Question Number: 34549

Mechanics 4/4/2022

RE: Under 19

Scott of Mesa, Arizona Usa asks...

When I give a caution, I make sure to call out the players number, have them at least look at me while I issue it . However I have noticed professional referees sometimes will just point a yellow card at the player without even looking at them. To me that seems like a strange practice not making sure the player is aware you are issuing it and seems a little disrespectful as a referee to do that.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
I recall reading an article on a Pro referee talk to grassroots referees. One of the takeaway advices was that grassroots referee should not copy Pro referees. He was of the opinion that the game differed and that the grassroot referee should follow what is taught / advised locally.

In Pro game we see strong dissent being ignored, throw ins taken from the wrong place, words only for some aggressive conduct etc. We can include the caution process in that list.

In the Pro game I would safely say that most times players know they are being cautioned. Some players are even disrespectful in the process by ignoring the referee. I also believe that referees and players know each other fairly well and the issuing of a caution becomes an understood process.

This is what happens when the process goes wrong
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-NRQz0P6vg

What you can be certain of is that every Pro game has an observer present plus the incidents are reviewed by the relevant Pro referee body and if there is anything untoward in the referees performance it will be brought to the referee's attention.

For those of us at the grassroots level the important part is to concentrate on the advised caution process for that area and to follow that in every game.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Scott,

Echoing Ref McHugh, there are many ways in which grassroots referees should not copy referees in the professional game.

Also consider that these are very experienced officials and, with that experience, probably have fairly good instincts on when to issue a slow caution and when to just flash the card as they're walking past the player.

I encourage all referees to start off with the simpler, more straightforward process - that is, the slower card. As you build experience, you can start to experiment with when it may be appropriate to just give a yellow with talking to the player. You have to be comfortable with applying the basic principles before you can bend them.

One thing to consider is how important it is to ensure your ARs can also see who is being cautioned - they will record this as well, so taking the time to pull a player aside and talk to them will help your ARs here. When using wireless comms, this is much less of an issue.

If a player doesn't want any part of receiving a card this becomes really difficult from a match control perspective - there can be a fine line between being firm, and being seen as petty - especially if you need to escalate further (eg with an immediate 2nd yellow).

Generally speaking, showing a card to a player's back isn't a great look - there's also the issue that you can't be certain they know they have a card. If a player storms off the moment I approach the conflict zone, then I probably don't just want him to turn and look - I want to ask him to come over to a neutral area (remember - you don't summon players to you you call them over to a spot that you meet them at) and have a talk. If it's an instance where I've given the talk and they walk off before I show the card, it puts me in a bad situation. On one hand, showing a card to their back isn't great - but I can show it and tell them they have a card so they know. On the other, if I try to get them to turn around and they refuse to, then it becomes a battle of wills and no matter who 'wins', I've lost. Different refs will handle it differently, but as long as I haven't been undermined too much I'll cut my losses.

I would strongly urge you to avoid the aggressive, showy, snap of the card. This isn't a swish-and-flick of Harry Potter. That sort of manner comes off as aggressive and tends to reduce your respect. You're just calmly raising the card as a method of communication.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Scott,
I support everything my colleagues have described and advised.
In particular, I think the comment Ref Wright made about being comfortable in applying the basic procedures & principles before looking for a way to bend them is a very good one! So too is his analogy of losing the odd battle to win the war! The concept of leniency is not in the relaxation of the LOTG but should be more like understanding what the player's expectations and requirements are. The difference between overreach versus extending opportunity?

For example
The judicial use of advantage is wasted in some matches but highly prized in others simply because the expectations and ability to use it is a skill development that increases with experience and professionalism. That is why grassroots officials are not adapt knowing when to apply advantage.
Communication between you and the players? Ask are you ok with me letting the play go on? Are you verbal when you see it? Are the players aware of it? If it is trifling in the sense, it's not stopping the player from continuing or creating a retaliatory elbow or if it is a foul & you choose to apply advantage, in either case, you should be certain the players are aware, that you are aware. That your silence is not misinterpreted as not paying attention! You can verbally warn, "I am right here, off his back, move past it! "indicating you are seeing what's going on and trying not to interfere but reassuring the players you are aware of what is going on!

When you decide enough is enough & formalize the foul has advanced beyond just annoying by calling out " ADVANTAGE !' using the arm signal, perhaps adding a "We will be seeing you number so and so, if a card foul requires attention at the next stoppage. Communicating to your ARS but more importantly to the players, by your verbal out loud comment and proactive action that you SAW it! You are ON it! So DO not retaliate! If we follow through with PLAY ON! should the player or team escape with a clear way forward, better than a free kick or warning & they score or continue a great attack, take some credit, and be aware if their concerns were met! The opposite by allowing an advantage that really peters out as nothing can create an impression of no confidence in "What was that about? Does the team/player think you gave away a free kick they were entitled to? This is where your experience, your intuition, and understanding of the GAME itself, not just the knowledge of the Laws

Integrity is certainly a mainstay in rendering fair decisions but crucial is understanding the impact we have on the psyche of the players by the actions we take. While it is true each official has to find their own way on the FOP to relate to and engage with the players. It is not an easy skill to master communication and manage a group of passionate individuals playing a team sport, usually with greater aspirations than the skills they possess. It is WHY there are written conceptual actions within the LOTG to assist us with our job. There is a certain level of respect for the position of the referee but there is a different type of respect for the individual occupying that position.

A key component for respect is discernible effort, being able to sell ANY decision through simple presence because you are grounded in knowledge and understanding of the LOTG. Proper positioning allows you the ability to stay with play. Good anticipation, as you move effortlessly to head off trouble or prepare for that swift counterattack. Roll that in with some good characteristics like a sense of calm under pressure, courage, and a bit of humor. A good pre-game and communication with the ARs and 4th throughout the match, Be strict in that you want them safe but be fair and neutral by remembering it is their game so let them play!

At the grassroots, you do NOT have the benefit of the technical tools and communication wizardry they have at the top end. Nor likely the security & separation protocols they have in place to protect or remove the obtuse fan, spectator, or outside agent. Grassroot officials are challenged by the fact of the mixed bag of experienced levels of the officials to work with, mixed levels of skills and technical abilities of the players, mixed attitudes of the parent's players fans, and league officials, the experience, and composure of the coaches and managers.

I referee as a SINGLE official at least as often as with a full complement of 4 or 3 & on occasion dual scenarios. Whether as the CR or AR my colleagues have been 1st-time youth or teens even adults to old wise experienced former players, officials, or well-meaning parents wanting to help within the league.

Look at the advantage they have professionally to see and fix things? The level of training and access to the best there is on the planet. At grassroots often it's really not about trying to emulate what a professional referee is doing in relation to what you think needs to be done?. It's more on you to realize when you are on the right track by showing them their limits as to what you will accept and what they can tolerate. The expectations are beyond paint drying but no broken bones! Basically, when you are setting the tone for the game with what I think are preventive measures in an effort to control the game there is always a consideration of safety? Important as safety is, you are a neutral component, not an orchestra leader, so is that deciding what the match needs or just you? My mentor ESSE used to say bending the LOTG to achieve the spirit of those laws is within our power but by attempting to bend the will of the players you force confrontation. Post-game analysis use feedback from the players, mentors, peers & assessors to ask yourself could you have done things differently?

A strong presence and a clear correct decision at the first critical match incident is indicative that a firm hand is a better guide than a guy wandering around the center circle occasionally blowing the whistle who, after mayhem results, then tries to enforce a clampdown. Complacency could be your undoing if you relied on doing a good job early, players responding well, so you get careless and all of a sudden, a CMI (critical match incident) moment is missed? A game can tilt quickly! What age groups do you do? Male or female or mixed matches? What level of play? What ethnicity? Adults or youth? Recreational or league? College or high school? Do you feel you officiate the same in all?


At the pro level, you can rest assured of the SOUND of the whistle is a definite communicative dagger based on the timing, strength, length, tone, and the fact the players KNOW exactly what they have done or not done. Cards are a form of communication just like a whistle, just like body language, just like a verbal utterance with tone inflection & a stern countenance show authoritative seriousness where a grimace & growl, & a chase you wave a finger, close a fist you invite chaos. Recognition of Fouls and Misconduct is a different animal than blowing for contact? Contact can be fair or foul. It also can be trifling or doubtful but failure to evaluate it correctly is unbearable. I have seen plenty of referees blow for contact that is quite simply NOT foul, claiming match control was easier? Your presence and demeanor in how you approach and manage each situation set up that 6 worded phrase I often use! your match. your decision. your reputation!



Cheers