[ayso45-refs] Followup to Regional Commissioner's message about sideline dissent

[Beau James]

Referees,

You all received a copy of the RC's message (attached), providing strong 
and direct support for the region 45 referee community.

AYSO soccer could not happen for the kids without you. And while you 
enable a great experience for the kids, we want /you /to enjoy your 
volunteer time!

Following are a few comments specific to referees. We each have a 
contribution to make in managing this "/dissent/" issue, and providing 
the best soccer experience for all players and all volunteers.

These simplified suggestions are aimed generally at younger divisions 
and newer referees. With experience, every referee evolves her and his 
own specific techniques. But most techniques share common roots. One key 
is to /damp down/ /the emotions/ - try not to add fuel or escalation.

Thank you for refereeing.

Beau


*(1) Work through the coach regarding any sideline conduct issues*

    The referee's authority extends to players, substitutes, and
    coaches.  Not parents, sibling, and other spectators. The referee
    and assistant referees should not interact /directly /with
    spectators during the match.

    If a referee has a significant issue with sideline behavior, speak
    quietly and calmly to the appropriate coach(es) during a break in
    play. Request the coaching staff's assistance in managing their
    sideline(s). Preferably do this during a scheduled break in play,
    such as halftime or quarter substitutions. Stop play to confer only
    if truly urgent.

*(2) Lay the groundwork for constructive communication*

    Always introduce yourself to both coaches, before the match. /Ask
    /to do the pre-game inspection ("coach, may we do the inspection
    now?") rather than demanding ("Green, line up for inspection now!").

    In older divisions, the referee often tells the players that if
    someone needs to communicate to the referee during the match, that
    playeer should convey the message to her team captain.  And referees
    tell the team captains that bringing such concerns to the referee,
    at appropriate times, is one of the captain's duties. Identifying
    this "proper communication channel" in advance can help reduce
    tensions later.

*(3) Evaluate feedback*

    Don't /simply /react and don't /automatically /dismiss. Listen and
    consider the context calmly.

    You may choose to "not hear" a simple moment of unusual emotion. You
    may choose to ignore a particularly ill-informed commentator. You
    may choose to dismiss "standard whining".

    But also, you might learn of something in the match that you
    /legitimately /need to monitor differently. It does happen!

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From: AYSO Region 45 Board <ayso45 at gmail.com>
Subject: [ayso45-region] AYSO 45 - Is it OK for parents to complain about
	the referee?
Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:51:56 -0700
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