Date:         Thu, 20 Sep 2001 14:22:57 EDT
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         [log in to unmask]
Subject:      Re: Timing of Justice
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In a message dated 9/20/01 10:47:07 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Sorry, but I beg to differ:
>
> In this, as in nearly everthing, context is everything.  I think that an
> experienced official should be able to tell the difference quickly between
> a game that needs a firm hand from the outset, and one that will benefit
> from a more relaxed approach.  And an experienced official should be able
> to sense when tempers are rising...including matches where the coach or
> captain has worked his team into a frenzy at halftime.
>

Jeff, I think David assumed we would all be able to make this distinction,
and his remarks are aimed at "firm hand" matches.  There is no question in my
mind that the best way to approach any match which has the potential to
explode is to use the cards early (and perhaps often).  I have found that by
doing so, I can almost always get better control of the match and avoid late
trouble.  The worst matches I have ever had were always those in which I
thought I could let the players play and avoid cards, only to discover that
something missed early led to late trouble.

Regards
Jim MacQueen
Akron, OH