Double Standards

[geebs]

Should we have "double standards" for sticking to the rules for lower league games, such as the junior year 11 leagues, or should the standard be uniform throughout the sport to encourage youngsters entering the game to play to the national rules so when they filter into the Regional div 3 teams etc. they know what is expected???:wavey:

[troy]

In my opinion, the responsibilities of the referee should change according to the general level of players in each and any game.

I relate it to the "Principles of the Rules" which we adopted from the old ACF Rules - I don't know if it ever got included in the ICF Commentary or if it's still there.

The first principles are:
1. Definition - the game needs to be defined - object, boundaries, mode of play
2. Safety - restrictions are made to maintain the personal safety of the players
3. Fair Play - restrictions and allowances are made to ensure the game is fair and contestable for all players


I think these core principles require specific focus from referees at different grades of competitions...

1. Introductory(or Beginner) grades - referees should focus on the DEFINTION of the game and penalise ALL breaches of the rules - this will help teach the beginning players the rules. By default, the safety of the players will also be maintained.

2. Intermediate grade - referees should focus on SAFETY and penalise all breaches of the 'safety' rules. A little bit of advantage allowed for minor infractions of 'definition' rules won't be an issue.

3. Advanced grade - referees should be focussed on FAIR PLAY and penalise all play that is contrary to the spirit of the game. Significant advantage should be played where players are playing in the spirit of the game.
- Minor infractions against a definition or safety principle can be disregarded as long as there is no unfairness to the other team.
- Some defintion and safety rules can't be disregarded as these would also be contrary to the fair play principle (eg "when the ball is out, the ball is OUT!", and "if a defender blocks a shooter within arms reach, that is UNFAIR!").
- At this level most players should know the rules and try to self-comply with the rules, and as long as they are doing so their opponents shouldn't get too agrieved at a few minor infractions ...... after-all it's a contact game played at close-quarters so there is bound to be some interference and infractions that aren't too significant, and it will go a bit both ways... so as long as they're playing in the spirit of fair play the referee can play advantage on a lot of stuff at this level. Any general disregard of the defintion of the game or the safety rules is contrary to fair play and so should be penalised even at this level.

I've debated this approach with a few other referees and coaches at times (some think that beginner players should be given extra leniency), but I know from years of refereeing competition at all levels that the players in the lower grades generally really appreciate having the refereeing tidied up and knowing where they stand with the referee and the rules.

My frustrations kick in when refereeing players at an advanced level who have never had strict refereeing in lower grades and just generally disregard the rules - they are no fun to referee or play against, and fun and fair competition is the reason we're all involved.

So I urge all referees out there to be strict on the lower grades and help make the game more enjoyable for everyone when those players advance to the higher grades.

As a final note, if some rules are too complicated or harsh for very young players, the rules themselves can be modified accordingly... but then the modified rules still need to be communicated and refereed strictly for players.

[swimmer]

I have to agree with Troy as they will not be in the habits of paddle fouls and pushing that the year 11 were doing but were not being pulled up for

[geebs]

Thanks Troy, you are echoing my views, there is no point in having rules if you do not stick to them, it causes problems and bad habits which are difficult to overcome later.


:thumbup: