Veteran Soccer Ref Pulls Back to Mentor Youth Officials, Sets Firm No-Abuse Sideline Rules

A veteran NFHS soccer official says a heavy season of 80+ games on turf took a physical toll, so they’re stepping back from higher-level assignments to mentor younger referees on U12 9v9 matches. They proactively brief coaches that abuse won’t be tolerated and manage parent sideline positioning to protect and support minor assistant referees.