Managing The Technical Area Understanding What The Laws Require 1

Learning Objectives Acknowledge the problem Understand that referees are required by the LOTG to address it Introduce tools beyond “Ask, Tell, Dismiss” Ask for your commitment to lead by example 2

Irresponsible Behavior by Coaches Is a factor in referee attrition (35% per year) Sets a poor tone for matches in that it encourages dissent by players and poor behavior from spectators Can lead to referee assault Brings the game into disrepute Is specifically prohibited by the Laws of the Game Too often, is not dealt with by the referee 3

We Need Sr Referee Leadership Younger referees look to your actions as an example. They are watching when you aren’t aware Young Assistant Referees on your crews shouldn’t have to deal with irresponsible behavior from (adult) coaches Ignoring irresponsible behavior is the same as ignoring fouls. Both are part of the LOTG 4

Tools for Managing the Technical Area Review of the LOTG regarding the Technical Area The Referee’s Pre-Game Conference Exploring “Ask, Tell, Dismiss” in greater depth 5

The Technical Area Required by the Laws of the Game Required by the Georgia Youth Rule Modifications: “510.6 A technical area, as defined in Law 3 of the Laws of the Game, shall be marked in the area designated by the host member affiliate for players’ seating, unless such marking is not feasible due to the layout or arrangements of the particular field.” (emphasis added) 7

The Technical Area This does not say that a technical area is not required It allows clubs to not mark a technical area when not feasible If a technical area is not marked, agree on one with each coach before the game. This should be a standard part of your check-in process Suggestion: use the area immediately in front of and beside the bench 8

The Technical Area The technical area extends 1 m (1 yd) on either side of the designated seating area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 m (1 yd) from the touch line. From FIFA Laws of the Game, Interpretations and Guidelines for Referees 9

Benefits of the Technical Area It keeps coaches and players out of the way of the assistant referee It is physical reminder to coaches that their behavior is limited by the LOTG It establishes an expectation of behavior 10

BOTTOM LINE Technical areas are NOT OPTIONAL. They may not be marked, but they still exist. This is one of those “it’s not a problem until it’s a problem” issues. Be proactive. Don’t wait until a coach is a problem before requiring them to stay in TA. Define a technical area before EVERY match 11

Referee Pre-Game Conference Technical area management MUST be a standard part of your pre-game! Establish expectations with your crew about what is “irresponsible” Ensure young ARs know they can count on you for support and that they will not have to tolerate dissent/abuse 12

Referee Pre-Game Conference Listen for comments from the technical area, especially those directed at an AR Deal with such comments without being asked by a youth AR 13

Prepare, Defuse, Ask, Tell, Dismiss Prepare (by following the principles outlined in this presentation) Defuse (when possible) Ask Tell Dismiss But, when to use which? 14

When to use ASK Repeated, non-aggressive dissent, e.g. “C’mon Ref”, “That’s a foul ref”, “no way that’s offside”, etc. 15

When to use TELL Loud and/or aggressive dissent from within the technical area –“REF, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” –“CALL IT BOTH WAYS” “Big” gestures –“Waving off” the referee –Repeatedly holding the arms out (this is almost always accompanied by loud dissent) The AR has had to ask the coach to return to the technical area MORE THAN ONCE 16

When to Use DISMISS The following examples of irresponsible behavior have “crossed the line” and should result in an IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL (no “Ask” or “Tell” required): –Technical area personnel throwing, hitting or kicking anything –Offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures –Inflammatory or aggressive behavior with the opposition 17

When to Use DISMISS IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL (no “Ask” or “Tell” required): –Interfering with the restart of play or with field players (e.g.: China manager during FWWC 2015) –Making unwanted or aggressive contact with opposing players –Intentionally interfering with the AR in the performance of their duties 18

How to Defuse BadGood Curse, use abusive or insulting language Talk to me rather than shouting Shut up and sit downCoach, I understand you are upset but you need to calm down Criticize the members of the referee team I will pass along the message (as an AR) Attack or criticize the coach or his or her team I hear you or I understand you, coach (As an AR) Say what you would have done in that situation We (the crew) will talk about it at half time Saying nothing in response to loud dissent This is a game of angles, and we have a different angle than the referee 19 What to Say?

How to Defuse BadGood Issuing threatsYou are getting close to me having to take action Engaging a coach who is out of the technical area Coach, you’re out of your technical area. I can’t talk with you while you’re out of the TA Use phrases that invite further debate or negative discussion Coach, what I saw was... (what you believe you saw cannot be debated) Are you familiar with the advantage clause? The ref got it; give him/her a chance Make physical contact with anyone in the technical area Coach, I will deal with you, but not anyone else on your bench. 20 What to Say?

We Need Your Commitment Lead By Example Be firm but professional; set a positive tone with coaches before the match A dispassionate style is best This is not a “License to Kill” Will you commit to dealing with this problem? Ignoring irresponsible behavior by coaches is not acceptable 21

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