Date:         Wed, 2 Jan 2002 11:48:08 EST
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: a new situation
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In a message dated 1/2/02 11:34:27 AM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Here is a real scenario that I would like comments on. BU19 game. I was the
> Center and didn't how to handle it. Players from the blue team are getting
> upset with a red player. Seems he is making comments to them. All out of
> earshot from me. I had multiple confrontations between this red player and
> different blue players. Unfortunately, when this occurred the red player
> would just stand there not saying anything or trying to retaliate. There
> were no fights(some pushing and shoving), but only because I got there
> quickly and moved them apart. I could have sent a few blue players off for
> the shoves, but didn't feel right about it, since I knew that this red
> player was somehow instigating the conflicts.
>
> Was one of the worst games I've had and made me question my ability as a
> ref.
>

<<<<<<<<<<
I think you handled it JUST RIGHT.  You should never penalize a player for
something you do not see or hear yourself.  The whole point of having a
referee is to have someone without bias make the decisions, and you cannot
rely on "blue" to behave without bias.  Just because they are upset with the
red player does not necessarily make what he/she says or does illegal.  So
you do what you must to prevent it from escalating...you get there, you talk
to the players, you settle them down, and you go on.  This makes you a GOOD
referee, and it makes it one of the best games you have done, not the worst.

Now, you might try staying closer to the red player to see if he really is
doing something to instigate, but that would be the limit of my adjustment in
this game.

Regards
Jim MacQueen
Akron, OH