Question Number: 15539

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 5/20/2007

RE: Competive High School

Ian of Tucson, US asks...

I was AR in a High School game. The players were only a couple of years (if that)junior to me. I as play moved up to the other end of the field by attention was drawn to a confrontation taking place in the center of the field between one teams striker and the other teams right back. Unpleasant words were being exchanged and it was obvious that there was a lot of potential for the situation to escalate especially as both players began to get into each other faces. I determined to inform the Ref of this at the next stoppage in play

My first question is whether is would have been right for me to intervene in some way at this point?

As I had predicted pushing, shoving and a few fists followed. At the last one of these I quickly ran onto the field and placed myself between the two waring parties and tried to calm the situation down. Was this the right course of action?

Should I have simply flagged and waited for the referee (whose attention was focused on the play developing in the other penalty area) and waited for him or should I have verbally tried to attract his attention?

Overall to what extent and at what point should an AR become involved in situations of this kind?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Did you try shouting at the players? "Hey guys, KNOCK IT OFF - NOW!!" That lets them know you're seeing what's going on, and if the center hears you, he can turn around to deal with it as he chooses.

You didn't mention, but I hope you made a mental note of the players involved, so you can tell the ref who needs to see what color of cards.

Getting between combatants can be dangerous, particularly in a school game. In this sue-happy society we find ourselves in, you could be setting yourself up. You also could get hurt.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Wow! An AR at a high school game??? I'm amazed someone actually allowed the 3 man system. Anyway, I agree with Ref Voshall. You could have/should have yelled something. Once the fight started, get the referee's attention and start taking notes. Do NOT intervene. Let the idiots kill each other at this age group and you stay out of harm's way unless you're a really big guy and want to get punched. Your most important job at this point id to be able to identify the combatants.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Make sure when yelling you tag each player by color and number! This allows all to know who is involved in the miniature mayhem. I tend to agree with my colleagues regarding getting between two buffoons intent on doing each other a mischief, right up till its me on the line. I tend to have an attack of stupidity every once in a while...

Regards,