Coach Expectations

  • Communicate with your team parents: We need you to explain to them that there is zero tolerance for any comment towards or about the referee ( no ..handball, offsides, bad call, etc ) … parents need to know that as they sit down in their chairs to watch their players learn and grow in the game of soccer, there is a youth referee doing the exact same thing. They may make bad calls, they may miss calls, and that is the point. The youth referee has to be able to work real games where they can learn too.

    No comments, no advice, no arguments, no yelling to your own to “push back,” etc. Pre-game communications should be that you expect your sidelines to be positive to everyone on the pitch or simply remain quiet throughout the match.

  • If there happens to be even a minor issue in the game (like a parent who doesn’t get the message) the youth referees have been instructed to address your coach for assistance. Your coach is then expected to immediately deal with the unruly parent. That will mean a stoppage of the match. We will have policies that deal with a coach who refuses to support a ref being harassed by an unruly parent within the Training League.

  • While it is our goal that all games have experienced referees or trainers with our Training referees, but sometimes that may not be posible. Regardless if there is a trainer present or not, we appreciate feedback from both teams on the referees performance. Please provide constructive tips or qualities to work on so we know when our referees are feeling confident for higher games, or may need to stick around a while longer.

    If there is a behavior issue, we have created policies for these divisions that will deal very harshly with anyone who chooses to go after these youth referees, but our hopes is that #1 .. this wont happen, and #2 if in the off chance, it does, our club leadership will deal more harshly with your own members than our policies will.

Spectator Expectations

  • Insults, harassment and criticism of any kind are not tolerated or allowed in any Training League game.

  • Even when you think you are being helpful, engaging and talking to referees is not allowed. To help referees learn, they need to be able to focus and make decisions on their own. You telling them what to call or watch is just adding ‘noise’ while they are trying to practice their job.

  • We know its hard to stay quiet during fun soccer games, but make sure any noises that come out of your mouth are positive and directed at your team!

    “Great job! Keep trying! Nice pass!”

    Do not make negative or passive comments about opponents or referee calls

  • If a player shoots the ball and misses the shot, you wouldn’t criticize them, right? You would encourage them and know they will learn from their mistakes!


    Referees need the same understanding. Mistakes and missed calls will happen but every game, every whistle and every call makes them better!

  • It is not the job of spectators to provide feedback on referees!

    Coaches and club leaders have processes to provide feedback on referees so the league knows what referees may need help or additional training games.

Coach Expectations

  • Make sure your team parents and spectators know the limits and expectations for sideline behavior.

    -Do not engage or criticize referees or calls

    -No ‘advice’, No arguments, and No engaging opposing players or spectators

  • Introduce yourself to the referee(s) before the game, ask if they have any questions, and let them know you are there to help if they need anything during the match.

  • Even when you think you are helping by telling them the correct call, it can really damage a new referees confidence to be corrected during play. Missed fouls, out of bounds calls, offside recognition are all things referees will get wrong, but will get better at as they continue to ref!


    Your job is not to train the referees, but to make sure they have a good experience at the game so they come back and try again.

  • If a spectator misses the memo, referees have been directed to ask coaches to help control sidelines.

    If a referee asks for helps controlling a spectator, we ask you walk to your group and remind them of the sideline expectations, and if necessary, ask the offender to leave the field.

  • Post-game, tell the refs good job, and thank you.

    Coaches can give feedback to the Training League through post-game reports. THIS is when you can tell us a ref may need a refresher on the buildout line, or just needs more confidence to make calls, or is doing a great job!