Question Number: 27144

Law 5 - The Referee 1/28/2013

RE: rec Under 13

Tom Sondej of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA United States asks...

I witnessed a situation in a game where a referee touched a coach and called him ' honey ' while cautioning him for irresponsible behavior. Are there any written guidelines that deal with how a referee should conduct himself when cautioning a coach? In this particular situation which should have been a caution ended in a misconduct and the coach was removed from the field because he took serious offense to the referee's demeanor towards him.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tom
The United States Soccer Federation, Inc. Policy Manual dedicates a section to the code of ethics for referees and Policy 531-10?Misconduct of Game Officials which can now be found on the USSF website. http://www.ussoccer.com/About/Governance/Bylaws.aspx
It also outlines the procedures for dealing with misconduct.
In general a referee should treat misconduct by a coach in the same way that he would handle misconduct by a player on the field of player. It certainly should not include any contact and also the player / coach should be treated with respect and dignity plus in a courteous manner. That can be difficult when the offender has been guilty of gross misconduct but nonetheless a professional approach is required at all times.
When that does not happen such as alleged in this incident the focus turns on the referee who then becomes the subject of an allegation of misconduct, which should not happen.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

USSF Referees are subject to a code of ethics, and their conduct is subject to disciplinary review by the local referee association and, where appropriate, by Cal South, the adult and youth soccer association for Southern California. Many recreational leagues, however, are not associated with USSF or Cal South.

The coach and club should be able to inform the league of the issue, who will then investigate and address the issue.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Even without written guidance, it is common sense to avoid touching any player or coach unless absolutely necessary, for example defending yourself.
Referees should not be touching coaches and calling them 'honey' period