Question Number: 32668

Character, Attitude and Control 8/25/2018

RE: select Adult

alex wong of richmond hill, ON Canada asks...

In a 14 yrs girls game. After conceding a goal, the coach call all the players to the side line and start yelling and swearing at them loudly for 2 minutes telling them that they are a disgrace, embarrassing, etc.

How should the ref deal with such situation? Coach acting in a responsible manner? Delay the start of the game?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alex
If I was involved I would not allow it to happen. I would simply be instructing the players to prepare for the kick off with a strong use of the whistle and words. If need be I would be having strong words with the coach about his actions.
The coach has been disrespectful to the game and he has also acted in an irresponsible manner not to mention abusing the advice given to coaches by their member association.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Alex,
another overwrought emotional basket case training the kids with the perfect example of how not to be an adult sigh! The association should have bylaws and codes of conduct which do not endorse such idiocy but rather punish such actions. .

As a referee we are there to endure the safety of the participants not necessarily cast judgement on the coach but the restart is a kick off and getting it done quickly might help alleviate such stupidity. There are not usually timeout for pep talks generally so a lets eat crap talk is less likely.

I would include in my match report such asinine antics. I would warn the coach his actions violate reasonable conduct likely publically to set a tone or standard but possibly privately if I thought embarrassing him or her would only lead to a worsening climate.

Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 32673