Question Number: 27103

Law 5 - The Referee 1/10/2013

RE: Rec Adult

Chris of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA asks...

Recently I was asked the same question by different adult players during separate matches. I consider the question to be irrelevant in regards to the calls I make during a match but would like to hear your opinion.
The players asked me what the foul count was. These players made it clear that they wanted to have an equal number of foul calls for each team. In both instances those players' teams did have more fouls called against them than their opponents.
If one team commits more fouls than their opponent, does the referee need to do anything differently to balance the calls evenly per team.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

I always find it amusing when people start talking about the 'foul count' as if it's some measure of a referee's ineptitude. A one-sided foul count only means one thing - that one team needs to work on their discipline!

Funny how the teams with poor discipline seem to have the most 'problems' with referees, isn't it?

I remember one particularly bright coach trotted out the 'what's the foul count' line after the match - as I was driving home it occurred to me that the foul count was actually in his favour! Still, facts just get in the way of some good 'ol referee bashing.

In response to your query - no, a referee absolutely, definitely should not be making some attempt to even up the foul count. If one team is committing more fouls then they'll be penalised more. It's that simple.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Chris
Under no circumstance should a referee do anything to balance the calls evenly per team. All that the referee has to do is be consistent and call the same fouls against both teams. If the foul count is heavily weighted against one team then that team needs to adjust accordingly. Perhaps the referee needs to consider the caution for persistent infringement to 'prevent' the foul count from rising.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Of course not!!! If one team has a lot more fouls called than the other it's because they are committing more fouls. Be consistent and call what you see. Simple.