You Make The Call – Episode 16 First Contact

Crew Management, Offside Mistakes, and Restart Interference

This YMTC episode examines three key referee challenges:

1. Setting expectations with your crew and handling unprofessional referees.
2. Dealing with a new referee making major errors, including timing mistakes.
3. Managing interference on a restart and dealing with dissenting coaches.

Each of these scenarios provides insights into game management, law application, and maintaining control under pressure​YMTC #14.

Situation 1: Setting Expectations & Handling Unprofessional Referees

Context:
A youth referee (high school senior) repeatedly refused to dress professionally, wear required gear, and perform proper AR duties. He had been assigned high-level, high-paying games but intentionally underperformed—twirling the flag, failing to track the backline, and staying on his phone at breaks.

The other AR was unknown, so the pre-game message was carefully crafted to set expectations without singling anyone out.

Key Considerations:

• Referees must be dressed professionally—sloppy appearance undermines credibility.
• ARs must be engaged—not paying attention leads to serious game management issues.
• Poor officiating affects the entire referee community—allowing unprofessionalism erodes respect for officials.

Game Management Approach:

• The pre-game message emphasized:
  • Arriving early (30 minutes before KO).
  • Wearing full black gear (except for jersey selection).
  • Leaving phones in the car.
  • Properly recording scores, cards, and incidents.
• The experienced referee (CR) made it clear that if the unprofessional AR refused to comply, a club linesman was preferable.

Takeaway:

• Holding referees accountable is essential for maintaining credibility.
• First impressions matter—a well-prepared referee crew earns respect immediately.
• If a referee refuses to meet minimum standards, it’s better to work without them.

Situation 2: New Referee Makes Major Timing & Offside Errors

Context:
An inexperienced first-day referee in a U10 tournament match made multiple errors:

1. Misapplied offside rules—called offside for a breakaway starting before the build-out line, but later missed an actual offside call inside the build-out line.
2. Ended the first half at 21 minutes instead of 30—his watch had failed, and he guessed the time.

Key Considerations:

• Referees must understand ROC (Rules of Competition)—misapplying build-out line rules leads to unfair results.
• Timekeeping is one of the most critical responsibilities of a referee.
• How should a referee handle a timing error?

Correct Procedures for Timing Mistakes:

• If a referee loses track of time, they should:
  • Ask ARs for backup timing (if available).
  • Estimate conservatively (instead of randomly guessing).
  • Inform both teams immediately and adjust the second half accordingly.
• To prevent future mistakes:
  • Always carry a second watch (or phone stopwatch).
  • Set a countdown timer instead of relying on memory.
  • Confirm timekeeping procedures in the pre-game talk.

Takeaway:

• Timekeeping mistakes are preventable—using multiple backup methods is essential.
• New referees should proactively seek guidance—mentors can prevent these errors before they happen.
• Coaches will notice every mistake—owning up to errors and correcting them builds credibility.

Situation 3: Restart Interference & Dealing with a Dissenting Coach

Context:
In a U16 tournament match, a defender jumped in front of a DFK (30 yards out) to stop a quick restart. Before players reacted, the coach began screaming for a mandatory yellow card for delaying the restart (DR).

After the restart (without a caution), the coach aggressively crossed the midline to confront AR1 and demand an explanation.

Key Considerations:

• Was the DR caution mandatory?
  • Not necessarily—context matters.
  • Was the delay tactical? If so, a caution is warranted.
  • Was the defender genuinely reacting instinctively? A verbal warning may be enough.
• How should AR1 handle the dissenting coach?
  • The coach crossed the midline during active play—this is misconduct (USB).
  • The AR1 should firmly direct the coach back to his technical area.
  • If the coach refuses to comply, the CR should be alerted for a caution.

Best Practices for Handling Restart Interference & Dissent:

1. For the DFK Interference:
   • If the player blatantly prevented a quick restart, issue a caution for DR.
   • If the interference was unintentional or reflexive, manage it with a warning.
2. For the Confronting Coach:
   • Firmly instruct them to return to their technical area.
   • If they continue arguing, inform the CR and issue a caution for dissent.
   • If they refuse to comply, issue a red card (dismissal).

Takeaway:

• Interfering with a free kick is a judgment call—not all instances require a caution.
• Coaches who aggressively challenge officials mid-play should be dealt with immediately.
• Managing emotions is key—keeping calm while handling dissent is what separates good referees from great ones.

Final Takeaways: Managing Referees, Timing, and Restarts

1. Crew Management:
   • Setting expectations in a pre-game message prevents problems later.
   • Unprofessional referees should be held accountable.
2. New Referee Mistakes:
   • Timekeeping is a fundamental skill—always have backups.
   • ROC knowledge is critical—especially for youth modifications like the build-out line.
3. Dealing with Interference & Dissenting Coaches:
   • Not all DR offenses require a caution—context matters.
   • Coaches crossing the midline to argue should be managed firmly and swiftly.

Refereeing requires awareness, confidence, and clear decision-making. This episode highlights the importance of proactive management, handling dissent calmly, and always being prepared for the unexpected.

Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by Frank