Codes of Conduct Dissent Respect Referee as a Manager Knowing yourself Dealing With Coaches Options
Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, school administrators, colleagues and the public. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately and shall comport themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. Shall be punctual and professional Shall remain mindful that their conduct influences the respect that student-athletes, coaches and the public hold for the profession. NFHS Soccer Rule Book 2016 17, pg. 7.
The function of a coach is to educate students through participation in interscholastic competition. The coach shall be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence, for good or ill on the education of the students... The coach shall exert his or her influence to enhance sportsmanship The coach shall respect and support contest officials. The coach shall not indulge in conduct which would incite players against the officials. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical. NFHS Soccer Rule Book 2016 17, pg. 6.
The Codes of Ethics bind both referees and coaches. What we do as referees and how we do it affects the coaches, players and the game. It can establish or reinforce your reputation. There are remedies in place to address coaches behavior. Not every issue has a prescribed response.
NFHS Soccer Rules Book 2016 17, pg. 58 MISCONDUCT - Rule 12-8, Misconduct ART. 1 A player, coach or bench personnel shall be cautioned (yellow card) for: b. objecting by word of mouth or action to any decision given by an official (dissent) (pg. 58). See also, pg. 71, Rule 18, Definitions: Any of the actions by players, substitutes and bench personnel that result in yellow or red cards being issued. Object Object: verb: əbˈjekt/ 1. say something to express one's disapproval of or disagreement with something.
Dissent: verb: /dəˈsent/ 1. to differ in sentiment or opinion, especially from the majority; withhold assent; disagree. 2. to disagree with the methods, goals, etc., of a political party or government; take an opposing view.
Can a coach or assistant coach be issued a yellow card for dissent? How is dissent defined under the NFHS Rules? Misconduct: objecting by word of mouth or action (pg. 58) Has NFHS provided guidance on degrees of dissent? Why? Not every issue has a prescribed response. This allows a referee to use discretion.
Why are we at game? Who has Authority? What happens at your current job if you insult or yell at your coworker? What happens at your current job when you insult or differ in sentiment or opinion with the authority? Where in the Rules does it say the coach shall question the authority? Where are children allowed to yell at an adult or question the authority of an adult?
Respect has to be mutual. How do we garner respect? How does a referee show respect before during and after the match?
Before the match Your reputation How you conduct yourself Are you a referee who is Neither friend nor foe Weak Arrogant Obnoxious Professional In command of the Laws of the Game
Before the match cont d Be On Time For The Match Respect from coaches can be lost here Late? Acknowledge it; apologize and move on Be Presentable As An Official Every coach, player, fan and fellow official expects this Uniform should be clean, not stained, not damaged Appearance matters
If I look good, am I guaranteed a good game? Probably not
Be Knowledgeable Of The Rules Miss a black and white call = ruin your game Substitutes, Restarts Get the big fouls they may forgive weak throw-in Demonstrate you know the Rules (DOGSO) Be In Shape to Officiate the Match If you can t keep up with the play, how can you make the call? Proximity creates validity and gives you credibility
Being a Referee is not easy Referee (teams) must "manage 22 players on the field 2 to 4 coaches (more during the tournament) 2 + administrators Managers, score keepers, and substitutes A Referee must manage 28+ personalities and enjoy unsolicited feedback from spectators.
Some coaches are nice; others not so much. Coaches have reputations just like referees have reputations. Some use the multi-coach approach. How do we deal with an unforgiving coach? Rule 1: Know thyself. (Plato) Rule 2: If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If his forces are united, separate them. (Sun Tzu) Rule 3: Don t forget who has authority
We have options. Within the Rules we are permitted Ignore Talk to coach Yellow card Red card NFHS does not provide guidance on calibration. This allows the referee to exercise discretion Manage the situation!
Can you use your personality? What are your personality strengths and can you use them on the field? Approach Options When Delivering Message Firm Harsh Compassion Serious Humor
Why is coach asking the question? When is coach asking the question? At time of foul or 20 minutes later? How often? Every call or a few? Is it an appropriate time to respond? i.e. active play or dead ball? What tone is used? (calm, sarcastic) What volume is used? (shouting TO you or AT you)
3 Ps Personal Provocative Public Do we need all three? Is this a matter of respect? What thought process do you go through when deciding not to caution for dissent?
Avoid using I want you to or I need you to... Know what you are going to say before you reach side line Not a dialogue Be brief Deliver message and get back to the game Remaining close allows coach to engage you What impression do you give? eye contact confidence of walk body posture tone and power of voice (check your breathing)
USSF teaches Ask, Tell, Remove (no cards to coaches). NFHS rules allow you to issue yellow or red card. High school coaches understand cards. 99% of the time this will adjust their behavior. It is visible; everyone knows; including the fans. Don t be afraid to use it. Do not abuse it.
Referees and Coaches are obliged to adhere to the Code of Ethics Referees influence how they are treated Coaches can be carded for dissent Referees are managers Know yourself Use your personality to influence the situation Remember: Referees have ultimate authority
Remember why we are here
I am not concerned with your liking or disliking me All I ask is that you respect me as a human being Jackie Robinson I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity Julius Erving A person s a person, no matter how small Dr. Seuss We should all consider each other as human beings, and we should respect each other Malala Yousafzai