Question Number: 13511

Character, Attitude and Control 8/17/2006

RE: Competitive Adult

Ian of Newcastle, NSW Australia asks...

I can find nothing on the FIFA site to say what discipline needs to be taken when a Referee kicks a player. Are refs immune from disciplinary action? The ref kicked a player lying on the sideline, telling him to move further away. Like you would a dog if it didn't do as asked!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Trust me, this will be handled. You will not be privy to it, but action will be taken. Refeees are the subject of discipline when needed but it is behind closed doors and when warranted the action taken is severe, indeed.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ian,
conduct that is contrary to the spirit and conditions of fairplay and integrity of a match must be reported to appropriate authorities. Referees have the priviledge of final say on facts concerning play . There is no final word on acceptable behaviour if it is not. Report the actions, kicking a player is serious stuff likely to breed contempt and disrespect as well as initiate a possible fight. The official who conducts huimself in such a rude and lackluster manner needs to be kicked from the game in my opinion.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If someone, hopefully, reported this horrid beaviour, sanctions most certainly WILL be given to this referee. That behaviour is simply not acceptable. By the way; you shouldn't kick a dog either!!

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

The referee admininstrative handbook which is handed out to all referees states specific action that is taken for referee discipline.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 13548