Refs keep competition cool

In the under-8 boys bracket, a game between the Tigers from Lee’s Summit and the West Plains Sharks was punctuated with emotion from the sidelines. Challenges to officiating calls came from both coaches and fans, mostly on the Tigers side.

Ron Cox, a Tigers coach who appeared to be concerned with possession calls and how the ball was entered into play, questioned referee Micki Cullifer repeatedly. Cullifer, a first year referee who had never worked a 3-on-3 game before Soccerfest, kept her composure while occasionally acknowledging Cox’s challenges.

“You’ve just gotta ignore them,” Cullifer said, “so it doesn’t get on your nerves.”

Things could not have been more perfect for the first day of Soccerfest on Saturday. The day began without a hitch and games ran on time throughout the afternoon. With temperatures hovering in the mid-80s with an ever-present breeze blowing, it was a great day for soccer. But the friendly 3-on-3 tournament hosted by the Show-me State Games could not escape the passion that competitive sports often evoke.

Michael Jackson, who was in charge of the tournament’s referees, arrived at the sidelines halfway through the game to ensure the situation between Cullifer and the Tigers did not escalate.

“I try and remind them (the coaches) that even the referees learn out here,” Jackson said. “The referees make mistakes and the players make mistakes. We are just trying to make it a healthy and safe environment for everyone.”

The game ended smoothly with the Tigers winning 6-1. In a show of sportsmanship, the Tigers and Cox shook Cullifer’s hand after shaking hands with the Sharks.

“I told them (the Tigers) it’s the coach’s responsibility to deal with the officiating,” Cox explained. “I told them not to engage with the referee and that the refs are doing their best.”

Sam Orr, a veteran referee, demonstrated exactly how to keep emotions in check and boost player morale as he refereed an under-14 girls game and an under-18 boys game.

“There is a balance. You can’t get too involved,” Orr said. “If I see something someone does well, I try and let them know it, especially if someone makes a great pass and no one runs to it. You have to reinforce the positive and downplay the negative.”

Orr’s vocal style of officiating serves another purpose besides bolstering spirits.

“You make sure they know you’re there,” Orr said. “They are less likely to commit fouls when they know you are watching.”

With officiating discrepancies being handled professionally and thrilling matches running continuously on numerous fields, Soccerfest proved to be an enjoyable event.

“It’s fun to come out and watch kids play a good sport and have a good time,” said Carole Moore of Belle as she watched her son Wesley play in an under-18 boys game against the MOBTown Hornets. “It’s a good experience for all the kids and they seem to have a good time.”

The final games of Soccerfest take place today from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Stankowski Field.