Question Number: 12667

Character, Attitude and Control 4/28/2006

RE: rec,comp Under 19

william carter of bloomfield, ky usa asks...

How do you talk to a coach that thinks that he is the referee, he/she keeps calling the game from the sideline? Can the coach be shown a yellow card?

Thanks for any help.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

William I assume you are a newer, younger referee that has not, yet, learned the coach is there to take notes regarding the performance of his team so he may tailor future practice sessions. He is, also, there to give tactical instructions to his team. He may, as well, serve in the capacity as physio in the event one of his players is injured. And that's about it. EVERYTHING else is in the area of something he is not allowed under the "behave in a responsible manner" clause of International FA Board Decision 2 of Law 3.

There it is, he acts responsibly or he gets an early bath.

You may, at your discretion, attempt a little "man management" in order to keep him in the game. (Why, sometimes I don't know why we do this)

Man management; coach was it your intention to tell me how to referee -- I have no problem with that given you have no problem with # 6 and #9 changing places and #11 leaving the field right about now.

Coach, was it your intention to insult me (a sending-off) or did you only mean to dissent my decision (a caution) -- both irresponsible acts. He may catch on...

Coach, (after standing next to him for five or so minutes with the Match running) you know I can really see better from out there than I can from here. Perhaps it is the same for you, lets give it a go. Then run his arse into the ground for a while. He'll never follow.

Coach, tell you what sir; I'm tired of all this running around on the field and taking abuse from you -- I'll be going home now.

Coach, is this a game for the players or a forum for you to teach me to be a better referee?

And on and on. Coaches act responsibly or the miss the rest of this match and all the next. Establish yourself as a referee that takes no sierra and life as a referee will get much better.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No cards for coaches unless it's US High School. The coach is there to give tactical advice to his players and to behave in a responsible manner. Period. How you handle coaches that insist on not behaving varies amongst referees. The older we get, the less we tolerate. If a coach is bothering you at LEAST tell him to stop. He has no right to question your calls or enter into discussions with you. Politely inform him he is to stick to coaching and leave refereeing to you. If he persists you should either stop the game or at a stoppage dismiss him from the field and tell him you are not restarting play until he is gone. If he refuses, abandon the match and write a full report and send it to proper authorities. Referees that allow coaches to misbehave not only do the game a disservice but makes the job more difficult for the rest of us.

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