Question Number: 15478

Character, Attitude and Control 5/14/2007

RE: any Other

Steve Davis of Grant, AL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15449

Gentlemen,

I feel I must comment on your answers to question 15449. In a recent tournament game, a player called an AR a "bitch." That player was promptly dismissed and shown the red card. The player is now subject to further discipline from the state athletic association (high school game). This is all rightly so. Profanity and profound disrespect have no place in any game much less soccer.

What then of referees who act in such a way toward players. Granted, we will never know exactly what happened in Bryan's incident but what if a referee did use such inflammatory language. We are supposed to keep our cool regardless if the game or the players are trying our patience.

Respectfully, I feel that your short answers glossed over the possibilty that the referee acted in a wrong manner.

Steve

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Hi Steve. The short answers were indicative of the written language in the question. They, in no way, reflect the feelings of the panel. We abhor a referee acting in such a manner. I have, on occasion, replied in kind to a player upset over something rather than send him away. The idea of doing that is not without support at higher levels of football, at youth and high school levels the referee is expected to be more discreet in his choice of words.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Steve ,
Do not misunderstand we in no way enjoy seeing a referee engage a player in such an exchange! If a referee is overheard by the assessor or league officials to use foul or profane language against a player or team discipline could surely follow. I answered in a bit more detail to the original question but as much as we do not want a referee to engage in such a debate and thus lose his temper and possibly call a player a bitch it serves well why we do want or allow dissent or abuse on the pitch. In emotional passion fueled situations the character of most individuals falls short of the control to remain calm cool and collected. It is easier for a referee to not say anything then say the wrong thing! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Steve. I'm in agreement here. NO referee should ever act in such a deplorable manner, no matter what is said to them. Lord knows, we've all had to bite our tongues but we have a much more powerful ally than our temper, the Laws Of The Game, with which to handle abuses directed our way.