Lincoln Youth Soccer absolutely expects that all parents will accept the BAYS Zero Tolerance Policy. This means that we will not tolerate any disputing referee calls...during or after the game, no remarks to the referee to watch certain players or attend to rough play. NO YELLING at the referee EVER and no sarcasm, intimidation or feedback of any kind during or after the game. If parents disagree with a call they should ask the coach to explain it.
- Support the referee's decision. Refereeing soccer like playing soccer looks easier from the sidelines then it is on the field. The field is large, there are a number of players moving both with and away from the ball and the referee cannot see everything from all angles.
- Understand the laws of the game. FIFA rules give soccer referees a great deal of discretion. They are not required to call every breach of soccer's laws ie handball if a ball hits a players hand the referee will decide in a second whether the player meant to do it or whether it just happened...so the referee may not call a foul.
- Under FIFA rules only the referee's opinion counts:if the referee did not call it - it is not a foul.
- That referee is your neighbor's child. Quite often the referee for your child's game is a teenager. Treat them,whether or not you agree with their calls, as you would want other adults to treat your child in a similar situation. Every referee is performing a difficult job in a fluid,fast paced game.
- Look at the big picture. Soccer is a GAME. Most of our youth players will stop playing before high school. Keep the games in perspective. If you cannot watch the game without losing control...stay home. Remember, we are all role models for our kids.