Question Number: 15449

Character, Attitude and Control 5/10/2007

RE: club team Under 17

Bryan of Naperville , IL United States asks...

I had a tournament this past weekend and I play goalie. During one of our games i was slid into by a forward and his spikes were up so i tried to request for the ref to watch it for next time, trying to be polite, when he cut me off and said "he was playing the ball" which brings me to my first question(1). Then with a little bit of an argument the ref ended up calling me a bitch(2). and after words i confronted the ref about this and i said how i didnt appretiate being called a bitch where he responds with "who called you that?" And i stated that he did and he denied it then said as he turned away "the question is are you"(3) which really irritated me. thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

1. If a player slides with his cleats exposed what is the proper call whether physical contact is made or not?

2. What is the rule about a ref using profanity twords a player?

3.how would you suggest a player handle a situation like this

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If the referee doesn't see something, telling him it happened isn't going to do anything but call undue attention to yourself. When you do something wrong he'll be watching. The rest of the stuff, let it go.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

"He said, he said" - guess who wins? Nobody.

Refs should always treat players with respect and dignity. Sometimes the players make that awfully hard for the ref to do.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If a referee does not call a foul it will be for one of two reasons he saw it and did not consider it a foul or he did not see it and thus can not make that call. Now both non calls can be from incompetence as both can be from true understanding and a blocked view.

That said you tried to debate a call, that dissent can land you in trouble. Players who think they can ask or tell a referee anything in a match are simply wrong. A referee may make opportunity for a reasonable question at an appropriate time given the manner in which a question could be framed but there is no guarantee. It is rather like the referee commenting on your own performance. "Wow, you really blew that scoring attempt by shooting it so wide! Why did you not pass it? You are really terrible! How could you make such a lousy shot? IF you only could remember to keep your head down and knee over the ball with the non shooting foot pointed in the direction of where you want the ball to go! You should really practice more or ask to be substituted!

Studs up tackles with legs locked and jump in style tactics can be direct red even if missed, they could be cautionable as reckless and even careless as PIADM or attempt to trip or kick . But know that most any reach in with a foot exposes some studs and the nips that occur after or during contact with the ball can be in how the collision unfolds rather than a deliberate action. As an opinion by the referee one can only hope he has a good view and good understanding!

No referee should talk to a player using profanity or ridicule although at times I have been quilty of both at the ADULT level never at the youth level. Losing ones temper in a hostile situation is only fraught with danger no matter how justified one might feel for doing so. It is why you do not engage in meaningless confrontation and conversation in emotional moments or passion fueled rages by players. We can allow some reasonable dissent given certain situations and over look the choice of words through selective hearing but the persistent, public and personal ongoing whining that goes with dissent or abuse can not go unsanctioned.

I have no idea if the referee said to you quit your bitching or you are a bitch either choice for youth is not good. But if you were cut off with, ?Quit your whining and play! " the referee is likely telling you if you continue complaining, you are likely to be cautioned. As you found out your dissertation with the referee ended unfavorably but did you truly expect it not too? Given the subject of discussion and the attitudes that prevailed?

As in all situations personal bias aside you should record and report the incident and submit it to the league. Not saying it will change anything or admitting the referee was at fault only perhaps, maybe can monitoring on a regular basis establish a pattern!

You ask what or how should a player act? Do not engage a referee in conversation or complain he blew it during a match! At the beginning of a match get your captain(s) to ask the referee if he/they could please ask for an explanation if time and circumstances allow. It is a myth they have any rights to do so but it can allow a reasoned approach to a referee. This does NOT give you the right to dispute a call only a possible avenue to rectify an injustice.
Cheers

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

See Question: 15478

See Question: 15484