Question Number: 21349

Character, Attitude and Control 5/16/2009

RE: Comp. Under 13

Gary Thornton of Leeds, West Yorkshire UK asks...

Is it legal for a referee to have a pre-match meeting with just one team at this junior level, or any level for that matter.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There is nothing in the Laws that says a referee must have a meeting with either team. There may be some league-specific rules for what a referee must do to check in players - look at passcards, rosters, etc - which would require some interaction with the teams.

Reading beyond your question though, it brings up a broader issue. Why would a referee want to do anything that causes someone to think there is a bias or double-standard? Referees must be careful that their actions cannot be seen as showing favortism to either team.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It's foolish for any referee at any level to not appear to treat teams equally. Even if the referee is completely honest and of highest integrity, it would appear that he was not so why ever do something like this?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Legal? Likely YES!
Smart? Likely NO!
Perception is a tool of mechanics and any intelligent referee will do what he or she can to reduce false assumptions as a way of lessening controversy and dissent.
As someone once said, 'I thought you were a smart guy until you opened your mouth and ruined the effect!' Which is why we often preach less is more. ;o) That said, the less said ,still needs to be equally said! Avoid the look of impropriety if you shake the hand of an old friend coaching shake the opposition coach's hand as well.
Players, coaches, fans and parents will all hold you accountable for your actions! That is because you are doing a job and they have an interest in the outcome of the match that YOUR neutrality, work effort, restart knowledge, foul perception, positioning, mechanics etc... All play a part!
Critical match incidents occur during the match where all eyes turn to you and are looking very hard at what you do and how you do it. To appease those looks requires you to be aware of the moment and rise to the occasion by doing your job!
Here you create a critical moment before the match and by not recognizing it doubt is already in play, respect is ebbing and we haven't even started the bloody match!
Cheers