Comments on: Why I hate being the linesman

By: Alan Khoo

Alan Khoo — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:58:36 +0000

I feel for Martin Upson. I was volunteered for our U12′s state cup match as one of the linesman didn’t show up. We would’ve advanced to the finals if we won this game. The game was tied 1-1 and our forward dribbled through as the goalie came out. All he had to do was tap the ball in but instead, passed diagonally to a team-mate also ahead. I had to raise up my flag and the ref disallowed the goal. It was the right call but did I get a lot of good natured ribbing from our parents & coaches. If it was the other way around, it could’ve gotten ugly.

By: Martin Upson

Martin Upson — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:31:43 +0000

I didn’t mention the best one…two of the opposition clean through on our keeper. Keeper rushes out and the player passes the ball diagonally forward to his team-mate who’s is in advance of him. I raise the flag to disallow the goal.- a clear offside. Four parents pursue me down the touchline!

By: Martin Upson

Martin Upson — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:28:49 +0000

I agree, Dave! I was subject to some terrible abuse from opposition parents and even players earlier in the season…they were U14′s! Sarcasm, swearing – the coach didn’t join in, but did nothing to dissuade them. Parents and players don’t understand the rules and show a complete lack of respect to someone who’s just trying to help have a “fair” game of football. A parent confronted me at half-time in front of our team who was running the other side! Hardly in a position to tell what was offside and what wasn’t. The referee had no control and the game descended into anarchy with parents squaring up to each other after the game. It could all be avoided with a stronger coach, telling everyone associated with his team it’s unacceptable and substituting those players found guilty of abusing “officials”.