Under 8's

[Mini-mustard]

Hi all,
I am 14 and I am refereeing my first match tomorrow!
It is an under 8's match, I have read the laws on the fa website but is there anything else I should know? Cheers everyone!

 

[Gabriel]

Obviously it's under 8's so they're still developing their skills. Parents and coaches will 100% be a bigger issue than the players, and even then you'd be unlucky to get trouble at under 8's. Try and briefly explain things to them at that age as they're still learning what is and isn't acceptable (don't debate - just quickly explain and move on). At that level I'd argue a ref is more there to help the players than to manage them. Just go out and enjoy it! Good luck!

 

[Kent Ref]

No throw ins - kick ins.

 

[BCMilan]

Just enjoy watching the little ones play and guide them through the game. I'm sure you'll be fine. Let us know how it goes. All the best

 

[BenS]

How did it go? I did my first u8 game last week and found myself tying laces more than blowing a whistle!

 

[RayCharles]

Watched my son at that level and the best refs always praised them with kind words for good play and explained to them when they made mistakes. While letting the game flow.