Question Number: 22652

League Specific 12/17/2009

RE: Competitive - league specific Adult

Amy Lloyd of Portland, Oregon USofA asks...

One of the local leagues holds their end-of-season premier division match final played under FIFA+USSF to decide the winner (cash prize and trophy) - i.e., tied scores at end of regulation time and overtime periods then KFTM.
At the end of regulation time, the president of the league and the assignor approaches the referee that the overtime procedures will now be one full overtime period of 10' and then if tied, 'golden goal.' The referee informs both teams, one team protests vehemently about this 'changing the goal-posts,' however they (both teams) agree to play further. [The main reason is neither the assignor nor the president, who is in charge of field scheduling, had reserved the pitch for the time necessary to complete this match.]
Regardless of the outcome, as a referee, I am inclined to put this verbal 'change/modification of rules' in my report.

However, I am afraid, (i) should it come time to face the music (protest/hearings, etc), I would not have a good leg to stand on, and (ii) my colleagues are going to consider me political/back-boneless/unscrupulous. I mean it was already meek and spineless to 'do as told,' however I am afraid the actions are direct misinterpretation of the laws and league rules, especially the verbal modification before the start of the match.

What [all] would you do, or would have done, in this situation?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

When a protest occurs, the referee's report is usually the only neutral report of what happened. The referee doesn't often does not know if a protest will be lodged. Therefore, it greatly helps the league for the referee always to report the facts of any unusual incident - field conditions, injuries - - as well as just reporting scored, cautions and sendoffs. Where, as here, the instruction to change the method used to choose the winner in a cup final might be a critical factor.

The referee doesn't need to justify anything; just report the facts. What happened is done; be confident knowing that you are providing the only neutral report the league will receive.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Ref Wickham has excellent advice. The league's changing of the rules on the fly is the league's problem. That will be resolved by the league under their bylaws and policies if there is a protest.

All you, the referee, can do is file a factual report stating what happened. What they did put the referee in a spot, and I would disagree that complying was meek or spineless, especially since the teams agreed to go forward. The choices would be to abandon the match or to comply. Choosing to allow the teams to take the match to conclusion, however much you might disagree with the method chosen by the league, was an acceptable thing to do at this level.

Write the report, include all the details, remember next time to have this discussion beforehand with the league, keeping in mind any issues that may arise, like having enough time to complete the match due to darkness or poor planning.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Amy, you heard the problem, presented it to both teams and they both agreed. One team somewhat reluctantly. If one team would have played the game under protest it may have been different.
I would have done the same as you did. At this point just report what transpired and the chips will fall where they may. For heavens sake do not feel guilty! This is a common sense problem and the powers to be will see it that way.