Question Number: 15178

Character, Attitude and Control 4/14/2007

RE: Rec Under 15

Ken Paul of Wayland, MA USA asks...

During the game, two players on my team complained about missed calls. Nothing extra-ordinary, just the usual whine resulting from frustration. There was certainly no foul language. My co-coach and I corrected the players from the sidelines.

At the end of the game, the players went to the referee, and extended their hand. Instead of shaking the hand, the referee (a 52 year old male), pushed each player with his thumb. The players were both under 5' tall, and weighed at least 100 pounds less. It was a strong enough push to cause the players to move backwards. The players were shocked and upset.

The referee later said he did this because he wanted the players to keep quiet on the field.

Personally, I would have had no problem if the ref issued yellow cards during the game as that is his right, even though I see much worse complaining that goes unpunished.

But I found the ref's behavior boorish and unconscionable. How does he expect players to respect him and the game when he behaves that way?

Are there any rules governing referee behavior towards the players, esp. re: physical contact?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I agree this is poor behavior for the referee and could result in criminal action taken against him, and he could be punished by his referee association also.

I don't know how a referee could expect respect from the players if he behaves that way and he shouldn't expect any.

There are rules regarding physical contact with people in general. See your state's penal code. Also if you're in a USSF affliated league you can look into filing sec. 531 ethics/improper conduct proceedings against this referee.

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

Ref Montanino makes some very good points. As a fellow referee if I had seen this kind of behavior (i.e. I was one of the ARs) then I would have reported the ref's actions to appropriate authority. Pushing, grabbing, etc, players outside the scope of what might be considered within the confines of acting as a referee (i.e. trying to separate two players - and probably not a good choice to get inbetween in such a situation anyway) are not, in my opinion, acceptable actions. All the best,