Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association
Civility Program
“Think About It…”

SCENARIO 4

Age: U13

Gender: M

Level: Premier Division / League Play

Situation:

Sixty-five minutes into a 0 – 0 game a player is red carded for a foul. The foul occurs as one player apparently takes down the opposing striker as they go to goal with a kick to the back of the leg of the striker, thus taking the player down. The referee awards a direct kick at the six-yard line. As the player hit the ground the side line erupts with screams and curses. Many of the parents also begin to move toward the field.

Special Circumstances:

1. The player carded is on the “home team”.

2. Prior to the start of the game the opposing coach spent fifteen talking with the referee, apparently as friends.

3. The whole game the “away team” has been yelling about “homer calls”.

Food For Thought:

1. Was the “correct” call made?

2. Was the situation already volatile prior to the incident?

3. What was the intent?

What Would You Do?

As a parent

As a coach

As a player

As a referee

Supporting Materials

BOOK: Bigelow, B., Moroney, T., & Hall, L. (2001). Just let the kids play: How to stop other adults from ruining your child’s fun and success in youth sports. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc.

BOOK: Fine, A., & Sachs, M. (1997). The total sports experience for kids: A parent’s guide to Success in youth sports. South Bend, IN: Diamond Communications, Inc.