Question Number: 22607

League Specific 12/3/2009

RE: High School

Janet Beal of los al, ca us asks...

In High school, does a ref give the coach a warning or go straight to a yellow card? Today a ref at my game gave our coach a yellow based on the sideline. No other warning throughout the game. Then when a parent questioned that, the ref responded 'In high school you do dimwit'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Janet
This is a rule that is unique to NHFS. As regards the issuing of any card, under whatever rules, it is not necessary for any prior warning to be issued by the referee. In some instances referees may give a verbal warning that a repeat of the offence will result in a caution. However many cards are issued without warnings.
The only other comment I would make is that the referee should engage with coaches, players, spectators in a respectful manner and name calling is discourteous. I would suspect that the atmosphere of the sideline with coach misbehaviour followed by parents getting involved may have led the referee to lose his composure. As I have said on other answers is that if everyone connected with the game followed the Code of Conduct set down by the relevant bodies these questions would not arise.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There is no requirement that a player (or coach in HS) be warned before being cautioned. If behavior is egregious, the ref can go directly to a red card. When you think about it, the caution is the warning; if the behavior doesn't change, a send-off comes next.

However, a referee is required to treat players, coaches and spectators with respect, even if they haven't earned it. Calling someone a 'dimwit' would be excessive.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

In high school, coaches can be shown cards (not under TLOG!). The yellow card is the formal warning, but can be the first tool used by the referee if the circumstances require it.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Perhaps the sideline should learn to control their behavior, so the kids can play uninterrupted by outside distractions?

Sounds like the referee was stressed - difficult crowd control can do that, and the unfortunate thing about it is yelling or giving the referee a hard time NEVER makes it better for one's preferred team.

Referees can choose to verbally warn (which may have happened here) first before reaching for the plastic, but they aren't required to do so. They are expected to use their best judgment, and in my experience, there are few referees who want to go slinging cards - most of us try to avoid giving them if we get reasonable cooperation.

As my colleagues have noted, going straight to yellow or even to red is perfectly acceptable. It depends on the referee's determination of the level of misbehavior of the affected party.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

A coach has three obligations to tactically advise his team, look out for their well being and according to the LOTG, act responsibly!
A high school referee has no desire to card a coach, warn coaches, expel a coach or have anything to do with the coach other than say Hi, have a good game and perhaps receive a thank you or share a handshake after the match.
Unfortunately the misconduct or poor attitudes of the emotionally challenged force referees to react to the pressure applied by the abuse or dissent from the touchlines and in the best interest of the match must choose to use their discretionary powers to maintain a safe environment. Referees who respond with insults or abuse in retaliation need to remember they are setting an example for EVERYONE not just reacting to the ravings of the upset, to respond in kind how much better are we? Polite, calm but firm, avoid engaging in verbal tit for tat!
Cheers