Question Number: 17801

Law 5 - The Referee 11/9/2007

RE: Rec Under 18

Bob Roach of Charlotttesville, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17694

In response to 17694

If the refs at the highest levels made the calls they were supposed to, then wouldn't the players eventually adjust?

It amazes me that if you don't make the call they get upset, but if you do they claim you are calling too tight a game.

I don't sign up for adult games for this very reason.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Ah, yes, the conundrum facing referees. Now, the game at the level of the pros is different than what we see on weekends at the local fields because the skill levels are so much higher and so are the stakes, so I'm willing to allow those guys and gals a great deal of latitude to do what is best for the game and the players on that day. One also must consider the pressure they are under and how that might affect their enforcement of the Laws. Nonetheless, the Laws were written to be bendable and flexible, but we aren't supposed to break them because to do that will ruin the beautiful game - witness MLS soccer. Adults can be fun, but you have to adjust your tolerance levels and decide to have fun - but even then they can be a royal pain. I always enjoyed being the only female on a field with 22 guys at my command!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I don't think the problem lies with the referees at the highest levels of Football doing what they do, it lies at the lowest levels of refereeing where the referees tries to emulate what is done way up there and doesn't have sufficient knowledge to pull it off. Just an opinion...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Bob,
there are certain things and certain ways things are done at the elite level I disagree with but then we are not subject to the level of scrutiny and pressure those who do these things are.

A very sage referee known as "Stag" reminded me on another email site that most games at the grassroots are refereed to be SAFE, FAIR and FUN (fun for the participants).

At the /college/high amateur level, the words are, in order, Fair, Safe and Fun

At the Pro level it is Fun (for the spectators), Fair and Safe.

Does everyone at the level being played, accept the conditions of play being allowed? Are these conditions or types of play expected or accepted at the level being played ?
As you approach the highest levels of soccer, from the lowest, you must understand in what order those three words are used and for whom. That does not mean we accept what they accept it simply is a reality of the NEEDS of the participants (this includes players, coaches, managers, parents, referees and spectators) and the effect an actual lifestyle requires through the power of positions of influence, politics and monetary gain
cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

It certainly does seem like referees often times lack courage to make correct calls at all levels of play. Keep in mind that we as referees are not to trifle a match either. We need to carefully look at how the players react to different situations and also read the tone of the game. Often times different levels of play call for a difference in what is and is not trifiling.