Junior referees

[barney]

We had the FFSA host a RESPECT information session for our coaches. We need to get this same info out to the parents.

maybe 1 of your u9 coaches missed this session and some of the parents.[/quote][/quote][/quote]

Oh yeh seen this guy in action first hand twice this year. u9 and it's must win at all cost mentality.
Then he'll tell you how good his team is.
Croydon are good at pointing the finger at other clubs but ignore their own backyard.

[johnydep]

Oh yeh seen this guy in action first hand twice this year. u9 and it's must win at all cost mentality.
Then he'll tell you how good his team is.
Croydon are good at pointing the finger at other clubs but ignore their own backyard.

Your getting smaller with each comment.

Firstly, CKFC has three U9 coaches and each has an assistant. Do you think it is fair to paint everyone with the same brush?

Secondly; where has Croydon pointed the finger at anyone or any other club? Only barney and wiseoldman are brave enough to do that, and behind a user name at that.

Could you do us the curtousy of naming which club you represent? If you're really brave; what's your name?

The Football Comittee and Croydon are approachable, we don't hide and we don't abuse other clubs. There is rivalry, but it's good natured and fair.

My invite is still open, if you're brave enough; Polonia club rooms Tuesday night, come meet the Junior and Senior Football Committee.

[The moyesiah]

We had the FFSA host a RESPECT information session for our coaches. We need to get this same info out to the parents.

maybe 1 of your u9 coaches missed this session and some of the parents.

[/quote][/quote]

Oh yeh seen this guy in action first hand twice this year. u9 and it's must win at all cost mentality.
Then he'll tell you how good his team is.
Croydon are good at pointing the finger at other clubs but ignore their own backyard.[/quote]


Seen Croydon play on the weekend. While I heard the opposition coach clap and congratulate his opponents on a number of occassions, with great save keeper, awesome turn, etc etc, the only thing that came out of croydon, was how crap their opponents were and they were nothing. Even after the game not once was there a well played, just they deserved nothing we played the better football, and people wonder why parents get upset.

[johnydep]

This sort of abuse happens all the time which just goes to show the ffsa has no idea how to handle it!
The ground marshal is normally a parent who does'nt know what their duties are never mind the ability to carry them out.
There should be a zero tolerance to abusing young referees. The clubs need to be fined heavily, thats the only way to get them to make sure their coaches, players and parents do the right thing.
I would hope that anyone who witnessed that behaviour would come to the aid of a young person in those circumstances.
Unless this sort of incident is handled seriously, it will keep happening.

Clubs, it's up to you
Set up a code of conduct and enforce it

There is only so much that Clubs, FFSA and FFA can do. Other countries have the same problem, countries with huge budgets that money is no problem, but they need to balance fairness with over-regulation and growth of the sport.

Is it fair that a club with 20 teams with members that are courteous and fair, get fined or banned because of 2, 3 or 4 idiots? Do you kick the kids out of the club, for the sins of the father? Stop a kids game because of a couple of bad parents?

Every club has them, we deal with them as best as we can. Those that say "it doesn't happen at my club" either are not involved in running the club, or are part of the problem.

The FFSA is running an education programme - RESPECT http://www.footballnews.com.au/forum/vi ... &p=1087752 All clubs should be promoting this to their members, encouraging them to tell the person next to you that is losing it to "calm down", and ensuring that they understand that respect others earns respect. Without it we will always have problems.

Take these forums as an example; you have people coming on here doing exactly what is done at junior games - disrespecting clubs and members. Then they throw out the line; "it's just an opinion". Try debating with a spectator that uses that line when they're confronted.

Want to fix the problem? There is only one way; when someone starts abusing the players and/or officials, we need to stand up and tell them to shut up. If we don't intervene, they think that they're doing nothing wrong and will continue. My wife has done it, and it works.

"...... campaign targets abusive grassroots players and parents, and encourages disaffected team-mates and spectators to put a mirror up to those most in need of a wake-up call for their bad behaviour."

The latest campaign in The Football Association’s Respect programme will be unveiled at Wembley during the England v Egypt game on Wednesday – aiming to help further reduce levels of anti-social behaviour both on and off the pitch.

The hard hitting ‘Are you Losing it?’ campaign targets abusive grassroots players and parents, and encourages disaffected team-mates and spectators to put a mirror up to those most in need of a wake-up call for their bad behaviour.

The films are part of The FA’s drive to promote Respect as everyone’s collective responsibility within the game, in a bid to create a fair, safe and enjoyable environment in which the game can be played at every level, from the professional game through to park football.

The FA’s ‘Are you Losing it?’ films are part of the Respect programme and are launched on the back of recent strong progress in addressing player behavioural issues in the game. However, recent FA figures also reveal that there is still work to be done, not least in addressing issues of unacceptable behaviour by participants to referees and fellow players, as well as from parents and spectators.

The FA Respect Programme is making great progress though:-

• There has been a nine per cent increase in the number of qualified Referees this season and there are 5,197 trainee referees at Level Nine – a 45 per cent increase on 2008-09.

• Dissent cautions are down in 12 out of the 16 of the senior professional leagues and divisions. In the Premier League alone, dissent cautions are down by 37 per cent whilst in the Championship the numbers are down by 53 per cent, with League One showing an eight per cent decrease and League Two dropping by ten per cent.

• Respect has become a compulsory module in The FA’s training courses for all new referees and coaches (over 25,000) coming into the game each season.

• Referee assaults down 25 per cent on previous season.

But there is still work to be done.

• 800 grassroots games abandoned in 2008-09 season due to player or spectator misconduct.

• One in four parents would not consider confronting an offensive spectator for fear of physical retaliation.

The FA’s new Respect films, entitled ‘Are you Losing it?’ feature the narratives of an offending player and parent to demonstrate exactly what team-mates think about their abusive behaviour. The first film, aimed at adult players, depicts an aggressive ‘win at all costs’ player and his abusive comments, which are overlaid with the voices of his team-mates' chorus of annoyance and disapproval at his actions. The film targeting parents and adult supporters puts the spotlight on a fresh faced junior player who starts the game with youthful enthusiasm but quickly shrinks in confidence thanks to the over zealous ‘support’ of their parent.

The FA’s approach to the films has been prompted by an ongoing sense of frustration within the grassroots game at the issue of abusive players ruining the game for everyone else. Taking the Respect message directly to football fans and players, the new films will receive their first play at Wembley during the England v Egypt game on 3 March 2010.

The launch of the ‘Are you Losing it?’ campaign is supported by research findings which suggest that 58 per cent of grassroots players are prepared to call the verbal shots by telling a team-mate to calm down if they display offensive behaviour towards an opposing player. Breaking the Respect code of conduct by physically assaulting a player from the opposing side was seen as the most socially unacceptable behaviour by grassroots players. One in four players admitted they would seek to find an alternative team should a team-mate of theirs assault a rival player .

Ian Watmore, CEO of The FA commented on the Respect programme, saying: “We want people to be passionate about the game in the way they play it and the way they watch it, but there is a difference between passion and abuse. There is a difference between banter and vile comments and I think we need to find that balance in each of those areas.”

Out of the current 1,169 leagues in England, the number that are signed up to the Respect programme now stands at 707, whilst over 80,000 education packs have been distributed to leagues, clubs and referees.

[footballdad]

WRT inappropriate behaviour from parents and coaches, I dont know of any club who has it perfect 100% of the time, and so those who throw stones need to be little careful.

Having said that, it is a worthy topic for the forum, but I would be interested in ideas as to how to manage this issue.

My brother, at an Aussie Rules club, was part of the committee who tasks included the monitoring and management of this issue. All parent signed an agreed process at the start of the year that included a simple discreet disciplinary process for inappropriate behaviour. They did occassionally have to let kids go becasue of their parents, but they took pride in the reputation of the club.

Any other ideas?

[johnydep]

.......

My brother, at an Aussie Rules club, was part of the committee who tasks included the monitoring and management of this issue. All parent signed an agreed process at the start of the year that included a simple discreet disciplinary process for inappropriate behaviour. They did occassionally have to let kids go becasue of their parents, but they took pride in the reputation of the club.

Any other ideas?

Couple of years ago, we had a nightmare parent that was always losing at at games. On a home game day, I went down and stood back and listened to him. He was abusing his own team, calling the players rubbish and all sorts. I pulled him aside and in my role as Chairman at the time, told him what he was doing was not on. He could not understand, and increased his abuse. When I told him that we did not want him at the club and he would get a full refund, he changed his tune. Later he begged to stay for the sake of his son, blah blah. Which we agreed to with an agreement that he watch from a distance and keep his comments to himself.

It worked, but that was an extreme case. We can't do that all the time for every incident, we just don't have enough man power or time. And after a while you just burn out, sometimes I can't be bothered anymore, more often I find myself sitting in the car watching from a distance or I just drop the kids off and go get a Cibo's.

Lets follow the English FA model; parents on the same team as the offending person tell him/her to "calm down", "shut up", "relax". All members need to take some responsibility, I know it's hard because no one wants to get into a fight, but use strength in numbers. Embarrass the fools that lose control.

[Željko Jurin]

..... parents on the same team as the offending person tell him/her to "calm down", "shut up", "relax". All members need to take some responsibility, I know it's hard because no one wants to get into a fight, but use strength in numbers. Embarrass the fools that lose control.

Agree !

[Omonia40]

I was at above mentioned Cobras junior game on sunday and the conduct of a particular team was way out of line. I cannot believe that a win at all costs menatality exists at this level (small sided game) and that nothing has been done about it ! Other coaches from other teams have also mentioned similar incidents with this team .. I will not mention team name but our club has spoken to any of our parents who step out of line and remind them we are here for kids development. One parent even grabbed another by the throat and was threatended until our ground steward intervened !
We may not have won many games but we do not care as long as the kids are having fun, developing etc... but I was dissapointed with the stuff coming out of the parents mouths, which seems to filter down to their kids.
I know that there will always be idiots who ruin it for everyone else, but they need to be stamped out.
Some of the ideas above sound like a good idea, give clubs incentives to follow up and reward good behaviour... after all , our kids will mimic what we do and say !
Im not saying my club (Cobras) are angels and there are instances when we have had to talk to parents... but they must be stopped before more damage to the reputation of our clubs is done.
All clubs should recommend parents sign a document stipulating a code of conduct and follow through with any misconduct throughout the year.

[Big Mac]

I was at above mentioned Cobras junior game on sunday and the conduct of a particular team was way out of line. I cannot believe that a win at all costs menatality exists at this level (small sided game) and that nothing has been done about it ! Other coaches from other teams have also mentioned similar incidents with this team .. I will not mention team name but our club has spoken to any of our parents who step out of line and remind them we are here for kids development. One parent even grabbed another by the throat and was threatended until our ground steward intervened !
We may not have won many games but we do not care as long as the kids are having fun, developing etc... but I was dissapointed with the stuff coming out of the parents mouths, which seems to filter down to their kids.
I know that there will always be idiots who ruin it for everyone else, but they need to be stamped out.
Some of the ideas above sound like a good idea, give clubs incentives to follow up and reward good behaviour... after all , our kids will mimic what we do and say !
Im not saying my club (Cobras) are angels and there are instances when we have had to talk to parents... but they must be stopped before more damage to the reputation of our clubs is done.
All clubs should recommend parents sign a document stipulating a code of conduct and follow through with any misconduct throughout the year.

You might want to talk with one of your coaches as well.

[think quick]

I love going to watch soccer, I love watching the training, seeing numerous teams train with enthusiasm, the games, the passion, the excitement, but when you read and hear about the abuse and disrespect aimed at players and officials it's very disheartening. Usually from the adults. Many years ago, in primary school we were all given a code of conduct sheet for the parents..not once have any club we have been involved in given out any such information. My son has played soccer for years and still does, but also referees on a Saturday both soccer and Aussie rules, and would much prefer to do the Aussie rules. He is a good ref, but as he says the chatter he receives from soccer players and soccer parents is ridicules. When umpiring Aussie rules...any "crap" from players or parents, it's a ball up or a free kick and the focus changes and the game continues. Perhaps soccer referees should take note and give frees to the opposition more often for talking, not necessarily a card as the boys have got more testosterone floating around in their bodies than they know what to do with. It is not the referees job to raise and educate the boys vocabulary, but it is up to them to keep the game fair. To give a card for what is said is not always in the best interest of the game, because if another card is given for a tackle relevant to the flow of the game...it then becomes a red card and the team is short a player...this fuels the anger. When I grew up we were scared of police, teachers, adults in authority, I don't think people now have the same respect for others anymore. I think that is the main problem. No-one respects anyone anymore. Sorry that was a bit of a rant, but do you get my drift?

[Football Focus]

I was fortunate enough to look after the junior coaching at a Super League club over the last two years. Not sure if they still do, but we had coaches and PARENTS sign a code of conduct. At least this way ignorance cannot be used as an excuse for ill discipline.

[AL K HOLIC]

Although clubs do not like it, or condone it, they allow it. We had a game on Sunday with two parents screaming across the field in their native tongue. I seen the home team steward talk to one parent, yet the away team did nothing (no idea what was said, but it wasn't an invite for coffee) it's all well and good to preach, but it is certainly not practiced.

However this is not what we need, but I rekon at every game, every week, it happens, either parents, coaches and even players, asking ref this, ref that, you will never stop parents going over board when their child is tackled well, and hurt with no freekick.

[themessenger]

I was fortunate enough to look after the junior coaching at a Super League club over the last two years. Not sure if they still do, but we had coaches and PARENTS sign a code of conduct. At least this way ignorance cannot be used as an excuse for ill discipline.

The FFSA has a Spectator Code of Conduct and this should be enforced for really bad cases. All it takes is a club to lodge an Incident Report against an abusive spectator and the FFSA are then empowered to do something about it.

At our club all our players sign a code of conduct and the parent counter-signs for junior players, affirming they will also abide by the FFSA and the club's codes of conduct, and if breached, then their club membership will be cancelled. This seems to keep our parents in line.

[MR Black]

Speaking of officials. I have to make comment on the young linesman at the U/19 Cobras V White City game today. Always alert, followed the last man perfectly, check the goals before the game & at 1/2 time & to top it off I think he got every decision correct & there were many offsides. Seemed very confident as well. So if anyone knows who he was let him know he was good, very good. I could not congratulate him as he had another game straight after. Very professional job done. Lets mention young officials every week when they do a great job or in the way they handled a situation.

[muts]

Speaking of officials. I have to make comment on the young linesman at the U/19 Cobras V White City game today. Always alert, followed the last man perfectly, check the goals before the game & at 1/2 time & to top it off I think he got every decision correct & there were many offsides. Seemed very confident as well. So if anyone knows who he was let him know he was good, very good. I could not congratulate him as he had another game straight after. Very professional job done. Lets mention young officials every week when they do a great job or in the way they handled a situation.

Same kid the thread started about

[OldGold]

.......
.

And after a while you just burn out, sometimes I can't be bothered anymore, more often I find myself sitting in the car watching from a distance or I just drop the kids off and go get a Cibo's.

Unfortunately its got to this stage for me.... I love the game and glow with pride watching my sons play but the constant abuse and aggro at seemingly every game, Junior or senior, has left me totally disillusioned to the point i either just drop my boys off, sit in the car or stand alone away from others on the sidelines...

Point to parents/coaches/players... just because a decision goes against you.. DOESN"T mean its a wrong/bad decision, is it any wonder we struggle for refs and ppl to run the line?!

I thought the young ref that took the U/13 Croyden V Panthers match this morning at Regency had a good game.

[johnydep]

I thought the young ref that took the U/13 Croyden V Panthers match this morning at Regency had a good game.

He officiated the U17 Croydon vs Comets game after, I thought he did a very good job under difficult conditions; one to watch out for in the future. A-league material.

[will]

I think there is a fundamental thing that we all forget, we as referees don’t become good refs overnight, like player or coaches don’t become good players or coaches overnight.

No one ever picked a book for the first time and started to read. Yet, a lot of those supposed educated parents think their membership to a club or the registration of their child allows them to treat young people as senior and experienced adults.

The issue for me is with the clubs, they need to address the issue, if not, then the SSFA need to ensure that they, the employer provides a place where employee can work without the fear of abuse.
Someone need to take a stand, it serves no purpose for a club to push the offending parents away only for another club to inherit the evil.

[Red-4-Life]

and here we have clubs whining why referees dont rock up to their games every week, this is your answer. Wanker coaches and parents make it very hard for young referees to continue, they quit and therefore there is a big shortage. As a former referee myself, sure I copped some abuse and I could take it but I never let it get to me. Depends on how well prepared you are to handle such a situation. Although admittedly, when people took it too far I would give it back a little, as unprofessional as it may seem but sometimes I just couldnt hold back. So before people continue to complain over a lack of referees, maybe start showing them a little more respect and remember the game (especially at junior level) is about the kids playing, not the parents and coaches who think it is all about them. Without referees, there would be no games, no competition and so on