[ayso45-refs] AYSO: Game points for discussion

[Robert L. Henderson]

Refs,

During Wednesday night's Pizza session a couple of points were discuss 
that deserves wider distribution.

Clock management and fairness - Please do not terminate a half early 
just because one team is ahead by more than a couple of goals.  We owe 
the players the full alloted time to play.  If you blow the whistle 
early to prevent a goal,  it may seem "kind" to the losing team,  but if 
a player was about to score,  that may be the only chance that player 
has had all season to score.  Likewise, don't keeping extending time for 
another minute more in hope that a team will score,  that isn't fair to 
the defenders.   If a shot on goal is imminent in a couple of seconds, 
be a little slow on the half whistle, but don't run that up past 10 or 
15 seconds.

Second, fouls in the Penalty Area - If you would call a player for a 
foul in the middle of the field,  then call a foul for that same action 
in the Penalty Area.  Awarding the PK may change the score, but remember 
two things:  the percentage of PKs made in youth soccer is much lower 
than in professional soccer and you are not giving the PK, you are only 
awarding it as deserved due to the actions of a player to restore fairness.

Third, pushes in the back - A fair charge is side to side (shoulder to 
shoulder),  brief and non violent.  A charge in the back should never be 
allowed, it is dangerous.  Likewise a push in the back should be treated 
more firmly than the same push to the side.  Maintain proper position to 
be able to see what is happening between the attacker and defender 
running together down the field.  If there is a push in the back, please 
consider it more serious that the same strength of push from the side.  
What you might let go as trivial from the side may need to be called if 
it is from behind.

Have a good time out there this weekend and remember Safe, Fair and Fun!

-- 
Bob Henderson
  Starships piloted
    Dragons slain
      Soccer Refereed