Blog #6 - Putting the Postive in the Negative

       "This ref sucks!", or "Ref, what kind of call was that!?"As an avid soccer player, as well as a licensed referee, these are only two out of the bunch of complaints heard by coaches, parents, and players. I believe referees, are almost always seen in a negative way. I see and hear people all the time whine and criticize over what they think are "mistakes" made by the referee. To me, I feel its almost immature to do so, because it's not like the referee is trying to make the bad call, or better yet, the call the parents aren't pleased with. The game of soccer, isn't always going to be a fair game, so parents, coaches, and players need to take that into consideration. The referee strives to keep control, and maintain a fair game, but it's very difficult to do so when you have everyone on the sideline raging and moaning at you, being a nuisance. Yes, I do understand there are times where you get a referee, with lets just say... very little experience. However, I feel we shouldn't downgrade him for trying. Instead of screaming and shouting, maybe try talking in a different, more cordial connotation.