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[2tuff4u]

Who holds referee's accountable for there actions or lack of? I would like to see some feedback regarding what a coach can do when both teams think the ref. did a horrible job. Who do they report to and is there any action ever taken if a referee is reported more than once or twice? But again, who holds them accountable? Game out of control, many fouls resulting in injuries, talking to players by their first name during the game etc....
Can referee's get a suspension? Can referee's be benched, etc..... I'm not a coach or a referee, only a parent watching the game....but I was just wondering

[red devil]

Referees are probably the most accountable people on the field. All the referee asscociations have an evaluation form that you can submit on their web site. The evaluations are reviewed by the assignor(s) and the referee is given an opportunity to respond. If it is determined that a complaint is valid, an assessor is usually sent out to evaluate the referee on a subsequent match or matches. If a deficency is determined, the referee can be downgraded or prevented from signing up for games until corrective action is taken.  If the complaint also results in a protest then the state determines whether the match must be replayed or not, and the association take the appropriate action regarding the referee.

[Left Foot]

Referees are probably the most accountable people on the field. All the referee asscociations have an evaluation form that you can submit on their web site. The evaluations are reviewed by the assignor(s) and the referee is given an opportunity to respond. If it is determined that a complaint is valid, an assessor is usually sent out to evaluate the referee on a subsequent match or matches. If a deficency is determined, the referee can be downgraded or prevented from signing up for games until corrective action is taken.  If the complaint also results in a protest then the state determines whether the match must be replayed or not, and the association take the appropriate action regarding the referee.

Wonder how this works if the ref is reffing in regionals. 2 bad ones. One getting kids hurt. Only thing to say is -- if you do nothing else, please keep the play safe!

[red devil]

In addition to the 4th official, there is an assessor at every match at Regionals. I also believe that there is a pretty thorough peer review process. Not to mention that the referee that make it to Regionals are pretty carefully screened. Any referee that has a bad game at Regionals will prabably find himself or herself without any assignments the next day or downgraded substanstantially.

[2tuff4u]

Referees are probably the most accountable people on the field. All the referee asscociations have an evaluation form that you can submit on their web site. The evaluations are reviewed by the assignor(s) and the referee is given an opportunity to respond. If it is determined that a complaint is valid, an assessor is usually sent out to evaluate the referee on a subsequent match or matches. If a deficency is determined, the referee can be downgraded or prevented from signing up for games until corrective action is taken.  If the complaint also results in a protest then the state determines whether the match must be replayed or not, and the association take the appropriate action regarding the referee.

Sounds good, I'm sure coaches already had this information. Some parents (myself) on the other hand probably had no idea there was such a process. I assume it's the coaches that file these reports.

[2tuff4u]

One more quetion: Should a referee be the center ref for the same team for 2 or 3 games in a row? Seems a little wierd that could happen. But again, I don't know the ins and outs.

[Squash]

Referees are probably the most accountable people on the field. All the referee asscociations have an evaluation form that you can submit on their web site. The evaluations are reviewed by the assignor(s) and the referee is given an opportunity to respond. If it is determined that a complaint is valid, an assessor is usually sent out to evaluate the referee on a subsequent match or matches. If a deficency is determined, the referee can be downgraded or prevented from signing up for games until corrective action is taken.  If the complaint also results in a protest then the state determines whether the match must be replayed or not, and the association take the appropriate action regarding the referee.

Sounds good, I'm sure coaches already had this information. Some parents (myself) on the other hand probably had no idea there was such a process. I assume it's the coaches that file these reports.

Yes.... no one would value a CP evaluation of a referee, no offense

[Squash]

One more quetion: Should a referee be the center ref for the same team for 2 or 3 games in a row? Seems a little wierd that could happen. But again, I don't know the ins and outs.

Typically referees go onto "their" site and sign up for games. This applies to league games. It may have changed but I'm pretty sure that's how it works. So it is possible for them to pick the same teams over and over.

I cannot remember the name of their site that games are assigned/signed up for.

[Quiller]

I only hold refs accountable when a call goes against the team I'm rooting for .

[Soccer Wonk]

There are automatic rules that prevent referees from self-assigning the same team within a defined time frame, but I'm guessing each referee chapter sets their rules differently depending on the number of referees they have. And if it gets within a few days of the game and it's uncovered, they might lift the restrictions entirely. It's the same referee, or no referee at all.

Having the same referee a few weeks in a row is most likely a sign that there's a shortage of referees in the area with a ranking high enough to work the games.

[Squash]

There are automatic rules that prevent referees from self-assigning the same team within a defined time frame, but I'm guessing each referee chapter sets their rules differently depending on the number of referees they have. And if it gets within a few days of the game and it's uncovered, they might lift the restrictions entirely. It's the same referee, or no referee at all.

Having the same referee a few weeks in a row is most likely a sign that there's a shortage of referees in the area with a ranking high enough to work the games.

Thanks for clarifying Soccer Wonk

[ritz bitz]

Being a ref is a thankless job in my book up there with bus driving  - lots of complaints few compliments. A job I would not want to do.

I miss or don't fully get half the calls or lack of calls in games, that is the refs job and I trust them to do it and unless I am willing to step in and take the refs spot I don't question calls, unless it is a safety issue.

My biggest concern is the fact that we as parents entrust the safety of our kids to the refs for the duration of the game.  I have seen games escalate to the point where all the spectators are holding their breath waiting for someone to get hurt - knowing it's just a matter of time until someone does and in my experience someone usually does.  I as a parent have seen this trust broken too many times to count and sometimes wonder why players are allowed to get so out of hand and wonder what can parents do in these situations?  Do I take my ball (kid) and go home, I think we are all afraid of the consequences (politics) of taking such rash action so we hope and pray it's not our dk this time.  For all who have dodged that bullet - it will be your kid one day it's just a matter of time.  Maybe players and refs that perpetuate this behavior should see the hospital bills associated with their actions?

As a team manager when I see a ref and/or linesman do good work I always provide that feed back - I never put in negative feedback , should I?

Unfortunately the scariest games I have witnessed are HS games and I am currently trying to figure out the process to provide constructive feedback in that venue - it's the same refs calling a totally different game.  Control early in the game can prevent lots.

[2tuff4u]

Referees are probably the most accountable people on the field. All the referee asscociations have an evaluation form that you can submit on their web site. The evaluations are reviewed by the assignor(s) and the referee is given an opportunity to respond. If it is determined that a complaint is valid, an assessor is usually sent out to evaluate the referee on a subsequent match or matches. If a deficency is determined, the referee can be downgraded or prevented from signing up for games until corrective action is taken.  If the complaint also results in a protest then the state determines whether the match must be replayed or not, and the association take the appropriate action regarding the referee.

Sounds good, I'm sure coaches already had this information. Some parents (myself) on the other hand probably had no idea there was such a process. I assume it's the coaches that file these reports.

Yes.... no one would value a CP evaluation of a referee, no offense

No offense taken, I appreciate the feedback here.

[Trixie]

We had issues with this a few weeks ago as posted on the girls HS soccer thread regarding a parent of a kid on our HS team who was our AR 3 out of 4 games.  His behavior was not okay as he was criticizing one of our players to another of our players and telling them what he thought she should do on the field.  We got a hold of our AR and the referee assignor for our conference who assured us that it would be taken care of....he never directed us to an evaluation form, and the parent AR showed up at the very next game.  Don't really trust the system anymore.

[Left Foot]

In addition to the 4th official, there is an assessor at every match at Regionals. I also believe that there is a pretty thorough peer review process. Not to mention that the referee that make it to Regionals are pretty carefully screened. Any referee that has a bad game at Regionals will prabably find himself or herself without any assignments the next day or downgraded substanstantially.

I did notice that the refs for the semi's and finals were very good. It was like they were refereeing a soccer game instead of a hockey game!

[PIGGY]

We had issues with this a few weeks ago as posted on the girls HS soccer thread regarding a parent of a kid on our HS team who was our AR 3 out of 4 games.  His behavior was not okay as he was criticizing one of our players to another of our players and telling them what he thought she should do on the field.  We got a hold of our AR and the referee assignor for our conference who assured us that it would be taken care of....he never directed us to an evaluation form, and the parent AR showed up at the very next game.  Don't really trust the system anymore.

Go to the referee association directly, and fill out an evaluation.  For East King County the link is here:

http://www.ekcsra.org/evaluation

Put in your game particulars, click on the match you want to evaluate, then the review box.  You can also fill out an eval for a job well done. 

I would fill out the form, and tell them you expect a response.  If you don't get one, start calling.  Phone: (425) 883-8405 for East King County.  If this is not your assoc, and it probably is not, find out who does your games and contact them.

Good luck, this is not okay and needs to be stopped.

[red devil]

We had issues with this a few weeks ago as posted on the girls HS soccer thread regarding a parent of a kid on our HS team who was our AR 3 out of 4 games.  His behavior was not okay as he was criticizing one of our players to another of our players and telling them what he thought she should do on the field.  We got a hold of our AR and the referee assignor for our conference who assured us that it would be taken care of....he never directed us to an evaluation form, and the parent AR showed up at the very next game.  Don't really trust the system anymore.

This person was an AR for a game where he had a child on the team? That is a clear conflict of interest and would not be allowed in any association that I have been exposed to.
All the referee associations use the same software and they all have an evaluation form. However, in this case (because it is HS) you actually have another option. You could report the unresolved conflict of interest to the WOA (Washington Officials Association). There should be contact information on the WIAA website (www.wiaa.com).

[red devil]

Go to the referee association directly, and fill out an evaluation.  For East King County the link is here:

http://www.ekcsra.org/evaluation

Put in your game particulars, click on the match you want to evaluate, then the review box.  You can also fill out an eval for a job well done.  

I would fill out the form, and tell them you expect a response.  If you don't get one, start calling.  Phone: (425) 883-8405 for East King County.  If this is not your assoc, and it probably is not, find out who does your games and contact them.

Good luck, this is not okay and needs to be stopped.

If you go to the SRC website (www.wasrc.org) and look under Information and then Links you will find a list of all the various referee associations in Washington. Pick the appropriate one and find the evaluation form. Anyone (even CP's) can fill out an evaluation but you have to wait until 24 hours after the match. Obviously the evaluation should be used judiciously for serious matters only. And don't be afraid to send in a positive evaluation.
 
  
 

[SoccerFlicks]

Spokane Referee site - what is the link for that one?

[red devil]

Here is a link that will take you directly to the evaluation section of their website: http://www.spokaneref.org/evaluation

[SoccerFlicks]

Here is a link that will take you directly to the evaluation section of their website: http://www.spokaneref.org/evaluation

Thank you!!!!

[meluvsoccer]

If you do fill out an evaluation, please keep the following in consideration:

1. Do not state how awful you think the referee was/is
2. Do give specifics as to what you are talking about.  For instance, instead of saying he/she would not call any fouls, state instances of where a foul should have been called and why that was (IYO) warranted as a foul.
3. Do not just give numbers on the eval without any comments.  Numbers are meaningless.
4. Make sure you know what you are talking about.  A lot of evals that are received are disregarded because the person doing the eval does not understand the Laws of the Game and/or Advice to Referees.  Too many CPs, coaches etc. think they know the rules, but do not.
5. Give constructive feedback.  Don't just bash the referee, but provide insights into how you saw it from your perspective and what he/she could have done differently (again, be specific).

Evals are read and they are acted upon if warranted. But, I have yet to see anything done when an eval comes in and just bashes a referee without specifics, without knowledge of the rules and/or when it is a I saw/ref saw type of thing (judgement calls).

You can do evals on judgement calls. I have done evals like that. But, you must be very careful in how you go about it.  Give your version of what you saw and why you think it should/should not have been called. Use these types of evals for instructional purposes. But, this is most critical that you know what you are talking about.  Most important on these types of evals (judgment calls) is that you are not just ranting, but that you are trying to give constructive feedback that a referee can use in the future.

And YES, please write positive evals too.  If a referee does an outstanding job, let them know. Especially if you lose.  I know when a coach tells me I did a good job and they lost, it means more to me than if they win.

[Redkard]

Referees hold themselves accountable more than you think.

We go to games trying to do the best job that we can.  As we gain more experience we are better able to meet that goal.  As we learn more about the game we are better able to recognize foul, tempreture of the game, gamesmanship and when to allow the game to flow.

It's ironic that we always require the referees to have a perfect game, knowing full well that it is impossible.  I never go into a game expecting the players or coaches to have perfect games; that's impossible as well.  Usually the thought goes out the window with the first bad pass of the day.

We all have blinders one when we watch games.  Like you the most important games I watch are the ones that my kid plays in.  Like you I have a biased opinion on what I'm watching on game day.  The differnece is that I may have a little more compassion about what I'm watching, because there are a lot of tough decisions to make during: 60, 70, 80 or 90 minutes of soccer.

Someone asked me one time what is the perfect game.  A perfect game has minimal whistles blow.  In a 0-0 tie a perfect game the referee should blow his whistle 4 times: start the game, end the half, start the second half and end the game.  A game with goals scored would have one additional whistle for the kickoff after each goal.  That means that there would be: no fouls, no tough decision on (goal kicks, corner kicks or throw ins) nor misconducts (yellow or red cards).  Is this likely to happen?  No it's not. 

I still think the biggest problem is the recent directive of allowing the game to flow.  We see it at the higher levels.  As referees we are trying to allow it at the lower levels.  Remember we now have a 2-3 second window to see a foul with the thought of applying advantage.  If the advantage doesn't develope we can then blow the whistle for a foul.  This is a learned art.  It takes time to develope.  Even with that time, we will get it wrong from time to time.  Allowing advantage when we shouldn't.  Calling a foul when we should apply advantage.

I've had three such plays recently where fouls occurred, I waited to apply advantage with the result being a goal was scored.  The comments from the touchlines were harsh as can be.  I even had one parent keep up the chatter after his scored a goal, go figure.  I think the next time I'm going to wait and just before the ball enters the net, I'm going to blow my whistle and go back to where the original foul took place.  I can't wait to hear the comments then.

As far as safety goes.  Yes we can be more dilligent when trying to keep the game safe.  What does that mean?  More yellow card and red cards would be issued base on some if the threads that I've been reading lately.  Now if we (referees) start issuing cards like candy; what would the title of the next bash the referee thread be? 

"Why are the referee so anxious to give cards?"

On a side note you all know who the enforcers are on your teams.  Your comments and thoughts will go a long way the next time I see your enforcer drop the hammer on an opposing player, and you say "Johnny be careful, you cannot play like that".  As a fan or a coach you must be consistent with the referee.  You cannot always yell at me when you player gets fouled.  You must also make the necessary comments to your players when they committ fouls as well.

You cannot have it both ways.  Let us learn how to work youth matches and get better at it.  Yes there will be some games refereed well and some that are in the toilet.  Evaluate the referees the good and the bad.  The feedback goes along way.  Even when we don't like what's said about us, it makes us think.  I have made some adjustments in my game based on what was presented to me on paper, electronically or by voice. 

Prior to evaluation all I ask is that you read the Laws of the Game, Advice to Referee, The 10 Directives,  and other material dealing with refereeing before you make your comments.  Doing so will help you decide if the evaluation you are about to make is warrented.  It will allow you to be more specific about your evaluation.   It will help you see the game from the eyes of a referee and not as a fan.  When I watch a game I don't see it the way I do as a referee.
 
Like your players, we referees want to be the best we can be.  We don't want to feel like we just cost someone a game.  We don't want to be treated like we are knee high to the curb.

Referees are accountable to ourselves.  If you only knew what we talk about after games?  You  have know idea how much you may have missed on the mistakes that some of us make. 

[red devil]

Well said, Redkard!
If you want to prove the point you made on safety and the title of the next thread being "Why are the referee so anxious to give cards?"
Then go to the following thread "Red Cards:We're not in Yakima my pretty!":
http://washingtonpremiersoccer.com/forum/index.php/topic,13582.0.html

[Redkard]

That Yakima thread was a good read, as is this one.

As your playes get bigger, stronger, better and smarter, we referees have to keep on our toes on what might happen during any game.  The safety of the players may end with how a referee reacts to what he sees.  However the safety of the players starts with unsafe players who play the game.  Those who are truly responcible are the coaches of the players and the parents of these players.  I know who these players are.  You know who these players are.  The players know who they are.  These players can be controlled if those in charge want to reel them in.  When they are not, it becomes easy to blame the referee.

It is hard, very hard to do especially when we see teams once every blue moon.  Once you've been around the block a few times certain players and teams will stick in you mind as to how they play as teams and what certain players might do at any given moment.  Habbits are hard to break.

The same goes for we referees.  We all have styles and tendancies that once developed, the stay pretty consistent over time.

I've said it before that I have a mental notebook on the various teams and players that I've seen over the years.  I recommend that you keep a notebook on the referees that cross you paths.  As a former coach and a parent of a player who now plays in both community college and adult leagues; it is easy for me to point out how a referee might work a game and let my little guy know how to conduct himself with his play on the field and how he reacts with his mouth or physical display of emotions when he is not happy on the field.

It is not as bad as it seems.  As an administrator there are far more problems off the field than on the field.  When the events happen on the field they are more interesting to talk about.

[Otter]

As has already been answered, the referee assignors and the referee's themselves are the two primary ways that referee's are held accountable.   Parents and coaches can fill out evaluations for referees from their matches.  Ultimately, a referee is their own worse critic when you they do their self-analysis after a match.   

Although it is the wrong kind of football (the pointy end kind), there is a very interesting article concerning a recent controversy in college football involving the Florida-Arkansas game.  http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4583062  The referee candidly admits he made a mistake and describes why he made the mistake.

Keep in mind that a referee makes hundreds of decisions throughout a match.  Since soccer is a flowing game with no timeouts, you have to make your decision and move on.  Statistically, if you make that many decisions you are bound to screw up some of them.  The referee can not stop and dwell on an issue because they have to keep their mind on the current status of the match.

2tuff4u

Who holds referee's accountable for there actions or lack of? I would like to see some feedback regarding what a coach can do when both teams think the ref. did a horrible job. Who do they report to and is there any action ever taken if a referee is reported more than once or twice? But again, who holds them accountable? Game out of control, many fouls resulting in injuries, talking to players by their first name during the game etc....
Can referee's get a suspension? Can referee's be benched, etc..... I'm not a coach or a referee, only a parent watching the game....but I was just wondering

It is popular to villainize the referee regardless of whether they are right or wrong; we all know referees make unpopular decisions.  Just because someone gets hurt, it doesn’t automatically mean that the referee is doing a bad job or is lacking control.  It is convenient to forget that the players and the coaches have a responsiblity to control themselves during a match.  Many parents, coaches and players do not have a firm understanding of many of the laws that govern soccer.  Consider that you may not understand why a referee did something simple because you don’t understand the particular law of soccer that is in question.  Just because you disagree or don’t like the call doesn’t make the referee wrong. 

[Left Foot]

As has already been answered, the referee assignors and the referee's themselves are the two primary ways that referee's are held accountable.   Parents and coaches can fill out evaluations for referees from their matches.  Ultimately, a referee is their own worse critic when you they do their self-analysis after a match.   

Although it is the wrong kind of football (the pointy end kind), there is a very interesting article concerning a recent controversy in college football involving the Florida-Arkansas game.  http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4583062  The referee candidly admits he made a mistake and describes why he made the mistake.

Keep in mind that a referee makes hundreds of decisions throughout a match.  Since soccer is a flowing game with no timeouts, you have to make your decision and move on.  Statistically, if you make that many decisions you are bound to screw up some of them.  The referee can not stop and dwell on an issue because they have to keep their mind on the current status of the match.

2tuff4u

Who holds referee's accountable for there actions or lack of? I would like to see some feedback regarding what a coach can do when both teams think the ref. did a horrible job. Who do they report to and is there any action ever taken if a referee is reported more than once or twice? But again, who holds them accountable? Game out of control, many fouls resulting in injuries, talking to players by their first name during the game etc....
Can referee's get a suspension? Can referee's be benched, etc..... I'm not a coach or a referee, only a parent watching the game....but I was just wondering

It is popular to villainize the referee regardless of whether they are right or wrong; we all know referees make unpopular decisions.  Just because someone gets hurt, it doesn’t automatically mean that the referee is doing a bad job or is lacking control.  It is convenient to forget that the players and the coaches have a responsiblity to control themselves during a match.  Many parents, coaches and players do not have a firm understanding of many of the laws that govern soccer.  Consider that you may not understand why a referee did something simple because you don’t understand the particular law of soccer that is in question.  Just because you disagree or don’t like the call doesn’t make the referee wrong. 

Good points Otter. Referring is indeed a difficult job.

I'm not one to rant about a call here and there. My pet peeve is the ref who apparently has a philosophy contrary to the proposition that one of the first duties of a ref in a youth soccer game is to keep the kids safe. Whether a ref is keeping this in mind is played out over many calls or non-calls during a game, not just one call. And you are correct, just because a player gets injured, it doesn't mean that the ref isn't doing his or her job. However, a ref can fail to control dangerous play throughout a game increasing the likely-hood that an injury will occur. I've seen this happen where both sets of parents and coaches alike are imploring the ref to get a handle on the game, then bam! serious injury.

The fact that the coaches and the kids are also culpable for rough play in many instances does not absolve a ref who is failing to control a game.

Having said that, I still must bite my tongue when a ref calls a ticky-tack foul. You know, the old "Let'em play"  comment.  I have to remind myself that the alternative, i.e. the ref who thinks a soccer game should be played like a hockey game, can be much worse.

It's a tough job and my hat is off to folks that take it on. 

[justaparent]

All the comments on here so far only take into account 1 type of referee, those that care. 

I am a referee as well and have been for about 5 years now with about 350+ games from youth to High School to Adult and even a handful of La Liga games (these are some fun games and can really test you as a referee).  Over these years I have worked with and watched some great referee's and some terrible referee's. I feel sorry for anyone that worked with me my first year and a half or so because I was not so good. 

I also feel that referee's should be held accountable but only by higher level referee's.  Even with the shortage of referee's I personally would not have a problem at all if we cut off some of the bad referee's.  As a coach I would rather have 1 quality referee then 1 quality referee and 2 bad referee's. 

As a referee I would rather work by myself then have two referee's on the crew who don't really care to be there. It drives me nuts when I am a center referee and I feel like it is not my best game I turn to the AR's at half time and say "what am I missing because I feel a little off today?" and the response is "nothing everything is going fine."  I know it is not but I also don't know what I need to do to make the next half better. 

In my opinion referee's can be classifed in 4 major categories:

Newbies - These are typically kids but also adults who just earned their badge but don't have any practical experience yet.  They look like they don't care but in reality they are very nervous.  They typically don't understand advantage yet nor do they know how to blow the whistle properly.  These referee's just need some patience (which is very tough for many coaches and parents) and encouragment to keep at it.

Paycheckers - These are typically adults (but also some kids) who may have a couple years experiance and know the laws but lack the passion for the game.  They are average in thier abilities to be a referee.  They typically don't go to the chapter meetings or seek any additional training beyond the 5 hours needed to recertify.  And even then some of them don't have the full 5 hours needed but still manage to get re-certified.

Those that should be removed - these are actually a subset of Paycheckers.  They are typically a kid who really does not want to be a referee but they want the paycheck.  They typically are an AR who just run up and down the line.  No matter how much you mentor or talk to this type of referee they never change.  At some point someone has to say "sorry but you just don't seem to be working out and we are going to have to let you go."

True Referee - These are the ones that have put their time in to get the practical experiance needed and the proper training to truly referee the game.  They are passionate and strive to show their respect to the game no matter if they are working a recreational level game or a High School game or a Semi-Pro game.  They may not always get every call right but the way they carry themselves on the field makes us as a spectator say to ourselves "they must see something we don't."

In the end some of the folks that complain about referee's have legitimate complaints and some don't.  I do feel that the referee world can be a bit of a good old boys club.  In public we need to back each other up, in private someone has to let the referee know when they made a mistake.  I know I have made a few over the years but I am the only one who told myself I made a mistake. 

Hmm, maybe in the end this proves RedKard's point, we are our own worst critic...

[RefKid]

Here's my general views on everything said so far:

I believe that Redkard has a point. We, in the end, answer only to ourselves (and, trust me, we can be ver harsh on ourselves) and those above us who know where we've been and what we are doing now. Redkard has said it best. We are specifically told not to simply say, "I'm sorry, that call was wrong and I'm going to take it back." We can't. Later on, after a game, another referee may come over and talk to us about what we did right or wrong, or the assigner will tell us, but we can only answer to other referees. It's a matter of representation, appearance, and authority.

Heck, back when I first started, if I hadn't been put with the patient centers that I had, I don't think I'd even have gone past the first six months. Now, though, thanks to the kindness of other referees, reviewers, and friends who watched me to tell me how I was doing, that time is in the past and won't be returning (I should hope.) If I'd run into the parents that I see nowadays that the newbie refereeing community has to deal with, I definately wouldn't be here now. Why do you think we have such a high turnover rate each year?

I've worked with referees who I could never want to work with again, I've played under referees where I don't understand how they are certified, and I've watched referees that I have no clue what they saw. But that doesn't matter. They are still referees, they are wearing the badge, and they are taking the time to get out there and be on the field with the kids.

Over time, I think that many people come to see this and understand it. Yelling from the sidelines doesn't help anything. Telling us we were wrong doesn't change anything. Once we've made the call, we've made it and we simply can't take it back. So, one must live with what comes and move on. Talk to the referee assigner. I can tell you that, when I've done that before, things are done. People do go check, they make sure things are being done correctly, and they do respond. Maybe not directly to you, but it will be done.

In response to physical play, I do not completely believe that it is the referee's responsibility. I've played in games that are 140LB, 5'9" Freshman (Me) VS 220LB, 6'5" Senior (Them), and they never truly degenerated because the other team played the game, not the person. Admittedly, this was some time ago, but the point remains valid. There is some responsibility of the player to know how to play the game itself (footskills, getting around people, etc.), rather than play the game outside the game (shoving, elbows, going through people, etc.). If you're on the field, you have an understanding of the game and how it should or shouldn't be played. It's simply a coach and player decision whether to go outside those limits or not. Having said that, we are there to deal with you if you do decide to go outside those boundaries.

Well, I've said my (admittedly, rather large) piece on the topic. See it as you may.

[Trackside14]

I do videography for football and soccer and I have often wondered if the referees assoc. ever used video feedback.  There have been times I have thought that the ref would really benefit from seeing himself/herself on video and have gotten his/her name and mailed them a copy.  That way, they can evaluate for themselves what kind of a job they are doing.  If the assoc. required that every ref had at least one game taped at random in a year for the assoc. to review, it could help to hold them accountable.  I always see mistakes in a game but the two things that concern me the most are games that get out of hand and result in injuries and the other thing is there have been times I have questioned the health of the referee.  There have been times especially during the summer when I thought the ref was going to pass out or have a heart attack.  Do they have to pass a physical every year?