SAYSO's Field
Marshal Program
What is a Field Marshal?
A field marshal is a trained parent volunteer who supervises the sidelines during a game. The Field Marshal is not a referee and is not involved in the decisions made by the referee.
When do they work? They work during the games of their children's teams.
How many are needed?
Each Fall team provides SAYSO with a list of 3 parent volunteers.
How often do they work?
A team must provide a Field Marshal for each of its games.
What are the qualifications?
The willingness to monitor the field condition and game behavior of coaches, spectators, referees, and players. No soccer knowledge or skills are required.
Is there a special uniform or insignia?
SAYSO provides a special vest for field marshals. Each team would have a vest, which the coach keeps in his/her soccer bag.
What if I can't attend a game and I’m the designated Field Marshal?
Be sure to find a replacement from among the other trained parent volunteers for your team. The absence of a Field Marshal at a home game will result in your team forfeiting the game. (A 0:3 score will be recorded.)
What do I monitor?
You will monitor the sidelines during the game. Specifically, you will watch over two things on both sides of the field:
· Where the coaches and spectators stand. In general, coaches and spectators must stand at least 3 feet back from the sidelines and in an area no more than 10 yards on either side of the midfield line. This is to ensure the safety of the players and to make it easier for referees to observe the play of the game (and make good calls). Many adults forget these rules and need to be reminded frequently. If a coach or spectator strays beyond these areas, please ask the person to move back into the designated area.
Also, a coach or spectator must NEVER enter the field unless invited by the referee to do so. The referee will only invite a coach if a player is injured. In these cases, the coach is only to attend to the player and then leave the field. The coach should not engage the referee in a discussion of what happened or intimidate the referee about how to make a call.
· The verbal and nonverbal discourse that the coaches and spectators may direct toward the referee and the players. An occasional “Ah, ref!” or “What was that?” will occur. However, continued disparaging or negative remarks toward the referee or players must be stopped. In addition, coaches who continually yell or scream at their players should be reminded to “tone it down.” Watch the coaches and spectators for both teams for behavior that could be harassing or intimidating to the youth referee or to players. Intervene and redirect inappropriate behavior if necessary.
What is the referee’s job in terms of negative coach or sideline behavior?
The referee has the full authority over all activities related to the game, including the behavior of those on the sidelines. If behavior is unnecessarily negative toward the referee or the players, the referee is supposed to stop the game briefly and advise the coach to bring the situation under control. In extreme cases, the referee can “red card” the coach or abandon the game
What are the rules and consequences?
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Dissent directed towards any referee, the decisions of the referee, or any player taking part in the match is not tolerated by SAYSO. Coaches are responsible for their own behavior, the behavior of their players, other team officials and all spectators on their sideline.
The referee in their dealing with dissent need not issue warnings. In the event of dissent, the referee may do any of the following: |
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As stated in law 5 of FIFA Laws of the Game, one of the powers and duties the referee is to “Takes action against team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner and may at his discretion, expel them from the field of play and its immediate surround.” In addition, “The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play are final.”
Actions taken by a referee during the course of a match cannot be appealed or overturned. In dealing with dissent, the referee can issue a verbal warning, a caution (yellow card), or a send off (red card). However, if a coach, player or spectator has, in the opinion of that referee, committed a “sending-off offense,” that person or persons are required to leave the area before the game is allowed to resume. |
In addition, any SAYSO participants (coach, players, parents and their spectators) found in violation of this rule, which includes the use of foul and abusive language or gestures, threats or physical contact with the referee, will be barred from SAYSO activities for the remainder of the season. In addition, any coach who is sent off will be required to appear before the SAYSO Disciplinary Committee prior to returning to coaching.
How do I stop the negative behavior of a parent or spectator?
Often, it is sufficient merely to go stand by someone or to engage someone adjacent in a conversation. If that doesn't work,
approach the coach of the team and privately ask him or her to attend to the conduct of the person in question. Under CYSA rules, the coach has full responsibility for the behavior of the players and the parents, even if they are on the other side of the field. If necessary, remind the coach of this responsibility and that the individual may be asked to leave the field if the behavior continues. Ultimately, the referee may stop the game if the problem persists.
What if the coach is the problem?
Use the same strategy: Remind the coach that the game is to be a positive experience for all and that the behavior is not creating a positive environment for the referee, players, and/or spectators. Remind the coach of the potential for a red card violation, which will require the coach to leave the field and will result in a loss of points for the team.
Should I stop the game if there’s a problem?
No. Only the referee may stop the game.
What if we need immediate advice on the field?
You may contact Michael Lindeburg on game days by paging 650-578-3013.
Where should I stand?
Stand away from both teams in a “neutral” corner of the field. Ideally, you might rotate through the four corners of the field. Be sure to maintain a good distance from either team so that both the referee and the coaches and spectators know you are the field marshal. This also makes it easier for the referee to find you if necessary.
What do I do before the game?
Home games cannot begin without your presence. Introduce yourself to the referee and to the two coaches. (Of course, you’ll know the coach of your child’s team.) Reiterate the purpose of your job and what you will be monitoring during the game. Make sure the referee knows where you will be standing and work out a trouble signal.
What’s the bottom line?
You are not the referee or the referee manager. Your job is to stand up for the referee — NO MATTER WHAT. Even if you disagree with what the referee is doing, your job is to support his or her decisions. The referee’s call is final, and your job is to give the referee the support and encouragement he or she needs to employ his or her authority in cases of extreme negative behavior on the part of a coach or a spectator. If you cannot do this, you should not volunteer for this job.