Chuck Norris, you should read the differences between the FIFA rules and the NFHS rules. Now go ref those games, and then go do some tournaments where the rules are even different from the normal ones. It's just great that there can't be one standardized set of rules for soccer. I find it rather annoying! Now I can understand some of the complaints, they probably do have some merrit. Some are just the normal every year, and it gets tiring to hear them. Even if you don't want to hear this, referees have games like players do. You can be on the ball for one game, and then feel like you missed some calls the very next game. Sometimes the games are so bad, that they lull you into zoning out, and it is hard to get into a game that involves two teams playing kickball. Usually the higher skilled teams get the better referees. Maybe the referees should be spread out a little more. I just don't understand the usual banter....you criticise yet provide no good way to solve the problems. As for the referees that are out of shape, I started running at least a month before the season started....and you have to get into shape to ref. If you are out of shape and sucking wind by the end of the game, you aren't doing the best that you can. But then again I can ref 6 games on a Sat, and 6 on Sun.... so a pidly high school game is nothing. It is only one game, easy enough. I guess I am just rambling on, but my point is, if you are going to criticise, provide a way to solve the problem. What are some ways that we can the reffing to be better?

1) Provide a physical rediness test like the upper classifications for USSF refs.
2) Provide feedback from coaches and other referees for each match.
3) Instead of an open book test, have a test like USSF where you can't just read the answers and use them on the test. In real life you aren't going to have the rules book in your pocket on the field....know the rules.
4) Use only the referees that have the highest ratings for the post season, not just the old refs, or the refs with the most experience. I have seen some terrible games done by so called experienced refs.

There are a few ideas...anybody have any more plausable ways to fix this "epidemic" problem?