“Beautifully put – Austin!”
After reading Austin Gomez’s educational article, “It Takes a Team,” Maria-Elana Kadala, a fellow referee and coach, shares her insights from both perspectives. Inspired by Gomez’s reflections, here’s what she has to say:
Refereeing: A New Perspective for Everyone 🔄👀
Inviting sideline spectators to referee scrimmages can be a game-changer!! Experiencing the fast-paced, split-second decisions referees make can shift opinions dramatically. Suddenly, that tricky offside call doesn’t seem so simple anymore! This approach encourages empathy and helps keep things lighthearted on the sidelines.
Warning: This approach might lead to an unusual silence from the sidelines! 🤐⚠️
Walk a Mile in the Referee’s Cleats 👟
Remember that referees are human, just like the players. Whether they’re calling offside or issuing a yellow card, they make decisions in real-time without the benefit of instant replays. So, when a call doesn’t go your way, take a moment to appreciate their tough job of keeping the game safe, fair, and fun for all.
Tip for Everyone: Instead of shouting at the ref, cheer on a great pass or defensive play. Positive energy goes a long way! 🎉
Get in the Game (Without the Whistle!) 🏅
We know you’re passionate about your player and the team, and that’s fantastic! Why not channel that energy into something helpful? Organizing snacks, tracking stats, or offering positive encouragement means you’re not just a spectator—you’re part of the team!
Tip for Coaches: Coaches can get caught up in the heat of the game just like everyone else. Encourage parents to participate in non-coaching ways, such as tracking player movements or helping during scrimmages. This fosters an appreciation for everyone’s role and keeps the sidelines constructive.
The Emotional Side of the Game 🧘
Soccer isn’t just about physical skill; it’s also an emotional journey for young players. They experience the highs of scoring and the lows of missed opportunities. As parents, your role as the emotional support team is vital. Staying calm and positive helps your child focus and enjoy the game, even when things don’t go their way.
Tip for Coaches: Offering quick, encouraging words like “Great effort!” or “Nice try!” after a mistake boosts player confidence. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process!
Catch Them Doing Something Right 🌟
As a referee, I often noticed harsh sideline comments directed at players, especially from frustrated parents. My solution? I discreetly caught kids doing something right—like a well-timed pass or great defensive stance—and complimented them. A small gesture of encouragement can do wonders for their confidence.
Celebrate Small Wins 🏆
Soccer is about growth, not perfection. Focus on small improvements, such as better ball control or a successful tackle. Progress counts, even if it’s slow and steady.
Keeping Calm Under Pressure 🛡️
Ultimately, the most important takeaway is that soccer is a learning experience. Whether the team wins or loses, your child’s growth matters most. Keep the focus on improvement and fun to help foster a lifelong love for the game.
Keep Calm and Support Referees 🧠💬
One of the challenging parts of refereeing was hearing parents’ harsh comments directed at their children. Seeing kids with tears in their eyes after being berated broke my heart. That’s when I knew it was time to step in and offer discreet compliments for something they did right, like a smart pass or a strong tackle. A little encouragement goes a long way in boosting a player’s confidence.
Note: Positive energy and encouraging words create an environment where kids can thrive both on and off the field.
Koach Karl’s Notes
Thank You, Maria-Elana Kadala, for your valuable input, which will surely inspire many of us to ‘think and take action!’
Dear Reader, please join the SOCCERevolution, and let’s work together to make youth soccer FUNtastic for everyone!
Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts, success stories, or advice to help create a better playing environment for youth soccer everywhere.
