Interesting! I was asked by a local sports radio show this week to provide some thoughts about officiating in prep soccer in comparison to other high school athletics. The station is AM-1400 "The Team" and the show is called "Talking Sports", which is hosted by Teddy Heffner. Each Thursday, Airport HS Athletics Director and Head Football Coach Kirk Burnett joins him from 8-9 a.m. Here they are:
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Are there problems with officiating in high school soccer?
The problem with high school soccer is that there are not enough officials assigned for each game. There is no way that in 2007 two men/women can keep pace with 22 players. Maybe in 1977 or 1987 that was the case, but not now. A minimum of three (Referee, two Linesmen) is needed. A good number of the collegiate referees in this state also officiate prep matches, but until the numbers increase it will be difficult for referee assignors to raise the number -- will also have to be budgeted into the financials for ADs and for them to be aware of this needed increase.
Another point that needs to be adopted is that officials should be graded by the coaches after each match. This would be more work for the SCHSL, so that's why it probably will never happen.
The officiating in the State Finals this past weekend at Stone Stadium was fine, except for the fiasco in the Wando/Lexington match, but again, there were five officials on hand -- Referee, two Asst. Referees (Linesmen), Substitution Referee, and a Clock Operator. The Boys 4A game (Northwestern/Spring Valley) was very well officiated -- the referee let the "boys play" and it was great to watch!
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How in the world did the S.C. High School League rescind the red card on Spring Valley's goalkeeper?
The SCHSL overrode the referee's decision of the red card, because on the play that occurred, the Wando player received a yellow card and Davis Jenkins of Spring Valley received a straight red card. In truth, it should have been a caution for each player. The official appeared to be little rash in his decision and quite honestly a little above his head for a game of that magnitude.
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Why are there so many ejections in high school soccer?
On the comment of ejections -- until football reports how many 15 yard penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct are called and basketball reports how many players fouled out of a game, then I take the red card ejections with a grain of salt. That's what should be measured.
P.S. -- If all red cards were appealed by the SCHSL after the fact, then I'm sure we would see more instances like Davis Jenkins incurred last week!
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What in the world went on at the Girls 4A match?
If anyone ever wants to see drama, just come out and watch the Class 4A Girls soccer championship -- it seems like every year there is something controversial!
Last year, Irmo scored immediately after the horn sounded and many in the stands did not hear it due to the "boisterous crowd noise". It was a heckuva finish, but the ball went in after the whistle/horn sounded.
A couple of years prior to that you'll remember the incident when West Ashley pulled up some JV players and dressed them in uniform on the sidelines, but they didn't play. The disputed title had to go to court and everything!
Regarding the incident the other night. I don't believe anything was done on purpose by Wando, but they did play with an advantage for what appears to be around 1 minute, 15 seconds. However, others would argue that the span lasted longer. The only person to blame in this situation is the fourth official (regular season matches only have two unless three are requested and can be provided). For the state title match, there are five -- three on the field, referee and two assistant referees (linesmen), along with the substitution official and the time keeper in the press box.
