A&H

Open Age Bit of advice

McRef

New Member
Level 5 Referee
Hi all,

Returned to the whistle this season after a couple years out. As a fairly new ref I know I have lots to learn but I'm confident that my application of the laws is good and each game gives me learning points to help me improve.

So reffed a cup game yesterday. 2 premier league teams. One team was a team of moaners the other were great. Every decision was questioned, so booked a few early on in an attempt to curb the dissent. Although didn't help and ended up dishing out more cards than usual. They got a bit better as the game went on and kept comments between themselves.

Captain / manager was a gobby CM, quoting laws of the game that don't exist. However there was a few blatant ball to arms / hands. However in each instance in my opinion none were deliberate. Either bad touches or blasts from close range. The outcry that followed was relentless along with 'joke' 'don't have a clue'

Due to the ignorance of players not understanding the laws of the game, I'm questioning myself to make my life easier is it worth me giving these as handballs? Does anyone do this?

Also I have the same situation with throw ins. In my opinion they conform with the laws in regards to 'above and behind'. But again some suspect looking throws cause outcry.
What's the best way to deal with it?

I think some refs give these when they shouldn't. But I think they are meeting the players expectations and lack of understanding.

Am I right to follow the law or do what gives me an easy life?
 
The Referee Store
For throw-ins, one of my favourite phrases is "ugly, but legal."

For handling, use phrases like "not deliberate" -- that tells peope you've seen it, and using the 'not deliberate' part gives you backup in the Law if someone questions it.
 
I would advise against giving hand balls and/or foul throws unless an offence has been committed.

The players can shout themselves hoarse, but if I think a throw was fine, or that it was ball to hand etc then I respond to their shouts with a nice loud “No!”.

This normally does the trick, but if they want to argue then I’ll start the stepped approach, or if they cross the line go straight to a card.

They aren’t shouting because they necessarily think there’s been an offence committed, but trying to chip away at your confidence so you start to question yourself.
 
As above - you need to have the courage to make the correct, but unpopular decision.
It does sound like you might be letting a little too much dissent go despite your early attempts to stop it - comments like 'haven't got a clue' need to be stamped on. I wonder if the captain was allowed a bit too much slack, given he's quoted the LOTG incorrectly on several occasions?
It's not just about the correctness of your decision - it's how much you can sell it. Your appearance of confidence on the field at all times influences this.
Sometimes it's just one or 2 players leading the dissent charge - figure out who they are and deal with them - either via rapport and/or discipline - and you might shut up the rest of the players.
Some teams are just a pack of whingers and there's nothing you can do. I've had teams carry on like idiots over their handball claims every time it hit the player's chest!
I do find a loud shout of 'Accidental!!' can help sell that you've seen it, just don't think it's a foul.
TBH it sounds like this team is probably just a difficult team to deal with.
 
Players do it to try to force you to make a decision.

On my game yesterday, there were appeals for a foul from the dugouts, I was on the line and infront of them and they ended up saying it was a good challenge.. They did it to try get something from the referee, and if you follow their shouts they know they will get the better of you and it will get worse and worse.
 
have to laugh at the TV, professional players arms out pleading for the most stupid hand ball appeals, it’s no wonder Ugs follow!
 
have to laugh at the TV, professional players arms out pleading for the most stupid hand ball appeals, it’s no wonder Ugs follow!

and the commentators don't help, by often saying " Yes, the ball certainly hit his arm" over a replay - which doesn't help at all unless you explain/offer an opinion on whether deliberate or not.
 
Thanks all.
I've taken the advice on board. I defintely have to push through with more yellows for dissent. But I'm definitely learning. I'll stick with my decisions regarding throws and handballs and try to be more vocal.
Think I just needed some support from other refs to make sure I was doing the right thing. I think as it was 2 premier league teams I think the gamesmanship and competitiveness was higher than the lower leagues I'd done this season.

Despite my decisions being extremely unpopular and only 2 players from the home team actually shaking my hand at the end of the game (which they lost obviously) I've since found out they gave me 95. That is extremely concerning. Shows players really have no clue about refereeing!!
I wouldn't have given myself more than 80 and that's generous ha!!!
 
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