RefJef
RefChat Addict
I must admit, I've always been reluctant to get my cards out in youth games (although I have done so) but tonight I was converted to the "treat 'em mean" brigade.
U14 game, an odd sort of league/cup affair, essentially greens needed to win to go through, reds to draw. Greens took the lead in the 4th minute, after that a great game, best my played well, but neither side look like scoring.
Midway through 2nd half, reds beginning to get frustrated, one lad starting to vocalise his concerns. Thinks he should have a fk, I don't, so don't give it, we play on. He's moaning about my decision, so I make a mental note to speak to him at the next stoppage, give him a verbal, stepped approach and all that.
Anyway, the next stoppage is a fk against him, he hoofs the ball away. "Over here, fella." Give him a talking to and a YC. Howls of derision from the touchiness spectators. "Can I have word, ref?" from the red manager. I ignore all, take my time writing it all down in my book (take the heat out). A number of reds are genuinely shocked & surprised at a card. As I put my book away and jog over to take up position for the restart, I call over to the red manager "he's been gobby and kicked the ball away." "Fair enough" was his (grudging?) reply.
Two minutes later, same place on the pitch, different red commits foul. Once again, hoofs the ball away, and we are talking a hoof into next week. Another YC, more howls from the sideline. But it didn't happen again. And as the game went on, other reds were being pro-active in keeping their team mates quiet.
At end of game, greens were all happy with me - they were nice lads trying to play the game (although always to be happier when you've won 2-0!). A number of reds were also quite happy at the end of the game, possibly fed up with some whinging teammates? Green manager commented on the ill discipline of the reds. A couple of spectators, as I trudged off, asked how much the fine was? I had a nice chat with them - said they'd "couldn't remember ever seeing two cards down here, but they've got to keep their heads and their mouths shut".
I enjoyed the game!
U14 game, an odd sort of league/cup affair, essentially greens needed to win to go through, reds to draw. Greens took the lead in the 4th minute, after that a great game, best my played well, but neither side look like scoring.
Midway through 2nd half, reds beginning to get frustrated, one lad starting to vocalise his concerns. Thinks he should have a fk, I don't, so don't give it, we play on. He's moaning about my decision, so I make a mental note to speak to him at the next stoppage, give him a verbal, stepped approach and all that.
Anyway, the next stoppage is a fk against him, he hoofs the ball away. "Over here, fella." Give him a talking to and a YC. Howls of derision from the touchiness spectators. "Can I have word, ref?" from the red manager. I ignore all, take my time writing it all down in my book (take the heat out). A number of reds are genuinely shocked & surprised at a card. As I put my book away and jog over to take up position for the restart, I call over to the red manager "he's been gobby and kicked the ball away." "Fair enough" was his (grudging?) reply.
Two minutes later, same place on the pitch, different red commits foul. Once again, hoofs the ball away, and we are talking a hoof into next week. Another YC, more howls from the sideline. But it didn't happen again. And as the game went on, other reds were being pro-active in keeping their team mates quiet.
At end of game, greens were all happy with me - they were nice lads trying to play the game (although always to be happier when you've won 2-0!). A number of reds were also quite happy at the end of the game, possibly fed up with some whinging teammates? Green manager commented on the ill discipline of the reds. A couple of spectators, as I trudged off, asked how much the fine was? I had a nice chat with them - said they'd "couldn't remember ever seeing two cards down here, but they've got to keep their heads and their mouths shut".
I enjoyed the game!