Linesmen at kids football

[WA Toffee]

I was running the line at my son's under 12 game today and the opposition linesman clearly didn't understand the offside rule. Flagging for offside from a throw in, flagging for offside when a player was dribbling, flagging when they were in their own half. He even flagged for offside from a corner. Not just once or twice, but constantly. Luckily the ref (himself a kid about 14) realised he was a donkey and never blew his whistle once.

I know the recent changes have made it slightly more complicated, but surely it's not that hard to understand the basics.

 

[harry]

I was running the line at my son's under 12 game today and the opposition linesman clearly didn't understand the offside rule. Flagging for offside from a throw in, flagging for offside when a player was dribbling, flagging when they were in their own half. He even flagged for offside from a corner. Not just once or twice, but constantly. Luckily the ref (himself a kid about 14) realised he was a donkey and never blew his whistle once.

I know the recent changes have made it slightly more complicated, but surely it's not that hard to understand the basics.

The linesman (parent/coach) should only be giving throw ins at under 12's. The referee gives offsides.

 

[tonyhorne]

It is very difficult to deal with an enthusiastic incompetent..........

 

[WA Toffee]

The linesman (parent/coach) should only be giving throw ins at under 12's. The referee gives offsides.

Maybe that's a UK thing?
But you shouldn't be taking the flag if you don't know the rules

 

[COYBL25]

Maybe that's a UK thing?
But you shouldn't be taking the flag if you don't know the rules

I've been involved in kids sport for years mate - footy / rugby.

If a parent does the line both in footy and rugby they only ever raise the flag if the ball is out. The ref makes all other decisions right or wrong.

Thems the rules . ( in the UK )

 

[Durham Toffee]

It is very difficult to deal with an enthusiastic incompetent..........

Just ask Atsu.

 

[jaycee]

Bet he still made less mistakes than the average PL ref

 

[WycombeToffee]

When I played Sunday league, one of the guys who was meant to be coaching us (imagine the stupidest person in the world x1000) was sometimes asked to run the line. He had no idea. He'd be standing on the edge of the penalty box, whilst our defence was standing on the centre circle. He just didn't understand that he had to stand in line with the last defender. He was 30 yards behind them. The referee ignored everything he did.

 

[harry]

Maybe that's a UK thing?
But you shouldn't be taking the flag if you don't know the rules

The reason they do it like that in the uk mate is that we have to many competative coaches/parents who would wave for offside to save a goal if it was or wasnt. The ref has a difficult job because he is behind the play so ends up getting quite a few wrong but its a better system than parents/coaches cheating.

 

[harry]

When I played Sunday league, one of the guys who was meant to be coaching us (imagine the stupidest person in the world x1000) was sometimes asked to run the line. He had no idea. He'd be standing on the edge of the penalty box, whilst our defence was standing on the centre circle. He just didn't understand that he had to stand in line with the last defender. He was 30 yards behind them. The referee ignored everything he did.

I have done the line many times mate and you get caught up in the game and sometimes forget you are the linesman. Its even worse reffing as you start coaching your players on the pitch.

 

[silent bob]

Maybe they were just a semaphore enthusiast.

 

[Caolam]

I was involved in youth football for a while, it was always more trouble than the men's game. The under 10s were the worst. Fights would break out among the parents.
I refereed an under 10s game, one side was much better than the other. At 2-0 I disallowed a goal to make it 3-0, the parents of the losing side thought I was the best ref even, the others wanted to lynch me. The final score was 4 or 5 nil, the parents of the winning side just complained about the disallowed goal. The players didn't mind, they had won.
I never reffed another under game game.

 

[Bungle]

This is was happens when you entrust the simplest of tasks to Australians. Stick to drinking, fighting and BBQ'ing you neanderthals.

 

[WA Toffee]

This is was happens when you entrust the simplest of tasks to Australians. Stick to drinking, fighting and BBQ'ing you neanderthals.

Except he was a pom. I think I will have a beer though

 

[Sapie88]

This is was happens when you entrust the simplest of tasks to Australians. Stick to drinking, fighting and BBQ'ing you neanderthals.

Flaming galahs.