BRCL Referee Liaison's Report to the Board

Report for 11/28/2006 Board Meeting

The following items make up my Referee Liaison Report to the BRCL Board for November 28, 2006 -- Gary Grant

1) Female Player Still Needed on Referee Liaison Advisory Committee:

The seven-member advisory committee to the League's Referee Liaison is still in need of a female player representative. No meetings; everything done by e-mail and/or telephone. Current volunteer committee members include Dan Ivory (assignor, Fluvanna/Charlottesville), Steve Gordon (coach, Amherst), Craig O'Der, Jr. (referee over age 18, Martinsville), Missy Long (referee under age 19, Blacksburg), Ben Wilborn (male player, Halifax County), and Venus Hendrix (parent, Danville). E-mail Gary Grant at brclrefcomm@yahoo.com if you know of a female player, or are a female player, interested in serving on this committee. Committee members provide guidance and feedback to the Referee Liaison.

2) "Referee Liaison" pages on the BRCL Website:

Thanks to the continuing and tireless work of BRCL Webmaster Bruce Harper, there are currently 36 Referee Liaison replies to "Dear Referee" officiating questions/comments archived on the League's website (http://www.brclsoccer.org/referees/index.html). They can be found under the following six headings: "Good Job" notes, Referee Decisions, Referee Conduct, Laws of the Game, BRCL Rules, and Other. Each is listed by year/month and topic. Again, these are real inquiries related to BRCL games or rules (with some editing of wording). These are NOT fabricated topics or something pulled from a soccer book or from someone else's website. By consulting this archive first, some questions about soccer refereeing in the BRCL may be answered without having to e-mail "Dear Referee."

3) Inquiries handled by the Referee Liaison between 9/17/06 - 11/24/06:

• 9/17 - from a home team manager - why a center ref took so much verbal abuse from a coach - U19 Boys
• 9/17 - from a BRCL official - why a center ref took so much verbal abuse from a coach - U19 Boys
• 9/21 - from an away team manager - adults without VYSA team passes remaining in the technical area - U16 Girls
• 9/22 - from an assignor - remove the BRCL rule that referees have to explain red cards to coaches
• 9/24 - from a spectator - when should a yellow card be issued - U12 Girls
• 9/24 - from a team manager - referee did not "sub out" a cautioned player - U17 Boys
• 9/24 - from an away coach - unsafe field, player injured by debris on the field - U16 Boys
• 9/24 - from a BRCL volunteer - what extra protections exist for goalkeepers - U15 Boys
• 9/24 - from a team official - referee accepted coaches' word that overtime periods were to be played (WRONG) - U18 Boys
• 9/24 - from a club travel director - who gets pay if referees don't show, how much pay for late refs, use of club linesmen - U18 Boys
• 9/25 - from a team representative - overtime played, two-man refereeing team used (NOT PERMITTED) - U18 Boys
• 9/26 - from BRCL Officer - request review and input on all BRCL rules related to referees
• 10/01 - from a spectator - require home team to wear white or lighter-colored jersey - U11 Boys
• 10/01 - from a home team manager - compliment for Center Referee - U18 Girls
• 10/01 - from an away team manager - how much rough play is allowed, when do referees stop play for injuries - U19 Boys
• 10/01 - from a parent - bad refereeing, no protection for goalkeeper - U12 Boys/Co-ed
• 10/01 - from a parent - bad refereeing, no protection for goalkeeper - U12 Boys/Co-ed
• 10/02 - from a coach - bad refereeing, no protection for goalkeeper - U12 Boys/Co-ed
• 10/02 - from an away team parent - games starting late due to late referees - U14 Boys
• 10/02 - from a parent - compliment for Center Referee - U12 Girls
• 10/02 - from a parent - recommendation that individual "Dear Referee" replies be sent to all assignors
• 10/04 - from BRCL official - a team manager wants to know where to report "biased" referees
• 10/05 - from club representative - information needed for how to schedule a Grade 8 referee certification class
• 10/07 - from a team manager - status of how much to pay late referees, who gets money for absent referees
• 10/14 - from a parent - GK not protected from fouls, issuance of red cards, referee game control complaint
• 10/15 - from an away parent - Center Referee "let" game get out of control, better consideration of player age levels - U13 Boys
• 10/15 - from a fan - allow subbing of both teams at throw-ins if both teams' subs are ready
• 10/15 - from a team manager - explanations for yellow cards - U15 Boys 10/15 - from an away team manager - "handball" calls, GK protection - U18 Girls
• 10/15 - from a coach - compliment for Center Referee, parents' referee complaints incorrect
• 10/16 - from an assignor - eliminate BRCL requirement to "sub out" players earning yellow cards
• 10/16 - from club officer - referee card "threat," questionable ruling on a goal being allowed - U11 Boys
• 10/16 - from an away fan - Center Referee "failed" to keep control of game; red cards avoidable with "control" - U13 Boys
• 10/16 - from an away coach (two messages) - referee needs to whistle more fouls, too many serious injuries - U12 Girls
• 10/16 - from a fan - getting improved offside calling by assistant referees
• 10/16 - from a home team coach - complaints about a specific referee, where to report a consistently "weak" referee, penalties for coaches playing extra players
• 10/17 - from a team manager - player not "subbing out" after a yellow card, time permitted to GK with the ball in his/her hands
• 10/19 - from an away fan - stoppage time questions - U18 Girls
• 10/19 - from a parent - length of time GK permitted to hold ball before punting it
• 10/21 - from an away team representative - referee changing a call that negated a goal
• 10/22 - from an away team representative - referee rudeness and referee payment concerns due to absent referee
• 10/22 - from an away fan - compliment for an Assistant Referee - U18 Girls
• 10/22 - from a home coach - referee "threatening" a coach with a red card (COACHES CANNOT BE "CARDED") - U14 Girls
• 10/23 and 10/24 - four messages from a home team representative - rules governing BRCL games, where to find them - U14 Boys
• 10/24 - from a team representative - required numbers of players to play a game; dual referee system allowed in BRCL games? (NO)
• 10/24 - from a fan - players required to "sub out" after earning a yellow card? - U14 Boys
• 10/25 - from a fan - cautioned player required to "sub out" in BRCL game is incorrect (WRONG) - U15 Boys
• 10/29 - from a referee - protocol for a certified referee who is a spectator subbing for a referee who is a "no show" - U11 Boys
• 11/02 - from an anonymous away fan - dual referee system used in violation of USSF, VYSA, BRCL policies; lack of referee game control - U17 Boys
• 11/07 - from a referee - questions about "deliberate" passes to teammate's goalkeeper and indirect free kick restarts
• 11/08 - from a referee - referee pay and request for assistant referees for any games where offside is called
• 11/09 - from a BRCL official - request for state referee ruling on BRCL requirement that cautioned players must be "subbed out"

4) USSF-certified Referee Assignors serving clubs and teams in the BRCL:

The following referee assignors, currently serving clubs in the BRCL, are USSF-certified Referee Assignors. This information comes from the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program's USSF Certified Assignor List (http://www.vadcsoccerref.com/scripts/runisa.dll?m2:gp::72021+assignor/list).

• Custer, Keith - Valley AFC
• Ingvaldsen, Mark - Botetourt, Roanoke Star, Salem
• Ivory, Dan - Charlottesville (Monticello United)
• McCartney, Christine - New River, Radford, Pulaski
• Sajadian, Mort - LUS, PASA, Amherst
• Wright, Chuck - Danville

The VYSA requires the clubs in its affiliated leagues (which includes the BRCL) to have USSF-certified Referee Assignors assigning officials to USSF-sanctioned matches. I contacted State Director of Instruction Paul Mungra of the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program (http://www.vadcsoccerref.com/index.html) on 10/27/06 to find out if a referee assignor certification course could be offered in the Roanoke area before the start of the Spring 2007 Season. As of 11/24/06, I am still awaiting a reply from Mr. Mungra. I contacted Office Administrator Carol Shaeffer of the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program on 11/03/06 and again on 11/24/06 with the same request. She said on 11/03/06 that she is "investigating the possibility" of offering a referee assignor course (5-6 hours in length) at the VYSA Annual Workshop (Friday and Saturday, February 9-10, 2007) in Richmond. She also forwarded my request for information to Mr. Mungra on 11/03/06 regarding the possibility of holding an assignor's course in Roanoke. As of 11/24/06, he had not replied to this second request either.

5) Summary of suggestions for BRCL Rules changes:

At League President Joel Coman's request, I surveyed BRCL Referee Assignors for any changes they would like to see implemented in current BRCL rules. I contacted the League's assignors and all members of my Referee Liaison Advisory Committee via e-mail on 9/29/06. I contacted both of these groups via e-mail a second time on 10/17/06. I also sent my second request to all Board members and to BRCL Administrator David James. I asked for any suggested rules changes and rationale. The due date for input through me was midnight, 11/01/06.

Below is the compilation of what was sent in by the due date: (It is my recommendation that these suggestions be decided upon one way or the other before the Spring 2007 Season.)

(1) Cautioned players must be "subbed out" of the game under current BRCL Rules. (Note: This BRCL rule does not state for how long the cautioned player must stay out of the game. This ought to be added if the "subbing out" rule for cautioned players remains in BRCL Rules.)

Comments:

This rule should be more in line with FIFA and USSF.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

I have mixed feelings on the cautioned player leaving the field. If it is an intentional foul, I think they should have to leave, as punishment. If it is just a case of playing hard and aggressive, but accidental, I don't think it is fair for a player who is playing his heart out to be punished for playing hard. I'm not sure if it could be worded so that could happen or that it would cause too much confusion. I don't think every yellow carded player deserves to be taken off the field.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

I think the yellow card sub rule should stand. It is a very powerful tool for a Ref to keep the game under control. Most of these kids are looking to play high school ball so, they might as well get used to that.
(One person who is a coach, referee, and club officer.)

Next season get rid of it.
(Referee Assignor)

If we are officiating in the BRCL, players who earn yellow cards must be subbed out of the match. Another player can replace them immediately. The cautioned players, also by BRCL rule, must be told the reason why they earned a yellow card. The BRCL rules do not state how long the cautioned player must sit out. I have previously recommended this be until at least the team's next substitution opportunity, and I am sticking with this recommendation. A couple of BRCL assignors have already suggested that this BRCL rule of subbing out cautioned players be eliminated. I will be taking this suggestion to the Nov. 28th Board meeting as part of my customary Referee Liaison's report.
(two Referee Assignors' request and Referee Liaison's reply)

With all due respect, I find the BRCL rule [requiring cautioned players to be "subbed out"] to be unclear. The paragraph you cite could easily be interpreted to simply mean that a team may substitute for a yellow carded player when the player is cautioned, but that only the cautioned player may be substituted for. If you read BRCL Law 3 (which is titled "The Number of Players"), the fourth paragraph which you refer to is discussing when substitutions can be made, not sanctions for a player being cautioned. Unlimited substitutions may be made from MIDFIELD with the consent of the referee when play is stopped at the following times:...When a player receives a caution (yellow card); for the cautioned player only. If read alone, I see no requirement to remove the cautioned player, only the team's right to do so.The next sentence must be what requires the substitution. Only the player receiving a caution (yellow card) MUST be substituted for. Maybe it's me, but the word "only" throws off my clear understanding that this is required. I would expect to see this required sanction under Law 12. Perhaps this is something that could be considered for clarification in the BRCL rules. The wording could be included with the sentences above and altered to state "the player receiving a caution (yellow card) MUST be substituted for, no other players are required to be substituted for at this time."
(Fan)

(2) Referees must explain the reason for a player's red card to his/her coach under current BRCL Rules.

Comments:

xxxxxxx xxxxxxx called me. I think he believes that BRCL referees should not be required to tell coaches why a player was issued a Red Card. I think he has a good point that this requirement sets up the possibility for a confrontation between the Center Referee and the offending player's coach. It also interrupts the progress of the match.
(Referee Assignor and Referee Liaison's response)

(3) Are referees to add "stoppage time" to each half of BRCL games? Should "stoppage time" be addressed in the BRCL Rules?

Comments:

BRCL does not have a policy that I am aware of that states no stoppage time.
(BRCL Administrator)

(4) Is there a set length of time for the halftime break for BRCL games? Should this be included in BRCL Rules?

Comments:

Ten minutes or so is fine. Of course, on hot days it should be at the discretion of the refs. You know if we keep adding all of these rules, we may lose refs who find all of the BRCL items just too difficult to keep up with and may decide not to want to do the matches.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

I believe the 10 minute halftime is appropriate. To be candid, I've never had an issue during games which dealt specifically with this topic. I'm not sure I would endorse policy other than what the FIFA Laws already mandate.
(Club representative)

I believe there should be a set length for halftime, but it should vary by age group. Seeing as the halves are longer as the teams get older, I think the halftimes should increase the same way. But keep in mind that shorting halftime is one way a ref can get a game back on schedule if it is running late for some reason.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

10 minutes should be the max. Most of the older players, U14 and up, are already used to this since it is the same for jv & varsity High School matches.
(Referee Assignor)

I don't think there needs to be mandated half time (I would fear putting ourselves in a box). I generally allow between 7 to 10 minunts. In hotter weather I allow time to rehydrate and get a little coach instruction, while in very cold weather I keep it short to prevent the players from cooling down to much. My observation has been most athletes are ready to start right after the five minute mark.
(Referee Assignor)

I have told other spectators it depended on the ref. Sometimes it's quite short and other times seems too long. It probably would be good to have a set time, so that every game is treated equally. I've really never noticed a problem. I have noticed that they are not equal.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

I build in a 10 minute halftime when creating the season schedule. I also build in a 10 minute "turn-over" time between games.
(BRCL Administrator)

Should this question be posed again, use the 10 minute guideline used for scheduling. Should we have to put it in wording then so be it...just a suggestion on my part, but if someone is so inclined to propose getting it in the policies what if it was worded "halftime will be a minimum of 5 minutes but no more than 10 minutes?" This will ensure a minimum time for coaches to address the team as a whole and keeping continuity with the scheduling.
(BRCL officer)

(5) Player substitutions. Should both teams be allowed to sub players at throw-ins?

Comments:

The BRCL rules state that substitutions can be made at a throw-in by the team in possession. In the spirit of making the game continuous, wouldn't it make sense to allow both teams to substitute at a throw-in (but only if the team in possession has substitutes)? If not, you would be stopping the game again shortly when the opposite team has a throw-in.
(Fan)

(6) Time at which referees should be at the field prior to the scheduled start of a game. Does this arrival time need to be changed?

Comments:

I know xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx of the xxxxxxxxxx Soccer Club, says it's a good idea for the refs to be at a game 30 minutes prior to start time. I know the BRCL rule is 15 minutes before the start of the game.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

(7) Jersey colors. Should white jerseys be reserved for the home teams?

Comments:

I think setting a standard of "all home teams will wear white, all away teams will wear colors" would eliminate confusion and set a standard that all teams followed.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

(8) Making sure coaches stay in technical areas. Is a better definition needed? How should this BRCL Rule be enforced?

Comments:

What I would like to bring up is the need for the assistant referee to have a clear touchline. Frequently, coaches stand on the field or more often on the touch line. I understand their "need" to be as close as possible, but the AR cannot see the game if his vision is blocked or he is always dodging the coach. Section 11.1-a-Law 1 partially addresses this problem. In the first paragraph, you provide details on the "spectator line" and the "technical area." The sentence: "Coaches, Players, and Team Officials must remain within the technical area." provides the clearance an AR needs on the bench side. The question is, what does the third paragraph mean. Does it give the Coach permission to move to the touchline to provide tactical instructions? If so, it will put the Coach and the AR into the same space or block the AR's view down the touchline. I recommend rewording the third paragraph to make it very obvious that the coach remains in the technical area.
(Referee)

(9) USSF certification requirements for Referee Assignors and Referees. Should these requirements be stated in BRCL Rules?

Comments:

The BRCL Board should add to its Policy Manual the following statements:

a) Only USSF-certified Referee Assignors shall assign referees to BRCL games. (Any Referee Assignor working with BRCL clubs will have until December 31, 2007 to prove he/she is a USSF-certified Referee Assignor.) Proof of this certification shall be provided annually to the BRCL Administrator by all Referee Assignors who assign referees to any BRCL games.

b) Only USSF-certified Referees shall be assigned to officiate games in the BRCL.

c) Referee Assignors working with BRCL clubs shall annually provide the League's administrator with a signed, written statement (e-mail messages accepted) confirming that all referees they assign to BRCL games have been provided with a current copy (on-line version acceptable) of Section 11 of the BRCL Policies and Procedures Manual.

(10) Miscellaneous comments on BRCL Rules. Should any of the following ideas be added to the current BRCL Rules?

It seems that referees are unfamiliar with the BRCL rules and procedures. I think preseason that all referees who are eligible to officiate any BRCL games must be given a copy of BRCL rules and procedures. They must sign a paper stating that they have read and understand all the rules and procedures. If they do not sign the paper, they should not be allowed to referee BRCL games. If for some reason, they get certified after the season starts, they must sign the paper in order for them to referee.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

As far as the BRCL rules go they definitely have a solid, comprehensible base. A few rules lack what will happen if the rule is not followed (example: the spectator line). This may be done in order leave judgment calls available to the referee but it also can cause conflict between how one interprets the laws. I think it is best that the rules be directly written so that there is no question on how to interpret them. Also, to cover all loose ends, I think there needs to be a rule about how a referee can make judgment calls depending upon the situation.
(Referee Liaison Advisory Committee member)

6) Miscellaneous questions/comments from the BRCL's volunteer Referee Liaison:

It would be helpful, in my opinion, if the League leadership and/or membership could consider, discuss, answer, and/or resolve the following items before the Spring 2007 Season begins:

a) Should referees who arrive late for games have part of their pay "docked" by the clubs who are paying them? Should referees who officiate games where one or two of the other assigned referees are "no shows," receive additional pay from the participating clubs? Should certified referees attending games as spectators be paid for being substitute referees when called upon, and agreeing, to do so?

b) Should BRCL coaches, team managers, referees, and referee assignors be required to sign a form stating that they have been given a copy of all current BRCL rules before the start of each season?

c) My preliminary work of trying to define what each grade (4-3-2-1-0) on the orange sportsmanship cards means -- for consistency purposes -- was turned over to League President Joel Coman via e-mail on 10/22/06 to forward to the Sportsmanship Committee for a possible recommendation prior to the start of the Spring 2007 Season. It is my opinion that any additional defining of the sportsmanship grades should be the responsibility of the Sportsmanship Committee rather than a task for the Referee Liaison, Referee Assignors, or Referees.