Question Number: 26566

Character, Attitude and Control 7/23/2012

RE: church league Adult

JONATHAN of Durban, Natal South Africa asks...

Do players & coaches have a right to Question every decision made by the referee

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Ho Jonathan
There is a subtle difference between asking a question of the referee and protesting his decision
No one has any rights to protest a decision of the referee. To do so is considered dissent and a cautionable offence. Referees are generally content to allow players to question a decision which is done in a spirit of finding out the reason. However when it becomes a protest the referee is entitled to caution.
In the case of coaches the referee may ask the coach to desist from such behaviour when it becomes persistent and affecting the game as it is usually done by shouting while play continues. If the behaviour persists the referee is entitled to remove the coach from the technical area.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Nope, they have no such right to question any decisions of the referee. They may ask a question, if politely phrased and meant to clear up confusion, and in such a situation, most referees will respond, although they are certainly not required to do so. The referee is more likely to respond directly to a player than to a coach.

Disruptive behavior can result in a player or coach not being able to finish the game.