Here is some additional information in reference to our code of conduct and referees with some FAQs about situations that might arise on the field that are hard to handle.
When referees are on the field, please remember that there should not be any interactions among the groups, players focus on playing, coaches coaching, referees officiating and parents watching.
Q – Is it okay to talk to the referee if I am worried about dangerous play on the field.
A – Yes, but you must talk to the referee when there isn’t play happening. Play doesn’t just turn dangerous with one missed call or one push/contact, it builds, so when you see it starting, take the time to talk to the referee at half time. If you are concerned with one player, ask the referee to watch that player. If the issue is urgent, referees will take a few seconds to talk to you at a substitution.
**Don’t be judgmental, and don’t add more distraction or stress. Lay the facts out, be short and to the point.
Q – What should I do if I think a referee has missed a call?
A – Nothing at the time - referees miss calls, all the time and at the highest levels. Players and coaches miss plays during the game too, please stay grounded, it is only a game. Think about how many players are on the field, they cannot possibly see everything, put yourself into the referee’s shoes.
**If you feel that the referee isn’t doing the job that they were assigned to complete on our home turf or at an away game, please contact us so that we can discuss with the referee and offer additional training.
Q – Should the referee explain calls to the players or coaches if asked?
A- Referees are taught not to take time to explain the laws of the game to players, coaches or parents and are not obligated to. It slows down the game and wastes playing time.
**The games are for the players to use the skills they are taught during practice.
Q – Is soccer a contact sport?
A – Yes!! Shielding the ball and shoulder-to-shoulder charges while attempting to play the ball, no matter how physical it may appear, are legal. Do not confuse pushing (forcefully extending the arm and hand to propel) with a legal contact.
Q – Can a ball touch a player’s hand or arm and not be called a hand ball?
A – Yes. Intentionally or unintentionally using a hand or arm on the ball to gain an unfair advantage is a hand ball. At times however, a ball may hit a player’s hand or arm and it is perfectly legal within the laws of the game. As mentioned above, however, a hand ball can be missed just like any other call.
Q – What if I disagree with a call that a referee made?
A – Please remember that just because you disagree with a call made doesn’t mean that it was a bad call. Referees go through training, if you want to dispute something; you need to be knowledgeable of the laws of the game to back up your claim.
**Please remember to take the good with the bad and thank the referee at the end of the game for doing their best.
Q – What if I still feel the game play is too rough after I have talked to the referee, do I have options?
A - Physical and emotional safety of the participants must be the number one priority of any youth sports organization and of the various adults (coaches, officials, administrators, parents, spectators) involved.
CYSA’s position is that “pulling your team” is a last resort but must ultimately remain an option when participant safety is jeopardized for any reason, including extremely dangerous play that is not, or cannot, be controlled by the game officials.
Among the challenges here are exercising good judgment and not letting emotions (including frustration) cloud that good judgment. Keep in mind that playing sports always involves the risk of injury, even when play is clean and the officiating is top notch.
This thought process might be most effective if it involved the two opposing coaches working together to find the best solution. In some cases, a supervisor or board member can step in to help solve the problem.
A few important reminders – the referees are learning, as we all are. It takes time to develop and improve. We are trying to host an environment that is developmental for all involved, players, coaches and referees. We want to be sure that Canton coaches understand that they are role models in our league and are expected to honor the game and respect the referees. It is up to the coach to set the proper tone and discuss with parents and players their expectations regarding respect for officials. The coach should insist that the parents refrain from criticizing officials. Coaches can facilitate that approach by first making sure they model the behavior themselves. Never “add fuel to the fire” by yelling at officials, regardless of the situation. It is essential that the players understand this too and that they witness the adults around them, both coaches and parents, showing respect for officials and keeping their emotions in check. Otherwise, they think it is ok for them to be disrespectful too. They learn by watching us. We need to recognize this and make sure that we are setting a good example for them.
Questions and comments on referees or our code of conduct can be directed to:
CYSA President -- [email protected]
CYSA Travel Coordinator -- [email protected]
CYSA Rec Coordinator -- [email protected]
CYSA Registrar -- [email protected]