A&H

U14 games and offsides

Rowanmano

Member
Level 7 Referee
Am hoping to do some u14 games this season and was wondering about the tolerance level for cautions and dismissals at this level. Really I would have thought it would be the same as adults as they should knows the laws by this age as only did u11 and u12 last season.
Also what would everyone say the best way is to judge offsides as think that’s something I need to work on. Any advice greatly appreciated.
 
The Referee Store
So many factors will be in play but trust your instincts. Don’t get hung up on tolerance; or “I can’t caution/ sin bin because of age. In the case of dissent especially being able to bin for ten minutes will get the message across sharpish. If you wouldn’t accept if from adults, you certainly won’t take it from Youth. Managers may complain but then that’s what many do. For some it’ll be your fault the sun is shining when they wanted a wet pitch!

Red is always red. You’ll know by your own reaction - cringe, “thats an awful/dangerous challenge” etc. - if it should be red, especially in the case of serious foul play.

At U14 they’re starting to get stronger and look to push the boundaries some. The skill discrepancy also becomes apparent. Take it into account - you’ll tell the difference between a just-not-good-enough player tripping and a blatant hack.

Be strong but not dictatorial and you’ll largely be fine. When a disciplinary sanction is needed they’ll accept it more this way.

As for offside take each game as it comes. If your club ARs can call offside leave it to them. If they can’t its more difficult.

Some teams will start to go for the long ball over the top as they have speedy front player and you’ll not have much chance as you’re chasing it down like everyone else is.

Concentrate on the other things more than the offside for now. If you keep those fairly tight then you will get some leeway with the offside. Being in line with the defence may mean you miss the late one on the player making the pass. This could cause more problems than a non-offside call.
 
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