Question Number: 22407

Character, Attitude and Control 11/1/2009

RE: Under 15

brian hannington of stevenage, herts england asks...

can the manager enter the field of play when the ball is dead and have words with the referee about the opposition team and not tell the opposition manager what is happening?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Managers cannot enter the field of play at anytime. If a manager needs to speak to the referee he should beckon the ref across to the technical area. As regards words with the referee about the opposition that is no doubt about his opinion of challenges, behaviour etc. The referee will not appreciate a view of the game from anyone other than from neutral assistants.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

No. The manager has no right to converse with the referee. The manager only has the right to give instructions to his team from the technical area.

The referee, however, has the right to request the manager to enter the field for a chat. This is likely the manager's last chance to remain at the field, and is more effective when done in private.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Bad idea! The technical area is the only portion on the field that the coach/manager can safely reside in and only if he behaves responsibly. Referees are keenly aware that in the heat of competition, such things as emotions, passion and perceptions of the participants are volatile, not always as under control as we might prefer. The right to express and let of some steam is not shut off completely but as in all things contrary to fair play there will be a limit in what can be tolerated as doubtful or trifling on its impact to game control and man management. Sour grapes and bias is part of the mental gripes that make up opposing manager/coaches perception. Even a legitimate observation or comment has no real basis in law for being formally declared on the field by an irate manager/coach.

A referee as a neutral official can not be perceived as listening to one coach more than the other or accepting input from non neutral sources to make decisions. Referees are not keen on trying to embarrass or belittle a coach either, even if he does not show us proper respect! Most of us understand the needs of the participants are much different than our own but we still must guide the match to conclusion and this cannot be successfully achieved if we argue, discuss or engage in verbal exchanges with the coaches at their convenience. We can have a private chat to calm things or expound the need for behavioural changes. We can to a certain extent allow more latitude at times than we think prudent in cases where a manager upset at say a player injury, they advocate for their team. I have known coaches to enter the field knowing they are likely to be tossed but do it to motivate their team or make a point in their mind specific to their tactical needs.
Cheers