Question Number: 15356

Mechanics 5/2/2007

RE: Under 17

Bob of Phenox, AR USA asks...

Can the Referee touch another player?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I have seen referees do this for player management purposes. Referees must however do this with CAUTION. In no way can a referee get agressive with a player. A simple pat on the back or touch in the back if the player is going to ram into the referee during the game is usually ok, but again must be done with caution. Especially if the referee is the opositte sex as the players. In general, referees should not break up fights, but just record the information and take appropriate actions. If referees touch players, they should so at their own risk.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If I have to get between two players intent on harming each other you can bet there will he hands laid upon the problem! I feel it is far better to have my preventative actions criticised than have two players throwing punches. That said, US Soccer frowns on "the laying on of hands".

If the referee does not tie his whistle to one of his wrists he can come between two thugs and prevent their coming together by his presence [and maybe palms on solar plexus kind-of-thing] AND a Fox 40 [it can be used to gain attention] in the ear of the biggest one. This disarms the big guy, now all the referee need do is keep the little guy from chewing the ankles of the big guy. Works for me.

On a men's match I have been known to come between two gentlemen, intent on knocking the crap out of each other, and stop their action instantly. Of course both wound [wind] up on the floor holding their chest [solar plexus]. In cases like this neither player seems to want further discussion about whatever was bothering them in the first place and a sending-off wasn't necessary.

Paperwork is a pain in the arse so if a thump on the chest prevents it, well that's a good thing isn't it.

Again a referee using violence to make a point isn't condoned anyplace. A referee laying hands on anyone usually gets some one's knickers in a twist so, unless, you're prepared to be sued or go to jail for assault you probably ought not to participate in "the laying on of hands".

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Only if you are Collina or Chuck! It is a big risk! Cheers!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course there's always some little girls that want to give the referee a hug or others that want to shake hands.