Question Number: 15044

Law 5 - The Referee 3/25/2007

RE: Professional

Jon of London, UK asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14960

hi guys,

this is an interesting point [14960]...what is said between referee and player is something few really know.

Id like to throw in there its dependant on if you know the player too. Obviosuly the higher you get, the more likely you are to know the players and their personalities. you can often talk to a player as your running to position at a GK or IFK from offide etc. A quick, for sake of argument, "No more please Paul, you are on thin ice" Or "Rio be very careful, that's your last one." Often at a lower level saying privately, "You're better than that, don't make me use my cards" appeals the a players better nature. If not, bang, in the book they go.

Once you have said to someone, "No more", you then must caution them for their next offense especially if it has been heard by other players on the field of play. These comments must be followed through. We are trying to help the player, if he can't help himself we must then punish him accordingly.

Don't know if any of u have seen the one attempt to mic Ref up to tv...this doesnt work at highest level. it was David Ellery i believe in the middle and tony admas the player:

Admas: "Ellery you fing cheat"
Ellery: Whilst still running back to position, "Tony i might be s*** but I'm not a cheat" diffused the situation immediately.

Im not advising or condoning swearing as a referee..it is not right, but this is an example of referee's and players at the top knowing each other.

Don't get me wrong if someone called me a cheat they would be straight in my book. N they should everyones too in my opinion.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Jon, you and I know how far to press an issue, how to get well into a player's knickers and when enough leads to notes in a book. There aren't many of us that can tread the thin line between a sarcastic quip to a player having you off and ruining every one's afternoon.

I remember one gent who was rather unhappy at a decision that went the other way, I kind of half grinned and barked out "At least I haven't missed my last three shots on goals, mate. Thanks for the help."

Needless to say he didn't want to discuss much with me any more.

Another thing a referee can do when expecting ONE of those matches. Three cloves of garlic on your eggs in the morning or an onion before the match. Surprising how a little dehydration and attention to the wind direction can make a quiet word a thing of extreme displeasure. Most players will do every thing possible to avoid a second one of those little chats...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Good thoughts here Jon. Player communication is something that referees use at the highest level. Also, using people skills can be helpful in many instances, but it must be done with caution. If a player deserves a caution or send off and it will help you control the game, then you should give the caution.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Jon. I do lots of younger games now that I'm older and talk to the players all the time. Many I know and don't hesitate to use their names. I've found over the years that I can exert more control with words than cards. Of course, some things will get a card right off. Your example is a good one. Someone calls me a cheat and he's at least going to get a caution and in all probability a send off

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

See Question: 15061