Date:         Sat, 13 Jan 2001 01:14:09 -0500
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         A Geissman <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Touching players
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

DA initiates:

>> I grabbed players by the hair, by the neck,
>> by the torso,... I shoved players away (even in
>> televised games) I sat on players who were
>> fighting to shorten their boxing and wrestling bout.

And DB replies, more cautiously:

> I really don't know if the above is such a great idea. This is soccer,
not
> ice hockey. Officials have no specific authority under the LOTG to
> physically intervene to break-up an altercation.

I would imagine that ice hockey officials don't have
"specific authority" to break up fights either.  But
the best ones will do what has to be done, just like
the best soccer referees.

> I don't know the situation in other parts of the world, but here we are
> advised to keep out of the melee and observe to determine what action
will
> be taken later. Any control of the situation should be done in a
> non-physical manner, eg by directing players away from the melee, using
the
> whistle (appropriately) etc.

What the average official is advised to do, and what the
best ones actually do in games such as we see on TV, are
two entirely separate matters, IMHO, and it doesn't help to
mix the topics together.

> Anyway, that's the advice I would pass along to others.

Yes.  If you want to keep out of trouble, then follow the
guidelines.  If you have an instictive feel for what will
really work right now in this particular situation, and
you're right, then follow your instincts.  Of course, the
laughing stock refs also do just that -- but inappropriately.