A&H

Might be refereeing u14s this weekend

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It's going to vary a lot based on which 14s.

I'm inferring from your question that you are moving up to 14s. My general advice would be that at 14 you need to be prepared to address cautionable behavior, but you won't see it in most games. If you aren't prepared to think about cautions, you can miss them when they come up, and things can deteriorate. But in my view you don't need to look for them, so much as recognize them when they jump out at you. (If you haven't given cards due to the levels you've reffed, I'd suggest you practice showing the card in front of a mirror to be aware of what you look like doing it, and so it won't be the first time if you have to give one on the field.)
 
I find U14s is where the testosterone generally starts to kick in and as SL says you won’t see it a lot but it’s def there at times. If you feel it’s needed then do it, Enjoy your game
 
I referee youth games the same as I do for adults, generally. However, I do give more benefit of the doubt with youngsters when it comes to cautions/RC.

However, if it is a YC offence, they get a YC - it is important that they learn and that the LotG are applied as normal, otherwise they will not learn the fundamentals and self-discipline required.
 
Everything said here is exactly correct. Be prepared to issue them, when necessary. Communicate with the players so they can see one coming, if this is feasible; manage your game how you normally would, but don't be shy if a card is called for. It's part of their growing up and taking responsibility for what's done and said.
 
How often have you got your cards out for u14s?
As often as required as per laws of the game.

If I can manage something without a card, I would. But again I would do that for open age as well.

Let me give you an example of why/how I think the question of age in regards to cards is misinterpreted. Ask the referee about an incident: was that DOGSO? The referee says

- "yes but I am not sending him off at this age." I don't accept this as an answer. If it's DOGSO, he has to go
- "at this age I don't think it was an obvious opportunity". I can accept that as an answer with a bit more explanation.
 
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I’ve primarily done adults games this season as well as some U14-18s. I find U15s and above, cards are fully expected. My last U14s game was tough. A semi final with some bad fouls. I had the card out at 66’ for SPA - that was completely expected as he tripped him on the break with no attempt to play the ball. Then in extra time, I had a yellow for a reckless foul. High foot - not much contact or force but could’ve hurt the player in other circumstances. Manager was annoyed as ‘he’s only 13’. Then in the last couple of minutes I had a sin bin (expected and his teammates annoyed at him). And finally another reckless foul for an identical foul to the first card. One manager was annoyed I used my cards, the other was de escalating. I went away thinking maybe I was too harsh. However, two league officials were watching and came up to me. They both said they completely agreed with me for all cards. I think at U14s, if you think it’s a card and the game warrants it - issue it. My opinion is that U14s start getting more physical. If you let a player get away with a bad foul, there MAY be a ‘revenge challenge’ that’s twice as bad - a card might prevent this. Most U14 games should be okay, but if you need to use cards, use them and be confident in doing so. They’ll moan, but you’re there to do a job. They can argue less about why you correctly gave cards, than why you should’ve done if you didn’t.
 
I’ve primarily done adults games this season as well as some U14-18s. I find U15s and above, cards are fully expected. My last U14s game was tough. A semi final with some bad fouls. I had the card out at 66’ for SPA - that was completely expected as he tripped him on the break with no attempt to play the ball. Then in extra time, I had a yellow for a reckless foul. High foot - not much contact or force but could’ve hurt the player in other circumstances. Manager was annoyed as ‘he’s only 13’. Then in the last couple of minutes I had a sin bin (expected and his teammates annoyed at him). And finally another reckless foul for an identical foul to the first card. One manager was annoyed I used my cards, the other was de escalating. I went away thinking maybe I was too harsh. However, two league officials were watching and came up to me. They both said they completely agreed with me for all cards. I think at U14s, if you think it’s a card and the game warrants it - issue it. My opinion is that U14s start getting more physical. If you let a player get away with a bad foul, there MAY be a ‘revenge challenge’ that’s twice as bad - a card might prevent this. Most U14 games should be okay, but if you need to use cards, use them and be confident in doing so. They’ll moan, but you’re there to do a job. They can argue less about why you correctly gave cards, than why you should’ve done if you didn’t.
I think the cards are there if warranted.

Kids will understand, I just spend a little more time explaining decisions with the younger ones so that they learn from the experience. But not booking when required doesn’t set the boundaries and expectations for the future and I think it creates more problems for them, and refs in the future.

Nevertheless, I’m excited about having a couple of fun games today.
 
I think the cards are there if warranted.

Kids will understand, I just spend a little more time explaining decisions with the younger ones so that they learn from the experience. But not booking when required doesn’t set the boundaries and expectations for the future and I think it creates more problems for them, and refs in the future.

Nevertheless, I’m excited about having a couple of fun games today.
What games you got today ?
 
What games you got today ?
I had an U15 and then U14 (double header).

Both good games. Just the 2 bookings in the final game - one for a rugby tackle and the other for a reckless challenge - no complaints from anyone tbh.

Really good fun - although I am sunburnt!!
 
What was the red for out of interest?
Serious foul play.
Striker challenged right back but he was off floor, out of control and although his contact ended up being minimal damage, proper contact I feel he would have broken his opponents leg.
Manager at time said it was harsh, but admitted after game it was definitely the right decision. He's team won 3-2 I might add so I imagine a different result would have led to a different viewing of it after the game.
 
Serious foul play.
Striker challenged right back but he was off floor, out of control and although his contact ended up being minimal damage, proper contact I feel he would have broken his opponents leg.
Manager at time said it was harsh, but admitted after game it was definitely the right decision. He's team won 3-2 I might add so I imagine a different result would have led to a different viewing of it after the game.
Sounds good. From my experience as well as yours, it looks like there are some wild challenges at that age
 
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