Question Number: 24504

Law 5 - The Referee 1/20/2011

RE: Competive amateur, player manager Adult

Mark V of Newcastle, Tyne & Wear UK asks...

As a player manager, I had a number of issues with a referee before the game about strict application of the laws - corner post flag, players wearing cycling shorts that didnt match shorts (but were barely visible), etc. There was an inconsistent approach throughout the game and both sides were unhappy with delays (not so much decisions) for the same strict application of the laws for Sunday morning football. That's the background.

After 70 minutes, I commented very politely and out of earshot of other players that 'I would be putting in an official complaint' as a way of telling him of my intentions. Afterwards, I enquired on what charge and was advised 'dissent'. Is this correct/valid.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Yes, the referee concluded your criticism of the referee's decision was dissent, which is cautionable.

While some referees might respond to criticism in different ways (since you say it was private and polite), but you already knew that this referee was strict. While managers have the right to file a report after the match, they are expected to behave responsibly and to demonstrate respect for the referees during.

Some referees would take your comments as a threat. All would act if there was a pattern of criticisms of decisions, and your post indicates that you began having issues throughout the match.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
Referees don't make the laws they just implement them. The field of play must have approved corner flags and the Laws state that undershorts must be the same colour as the players shorts.
Another referee on another day may have a more lenient approach to the Laws. That is part of life.
I assume from your post that the referee cautioned you for dissent? If you made the comment to the referee during the game then the referee is entitled to do that as a player who is guilty of dissent by protesting (verbally or non-verbally) against a referee?s decision/s must be cautioned.
If you were considering making an official complaint then you should have simply done that. There is no onus on you to inform the referee of your or your club's intentions to complain, certainly not during the game.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

So, if I understand you, you are upset because this referee had the audacity to adhere to the LOTG during a Sunday morning football game.

Where is it written that the LOTG do not apply to sunday morning football?

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 24513