Question Number: 18994

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/5/2008

RE: Rec Under 15

Mike Nolan of Costa Mesa, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 18971

What if a player says something like that, "Knock the little girl down", as an instruction to a teammate. I would like her off the field but does this fit "uses offensive, insulting or abusive language".

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

When an adult says this, it has more air of authority, thus the response should be greater than if a player on the field says it. As you say, it really doesn't fall under OFFINABUS.

Most likely, it could be handled with an immediate chewing out. "Excuse me!?!? I don't think that would be a very good idea, do you?" We need to sanction players for what they really do, not for suggesting what they might do.

Depending on the response you get (contrition or smugness) you can decide on your next steps. If she's really seen the error of her ways, you have just diffused things without resorting to cards. If she just smirks at you in the manner that 15-year-olds are often so good at, you have the option of cautioning for USB - for the original remark, not for the smirk.

I understand the sentiment of not wanting a player like that on the field. But we can't send off without valid reason. If you did end up cautioning her, she'd better not so much as breathe wrong for the rest of the match.

And if you have to stop play for the chewing out and decide not to caution, the restart is a dropped ball. I'm sure you can manage that cleverly so the correct team gets possession.

Read other questions answered by Referee Gary Voshol

View Referee Gary Voshol profile

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I think you have the option of cautioning and showing the yellow card for unsporting behavior for any comment along these lines. I agree it doesn't warrant a send off but comments like this should not go unpunished. Of course, one would have to be there and hear the comment to assess it's context, but I don't think a caution would be out of line. At the least a good chewing out as Ref Voshol suggests.

Read other questions answered by Referee Keith Contarino

View Referee Keith Contarino profile

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Mike I'm going to tee off on any player doing this. The starting level is a proverbial ripping a strip and if it seems to quiet things I have done my job. I'll need to see an immediate expression change on the player and a slumping of the shoulders to know if this ploy is working. If it does all is good, if not out comes my notebook and names will be written down.

Regards,

Read other questions answered by Referee Chuck Fleischer

View Referee Chuck Fleischer profile