Question Number: 20236

Character, Attitude and Control 10/13/2008

RE: Open Adult

Adam of Wilmington, North Carolina United States asks...

We're having a little bit of a problem in our local league. I am a player coach and brought up these issues with the league and they do not seem to want to address them. The first concern I have is in regards to dissent and the role of a captain. The teams playing need to have a representitive voice on the field, if they do not then every one starts complaining to the official about every little call and it turns into situations we've all seen clips off, a player or fan attacking a ref, brawls on the field, major injuries.

My arguement to our local league was that we needed to restore the legitimacy of the captaincy. Allow him and ONLY him to speak to the official. As I had seen it the tendancy worldwide has been to quickly and decisively caution for dissent to stop it early and fast... allow the captain to calmly and appropriately bring up concerns regarding the game.

We've had instances where the captain asked the official 'may I have a word with you please?'... the official stormed away and said 'It's not going to make a difference'... In another instance the official granted permission under the same circumstances but when the player brought up a complaint about the call, in a calm organized manner, the official threatened to caution him and yelled to have him walk away.

In the latter example I was the captain and one of my players set me straight about the play (it wasn't a foul and the official got it right), but nevertheless, I was attempting to address a concern about the safety of my player and even if I'm dead wrong (and in this case I was), the official should still allow me to state my case. He doesn't have to agree, he doesn't have to change the way he calls the game, he just needs to send the messege that he heard what I was saying, then go back to what he was doing.

My question, are these complaints and suggestions valid? They aren't laws of the game but in the opinion of seasoned officials do you agree with the need for a captain to be able to express his views as long as it's done in a respectible civil way?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The team captain is not the 'designated dissenter'. I will speak to any player who is seeking a clarification of an issue, provided the circumstances of play allow the time to do so. I will not listen to dissent from anyone, captain included.

The captain is mentioned only 3 times in the Laws of the Game. Twice is in regards to Kicks From the Penalty Mark to determine a winner. The other is this: 'The captain of a team has no special status or privileges under the Laws of the Game but he has a degree of responsibility for the behaviour of his team.'

Last night 3 girls from each side came to the center circle as captains for the coin toss. I said something like, 'OK, with 6 of you here, you should be able to control everyone on the teams and I won't have to do anything, right?' I don't know if that had any effect, but we had no problems at all. The fact that I talked quietly with the girls from time to time probably was a bigger factor.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The 'captain' is not addressed by FIFA other than outlined above. The captain has no special rights or privileges.. NO ONE is allowed to dissent. Period. The referee on the field of play doesn't have time to discuss calls with anyone, not even the captain. Most of us are open to discuss things if approached properly but only at the half or after the game. You rightly observe that worldwide we put a stop to dissent quickly. It would be nice to be able to stop and calmly discuss calls with the captain but it's simply not going to happen due to the nature of the speed of the game. You can just imagine the referee trying to keep up with play while attempting to listen to the captain even if he is being approached calmly and respectfully. You are incorrect in your assertion that you should be allowed to state your case. The referee is under no obligation to hear you say anything and as I've pointed out, there simply isn't any time to do so..

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Adam,
in MY OPINION a smart referee will use the captain to help set examples and convey the referee's wishes to his team mates. That said the captain has ZERO rights to ask for or dispute anything during the match. There is no time to debate calls that you either agree to disagree with and move on or face disciplinary action.


It is prudent in MY OPINION to communicate effectively with players in a reasonable manner but that unreasonable level, which you indicate is lrampant in your league is affected by the experience and character of the referee to establishing those guidelines which in turn those outside, the coaches, players, parents and spectators behavior will challenge, reduce or negate those guidelines.

I will engage the spectators in Q&A before a match or offer the option of explanations to players and coaches if they so wish in the pre-game check in. I will pick occasions to explain, especially when I recognize the confusion is equally held by both teams. I also believe the younger age soccer matches are teaching opportunities for all the participants as well as those watching.

You ask is there a need for a captain to express an opinion?
I say NO!
If you ask could a referee allow a captain to ask a question?
I say MAYBE, if the referee is predisposed to listen, if the time and conditions allow for it and as long as it's done in a respectable civil way.
I coach as well as play and referee so I get the communication thing can be useful but it is SO dependant on the backbone and strength of character of the referee and the attitude and conduct of everyone else. If the referee has for example misapplied the law it could be nice if at the pre-game had your captain asked," Please sir could we ask an occasional question if time and circumstances permit?" and the referee smiled and said of course. Then it is not a useless debate but a concerned. "Why are you awarding us a PK when their keeper used his hands outside the penalty area is it not a DFK from that point? Do not mention DOGSO or cautions at this point if you get the ear of the referee, be concise and ensure the information exchanged is IMPORTANT. The drivel of why was that a trip he missed him, what call was that or how come you only call those against us stuff are TOTALLY useless exchanges.
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 20261