Question Number: 17514

Mechanics 10/25/2007

RE: Competitive Under 15

John of Boston, MA USA asks...

As a town referee, I see the same home teams week in and out. I learn how individuals play, names of players, and what to expect from the team. When a word with a particular player is necessary, I will use their name, if I know it. As you might imagine, I don't know many names of the visiting teams, but may know a number of the home team names. Does this create the image of a referee that is biased toward the home side (due to obvious familiarity), or a referee that is using good man-management (by letting players know that he is paying close attention)?

Is it unprofessional to address players by name? Perhaps more to the point, what should I do to minimize any appearance of bias?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

John,

I usually manage to learn the names of 3 or 4 on each team. I tell them I learn the names of the good players and the troublemakers; they can decide who is who.

If you see the same home teams multiple times, you might just be able to recite their roster by memory. I told one coach I don't know if I'm doing his team a service or a disservice, as I was learning how the girls play, what to expect from them, who has a tendency to push, etc.

In local rec games, I may know an equal number of players from both teams, so there isn't a problem. When it appears that the ref is too chummy with one team, problems of perception crop up. Although I would note that the only 2 times I was accused of being a "homer" was when I was reffing in a neighboring town, not in my own club.

My advice is that unless you can address at least some of the visitors by name, you not call the home team by name. And if necessary, point out to them that for the duration your name is "Ref", not "John".

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi John,
you definitely get my vote for question of the week.
If you work a recreational league where you see all the same teams all the time then I think knowing the names and a less informal setting is not as construed as improper. Just be carefull not to use history as an excuse to find fault in the actions of the players you become familar with.

If you know the home teams really well of say the u-12, u14, u16, etc and they play rivals from other places, it is true that a well liked referee has the ability to be seen as biased by opposing teams when those around him defer to him by name and he the same.

As a coach I instruct my players to always respect the position of the referee and only refer to him as sir or mam as the case maybe. Not that's Tyrel's dad or Mr. Dawson.

As a neutral official I treat the opposition with the same consideration as the home team. I introduce myself to the coach, I learn the captains name and explain any pressing issues, substitution procedures new policies etc..that might be required. Players have numbers on the jerseys and I will call a number rather than a name out loud although I have no real issue knowing the name of the player and using it in a quiet one on one situation. I answer only to Mr. Referee or Sir from everyone on the pitch if I choose to respond at all.

I use the captains to relay information and receive feedback . If I use the captains name he thinks hey a friendly voice of reason, I call out his number it denotes another level of oh oh what?s up? Why was I Jack can we have a word a few minutes ago now I am a number 7 come here now?

Perception is cruel as it could be false and have no basis in reality yet feels palatably real in the opinion of the holder of that ideal.
If you speak the wrong thing or have a sibling or relative and that fact becomes known instant plot thickens must be something to find fault with now. If you smile and pat the kids on the back from one team but remain grim and aloof to the others you start the perception ball rolling. Try smiling at everyone and enjoy everything. Deal with what you see and stand firm on the things that matter. Those who want to find dirt can shovel it from hell to heaven and back again for all we care. We only control what we do not how they choose to think.

Yet I recall refereeing my own son's match, one of the opposing players said to my son you guys got an awesome referee I wish he could referee our games. My son smiled and said that?s my dad. The opposition player said, ?He doesn't even cheat!?. What greater compliment from a 14 year old!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

You are wise to consider the possible perception of bias by a visiting team because of your quite innocent familiarity with the home teams. I would suggest calling both teams by their numbers, and/or using Ref Dawson's suggestion regarding the captains. I've had that work well for me, too. Sometimes, even though you are innocent, you are guilty by association - the dreaded "homer" label. All you can do is call your best game, applying the Laws in the fair fashion for which they are intended and treating each team with the respect you yourself expect in return. I'm glad to see you reflecting on how and what you do as a referee. It can only make you better. And, it will help you sleep well at night with a clear conscience.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Sometimes the biggest challenge a referee faces on a match is learning all 22 player's names. Given very low intensity matches learning names can be what keeps you looking involved and interested. Not appearing bored is a good thing. I do try to know, at least, the names of the two captains and to use them when asking for favors or help. I will always use a name, if I have it, when offering praise or "that other thing". It just seems to help get attention -- "watch your hands Chuck" just sends a more personal message than "watch your hands 12".

When dealing with a captain or using him I can say "Help me with 15 George", "Captain I need you" or Number 10, watch out, sir" Each of these has a different meaning. Using the first name implies "first name basis" and all is well. Using "Captain" implies a level of concern with his side. Using his number talks to him as another player and offers him the chance to mend his errant ways before your book comes out. Rank does, indeed, have its privileges in the world as we know it, he attained his position as the captain of his side "because" and giving him "extra" privilege gets back way more in respect from him than you give in the first place. To a great degree "knowing" players will get the same thing. Just don't get caught out knowing more of one side than the other, that shoots holes in impartiality.

Regards,