The Ref Stop

Manager bawling out their own player

lawriejones

New Member
Level 7 Referee
Hi! Please can I ask for your advice about a match I was reffing?

A manager is getting increasingly vocal during a match, but only giving criticism to his own (U15 girls) players. What started off as an irritation for the squad becomes more uncomfortable for them, with one being pushed to the verge of tears. At a break in play I asked the manager to calm it down and he did rein it in a bit. My question is, if he had not and a stepped approach had failed to get him back on track, what caution would it be for if it continues to escalate?

What if the manager had been engaging with an opposing player? Is anything different?
 
The Ref Stop
Hi! Please can I ask for your advice about a match I was reffing?

A manager is getting increasingly vocal during a match, but only giving criticism to his own (U15 girls) players. What started off as an irritation for the squad becomes more uncomfortable for them, with one being pushed to the verge of tears. At a break in play I asked the manager to calm it down and he did rein it in a bit. My question is, if he had not and a stepped approach had failed to get him back on track, what caution would it be for if it continues to escalate?

What if the manager had been engaging with an opposing player? Is anything different?
Pick and choose your fights. You won't be short of options. Very likely you don't need to go there with this one. You can't right all the world's wrongs, only the ones you're paid to make your business. Even if it was opposition players, it depends on what's being said and how it's said
 
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Hi! Please can I ask for your advice about a match I was reffing?

A manager is getting increasingly vocal during a match, but only giving criticism to his own (U15 girls) players. What started off as an irritation for the squad becomes more uncomfortable for them, with one being pushed to the verge of tears. At a break in play I asked the manager to calm it down and he did rein it in a bit. My question is, if he had not and a stepped approach had failed to get him back on track, what caution would it be for if it continues to escalate?

What if the manager had been engaging with an opposing player? Is anything different?
In view of the age of the players you are within your rights to remind the manager about his Safeguarding responsibilities, and the fact that you are also responsible for the wellbeing of players.
If he continues you have the option to caution the manager, which should make him think twice. If that doesn't work then you can caution a second time, which removes him from the game.
As it is a youth game, he can only be sent away if there is a responsible adult with the relevant Safeguarding certificate in place.
If the manager is the Qualified First Aider, he can stay in that role as long as he shuts up.
If he is really daft enough to get near the dismissal stage, use the score in the game as part of the discussion.
"Your team are 3-0 up. If I abandon the game . . . be a shame to undo the team's hard work"
"Your team are losing 1-0. If I abandon the game, guess who gets the points when you appear at the County FA hearing?"
Most importantly act early to set him up for a card if needed. It is usually the case that others in the clique will have a calming word.
 
Hi! Please can I ask for your advice about a match I was reffing?

A manager is getting increasingly vocal during a match, but only giving criticism to his own (U15 girls) players. What started off as an irritation for the squad becomes more uncomfortable for them, with one being pushed to the verge of tears. At a break in play I asked the manager to calm it down and he did rein it in a bit. My question is, if he had not and a stepped approach had failed to get him back on track, what caution would it be for if it continues to escalate?

What if the manager had been engaging with an opposing player? Is anything different?
The Club will have a Club Welfare Officer, as the team is U18. After the match, they should be your first point of contact is you have concerns about the attitude of the manager. Your CFA will be able to provide their contact details, if not listed in the league handbook/on the website.
 
In view of the age of the players you are within your rights to remind the manager about his Safeguarding responsibilities, and the fact that you are also responsible for the wellbeing of players.
If he continues you have the option to caution the manager, which should make him think twice. If that doesn't work then you can caution a second time, which removes him from the game.
As it is a youth game, he can only be sent away if there is a responsible adult with the relevant Safeguarding certificate in place.
If the manager is the Qualified First Aider, he can stay in that role as long as he shuts up.
If he is really daft enough to get near the dismissal stage, use the score in the game as part of the discussion.
"Your team are 3-0 up. If I abandon the game . . . be a shame to undo the team's hard work"
"Your team are losing 1-0. If I abandon the game, guess who gets the points when you appear at the County FA hearing?"
Most importantly act early to set him up for a card if needed. It is usually the case that others in the clique will have a calming word.
Thanks very much for this. What would the caution be for if he refused to calm down? Is it unsporting behaviour?
 
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