Working With Coaches

COACHES & REFEREES: HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER BEST?

Our Goals:

  1. To increase the level of understanding and cooperation between referees and coaches.
  2. To let coaches know what is expected of them during the match, from WSSL referees.
  3. To get feedback from coaches as to how we coaches and referees can better work together to improve the players' soccer experience.

We Are All On The Same Team:

Coaches and referees all want the same thing- a fair, safe and fun game for the kids. So:

  1. Always keep in mind that audible/visible criticism of referees by coaches or parents will work to undermine the referee's authority. Such criticism often leads to a poorly controlled match that is less safe, less fair and less fun for the players.
  2. Always keep in mind that the referees are not your adversaries. They are volunteers, the same as you, and they must be treated respectfully.
  3. Talk to the referees before the match. Arrive early. Be approachable and friendly. Make sure you introduce yourself.
  4. Talk again after the game. Make sure you thank the referee team for their efforts. Please do this even if you think the referee had a bad game or made some bad calls. (We'll discuss how to handle that a little later.)

Reminder about AYSO and Safe Haven Philosophies:

  1. Two in Particular- Positive Coaching and Good Sportsmanship.
  2. Yelling at or being disrespectful to referees is not consistent with these two stated philosophies.
  3. Volunteers (coaches and referees) are role models. The coach sets the tone for the team. Both players and parents will follow your lead, so please make it a positive one.

Discussions About Calls or "No-Calls":

  1. Discussions should never be public.
  2. As a general rule, they should never be during the game; wait until half time or after the match is over.
  3. The discussions should always be in a proper, respectful tone. Have a conversation, not an argument.
  4. Remember that people see things from different angles and in different ways. Be open to the other point of view.
  5. If you feel there is a real problem with the referee (obvious bias, total lack of understanding of the rules, inappropriate attitude), please bring this to the attention of your division head and chief referee.

Specific Situations:

  1. Players' equipment: please do not ask the referees to ignore the rules, i.e. - our no jewelry policy. Important safety issues cannot be overlooked.
  2. Unbalanced teams - if you are supposed to be playing 6 v 6, and your team shows up with 7, and the other team shows up with 5, use the "Everyone Plays" and "Balanced Teams" philosophy to find a way to play 6 v 6 that is simple and fair. Your players will do whatever you ask/tell them to do.

During the game:

  1. No subbing on the fly! No one may enter the field without the Referee's permission.
  2. Don't interfere with re-starts by micromanaging. You cannot diagram a play every time there is a throw-in.

Feedback: What Do Coaches Want/Expect From Referees?

If you have any thoughts on this, please email someone on the referee leadership team:

Thanks to Michael Titowsky for putting these guidelines on "paper"!