Question Number: 18464

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 3/4/2008

RE: Rec (U-13 Girls) Under 14

Jake of Memphis, Tennessee U.S.A. asks...

Recently I was an assistant referee at a local recreational tournament. I have a vast experience with refereeing (NISOA, Division 1 amateur, high school, etc), in fact I had just done a college match the night before. The purpose of me working the game was to assist a new referee as he had just received his grade 8 badge (I am upgrading to a state referee badge). Also, I was working the tournament to help out the assigner who is a really close friend.

The game was very uneventful. The girls played and had fun. The problem was he was calling way too many fouls (In my opinion). This is understandable because he is still learning and trying to learn foul recognition.

During the second half with about 2 minutes left, the blue team was up 2 to 1. The blue team was awarded a goal kick. The blue defender took her time and marked the ball on right front corner of the goal area. She then kicked the ball over to the other side to re-spot the ball. The ball traveled maybe 2 feet and NEVER got close to leaving the Penalty box, much less the goal area. It was obvious to me that she was delaying the restart.

The center referee blew the whistle and called for an Indirect Free Kick for the Red team on the blue team's six yard line. I raised my flag and the referee walked to me. I stepped onto the field (2 steps) and met him to discuss the matter. I also stepped on to the field to get away from the head coach because he was standing right behind me.

I told him in my opinion the proper restart was a caution to the blue player and a goal kick to the blue team. He responded "She moved the ball therefore it is a IFK". I said the ball never left the penalty box and therefore wasn't in play. At this point his face became upset and he said "Fine, Goal kick. Now get back on your line and get off my field."

I told him "I'm just trying to help, you don't have to say it like that". He said "Come here, you and I are going to have a little chat. You are not allowed on my field at any time. Assistants are suppose to stay on the sideline at all times, now get off my field."

I said "Ok, and ran back to my line." The game ended a short while later and we walked out together. I informed him that he should never talk to me like that and that it had hurt our effectiveness as a team. He replied "Assistants do not enter the field". I replied "Look, I was trying to help you from making a game changing mistake that went against the laws of the game."

I reported the incident to the tournament assigner and he said the 22 year old referee had just received his badge and that he would not be invited back to any future tournaments.

My question is this: As an AR if you know the center is about to make a critical game changing mistake what should you do? Keep in mind the center referee did not give us a pre-game.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Jake you are obligated to give the referee any information you consider pertinent when he is about to violate the Laws of the Game. Once the referee has that information it's his decision, his match and his reputation.

In pressing the issue you discovered an immature youth referee who was unable to accept criticism. He'll go far in this business.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You did as you were supposed to. The center referee was about to make a major mistake and you appropriately told him in a professional manner. I don't have a crystal ball but I suspect unless his attitude changes he will have major problems down the road. As to your helping out a new referee, remember no good deed goes unpunished.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Sometimes in situations where miscommunication, ego , embarrassment or just plain stupidity reign supreme these are tough conditions to apply a positive effect towards . In the pregame USSF soccer has a straightforward we need to talk signals within the procedures. As AR you signal and communicate, if the referee is so dense as to be oblivious of the effect of such a wrong PROTESTABLE decision. Whether or not he perceived your entrance as an affront to his intelligence or skill as a referee, or found your attitude condescending or patronizing if he is rude or otherwise indifferent and can not comprehend the need to rap the flag across his noggin then find new matches to work in, preferably without him! We can only hope the referee receives further training, mentoring, counseling and lessons in manner!
Cheers