During my recent referee course I became acutely aware of how inadequate my knowledge was when it came to the laws of the game, despite having qualified as a Level 1 coach and done some coaching at a youth level. Now, since doing my course, I often find myself being asked questions and more often than not, coaches and players are just as ignorant as I was to the rules, many coaches having an ex-player's perspective, combined with a ton of wrong information surrounding the game 'I got the ball ref!'
So my question is this? Do you think that the laws of the game should form a part of the coaching qualifications? Most games my son played in up to 9v9 had the home coach in the middle, so really they should know the rules but many don't seem to!
Personally, I will be encouraging my son to take the course when he is old enough. Whether he chooses to referee or not is up to him, but the change in perspective you get has proven hugely beneficial to me and I think it would to many players and coaches alike.
Be interesting to hear your thoughts.
So my question is this? Do you think that the laws of the game should form a part of the coaching qualifications? Most games my son played in up to 9v9 had the home coach in the middle, so really they should know the rules but many don't seem to!
Personally, I will be encouraging my son to take the course when he is old enough. Whether he chooses to referee or not is up to him, but the change in perspective you get has proven hugely beneficial to me and I think it would to many players and coaches alike.
Be interesting to hear your thoughts.