#128 Can We Stop the Officials Shortage by Shaming Parents and Coaches? A Conversation with Referee Brian Barlow

Way of Champions Podcast

This week’s podcast guest is Brian Barlow, Oklahoma father and soccer referee Brian Barlow. On his facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/youreoffside/, Barlow calls out parents who are caught on tape displaying poor sportsmanship and offers $100 to people who submit the videos to bring attention to the pervasive problem of parents acting badly at youth sport games. Whether you agree with the shaming of this behavior or not, we can all agree that sideline behavior of fans is a big problem and is the leading cause to the shortage of refs in all sports. Other Highlights from the Discussion:

• The percentages of first year refs not coming back for the second year is dropping rapidly
• Kids who ref are terrified of the parents and that is not helpful
• Brian discusses why he started https://www.facebook.com/youreoffside/
• How far have some fans actually taken a perceived bad call?
• Is shaming parents the best way to help the situation? If not, is there a better way?
• Why are clubs so afraid of holding fans and parents accountable?
• How can we help first year officials?
• What is the dark side of posting photos of parents acting badly?
• Should a parent pull a player or a coach call a game for safety issues?
• Can a coach celebrate another team’s victory?
• What would a conversation between a parent and a child about behavior in the stands look like?

Connect with Brian

• Email: [e-mail]
• Barlowontheball.com
• pinapplecrushed.com
• Stoprefabuse.com
• https://www.facebook.com/youreoffside/

References Mentioned

• When You Attend a Youth Sports Event, Know Your Role!, by John O'Sullivan [Article]

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