What should a grassroots referee do if a player suffers a non-serious injury?

A grassroots referee should stop the game and allow the player to receive attention if a player suffers a non-serious injury. This approach prioritizes the player's health and safety, ensuring they can be properly assessed and treated for any injury, no matter how minor it may seem.

Stopping the game allows medical personnel or the coach to attend to the player. This procedure is fundamental in grassroots soccer, as it helps to develop a culture of care and respect for the players' well-being. It sets a precedent for taking even minor injuries seriously and encourages players to speak up about their conditions without fear of being dismissed.

Continuing the game without interruption could potentially exacerbate the situation, as the player might require attention but is unable to signal for it effectively while the game continues. Asking the player to leave the field immediately could be overly harsh, especially if the injury is indeed non-serious, and many players may feel anxious about being sidelined unnecessarily. Encouraging a player to "shake it off" undermines the importance of proper injury management and could lead to further complications if the injury needs more attention than initially thought.