Can I have a word ref

[Tim Punter]

U16 cup game today, all good, but at half time have one manager come on the pitch, saying, ‘can I have a word ref’. Usually this involves a load of verbal and an attempt to sway my decision making second half, also I wanted a break and a drink!
I said no, and stated that you shouldn’t be on the pitch. He got the hunp a bit and said it was half time and it was allowed.

Was a right? Also, if he was aggressive, (which he wasn’t,) should you red card a manager for being on the pitch at half time like this)

We had a quick chat just before the 2nd half and he was polite and wanted to make a point about their linesman, which I politely ignored.

 

[ChasObserverRefDeveloper]

Suggestion: "I'm just going to get my drink, can you talk to me after that, please?"
Ignore him after say that, and he will probably go away to do his job.
If he does come to see you, and is polite, it's sensible to listen.

 

[Tim Punter]

Suggestion: "I'm just going to get my drink, can you talk to me after that, please?"
Ignore him after say that, and he will probably go away to do his job.
If he does come to see you, and is polite, it's sensible to listen.

Good advice, thanks

 

[santa sangria]

I also think it’s good to listen. But don’t get sucked into a long conversation.

Something along the lines of ”let’s talk after the match, I don’t want to take time away from your half time team talk” …

 

[NoFoulsAllowed]

I include it in my pre-match, where I say: "we can't be seen having a confrontation on the pitch, so if there is a decision you want explained or you aren't happy with, give me 5 minutes in the changing room, and I will tell you my rational at halftime/fulltime"

YOU HAVE NEUTRAL ARs:
If they choose to take you up on the offer, make sure you take charge of the conversation. Eg. if they knock on right away, just ask them to come back in 5. If they come after the 5mins, invite them in, let them know you will let them speak, but they have to let you reply then they will need to leave (they will try to get last word but that's okay). Tell them they can't show you a VEO or video etc... Then once you have gone back and forth once, I remind them that I need to prepare for the 2nd half now.

If you keep a lid on things, and you are honest, you have your ARs for reassurance (AR1 can usually pre-arm you for the rant and they can give you honest advice on what their thoughts are on it), it for me has always been constructive for me.


WITHOUT NEUTRAL ARs:
I would try and keep conversations public but off the pitch and wouldn't be doing 1-2-1 or multiple on 1 (where I am the 1) in the changing room.