Question Number: 13328

Character, Attitude and Control 7/12/2006

RE: Competitive Under 16

Austin of Dekalb, IL USA asks...

Here is a odd, slightly funny, incident for you.

About a month ago I was refereeing a match, and I had just called a foul against team A for a careless challenge.

A fan from Team B yelled loudly, but in a clearly non-abusive manner "Blow that whistle "Cueball" "

("Cueball" was a reference to my head. I keep my hair cut short, buzz cut to be precise, all the way around when I ref, as I feel it makes me look more professional)

My AR raises her flag, so I hold up the play, as she, as well as the Team B coach, heard the comment. The coach of B asks If I would like him to take care of that particular fan. I respond in the negative, stating I did not find the fan's comment abusive or insulting, but rather amusing.

Lets see, maybe for the next game involving team B, I'll make my head like the 1 ball when wearing the gold jersey, the 2 ball for the blue jersey, the 3 ball when wearing the red, and the dreaded 8 ball when wearing the black. The cue ball doesnt seem to match any of the USSF approved uniforms LOL.

The above would be funny, but unfortunately could be deemed a uniform infraction. RATS!

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Ha ha. This is up to you. Insulting language is not accepted as it is a send off offense for players. Thus it should not be tolerated by fans or coaches either. Why should something that would get someone punched in public be tolerated at a sporting event?? It is up to you, but if he meant it in an insulting way, I would have had the coach remove him like he offerred. Else, you can ignore and laugh like you did...that works too. As long as it is not bothering you. Take care.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If you can have some fun with the fans have at it. There are tons of funny comebacks and often will settle down hotheads. Of course, if truly abusive you need to deal with it.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Then again, what about the next referee finding it offensive and because you chose not to deal with it in some way the buffoon thinks he has "carte blanche". What if he is a youth referee? Is that something we need as an added benefit for referee retention?

Just a thought...

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Austin,
it is always a good thing to see humour even if those who are the cause of it could still use a swift boot in the arse.

I do like the fact the coach was considerate enough to ask if he could intervene on your behalf and that it at least appears your league has a no abuse spectator allowance.

AS my colleagues' point out if you can see humour and feel that the antics are meant in friendly jest as referee your opinion is what counts here. The thing being in in allowing some emotion and some passion to exude from the touchlines many will take it too far if nothing is done to curb the irritating obnoxious eggheads who occassional dot the touchlines.

In this match your attitude may have been what was needed to dispell tension. In other matches it might create more constant harrasment if those who mouth off are not reminded this is a game, it is fun and the match can only continue without their presence .
I love your idea and admire your enthusiasim. A laugh a day makes the eggheads not always go away but certainly one at their expence can be priceless. Cheers