Question Number: 15999

Law 5 - The Referee 7/11/2007

Donny Edwards of Windsor, Canada asks...

Last night I was officiating a U14 Regional game. The ball rolled out of bounds and the coach picked up the ball and threw it behind his shoulders intentionally.

I knew that wasn't right, and I knew that he was delaying the match but I hesitated and I let it go.

What would be the proper consiquences on the actions made by the coach?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Donny,
the coach who does that gets a ride in his red chariot car or whatever vehicle he came him as he will not be sitting anywhere in the technical area if I am convinced this was spiteful and malicious and not a random act of bad choice because emotions are peeved. While I might warn him, it is a big might as acting responsibly is his directive in law it not a choice here to act like a spoiled brat. I certainly report the actions to the league as well in the match report. You have the right to add time as you see fit just be sure it is sufficient too many referees underestimate I do not know why!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Wow, my colleague is tough. I'd probably speak to the coach and tell him that he was being included in my game report. He should regard this warning as the equivalent of one of his players being cautioned.

And then, because of our fun league rules, I'd show the yellow card. We have been instructed to show cards to coaches in our youth leagues. Or maybe not - it depends on exactly what was passed at the last State Annual General Meeting - there have been conflicting reports. The State Youth Referee Administrator sent out a memo before the start of the Spring season, but it may have been rescinded. Gotta love the administrators when they decide to mess with the Laws of the Game.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The coach should get at the least a stern talking to incuding in it the fact that what he did was not only unsporting but stupid as you are adding time at the end of the match to make up for the coach's lack of class.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Wow! Shocking but not unbelievable. I would most likely warn the first time and make him leave (or terminate if he refuses) the second time. Also, make sure to include this in the match report.