How strict should I be with Year 3 players?

Strict on safety and fairness, relaxed on small technical slips.

• Always call dangerous play, rough fouls, and anything that clearly gives a team an advantage (running with the ball, double dribbling past a defender, holding).
• Let go of tiny footwork slips by a player standing still, or brushes of contact that don't affect play, especially in lower divisions.
• Explain briefly. When you call something, a quick word helps them learn: "That's a travel, you lifted your pivot foot."
• Be consistent. Call the same thing the same way for both teams, all game.

Blow your whistle loudly and confidently, and use clear signals. Year 3 players react to the whistle, so a sharp whistle stops play quickly and keeps them safe.