Reffs...Helping newbs & 1 st timers

[845]

I think it is all newbs it is ok to help them out. Tell them what they are doing wrong during the game and help them implement it. Just do it for all of them and not just one.

[raehl]

Well...

Probably depends a bit on the environment at the field. I know when I used to play at UofI and we'd take rec groups out, the officers would ref and help out the players at the same time - sort of as invincible generals with no guns. Share experience, try and organize players and get them moving as a team, encourage them to take territory, stuff like that. There'd be people doing this on both sides of the field so it wasn't like it wasn't "fair", and people seemed to have more fun and be more confident with some encouragement.

Like the guy who started the thread though, we didn't tell them where other players were, more just how to play, like "Ok, you just saw that guy, but your buddy over there doesn't know about it so tell him." or "Ok, you should shoot at that guy, and then you should move to that bunker."

- Chris

[Jeffy-CanCon]

I agree with Newt.

Coaching them a little before the game is probably best. Maybe offer the odd suggestion during the game. You have to be fair, and spread that help around. You don't weant to influence the game too much, but you do want to ensure that they have a good experience.

In rec play, the refs are there for safety, and to generally help out the players. Rec play, especially for renters, is all about having a good time. If the refs can make someone's day a little better, without hurting someone else, it's all good. When I ref, I always offer the newbies a little advice about how to move & shoot better, and about teamwork.

[deathstalker]

Originally posted by Jeffy-CanCon
Rec play, especially for renters, is all about having a good time. If the refs can make someone's day a little better, without hurting someone else, it's all good.

I wholeheartedly agree. I don't think there is anything wrong if the refs provide advice or tips on strategy, as long as they're not giving away positions.

When I played in Florida a few weeks ago, we had a very small group (no more than 7 players on the field at any one time). I group of five guys showed up for their first time and we did everything we could to make sure they had a good time. We would tell them when they were sticking out from behind bunkers, which bunkers were clear, and when it was safe to move up or try to flank someone. And this is while they were playing against us!

[cphilip]

Let me clarify my position here...

Refs are rule enforcers.

Coaches are on the field to coach.

There is a certain problem with trying to be both. It distracts you from doing a good job of either

I am in favor of this:

When you see novices coming...split em up. Let a older more experienced player coach them. Or find a extra ref and designate him a "Coach". Let him go on field and move around with strict guidance to not give away positions. Let him coach them on things even help them get thier marker working. Let him have only one authority. To call them neutral or to call them out.

Taylor the rules to them so the Refs enforce them that way. Like no bunkering rule. Or the five or ten foot rule.

That's the way to do it. If you can ask around there is always an older player that is honored to be a on field Coach. Never seen a group where there wasn't.

That keeps the whole thing seperate and above board. Always ask the other players if they mind a on field coach. Don't take no for an answer but that lets them know whats up. And that they are involved. Make sure the coach knows he has a certain responsibility to allow the game to play out as much as possible. And mark him seperatly than a ref. He has to stay out of the line of fire and be a responsible person. One of honor. One that will respect the rules he is to abide by.

Thats the best way to seperate the two things. Not having Refs do dual roles.