Make The Call 4/6/2015

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Do we have a foul?

Misconduct?

What's the restart?

Injury management: any comments?

Game Management: Verbal De-escalation Techniques.

CAUTION: The guidelines presented below are intended for use with a player or team official whose agitated behavior is largely verbal, shows no signs of escalating beyond that point, and does not present as potentially physically aggressive or violent. Referees who suspect that a player or team official may present a safety risk to self or others should immediately seek additional assistance (Assistant referee/s, player/s, team official/s, etc.).

There are two important concepts to keep in mind:

1) Reasoning with an enraged player or team official is not possible. The first and only objective in de-escalation is to reduce the level of arousal so that discussion becomes possible.
2) De-escalation techniques are abnormal. We are driven to fight, flight or freeze when scared. However, in de-escalation, we can do none of these. We must appear centered and calm even when we are frightened.

Therefore these techniques must be practiced before they are needed so that they can become "second nature.”

THERE ARE 3 PARTS TO BE MASTERED IN VERBAL DE-ESCALATION

A. THE REFEREE IN CONTROL OF HIM/HER SELF

1) Appear calm, centered and self-assured even though you don’t feel it. Relax facial muscles and look confident. Your anxiety can make the client feel anxious and unsafe and that can escalate aggression.
2) Use a modulated, low monotonous tone of voice (our normal tendency is to have a high pitched, tight voice when scared).
3) If cards were shown and if you have time, put them away.
4) Do not be defensive-even if the comments or insults are directed at you, they are not about you. Do not defend yourself or anyone else from insults, curses or misconceptions about the game and misinterpretations of the laws of the game.
5) Be aware of any resources available for back up. Know that you have the choice to terminate the game, tell the player/team official to leave should de-escalation not be effective
6) Be very respectful even when firmly setting limits or when showing a caution, sending off a player or dismissing a team official for irresponsible behavior. The agitated individual is very sensitive to feeling shamed and disrespected. We want him/her to know that it is not necessary to show us that they must be respected. We automatically treat them with dignity and respect.

B: THE PHYSICAL STANCE

1) Never turn your back for any reason
2) Always be at the same eye level. Encourage the player or team official to maintain distance.
3) Allow extra physical space between you – about four times your usual distance. Anger and agitation fill the extra space between you and the payer of team official.
4) Do not stand full front to player/team official. Stand at an angle so you can sidestep away if needed.
5) Do not maintain constant eye contact. Allow the player/team official to break his/her gaze and look away.
6) Do not point or shake your finger.
7) DO NOT smile. This could look like mockery or anxiety
8) Do not touch – even if some touching is generally culturally appropriate and usual in your setting. Cognitive dysfunction in agitated people allow for easy misinterpretation of physical contact as hostile or threatening.
9) Keep hands out of your pockets, up and available to protect yourself.
10) Do not argue or try to convince, give choices i.e. empower.
11) Don’t be defensive or judgmental.
12) LISTEN in a way they want to TALK to you.
13) TALK in a way they want to LISTEN to you.


C: THE DE-ESCALATION DISCUSSION

1) Remember that there is no content except trying to calmly bring the level of arousal down to baseline.
2) Do not get loud or try to yell over a screaming player/team personal. Wait until he/she takes a breath; then talk. Speak calmly at an average volume.
3) Respond selectively; answer all informational questions no matter how rudely asked, (e.g. "Why do I have to leave the F.....ing field when I was the one being hurt?” This is a real information-seeking question). DO NOT answer abusive questions (e.g. "Why are we paying you when you're not doing your job?) This question should get no response what so ever.
3) Explain limits and rules in an authoritative, firm, but always respectful tone. Give choices where possible in which both alternatives are safe ones (e.g. you’re telling me my ARs and I missed a elbow to the back, I promise you we’ll keep an eye on him for the remainder of the match, but don’t do anything stupid, let us handle it, let him be the one getting a red card not you.)
4) Empathize with feelings but not with the behavior (e.g. "I understand that you feel angry, but it is not okay for you to threaten me or my crew.")
5) Do not solicit how a person is feeling or interpret feelings in an analytic way.
6) Do not argue or try to convince.
7) Wherever possible, tap into the player's or team official’s cognitive mode:
DO NOT ask: "Tell me how you feel."
Ask: "Help me to understand what you are saying to me”
People are not attacking you while they are teaching you what they want you to know.
8) Suggest alternative behaviors where appropriate e.g. "Would you like to take a break or have some water?
9) Give the consequences of inappropriate behavior without threats or anger.
10) Trust your instincts. If you assess or feel that de-escalation is not working, STOP! You will know within 30 seconds to 1 minute if it’s beginning to work. Tell the player or team official to leave and get the captain and other players involve.


There is nothing magical about talking someone down. You are transferring your sense of calms and genuine interest in what the player or team official wants to tell you, and respectful, clear limit setting in the hope that the player or team official actually wishes to respond positively to your respectful attention.

Do not be a hero and do not try de-escalation when a person shows any behavior that signifies hostility or intent to attack.

Videos Analysis: Mental Readiness

Anybody can say "THAT IS JUST WRONG". Recognizing WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW is what separates the Referee from the wannabes.

When analyzing the videos fill in the blanks:

• What...
• When...
• Where...
• Why...
• How...

And use the following considerations.

Concentration/ Awareness:

• Is the referee aware of a possible conflict in allowing the game to continue?
• Is there immediate communication between the match officials to avoid unnecessary protests or appeals?
• Does the referee keep his focus and concentration throughout the incident?
• Is the referee in a good position to make the correct decision?
• Is the communication process appropriate in deciding who the offending player is?
• Is the referee aware of what the law allows in certain situations?

Teamwork

• Is the AR closer to the action than the referee?
• Does the AR have a better view of the incident than the referee?
• Does the referee have a better view of the incident than the AR?
• Is the signal from the AR to the referee clear?
• Did the referee make a decision before the signal by the AR?
• Does the incident happen out of the view of the referee?
• Does the AR inform the referee about any misconduct?
• Should one of the match officials have seen the incident?
• Should the fourth official intervene if none of the other officials saw the incident?
• Has teamwork broken down because of a lack of concentration?

Positioning

• Is the referee too close to the incident?
• Is the referee too far away to make a credible decision?
• Is the referees view obscured by a player(s)?
• Does the referee create a good viewing angle in order to get the correct decision?
• Is the Assistant Referee better placed than the referee?
• Are both the referee and the assistant referee in good viewing positions?

Video #1

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Video #2

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Video #3

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Video #4

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Video #5

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Video #6

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F.I.R.E.

The F-I-R-E Principle for Dealing with Above-the-Shoulder Challenges

Actions aimed at the face of an opponent must be dealt with severely REGARDLESS OF THE FORCE USED if the actions are:

• Deliberate
• Intended to intimidate
• Endangering the safety of an opponent
• Insulting and/or offensive in nature
• Potentially inciting further action on the part of opponents

The following lists some specific examples (but not all examples) of the manner in which the contact can be initiated are:

• Use of the backhand
• Open handed slap
• A push/slap to the face
• The jabbing of a finger(s) to the face
• Grabbing hair
• Use of a fist

To assist referees in recognizing and properly addressing these situations, the acronym F-I-R-E was provided to assist officials with the identification of elbows that should be defined as red card offenses (violent conduct):

• Frustration
• Intimidation
• Retaliation (payback)
• Establish Territory or Space

When applying the aforementioned examples, the use of force becomes increasingly important as it relates to contact with the back of the player’s head as the likelihood for injury is somewhat lessened as compared to contact with the face.  Consequently, some discretion may be exercised on the part of the referee as it relates to contact with the back of the head depending upon the intent and the force used.

Video Clip: New England at Real Salt Lake (19:53) 
This clip involves violent conduct as a result of a player striking an opponent by head butting him. The player uses his head (hard surface) to contact the opponent in a very vulnerable area (the soft surface of the face). In addition, the act falls under the guidelines provided above and in the “Contact Above the Shoulder” directive. The player’s actions are: deliberate, intended to intimidate, endanger the safety of the opponent, incite further action on the part of opponents and are executed in a provocative and inciteful manner. As a result, the player must be sent off for violent conduct.

Referees can attempt to take preventative actions when similar situations arise. Although the referee attempts to provide flow to the game by allowing play to continue as the goalkeeper gains clear possession of the ball (despite a bridging/tripping foul being committed by the attacker as the keeper goes up in the air to gather the ball), the referee must be cognizant of the actions that follow and their potential impact on the game. In this case, a quick whistle on the part of the referee to stop play as soon as the players go chest-to-chest would potentially prevent further action. Given the attacker’s immediate actions, the referee could stop the game and eventually restart with a free kick for the defense. The free kick could result from the tripping/bridging foul as advantage did not materialize or for unsporting behavior for bringing the game into disrepute (review the “Game Disrepute and Mass Confrontation” directive. This would require the referee to caution the attacker for unsporting behavior and restart with an indirect free kick. By taking either of these actions, the referee is using common sense and is using preventative techniques to manage/control the game.

Once the referee has stopped the game, he should immediately sprint to the area of the confrontation. The referee’s presence could act as a tool to prevent escalation of the situation. Upon quick arrival, the referee could separate or channel the players thereby defusing the situation.

Pursuant to U.S. Soccer directives and guidance, the attacker in this clip should be red carded for violent conduct.

Simulation

Simulation, diving, embellishment, gamesmanship, play acting.  Whatever term is used, the action should be addressed by the referee.  Players who employ this tactic not only ruin the enjoyment of the spectators but are attempting to cheat the game and influence a potentially game-deciding ruling from the referee.  Furthermore, simulation also often raises the frustration level of opponents resulting in face-to-face confrontations.

Remember, the ultimate goal of players is to get the referee to unfairly punish the opponent.  As a consequence, simulation is a prime candidate for cheating.   As a potential act of simulation confronts the referee, the official must quickly consider the following guidelines:

• Human Act vs. Intentional Act
  • Human Act - Does the situation involve incidental contact?
  • Intentional Act - Is there deception involved?  No contact or contact intentionally created by the attacker.  Referees must train their eyes, mind, and responses.  When evaluating a player’s action to determine if it meets the criteria of simulation, consider the following signals:
• Location on the field - Often times, players dive in or near the penalty area.  The player is willing to take a chance that his cheating will go unnoticed by the officials and result in a penalty kick or dangerous free kick.
• Contact - It is difficult to caution a player for simulation (unsporting behavior) when there is contact with the opponent. Hence, contact and who initiates it, must be taken into consideration.  Do not mistake simulation for embellishment.  Embellishment occurs when a player “play acts.”  In other words, the player makes a minor infraction seem much grander in scale.  Embellishment, is cautionable for unsporting behavior.
• Score of the game - A team that is needing a goal to tie the game or to gain a lead, will attempt to garner a penalty or free kick in the “danger zone” (30 yards or so from goal).
• The ball - Can the attacker get or play the ball?  Attackers with the ball who have touched it too far in front of them will go down easily as a defender challenges them because they know they will not be able to get to the ball (it will go over the goal line or an opponent will get it) and they will lose possession.
• The attacker’s feet - As the player is going down, observe his feet.  Does the player bring his feet together and drag them along the ground causing him to intentionally lose his balance and go to the turf?
• The attacker’s actions before he lands and when he lands - First, evaluate the attacker’s eyes and head.  As divers go down, they are likely to try to make eye contact with the referee.  It is a natural reaction for players to look for the decision maker (the referee) and to see where he is positioned.  Second, evaluate the attacker’s arms – bracing the fall.  Attackers who go down as a result of an unfair challenge, often times do not have the opportunity to brace their fall.  Players who plan their fall, will look to cushion their fall by extending their arms out or by rolling on their shoulder.

Remember, players who utilize diving/simulation are cautioned for unsporting behavior.

Make The Call - 6/17 - 6/23

Blue #10 (attacker) takes a shot on goal. White #2 (defender) while hanging from the crossbar, deflected the shot over the goal with his head. Make the call.

Answer: Send Off (DOGSO) White#2 and restart with an Indirect Free Kick.

Make the Call - 2/25 - 3/3

In a U-16 boys game, Black #12, a team substitute, enters the field of play without permission from the referee. While the ball is in play, White #5 strikes Black #12 in the middle of the field.

What should the referee do?  What is the restart?.

Answer: The referee should stop play, show the red card to white #5, and send him off for violent conduct for striking black #12. Then the referee should show the yellow card to black #12, and caution him for unsporting behavior when he entered the field of play without permission from the referee. The referee should start play with an indirect free kick for the black team. Violent conduct is a more serious misconduct than entering the field of play without permission, and so the send-off is managed first in order to calm players down and prevent possible player confrontations and/or additional misconduct.

Make the Call - ATR

During a U17 Boys match Blue team player #9 falls to the ground after being held by Red team player #8 in the middle of the field. Blue #9 rolls around grabbing his ankle while screaming at the referee that the opponent should be cautioned.... "and no,  Blue #9 is not Fernando Torres."

What should the referee do? and what's the restart?

Make the Call - Week 1/20-1/26

Blue defender #6 fouls (reckless foul) Red attacker #9 in the penalty area and the center referee whistles and signals for a penalty kick. Before the PK is taken, the senior assistant referee signals the center referee for a conference and informs him that the Red team has too many players on the field, and that Red #9 was supposed to have substituted out of the game at the last substitution break but came back onto the field.

Q. What is the proper restart? What if any disciplinary action should be taken?

Post your comments.


Answer:
Law 3 (in the Interpretation of the Laws of the Game in the back of the book) tells us:

Substitute or substituted player
 If a substitute or a substituted player enters the field of play without permission:
 • the referee must stop play (although not immediately if the player in question does not interfere with play or if the advantage can be applied)
 • the referee must caution him for unsporting behavior
 • the player must leave the field of play
 If the referee stops play, it must be restarted with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped
(see Law 13 – Position of free kick).

The referee did not stop play for player #9's entry without permission,
but because he was “fouled” by defender #6. Because #9 was NOT a player,
no foul could be called for #6's “foul”; however, #6 may be cautioned for unsporting behavior.
Player #9 must also be cautioned for unsporting behavior (entering without permission) and removed from the field, and the game will be restarted with an indirect free kick for #6's team from the position of the ball when play was stopped for the “foul” (see Law 13 — Position of free kick)

Make the Call - Week 1/13-1/19

1/20/13

LAW 12:

During a PDL match score 1-1 at the 89th min., there was a through ball for the attacking team, the forward run through to dribble into the penalty area. The keeper (the last defender) runs out of his penalty area to stop the ball, and missing it completely, and collided with the attacking player and took him out of play. The referee was near the top of the penalty area, and had a clear view of the contact. He signalled a penalty kick. The goalkeeper after screaming "Ref are you blind" "You just F~*up the game" was issued a caution for dessent. Since, it was his 2nd caution, the referee showed him a red card.
The defending team asked him to look at his assistant referee. The AR was standing firm around the 25 yard line, signalling an offside.
The referee reversed the call to an indirect free kick for the defending team, and took back the cards.

Did he make the right call?  No.

1) Offside, indirect free kick for the defending team.
The decision to use the information supplied by the AR was correct. Award the indirect free kick for the goalkeeper’s team.
2) Goalkeeper send off for 2nd caution.
The second caution which resulted in a red card should not have been withdrawn solely because the referee accepted the advice from the AR and declared that the stoppage was for the offside. The ‘keeper’s act itself warrant the caution for dissent (and red for 2nd yellow).

Make the Call - Week 1/6-1/12

SUB DENIES OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY INSIDE HIS OWN PENALTY AREA.

Question:

What should the referee do when a player comes off the bench and denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity inside his team's penalty area?

What's the call?
Any cards?
What's the restart?

Answer:

Send him off for denying the obvious goalscoring opportunity.  
Restart with an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the position of the ball when play was stopped (see Law 13 — Position of Free Kick). 
Indirect free kick is for the offense of unsporting behavior (sub enters without permission). The caution could be shown first, before the red card for denying the opportunity but not recommended.

Cautionable and Sending-Off Offenses (New)

U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program

Report Codes for Cautionable and Sending-Off Offenses

Updated September 2012

7 Cautionable Offenses
 
Cautionable offenses require that a player, substitute or substituted player be shown a yellow card.

A player is cautioned for committing any of the following seven offenses:

 

1. Unsporting behavior (UB)

• Commits a direct free kick foul in a reckless manner (charging, pushing, tripping)

• Commits a direct free kick foul in a reckless manner while tackling for the ball from any direction

• Commits a tactical foul designed to interfere with or impede an opposing team’s attacking play (pushing an opponent, blatantly holding an opponent or an opponent's uniform, handling the ball deliberately)

• Handles the ball deliberately to score a goal

• Commits an act which, in the opinion of the referee, shows a lack of respect for the game (aggressive attitude, inflammatory behavior, or taunting)

• Fakes an injury or exaggerates the seriousness of an injury

• Fakes a foul (dives) or exaggerates the severity of a foul

• Interferes with or prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands into play

• Verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart

• Unfairly distracts or impedes an opponent performing a throw-in

• Changes jerseys with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee's permission (both players must be cautioned)

• Engages in trickery to circumvent the goalkeeper's limitation on handling the ball played from a teammate's foot (the defender who initiates the "trickery" is cautioned, the decision does not require that the goalkeeper actually handles the ball, and the misconduct can occur during dynamic play or at a restart)

• Makes unauthorized marks on the field

• Removes the jersey or covers the face with a mask or similar device after scoring a goal

• Uses an artificial aid to unfairly assist play (leaning on the shoulders of a teammate, using

an article of clothing to avoid direct contact with the ball, moving or removing a corner flag,

hanging on a crossbar)

• Uses tobacco or tobacco products in any form in the area of the field

• At a penalty kick, feints to kick the ball once the run-up to the ball has been completed

• (New) Participates in an orchestrated pattern of fouls directed at one or more opponents 

2. Dissent by word or action (DT)
• Verbally or through action disputes or shows contempt for an official’s decision

• If playing as a goalkeeper, leaves the penalty area (not beckoned by the referee) to engage an official in debate regarding a decision

3. Persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game (PI)

• Repeatedly commits fouls
• Violates Law 14 again, having previously been warned

• If playing as goalkeeper, wastes time, having previously been warned or penalized for this behavior

4. Delaying the restart of play (DR)

• Kicks or throws the ball away or holds the ball to prevent a free kick restart by an opponent

• Kicks or throws the ball away or holds the ball to prevent a throw-in or corner kick by an opponent

• Fails to restart play after being instructed to do so by the referee or hinders the restart of play

• Excessively celebrates a goal

• Fails to return to the field upon conclusion of the midgame break, fails to perform a kick-off when signaled to do so by the referee, or fails to be in a correct position for a kick-off

• Provokes a confrontation by deliberately taking possession of a ball which is to be put back into play by the opposing team

5. Failure to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick, free kick or throw-in (FRD)

• Does not retire at least ten yards away from an opponent’s free kick

• Does not retire at least ten yards away from an opponent’s corner kick

• Does not retire at least two yards away from an opponent's throw-in

6. Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee’s permission (E)

• After having previously been instructed to leave the field to correct equipment

• After having previously been given permission by the referee to leave the field due to an injury

• After having previously been instructed to leave the field due to bleeding or blood on the uniform
 

7. Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee’s permission (L)

• To place an opponent in an apparent offside position

• Other than through the normal course of play

A substitute or substituted player is cautioned for committing any of the following three offences: 
1. Unsporting behavior (UB)

2. Dissent by word or action (DT)

3. Delaying the restart of play (DR)

 

Only a player can be cautioned for illegally entering the field (E) so if a substitute or substituted player enters the field without the permission of the referee, the caution should be issued for unsporting behavior (UB).

7 Sending-Off Offenses
Sending-off offenses require that a player, substitute or substituted player be shown a red card.
A player, substitute or substituted player is sent off for committing any of the following seven

offenses:  

1. Serious foul play (SFP)

2. Violent conduct (VC) 

3. Spitting at an opponent or any other person (S)
4. Denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to the goalkeeper within his or her  own penalty area)(DGH)
5. Denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player’s goal by an offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick (DGF)
6. Using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures (AL)
7. Receiving a second caution in the same match (2CT)

Although the Laws of the Game state that all seven sending-off offenses may be committed by a substitute or substituted player, U.S. Soccer recommends that any violent act committed by a substitute or substituted player be categorized as violent conduct (VC) in the match report.

USSF Official Paper click here.

NEVER talk to a coach at half time... Really?

I believe it is useful for the referee to be approachable and professional with coaches, even at half-time.

I simply do not understand why any referee would NOT talk to a coach that approaches them at halftime in a polite and respectful manner!

How do you think the coach would feel if after politely approaching you, you told him you wouldn't talk to him? You would certainly be viewed as arrogant and condescending and who needs that?

Most of the time when asked a question about, say, why a foul was given I will tell them - politely, with a smile - that I will explain it but I won't discuss it, then I will explain the decision.

So by all means, be approachable but don't feel obligated to stand there - you can often tell straight away if somebody is feeling angry, and if you think they're going to have a go at you there's no reason for you to stand there. If somebody has a genuine query and is approaching you in a calm, polite and respectful manner there's no need for you to wave them off.

Naturally you'll get better at dealing with these things as experience developed.

Getting the Most Out of Your Yellow Card

Revised August 2014

The referee’s response to a foul or act of misconduct must match or exceed the severity of the player’s action.  In other words, the more severe the act of the player, the greater importance the referee should place on ensuring his actions/response send a message that the behavior displayed by the player will not be tolerated.  The message the referee sends must not only be received by the player for whom it is intended but also to the other players, coaches, and spectators.  An effective message that matches or exceeds the situation is the most effective tool in the referee’s ability to “draw his line in the sand.”  By “drawing the line in the sand,” the referee provides the players, coaches, and spectators with measurable and visual evidence of what is acceptable behavior in that game.

The referee who merely relies on the issuance of a card (yellow or red) to send messages is a reactive official – an official who does not use his personality to prevent the next foul.  Referees need to manage the game with their personality by picking the appropriate method of managing or dealing with a player.

Remember, the best referee is the referee who is seen and heard when the game requires the referee to be seen and heard.

Generally speaking, there is a continuum of referee actions needed to ensure that the referee’s response matches the severity of the offence.  Top level referees find ways to send messages aside from using the whistle.  They also utilize down time (when the ball is out of play) to connect with players.  Often times the connection can be positive communication and encouragement.  And give consideration: In response to every misconduct situation, referees do not need to reach for and display a card immediately.  At certain times, a calculated and diligent approach to the issuance of a card is best. 

By slightly delaying the “card” or “no card” decision, referees give themselves valuable seconds to assess the situation and to consider the action in context of the game and in context of the player who has committed the infraction.  During this brief pause, the referee can make eye contact with the ARs and/or fourth official if needed to get their perspective.  This almost inconspicuous pause can lead to more thought out decisions versus reactive decisions based upon emotion.

The following is brief overview of three important referee responses on the continuum:

• Quiet word - During the run of play, referees can have a quiet word with players.  This allows players to feel the referee’s presence prior to the referee blowing the whistle.  Additionally, there are some fouls for which a quiet word is an appropriate response by the referee.  The referee can run with the player as the player moves to position and during the movement convey the selected message.
• Isolating the player - Once the referee has whistled the foul, the referee can opt to move the player aside and have a one-on-one conversation.  The isolation of the player sends a broader message that will resonate with all game participants and is a visual message to spectators and the media that the player’s actions were not acceptable.  By looking the player in the eye, the referee sends a stronger message and can use his personality to convey his displeasure.  The “look” (body language) and tone of voice chosen by the referee is important as it must also match the severity of the offense.  This tactic also slows the game down and gives the referee and the player’s time to think about their actions. Remember, the referee must always be under control and calm when demonstrating his displeasure and communicating with the players and coaches. 
• Issuing of a card - If talking with the player(s) has not worked, the referee should then consider a stronger message which would be the issuance of a yellow or red card.  This does not restrict the referee from going directly to a card should the severity of the offence mandate it.  Once again, however, the referee must make sure that the appropriate communication accompanies the displaying of the card.  In many instances, the quick isolation of the player while the card is displayed is critical in getting the right message across.