I have just been informing myself about the system introduced this season in one of the local Sunday youth leagues to which I am attached. I have not had experience of this yet, but essentially each team must appoint a parent as an intermediary who liaises with his/her own club/supporters and the referee, thus ensuring better communication all round and with the purpose that misconduct reporting can be consensually agreed upon before each side departs. It sounds like a worthwhile initiative--similar to the role of welfare officer, yet more informal so as to encourage parental engagement--but I hope the wrong people aren't selected to manipulate referees under a benevolent guise.
One detail from the email accompanying the announcement caught my eye: it indicated the league had no wish to eliminate passion and enthusiasm, and that the odd "oh ref" was part of the fabric of the game. Not sure whether I agree or disagree; but to paraphrase Christopher Hitchens, is there part of you who wouldn't want to see the argumentative parents gone from the fields because they give you something to fight and sharpen your abilities against?
One detail from the email accompanying the announcement caught my eye: it indicated the league had no wish to eliminate passion and enthusiasm, and that the odd "oh ref" was part of the fabric of the game. Not sure whether I agree or disagree; but to paraphrase Christopher Hitchens, is there part of you who wouldn't want to see the argumentative parents gone from the fields because they give you something to fight and sharpen your abilities against?
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