Question Number: 14418

Character, Attitude and Control 11/11/2006

RE: Under 16

Cheryl of Roanoke,, VA USA asks...

We were playing in a tournament today and toward the end of the game the center ref. called a foul. The opposing coach apparently begin to argue the call. We never heard a whistle to signal the end of the game but all the players just left the field. Was this considered abandoning the game? Also, the ref. said he was reporting the coach but when I talked to the the tournament officials and turned in our game card nothing had been reported. He also told me that the ref. should have given him a yellow card. I thought only players could be carded and coaches received send-offs. If they are sent-off, how long is this in effect for? the next game?
Thanks!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The coach has no right to argue. The referee, in not carrying forward in reporting the coach's actions was remiss in his duty to The Game. The referee was correct in not showing a card to the coach as they are reserved for players, substitutes and substituted players.

If a player is sent-off the player will miss, at least, the next match in that competition.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Sounds like the referee terminated game due to irresponsible behavior of coach. This is not NFL football. Coaches have no right for an explanation on calls and especially no right to argue. They can receive verbal warnings or be expelled, but may not be shown cards. If a coach is dismissed, the league decides the punishment.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Cheryl,
it is a sad day when this needleess confrontation affects the fun element of a KID''s soccer match. A call by the referee good or bad is not permission to the opposing coaches to argue its merits. Sensible people agree to disagree and move on. We recognize that emotion and the need for a win cloud the minds of the normal human when he enters coach mode but responsible behaviour is not only the correct response it is mandated within the laws of the game and a GUIDING principle of FAIR PLAY that should be displayed as an example by adults to the kids!

It is only a guess but if the referee decided there were issues where the match could not continue perhaps he was threatened or the coach refused to stop the irresponsible actions and leave the field area. He can verbally tell everyone that the match is terminated without a whistle, however, that referee MUST report the incident so it can EFFECTIVELY be dealt with. He is not only remiss as my colleague kindly puts it he is wrong in not doing so!

The use of cards as a signal to caution or dismiss a PLAYER only. A coach is simply asked to calm down as a warning or to leave the field area if dismissed, no cards are shown. Although I understand that some leagues have oked this practise in a bid to bolster young referee retention and support as a card shown is easier than trying to engage in a verbal shouting match. Responsible action is expected by the referee even in the face of less than stellar actions by those in conflict with him.

This tournament individual who thought showing a yellow card was appropriate is not only wrong proceedurally also morally to detemine what result a referee should engage in without witnessing the event first hand. A referee terminating a match is serious stuff and should be fully investigated!
Cheers