Firstly and most importantly, treat them like adults(within reason).My first game has been allocated and it is an under 17 match. So the full 90 - which is going to be a test in itself and on 4G. Any hints tips on dealing with young players would be appreciated.
Teenagers language has always been atrocious, never mind these days!!I echo most of what others have said, and just want to add - they are 16/17, they know what they are doing (fouls etc)! At this point feel free to ref it like it needs to be ref'd (don't hold back as some do basically). Relax, enjoy and you'll be fine. Also, on the swearing note - if I still played I'd be U17 now, I can tell you teenagers language these days is atrocious. Have some banter with them, but make sure they know where you think it becomes too much, and then stick with that. Enjoy!
Yes that is true, it just seems to be a lot worse nowTeenagers language has always been atrocious, never mind these days!!
You reminiscing on your younger days there James?Teenagers language has always been atrocious, never mind these days!!
Yes. And probably nowadays tooYou reminiscing on your younger days there James?
Are you a time traveller?!?Yes that is true, it just seems to be a lot worse now. Much harder to deal with.
Remember your main tools: voice, body language, whistle, cards.My first game has been allocated and it is an under 17 match. So the full 90 - which is going to be a test in itself and on 4G. Any hints tips on dealing with young players would be appreciated.
Always good to reflect on different things, I’ve had many a game that I’ve thought I could’ve done this differently or should have done that, following games then you’ll notice yourself doing the things you’d reflected on. Confidence will come and you’ll soon feel like a natural. We’re all human, we’ll get things wrong, teams seem to forget sometimes that especially in youth and lower levels of football you’re out there by yourself trying to juggle a lot of things (offsides, throw-ins etc). Be confident in you’re calls, usually we’re in the best positions to see different things, even if ultimately the decision is not quite the right one portraying confidence that you’ve made the right call can help negate some players.Thank you sir. It is difficult to remain positive when both sides are negative!
Don't worry about it, we've all been there. I was all over the place for my first few games, you'll learn quickly and gain confidence it's just a part of the process.Well yesterday, I was asked to cover an under 14 girls match. So this won't be my first game. If I can go through my thoughts from that game?
I felt out of place, confused and unsure of a lot of decisions. Hand gestures were all over the place, and I genuinely forgot what team was shooting in what direction. I gave a penalty when the ball hit the arms of a player, they were in front of her chest but outstretched and not tight against it (if that makes sense). Rolling subs was a nightmare as there were times I forgot to blow the whistle to stop play. Then there was the daft decision not to have 2 watches... luckily I realised that I hadn't started the countdown on my watch about 10 seconds in...
The game finished 6-1 so I didn't really have much impact on the match thankfully and no sanctions either although I could have shown a YC after one player who thought they had been awarded the throw-in bounced the ball forcefully into the ground. I let her off with that because I genuinely didn't know if I had that decision right or not.
So to sum, up... very much suffering from impostor syndrome today especially when it came to being paid for something I didn't think I did well on.
I have downloaded the LOTG and going to read away at them.
I remember my first game quite well, forgot to start both of my watchesWell yesterday, I was asked to cover an under 14 girls match. So this won't be my first game. If I can go through my thoughts from that game?
I felt out of place, confused and unsure of a lot of decisions. Hand gestures were all over the place, and I genuinely forgot what team was shooting in what direction. I gave a penalty when the ball hit the arms of a player, they were in front of her chest but outstretched and not tight against it (if that makes sense). Rolling subs was a nightmare as there were times I forgot to blow the whistle to stop play. Then there was the daft decision not to have 2 watches... luckily I realised that I hadn't started the countdown on my watch about 10 seconds in...
The game finished 6-1 so I didn't really have much impact on the match thankfully and no sanctions either although I could have shown a YC after one player who thought they had been awarded the throw-in bounced the ball forcefully into the ground. I let her off with that because I genuinely didn't know if I had that decision right or not.
So to sum, up... very much suffering from impostor syndrome today especially when it came to being paid for something I didn't think I did well on.
I have downloaded the LOTG and going to read away at them.
I was guilty of this when I was completely new. If anyone made a comment, or if anything didn't go perfect, I would dwell on it.Thank you sir. It is difficult to remain positive when both sides are negative!
Good luck, I'm sure you'll do well and hopefully the advisor will have some good pointers for you.Well the day has arrived with a 2pm kick off. I have an minor grade advisor who will be attending so that makes me feel a lot better. Not under any illusions that this will be the same as the girls' game and I got to put the decisions and the performance of that game by and concentrate on this one. Then it is on to Wednesday night to do an U16s... We shall see how we do.