The beautiful game can get quite ugly. As with every competitive sport, soccer is nothing without passion, but passion can be dangerous. High stakes, boiling tensions, and reckless tackles can turn competition into an altercation. Now, soccer is meant to be a free flowing game. There are no timeouts, no quarter breaks, and really you are supposed to let the players play. But to keep the spirit of competition alive and the game flowing the way it was meant to, a referee is necessary.
Soccer officials have simultaneously the easiest and hardest jobs on the field. When both teams are focused on fairly winning, the referee's job is easy, but the moment the game becomes about egos the referee's job is significantly harder. They must balance a loose grip and control on a game that ebbs and flows with every passing minute, and if that balanced is lost then the outcome is fun for no one. Games can become a disciplinary card fest, with the official struggling to wrestle control of the game, or conversely the official can be too strict and effectively ruins the game for the players and fans by stopping play for every little thing. Finding balance is key for the referee, and doing so means an improved experience for everyone.
Obviously for the younger children the game will hardly get that heated, but the referee still has an important job nonetheless. For children, playing a sport is all about learning how to move your body and figuring out what you can and cannot do both physically and by the rules of the game. Although the referee cannot help with the first part, they can be a valuable guide for the second. Soccer is not a hard game, but it can still be confusing regardless, especially for a kid who just wants to kick the ball. Showing them when to kick, where to kick from, and explaining further rules if need be helps turn a learning experience into a fun learning experience. By doing so, referees can help children enjoy the sport even more, and help them run a smoother game next time.
Anne Arundel County, Maryland is seeking bids from qualified contractors to provide quality and competent youth and adult soccer officials for their area. If interested in this opportunity, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes July 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT.