I was at the Mt Pleasant Showcase this weekend and started at least two top flight U18 games with only two referees and one with a club line who also was the field marshall.
Where are the referees? gone to do other things especially the young referees that start early. They are now dating or dong other activities that involve friends or they have other jobs where they do not get verbal abuse from the customers.
As for talking to parents, coaches and players. A good referee will talk to players throughout the match. And they should do this. Often by talking they can keep the match under control without the use of cards.
As for parents I know a referee the almost always introduces himself to the parents and tells them that everyone at the game is there for the players on the field. That they should positively support their team. He gives his name and lets them know that it is not moron idiot or any other name they have call referees in the past. He also tells them to call him by name but no matter what they yell he has never changed a call because of a parent yelling. He thanks them for coming and lets them know that he will work hard to give the players a well refereed game.
I think by doing this it sets the tone of the game.
Not sure that I really answered the question but I try to get out myself and do as much as possible but I do like to watch my childern play.
