BRCL Referee Liaison's "DEAR REFEREE" emails and Replies

Referee Conduct

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2006/October - Referees knowing the rules

Q: A Center Referee made the comment to me at our game that he "referees so much and so many different types of soccer" that he "sometimes gets confused" about which game he is doing and which set of rules he should be following.

A: In my opinion, referees should keep such comments to themselves. This sounds like an admission that he/she didn't prepare for this particular game as well as he/she perhaps could have. The various differences, nuances, or modifications in rules for different soccer leagues and tournaments can be difficult to keep straight at times. Referees can sometimes end up applying a rule that shouldn't have been used or not applying one that should have been. I believe referees should review the rules for the games they're going to officiate and be as well-prepared as possible. After all, they're getting paid to do their job as correctly as possible for their clients. It's not that difficult or time-consuming for a referee to write out or type up a few notes with the most important rules differences and keep them handy in his/her equipment bag for pre-game consultation or periodic study. If necessary, a few brief rules reminders could even be written on the margins of the referee's scorecard that's in his/her little black book.

2006/May-referee conversations

Q: During halftime, the Center Referee stood with the coaches of our opponent and joined in a conversation with them. I do not think this is appropriate referee conduct. What do you think?

A: There is no USSF rule or FIFA Law prohibiting a referee from talking to coaches during halftime. I find no prohibition of this in BRCL rules, policies, and procedures either. Since we do not know what the purpose or topic of conversation was, it would be impossible to comment. It may have been match-related, but only the referee and the coaches know that for certain. Personally, I do not think it is wise for referees to appear to be having lengthy social conversations with coaches before, during, or after a match while in uniform and on duty.

One of the most well-respected books on soccer officiating is called "Fair or Foul? - The Complete Guide to Soccer Officiating." It was first published in 1973. My revised copy is from 1995. In a section entitled "What to do at halftime," authors Paul E. and Larry R. Harris, Jr. write: "The referee should be seen only with his two neutral linesmen at halftime. They should not expect refreshment from either team. They should not discuss the game with managers, players, coaches, or spectators." Please remember, though, that this is advice to referees, not a rule nor FIFA Law.

Q: Later, still during halftime, the Center Referee stood on the field talking to a parent from the opposing team about an earlier decision in the match. The conversation was loud enough to be heard by spectators. I do not think this is appropriate referee conduct either. What is your view?

A: Personally, I would find this type of referee conduct inappropriate, unless the Center Referee needed to communicate information to this parent for some official purpose(s) of which we are unaware. If, in the Center Referee's judgment, the conversation was necessary, I believe it should have been conducted privately so others could not overhear what was said. The USSF Administrative Handbook for Referees contains a Code of Ethics. One of the tenets of this Code is that referees "will not make statements about any games except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game."

Q: Don't the BRCL conduct rules states that the referee should not have contact with the parents, etc. during a game?

A: I believe the BRCL rule about contact and communication with referees (adopted March 7, 2006 and posted on the BRCL website) prohibits parents, fans, etc. from initiating conversations with referees. However, conversely, this rule, the way it is currently worded (as of 9-7-2006), does not appear to prohibit referees from initiating such contact and communication. Personally, I think everyone is better served if the referees simply check the field, player passes, and equipment; collect the necessary pre-game documents and/or information; referee the match; complete the necessary post-game documents and information; and leave the field at the conclusion of the match as inconspicuously as possible.