Question Number: 14959

Mechanics 3/8/2007

RE: High School

Dan Wybo of London, Ontario Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 12443

Thank you for your answer.

However, your answer is typical of Referee's who are in the middle.

It does not help the AR, who has the added responsibility of acting as the 4Th official along with his AR duties.

Dissent on the bench is no different that dissent on the field.

When you don't have a 4th official and one of the AR's is designated to be in charge of the benches( substitutions ect)

The conduct of the coach and the players on the bench needs to be controlled.

To me it starts with preventative action before the game starts.
Hey we check equipment, we check the field, the nets ect.

What's wrong with getting the two coaches together before the game and reminding them "We as a team of officials expect them to act in a responsible manor.
I even go to the extent of explain that
responsible behaviour means they may convey tactical instructions to their players, but after that they may not question our decisions.
The coach must stay in the technical area
and any strong verbiage he says to the AR
is the same as if he said to the middle REF.

I believe it is prudent to educate the coaches and players before each game.
Therefore, Coaches coach, players play and we arbitrate

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Are you referring to 12443? I disagree with your pregame discussion as to what you expect of the coaches. They should already know that and you can easily come across as talking down to them. I limit my pregame with what I expect on substitutions and leave it at that. SHould a coach act up, he'll find out very quickly what my tolerance level is. I agree with you that ARs should be aware of dissent and bad behaviour on the benches. In my pregame with my ARs I always tell them if they hear or see something I need to know about, get my attention and tell me. I expect similar instruction when I'm an AR and if I don't get it, I ask what the Center expects of me in dealing with the benches.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Dan,
While I can see we are likely to disagree on something?s I do understand your point of view!

Coach hat on!
The coaches are busy with the tactical instructions and prepping the team for match play. As a coach I do not want the referee trying to tell us anything me in particular!
I prefer the referee to referee the match in a fair manner, concern for safety, showing a reasonable effort and understanding of the laws and their application to the game is commensurate with their experience and age!
Referees oft times feel it is important to have a pre-game. The concept that if they educate I will stay educated is a fallacy that simply does not work. Noble though your intentions you will be played if you try to impose your will when it is unwarranted.

I know my responsibilities as a coach, if the league or tournament is implementing a change in substitution procedure or a new law directive those I need to hear about and can appreciate a referee who makes them known.

I find referees albeit well meaning could come off as pompous when trying to ingrate themselves as arbitrators when the match has yet to begin with a, You better behave speech. I know my duties just be bloody sure you know yours! Because if I get a, you best behave or else talk and I see zero effort, poor foul recognition or attitude unsatisfactory as my players get no protection, Sorry ref stow that crap for someone interested

Referee hat on!
Although I introduce myself and crew to the respective coaches I afford them the same courtesy of the position as I expect in mine.
RESPECT! at least initially because it is earned as an individual!
The R portion of the position can be wiped out in a hurry!

What you can do is ask the coaches after the H I am Richard, Fair but not perfect, would they like to ask you anything specific they wish to know and if not have a good game!
I will engage a coach ONLY at lower age and skill level with direct communication as we work together to educate and mentor the youth as they learn the game and its laws. I can engage the team directly IF the coach wants me too to cover such things as
Substitution procedures
Play the whistle not the flag,
Advantage do you prefer the free kicks?
Deliberate handling,
Offside,
10 yards
No beaking dissent only reasonable behavior elects reasonable responses if the time and place is appropriate your captains can ask for explanations .
Perhaps a stretch but I offer these same options to spectators especially the parents in the pre-game not always in the post but if the attitude is right then fire away. If you would like to know something go ahead and ask!

Education requested is better than imposed! Mind you as a strong character I am easily approachable and feel very confident in dealing with public, can shut down the anger button and use humor and compassion with equal effect. the character of the referee must match his ability to engage others in a pleasant exchange not a hostile or one of controversy and recriminations.

Working as a single official I add a bit more coverage to the always play the whistle and offside is ONLY called if I am 100% certain so think a bit about where I am on the field when you push or trap

When I call the captains for the coin toss as referee I do two thing aside from toss the coin and write the names and number on my cards. I introduce my ARs and myself and state we are fair not perfect and ask them would they like to know anything specific they might be unsure about because I will be talking to them if they or their team does anything I am sure about!
I then tell them only four things, enjoy the game, play the whistle, my ARS are absolutely untouchable and not to be bothered in the performance of their duties and all problems are brought to my attention in an appropriate manner at the appropriate time!

Because we have unlimited subs we do not check the players over as we do in a one on one switch three times a match. Substitution policy without a 4th is mostly sorted out in the equipment check so the AR can concentrate on his primary duties of offside, ball in and out with minimal distraction. MY ARs are fully briefed on what is or is not required when it comes to interacting with the touchline staff players or fans CALL me over if you have a problem that a reasoned response will not work on!!
Cheers