Question Number: 13067

Mechanics 6/17/2006

RE: Competitive

Ben G of KC , MO US asks...

What is the role of the fourth official in handling unhappy coaches (the AR for that matter in most youth matches)? Typically the coach will come at a fourth or AR about a call they disagree with.

At times, as an AR I've not seen the call the same way the CR did but you need and want to present a united front, what do you tell the coach to satisfy them yet still support the CR?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Give them 1 warning and then tell them you will call the referee over and tell the referee about his behavior. If he argues again, call the referee over and tell the referee about the coaches behavior. Then it is up to your referee to decide on the discipline. As Always,

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Advise them they are entitled to give tactical instructions to their team, you are not part of their team, your referee will give all necessary instructions you need. If he doesn't shut up and return to his technical area put your flag up, have the referee deal with him.

If the referee does not have the courage to shut him up then you have a choice, put up with the coach's crap for the rest of the match or go home. Me? I have quit refereeing and running lines because of idiot coaches.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Tell them NOWHERE in the LOTG are they allowed to question calls. Their job is to give tactical advice and behave in a responsible manner. Tell them if they continue to badger you and interfere with your job duties you'll call the center over and let him/her handle it. If for some reason you feel the need to engage the coach, simply say the coach will have to talk with the referee at the half or after the game. In no case should you ever tell a coach you disagree with the referee. That would be never,ever,no way, no how. You have no responsibility to "satisfy" any coach. If you disagree with your center's call then by all means feel free to discuss it when the two of you are out of anyone's earshot range.