Question Number: 16462

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/28/2007

RE: Recreation Under 19

Matt of Warrington, PA USA asks...

If the referee calls a foul on a player, and the player responds by yelling "That's Bull**** Ref" loud enough that both benches and all of the parents on the other side of the field can hear, would that qualify for an offensive/insulting/abusive send-off? I decided during the game that it did, as what the player said, and the volume that he yelled it at precluded my from "pretending" that I didn't hear what he said. It defiantly fit the Public criteria. Would a caution for USB perhaps have been the better call?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

It offends me - off he goes. It also insults me, telling me that I don't know how to call the game.

If you decide that it does not require a send-off, make the caution for dissent.

I understand your point about pretending not to hear something (which you couldn't do in this case because of the volume). I've used the line, "I don't think I heard that, and I don't want to have to not hear it again." (Not original by me, I copy from the best that I find. Copying from one source is plagarism; from multiple sources it's research.)

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Matt as the match referee you must make an instant decision as to whether a player has done something needing your attention. With offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures you must establish in your mind what was said qualifies as public, personal and provocative.

The other thing needing to be determined is your ability to control the match after the incident! What you do about the incident is going to affect how players respect you as the referee. You make the statement the player's alligator mouth and hummingbird brain have just announced to the world he does not respect your decisions regarding facts connected with play. If he does not he WILL not in future happenings in this match and other matches he participates in.

Is this good for The Game as a whole? Would it not be better for the match at hand if he spent its remaining minutes in the locker room? Will the next referee have a better match if "Bubba Screw You Ref" were allowed more time for self analysis and introspection?

The answer you seek needs to be with you on the field that instant, if it isn't self doubt takes over and you're forced to ask for assistance. This is a good thing because learning happens, then you're forearmed on your next match. The absolute worst thing you can do is ignore his outburst because this tells him he has done nothing other that what is acceptable to you. Not good. It also sends the same message to the other 21 players out there. Is that something you're prepared to listen to for the rest of the day?

On a professional match responding in kind to this was expected, use the same tone and language and sent it back was the norm. In this day with cameras following everyone and lip readers offering translations to the unwashed masses we have gotten away from the response in kind. I don't really agree with that, but that's just me a staunch advocate of the verbal assault, a blistering tirade offering, in no uncertain terms, true feelings about a subject. On a youth match Mommie dearest is going to side with her Bubba and find a lawyer. Better just send the Alpha Hotel off and enjoy the silence.

Remember to quote his exact words, a picture of his facial expressions and what he does after El Rojo comes out. Unless you carry a brick in your pocket -- in that case just massage either side of his head until he repents his sins...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I think in this situation you either send him off or make everyone laugh at him, get him to laugh with you at his ridiculous statement and then move on. I've been known to respond with a totally smart ass remark like "No? So sorry - that would be cow shit to you, sir, and be careful how you step in it, if you please!" while patting my pocket. Said with the right expression and tone of voice, they have always laughted, apologized and behaved like gentlemen the rest of the game. If he responds incorrectly, I can still pull out the card. It's not like I didn't give him a chance to save his rear, and everybody knows it - good for me.

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

See Question: 16554