ExileScotinLeeds
New Member
I was doing ins and outs for my lads away U15 game on Sunday. My lad was 1-on-1 with the keeper in the box, tried to go around but was brought down by the keeper's dive. Ref (30+ years of experience, so he kept telling the players) gives a pen. Other parents call for a red by I put them straight with its just a yellow as it was a genuine attempt for the ball. However, the ref gives neither, just a bit of a word with the keeper. At half time, I ask the ref why no card and his view was that he treats U16 games as development and would rather educate the player rather than caution them as most weekends they only get Superdad ref rather than a proper ref. Lets just say we had a wee bit of a falling out over this.
- OK, so the keeper now knows it's wrong to bring a player down in the box....hang on, he probably knew that before the game.
- when players reach the ripe old age of 16 they don't suddenly develop a superior knowledge of TLoTG (we know that most never do).
- before we get something right, we will most likely get it wrong a few times trying to get it right. But if there are no consequences to getting it wrong, the opportunity for reflection and improvement has been missed.
- if we have the luxury of a proper ref at a game, surely all the players (not just the keeper) would benefit if he demonstrated by action, and not just by word, the Laws of the Game.
Like to hear your thoughts on this leniency / education point of view, especially as I'll be the Superdad ref in a couple of weeks for the return home fixture.
- OK, so the keeper now knows it's wrong to bring a player down in the box....hang on, he probably knew that before the game.
- when players reach the ripe old age of 16 they don't suddenly develop a superior knowledge of TLoTG (we know that most never do).
- before we get something right, we will most likely get it wrong a few times trying to get it right. But if there are no consequences to getting it wrong, the opportunity for reflection and improvement has been missed.
- if we have the luxury of a proper ref at a game, surely all the players (not just the keeper) would benefit if he demonstrated by action, and not just by word, the Laws of the Game.
Like to hear your thoughts on this leniency / education point of view, especially as I'll be the Superdad ref in a couple of weeks for the return home fixture.