Question Number: 22162

Law 5 - The Referee 10/5/2009

RE: Rec Under 13

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 22112

Not a question but a comment.

As a ref, I would apologize if I realized I blew a call. As a coach, I love it when refs do so.

Now, in our league we use the awful (IMO) two-ref system with no ARs. They have been instructed to always stay with the last defender on their half and they have to call out-of-bounds the entire length of the touch-line on their side. That just about guarantees they are going to miss calls.

Game two weeks ago, ref made an obvious error on a throw in. Both coaches and all the players knew the direction. He called it the other way. I said nothing, but as he jogged past me, he said, hey coach, I blew that didn't I? I smiled and said 'Yup'. He said, sorry, but I was screened by two players and did my best.

Same game, he called pushing on my player. Other coach said (somewhat loudly) he should have played advantage. Ref said, sorry coach, yes, I probably should have. Instantly defused the situation, problem solved.

He was confident enough in his abilities that he had no problem admiting he made a mistake. I LOVE that as a coach.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

First, tell your League that they are in violation of USSF policy that requires the 3 man system and diagonal control. Then, to make it even worse, your League basically tells the referees they have to be in a position that will automatically force them to make bad calls or miss fouls. Finally, the referees are not insured unless they use the required 3 man system.

That said, I agree with you that if we admit mistakes, it's better for everyone. It works both ways, would be nice to hear a coach tell me that HE had made a mistake and apologized

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bob
Agree with my colleague Referee Dawson.
Refereeing is an exercise in human relations. Building rapport with players and coaches is important and also building up a knowledge of the way individual react to situations is helpful. I apologise when I've get it wrong and where I feel it will be accepted in the spirit in which it is given. Your demeanour and interaction with the astute, confident ref encourages that so well done.
Hopefully many coaches will read your comment and consider it wisely. Very few coaches ever come to the referee and say ' Ref, you might have been right there. Sorry about the call'.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

We as a panel agree the admittance of a mistake inspires greater trust than a insincere denial, unwillingness to accept consequences or to dismiss legitimate concerns! Excellence and accountability are never compromised by the occasional, Sorry!
Cheers