the cost.

While we're at it, let's improve the quality of refereeing.

I agree that some parents can't behave themselves with refs but I don't see that much in our club matches, and none from our club parents. But on the other hand, I've never seen a ref have a word with a coach to have a word with the parent. Some clubs are spreading the word, but not in any focused way that is getting attention. Refs and clubs can't just do nothing and expect anything but that it gets worse.

The same is true with the players and teams that seem determined to send the other team's players home in an ambulance. A few refs manage that. Most don't. It's not that hard, and it is the ref's job.

Many are teenagers so I'm not sure how much of a spine one should expect them to have when being berated by an adult.

[Guest]

Put it this way... how many of us would let our teenage son or daughter go referee a U15-U18 game without us being present?

[Guest]

Many are teenagers so I'm not sure how much of a spine one should expect them to have when being berated by an adult.

teenagers should be taught to have balls, ya got a red and yellow card in your pocket for a reason....use them when necessary. If, ya aint got the stones to use them, you shouldn't be a ref.

[Guest]

Referees complaining about making $40-$50 an hour (9v9) game. Whilst being totally incompetent and only having to do 1 certification.

Include driving time each way, being present about 15 minutes ahead of time and you are now looking at $40 for 3.5 hours of your time. Minus gas.

[Guest]

teenagers should be taught to have balls, ya got a red and yellow card in your pocket for a reason....use them when necessary. If, ya aint got the stones to use them, you shouldn't be a ref.

And that’s why there is a ref shortage. Why do teenagers (or anyone for that matter) want to deal with BS from parents who often times don’t even understand the rules of the game? There are plenty of other part-time jobs out there.

The interesting thing about parents that are abusive to refs is that they tend to be parents from lower level teams. These are typically the same people that are yelling “boot it!” In general, the older and higher level the team, the more quiet the sideline.