I’ve been coaching now for 12 years. A trend I’ve noticed is parents and coaches (this one included) getting fustrated at the referees. Standing on the sideline it’s easy to point out the unjust calls. As a coach we notice the fouls that happen to our players, fouls that would give us the advantage, and fouls that take away that ever so precious goal. We see the ball travel off the pitch last touching the opposing team only to watch the referee signal the other way. We glare and through our arms up in protest to the assistant referee and then give them a berating. With my 12 years and infanite wisdom this coach decided it’s time show them how easy it is to be a referee.

My very first game was under 8 how hard could that be? Train wreck comes to mind now. It was a humbling experience. Every bad call I made I could hear the parents and coaches making comments and I gave them plenty of opportunies. I’m standing on the field whistle in hand, by the way no teaches you how to blow the whistle to signal end of game. They kick off and all of a sudden the ball is surround by 10 kids! It goes out of bounds in fustration I take a guess who kicked the ball because I can’t see with all the players surrounding it, I point to one team, deep sighs come from the other side.  Kids are dribbling down the field an oppossing players goes in for the steal… and trips over his own feet. Coaches and parents are in uproar because I didn’t call tripping. I thought back to my guide is it a penelty if you trip yourself? Off course not, but the rants have me pondering that. I had three games that day and each one was more humbling then the previous.

After this lovely exprerience I have a deep appriation for our referees. Until you have stepped out on that field armed with a whistle, watch, cards, pen and goofly socks you have no idea what these referees go through. I challange any coach or parent who yells at a referee to take up the mantle and show us how it’s done. I for one tip my hat to these guys and gals. Many thanks for putting in your time.