Question Number: 13760

Character, Attitude and Control 9/13/2006

RE: Competive Other

Stephen Mullane of Stirling, central Scotland Scotland asks...

I know a referee who has accepted an appointment for a competitive youth league game at 16's age level this weekend . The referee has accepted the appointmen the problem is one of the teams involved this game is run by his brother in law and also his son plays for the same team . The opposing team is very unhappy about this referee being asked to referee this game . Is there a rule that prevents a referee from refereeing a game in which his son is playing in . I personally think when being asked to referee should have informed the appointments secretary and should have asked for another appiointment .

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I agree. I suppose things in Scotland are not much different than here. We are told to tell assignors of obvious conflicts such as refereeing a game your son plays in. That's simply a terrible idea and should not happen. I already have some qualms about the integrity of this referee if he accepted the assignment in the first palce.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

This is something the referee's integrity should prevent. I now must question his ability to remain neutral regardless of his level of appointment or skill. He should NEVER place himself in such a position. Perhaps SFA needs to know this, at least the County FA needs a heads up on this one. Get busy writing.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

No rule against it, but common sense should say NO. The assignor needs to think about this and the referee should inform the assignor of the problem.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

While as a coach I have refereed my own team and as a referee my children's matches without incident. Perception is what it is . When possible it is best to avoid uneccessary complications. Cheers