Question Number: 20339

Character, Attitude and Control 10/22/2008

RE: Other

Austin of Woodstock, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 20120

Ms. Maloney,

You were curious as to how my protocol (Reference Question 20120) is conveyed to those in attendance.

This is done in several parts.

I am known for stating, before the contest 'Positive Comments only please. Taunting and dissent will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from this contest.'

Everyone is now on notice where I stand on this issue, and anyone dumb enough to dissent or taunt after that is now doing so at their own peril.

In the event of an expulsion, I will stop the match (and hold the time/add on time), and I will state, loud enough for the offender to hear (and usually point at him/her) 'You have been expelled from this contest. Failure to comply within twenty seconds will result in police removal'

Everyone now knows what is happening, and it gives me a load of witnesses that I have issued a valid expulsion order, and that the offending coach or spectator has twenty seconds to SCRAM! I am also known to count the seconds aloud for the same reason.

If anyone is ever unfortunate enough to make me count all the way to twenty, I'll let you know what happens. So far there hasn't been anyone THAT brainless, but some have come dangerously close (such as 14 or 15).

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

20 seconds seems a bit short to me, but if it works for you, fine.

If I send anyone off, or dismiss a coach, and it seems that the person will not go, I simply say, 'If you do not leave, this match will not resume.' I had to do that on a U12 Girls match last season.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I'm not wild about your 20 seconds. I think 1-2 minutes works better. It's suprising you actually have an ordinance that allows you to throw out spectators and the police will help you out.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I do not like your method. It sounds draconian and also mean-spirited.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

While I'm all for keeping order, as referees we are coached not to make speeches. Stating ahead of time exactly what we will do in any given situation is a great way to paint oneself into a corner. A young referee/player of my acquaintance was captain of his team; the referee told the teams not to speak to him during the game or he would caution them. Naturally, my young friend said excuse me from behind the referee, and the referee wheeled around and yelled 'I told you not to talk to me!' 'Okay, but there's a fight back in the penalty area - just in case you want to know.' said my friend.

Moral of the story: let the teams figure you out by what you do and how you do it - not what you say.

And I agree with my colleagues - we teach 2 minutes. But if it works for you, I suppose that is okay. Professionalism is the key. We need to be approachable, but firm and resolved.