COVER STORY
Silent Sundays. Are they in our future?Yes we've all done it and we will probably do it again at some point.
"You are a jerk Ref! Open your eyes! Do you need glasses? Come on Ref you KNOW that call was offside! Go home Ref, your stinking up the pitch!
Thats a FOUL Ref! Sally was pushed"! Doesn't sound too good does it?
How do you think the officials feel after a game like that? ESPECIALLY if that Ref is younger or new to the game.
I think you just cost us a crew for the next game! Now where are we going to get a ref?
No one wants to hear this week in and week out. They are getting tired of it and rightly so.
Would you be willing to put up with that every week, sometimes more than once a week? I didn't think so.
Looks like Ohio started a pretty good thing.
"Silent Sunday," where the only sounds should be those coming from the field -- from the players and the referee.
You get to go watch your DK's play the game but guess what? You CANNOT cheer, moan or groan while there!! Nothing somes out of your mouths but AIR!
The idea comes in response to loud and occasionally obnoxious behavior from parents and coaches during games. Parents yell out "instructions" to their children, as do coaches, frequently at odds with each other. In addition, they sometimes verbally harass referees.
"No wonder the kids were getting confused," said Al Soper, president of the league for girls ages 8-14. "We're just trying to put a touch of reality into the situation; after all, these are just kids' games."
Soper, an executive with an industrial pump company in Cleveland, said there is nothing wrong with parents "cheering for their children," but many do not limit themselves to this. He said the idea for "Silent Sunday" crystallized during a tournament in August, "where the noise from the younger age groups was just unbelievable."
Northern Ohio is by no means unique; similar situations can be found on most any youth soccer field in the United States:
Adults yelling for their child to "kick the ball" when maintaining possession or, pause, even dribbling, might be the better option.
Adults screaming for an offside call when none is warranted.
Adults imploring their child to "shoot, shoot" when passing the ball to a more open teammate closer to the goal might be the better choice.
And on and on and on .. . Most adults are supportive of their children, etc., and it's fine they turn out at the games -- but they know little about soccer. We're not advocating they keep entirely quiet, but that they limit their vocal chords to cheering and encouraging the offspring and teammates. Keep a lid on the advice - and on criticism of the referee and the opposing team.
As far as coaches are concerned, they run the gamut. Some give instructions nonstop, which doesn't make them brilliant. Some say nothing, which doesn't prove they are incompetent. Some concentrate on the referees, which is a likely reason for perennial shortages of officials for youth matches.
Others are tied up with parents complaining on the sidelines about "Junior" not getting enough playing time, or not being in the right position.
We favor a minimum of talking during the matches. Let the children concentrate on playing and developing their own individuality, within certain team-oriented boundaries -- rather than having to contend with the constant oral barrage from parents and coaches.
Coaches in general -- where amateur parents or older players or paid professionals -- should save the advice for before the game, halftime, after the game, and practices. If they've done their job during the week leading up to the match, the children shouldn't need much more coaching during the actual competition.
Adults, sit back and enjoy. Coaches, take notes and enjoy. Don't try to emulate football and basketball coaches. Children, play and enjoy.
Jerry Langdon is sports editor of Gannett News Service and can be e-mailed at jlangdon@gns.gannett.com. The Pulse! No. #60
Here and Now
Recap for the week:
http://washingtonpremiersoccer.com/forum/index.php?topic=10280.0...and never forget; if there is not enough blah blah blah on the games, you only have "you know who" to blame 
TOURNAMENT TALK
Wenatchee Apple Cup
http://www.wenatcheefirefc.org/applecuptournamentschedule
and da winners are:
GIRLS
GU11 Bronze #1 Choice-(3)
GU11 Silver CDA Sting-(3)
GU12 Bronze Hermiston Heat-(1)
GU12 Silver SSC Elite '96 Shock-(6)
GU12 Gold Wenatchee Fire FC '96-(4)
GU13 Bronze Elma Voltage-(2)
GU13 Silver Wenatchee Fire FC '95-(1)
GU13 Gold Spokane Sabers Flaherty-(2)
GU14 Silver Blue Starz-(6)
GU14 Gold Sandpoint Strikers-(3)
GU15/16 Gold South Hill Revolution '92-(2)
GU17/18 Bronze Fircrest Panthers-(4)
BOYS
BU11 Silver Flynn Packaging-(4)
BU12/13 Silver FME Fever-(4)
BU12/13 Gold Sandpoint Strikers-(2)
BU14 Silver WS Moctezuma-(3)
BU14 Gold Eastmont Roadrunners-(1)
BU15 Silver Leavenworth SC-(1)
BU15/16 Gold Quincy Jr. Jacks-(3)
BU16/17 Silver Avanti United-(3)
BU18 Silver Vipers-(4)
Brat Jr's YouTube Videos!!
GU13 WPFC vs Crossfire pt 1
part 2
GU14 WPFC vs Harbor pt 1
part 2
GU13 SH vs Marauders
Do NOT make the Referee Mad!
BU12 SHSC Everton vs WH Dragons
BU16 WPFC vs NWN Yellow Card
BU16 part 2
Part 3 WPFC /NWN
U14 SH rev goal!
"Shout out to da newbies"
We see a few brand new posters since the last Pulse Lets give out a Shout and as always, lets give a warm welcome to all new posters!
This week we would like to applaude and give Karma Kisses 
to:Welcome aboard! For the love of the game.
wsm97g
Driver
ImaginThat
For the love of the game.
applecup2008
littlebigdog
With only ONE nomination we can't give out the POTW award. :'( :'(
Here is a shout out to:Nomination for GU14: Whitney Hilde, GRFC '94 Blue, 3 goals against Dos in PDL Div. 2 game today, with a GRFC 4-0 win."...Out on the Pitch"Please see the EXTRA Pulse Pics section **Please continue to send pix's to the Pulse newsroom! Anything soccer related is welcome!** 
"Help! Is there a Doctor in the house?"
Me thinks the doc took the week off to celebrate!
Did he do too much imbibing for his birthday?
Hope you had a great time!! *Send all medical questions for "the doctor" to the Pulse email address* WPS FAMILY CIRCLE FOUNDATION!!! 
I'm happy to report that 'R' is doing great!
Here is a way to help others!
Soccer donations are needed! http://www.kids1st.info/Kids1st/Kids1stHome.html
Technical Director/Coach Hadji Sow will be delivering donated items to Senegal, Africa in early 2009.
Last year, FC Alliance players & parents generously donated over 20 large boxes full of new and used uniforms, cleats, shin-guards and soccer balls - totalling close to 550 lbs!
This year we kick-off our FCA donation drive for Kids1st. Please contribute to a worthy cause. For more information, please visit the Kids1st website at www.kids1st.info
Lets all donate and see if we can DOUBLE that!
"COACHS CORNER!"What is the one thing as a Coach you have regretted saying to a Referee?
Wow there are so many. 
I tend to be a pretty sarcastic coach but when i first started coaching i really said some stuff around my players I probably shouldn't have. No cussing or anything just very sarcastic remarks, but over time you could see the players begin to make the same type of comments. Ever since that point I keep my comments between myself and the other coaches. But since that wasn't the question I'll give you a few of the things I said in my younger days:
For the ref that wasn't leaving the center circle all game:
"Sir would you like to borrow my chair so you can be a little more comfortable in the circle while you watch the game"
For the ref only calling calls against my team:
"Sir how is your DD playing today" ref's response "I don't have a DD coach" My response "My mistake I assumed she played on this team with how you were calling the game""VIEW FROM BEHIND THE WHISTLE"I asked a few other officials from WPS their thoughts on a few questions this week and here are their answers. I've kept their names private 
Referee #1 says: What is the one thing that ticked you off to no end that a coach said?
One game, a team kept getting close to the keeper and an 'Assistant' coach was not too happy. He finally told the keeper to just take out the attacking player. Then said it 3 more times. I told him that if the keeper took out any player, then the assistant coach was gone.
Mainly, though, it is not any one thing. What ticks me off the most as a referee are those coaches who just pick at every little thing. They are not loud, but just loud enough for you to hear. They continually question your judgement and want foul after foul called.What about a parent? Player?
It was a bunch of female parents who kept making degaratory comments about a female referee in regards to her being a woman. I was one comment away from pulling my referee jersey off and just laying into them. I was so upset.As a coach, what is the one thing you regret saying to a Referee?
At LPTs, we were up 3-2. A ball was kicked high toward our goal. The girl playing keeper (we did not have a keeper during LPTs) hit the ball, but it went behind her. The AR was not all the way down the line, the Ref was 30 yards out. The AR started going up the line as play continued. The Referee blew the whistle and signaled a goal. I did not question it as I thought the referee saw it enter. Later, my keeper said it did not go in the goal. I should have called the referee over and confirm with the AR that they both had the right signal that it was a goal.
Coach:
When a coach complains about a foul called against one of his players; thus asking for a yellow card. Then when one of his players commits the same foul against the opponent; the coach complains that the foul shouldn't be called at all.
Coaches should be consistant.
Player:
When I call a foul and the player who gets the call, looks at me like I'm crazy or asking that a yellow card be issued for the foul.
When a player makes a reference about me wearing glasses (I should clean them or I need a new prescription). Imagine if I worked a game without my glasses on.
The ultimate insult is when a player suggest that I run harder/faster in the game.
Fan:
When I'm right on top of a play and make a call and a fan questions my decision. When I'm far away it doen't bother me. When I'm on top of the play, don't go there.
When a fan makes a comment about a call and does so with a football, basketball or baseball perspective. Referee #3 says: What is the one thing that ticked you off to no end that a coach said?
there are alot as they attack with no remorse, today even I was challanged by the ______ coach multiple times loudly about my knowledge. That he appoligized quietly meant nothing. What about a parent?
You have to stand up and protect your players, come on now. (because I wouldn't harass a ref). Parent is not allowed at any match Player?
I've had actions before but I have always demanded pro-behavior and never have had a negative swear or from a playerAs a Coach, what is the one thing you regret saying to a Referee?
None, no regrets. I may not like how a match maybe called but don't think I've said something bad...course, 5 years ago I coached immaturely like most of the U10-U13 coaches now do. 
Then they had this to say about parent/ fan conduct As a referee, what would you like to see changed in the way the parents and sidelines act?
Referee#1I would like them to sit back and think about the words they are using toward referees, players etc. Would you use those same words toward a co-worker, peer, friend, etc.? I not, why are you saying such to fellow humans? It is amazing what one says and how crass they are. Yet, if they sit back and realize who they are saying it to, maybe there would be much less bashing.Referee #2
First of all I believe that coaches/parents/fans should come to games and cheer their teams on to victory with as much enthusiasm as possible. It wonderful to travel around town and see parks, school fields, and stadiums lined with people watching and cheering at soccer games.
What would I like see changed in how parents and sideline act?
(I will include coaches as well)
If was in charge of youth soccer in Washington I'd make it manditory that all coaches at least read either the Laws of the Game or the Washington Youth Soccer Rules. There is a tool to deal with the read of the laws; have them take the Referee Entry Level Clinic.
I would highly recommend (potentially make it manditory) that at U12 for all players and parents to read the Laws of the Game or read the Washingto Youth Soccer Rules.
In both cases have them take and pass a test in order to participate. There is one group that has this as a requirement; they seemed to get yelled at every game. The funny thing is that they are being yelled at by those who have less knowledge of those Laws and Rules.
I would also make it manditory that all fields have a parent line at least 3 yards from the touchline (some clubs/teams do this already). Guarenteeing room for the Assistant Referees to run up and down the touchline.
I would change the Washington Youth Soccer Rule that allows a coach to roam the touchline from 18 to 18. I would make the rule similar to the Laws of the Game Technical Area which normally extends a few yards from each end of the bench.
I would also make it necessary for both teams to always be on the same side of the field. It makes it easier to deal with substitutiions. It also would make it easier to deal with coaches; because they would have to stay in the recognized technical areas.
What is the best game you have ever officiated at?
GU18 Rec match with the Lady Bugs, last game of their season. Five of the players had been together since kindergarten and the rest since grade school. Last game they ever expect to play together. Corny cheer at the start and end of the game, half-time snacks, and parents do the tunnel for both teams at then end of the game. Nearly all parents had moist eyes at the end – including me. What is the one thing that ticked you off to no end that a coach said?
What about a parent? Player?
In general, any acts of poor sportsmanship from players, coaches or sidelines are dissapointing and can lead to my becoming irritated.
As a referee, my personal experience with coaches has been relatively peaceful. I have a personal annoyance problem with coaches who say absolute nonsense to their players on the field. However, it only affects me when they directly contradict something I've said to the players.
I have a minor example from this past weekend. Blue player fouls White player and I tell Blue: "careful, you can't afford to be fouling." The coach is standing 5 yards from us and I don't recall his exact words, but the message to me and the player was that I hadn't cautioned the player and he CAN afford to foul.
Now, I KNOW this coach did not intend to encourage his player to commit fouls (that would be irresponsible behavior resulting in expulsion). But what message do the players hear? What would the opposing players think? Particularly when not five minutes earlier, I had pulled the same Blue player aside for a "chat" on an incident that could have been a caution.
This coach was professional. I spoke with him at the next stoppage and he understood and agreed with my point. No further chatter or problems from the coach.
In my time as a referee, I have not personally encountered the worst behaviors reported about coaches (though I've witnessed some as a spectator). In fact, I have only dismissed two coaches from competitions. And both of those were for behavior much less egregious than that which I've read in too often a match report.
WORST from a parent: "Break his leg!" The parent apologized to me in the parking lot after the game (he had been expelled from the area). He didn't really mean for anyone to take his words seriously, he just forgot where he was and lost control of his mouth. But this is how bigger problems start if not dealt with promptly.
BEST from a parent: "You called a foul on him? Noooo! He’s the NICEST, politest kid, he wouldn’t hurt a fly!!"
WORST from a player: Foul and insulting language directed at opposing players, teammates and on one occasion, their coach. At youth games, I haven't had anything foul directed at me yet (or at least none that I heard). I think my demeanor leaves players no doubt as to what the consequences would be if they direct unkind words in my direction.
BEST from a female player: "Shut-up Dad!" and more politely from another young lady: "MOM, PLEEEASE -- you DON'T know what you're talking about!"As a referee, what would you like to see changed in the way the parents and sidelines act?
In the vast majority of youth games I watch or officiate, the sidelines are reasonably behaved. If there's a problem, it's usually one or two bad apples. If they are dealt with early in the game (by the referee, coach or fellow spectators), there are rarely any problems.
However, given some of the misconduct reports I read from within my association, there is still room for improvement. I'd like to see consistent responsible behavior from sidelines regardless of what is happening on the pitch. You are at a YOUTH game, not at a professional sport entertainment event where some consider they’ve paid for the privilege to berate those on the field of play.BONUS Ask the RefHope you don't mind. My team won a battle today, but I had a rule disagreement with the ref. He was all professional and handled it fine and I shut up until after the game when we discussed it.
He gave 4 dangerous free kicks against my players, seemingly calling a 'hip check'. We haven't been called all season and in fact usually we get the call for the player trying to run through us to get the ball. My players are either shielding the ball or peeling a player off the ball by getting their body (hip and shoulder) in between the ball and the opponent. He said you can play your shoulder but not your hips? Hard to do one without the other…especially at 4'4" as they are pretty darn close together.
Are there any rules about fouling with the hip?
I always give reviews on the ref site. Want to make sure I am not providing unfair or inaccurate feedback. I'd like to point him to some reference site for his review as he was decent otherwise, but almost impacted the game had they put in another free kick.
This is a difficult one where the opinion of the referee will ultimately rule. Hip charges are illegal in soccer. If in the opinion of the referee a player "hip checks" or charges using the hips unfairly, they have committed a foul.
A fair charge is defined as contact that takes place shoulder to shoulder, using only the force necessary to create space when challenging for the ball. However, as you note, players have differences in height and proportions that can make shoulder to shoulder contact nearly impossible, yet the charge can still be fair.
I suggest reading and including this link with your referee evaluation: http://www.askasoccerreferee.com/?p=535
The responses on askasoccerreferee.com are official USSF policy. Note the explanation given in point #2 of that USSF response.
You can also reference the USSF ATR 12.5:
12.5 CHARGING
The act of charging an opponent can be performed without it being called as a foul. Although the fair
charge is commonly defined as "shoulder to shoulder," this is not a requirement and, at certain age
levels where heights may vary greatly, may not even be possible. Furthermore, under many
circumstances, a charge may often result in the player against whom it is placed falling to the ground
(a consequence, as before, of players differing in weight or strength). The Law does require that the
charge be directed toward the area of the shoulder and not toward the center of the opponent's back
(the spinal area): in such a case, the referee should recognize that such a charge is at minimum reckless
and potentially even violent. (See also Advice 12.14.)
From a practical standpoint, the referee should look to the players, their skill level and what THEY accept as "fair." Girls are built differently and, given the difference in their center of gravity, will use their hips to absorb incidental contact. The experienced referee will recognize the difference between a hip check and a fair charge where the players use their hips to absorb incidental contact.
If nothing else, I hope the referee was using and applying his interpretation of a fair charge consistently for both teams. But if you really feel this referee has it wrong, in your feedback, suggest he watch a girls game officiated by a State level referee and that he take the opportunity to discuss fair charges in girls' games with higher level officials. So how about the next time you decide to open your mouth to an official, you best be knowing what you are talking about! View From The Mini VanWOW.. lots of stuff happening in the last few weeks. One of the most interesting posts with very little response is how the economy could affect the price or participation in youth soccer.
While I would always love to be able to provide my kids with every opportunity out there, there is also the reality of putting the rest of the families finances at risk for the sake of SOCCER. I think some people are already making "sacrifices" such as cutting back on latte's etc, just to put gas in the car an pay the utilities. I hardly think cuting back on a latte or 2 will help you pay for YOUTH SPORTS, especially at the cost right now.
At the same time, I also get very frustrated with parents who don't allow their kids to participate in team events etc, due to the cost, yet whenever a FUNDRAISING opportunity arises, they don't participate! If you are going to allow your child to be part of a team, they should be able to participate in all team events. Most clubs have some sort of fundraising opportunties available. If you put alot into it, you can get ALOT out of it!OTHER NEWS AND GOSSIP AND TIDBITS:
One Persons Opinion
New Infrastructure and Its Future Impact On Organization
On November 8th, WSYSA will unvail its new organizational plan to improve soccer within the state. While we will have to wait until then to find out the details, here is one persons guess based on the following statements in the press release.
The goal of the Board is to propose a change in structure of the organization to the Council that will allow Washington
Youth Soccer to separate governance functions from operating functions, thereby strengthening both. The proposal is:
The Board of Directors will be responsible for governance functions including:
• Leadership Development (Board and Executive Director)
• Audits
• Finance and Budget
• Fundraising
• Strategic Planning
• Hiring and Evaluating the Executive Director
The Executive Director is responsible for implementing all operational matters and proposing operational policy solutions. The District Commissioners shall provide policy guidance on such decisions to the Executive Director.
The intent is to propose Bylaw changes that will be voted on at the 2009 Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the goal to have all organizational and structural changes implemented within 24 months.
The proposed new system includes the following:
• Greater roles for Washington Youth Soccer staff, including additional senior staff hires, with an emphasis on member communication and services
• Additional Washington Youth Soccer staff support for each District The Board’s proposal provides greater emphasis on fundraising, building strategic
Based on these statements here is One Persons Opinion:
The Board will concentrate on governing and fundraising issues. This will result in.
• Operational functions currently done by the board will now be done by staff. This will require the hiring of new senior staff positions.
• Responsibility of those operational functions will now fall on Todd McGann whose job description will become larger.
• District Commissioners will now have more direct input into operational policy.
What effect may it have?
• Moving operational functions from a volunteer board to a senior staff position will create more jobs and increase the payroll of WSYSA. Who will fill these positions?
• Communication may increase as a result of these changes. But most likely be one way - from WSYSA down. In some parts of the state clubs/members are forbidden from contacting WSYSA or District directly. Will the communication be soccer related or more of the ads/marketing emails that have been on the increase?
• Operational policy will be now set by the Executive Director who is not elected by the membership. One of the problems organizations have is consistency of policy over time. Driving everything through the Executive Director will improve consistency. I have seen this implemented at a local level where every decision has to go through one person. Depending on the 'Gate Keeper' (Executive Director) this can result in policy being consistantly good or consistantly bad.
• The PDL could never have been formed without the blessing and active help of several District Commissioners. Will such direct input into operational policy be in the best interest of soccer statewide?"WPS Paparazzi"Here is TheWarpedDog in all his glory
"RUMOR MILL"Well the rumor WAS going to be that PPFC joined with Rush, but that was already spilled on the forum! LOL
"Dear Canuk"OOPS! I was so worried about getting all the ref replies in, I forgot about Wolfy. I'm sorry"SIDELINE SNIPPETS" Thats worth a card Ref!
You can't end a half on a breakaway!
All overheard at the Boys U16 WP/ NWN game
"THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO MMMMMMMMMMMMMM"?Looking for something the other day I came across a lawsuit from a team manager for having to carry her team binder!
http://www.farpostreport.com/content/view/980/
Does this mean that every kid carrying a backpack to schools that don't have lockers can sue the school district? GIMME A FREAKIN' BREAK! "Dragon Coachs Interviews!"Dragon still looking for more interviews (always), send in your information or suggestions to the Pulse! :mrgreen:
If you are a coach, DOC, trainer, or have anything to do with soccer, contact the editor for your chance to do an interview and once again the end of another great effort by all on the Pulse staff! Thank you for all your help in getting the Pulse out! If you would like to donate to WPS click below to go to the front page and click on the Donate button:http://washingtonpremiersoccer.com/Thats it for this weeks Issue of the Pulse, hope you enjoy it...and as always never forget to...Play with Heart & Fire, Heart & Fire Always!
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Topic: THE PULSE #60 (Read 1253 times)