Question Number: 12031

Character, Attitude and Control 1/5/2006

RE: rec Under 18

Darryl Whitley of Yucca Valley, Ca USA asks...

Please expand and explain on why so many referees call fouls differently, and allow or not allow physical play in recreational soccer versus club soccer (in the same age divisions)? In my opinion there should be no difference between recreational(lower skill level) or club(higher skill level) in allowing or dis-allowing physical play!! I have heard so many referees over the last 15 years tell me, "this is club, and we allow more physical play here"! Thanks for your answers!!

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

Good question. I hope I can come close to adequately addressing it. My experience has been that as the level of play escalates the amount of physical play that the players desire also goes up. Please note, the players desire this while still ensuring their safety. They begin to understand and recognize the difference between a trifling foul and one that truly makes a difference in the development of play. Additionally, as the players become more sophisticated they recognize that if we as refs were to actually blow the whistle at times that we would take away their momentum and actually reduce the dynamic nature of their play. I believe that what you are asking about is a fundamental aspect of soccer that we as refs must come to appreciate if we desire to become proficient in reffing in the upper divisions. A phrase I heard some time ago and quote quite often is "Think of yourself as a facilitator of play, not just an enforcer of rules." If we facilitate play then we allow the "beautiful game" to develop and manifest itself. If we inappropriately choke the match we kill its spirit and the result is a lifeless and dull event in which nobody has experienced enjoyment - not the spectators, not the coaches, not the players, not the referees. They've kicked the ball around for 90 minutes - but so what? And as to why different refs call things differently, I belive it's based predominantly in experience. The more experienced refs can allow the game to develop more just as a more experienced player can be more effective on the field. I trust this helps. All the best,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Darryl,
I agree completely with my colleague Ref Lacy, it is an insightful observation and harkens to the true nature of the GAME.
While I disagree with your premise of allowing or not allowing physical play at different levels I can follow your thoughts given referees often give different treatment at the same levels.

Foul recognition is an art form in as much it is scientific study. The experiance be it your own or the wisdom of others, the training, the review of video and ongoing evauation and mentoring all play a part in educating the referee as to the NEEDS of the match and to RECOGNIZE what the players want and what laws bend to accomadate them.

There is an excellent book authored by Ed Bellion and Bob Evans "For the Good of the Game" amongst the great read there is a wonderful example of this concept we are discussing.
In the twilight of his career Maradona a striker of legend was playing here in the US . The referee thought it prudent to safeguard this skilled player from the opposition's attempts to defend against him. The opposition were by technical definition guilty of fouling this great player each time he gained ball posession LAW 12 ? tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball is by definition a foul . After the third or 4th whistle the player who runs up to complain to the referee is MARADONA who frustrated looks to the referee and says, "WHY will you not let me play?"
The free kicks were not what he wanted he felt he could ride out those challanges and keep the game flowing. The referee no doubt surprised thinking he was looking out for his welfare came to understand that FAIRPLAY is the tolerance of the players blended with the acceptance of the referee's application of the laws.

Do not misunderstand me CLEAR fouls that are REQUIRED to be seen MUST indeed be seen and the safety of the players remains our number one concern. Soccer to me is a physical game full of emotion passion, competative juices that swirl about in a frenzy of the need to do well or obtain a result . To conduct a match such as this requires a firm hand but not a heavy one. We all spend a great deal of time learning that proper grip. Just as players develope and improve we can hope the referees do so as well.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Darryl. In my opinion, you couldn't be more wrong. As the level of play and skill escalates, players are able to be more physical without endangering the opponent. What's more, the players WANT to be more physical. I'm sure you've heard the concept, "they know how to foul". While this is somewhat of a misnomer, it basicallt means more physicality without the possibilit of injury or foul play. At the rec level, you have to call more strictly because the players may hurt each other and also because their attitude is different. They don't want the physicality that goes on at higher levels. Thanks for writing