As part of our effort to improve our program and the quality of our games, we have initiated a player referee or "Youth Referee" program. Our goal is to help with the problem of finding available referees while at the same time encouraging and promoting leadership among our players.
We must give these young referees the patience and positive reinforcement that is the cornerstone of AYSO. Every coach, player, and parent must keep in mind that the young referees working out there are our kids, and that we owe them the same, if not more, patience and respect than we give the players. All coaches are reminded that they are responsible for the behavior of the spectators.
Adult referees, as they move throughout the game fields, will be observing youth referees' games and will offer advice and guidance when necessary. They will also take action to prevent harassment or verbal abuse. Specifically, actions by staff referees to control or eliminate harassment can include requests, warnings, yellow cards, red cards, or in the extreme, cancellation of games.
It is important to remember that when youth referees are assigned they represent an extension of the official referee staff of our region. These young referees represent future respurces for AYSO and it is up to us, parents and coaches, to encourage, nurture and support them.
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