Youth Refereeing by Youth: A Committed Initiative
In a world where team sport is often synonymous with competition and performance, it is essential to introduce young people to fundamental values such as respect, team spirit and knowledge of the rules of the game. It is with this in mind that the Federation has set up Youth Refereeing by Youth, with the aim of raising awareness among young players and their parents of the crucial role of referees in the smooth running of matches.
Last September, the League with each district organized a day dedicated to this initiative. The event brought together a group of several U13 teams, carefully supervised by the Arbitration CommissionsThese introductory days allowed young players to discover or rediscover theimportance of arbitrationwhile familiarizing them with the different rules of the game and the technical gestures specific to the role of the assistant referee.
The young participants had the opportunity not only to take part in technical workshops of the gestures of the touch refereebut also to try out the role of the latter during these matches. This allowed them to understand the responsibilities incumbent on this actor in the match: ensuring compliance with the rules, maintaining order on the field, and above all, demonstrating impartiality. By involving them in this practical experience, we aim to break down the barriers that often exist between players and referees, by showing them that the latter are there to contribute to the fun of the game.
The initiative ” I play, I referee » aims to create a new generation of committed players and referees, aware of the challenges and issues related to the refereeing function. By raising awareness among young people from an early age, we hope to cultivate mutual respect between all stakeholders in the sport through a better understanding of the rules of football. This process forms a virtuous circle: by playing and refereeing, these young people develop a better understanding of the game, which strengthens their skills on the field.
The Parents present were able to attend a “Parents-Supports” workshop led by the CTR DAP in order to raise their awareness of their role and responsibility in the smooth running of the meetings.
In conclusion, Youth Refereeing by Youth is much more than just training; it is a real investment in the future of our sport. By learning to referee, young people play an active role in the sports community, thus reinforcing the values of respect, commitment and passion that make team sports so rich. Thanks to these awareness days in each district, we hope to see a new generation of referees flourish, but also of players aware of the importance of each role on the field.
Credit: F.Perrin
