Without doubt, the introduction of ‘Mini Soccer’ has been, for youth football, one of the one of the most successful innovations launched by the Football Association.
Mini Soccer is designed to be simple yet still incorporate all the features of “real football” that are recognised by children. Played by those aged 10 and under Mini Soccer is now well established within most youth leagues. The idea of a ‘more touches, greater skills and greater enjoyment’ philosophy has indeed worked, with reduced player numbers on a small pitch meaning that all participants become involved. It is estimate that a third of all youth football now being played is ‘Mini Soccer’.
The Referee has an important role to play in Mini-Soccer. Carrying out their duties without favor they should look to create a playing environment which is fun for all taking part. The Referee should encourage fair play, fun, respect for others, development of skills and team work, understanding of the Laws of the Game. The Laws of the Game should be a guide for the Referee in Mini-Soccer with the spirit of the laws being more important than the letters of the law. Appreciation of the needs of the child is essential.
Each ‘Mini Soccer’ Law is numbered to correspond with the appropriate Law of the Game with the main variations from the 11-a-side provisions explained. A copy of the laws of mini soccer is available through "related documents".
Being a Mini Soccer referee is not as easy as it may sometimes seems with often the main problems coming from excited spectators and for some of our younger referees this can be a challenge. Therefore the OFA annually run a Mini-Soccer Referees Course and the next one scheduled for 27 June 2010, however if there is enough interest or you know of 7 or 8 others who would like to do the course then additional courses will be provided (please click the link bellow).
This course is designed to highlight the main differences in the Laws of the Game between Mini Soccer and the 11v11 game as well as focusing on the ethos of the game and giving the referee more confidence to deal with both on and off field issues given the age of the players.
If you would like more information on becoming a Mini Soccer Referee then please click here.
|