I need to clarify a few misconceptions presented in this forum concerning referees. I have done over 20 match assessments (which means I have seen nearly 50 referee assignments) on high school referees in my district this year. Our referees are given feedback during the scrimmage season through the playoffs and even at the state finals.
The referees are held accountable for their games, I deal with each coach that feels a need to talk to me by getting input from each referee, both coaches - if possible and any knowledgeable person in attendance that I feel comfortable talking with about the match. From there I get back to the coach. In all the years I have been an assignor, I have had only two instances where the coach was not satisfied with my judgement at the end.
There are several more things I would like to address later, but I am hoping this information will let you know that several districts in the state do rate and assess their officials.
My last comment is that soccer referees are in short supply and if you wish to play the game with officials (qualified or not - in your eyes), then maybe support would be better than yelling, screaming and degrading comments. Experience comes with games and doing games means you will make mistakes. What we hope for is that the mistakes become rarer as the game count increases.
Thanks,
irefsoc - because I love the sport and want to offer everyone an opportunity to express themselves using a ball on the field of play.
