06/12/2026
REFEREE EDUCATION / PARENT SIDELINE REMINDER
Last year, I was very fortunate to be invited to one of the most amazing coaching and soccer clinics I have ever attended. I witnessed an incredible program led by a good friend of mine — you know who you are. Thank you.
Before running a league, I coached for five years, and I will be honest: I was once that loud “joystick” coach on the sideline. That clinic helped me recognize my flaws and see the game from a completely different perspective.
Now, after more than 1,000 matches as a league director, I continue to strive to show our parents, coaches, and players that our youth need support, encouragement, and room to think for themselves.
The loudest voices are not always the most helpful voices. Our referees, especially young officials, need proper feedback from mentors, assignors, and experienced officials — not constant yelling from the sideline.
Whiny coaches and loud parents can do serious damage. It affects team performance, player confidence, referee confidence, and it contributes to referee turnover.
I love the idea shared in this video: Some clubs have a rule that if parents start complaining or trying to “joystick” their kids from the sideline, their child gets subbed out. That allows the players to grow their soccer IQ, the coaches to coach, and the referees to do their job without unnecessary outside influence.
If coaches have legitimate concerns about a referee, those concerns should be submitted properly in writing, with video clips if available, to the league and assignor.
Let’s continue building a better soccer environment together.
Support the players.
Respect the referees.
Let the coaches coach.
Let the kids play.
