Question Number: 24170

League Specific 10/16/2010

RE: Competive Under 13

ken of chula vista, ca us asks...

Can a assistant coach Ref.his team?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ken
In the absence of a referee there can be a local rule that allows for this type of situation.
In general though it is not a good idea and also referee assignors would not generally assign referees to games where they have a personal interest.
If underage teams were asked would they rather go home or play the match with an assistant coach refereeing the match I know what the answer would be.

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Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Can he? Sure. Someone has to ref the game if an assigned referee does not show. Or league rules may provide that the game has to be rescheduled.

Is it a good idea? Probably not - he will appear biased and likely will be harder on his own team to prove he isn't biased. But in a pinch it's better to use a trained referee, who also happens to be a coach, rather than some other spectator. You aren't going to find any non-affiliated bystander willing to do the game.

Should the coach be assigned to the game by the assignor? Absolutely not. The assignor should take steps to insure every referee identifies potential conflicts of interest.

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