Question Number: 21929

Mechanics 9/9/2009

RE: Competive Under 11

Larry of SF, CA USA asks...

I recently had a coach come up to me at half time and politley ask about a couple of no calls I made for questionable throw-ins, that his own players made. Apparently, he was concerned his young players would develop bad habits. I told him I had talked to the players during play, and he was satisfied. A more experienced ref. told me that I should NEVER talk to a coach at half time, as it will just get me into trouble. I think this is an 'us against them' attitude, and that we are much better off treating the coaches with respect and addressing their concerns. Thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

I believe it is useful for the referee to be approachable and professional with coaches, even at half-time.

But, it is unusual for the discussion to be short, polite, or productive. Most coaches,want to spend the few minutes they have for half-time talking to their players. So, anyone choosing to talk to the referees at half time is often not polite, and not asking questions. They are dissenting. (Sometimes the dissent is a correct analysis that the match is being called too tightly or too loosely and if done professionally can provide useful information to the referee. But, it is still dissent.) I prefer to answer questions or discuss calls after the match is over.

Moreover, referees need to be mindful that the other coach is watching. It is easy for them to misperceive the conversation as undue influence. If you talk to one coach during the half, it is often a good idea to go over to the other coach before the start of the second half - even if just to confirm that there is no overtime or to question whether they would prefer calls to be tightened. (They probably really just want to know what the other coach wanted.)

The primary focus at half time for the referee team is: (a) to hydrate; and (b) to talk. The team needs to go over any issues that need to be a focus during the second half (the players who are jostling; players who are getting frustrated, flag or any communicaiton issues among the referee team). With a 5 minute half, the referee team has about 3 minutes to accomplish this before heading back to start the second half. It is critical time for the referee team, so it ought to be guarded as much as possible.

When I drop down to a level different from my normal range of assignment, I often tell both coaches before the match that I will ask them before the second half if they think I' need to call the match more tightly, and then check in with them before the kickoff. I've never actually had a coach ask the level to be changed (probably fearing they will be on the losing end of whatever they ask for), but it can be a very effective way to enpower the coach without sacrificing any match control.

Most coaches are professionals, are knowledgeable, and are good people. They often are the first line of problem solving. We often talk about the few who act irresponsibly, but most prevent problems on the field. I'm willing to talk to them, but the referee team has lots to do and little time to do them during the half. So, I can only spare them a few moments.

YMMV

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I simply do not understand why any referee would tell you NOT to talk to a coach that approaches you at halftime in a polite and respectful manner! I think you were absolutely doing the right thing by discussing his concerns with him. You are correct that when referees blow off a coach that is acting in a reasonable and professional manner it just further enhances an us vs them attitude of which there is already too much. Besides, educated coaches make better coaches and are more likely to teach their players properly.

How do you think the coach would feel if after politely approaching you, you told him you wouldn't talk to him? You would certainly be viewed as arrogant and condescending and who needs that?

Your fellow referees would do the game better by developing your attitude for which I believe you should be commended.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

I personally think the notion of refusing to talk to anybody about a decision can come off as quite arrogant and only breeds negative attitudes towards referees.

I can understand the justification behind it - and some leagues have a strict rule that the referee is not to be approached within a certain time (say, 15 minutes) after a match (this allows the coach time to cool off before talking to the referee). I can understand why some refuse to talk to anybody, but I think this does more harm than good.

Generally you can tell straight away if somebody is making an honest query or if somebody is asking the question as a means of leading into an excuse to have a go at you - naturally if you believe it's the latter there's no reason for you to be suckered in and stand there.

Quite often though, the question will be asked respectfully - be it asking why a card was/was not given, what a particular foul was for, or clarification in law. I believe the referee should respond to such questions as educating players, team officials and the public can only be beneficial for us - as can seeing us in a 'human' light.

Most of the time when asked a question about, say, why a foul was given I will tell them - politely, with a smile - that I will explain it but I won't discuss it, then I will explain the decision.

My personal experience differs to that of Ref Wickham; I generally find that anybody approaching at half time is usually making a claim that the other team is shirt pulling/using elbows/pushing in the back and wants you to watch out for it. A simple 'I'll keep an eye on it' is non-committal and satisfied the person making the request - I generally find that the people wanting to have a go at me aren't upset enough to do so until after the match! That's just what I've experienced in my games though.

So by all means, be approachable but don't feel obligated to stand there - you can often tell straight away if somebody is feeling angry, and if you think they're going to have a go at you there's no reason for you to stand there. If somebody has a genuine query and is approaching you in a calm, polite and respectful manner there's no need for you to wave them off.

Naturally you'll get better at dealing with these things as experience developed.

Had you simply refused to talk to the coach in your situation, I'm sure you can imagine what he would've thought about it - so well done.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

PRE match intro, it why the officials need to show up 1 hour before play!
"Hi, this is AR #1 and AR #2 and I am Mr. Dawson. We are fair not perfect but we promise 100% effort to do the match justice. My ARs are off limits to any concerns or abuse. Coaches are there any questions or concerns you wish clarified? Once the match starts please have only your captain address me at an appropriate time and manner with any concerns you might have. I am approachable after the match to answer questions directly but only if the tone and manner is respectful. May we now proceed with a player equipment/ id check could you please line up and identify yourself when your name is called? The AR s will check your equipment as I match the photo id. Please play the whistle at all times! Thank you! Have a good game!

Another method to educate the general public is I engage the parents and fans, particularly in youth matches with a request for help that they identify a player on the opposing team who best exemplifies the true spirit of the game! This focuses their attention on the kids and calms them at a match end when I ask for that information. I also ask them pregame if they have any questions they wish answered and spend 5 to 10 minutes chatting amicably. I ensure they are far enough back from the touchlines and pose no danger or hinder my ARs ! Sometime things are strained at match end if the parents think I missed something or sent off their son unjustly but not too often and certainly not with all of them.

I have always maintained for the good of the game we are all on the same side! We must be able to agree to disagree and get past whatever difficulties arise. In youth if the kids well being is not the number one priorty of those involved they are in the wrong sport!
My colleagues admirably point out the rational about engaging coaches on points about the game during the match even at half time. The referee and ARs need to talk and sort things same as the teams do . Respect and courtesy are not lost on those who understand the basic fair play principles we so often talk about!
If you feel there is sufficient time at the half or make the time to allow a coach to engage you I think equally important to engage the other coach on what is discussed.
The real issue is the character and temperament of the match referee must be able to handle the situation well, adjust to the pressure and provide a realistic evaluation of the need or success of the actions. A question can turn into an accusation then dissent and abuse follow as the tone is sarcastic or condescending and no good comes from useless controversy. Yet to foster communication, understanding and mutual respect is an accomplishment worthy of anyone at anytime!
Cheers