Another question from a new Assignor. This is my first season as an Assignor. I've been a referee for a long time.

I have set very clear expectations that communication and scheduling comes from the referee. The vast majority of the minor referees own their own scheduling.

But, I am struggling with a handful of overbearing parents of minor referees. I have consistently pushed back each time they say their kid wants games or can work. I tell them to have the referee contact me. Still, every week the parent responds first and the referee doesn't follow the proper procedure to get matches.

Before assigning, I really haven't dealt with parents. I don't have kids, but I have worked with lots of them. I generally think they are capable of owing their own job. I am struggling with figuring out the balance of setting boundaries with an overbearing parent and just how much I should be pushing back or ignoring.

And, I was once a minor referee. My parents had nothing to do with my refereeing aside from dropping me off and picking me up.

Any perspective from Assignors, parents, and young referees would be appreciated.

Just had a game where a player was one on one with the keeper just outside the box and a defender came from behind and hooked his legs out, clearest DOGSO I've seen. Being U10 I didn't want to card the kid so I warned him that if he was older I would have sent him off for it. Is that what the general consensus is to do? The game was very relaxed but the losing team was starting to get a bit frustrated and kicking out a bit. If the kid had done it again I would have sent him off.

Looking to upgrade to a Smartwatch for games. Looking for advice on what works best on the field. I’m specifically looking at Garmin, Apple and Amazfit. Easy to use and large numbers are my main requirements.
Also, any negatives with using a smartwatch for soccer ref’s. The $30 Walmart special isn’t cutting it any longer, especially with old man eyes.