Trained referees make for better games. The players know it and our parents have told us that they know it, too.

As you may know, our referees are all volunteers. The Region works hard to recruit, train and retain certified referees. They do a great job in what are sometimes difficult situations. And while they make mistakes sometimes (they are only human), they are never wrong as far as making calls go. The referees ruling on the field is final. Please refrain from shouting at referees to tell them something was a "bad call".  If you think a referee has made some egregious decision, you can report it later on if you want, but don't argue the calls or create conflict with referees. 

Many of our referees our asked to "center" a game without assistant referees. It can be hard enough centering a game, let alone not having assistant referees to help watch for offside calls or calls along the touch line. So please remember, the referees are doing the best they can and they would be very happy to have you sign up for a referee class to help!

Although we expect the best behavior from everyone toward all referees, it is simply and strictly forbidden to criticize a youth referee. There is NO TOLERANCE FOR NEGATIVE COMMENTS TO OR ABOUT YOUTH REFEREES (or any other game officials, for that matter) at any time before, during, or after games. Anyone who does so will be asked to leave the game vicinity by the center referee, and the Regional Board may also choose to enact further sanctions. These youth referees are well trained, and many are also experienced players; however they are still youngsters without the life experience to handle negative remarks.

Please give both and adult referees your full support and help model good behavior for others to follow. And if you have an opportunity to say "thanks" to them after a game - that would go a long way!