Calls on handling

There is a discussion on a Masschusetts forum about a decision that was made in Virginia about handling calls. I posted the following:

Last year while working with another referee I noted that he explained the handling rule to the U12s who were playing. I liked it so much it now is part of my pre-game check in. It doesn't take long but I make it clear that just because the ball touches the player's hand or arm is NOT automatically a foul. I'm looking for intentionally changing the path of the ball to the player's advantage. The coaches often express appreciation for my explanation. I also tell the players that the explanation is also for the benefit of their parents, not for the game I'm calling because the players won't be talking to their parents until the game is over, but for future games.

So far I haven't had any cases of the coaches calling for a handling call during my games.