should the captain be the only player speaking to the referee?

The current 2026/27 position is that the only-captain guidelines are not yet a compulsory protocol for every competition. Compulsory use is scheduled from 1 July 2027. You can still adopt the principle as a team rule now. Ask the captain to be the main player who speaks with the referee at stoppages. If the captain is far away, the nearest player can provide essential information respectfully, then move away. The important behaviour is that players do not surround the referee or continue arguing after the decision. The captain is not given permission to complain continuously. They are a communication link. At U13, this can be a useful leadership responsibility. The team rule can be simple: play until the whistle, one voice at the stoppage, and everyone else prepares for the restart. If the captain is too far away, the nearest player can give essential information respectfully and then move away. The captain remains the main communication link at natural stoppages or when the referee asks for them. The principle is one calm voice, not forcing the captain to sprint across the pitch.