Question Number: 13548

Character, Attitude and Control 8/23/2006

Larry of Roselle, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 13511

Regarding the question about what should happen to a referee who kicked a player, you're assuming that this was a deliberate act by this referee - something that the original questioner clearly wants us to assume but doesn't state. Considering how many coaches want players sent-off for clearly accidental acts, maybe this situation was actually an AR who turned to follow the action and "kicked" a player who chose to lie in the AR's path and was so close to the AR that he had already made contact before he even realized he was there. And if you're like me, you always tell someone who is in your way when running the line to move back.

Considering how many players I see (particularly in rec. leagues) sitting one inch off the touch line (but not for long when I'm on the field), I find it far more believable that it was accidental and you're dealing with a parent or coach who, believing their child or player incapable of error, needs to blame someone else.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

What happens rests within the state referee association of the referee. If it was an accident, nothing should happen. Intentional acts of violence will be given consequences by the state referee association usually through a hearing of some sort.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Larry,
it is a point to consider but must admit the question did infer it was a callous act rather than a stumble. EVEN if a player or fan or coach is in fact where he or she should not be, to kick them to make them aware of it or move is not something we would like to see. I agree 100% if we run into a person, player or dog one would hope it was accidental and an, " excuse me /sorry" could solve it .
PLUS a good CR will ensure no AR is so hindered and MUST fix any encroachment by the teams or their supporters along the touchlines. The technical areas and the bleachers all have their purpose! While there are those who coach, manage and play who can not agree to disagree and require blame to be finger pointed, there are those who are in tune with the idea that the WE in soccer for the good of the game includes ALL who participate! It recently has been a trend to adversarialize opinions, when in my opinion we need to grasp those entrusted to our care require ALL of us to care!My motto FIX the problem rather than FIX the blame!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Larry. I hear what you are saying but the question was posed to us as if the referee did so on purpose and was answered accordingly.