Question Number: 22414

Law 5 - The Referee 11/1/2009

RE: travel team Under 13

Jaqueline of west islip, ny united states asks...

If a coach is suspended, and shows up in uniform to the next game, which was an 'away' game for him, and stands on the sideline by the parents and coaches form the sideline, shouldn't the ref have told him to leave? I was under the impression that any coach that is suspended, can not show up to any game, until his suspension is over. The ref did tell him that he could not coach from the sideline.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The referee enforces the Laws of the Game. She also reports game results and particulars, such as the names of participants.

The league enforces suspensions. Generally if the league finds that a suspended player or coach participated in a game, there will be additional sanctions applied. Games might be forfeited. Additional suspensions could be added on. In extreme cases, the team or club could be banned.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Leagues have different approaches to what is allowed during a suspension. Some permit the coach to be 'in the stands.' The referee should enforce the league's rule, but when unsure, making a written report to the league of the coach's presence, will let the league address the situation. If the league expects that the coach would not be present, the league likely will provide additional (harsher) punishment.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The referee is responsible for the game, but the league is responsible for enforcing bans or suspensions. Unless the referee is given written instructions for ensuring that a particular person not be present, the referee should be loath to become involved beyond noting the presence of said person in her report.

One thing the referee should never do is accept the word of a bystander, fan or opposing coach as to the status of a possibly suspended player, coach or other team official. Note the protest on the game report, plus any other information. The referee could go and ask the person their name, but I would not recommend doing more than that, other than to let this person know what had been reported and that it will be included in the referee's report. That's all we have any authority to do.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jacqueline
My colleagues are indeed correct and this applies internationally as well. The referee is there to enforce the Laws of the Game and provide the League authorities with a match report. He has no role in enforcing bans, suspensions etc which is a matter for the League.
In the situation where the ban relates to a serious incident involving the referee such as assault and the referee if he is aware of the stadium ban imposed on the individual who is present then he would be entitled not to play the game while that person is present. It is then a matter for the club to remove him from the ground. That is the only exception to that situation and one that is completly understandable.
Please also remember that any ban can be appealed to a higher authority and while that appeal is in due process league rules can allow participation until fully proven.