Question Number: 29930

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/17/2015

RE: kids Under 11

Patrick of Portage, MI USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29921

I am all for parents who support their kids and their teammates. I have seen fights almost break out as parents speak unkindly of kids from the team. To the point of calling them names like 'thug'. I have spoken to coaches and parents about this issue.

At what point would you hold a game until a parent removes themselves from the area when parents feel like the should be 'getting in the head' of the others teams players? They are just kids.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Patrick
That is a judgement call for the referee to make. If an adult is shouting at young players that should not happen and the game should be held up until that is sorted.
If the offender needs to be removed the the game should be held up until the possibility of further disruption is no longer present. If a spectator has to be removed then the referee should hold up the game until the individual is no longer capable of interfering so that is out of sight and sound.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Patrick,
The old saying goes "IGNORANCE is always LOUDER than KNOWLEDGE." the term reasonable behaviour maybe an oxymoron at times when it comes to emotive parents deciding their kids are being targeted by those kids! sigh! The ability to deal with foolish aggressive,unsavory attitudes or behaviour is a league that has clear guidelines , policies and a practical application and follow up of consequences. It is why I believe in codes of conduct at the start of a season a method that allow for input and monitoring to allow for evaluation and credibility. , We are supposed to be on the same side even if we might disagree.

Outbursts or threats made publically for all to hear as opposed to low level grumblings the AR might catch has a significant difference of how we might go about using our authority. Churlish adult behaviour is a condition of character and perhaps some true concern for the safety of their kids be it in attack or defence of the actions they witness. I ensure my ARS are to report these actions to me directly if they are overhearing discussion in amongst the adults or if those adults start sniping away at the players on or off the pitch as well. One can usually ask/tell adults in no uncertain terms the behaviour desists or they leave! Be it unescorted or escorted if there need be. But remember the size of the crowd conditions along the touchlines, in the stands one could impose the coaches to step in and sort their respective parents out as well.

It is embarrassing to stop a match and address adults to stop behaving and setting such a dismal example for their kids or to point out an individual or two and say this match does not occur with you present so please leave the area! But like any dissent, be wary of the kernel of truth that often stems from the heart of these matters. Perception of an attack on their own kids is often a retaliatory gesture to respond to their safety just as it might be a loud mouth idiot . Be sure as referee your actions on the FOP are not missing clandestine actions in behind play or not punishing over aggressive behaviour.

Cheers