Question Number: 17473

Mechanics 10/23/2007

RE: Select Under 16

Mark of Westport, CT 06880 asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17421

I would hope that the coaches in this situation would have the courage to pull their team off the field. If the environment is dangerous because the referee has lost control of the match(or never had it) the coach has an obligation to protect his players. The best way to do this is to refuse to continue.

And a by-product of this is that the referee may get some much-needed instruction.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Another possible byproduct is that the team could get fined or even disbanded. This should not be the overriding concern: if there is obvious danger - for example, the ref is ignoring lighting and insisting the game must go on - the safety of players comes first. The coach should pull the players; if he does not, the parents should get their children individually to safety.

The problem that may surface is if the ref disagrees with the coach's analysis of the situation. The ref thought he was doing a fine job and stated so in his report. The coach had a differing opinion. The league may decide that the team has violated league rules by intentionally forfeiting a game.

It's a difficult choice the conscientious coach must make.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I would caution any coach that taking such action should only be done in the most dire of circumstances where you have a way to defend your decision before the league's diciplinary commitee which will inevitably convene to discuss how to punish the coach for taking such action.

If you're simply under the illusion that your team is not safe because the referee isn't calling the fouls that you want called, then you're just a spoiled sport and you will be sanctioned for pulling the team and rightfully so.

Now lets say you have video evidence that the players safety was in jeopardy - you could present this and perhaps there is a chance that they may see your side of things and give you a pass.

I certainly would advise against a coach pulling a team just to "get the referee some much needed instruction." And whats to say the referee hasn't had plenty of instruction and that you just think the job should be done differently. You have to be very clear and very careful when pulling a team from the field. Ultimately, if the players are in danger then do it, but expect the wrath of the league to be cast upon thee.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Some referees have one year of experience 10 times. But someone keeps assigning him games, and some league keeps hiring the same assignor. Someone isn't being told of what is transpiring on the fields or is ignoring that information. The teams/coaches need to take their concerns in writing to the league and the assignors, and if necessary to the referee association for their area/association/district/state. Sometimes, the concerns aren't valid as stated - a coach's idea of a match out of control and the players' idea of the same may be different. Of the two, the referee will listen to the players. It's never black or white, is it?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Mark,
if a referee has not the experience or understanding to regulate the players from mayhem perhaps the two coaches could agree to talk to their players and calm them down. Reminding them that Fair Play is as much a choice as it is a will of iron imposed on them by a hard nosed referee.

I coach and I will NOT allow any player on my team to harm another player on the opposing team in a violent manner. If I am upset enough I ask my players to consider whether they wish to continue. I will talk to the opposing coach as well as ensure the referee and his crew are aware of my concerns. If I am exiled for inappropriate behavior then it is a price I must pay to do the right thing that will be part of the circumstances surrounding the match.

To walk away from a match is not an intelligent option. To not take part in a restart will make a referee confront you and you can let him know your concerns. He must do as his conscience dictates and if he is frustrated he might hold us more responsible then himself. In a match a coach cannot undermine the referee as he sets the example for the kids to follow.

If the referee is a match condition so bad that you are ready to go berserk you need to find a way to prevent the explosion. A coach can try to use the captains and voice concerns in a positive light but if a big bad physical team is allowed to crash and smash with impunity have a team decision about what to do. Coaches who arbitrarily just start screaming blue murder at every thing make referees hardened to the occasional outburst where we are truly concerned and request more attention be paid to what is occurring on the field. Even being polite it still will be unreasonable action on my part in deference to the authority of the referee.

I will always appeal to the opposing coach if I have a real concern about the safety and the nature of the officiating. I will record and report all actions in the best way to improve rather than just vent in anger.. Many coaches are of the same ilk as myself and will limit the scale of the attitudes of their players. But coaches just as referees have certain experience and mindsets where perception plays a large part in their opinion about who or what is at fault and who or what is to blame .Much of the mayhem that occurs rests on their shoulders far more than an inexperienced referee.
Cheers