Keep the Positivity Going
After the game is done, don’t just disappear.
It’s a perfect opportunity to stick around and chat with the coaches, parents and spectators about the game and answer any questions they may have had during the game about any calls.
If they see you frequently and they know that you will be available after the game, they remember that at will be less likely to yell or talk down about your calls during the game because you will have set yourself apart as an authority on the rules and as an individual that gives them an opportunity to be heard on a personal level.
If any Green Cards were presented during the match, be sure to fill out the Good Sport Award and present it to the player(s) that were awarded. You can also remind the teams about what the card was presented for and fill in the player on what they can do with their card (i.e. if the concession stand offers a free drink or snack award) and that they can register their award on the Soccer Green Card directory at https://soccergreencard.com.
While you’re talking with the parents and coaches, you may also have an opportunity to tell them about the Positive Referee philosophy and invite them to learn more about the concept and maybe they will even become a referee for matches as well once they see how much fun it can be with this new mindset and approach!