I finished up officiating league play here in Citrus Heights, CA today. I had at U-14 boys recreational match and a U-14 girls recreational level match. It was curious that the more physical play was on the part of the girls. They would work to establish position by throwing out arms and elbows. I had to blow the whistle a number of times within the first five minutes of the match to get them to settle down. Even then, I gave a verbal warning to one player for persistent infringement (She settled down for the rest of the match and played quite well).
The boys match had some interesting grumbling. I heard a defender mumble "Why do they let these old men referee anyway?" I'm 57 and Paul is over 60 (Logan our other AR is 19), but we could still beat most of those kids down field. When a ball went out of touch, I asked the player, "Did you intend for me to hear that comment? Because, if you did, I would have to act on it." He was strangely silent after that, although I did get an occasional "glare."
It's interesting to watch players and coaches snipe and complain at referees, and then become indignant when we actually respond with cards or warnings. If you don't want us to hear it, don't say it. If you want us to hear it, get ready for the consequences.
Still, setting aside the few players who made themselves miserable, it was a good day for soccer. We had a good laugh when one of our younger officials came racing off the field in the middle of his game. His dash was to the port-o-potties and his return was greeted with cheers from players and fans. We will not soon let him forget it!
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