Question Number: 22481

11/9/2009

RE: College

Dale Neikirk of Oklahoma City, OK USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 22457

The final score of the game was 4-1. The only goal scored by the loser was the goal we have been corresponding about. Shortly after this incident one of our coaches was given a red card for talking back to the official. The foul in the penalty area was committed on an attacking player, with only the goalie between her and the net. I don't know how to pursue this as I am just a dad. If the institution involved doesn't want to pursue it that is their business. And after what just happened in the game between BYU and New Mexico without a player being ejected, I am doubly surprised!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dale
I read that your were not pleased with the referee's performance in this game.
Referees are subject to assessment on a regular basis. Indeed incidents like this raises the authorities antenna as to what happened and what was the outcome. I have seen a number of referees demoted this year for failing to see obvious events in games or making mistakes in law. Decisions do happen that are mistakes either given or not given. Its part of life. No referee goes out to make errors and they do their utmost to get 100% right but that is not always possible.
As regards dismissals for denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity that always raises huge debate as the criteria is very subjective. If I have any doubt I don't dismiss. If its a cynical professional foul in front of goal or a handball on the line the player is dismissed but unfortunately they are not all as clear cut as that. I have seen four in the last two weeks with two given and two that were not. I believe all four could have been given and indeed all four not given.
As regards the dismissal of a coach for bad behaviour I don't condone that even for poor decisions. Yes passions can be raised but the ref is there trying to do a job and he certainly does not need to be abused.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Dale, every parent has been there. By the time out kids are playing in college, however, we've seen lots of questionable calls. In most conferences, the college coaches provide feedback to the assignors and their opinions are considered. Although there probably is nothing you can do, there probably is something being done (at least with respect to future assignments.)

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

IT is understandable if the team that won chose not to protest a improper DFK against them that simply did not alter the outcome! If the expelled coach was protesting the DFK call and acted unreasonably even if he had a legitimate point the disciplinary committee in reviewing the circumstances will likely have some things to say to the referee regarding the DFK inside the PA if that was indeed what occurred. I would simply phone the school in question and ask them if this incident was reported to the league?
Cheers