YMTC #30: Bench Misconduct and the Role of Referee Authority
This episode focuses on managing bench misconduct, especially in youth games, and the responsibilities of various game officials in maintaining a safe and respectful game environment.
Background: Youth Scrimmage Event and Junior Referee Program
A local youth scrimmage event—commonly used to introduce new referees—was underway. The event supports a Junior Referee Program, training teenage officials to cover entry-level games. Adult referees were assigned as mentors across venues to support and guide these junior officials. While club representatives were technically on-site, they were not actively involved, leaving mentors as the primary authority figures.
The Incident: Managing Misconduct from the Technical Area
During a U10 match, one of the mentor referees overheard inappropriate coaching from a technical area. Specifically:
- One coach was shouting negatively at players.
- All three coaches were issuing aggressive tactical instructions and encouraging hard, reckless play.
- There was persistent dissent toward the junior referee’s calls, although the referee did not notice during play.
The mentor, while in uniform but not officiating, approached and requested the coach tone down the behavior. The response was confrontational, denying any right to intervene. After repeated misconduct, the mentor issued a bench warning, then dismissed one coach from the area. When this occurred:
- The remaining coaches refused to identify the ejected coach.
- They pulled their team from the match, despite being informed that only one coach was dismissed.
- A host club representative eventually helped de-escalate the situation.
Post-Game Discussion Points
- Was the mentor correct to intervene in a non-officiating capacity?
- What authority do mentors, site coordinators, or other game-associated adults have in addressing misconduct?
- How should referee mentors balance guidance and protection for new referees?
Tools and Laws for Addressing Bench Misconduct
Relevant Guidelines from IFAB and Tournaments:
- Referees and designated officials have a responsibility to maintain a respectful game environment.
- Tournament rules often give site coordinators, mentors, or venue directors the authority to remove individuals for abusive behavior.
Examples of Misconduct by Team Officials (per FIFA & IFAB):
- Verbal or physical abuse toward players or referees.
- Encouraging illegal or dangerous behavior.
- Persistent dissent or sarcastic responses to referee decisions.
- Failure to remain within or respect the technical area.
- Encouraging spectators to confront or undermine match officials.
What a Referee Can Do
- Issue a verbal warning or quiet word early.
- Escalate to a bench warning or formal caution if behavior continues.
- Dismiss team officials for continued or egregious misconduct.
- Follow competition rules regarding whether cards must be shown.
- Submit a match report or supplemental incident report for follow-up by the league or tournament.
Best Practices:
- Stay calm and concise when addressing team officials.
- Avoid long arguments—state your decision firmly and walk away.
- Document any serious incidents immediately after the match.
Learning Reflections and Questions
- What roles do mentors, tournament staff, or off-duty referees play in maintaining game integrity?
- How can referees recognize when a coach’s conduct crosses into misconduct or abuse?
- How does ignoring adult misconduct in youth games impact referee development and retention?
- Should competitions mandate formal training for team officials regarding technical area conduct?
Conclusion:
Referees must take responsibility for enforcing appropriate behavior from all team officials. Youth referees especially deserve protection and support from both mentors and experienced officials. Dismissing misconduct—no matter how minor it seems—can have lasting consequences on the match, the players, and the future of officiating.
Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Frank