Question Number: 27608

Law 6 - Assistant Referee 7/18/2013

RE: competative tournament Other

Me of Portland, USA asks...

Recently I was AR on the spectators' side. My Center yelled a repremand at me in front of everyone, claiming I had done something wrong and demanding that I pay closer atention or whatever. I did not respond but a few minutes later at halftime I told him I don't like being yelled at in front of spectators and advised him that I would leave if he did that. He acknowleged by nodding and we barely spoke the rest of the game (I was still in front of those same people)and also the one after (different people).

Later I was thinking maybe I should have just left as it was so humiliating. I stayed to do the job but hated being treated that way and was very embarrassed.

What is your opinion?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

I think you made the right decision to explain at half-time why the referee's conduct was hurtful (and IMO unprofessional) and that it should not be repeated. It sounds like he took your message to heart.

Had you simply walked off the field, there would have been a formal investigation, and it would have reflected poorly on you - even though it would have reflected worse on the referee.

I once embarrassed my son on the line by making a similarly stupid statement. I apologized at the half, and again on the ride home. I was an idiot. (Thankfully, he forgave me.)

There are a couple of things you still should do. Call your assignor after the match and explain what happened - she will want to know about this. In addition, if you don't want to work with that referee again, ask the assignor to block (or if your association has software that blocks partners, block) the referee. You do not need to have to go through that again. (Unless he is your dad.)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
The CR was totally out of order and he acted in a very unprofessional manner. This should have waited until half time when the matter could have been discussed in private. I believe that your handling of it was correct. Leaving would have caused further difficulties and would reflect poorly on the CR and yourself
Now as a referee and assistant we have to a develop a certain mental toughness. As an assistant we have all had 'foul' flags waved down which, while nothing is said, in many ways had the same effect. I was none too pleased that my judgement was disregarded by an overrule in an important game recently. I was berated by two players and spectators for the flag. In fact one player should have been booked for dissent. I told the CR at half time that I stood by the call and that he should have supported me. Anyway we moved on and I just filed it away as an experience that developed stronger mental toughness.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Kudos to you for being professional and finishing your assigned duties as an AR. I simply do not understand Referees that insist on embarrassing their ARs. By all means report this referee's actions to your assignor