Question Number: 20500

Character, Attitude and Control 11/12/2008

RE: wreck Under 13

Taylor Ray Lewis of idk, tx usa asks...

can you back talk to an opposing coach or a referee

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Without penalty? Unlikely.

Back talk to the referee will net you a caution for dissent, unless the back talk is offensive, insulting or abusive, and then it is a sending off. A reasonable question can be asked - may not be answered, may be - depends on the question, the circumstances and the way the question is asked.

Back talk to the opposing coach is just immature. Let your own coach take care of it. Or if you are the coach, get hold of yourself. It's a game, and Rec U13 is a kids' game. Don't spoil it, please.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Short answer, you are free to act like a 2 year old anytime you want. You can back talk,whine, moan, scream or curse. Just don't expect to get away with it. You are old enough to respect those in charge and this includes the other caoch. If the opposing coach is saying things to you, tell your coach.
Most referees will respond well to a polite question asked at the half time interval or before or after the game.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

In the United States the 1st Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits restrictions on speech or the free exercise thereof. So you may say whateve you like.

That said, the FIFA laws of the game prohibit language that is offensive, insulting, or abusive. If you break that law you are asked to leave the field and shown a red card.

There are also rules against disagreeing the referee's decisions. Doing so could result in you seeing a yellow card and the referee taking your name and warning you about continuing misconduct.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

A referee is a human being with a character and disposition that you can interact with as you so desire. As a general rule they will smile and respond amicably if the situation is one of a favourable atmosphere.

Each official recognizes to some degree that it is not always easy to agree to disagree and emotive venting by players and coaches is a pressure release that can simmer but not burn depending on the expletives, comments, loudness, duration and PERSONALIZATION of the event.

Back talk as in being flippant, insolent or rude is generally a poor route if you want playing time! A perturbed coach or irritated official has authority to put a real damper on your play time if need be, one by not substituting you or starting you and the other by cautioning or sending you off!

Bottom line respectful conduct is not ass kissing just as being arrogant, rude or opinionated is not courageous.
You reap what you sow. Learn to agree to disagree and table discussions for a more reasonable time

Cheers