As all players, coaches, Commissioners and parents are aware, referee coverage of recreational division games is sometimes less than complete. Therefore, it is important to explain several things.

Why are all games not covered?
Short answer:  there are not enough referees in the pool.  There are not enough junior referees for the younger division games and not enough adult referees for the older division games.  We urge every Commissioner and coach to remind parents of this fact and to urge each team to provide some referees to the pool.

We are considering making a referee commitment a requirement for each team for the Spring season.  In the meantime, we are appealing to adults and junior referees to ref games.

Many junior referees have recently completed the course and are urged to sign up for games.  For adults who are new to reffing, but who already know soccer, we will provide a short referee training session to get you on the field as soon as possible.  Or take one of our FIFA certification courses. Contact the League Administrator Tom Gross at 202-338-9005 ext 304 or at tom@stoddert.com.

Why are there not enough referees?
There are probably many factors involved. We do, however, know that we pay very competitive fees for referees. But money is not sufficient incentive for everyone.

We do know one reason we are losing referees, especially our junior referees.  Coach behavior and referee criticism remains a problem.  The problem is isolated to be sure, but it only takes a few incidents for young referees to become discouraged and to drop out of the pool.  Please keep in mind that we put young people on the field as referees to give these individuals an opportunity to develop skills in a leadership role.  The games are for these young referees just as they are for the players.

What can coaches do?
First and foremost, coaches can check their own behavior.  Please read and understand the rules, play by the rules and respect the referee.  We publish a Handbook of Rules for a reason.

Will the referees get every call and every judgment correct?  Probably not. But, will the coach who comments, argues and criticizes from the sideline be correct in all of his or her positions?  Definitely not.  All too often the comments and criticisms stem from a misunderstanding of the rules.

In addition, behaviors such as freely substituting or substituting “on the fly” clearly create an environment of disrespect for the referee.  Again, please play by the rules!  Do not fault the referee for doing his or her job.  If there is a difference in the understanding of the rules, talk about the issue with the referee and opposing coach in civil tones before or after the game, or at half time.