OK, where are we going wrong

One of the things I can't understand is how we as parents can allow ourselves and our daughters to become thugs on the field. I was field marshall today for our team and almost halfway through the game, I hear another field marshall calling to the head person.

This was her side of the conversation (as best as I can recall) "We just had two Dallas Texan players get red cards for throwing punches. The Texan parents rushed onto the field, but the ref finally got things under control. I was just wondering if you wanted to come down to make sure things stay ok."

This after an email went out again this week about behavior at the games.

I guess these parents and players thought they were supposed to ramp it up - not take it down.

WOW ... unbelievable.




Not even remotely close to an accurate account.

So are you saying she wasn't a field marshall yesterday?

Did the ref not get the situation under control? Or did you slowly walk onto the field?

I was sitting next to our Marshall yesterday afternoon. The quote from InaB is a very accurate description of the call I heard coming from our Marshall's radio. The game in question was on the field next to us. They didn't look like they were enjoying each others company

Thanks Gumby,

I heard about a '97 game a week or so ago that sounded like it went terribly out of control with reds and yellows, parents, pure mayhem...so I heard. What's up with all that? Sounds like the refs need to just start carding and asking questions later. Or at least stern warnings (stop game and discuss with captains, coaches, etc.) And if a parent complains about that, toss them...just a parent (as long as it does not result in coach being dismissed). Parents have no impact on the game and are really not needed for the game to proceed.

From a standpoint of parents on the field, totally unacceptable unless your DD is getting whaled on and no one around to stop it. I think I would even intervene on that one to preserve her safety.

Watching the match, my comment was based on the description of the account.
The incident was unfortunate and embarrassing; one that no parent wants to be associated with nor witness.

A parent did enter the field because the Center Ref would not pull the player throwing punches off the top of the girl.
The Ref was just standing there and the girls were finally separated by the players on the field, not the referees.
The parents sought out a Field Marshal to get the situation under control.

There were two (2) red cards assessed; one (1) to each team.

Thanks for the update Round. It is so hard to hear of teams coming to fist fights.

I don't believe the referee are allowed to touch the girls or "intervene" physically in any way. Sounds silly but I think they are only allowed to verbal ask them to stop. That is my understanding. I could be mistaken but my husband is a referee and there was a similar situation and he could not intervene. Had to make an official statement with police after. Crazy for kids playing a "game"!!

The real thing of interest here will be to see what happens to the girls throwing the punches, if indeed any were thrown?

Minor slap on the wrist for a game or two, or bye bye for a full year.

Don't know if the incident being referenced was a LHGCL or ECNL game, but sounds like a clear opportunity for one of them to make it clear how much of an issue they consider the behavior, and what they will tolerate.

what teams were involved and what age group?

Problem is referee touching player= potential for law suite for assault. Makes it difficult doesn't it. Verbal is the first option and the smartest one if you can get there quick enough to get in between it you might be able to get players away from each other. You would hope especially if its older aged teams that the captains have a sense of composure and will try and move their own players away. I was on the line of a game this past weekend where a captain kept his players from getting into anything. Its a difficult situation as a referee because really only so much you can do.

As a football official of many years, I never get in between players throwing punches. First of all, could get hurt. Second, potential lawsuits. It is the coaches and teammates responsibility to intervene. As an official, I just sit back and write down numbers.

I hear, even in 06 and 07 games, parents calling for their kids to "take her down", etc.

There is zero mystery why the kids sometimes play like they do.

Apple. Tree. Not falling far from.