Welcome to Apsley Football Club. Here at our club, as a parent, you may be asked to run the line, assist the referee or even referee a match, for the younger children. Would we love for you to stand in and help?
In short, “yes please!”
Everyone’s dream right? Probably not!
Those that are new to football will soon realise that your children from a very young age, starting around Under 7s (Year 2) do not very often or at all until Under 8s/U9s have an allocated referee and even if you do it would be a youth referee of around 14 yrs of age. Therefore it is common practise for the coaches or parents to take it in turns i.e. Home team – first half and Away team – second half. It is very hard for the coach to coach their team if they are having to referee a game or un the line, this is where you come in. There is usually a parent willing to do this.
From around Under 9s and upwards a parent from each side shall be asked to “run the line” – there is little running really, just a fast walk at most over a short area along the line. Before you volunteer at Apsley Football Club or are asked/chosen to do this you should ask the ref what is expected from you during the game. Remember, you are only there to assist the referee to make FAIR and HONEST decisions on who’s throw in it is and if there was foul play etc. The offside rule does not come in to play until the children are Under 11s.
I feel the best way is that the coaches AND club speaks to the parents at the beginning of the season and reiterate the need for “linos, match safety delegates and other assistance as required” – without these their/your children shall not be able to play – it really is that simple, and may I add it is a requirement from the FA!
Did you know the FA offers FREE online training in coaching and refereeing:
- Coaching/EE Playmaker Course (ONLINE) – https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/football/ee-playmaker
- Referee – Part 1 (ONLINE) – https://www.thefa.com/get-involved/referee/general-information/the-fa-referee-training-course
Abuse or Passion? From time to time you will have PARENTS shouting, screaming and even cursing, that a decision was wrong (not in the favour of their child usually) and that you must be blind or worse! Some of us can ignore this very easily and not react to it, after all, we know we are being FAIR and HONEST and performing a duty so that their child too can play. You have every right to ask the ref to stop the game and discuss what is going on, they will support you and so shall Apsley Football Club and it’s coaching team and staff, so will the FA, many parents and players. I promise you that I shall have any parent cautioned and/or removed from the training or match that decides to behave in this unacceptable manner.
Enjoy this beautiful game, feel a sense of belonging, make new friendships and don’t forget to support your team too!
So, please volunteer from the start to run the line, give it a go – you never know, you may enjoy it so much that you become a qualified referee! We would certainly support you on this journey. You will find many youtube videos out there showing you how to run the line, referee and even what is offside or not. For assistance with offside please view the video below.