This page is devoted to the parents of our players. Check back often for ideas and suggestions to make the game more enjoyable for both you and your child.
Great Article:
WHEN TO YELL AT A REFEREE? Never.
Pete Morrissey
State Youth Referee Administrator
MSYSA
Every year in Michigan there are over 1200 individuals who take the time and make the effort to become soccer referees. Within three years of these referees matriculating through the beginning USSF referee courses there are fewer than 200 who remain as referees. Why are there so many referees who take these courses only to leave the refereeing ranks 36 months later? The invariable answer to this question returned to me by so many referees is "Because I do not enjoy being yelled at". Soccer Referees learn their trade by attending entry level classes, attending instructional clinics, being mentored and most importantly by on field game experience.
Yes, new referees will definitely make mistakes. Do players and coaches not also make mistakes? Would you scream at your son or daughter if they made an error in a game? Would you berate your son or daughter because of that mistake until they broke down and cried? Of course not. Why is it that when a player makes a mistake or commits a foul no one yells at him or her? The reason is because soccer is an ongoing learning experience. Parents and coaches want young players to be nurtured and supported. The same should be true of young referees. Young referees will make mistakes by making a call they should not have made or also err through lack of a call but it is not the end of the world and they learn through those situations. It is never open season to yell at the referee when he or she misses a foul or possession of a throw in. Parents and coaches need to realize that at times they hurt the feelings of these children so badly that these children stop participating in a capacity that is much needed. As a state, Michigan needs referees of all ages. The longer referees are involved the better they will become. The Michigan Referee Committee can only mentor so many young referees. We need your help in the field. Be respectful, supportive and lenient with our young referees. Parents, coaches and team officials need to help retain referees for the future by working with referees and not against them. Wouldn't it be nice to treat every referee as if he or she were your own child and treat them the way you would like your child to be treated?
If you, as a parent, think you can do better than the referee you have I would challenge you to become a referee. Take the referee course and start refereeing some games. You will soon see how surprisingly difficult coaches and parents can be on a gorgeous Saturday morning. Coaches give positive feedback when appropriate. For parents there is really no reason to speak to the referee. Although your comments might be constructive it is best to attend the game to support your team and player. Remember these kids are learning and with your help Michigan will continue a tradition of strong an excellent refereeing for the Region and beyond.
This is a great time of year, and surely the kids are ready to get outside and play. Jeff Wilkinson, SLSC Director of Coaching, would like to pass on a few tips and suggestions for making game days and practices more enjoyable for everyone.
For bad weather days, placing your player’s soccer bag in a large garbage bag is a great idea.
Also, on the cold, wet days, place sandwich baggies over the socks, then put their shoes on. This helps keep the socks dry and feet warm.
Click here for schedules and standings for all SLSC non-House/Academy Leagues.
Click here for information on the RELAX Program.
Click here to view the proposed Soccer Player Bill of Rights.