Indoor Information
Background:
Referee retention issues have been an increasing issue over the past few years in
Calgary. This referee shortage is caused by many reasons, but the most worrisome is
the abuse from team officials and spectators towards the youth referees. The abuse can
come in many forms but in particular, it is the verbal abuse which is personal,
provocative and public in regards to the referee’s on-field performance that cause for
the referee to quit.
This unacceptable behavior towards our youth and new officials must be addressed as
a priority particularly if soccer is to have an adequate supply of referees. The Field
Marshall Program is intended to power one individual from each team to speak up on
behalf of the referee among their fellow parents/spectators.
Specifics:
All teams participating in CMSA league play must designate an individual at each
game (home and away) to act as a Field Marshall.
The individual acting as the Field Marshall (FM) must be named on the team’s
game sheet. Teams will be fined if they do not list their FM on the game
sheet.
The Field Marshall is to wear the arm band provided by CMSA as identification
Responsibilities:
Position yourself in the middle of your team’s half of the spectators’ seating area
Monitor the behavior of your teams’ parents.
The Field Marshall is expected to act on behalf of the referee by reminding
parents to keep their comments to themselves and refrain from vocalizing their
complaints during the game
Quickly diffuse potential problems before they arise by either being visible or
calmly speaking with the individual(s) involved.
Deal with, and act on, inappropriate comments, gestures and/or general
unsporting behavior directed at referees, players or any other individual by your
teams’ spectators or coaches but please avoid getting into a confrontation. If
someone is still hostile after being asked to calm down, please gather as much
information but do not put yourself in a dangerous position.
The Field Marshall is not expected to put themselves in a situation which may
compromise their safety and instead are asked to contact Brian (CMSA Referee
Mentor) at referees@calgaryminorsoccer.com
The Field Marshall is expected to support the referee when requested by the
official to do so.
Any questions/comments/complaints/compliments in regards to the officiating
should be directed to Brian at referees@calgaryminorsoccer.com. Based on any
official report, CMSA will investigate the incident and act accordingly.
Fines:
The fine for not participating in the Field Marshall Program shall follow the fee
structure for Defaulted Games:
o 1st
Offense: no fine, Warning Letter
o 2nd
Offense: $50 fine
o 3rd
Offense: $50 fine
o 4th
Offense: $50 fine
Any team found to be consistently not participating in the program shall be
subject to further disciplinary action.
Outdoor Information
Referee Liaison/Field Marshal
Referee Liasion/Field Marshal (pdf)
In an effort to eliminate referee abuse, Calgary West Soccer Club is not only supporting CMSA's Field Marshall Program, it has added an educational component to it. CWSC has also implemented the equivalent role of Referee Liaison in its ICHL program. Each team must designate one parent at every game to take on this role. This person will be responsible for providing support and assistance to the assigned referees.
Please note that CMSA has made this role mandatory and teams will be fined $50 for not having a designated Field Marshall. Each team will be responsible for paying this fine.
Responsibilities
The Referee Liaison/Field Marshal will be responsible for the following:
- Taking the online Referee Education Course before May 15, 2012.
- Talking to the parents at the beginning of the season and explain your role to them.
- Explaining to them that you are required to fill out a report after each game.
- Reminding parents that the referee’s calls are final.
- Remembering that the referees may be youngsters too and may be new inexperienced refs.
- Wearing the green or orange armband that is provided with your team equipment so that you are visible to the referee and other parents.
- Talking to the referee after the game and make note of any concerns or compliments.
- Filling out the CWSC Referee Liaison/Field Marshal Report after each game and email it to the coordinators. Our goal is foster respect for the referees.
We want to be good role models for our children and show them how to deal with conflicts and disagreements in an appropriate way.
IMPORTANT: ANY TEAM RECEIVING A BAD REPORT FOR REFEREE ABUSE WILL NOT HAVE A REFEREE SCHEDULED FOR THEIR NEXT GAME. THERE WILL BE NO WARNINGS DURING THE SEASON, AND NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.
If you have any questions, please contact referee@calgarywestsoccer.com
