Question Number: 22629

Character, Attitude and Control 12/9/2009

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 22621

I can understand the theory behind the answers provided here, but I have to admit that I find it difficult to apply in practise in many instances. The problem is the referee is paying attention to the play which is where the action is, and it is difficult to know who is making the shout. It may be from a teammate and also possible from an opponent.
Does the panel have similar experiences and how would you handle such situations.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Just like any other incident, you don't call it if you don't see it. If you don't know who shouted, you can't call misconduct. But if there are only two players over there, you know the one with the ball isn't calling to himself. You can pretty well know that the opponent was verbally distracting the player, even if you don't see his lips move.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

First, tradition gives huge latitude to the offense to use guile. Misconduct by an intentional verbal lie (the attacker who shouts 'keeper' to stop the defender from playing the ball) is very rare.

Second, players know that the most dangerous opponent is often the one who doesn't have possession of the ball. Referees need to extend their awareness beyond the ball and their pregame should remind the assistants to focus on players away from the ball.

Third, when you think something happened but no one saw it, you can't assume it. But, before giving up, you can ask the suspect: 'Why did you do that?' Confession is good for the soul.

Dennis

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

It will depend on the situation. A simple 'enough of the shouting!' not directed at anybody in particular may be sufficient to get the message across to whoever it was. That's about as far as you can go.

I had a similar incident last week in Futsal (indoor soccer). U/14 match, and there was a kickoff after one team scored. Quite often in Futsal teams shoot for goal straight from the kickoff, and as the team did this, one of the 2 opponent's in front of him shouted 'oogley boogley'. At the next stoppage I pulled both players aside, told them I don't know who it was so I'm not placing blame, but that it was unsporting, unnecessary, and will result in a caution if caught. Truth be told, I don't think it distracted the kicker and the age/grade and temperament of the match didn't require harsh action, so even if I knew who it was I probably wouldn't have cautioned him.

Considering the young age and the temperament of the match I knew I would get away with approaching the two players. If it was an older game, perhaps not (depends on the mood of the match though), I might have ignored it or done as I suggested above, and just made a general shout to stop the distracting comments.

We also have the same problem with dissent and abuse - but as Ref Voshol pointed out, if you don't know who it was then your choices are limited.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alex
Shouting to deceive and distract rarely happens in a game and when it does it will be pretty obvious. Also if a shout happens and your are unsure then just let play continue and file it away for future reference. Players tend to repeat their behaviour. Also when the referee is concentrating on play that is the important part not what is being shouted elsewhere.
Also I suggest to referees to look at positioning to ensure that they have as many players as possible in view. Being a situation where there are say only 2-3 players in view while the bulk of players are behind the referee's back is not helpful.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The myth of a 'MINE or 'I GOT IT! or the resulting admonishment of (PUT A NAME ON IT!) is partly referee get frustration at deciding if the cry was a communication with a clear intent to play the ball for his team mates or whether the clear attempt has the same effect as if it was a deliberate intimidation call designed to put off an opponent.
Coaches such as myself like the use of a name for communication and the fact it gives LESS incentive for a referee to find anything wrong!
Cheers