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Referees,<br>
<br>
You all received a copy of the RC's message (attached), providing
strong and direct support for the region 45 referee community.<br>
<br>
AYSO soccer could not happen for
the kids without you. And while you enable a great experience for the
kids, we want <i>you </i>to enjoy your volunteer
time!<br>
<br>
Following are a few comments specific to referees. We each have a
contribution to make in managing this "<i>dissent</i>" issue, and
providing the best soccer experience for all players and all volunteers.<br>
<br>
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 <i>damp down</i> <i>the emotions</i> - try not to add fuel or
escalation.<br>
<br>
Thank you for refereeing.<br>
<br>
Beau<br>
<br>
<br>
<b>(1) Work through the coach regarding any sideline conduct issues</b><br>
<blockquote>The referee's authority extends to players, substitutes,
and coaches. Not parents, sibling, and other spectators. The referee
and assistant referees should not interact <i>directly </i>with
spectators during the match.<br>
<br>
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. <br>
</blockquote>
<b>(2) Lay the groundwork for constructive communication</b><br>
<blockquote>Always introduce yourself to both coaches, before the
match. <i>Ask </i>to do the pre-game inspection ("coach, may we do
the inspection now?") rather than demanding ("Green, line up for
inspection now!").<br>
<br>
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.<br>
</blockquote>
<b>(3) Evaluate feedback</b><br>
<blockquote>Don't <i>simply </i>react and don't <i>automatically </i>dismiss.
Listen and consider the context calmly.<br>
<br>
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".<br>
<br>
But also, you might learn of something in the match that you <i>legitimately
</i>need to monitor differently. It does happen!<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
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