Perhaps I am being paranoid, but does the following statement not betray an attitude about referees which is all too prevalent at every level of the game? It concerns a youth tournament at which I am refereeing tomorrow (last appointment of the season), although I am not sure whether these are the words of the club chairman or the referees' secretary:
"Remember that the kids are there to enjoy themselves so referee with empathy for the players and perhaps don't be too strict but do be fair."
I really fail to understand how that can be helpful for qualified referees; maybe I was in a bad mood when I first read it, but it sounds patronising. Frankly, it draws to attention the immense problems we might face if clubs catch on to the 'spirit of the game' amendments to the 2016/17 laws.
Behind the veneer of politeness, this kind of comment betrays an assumption that referees are pedantic types whose perceived contribution to a game can only be to spoil enjoyment; that we are necessary evils without whom the game could probably cope if history hadn't insisted on such structures in the first place. As a profession, we can sometimes be taken for granted as much as vets are.
Despite all that, I attended a presentation this morning in which the very same club spoke highly of standards and refereeing in general, so I am torn, to be honest.
"Remember that the kids are there to enjoy themselves so referee with empathy for the players and perhaps don't be too strict but do be fair."
I really fail to understand how that can be helpful for qualified referees; maybe I was in a bad mood when I first read it, but it sounds patronising. Frankly, it draws to attention the immense problems we might face if clubs catch on to the 'spirit of the game' amendments to the 2016/17 laws.
Behind the veneer of politeness, this kind of comment betrays an assumption that referees are pedantic types whose perceived contribution to a game can only be to spoil enjoyment; that we are necessary evils without whom the game could probably cope if history hadn't insisted on such structures in the first place. As a profession, we can sometimes be taken for granted as much as vets are.
Despite all that, I attended a presentation this morning in which the very same club spoke highly of standards and refereeing in general, so I am torn, to be honest.