The numbers simply aren't there. When you get to the senior level, you can't just take anyone. Joe Levan, assistant director for leagues and tournaments at the United Sports Training Center in Downingtown, understands that. But we haven't been able to get the higher-level referees for every game. Most complaints, he said, are made by parents upset that their child's teams are losing.
Some parents complain, but they mostly come from a losing team.
The best is when they realize all they are is spectators. Soccer officials around the country are trying to come up with new techniques to quell tempers. Taking action against overly critical coaches is one. Last year, between six and 12 coaches were brought before Pennsylvania's officials' board because of their sideline behavior, according to Giancroce. Some were suspended.