I was called up to fill a few gaps this morning (my first non-friendly fixtures for 18 months due to work), and it was quite eventful.
Some issues that I wouldn't mind some input on:
1) There is no way U7 mini soccer can fit into a 45-minute schedule. Either return to 20 minute halves or make it an hour slot.
2) Should a player be booked for C5 simply for being too lazy to retreat? I did so partly because of the temperature of the game, but in reality it was hard to determine whether he walked across or whether the taker kicked it into him with this sanction in mind.
3) 3G pitches seem to be more hassle than they are worth; not only do managers, officials and players all potentially need to change footwear to conform to regulations, but the enclosures invariably mean more time is wasted due to replaced/retrieved balls. I do not see a huge improvement to the game itself, but then at this time of year I suppose you are guaranteed not to abandon due to weather.
4) I had to abandon due to a goalkeeper's head injury. Obviously safety at youth level is paramount, but to what extent is it my responsibility to try to continue the match? If management/players are shocked, is that sufficient reason? My feeling was simply to let the medical staff take over, speak to the coaches, report, and let the league decide the rest. There was a reluctance to move the player off the pitch despite there being the equipment to do so, but I struggle to believe this has a medical foundation, as then more Premier League games would be abandoned.
Some issues that I wouldn't mind some input on:
1) There is no way U7 mini soccer can fit into a 45-minute schedule. Either return to 20 minute halves or make it an hour slot.
2) Should a player be booked for C5 simply for being too lazy to retreat? I did so partly because of the temperature of the game, but in reality it was hard to determine whether he walked across or whether the taker kicked it into him with this sanction in mind.
3) 3G pitches seem to be more hassle than they are worth; not only do managers, officials and players all potentially need to change footwear to conform to regulations, but the enclosures invariably mean more time is wasted due to replaced/retrieved balls. I do not see a huge improvement to the game itself, but then at this time of year I suppose you are guaranteed not to abandon due to weather.
4) I had to abandon due to a goalkeeper's head injury. Obviously safety at youth level is paramount, but to what extent is it my responsibility to try to continue the match? If management/players are shocked, is that sufficient reason? My feeling was simply to let the medical staff take over, speak to the coaches, report, and let the league decide the rest. There was a reluctance to move the player off the pitch despite there being the equipment to do so, but I struggle to believe this has a medical foundation, as then more Premier League games would be abandoned.