| ‘During a game, the playing area belongs to the players and the referee. It should be a safe space. No one else should enter the field of play – including substitutes, managers and spectators – without the referee’s permission. Anyone that does, must be instructed to leave the playing area immediately. If this is a coach, they will expect to receive a red card as this is not permitted. If it’s a parent, use the coaches to control them and advise them that their actions are not permitted and the potential consequences. However, if there are multiple spectator incursions, you may have no option other than to abandon the game if you have concerns about your safety and that of the players.
Regarding coaches and/or spectators, if you feel threatened or intimated by their actions of confronting you on the pitch, consider abandoning the game although think about your wellbeing and how best to manage the situation first. Potentially try and diffuse the situation, remind them of the rules and quickly make them aware that you are considering abandoning the game due to their actions.
You will all have received training on game management and the stepped approach to dealing with the ‘temperature’ of a game and the participants – players, spectators and team officials. Setting your stall out from the start and controlling small issues effectively as they crop up, should hopefully prevent the necessity of getting to the point where you feel it necessary to abandon a game. Rest assured though, if it comes to that point, provided you have made every effort to control the situation with a stepped approach, you will be fully supported by the league.
STEPPED APPROACH/SETTING YOUR STALL OUT
Just to remind everyone, a stepped approach can be employed even before the game starts.
– Introduce yourself to managers and make it clear in a friendly but positive manner what your expectations are. Ensure they are aware that whilst you don’t expect any issues during the game, do let them know that any issues will be dealt with. This underlines that you are the referee and in charge of making decisions.
– Let them know that you are there to officiate the game and you will only give what you can see.
– There may be a difference of opinion but you are the ultimate arbiter of the game.
– Politely tell them that you don’t want to hear constant questioning of your decisions as they won’t be changed. This sets a bad example and will only encourage the players to start questioning decisions.
First signs of abuse from coaches on the touchline – Nip it in the bud! At the next available break in play, hold things up and go over to the coach and remind them of the conversation before kick off. Ask them politely to refrain from further comment
Abuse from spectators on the side of the pitch – same scenario as above but do not engage with the spectators. Go over the to the coaches and ask them to speak to their parents. Remind them that they need to control the match day environment and that includes spectators as well as players.
Continued abuse from coaches on the touchline – at a convenient point, go over the coaches and be firmer with your warning stating that this is a final warning and if there are any further incidents, a caution will be issued.
Further abuse from coaches on the touchline – walk towards them and issue a caution letting them know that any further comments will result in a red card and they will be instructed to leave the playing area.
Further abuse from the same offender on the touchline – Issue a red card and ask the offender to leave the playing area. Issue a warning to the remaining coach that any further incidents will result in the game being abandoned.’ |
