Unacceptable Language
Jul 31Language used by players and coaches which is OFFENSIVE, INSULTING or ABUSIVE is a problem for the Referee, and there is constantly a need to examine, and perhaps revise, one’s thoughts on the matter. Apart from knowing what the Laws of the Game say about this kind of language, you need to be fully aware of any prevailing directives or instructions issued by the authorities.
It is most important to know what is meant by the word ‘mandatory’. It means, quite simply, that it is compulsory. You MUST do as a mandatory instruction says!
Let’s think right now about your own schooldays. Your regular teacher was absent and a stand-in was sent to look after your group. At once, a certain kind of attitude spread round the room.
You would look upon the next hour or so as either ‘an extra play-time’ or as a period of strict obedience. Why? Simply because of the reputation of the stand-in teacher in your school.
Some teachers were no-nonsense people. Others were soft-touches.
Well, your attitude to bad language and how you deal with it will soon give you a reputation that spreads around the district, like that teacher’s did in school. The players will know before the kick-off whether you may to be ‘messed about’ or whether they should behave themselves.
You will soon find that your reputation goes around BEFORE you, rather than AFTER you. So make your mind up right now which kind of reputation you want, especially if you are looking to gain much promotion.
You have a duty to take action
There are several valid reasons why you should not allow ‘bad language’ to tarnish your games, and it is suggested that three important ones are these…..
- (a) The Laws of the Game do not permit players and club-officials to use such language.
- (b) As a Referee, you have an OBLIGATION to act according to the Laws.
- (c) You personally will not tolerate such language because you find it unacceptable and it spoils your sporting activity.
If you do not find those three reasons acceptable, then why are you refereeing?
Players who shout obscenities at the tops of their voices, or who contest your decisions with a salvo of foul language, or who verbally abuse opponents, match-officials or spectators all deserve the same punishment…..instant dismissal from the field of play.
The Football Association needs to know about such players, because they jeopardize the whole reputation of the game.
It is worth considering also that players like that do no good whatsoever to your own reputation if you take no action against them. They are the last people who will show you any concern when your career goes flat, as it probably will.
So, be brave, be bold!
What about the player who calls you a cheat. He doesn’t shout it out loud and he doesn’t use any obscenities. How are you going to see his offence? Unsporting behaviour? Insulting language? The vast majority of experienced Referees, with many promotions already secured, would look upon such an offence as at least insulting and probably as offensive and abusive also. They would have no hesitation in sending him off, for his aim is at the least to demean you and attempt to persuade you to let him control today’s game.
Personal tolerance-levels
What you consider to be offensive or abusive or insulting will vary somewhat from what the next Referee will think. That is simply because we are dealing with humans with free thought.
We cannot avoid that. That said, if you try to bear in mind all the factors and the implications of what you have read so far, there is a strong likelihood that you will take appropriate action against the worst offenders. That can only be good for the game in general and your refereeing in particular. What’s more, you will be playing your part in cleaning up the more unpleasant aspects of the game, and you will be clearly telling players what to expect if they step too far out of line in your games.
If you happen to be the Referee and you are lucky enough to have two neutral Assistant Referees to help you, please consider the possible dangers in telling them that you all have different tolerance-levels. Should it not be you, as Referee, who is trying to set the standards to which you should all operate?
“Should I send off EVERY player who uses ‘bad language’?”
This is a question that inexperienced Referees usually ask themselves in their early games. In fact, some Referees never really know the answer to this loaded question. Experienced, sensible Referees have learned to cope very successfully with players who inadvertently use ‘bad language’, perhaps when they mess up a shot or if they become frustrated with their mates. A timely, firm word of warning often wins the day. In a similar way, it is often possible to nip in the bud the attitude of a player who suddenly lets out an expletive (not too loudly, might we add) when your decision goes against him. ‘Suddenly’, we said, for he does it on the spur of the moment without thinking up just what he will say to you.
What is suggested, in fact, is that you should never just turn a deaf ear to bad language. Take some action, and take it positively and firmly. A firm word is often enough, but if it should be a ’red card’ according to the need for proper match-control then make sure it is!
In short, then, have principles and standards; remember what mandatory means; never ignore ’bad language’; be brave; and don’t let the players take advantage of you.
