Question Number: 16694

Character, Attitude and Control 9/15/2007

RE: Recreational Adult

Al of Sarnia, ON CANADA asks...

We have a local Men's League in our city. There are two divisions -- over 35 and under 35. To promote over 35 (a newer entity) numbers, older players may currently play in both divisions.

Older player is Sent Off in a U35 match for Foul Abusive Language directed toward game official and given 6 game suspension in the U35 division. However, there appears to be nothing to prohibit him from playing in his next Over 35 match. This has severely irked some of our officials. I told them we can't dictate league rules, but can (as an officiating team) take a complete no-nonsense attitude with this player.

How do similar leagues in you area handle this kind of situation?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

In most cases discipline applies in league in which it happened. You'll remember when a player is sent off in a league match and suffers a lengthy ban he'll still be able to play internationally or in a champions league fixture.

Referees should treat each match as something new and carry only players skills with them. To carry a player's discipline problems with you is just too much to handle. Those players who are discipline problems will prove themselves without any help from match officials. Until they do treat then as if they were any other gent on the park. When there is a breach it should stand on its own merits, not on historical evidence. That is a matter for the league to remember, not the referee.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Al, each league is responsible but in certain cases your national association may have bylaws preventing such ruling. Check nationally. It is not uncommon for say an EPL player to be shown a red card in premier play but still play in an international or euro match. Just treat the player as a player and make a decision based only on what he does in the match. Grudges or excuses that he deserves less consideration is not the duty of a neutral official for a new match on a new day Cheers