Question Number: 16653

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2007

Curious of Rockford, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16631

Thanks for the @$$ ripping in my previous question. I do not think I am above the LOTG or enjoy "making up" my own rules. In my defense, I thought our number one job was player safety. Also, in my defense this was just a rec league with "volunteer" refs and inexperienced players. I totally understand your views of this and your responses. I would NOT be doing the same thing if this was an "assigned" game in a competitive league. My question was just a general one asking if Player safety was put above the LOTG - you answered my question, thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Your question was answered, but you learned nothing from the answer. First and foremost our job is to enforce the Laws of the Game. The LOTG are written specifically for the protection of the players. You cannot enforce the LOTG without keeping player safety in mind. Your "justification" infers that volunteer rec leagues aren't important enough to actually apply the LOTG. That somehow they are 'inferior' and need help -- like a handicap in golf or something. If you do not expect excellence, you will never get it and you will never see growth. Your integrity as a referee is in question in my mind simply because you are not consistently approaching each game to do and be the best you can be. We see time and time again when a very strong team is set to play a very weak team, and they know it. Their performance drops because they are not playing to the best of their abilities. In many cases, this is how an upset occurs. Ultimately, it is the coach who loses their job for not instilling a better work ethic in his/her players. What work ethic do you have? I'm hard pressed to believe it is one which strives for excellence when you are unwilling to apply the LOTG equally to all. Shame on you. As for the "ripping," in most cases it heals.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Well curious you disappoint me again. If you were at all familiar with Law 5 you would know your number one power and duty is "enforces the Laws of the Game"

When you enforce the Law you ensure player safety. In assuming a particular thing is too hard for players to do you insult them and that isn't conducive to having fun. When they attempt to play outside the Law you pull then up and keep the delicate balance where it needs to be so all players are permitted to demonstrate their skills without fear of bodily harm. Rec leagues are more difficult to referee simply because the players are less skilled. When they do something it is because they have seen it done not because they possess the ability and skill to accomplish it. The referee must recognize this and prevent that which is not in accordance with the Law. You do not ignore that with which you do not agree nor do you add things just because you think they need to be added. You are given a set of Laws to enforce. You are expected to read the book Advice to Referees on the Laws of the game and therein are the policies of US Soccer and recommendations for how you are to conduct your match.

When you asked if you can make something up you hit a series of hot buttons with those of us who chose to answer you. You now know how we feel about making things up as you go along. Don't.

Thanks for writing.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

There is no need to defend only not to do as you suggested the fact you choose to write in was great and I commend you for seeking a resolution. The fact you felt ripped was not a direct attack on you only on the principle to needlessly alter the laws when you have full discretion over the safety of any challenge. If I simply run over a player from behind and knock them down stomping on their back as I pound on by or I slide tackle with both feet studs extended into the back of their thighs. These are excessive, dangerous and whether I banned any fouls, or banned just slide tackles both are unconscionable acts of violence and as a referee you will red card and send off the culprit report the ferocity of the assault and the league will act. In a rec game, We are here to have fun, enjoy yourselves play safe!", would be ok words to start the match, not you can not do this or you can not do that. Do not take it as a personal attack only a strong message that such things are not required. Safety is important no one denies that, just be wary of imposing values on a match where such values of fair play must already be present in the mindset of all participants! Cheers