This year will mark my 20th year playing in the HSL. I moved here in 1989 and one of the first things I did was look for soccer. My search turned me onto the Humboldt Soccer League. Over those years I have heard all the stories, like the early days of the coed leagues, where a Portuguese men’s team, knowing nothing of “coed”, played every week with only 7 men against 11 and won every week. I have played in every division (except women’s!). I have managed at least two teams and served on the board in various capacities, as well as refereed. As far as adult soccer in
Over those years the referees have come and gone, and, as you might expect, the quality of officiating has varied from game to game and season to season. Some of you might be surprised to find out that Refs don’t actually grow on trees, and that they are real people with feelings and emotions like you and me. In fact for all refs here in our area, none make a living at it. It is part time weekend or week night work. I mention this obvious fact because, based on what I often observe in games, they are treated as though they must be the best refs in the world because of the perfection that is demanded from them. Were the same perfection be demanded and gotten from our HSL players, we’d all be playing professionally for the English Premiere League.
Refereeing is a very difficult job. If you have never done it yourself, I don’t think you can really appreciate how hard it is. A typical scenario: For a split second two players and a ball come together with speed. If there is any kind of contact the referee must instantly evaluate the moment, based on whatever his angle and distance is from the event. All fouls are not always "clear cut". If both players are using their arms, who is gaining the advantage? A player stabs at the ball with his feet, and he gets the ball, but was it from behind? Did he get the man before he got the ball? Our Referee cannot be swayed by the emotions of the two players involved – or the shouts from the field and the sidelines. Even with great positioning, his view of the play (though clear as glass to you on the sideline) may be screened by players on the field. He has no instant replay. He does not have the advantage of bias colored glasses which both teams wear, not to mention the complete lack of pressure and often, lack of knowledge of the laws of the game that your average player has. He will be expected by both teams to make a decision, get this call right and in their favor.
Now take this moment and multiply it one hundred times per game.
Because of the shortage of refs that our league invariably experiences I have asked players from within our ranks to step forward and receive training as refs for our league. Just a couple answered the call in time for spring season. This is a bit like the children’s story of the little red hen who wanted help baking the bread. No one was willing to help make the bread, but everyone wanted a piece. No one wants to help us with refereeing, but many are quick to criticize them. Look, I am fine with folks recognizing that reffing is not for them for whatever reason, but I am going to say flat out, if you have never reffed on a regular basis, you really don’t have any idea how hard it is to call a game, and so, please, adjust your attitude accordingly.
Because of the HSL’s need I myself for two seasons have taken on the referee role for our Saturday league, but I can’t say it has been a picnic. I take my role as a referee, as serious as I do a player. For those of you that know me, you know that means I give it everything I’ve got. But still I have players telling me I am not doing my job, not trying hard enough, and taking my calls against them as personal slander, – which REALLY hurts my feelings and makes me angry, not to mention the constant second guessing and wisecracks about my apparent ineptitude. But what makes me even madder is that all our refs are treated this way. For those of you who think you can do better - by all means prove it. I have a set of ref jerseys I will sell you cheap.
Folks, It’s just a game.
Perhaps the refs should give a running commentary pointing out all the mistakes players make out on the field. For some of our players, what about the fouls you commit, or the dive you took, that didn’t get called. Since you are so concerned with fairness, I am sure you are quick to ask that the foul you committed be called. No, I didn’t think so.
Do I and other refs get calls wrong? Of that there is no doubt. Let’s all agree right now, and any good ref will tell you, it is a given he will not get every call right. If we all accept this in advance, then there’s really no need to argue or dissent during the game, is there? Note I said "during" the game. By all means, talk in a courteous and respectful manner with an official at half time or after the game if you have a question about a rule or a ruling, or a concern.
Personally, I do not really enjoy reffing that much though I’ve really tried to, and I hold great admiration for most of our refs who do actually like it and take professional pride in their role. Refereeing can be mostly a thankless task, filled with minute to minute pressure to get every call right, and no matter the call, have to listen to players derogatory remarks. Yes, we refs can hear those comments over on the sidelines. Sunday I heard a bystander heckling one of our linesman, whom I know personally to be a bright, friendly conscientious young man, who I know always does his best. It was ugly behavior directed at good and gentle person trying to do his job.
Perhaps my skin is not thick enough for the job, I’ll admit it. And when I take my dark mood home to my family, then I have to admit that perhaps I need to give it up – and probably will after this season ends. My story is shared by other referees who don the striped shirt. They are human beings with feeling out there, trying their best. Without referees we have no league. Period. Dissent is like a virus, it is contagious, and it sickens the game. I can’t recall any arguing ever changing a call. But some players can’t resist showing their superior view of the game by letting the refs know they are wrong at every turn. For those players with that kind of attitude, I would love to see them have to ref a game, and to go a little further, with someone like themselves playing in the game.
Okay. With all that said, I understand the frustration of seeing a perceived wrong call. Been there many times. Here is where we, as adults, have to show maturity, keep a cool head and change our behavior. And I know there are many players in our league who do have a sensible attitude, and I really want to thank you for setting a positive example We have to understand it’s not personal. It’s just a game.
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2 comments:
Well done Paul. You capture the essence of what many officials have to think about game after game. One item I would add is that refs generally are the only ones on the field that open a "FIFA Laws of the Game Book" to review the laws/rules. Many of the refs are also certified annually by attending a formal training that discusses rules interpretations and tests for game knowlege. I have only encountered one player in my years of reffing that actually knew the laws well enough to refer to them! You don't hear players during warmup discussing the meaning of offsides or reviewing the "seven cautionable offenses." You hear, "Who is reffing our game?" So, players must understand that whomever refs the game, they have certainly read the rules more recently than any player that is going to take the field. If players find the need to express their dissatisfaction with calls, they would be wise to refer to the Laws first, to at least confirm that they have the rules right in the first place!
I appreciate your words. There are some in our league who take things way too seriously, from a teammate missing a pass, to the ref.
Kind words are great, but how about backing it up with some yellow cards for dissent. Start kicking people out for mouthing off, and watch 'em shut up. The ref would be well within the rules and his/her power to card someone for making a stink face and screaming "Come on!!!!!!!"
And I as a player would welcome a lid on some of the babies out there. It's not just the ref who suffers from negativity, the players too have to stand there and watch someone behaving badly and it upsets the tone of the game.
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