Question Number: 17962

Mechanics 11/19/2007

RE: Rec (AYSO) Adult

John Schneider of La Mirada, CA Los Angeles asks...

I was the referee in a game (AYSO GU12) this last weekend. It was an extremely competitive match that was tied 1-1 when, while the ball was in a play, a parent yelled out that their daughter had just been struck by an opposing player. The ball went out of play just after this occurred. I instructed the player taking the throw to hold the ball. I checked with my ARs and they had not seen the event occur. I told the parent that I'm sorry, but neither myself or the assistant referees had witnessed the event and could only call what we saw. The girl that had been allegedly struck was walking towards me with tears in her eyes. I asked her if she was OK and if she could continue play, and she said "yes". I then continued the game. After the game, it became apparent to me from the testimony of the spectators (some of them I knew to be impartial) that a player had indeed walked up to another player and hit them in the back of the head. I noted all the information on my referee report, but I did send-off the player. Could I have handled the incident any better?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

You may address this in the match report as something that happened which neither you nor your assistants saw. You may not take disciplinary action regarding anything the referee crew did not see. The league is free to act on the incident because you took no action. If you take any action regarding what happened it becomes a fact connected with play and your action is final.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You can only call the fouls that you see. You can only show the cards for the behavior that you see. You may act on the advice of an impartial assistant referee, but not a spectator. Sometimes an apology is the best we can offer the wronged player.

Answer provided by Referee MrRef

The following was received from John Schneider jsut before noon PST on 20 Nov 2006:

In question 17962 I mistyped -- should have said at the end, "But I did NOT send off the player".

The answers given represent the belief you probably didn't take disciplinary action regarding the incident. In that you acted correctly and that is the best you can do!

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Sounds like a player got away with one which happens.You certainly cannot take action based on what a parent says. You and your crew missed it so you may not act upon it.