Haven't been involved in this till now but step back and take a look at the discussion.
Someone says there were not enough refs last weekend and that the quality of reffing is poor.
Someone else counters that its all the abusive parents fault and then we get a bunch of discussion about how the other person isn't right.

If you think about it, are either of these arguments wrong?

Certainly no person agrees with parents (or coaches) abusing refs particularly young ones. That is a given and shouldn't be tolerated by the respective club let alone BSA.

At the same time the other part of the discussion is still correct. It is inexcusable that we pay the same price when there is only one ref. It is also inexcusable that there is little to no training for the refs when the players train at least twice and sometimes up to 4 times per week depending on their skill level.

Surely the refs could be provided instruction days once per month where the lead refs in the state (or even from interstate) run theory and prac sessions to improve the level. Refs who want a pay upgrade could be required to attend at least 6 of these per year. The argument that they donet get paid falls flat because neither do (most of) the coaches.

The argument that the head ref needs to be held accountable is correct just as the argument that noone should abuse the refs is correct.

When my club played Southern at MV last winter season Gibson was out there taping the refs. Not buying into the thread either way, just pointing out that I have seen him out there (and not only at the Dome).

but his off sider wasn't umpiring like she could have she was off at stero's

Why does someone have to have the correct answer and reckon the others are wrong.
They haven't developed refs - fact PLUS there is not enough coverage. You are both right.
Gibson reffing isn't the answer but good on him for getting out there.
Recruiting, paying enough and teaching are all required. Not just one bit or another

agreed.

All are equal issues, plus many more issues as well.

Problem being current administration are making things worse not better.

Both need to go, plus many others.

Bad reffed games can also create unnecessary sporting injuries as well. Some coaches/parents have to deal with the after math of that.
Not the Refs problem then, when you are sitting waiting for an Xray to come back to see if there's any neck damage etc.. I have had to do that after a game. Now When I see bad reffing or out of hand reffing its hard to just sit there and clap with encouragement.
Yes I know some accidents will happen. BUT Some come from out of control or under educated reffing.
This becomes worse when at times there seems to be bias, that team getting good calls, or no calls, knows they can go in hard without the same consequences. Hence when injuries can, and do occur.
We have all seen those type games, to say you haven't you would have to have you head in the sand.
To Refs doing the right thing, as fairly as possible. I applaud you, as we know its a hard job at times, keep up the good work. The game really needs you.

To be honest would you let ur child go out and referee knowing they will get abused by adults? How would you feel if that was your child being abused? How would you react if a parent came up to your child and told them they were terrible because somwone with no training in refereeing thinks they missed a couple calls during their child's game! I know I wouldn't like that to be my child!

There is one big thing ever single person is missing here... It's not about the parents or even the referees the games on Friday nights are junior games, that means kids games from 9yrs old up to 17yrs old, these games are about them, parents and spectators seem to think these days they have to get involved and they have the right to say something. Guess what...... They don't have any right to. It's humiliating to the players to see their parent being thrown out of a stadium because they can't control themselves! I would be mortified if my parents ever did that to me as a child and I will never put my child through that.

No one is perfect, the players are never perfect the coaches aren't perfect and neither are the referees. Clearly there is a problem that there isn't enough refs or the standard isn't good enough. it's all good to say give them training regularly, but who then pays for that? I have been to multiple venues this season and seen people talking to referees either during the games or after, I'm only guessing that they are helping the referee which is great.

My understanding with any sport you only ever have a few great players in each club, this making the div 1 team. U can train ur div 3 team as much as u want but they will always be a div 3 team! This would be the same for referees wouldn't it? Where are all the high level referees helping the not so fortunate refs on a Friday night? Maybe they are refereeing 5 other nights during the week and need a night off. I don't know but maybe we can ask that?

There is a bigger problem here than just 2 people trying to get 60+ quality refs to do games on a Friday night! Bitching on here isn't going to help the situation, help by putting your hand up to referee or get ur child involved in refereeing maybe then you will see the games do the refs in a different perspective. Maybe try encouraging the refs or telling them thanks! I know I have never thanked a referee when they have walked past me after they refereed my child's match. I will now make an effort to do so even if I don't like some calls. When people are happy and enjoying themselves that's when they do their best work, this is the same!!

Any parent or adult that yells at a junior referee just remember, that is harassment and bullying at its worst! Show your child it's not ok by setting an example!!!

I used to ref. Won't do it for this bunch. They treat refs with less respect than the parents and coaches that abuse them.

BSA need to look at themselves and accept they are to blame for so many of us walking away. Pay is lousy, expectation to referee anytime any night they need you to is unfair. Night agter night of 3-4 games for $50. No thanks.
The system and the administration are the main two reasons. The biased treatment of a select few and the lack of respect from those in charge are why I walked away.

A committee of referees with no authority? No thanks.