Question Number: 22468

Character, Attitude and Control 11/8/2009

RE: Under 18

Bewildered of Issaquah, Wash USA asks...

Elizabeth Lambert actions, tactics at New Mexico vs BYU game November 5th...How does she not get cautioned or send off???

The referee did a disservice to her, NMU and the game in general. An early caution or even send off would have either set a different tone or removed her from the game prior to the escalating violence which now have a much bigger impact than missing a game.

She was finally cautioned but for dissent for objecting to a foul called on another player.

I have heard all kinds of speculation and rationale for no cards. The college teams selecting their own referees and encouraging the refs to 'let them play' and true, I have only seen the footage focused on her not the entire game so I don't have a context, but when ESPN calls it Mixed Martial Arts...it is no longer soccer.

Thanks for your input

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

God I loved that video!
Not its disrespectful content but for the amazing reactions across the continent it generated!
I have talked to some who watched the match and let's just say there was much contact allowed in this game.
I would prefer seeing this game in its entirety rather than just the snips of E.L. responding vigorously to the challenge of competition in such a deplorable fashion! ;o(


I question referee Joe Pimental and the rest of the 3 officials?
The officiating crew hopefully now realizes in their post match analysis given the coverage this video has received what they allowed to happen they encouraged more of the same.
I question the attitude of the team mates?
The kick of the ball into the head of the tripped player was NOT E.L. as some thought, E.L .tripped the opponent!
I question the New Mexico Coach Kit Vela?
Her after the match comments about disciplining E.L. and the indefinite suspension in no way alleviate her INACTION during the match to substitute or effect a change in E.L.'s behaviour.
I question the New Mexico school itself?
Given this incident is apparently indicative of other irresponsible actions, which recently suspended first-year football coach Mike Locksley punching out his assistant.
I question the opposing team BYU?
As to innocent in this debacle I doubt they did not do their fair share. I thought that crotch pull of E.Ls pubic hairs just before she got her neck snapped was not such a good idea by the BYU player. Apparently the New Mexico keeper was blatantly run over twice according to my sources. The obvious elbow that initiated EL's first punch to the back was not without its own impropriety.
I question the reaction of everyone involved for the blatant disrespectful gamesmanship that was on display for ALL to see! ???
Composure? If my team mate was brutally assaulted with a possible career ending injury as that neck snap how a brawl did not occur is simply astounding to me? I hold the possible theory that BYU tactically used needling tactics because it was obvious they worked. Verbal taunting and cheap shots away from play were not restricted to E.L.! If we examine the reaction of E.L. in three of the exchanges the opposing team initiated some rather irritating tactics no doubt to cause EL to over react

Yes Elizabeth will have to answer for her deeds and may pay a high price beyond the indefinite suspension. Whether her apology for her actions was sincere and whether she always plays like that is something I can not determine. The only good of a bad situation is to highlight that FAIR PLAY and injustice on the pitch still exists and more needs to be done to promote Fair Play and stop the injustice!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

The game took a huge black eye when the referee team allowed such misbehavior to continue. Each of the offenses on the clips could easily have been send offs, but in no way were they anything less than a caution. Ms. Lambert seems to have anger management and self control issues and should have been removed from the game. The behavior of the various other players/opponents is no excuse for her repeated breaches of the peace.

I have to agree with Ref Dawson - where were the coaches, where were the school administrators? Was the game an orchestrated free for all? For shame - were there no adults there to exert any control?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Some of the misconduct occurred off the ball, and it is unfortunate that the referee, assistant referees, and the fourth official did not see it/deal with it. Some of the misconduct occurred near the ball, and how it was let go is hard to see how they missed it.

This was a semifinal match in the conference playoff. I'm sure the entire referee team feels terrible. The player has apologized, and her school has taken action. All agree the conduct was not honorable.

The lesson for all of use is that we should referee every match as if it's video will be a highlight on ESPN sports center. We must see and deal with the things that interfere with the beautiful game.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I too was astounded at the actions displayed in the video. Not that the BYU players were blameless angels, but that kind of response and retaliation simply cannot be tolerated.

And then I read a forum post: Why were the camera operators able to focus in on the violent conduct so well, but the referees and 4th official all missed it?

We follow the guidelines of the referee guide to behavior to not criticize fellow referees, particularly if the ref can be personally indentified from the game. But I can't for the life of me see how this behavior was let go so far and get so bad.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 22491