Question Number: 17337

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/15/2007

RE: Competive Under 15

Joel of Fallbrook, California USA asks...

is it possible to get a yellow for slapping the ref in the backside?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Joel,
A friendly pat or an attack?
Yellow? Try red if viewed as as violent conduct.
A player should never lay hands on a referee in any manner except a hand shake or greeting.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

We have at least one younger referee on the panel who might welcome a slap on the backside from a member of the opposite sex. I think then he might give her a yellow business card with his phone number on it.

If it was done in the manner of athletes congratulating one another on a play well done, it would be totally inappropriate. The ref should not be cheered for making a call. In that case, perhaps a yellow for unsporting behavior.

Aside from weird exceptions, I agree with my colleague that any physical attack on the referee should be viewed seriously, as violent conduct and a send-off. A well-written report of the incident should get a player banned for a significant length of time.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Ref Voshol is right... ;)

But barring that -- Unless I knew the player or the coach - or if I viewed it in a very light hearted context - you would be heading for an early shower. Any person who would take it upon themselves to smack my @$$ had better be sure that I will not go to the pocket, because if I decide to use a card it's not going to be yellow. Touch the ref at your own risk. (remember referee assaults - defined as unwanted physical contact with a referee - are often met with lengthy bans, often starting a year's length.)

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If slapping the referee on the backside is what blows your skirt up Joel make sure the referee is going to enjoy it too because if he doesn't your name is going to be mentioned in the match report and not in glowing terms.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

usually gets a thank you from me

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Possible? Perhaps, but only if the referee is feeling very generous, and not because you are being fresh. Such reprehensible conduct should be met with a send off, and no less. It brings the game into disrepute and crosses so many lines it boggles the mind. What could a player be thinking to do something so stupid?