By Tim Bradbury, Director of Coaching, Eastern New York Youth Soccer 
Association
A friend of mine asked that I pen a piece on a coach’s perspective of what a good ref may look like. Before I start creating a list, it is worth noting that no matter what the opinions of players, coaches or parents are, all refs must be respected at all times. The days of refs being verbally abused and challenged by parents and coaches must come to an end. Despite what you think, they are closer to the action than you, understand the Laws of the Game better than you and have no agenda other than to keep the kids safe and ensure the game is played in a fair manner. We should aspire to be role models with respect and the way we talk to refs at all times.
I believe good refs constantly display the following characteristics: