Question Number: 19554

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/2/2008

Chris of Vancouver, Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 19512

I was intrigued by Ref Fleischer's comment on following the mechanics of Law 12, by 'first cautioning' and then 'showing the yellow card.'

My first thought was that most refs don't do it this way, followed by the thought that they definitely should! Probably many think that the yellow card is itself the caution, which, as can be inferred from Ref Fleischer's comment and the LOTG, it is not.

A few thoughts/questions:

1) I suppose I can expect some flack from 'senior referees' who will ask me what I am doing by hauling the player over, writing down his name and number etc, and only then showing the yellow card. Your comments on how to handle.

2) I take it that occasionally for purposes of management, a ref will want to show the card immediately to preempt retaliation etc.

3) I noticed in the Russia/Spain quarter final, a Russian player refused to come when called over by the ref. The ref couldn't exactly caution him for not coming over and finally had to go over to him. Didn't look too good. Would it be adviseable/inadviseable for a ref to reach for his sheet/pen/cards although not having the intention to issue a caution? And then mark down a that a player was 'warned' as opposed to cautioned? This would have the effect of keeping the players in line, and but may cheapen the act of reaching for the cards. Usually when you do this, they know they will get a card, but don't know which one.

Thx.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Hey Chris, glad to get you thinking. To answer your questions I suggest you look to The 2008/2009 Laws of the Game on page37 for guidance on what to say to 'Senior Referees' who haven't a clue. Therein we find these tidbits:

The yellow card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been cautioned.

The red card is used to communicate that a player, substitute or substituted player has been sent off.

Please note both of these sentences are past tense. That should be a clue to them.

In the second case your thinking should be along these lines. You are standing in front of a fire place and a spark flies out. Is there any urgency needed? Same thing but a log falls out on the floor. Instant action is needed to prevent the house from burning down. To the referee this means in the first case we hit the book first then indicate to the rest of the folks what we have done [show the card]. In the second case we get out the fire hose and deal with the matter [wave the card about] then get names and numbers in the book. Same for a sending off, there are times when you can deal with things slowly and times you can't AND they will be easy to tell apart.

In the third case we have a prima donna player exercising his 'right' of dissent. He effectively tells the referee to bugger off, yes? At the international level those guys will do that and the referee will have to dig deep and come up with something The Spirit of the Game and the current match demand. He decided approaching the player was better that what you think of or what I will suggest. Just think what the player on the amateur park is doing or what the child is doing -- emulating a prima donna, you betchum Red Ryder. Are we going to say to this player his behaviour is acceptable? Not hardly!! So, when he refuses to approach take out your book and start writing what time it is and his number then hit him with 'the screw-face look' and hold up two fingers with one hand and motion him toward you with the book. He will move toward you as a reflex to thinking he is about to be sent off -- THEN go to him and meet him half way.

Now comes the fun part! When you start talking talk so quietly he can't possibly hear what you say but loud enough he hears something. Presto, his head turns, lowers and he moves an ear closer. His body language has just shown submission to everyone on and around the park. While his head is down say quietly whilst pointing to your notebook entries that he is being cautioned for whatever. His head will shake up and down and if it doesn't just ask if he wishes a further booking for dissent. This will freeze him for a second and you can say I didn't think so or something like that. NOTE: you are going to be really close to the guy and the possibility of having him lash out will have already been addressed and discounted though your stance will be on guard and prepared for his possible adverse reaction. You should try to position yourself shoulder to shoulder with him so one arm is almost prevented from moving by your proximity and the other has a long way to travel. You will be facing a majority of players as will he. Your discussion will be subdued and one way and will end with a slightly louder Do you understand why you are being cautioned? When he says yes close your book and return it to your pocket and back 2-3 steps away and show the card. Note doing this shows, in body language, I have given you some space and a chance. Further he can't reach you any more.

If you intend to send-off the player that technique goes out the window unless EVERYONE including the player himself is quiet and accepts what is coming. Otherwise get the Red Sled in your hand and at your side where everyone can see it and move toward the guilty player. When you get close, 4-5 steps, Up comes the card and you continue toward him stopping far enough away that he can't clobber you without you seeing it start. When the card is fully up over your head bring it forward about 5-10 degrees, point to the tunnel, parking lot or bench and let him know how you feel. I say "Your action is intolerable, OFF you go". My voice is crushing to say the least. My body language, even in a classroom situation is intimidating at best. When I demonstrate this in the classroom I use the biggest gent there just so everyone can see the colour drain from his face when it happens, and it does! He is going to be absolutely crushed and will turn away just as a defensive measure. I have only had one player come unpuckered, the sucker spit on me! My reaction was to be expected from a retired Marine -- I was restrained by his mates and opponents and he didn't stop running until he got to his car.

Anyway, too much information here -- you have shown the red card and he is gone. What the H is his name? That's what Captains are there for, find him and get close and do the quiet thing again, what was his name anyway? You'll get it because your book will be open and your pen will be writing times and stuff. This also gives you time to calm down a bit.

Chris, please don't attempt this mechanic unless you have practised it more than the once, it'll get you in trouble. If it is a smooth flowing, confident, poised and well rehearsed thing it works like I write it. Remember personality demands how each referee approaches things and what works for one might not work for another. I recommend you practise it and try it before discounting it completely because it just might work to great advantage for you as it does for me. One final thing to add to a player's discomfort. If the match is going to be one of those consider having a clove or two of garlic or a couple of bites of an onion before the match -- also consider wind direction when having a "quiet word" with a player in need of discipline. Once they smell you they'll try very hard not to have you drop by again..

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Chris; if you visit our site regularly you will notice we don't consider 'senior referees' as all knowing as they seem to think they are. Someone that has been making the same mistakes for 20 years may indeed be 'senior' but that doesn't make him a good referee.