FROM THE COACH:
Hello All. We need to address the issue of fan support and behavior. Bottom
line, we need to refrain from screaming at the referees during matches.
Referees at this level are not as thick skinned as we believe. According to
the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, in a survey done three
years ago, 82% of the coaches polled say that when players, coaches and FANS
"ride the referees", calls go against them. Professionally speaking, I would
agree. We have all been to enough MHS soccer games to understand that we do
not get the most qualified officials. That is the way it is and screaming at
them is not going to make them better or more knowledgeable of the game; it
will only hurt our cause and our players. This is not an issue that is
exclusive to the MHS boy's fan base. The MHS girl's supporters also need to
refrain. I witnessed the same screaming from the Madeira parents last night
at the girl's game. Eventually, the Madeira coach received a yellow card.
Folks, there is a time and place and manner to address the officials and
that needs to come exclusively from the Captain or coach. When the fans are
in an uproar about the officials, any opportunity that the captain or coach
has to talk to ref will at that point fall upon deaf ears. Personally, I
have been playing soccer for 34 years and have never seen a ref change a
call or become "instantly educated". As a player with a 34 year career, I
can honestly admit that I have been yellow carded twice and red carded once.
As a coach, I have received four yellow cards in the past 4 years due to
fan dissent to only witness subsequent calls going against my team for the
remainder of the match. Go figure.
The team appreciates your support, but everyone needs to realize that
badgering the officials is counter-productive. Please, cheer and compliment
the team and players as loud as you wish. These guys are working hard for
you. Help them out, stay off of the refs.
Joe Mehl
Varsity Coach - Mariemont Men's Soccer
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FROM THE RECREATION SOCCER EXECUTIVE & REFEREE:
Joe...great memo!
In support of Joe's e-mail, everyone should note that this goes way beyond
high school and is a BIG issue in Select Soccer and our local SAY program!
Many parents have teenagers who are referees and are outraged when their
kids are the victims of such behavior. In fact, there is a large shortage
of young refs across the board due to a fear of being "shouted at".
Every spectator should have the opportunity to attend a soccer rules class
and then referee a game as a Center ref. I guarantee that their perspective
and sideline behavior will quickly change.
Thanks again for dealing with this proactively!
Cheers,
James
James H. Ferguson
President - Cincinnati Hills SAY Soccer