Question Number: 28609

Mechanics 7/16/2014

RE: Rec, Select, Competitive Under 15

Mark Yelavich of Roseville, CA USA asks...

I am an experienced referee who mentors other referees acquiring experience. Often I run lines while they center. Recently, a young center referee was being badgered by coaches and the touchline and asked me at halftime if I could center and he could run the line.

I wasn't sure if that was allowed. Insight please?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
While there is no technical reason for this not to happen it is not advised unless there is an injury / sickness.
The young referee need advice and support. He needs to be advised how to deal with this type of situation with the Ask Tell and Remove process explained to him.
The coaches need to be told in no uncertain terms to desist from their irresponsible behaviour.
I recall a referee asking me a few seasons to do the same because the game was not going so well for him. I endeavoured at half time to build up his confidence and told him that he was doing okay albeit that he was taking too much abuse from players and that he was rather lenient. I told him to impose himself on the game with early cautions for continuing dissent. He took the advice on board and he had a much better 2nd half.
Its akin to learning to cycle. If the learning rider gives up after falling off a few times there is little hope of ever mastering the cycle.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Thanks for mentoring young referees.

In my opinion, it is not a good idea to take over for a young referee because of abusive coaches and parents. The message that you want to send - I will support you - - isn't the message that a young person will receive - - he isn't good enough.

Instead, I believe you should help him deal with the parents by telling him that you will stand next to him as he sends off the coach for irresponsible behavior. At half time, you can privately tell the coach that his actions are irresponsible and that you have advised the referee to dismiss him. If the coach continues, let the referee dismiss the coach., but stand right next to the referee as he does so. Your presence and support will make sure the referee feels safe from anything the coach may do.

After the match, you may need to find a very quiet place around from others to let the referee talk about the experience. It may be hard for him or her to do it, But, the time you spend with him will be priceless.


I was once assigned as an assistant in a match where the two coaches had been cruel to the teenage official in the last game. The president of the league was present. The president words to the coaches. Bill is in charge. Dennis is here to make sure that you are ejected if there is anything heard other than "thank you." Easiest match every played.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Mark
It takes considerable character to become a good referee. To apply the rules of law within the framework of practical game management is no easy task for the fainthearted. Armed with a limited knowledge of the laws of the game and no practical experience, improper standards place youth referees in jeopardy. The fact you are acting in a mentorship capacity is outstanding. I applaud your efforts to retain and guide this young official along the referee Fair Play path.
I emulate both my colleagues. Taking over the whistle because the centre is having difficulty with itinerant parents or idiotic coaches is not an approach, in my opinion, with the best interest of this young official being to find the courage to wield his authority in a professional manner. It is a good idea to have a pregame where you go over match preparation which should have a portion dedicated to the 'What ifs?' like the one you are experiencing! How to deal with dissent /abuse trouble be it players, coaches, club officials or spectators! Gil Webber has a pregame rap in the article section of asktheref.com It is quite extensive for this calibre of match but it highlights the need to think ahead !
Possibly one could take a proactive approach to being aware of this situation and try to position yourself in the faces of those doing the bellyaching long before halftime. A simple reminder to those badgering that an expulsion could be waiting if they fail to shut the pie hole and show some respect or dignity. As AR if you are acutely aware that the young referee is in distress you signal the referee for a chat at some stoppage and privately, quietly and quickly inform or ask him about the conduct that is on display, and if there is anything he would care to do about it! You could mention that you have verbally chastised the miscreants to be quiet already so in part the established, ---Ask Tell and Remove-for coach misconduct--is already in progress. If it is a surprise sprung upon you at the half, reassure him you understand the situation. Tell him you too are tired of their incessant whining! . Next find a few things he did good in the half and compliment him, before offering advice Then ask him about law 5 the referee, what do his power and duties mean to him? Ask him what tools in law 12 are at his disposal to clean up that annoying chatter box mess? Ask what can you do to help? Tell him straight up, I got your back, you do what you need to, to grab hold of this match. They want to play with cards then you deal em as you see um. Get the clowns out of town! Invite me to the party I will stand with you if you need to send them off!. Try and get a smile or inject some humour. Make him feel safe and remind him of the duck floating serenely on the pond even if the feet are churning the water in a frenzy. Find time to have a chat with the coaches /parents before the restart and be there when the referee is forced to use his debadgering powers ! A nice cool drink and a private chat after the dust settles to go over the match but also to forget except a kindness will not fade into memory . Each referee sets the field for his or her peers to succeed or fail. Acting as a mentor is a responsibility not to be taken lightly as you have a direct bearing on the character building and influence many of the decisions or choices he or she will have to make! You are acting not as a teacher more so like a coach/councillor who empowers his charge to find direction with a degree of empathy, a lot of patience, with a genuine appreciation of the character you are molding! Nothing is more lethal to young referees, discouragement and abandonment from the game than the dissent and abuse originating from the Touchline. If we truly wish to instill the youth with an understanding of the respect and integrity the game demands then they must see positive, proactive actions of those they wish to emulate and the consequences to those detractors who pull apart the threads of respect and dignity. Poor attitudes and conduct that deflates the confidence and saps the fun out of the game is a challenge to EVERYONE within earshot to get off their collect butts and react in a supportive role! Honouring the ideas of Respect and FAIR PLAY, while sending a clear message that bad behaviour on the pitch is not going to be tolerated by them as well as the referee in charge! Most importantly if we wish to retain this youthful official there must be an element of fun, and the spark of enthusiasm must not be vanquished. The key element of a successful mentoring relationship is an experienced referee agreeing to be involved by supporting the new official , dispensing sound wisdom, and leading by example! The conduct of a mentor must reflect integrity. If our young official is to be encouraged to stay with the program, to develop his skills, he must trust you to empower his confidence, to attend classes, to strive to get better in all aspects of their game!
Refereeing is a job. It requires hard work and discipline. Like with most paid jobs, responsibility goes with the territory and not all tasks are pleasant! So even if we consider the weeding out process of officials to be in part the ability to deal with abuse there is absolutely no excuse for abuse of young referees and officials. Comments that reflect integrity and abilities are not always unjustified, whether they are appropriate or not is another matter. We must consider the source and type of comments if we are sincere in raising the standards of officiating. Having a better class of people along the touch line would be a good start! We need to have a thick skin to not overreact to disappointment but it is folly to think we must don battle armour to survive a game meant to be beautiful and fun.
Many soccer associations and clubs are in various stages of referee development. However, only associations, clubs, and nations with the manpower, willpower and integrity will have any chance to succeed or achieve consistency within their ranks. Every effort must be made to SUPPORT the referees with ongoing training, mentoring, evaluations and assessments.There must be policy and directives in place to properly handle the dissent and abuse when it arises! Can you actually enforce what is agreed upon? Is everyone on the same side when you agree to disagree?

Referee development is also inter- dependant on the coaching and player development and the public education of parents and spectators. Conduct seminars and share information between all parties. Use the coaches and players for positive feedback. Game reports, fair play assessments and evaluations should be conducted regularly. Game management techniques and reviewing videos of themselves and others are part of an insightful program dedicated to providing on going training and support for our future referees.
Cheers