Question Number: 16575

Other 9/6/2007

RE: Competitive Under 19

Jed of Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16522

Addressed to Keith, sorry about the confusion.
A federation/association/branch referee coach is a referee/referee inspector (what you guys call an assessor) that is responsible for conducting training exercises and increasing knowledge amongst the referees in that federation or association which he is involved. The state referee coach is indeed a referee (not a coach), that does what a federation referee coach does rather at a state level. The guy in question who suggested the outlandish DOGSO sanction is actually an ex-NSL (now defunct National Soccer League) referee. I think it's a bit strange that such an experienced referee from the top of his trade would offer such ridiculous answers to referees at a federation level.

I think from now on, I'll just not get involved in these situational questions that are asked at training, and instead forward them to you guys.

Thanks for your help.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

No Way! Sorry, I just couldn't resist that one. It is totally unbelievable to be that a match inspector, assessor, referee coach could ever come up with a sending off for a goalkeeper handling the ball within his own penalty area. In two places in the Laws handling excepts the goalkeeper within his own penalty area.

Jed you say "what you guys call an assessor" when referring to the referee coach. Gotcha, will imprint the terminology in my brain so we don't forget. However, you knew that was comming didn't you, this assessor or referee coach should be referred to as "Bubba" for all the worth he is. Next time you see Bubba, unscrew his head and put our original answers in there someplace.

Thanks for the clarification.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Jed, I would hope you would continue to be involved in the situational discussions because if you don't, it may never occur to the powers that be that they are promoting a grievous miscarriage of justice under the Laws. Even the best of us occasionally have a huge "Duh!" moment, and should have enough humility and character to admit and correct it. Sometimes going to the person after a session, or when you've confirmed your suspicion about misinformation or interpretations can be a kind thing to do. No one wants to be giving out wrong information. Now, if they give you grief for asking, or for following up, or can't see the error of their ways, you have two choices. Remain silent (sometimes the only thing to do if you wish for your career to advance, sadly) or go above their head, always in the kindest, most judicious manner possible. Our greatest obligation is to the Game, not to the head referee, referee coach, assessor, etc. We've all had assessors and instructors (not talking here about other fellow referees - different level of responsibility) who should know the Law cold, and who are responsible for staying up with the latest revisions, interpretations, or changes, but who don't. If they can't or won't, they need to get out.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Jed, thanks for clarification. Amazing that someone with that experience could be offbase. I would suggest you DO stay involved. Perhaps you can shed some light to thise in darkness