Allow me to relay an interesting experience I had today.
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This past weekend, I refereed nine recreational soccer games. While refereeing Saturday's girls games was relatively boring and uneventful, today's game was the exact opposite. Most definitely. For today was the boys' day. Even though it was still recreational soccer, a fews of the teams had some players capable of playing for a competitive team. These particular players seemed to make it a routine to challenge the opposing player by throwing their shoulder into the opponent.
What made it was worse is that, although I would call a foul, they would continue this throughout the game. 
Anyhow, the third game I refereed today included two teams (Smith Falls versus Kemptville) that had already developed a rivalry through previously played league games. In the end, I had to give out one yellow card and several warnings to a number of players. Then there was this annoying know-it-all parent. Gotta love 'em.
However, this game was nothing compared to the fifth and final game I refereed today. Lo and behold, Smith Falls was playing again. This time versus the Ottawa Internationals. The game started with a bang, as several players resumed their push-and-shove tricks in order to take control of the ball. There were also several questionable slide tackles... from behind. I should've carded a couple players early on, but I didn't.
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As the intensity increased, players began to go for the player rather than the ball... and by the ten minute mark, I had already given out a yellow card. Things settled down in the second part of the first half (each half consisted of 25 minutes).However, in the second half, things began to get nasty again. Players began making careless (and arguably intentional) tackles and other various fouls. Things really got heated with less than ten minutes left in the game, as a few players began verbal attacks on each other. I had to give out two more yellows to two feuding players. Then the same know-it-all parent started yelling at me. On one occassion, I called a penalty shot against his team on an obvious trip in the box... "WHAT?" screamed the guy. It was almost amusing. But what really made me smirk was when one woman randomly shouted, "You're losing control of the game, ref!" That must be one of the most overused phrases at a soccer game. Seriously. The blame always falls on the ref... just zip it won't you?
Thank you. What really ticked me off, however, was what occured at the end of the game. I blew the final three whistles... and guess who storms up to greet me with an evil look on his face? Mr. I-Have-Referee-Papers-At-Home himself. He started by getting terribly upset for me not acknowledging his screams of frustration. Then he went on to say how poorly reffed the game was and that he wanted to get my name or some kind of registration number... so he could report me!
Looking terribly idiotic, the man continued to follow me as I walked to the referee's tent. Along the way, a bunch of parents (from the other team) applauded me for a "good game" and started giving the angry parent a hard time. Many thanks to the fellow who eventually dissuaded him from actually getting any information from me.
Although I kept my cool and tried not to show any signs of anxiety, I was freaking out inside. 
This guy was threatening me and I didn't appreciate it. A couple parents came up to me afterwards and gave me some encouraging words. 
I spoke with the coach from the Ottawa Internationals. He explained, with a significantly cooler head than the steaming parent, that I probably should've given out cards right from the get-go. I admitted my mistake and I think he appreciated it. We both agreed that it was a tough game to manage, considering the circumstances. I left the field traumatized (almost
)... yet I learned much from the whole ordeal. Particularly the whole issue of taking control of a game. There's a certain extent to which a referee can take control of a game. On the flip side, there's a point at which a referee cannot take control. This last game was a mix of both.Even though the parent was such a--
, I'm thankful that God helped me to remain calm and fairly reasonable while dealing with this not-so-gentle gentleman. 
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Anyone else ref or has reffed in the past? Share your similar experiences here.
It is much easier to see stuff from one's individual point of view, without seeing the good stuff that a ref does. 
You can proudly state that you are more mature than a bunch of adults, since some of them were the ones being rude and irrational. 
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