Help Stamp Out Referee Abuse

John Barnes, our Chappaqua AYSO Referee Instructor has just graduated a class of 20 new referees. Most of these are young kids, aged 12 and up. Many thanks to John and congratulations to the new refs. You'll probably see many of the new graduates on fields this weekend.

Unless you are offering to run a sideline, referees do not want or need your help in making calls, even if you think the referee did not see a foul or made the wrong call. As coaches and parents, your behavior towards referees will be a model for the players. If your team suffers a setback resulting from a call, let your coach help the team refocus. Don't interfere with the referee while she's doing her job!

Often parents, and even some coaches, are not as well versed in the Laws of the Games as the referee. For instance, a ref might not blow the whistle if the team that was fouled maintains control of the ball. Additionally, many parents don't fully understand the offside rule, or the hand ball rule. Sometimes coaches and parents don't see what the referee sees from his or her perspective on the field, and yes, sometimes referees do make mistakes. Tough calls are part of the game. If a referee makes what in your opinion is a bad call, let it go. Get over it. If a coach or parent does get out of line (and it does happen, even in Chappaqua), it's part of the coaches' job to control their sideline. Offenders can be asked to leave the game and if necessary, referees can stop the game, too.

Let's keep in mind that more than anything else, the kids on the field are there to have fun. The referee's primary responsibility on the field is to keep the game safe, fair and fun. Let the kids have fun and the refs do their jobs without your interference.

And remember to thank the referee after the game!

Let the Games Begin!

Finally, we've made it to the starting gate! Hopefully, you've already heard from your coaches. If not, first check your registration status by using the link on our home page. If you find your child's birthdate listed there, then go to the Contacts page and contact your child's Division Coordinator.

If you still have not registered, most divisions are still open. U14G has started a waiting list, and U6B will start a waiting list by September 14th.

Are you a closet sports journalist or photographer? Are Dick Schaap and W. Eugene Smith your personal heros? If so, submit your work to our very own Perry White, parent/coach/editor-in-chief Paul Leibowitz of the Chappaqua AYSO newsletter. Paul can be reached at paul@leibowitzny.com. Players and fans of all ages are welcome to participate.

Have fun!

Soccer Starts Saturday, September 9th

The nets are on the goals, the equipment has been distributed, and coaches are having pre-season meetings with their teams. Saturday is the start of this soccer season, and weather predictions for the weekend are sunny and warm.

If you have not yet heard from your coach, the first thing you should do is check the registration confirmation link on the home page of www.chappaquaayso.org. If you are entered in the database as registered, then go to the Contact Us page and look for the e mail link to your child's division coordinator. Contact him or her to assist you.

If your registration is not confirmed, then contact our Registrar Dru Welburn at dru@ivmost.com.

Have a great season!