Question Number: 14446

Character, Attitude and Control 11/15/2006

RE: Rec Under 14

Steve of Roebling, NJ US asks...

At half time of playoff game I was warned that I was "interfering with the ref's ability to call the game" and warned that if I continued I would be ejected. I asked the ref to explain and he refused stating if I continued I would b ejected. I told him I hold no idea of what he was talking about and was ejected. I was never shown the red card but spectators state it was held up as I went to find a replacement coach (as ordered) from the parents. A coach of another team stopped me and said he would coach. I told him to check with the ref. The ref then blew his whistle and declared that my team (which was winning 4-1) had just forfeited becuase I didn't leave quick enough. No explanation was given to me or my age division commish or league president. Leaugue bylaws state refs report must be forwarded withing 48 hours. It was finally submitted at 100 hours. Commish says we don't enforce that rule- I'm told that there is no appeal process.Our Bylaws say nothing about appeals either way.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I have no idea why the referee was angry with you.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Steve,
When you recieve a warning take it at face value do not read into it right or wrong or good or bad. You are there to coach not argue with the referee or debate why or why not.

In a routine club match if a coach questions every call or states some useless opinion I respond at every shot by his players, at their every pass to yell instructions to the players, go wide, overlap, skin him, switch the ball, head down shoot, head up pass. I switch player positions and say go 3-5-2 to clog the midfield as they were routinly being beaten in the middle of the field. When the coached was crazy screaming what was I doing, I simply said your job, as you seem to prefer mine!
He replied I could not do that I replied niether can you! So what say we both just do what we are supposed to and end this here!

A referee needs no card to expell a coach who is acting irresponsibly. He can simply say< SIr, please I am directing you to leave the field area as this match will not take place with you in the vicinity.
As to when his patience expires I was not there I cannot comment if he was too quick to act or perhaps not quick enough. However, a referee has no authority to declare a winner only terminate or abandon the match and report the reasons for doing so.

As to how efficent your league is in paper work and disciplinary hearings is anyones guess it appears yours is in some disarray which might be good considering coaches expelled are often asked not to coach or be banned or fined if their actions warrant it.

For a referee to expell a coach is a serious matter, ego and personal animosity must not be part of the discussion. The good of the game fair play, fun and kids saftey take precedence over inflated egos or self important officials.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Odd bylaws. Referee has no jurisdiction as to forfeiting a game nor may he show you a red card. Have no idea why he was upset but can just about guarantee you have every right to be notified what was in his report and should be able to respond to it. Contact New Jersey Youth Soccer Association

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

When you are given a warning, take it and walk away. If you were arguing or protesting or responding to call made during the first half, then the referee had every right to warn you. Again, take it and behave and everything is good. The fact that you continued to argue with the referee made him eject you. If you do not leave, then the referee can terminate the match. He has no right or powert o declare a winner however.