I reffed a local U13s Double Header on Sunday, rather unusually I had a recently departed ex Prem League manager as my Volunteer assistant, I knew when the teams Manager said you've got Xx running the line and I said I'd want to speak to him pre match to which he replied "I think he knows what to do he's a Prem League Manager" and I replied "well every Ref has his own introduction process".
Anyway introduction done and agreement to keep input to a minimum from the Assistant we kicked off and the game played by two teams from the same Club and Division became evident was affectively a Derby and not a friendly affair.
Sadly one of the coaches (of the weaker team) decided to berate almost all of my decisions against his team to the point where I actually stopped the game after the first warning and said quite clearly and at voice if I were challenged once more he'd be sent off. It worked.
The games were real niggly affairs but never boiled over into anything reckless, one of the players was very mouthy but some stern words from me threatening cards again did the trick.
I was pleased that I managed the situation without brandishing a single card across the two matches.
The stronger team won both matches comfortably and all of those players shook my hand at full-time and not a single losing team player did (nor the mouthy coach) but it really struck home how much young players need to be taught respect and if that is missing from said Manger/Coach/Club that potentially carries over into a lack of respect for officials.
Anyway introduction done and agreement to keep input to a minimum from the Assistant we kicked off and the game played by two teams from the same Club and Division became evident was affectively a Derby and not a friendly affair.
Sadly one of the coaches (of the weaker team) decided to berate almost all of my decisions against his team to the point where I actually stopped the game after the first warning and said quite clearly and at voice if I were challenged once more he'd be sent off. It worked.
The games were real niggly affairs but never boiled over into anything reckless, one of the players was very mouthy but some stern words from me threatening cards again did the trick.
I was pleased that I managed the situation without brandishing a single card across the two matches.
The stronger team won both matches comfortably and all of those players shook my hand at full-time and not a single losing team player did (nor the mouthy coach) but it really struck home how much young players need to be taught respect and if that is missing from said Manger/Coach/Club that potentially carries over into a lack of respect for officials.
