Question Number: 15455

Character, Attitude and Control 5/11/2007

RE: Compet. Under 13

John Russon of Willard, Ut USA asks...

I centered a u12 girls competition game and an unruly coach was given a caution midway through first half. After the game he came onto the field yelling and screaming. I told him I was going to take his card. He told me He couldnt because the game was over. He then went to my linesman while I was arguing with his Assistant and got his cards back. When I found this out, I went to get his cards back. He refused to return them. the Leagues disciplinary council refused to do anything due to the fact that I failed to (physically) show him his second yellow. (considering the Hostile atmosphere between the coaches, fans and me, this was the last thing on my mind. It was close to a mob) Is this so? Is there any way a red or anyother discipline can be given to a coach post game?

Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If the rules of a competition allow showing of cards to coaches, this is counter to FIFA Laws and USSF instruction. However, referees who accept games in these competitions must abide by the rules - so you show the cards.

Now evidently your league has even further modified USSF policy - if you didn't show a card, a caution didn't happen, according to them! In fact, it is not the showing of the card but the words that the referee says that are important: "Player #X, you are cautioned for ______." This is what is also put into the report the referee writes.

You should report this coach, team, and indeed league to your State Referee Administrator (or State Youth Referee Administrator, if there is one). Leagues that do not support the decisions of referees do not deserve the services of referees. You might consider finding an assignor who will give you games in a neighboring area if this league will not clean up its act.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Based on his refusal to surrender the cards to you he has committed an offense. That is written in your report. If your league doesn't do anything about him don't referee for them any more.

Lesson learned, DO NOT allow the assistants to keep the cards, you keep them in your bag. That way instead of confronting him after the match you can just leave with ALL the cards in your possession. Then make your report and send ALL the cards back with the report. You have their attention. Again if they do nothing, collect your fee and go away. Life is too short to put up with alpha hotels.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Report, report, report! Make sure it is detailed and call the league manager on your own. If nothing is done about this, then I would NEVER work another game for that league again. Plain and simple. In USSF matches, cards are not shown to coaches. Was this a non USSF contest?