Junior/Youth Pitch marshalling

I have just been informing myself about the system introduced this season in one of the local Sunday youth leagues to which I am attached. I have not had experience of this yet, but essentially each team must appoint a parent as an intermediary who liaises with his/her own club/supporters and the referee, thus ensuring better communication all round and with the purpose that misconduct reporting can be consensually agreed upon before each side departs. It sounds like a worthwhile initiative--similar to the role of welfare officer, yet more informal so as to encourage parental engagement--but I hope the wrong people aren't selected to manipulate referees under a benevolent guise.

One detail from the email accompanying the announcement caught my eye: it indicated the league had no wish to eliminate passion and enthusiasm, and that the odd "oh ref" was part of the fabric of the game. Not sure whether I agree or disagree; but to paraphrase Christopher Hitchens, is there part of you who wouldn't want to see the argumentative parents gone from the fields because they give you something to fight and sharpen your abilities against?

We have them in our youth leagues, known as match delegates. To be honest I'm not sure I've ever seen any of them do anything, even when asked, they are only there because the FA says they have to be. I can think of a lot of things which are more useful than a match delegate.

Good idea in theory

yup. my lads have one appointed to their team, but tbh, whilst he's there and would defintely take action if any is required, he's certainly not easily identifiable as such.