Question Number: 17556

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/28/2007

RE: Select Adult

Bradd Waggoner of Allen, Texas USA asks...

I have seen this. I wonder if the referee can do anything aobut what we think we are seeing.

Coach is "Excused" for the match in the first half.
Assistant Coach gets call on his cell phone. Call lasts the rest of the half.
Assistant listens, yells to team, listens some more,, you get the idea.
(Who could the call be from?, Tupperware? Sales call? I think not.)
Halftime, Call still going,,, Assistant listens, speaks to team, listens some more,, you get the idea.
2nd half, Call STILL going!!
Same procedure.

I think we ALL know who has called, and where in the parking lot IS the Head Coach?
He was in MY (AR1) field of view with another cell phone pressed to HIS ear. (yes, I did alert the CR during a stoppage.)

Do we do anythng or, as we did, Note this in the game report?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

From FIFA's Additional Instructions and Guidance:

The use of radio communication systems between players and/or technical staff is not permitted.

So if the assistant is using the cell phone you may deal with it by asking he not use it. Should he use it again he is acting irresponsibly.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Given that cell phones have ear pieces and such small mikes now you might not even notice these but a cell phone pressed to the ear is a dead giveaway. Please put the phone away! Site the FIFA line,
The use of radio communication systems between players and/or technical staff is not permitted. If he fails to abide the assist coach can then be *excused* as well. Record and afix all information in the match report Cheers