Question Number: 13295

Character, Attitude and Control 7/9/2006

RE: Adult

Marc of Portland, Oregon USA asks...

Why do so many U.S. soccer commentators that should know better (like John Harkes) consistently call Offside "offsides" (the plural)? Is this just a bad habit, ignorance, stupidity, or is there something about Offside I don't understand? How can we get people to learn the correct term if such public examples misuse it?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I like to say to prospective referees when a parent of coach screams offsides he is just demonstrating ignorance about the subject. If the US commentators wish to demonstrate their ignorance, so be it. I wrote a letter to ABC begging them to educate their folks. Sounds like they don't really care about accuracy.

My worry is that in the past month the commentators have started or perpetuated so many myths that decent referees will spend the next 10-15 months getting yelled at by parents who listened to all the bovine feces spread around by those yahoos.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Marc,
while those who like to point out how anal we are in trying to dispel the myths of the game or use correct terminology most of them do not referee on an ongoing basis and deal with the needless confrontational aspects of distraught fans players or coaches dismayed by a result!

I am a poor speller and without the auto correct sequencer turned on I make my share of gaffs. I pound the keys as fast as I can because my time is limited and I like to TRY to answer as best I can.

A professional approach where a site that proposes to educate must at times be educated I have had my critiques as a spell check could eliminate a misspelled word or bad grammar. I am not paid and do this for fun and because I love the game .

The fact the PAID personnel on a WORLD WIDE information system can speak so unintelligently on a subject they are viewed as an EXPERT on is astounding!

Opinions are words strung together, whether they are CORRECT or produce INTELLIGENT discussion is in the acceptance by those who listen willingly and believe what is said or seek out alternative opinions that match their own.

Even misinformation, if it fosters discussion, could lead to improvements. It is easy to cast blame and point fingers it is much harder to FIX a problem when no problem is acknowledged!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

They just do not know - plain and simple and as Mr. Fleischer said no one seems to think it is important enough to educate the public of it. We have heard the referees get criticized countless times for doing their job and applying law. Announcers that are football announcers or ex players seem to think they know more than referees that have dedicated their life into refereeing. Ahhh the ignorant public.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

They are ignorant, plain and simple. Did you watch the finals today and hear one of the commentators say it was a FIFA rule that even if you only get the ball on a slide tackle from behind, it has to be a foul!! Why we consistently get commentators so very ignorant of the Laws of the Game is beyond me.