Welcome to the 42nd edition of The Corsham Referee monthly International Football/Soccer Referees' newsletter. 

I hope that all of you continue to enjoy your role in the world of refereeing. Please let me have any contributions for the newsletter, as readers are always interested in hearing about Refereeing from around the world. Please let me know if you have any difficulties in receiving or reading the newsletter; and let me have any suggestions on how it can be improved. It is issued free by email in both html (web page format), and plain text format. Previous issues (and printable pdf versions) can be seen by using the 'Previous Newsletters' link on the home page of my http://www.corshamref.org.uk web site. This newsletter is issued approximately on the 1st day of each calendar month.

Keep up the good Refereeing work wherever you are in the world; and my best wishes go to you all. Editor Julian Carosi.

FOUL LANGUAGE FROM JULIAN CAROSI

Punishment for specifically using bad (foul) language, was taken out of the Laws of Association Football in season 1997/1998, following a complete rewrite of the Laws. The wording of the sending-off offence was changed from 'uses foul or abusive language', to 'uses offensive, insulting or abusive language'. 

Due to the accepted increase and tolerance of foul language in general society, it was deemed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) that foul language alone, was no longer to be automatically punished with a sending off, but that it now expected Referees to judge when the words actually constituted (or contributed to) an offence or not. In other words, it is not the words alone that create an offence in this more tolerant society, but both the words used AND the ambience in which they are delivered and meant. This stance was not unexpected, as Referees had for many years previous to 1997/1998 season, already applied their own understanding of the (foul language) Law. In other words, it was generally only when foul language was delivered in an abusive, insulting or offensive manner, that the red card was used. 

Anyone who watches a game of football at any level, appreciates that it would be impossible for a Referee to play 90 minutes, if he was mandated to send off every player who used foul language. Hence, the change in the Laws brought in a level of realism to reflect the changes in society. The Referee is now expected to interpret what is required of him in respect of foul language, without actually being given any guidelines from the authority that changed the Law! This is not unusual in the world of Refereeing, as the Laws are written in such a way that it allows the Referee a huge amount of leeway in how to interpret them - rather than applying them as they are written in black and white. The Law change from 'uses foul or abusive language', to 'uses offensive, insulting or abusive language', has generally been a success in Refereeing terms, as the sport of football continues to expand its following. But there is a danger that as the tolerance of bad language in society increases, at what level will the Laws have to be changed once again? Only time will tell - in the meantime, the Referee will continue to be judge and jury, in terms of what is acceptable and what is not at the level in which he officiates. 

It must be emphasised here, that whilst Referees are expected to strive towards consistency in terms of the level of foul language they allow, they do not actually condone its use. Referees are placed in an awkward position. They are criticised by those who want players to be "Saints" on the field of play, and criticised by others when they send off players for offensive, insulting or abusive language'. It is a no win situation for Referees.  The difficulty is more prevalent in youth football, where the Referee is expected to also educate young players by sensible application of the Laws. Yet, very often, it's the managers, coaches and parents who are the instigators of bad language and exhibitors of bad habits as far as their protégées are concerned.  But one thing is for certain, it is the Referee (and the Football Association) that is at the forefront of trying to bring respect back into the game. It is a very difficult balance to achieve for the men in black, who are governed by the Laws on one side, and a changing (and a more tolerant) society on the other side. The only reasonable guideline that a Referee can use, is to adhere to the level of tolerance used in his locality, or in the league in which he officiates. There is little point in an individual Referee embarking on a crusade to curb bad language by overly strict application of the Laws, as this will ostracise him from the footballing community. A Referee who feels strongly about the slipping standards of bad language usage, can achieve better results by being proactive rather than reactive. In other words, as soon as bad language materialises, the Referee can use strong man-management skills to curb it at the onset. This is particularly a very useful method to use in Youth football, where nobody wants to see the Referee continuously stopping play to admonish players for bad language every minute or so! In short, a Referee who is proactive in attempting to deal with bad language, is more accepted, than the Referee who reacts by sending off perpetrators, without attempting to make any effort to curb it on the first place!

One of the greatest problems to beset Referees, is the popularity and coverage of football on television, where bad language is sensationalised by television companies who zoom in and virtually translate the lip movements of irate players. The difficulty that Referees have at the lower levels, is how to enforce the Laws that seem to be ignored at the top levels. This is a subject that will be aired for many years to come. But a Referee at the lower levels should take his steer from the Law book, and the interpretations and methods used at his level, and not what is seen (and supposedly accepted) in televised games.  To do otherwise, will only create more problems for him, in his sphere of practise at the lower levels. 

If you want to know more about this subject, go to my Bad Language Mapping and Tolerance page on my web site.

NEW FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION / REFEREES' ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE 'REFEREEING'

The December edition of the new FA/RA magazine entitled 'Refereeing' is out shortly and is issued free to all registered referees in England. If any of you want to see the September issue, you can download a pdf version from the FA web site by clicking the link below:

http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/000177a2/srhpabieiygerkizopjtlldewkinrymd/8878_FA_Referee.pdf

YOUR GAME, YOUR SAY

Player, Coach, Referee, Volunteer, Parent, Teacher, Supporter. All of you are vital to the fabric of football in England, and for the first time ever, The Football Association wants to hear from you all. 

The FA is developing a new strategy beneath the elite professional leagues that will modernise the national game over the next six years, towards the London 2012 Olympics. 

In the largest public consultation in the Governing Body’s 143-year history, The FA wants to engage the views of as diverse a range of participants as possible. 

The consultation will seek to improve the game which is the focal point every week for over 1.5 million people in 123,000 teams across the country. 

TheFA.com is currently hosting a national online consultation, consisting of 10 different questionnaires, targeting adult players, coaches, referees, parents and teachers, as well as those whose involvement until now has been more recreational. 

“This is a personal invitation to help The FA in its quest to shape the future of football and to challenge our thinking on what The FA needs to do to keep developing the game”
said The FA’s Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking. 

The FA will deliver its new grassroots strategy in spring 2007. 
To have your say, visit www.TheFA.com/YourGameYourSay for more information.

FA RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL CALENDAR

The FA has recently produced a calendar of the main religious festivals for 2006/7, please click here to take you to the Adobe pdf document. Some dates can’t be confirmed until nearer the time e.g. Ramadan for 2007.

As part of The FA’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all to participate in football, The FA last year amended its rules and provided guidance on recognising religious festivals. The guidance acknowledges that there has been a significant growth in participation from a diverse number of ethnic minority communities embracing many religions. This rule change will help teams enjoy their football whilst being able to celebrate the appropriate religious festivals.  The guidance follows consultation with various groups and advice from The FA’s Race Equality Advisory group. 

www.FIFA.com ARTICLES

FIFA REFEREES' COMMITTEE are very satisfied with World Cup results 

The FIFA Referees Committee expressed great satisfaction with the referees' performances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. "The referees and assistant referees fulfilled the high expectations placed on them and complied with the instructions to protect players and thus the game better," commented Villar Llona. "The preparation period of almost four years for the World Cup in Germany paid off." 
The referees and assistant referees will already start training next year for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa. Once again, groups of three from the same country, or at least from the same confederation, will be chosen to officiate there. Trios who had rehearsed together for a long time were one of the reasons for the referees' success at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, who also attended the meeting, was full of praise for the referees. "I am very satisfied with the referees' performances at the 2006 World Cup. They achieved more than their counterparts in Korea/Japan in 2002." Blatter, nevertheless, pointed out that the referees would have to improve even further and step up their performances. There was no reason, he added, for them to rest on their laurels.

FIFA chief medical officer Professor Jiri Dvorak drew satisfactory conclusions from the 2006 World Cup in terms of the referees' performances. There were 145 injuries in the 64 matches of the final competition in Germany, that is, 2.3 per match, whereas in the 2002 World Cup the figure was 2.7 injuries per game. The FIFA Sports Medical Committee noted that the numbers of head injuries sustained in the tournament in Germany amounted to half of those recorded in the finals in Korea/Japan four years ago. Dvorak explained that the lower incidence of injuries was to some extent due to the referees' performances, by providing better protection to the players and vigorously punishing elbowing offences. Dvorak also pointed out that too many players still feigned injury during play, primarily for tactical reasons. Fifty-eight per cent of the players who were treated on the pitch during the 2006 World Cup eventually turned out not to be injured.

FIFA SUSPENDS IRAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION 

Zurich, 23 November 2006 - The FIFA Emergency Committee, composed of the FIFA President and one representative of each of the six confederations, yesterday (22 November 2006) decided to suspend the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (IRIFF) from all international activity due to government interference in football matters and violation of Article 17 of the FIFA Statutes. 
The FIFA Emergency Committee took this decision after determining that the IRIFF was not adhering to the principles of the FIFA Statutes regarding the independence of member associations, the independence of the decision-making process of the football governing body in each country and the way in which changes in the leadership of associations are brought about.

ALL ROADS LEAD TO CHINA 

Excitement is building across the globe as qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 draws to a close, with those sides still in with a chance of making it to Asia determined to add their names to the ever-growing list of already-qualified teams. Meanwhile, those responsible for refereeing standards at next year's showpiece event are already working hard to ensure the world's finest players will be accompanied by the very best match officials the game has to offer. 
"We're working towards implementing a similar program to the one already in place for match officials in the men's game, along the same lines as they would prepare for a FIFA World Cup," Sonia Denoncourt, of FIFA's Refereeing Department, explains to FIFA.com. "The department has been reorganised with this aim in mind, and we're planning to hold several preparatory activities prior to the competition in China."

The Refereeing Department is to work with a group of nearly 100 referees and referee's assistants, of whom 39 will be chosen to travel to China next year. A number of get-togethers are to be held over the next few months aimed at improving overall standards and deciding which candidates have what it takes to officiate in the rarefied atmosphere of a FIFA Women's World Cup.

Given the overall shortage of female referees, it would be extremely difficult to make up three-person refereeing teams of the same nationality, as is the case in the men's game. As such, any time spent together prior to the tournament is vital to establish groups of individuals able to work together effectively in pressurised match situations. These three-person working groups are also given specifically tailored instructions on how to prepare in the best-possible fashion and ultimately improve their performance out on the pitch.

The road towards continually improving the quality of referees in the women's game may be long, but from the point of view of the experts charged with moulding the future's finest officials, these women in black have the requisite ingredients to go right to the very top.

www.Telegraph.co.uk ARTICLES

GREY AREA FOR COLOUR-BLIND FAN  (8 Nov 2006)

A colour-blind soccer fan is calling on the Football Association to look into kit clashes which cast thousands like him into the shade.  Kevin Skelly, 44, did not know who to cheer in Saturday's Premiership match between Newcastle United and Sheffield United. The black and white stripes of his beloved Magpies, who lost 1-0, were indistinguishable from the red and white shirts of the Yorkshire visitors. He said: "The only way I could pick out the players was by their socks. Newcastle were playing in black socks and Sheffield Utd's were white."

He has asked the Football Association to ensure that team strips are distinguishable not just by colour, but also by pattern or design. Mr Skelly, 44, a worker on the Duke of Northumberland's estate near his home in Belford, Northumberland, said: "I'd like the FA to realise that there are a lot of colour-blind people out there who follow football."

Dan Johnson of the Premier League said: "While referees would obviously step in if the two sides had similar strips, the issue of similar designs has not been raised before. We will certainly look at this."

BOY ACCUSED OF BUTTING REFEREE  (7 Nov 2006)

A 13-YEAR-OLD schoolboy has been suspended from playing competitive soccer for two years for allegedly attempting to butt a referee. The punishment was imposed by Wiltshire County 'Football Association which expressed concern about the influence of violence in the professional game. "We set standards in the way we train youngsters but it makes it harder when they see things highlighted on television," said Michael Benson, secretary of the Wiltshire, FA.
The suspended boy, Jamie Cherry, was playing for AFC Swindon in an under-14 league match when he allegedly tried, to butt referee Stuart Smedley. He was sent off. The boy's mother, Haley Cherry, said her son had not made contact. "He put his forehead to the referee and touched his forehead but did 'not head-butt him," she said. Jamie's manager, Eddie Crane, also said no contact was made with the referee. 

DERBY SKIRMISH (7 Nov 2006)

The Football Association have called on video evidence before deciding whether to take action against Alan Pardew or Arsene Wenger following their touchline feud on Sunday 5 November. The FA have also asked for a recording of incidents at the end of West Ham's 1-0 win, when players were involved in skirmishes. Pardew has already apologised for provoking Wenger — their union, the League Managers Association, will be speaking to the pair about the incident. Wenger refused to shake Pardew's hand at the end of the London derby and John Barnwell, the LMA chief executive, yesterday offered a possible way to head off such incidents when he called for the distance between the technical areas to be increased.

An FA spokesman confirmed that referee Rob Styles' report had been received and that their compliance unit would look at what happened before making a decision. The fact that fourth official Andy D'Urso did not take action at the time — he could have sent the pair to the stands — means that action against the managers is not certain. The LMA, though, are to intervene, and Barnwell said: "Of course we are concerned with what happened. I have not spoken to Alan or Arsene, which I intend to do before taking this matter any further. Barnwell added: "One thing I would like to see is technical areas at least 20 metres apart. That, maybe, would prevent this sort of thing happening again."

REFEREES FEEL THE HEAT AS CLUBS LAUNCH APPEALS  (21 Nov 06)

Blackburn and Tottenham decided on 20 November to appeal against the red cards brandished during Sunday's (19th Nov) controversial match at Ewood Park, just as former referee David Elleray was suggesting officials should be shown more respect by players, managers and supporters. Mark Hughes and Martin Jol, the respective managers, were united in criticising Phil Dowd's handling of the 1-1 draw in which Tugay was sent off for bringing down Hossam Ghaly for a penalty, and Ghaly dismissed for alleged use of the elbow. The appeals will be heard by the Football Association today.
A day earlier, Watford's Aidy Boothroyd was sufficiently upset by Chris Foy's performance at Portsmouth to say: "Why should us poor managers put up with this kind of s***?"

But Elleray, who retired in 2003, suggested it was referees who had a lot to put up with. "Officials are being pilloried left, right and centre for decisions they do or do not give," he said yesterday. "People need to recognise that the game will die without referees and we need to show them more respect."

FA SHOULD BACK POLL TO THE HILT (11 Nov 06)

Those wondering whether football would be better off without Graham Poll should ask themselves three questions. 
First: Does Andrew Johnson have a reputation for taking a tumble? Answer: Yes. 
Second: Do Chelsea increasingly surround referees and argue? Yes. 
Thirdly: Does football need strong officials to control matches increasingly stained by simulation and dissent? Yes.
Conclusion? Football could do with more referees like Poll, not fewer. If the FA do not back England's best ref over the Everton and Chelsea controversies, then the lunatics really will take over the asylum.

(5 Nov 06 By Patrick Barclay)
While much has rightly been made of such early candidates for player of the season as Andy Johnson and Didier Drogba, no figure on the Premiership stage has impressed me more than Graham Poll. He departed the World Cup a figure of fun, his career as a referee reportedly in ruins after the establishment of a record for the number of yellow cards (three) flourished at a single player (Croatia's Josip Simunic) in a match (against Australia) and yet he has been in splendid form. 

Two thoughts arise. 

The first is that I'd rather have a referee who makes an isolated technical mistake than one as weak as Stefano Farina proved in Barcelona last Tuesday. 

The other is that, if England's players, many of whom did far worse than Poll in Germany, were ever to show half the character he has displayed since the resumption of hostilities, they might yet win something.

COLOUR THERAPY  (11 Nov 06)

Can colour help to improve our mental and physical health? Most of us agree that colour affects our mood. Why else would we paint our homes a uniform shade of magnolia in order to sell them, or wear sober dark suits to job interviews? 

Each part of the body resonates to a different colour, and when we are ill or troubled we can use the appropriate colour to harmonise our vibrations and restore equilibrium. Colours have a powerful effect on us, psychologically and physically.

Colour code

Red: Energy and drive. The colour can also help alleviate depression

Orange: Grief and loss, but also opportunity and promotion. Gives comfort

Yellow: Communication and quick-wittedness. Good for depression and negativity

Green: Emotion and kindness: an effective nerve tonic

Blue: Truth: great for calming and healing

Indigo: Organisation, power and forcefulness

Violet: The brain, intuition and leadership. Violet is also used for eye complaints

Turquoise: The self and personal fulfilment: helps to heal the heart after break-ups

Black: Mystery and hidden talents. This is also the colour that brings order to chaos

Now you know why Referees wear black!  (Julian Carosi)

NEW TRIAL FOR GOAL LINE TECHNOLOGY (22 Nov 06)

Goal-line technology will be used in next year's World Club Championship, Fifa president Sepp Blatter announced yesterday. World football's governing body had planned to use the technology in this summer's World Cup but dropped the idea after trials proved inconclusive.

"In 2005 we did different tests at the Under-17 World Cup in Peru but the evidence wasn't clear so we will carry out trials in junior competitions in 2007," Blatter said. "We will then use it at the 2007 World Club Championship and offer its use at other Fifa competitions."

The English Premier League welcomed the news, describing it as a "step in the right direction".

However, Fifa and Uefa have rejected the Premier League's proposals for the introduction of a 'video referee' to resolve offside disputes, penalty claims and off-the-ball clashes.

"The goal-line system is in real time, but we are concerned that video-refereeing would stop the flow of the game," said Uefa chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson. "This would also open up windows for further commercials in the middle of the match, which would damage its image, and secondly this would lead to a referee's authority being undermined."

ABOUT TIME TOO

Torquay have announced that they will start taking disciplinary action against any of their players who dive or feign injury.

"British football has the opportunity to take a lead in resolving this major issue which is tarnishing our sport and marred the World Cup finals in Germany 2006," said Chris Roberts, chairman of the League Two side in England.

I TRY TO CON REFEREES SAYS DIOUF  (25 Nov 06)

El-Hadji Diouf, the Bolton Wanderers forward, has confirmed a long-standing perception of his approach to the game by admitting that he regularly attempts to dupe match officials by diving to win penalties. The Senegal international, who is likely to face Arsenal in this evening's Premiership encounter at the Reebok Stadium, has moved to defend his reputation, however, by insisting that diving is now widespread in the game and that his actions are no worse than those of the Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney.

With the issue of diving proving one of the most unsavoury aspects of the modern game, the chairman of League Two club Torquay United, Chris Roberts, has this week taken the unprecedented step of threatening to dismiss any of his club's players found to be diving during matches. However, Diouf, a player never far from controversy on or off the field, offered a pessimistic view by suggesting that little can be done to eradicate the problem.

He said: "Every player dives, not just me. If you see Rooney, how many times does he dive to try and get a penalty? It is just because it is me that people talk about it. Sometimes when I need to dive to get a penalty it is because, in my opinion, the best footballer is a footballer who is very clever. I don't leave my foot there so the guy can break my leg. I need to dive before the guy comes in. There are times when the referee gives me a free-kick and times when he doesn't, but how many penalties have I won by doing that? It is just football. Sometimes I have a reputation for going down too easily, but that is like every player in the Premiership. The problem is that, sometimes, the referee is not good with me. I am fouled and the referee doesn't give me a penalty or a free-kick. I believe that is because of the reputation I have. The referee doesn't give me a penalty or a free-kick because of my reputation, even when it is a foul."

PRESTON IN TROUBLE FOR RENNIE REMARKS (27 Nov 06)

Preston North End could today find themselves in trouble with the Football Association for comments made about referee Uriah Rennie over the club's public address system during Saturday's match (26 November) with Crystal Palace. The official had ignored two Preston penalty claims in the first half and also showed Palace striker Jamie Scowcroft a yellow card, instead of a red, after he appeared to strike North End defender Sean St Leger. Before play resumed for the second half the stadium announcer told supporters to "enjoy the second half of the Uriah Rennie show".

YOU'RE DAMNED IF YOU DO, AND YOU'RE DAMNED IF YOU DON'T (27 Nov 06)

Dermot Gallagher is the ultimate refereeing fall-guy: damned if he does, damned if it doesn't. If he applies the letter of the law, the managers don't like it; if he uses the common sense they demand, the men in grey at the FA come down on him like a ton of bricks. There was no dissension from either camp about the penalty he awarded Reading on 25 November when Ian Pearce upended Kevin Doyle as he was about to shoot, and probably score. However, both sides were equally unanimous that Pearce, though the last line of defence, was unfortunate to receive a straight red for his misdemeanour. Not that Gallagher had any option as the laws stand: a goal scoring opportunity had been denied illegally – notwithstanding the fact Reading were presented with a second chance – and the offender had to depart.

Gallagher knows what happens if he goes off-message. He was taken off the Premiership list for two months earlier this season for not sending off Manchester City's Ben Thatcher when he knocked Pedro Mendes senseless. And it was not the first time: in 1998 he was demoted for failing to send off Arsenal's Steve Bould for a professional foul. He can't win.

"The Law's an ass," Steve Coppell, the Reading manager, said. 

The law, though, is the law, and at least everyone knows where he stands.

THE FA REVIEW OF BASIC TRAINING AND EXAMINATION PROCESS 
(Source FA Instructors and Assessors Newsletter Oct 06)

The Football Association is committed to supporting grassroots football to raise standards of provision from all sectors. Referee training and development forms an integral part of the game. For many years, the initial introduction to the basic referee training course has been predominately theoretical classroom based teaching. Whilst this has served as a steadfast method, in this continuously changing and fluid environment in which football is developed, it is essential to move with the needs of the social climate and develop new and dynamic ways of inspiring candidates to equip themselves to meet the needs of the modern game. 

We train around 7,000 candidates in England on basic referee courses each year, only 22% of those trained actively take up refereeing. The 78% who take the basic referees course and don't become active registered referees often take the course as part of a qualification or for knowledge of the laws only.

For many years we have delivered basic training in the same format, mainly classroom led with varying degrees of practical demonstrations on application of law. We then encounter a large gap between the classroom and the field of play, trying to encourage and coerce the candidates to actually go out on to the field and officiate a match and become active referees. To bridge this gap, we need to address the balance between knowledge (theoretical) and application (practical).

Proposed New Course

Vision
To produce a 'fit for purpose modular based course to meet the needs of today's continuously changing and fluid environment 
Train less people but produce more referees 
Invest our resources in supporting those who want to actively referee

Structure

Pre-course Questionnaire

To identify the requirements and needs of the candidates so that resources in training can be better utilised. The candidates' requirements would normally fall into the categories shown below:

- those who wish to referee independent matches 
- those who wish to referee their own club or youth games 
- those wanting a certificate e.g. Duke of Edinburgh 
- those just wanting to find out more about the laws

Basic Referee Training

Module One
Basic Knowledge of Law via either of the following:

- Distance Learning
- Pre-course study pack
- Written paper

Module Two
· Modules on application of Law, main subject areas:
- Introduction
- Application of Law
- Assessment (including self evaluation)
- Examination

· On Field Practices (if available, if not video clips)

· Relating theory to practice

· Relevance to needs of individual

· Interactive using Full size Field of Play (if available)

· Child Protection and CRB elements to be completed

Examination
The examination process will have three elements to ensure comparability with the new practical course.

· Written element - application of law
· Oral examination via video analysis using DVD or CD rom
· Practical on field assessment in line with new practical course

On successful completion of module 2, the candidate becomes a Level 9 Trainee Referee

Probation period - Candidates must referee 10 x 11 v 11 matches, utilising a mentor style appraisal supported by either of the following:

- Referee Coach
- Assessor
- Instructor

Assessed via competencies in line with the competency based assessment scheme, including:

- Self evaluation of own performance
- Evaluating the performance of others
- Video Analysis

Module 3

Newly Qualified Referees in Service Training incorporating elements from the following:

- Fitness awareness
- Warm up I cool down techniques
- Programmes to meet individual needs
- Encourage training togetherness / bonding

RESPECT REFEREES  - 10 November 2006

FA Chief Executive Brian Barwick has given his full support to England's referees and called on players and managers to show proper respect.
Barwick said: "Referees do a very difficult job professionally and objectively under often very difficult circumstances. They deserve respect from everyone in the game.

"We should remember that they get the vast majority of decisions right. They inevitably make a few mistakes, but so too do players and managers. Last summer The FA joined together with the Premier League, Football League, PFA, LMA and referees to stress the importance of proper respect towards match officials, and this message was reinforced this summer. As part of the regular meeting between The FA, leagues and referees we will discuss this matter next week."

"We are not looking to take the passion out the game. However, it is not acceptable for referees to be subject to abusive and confrontational behaviour. Player and managers have a responsibility towards the game to conduct themselves properly. It's about getting the balance right. The long-term health of football at all levels relies on recruiting and retaining referees. Without a referee, there is no game."

COLUMBIA BAN

Colombian keeper banned for kicking ball at ref - 03 November 2006 
BOGOTA, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Deportivo Cali goalkeeper David Gonzalez has been given a six-match ban for kicking a ball at the referee after last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Pasto.

"The referee's report said that... he was sent off after the end of the match for kicking the ball at the referee," The Colombian league said in a statement on its Web site. Cali coach Omar Labruna was given an eight-match touchline ban for an outspoken attack on the referee after his team had midfielder Jarol Herrera controversially sent off and conceded an 86th-minute equaliser.

"Omar Labruna made disrespectful comments which offend the honour of the referees and damaged the image of the league," said the statement.

Labruna was also fined 9.38 million pesos ($4,080). Cali are 10th in the Colombian Clausura championship with 26 points from 22 games. 

A BIT OF FUN

Six players were kicking and punching the Referee. 
A spectator said to the Assistant Referee, 'Aren't you going to help?'
The Assistant replied 'No, Six should be enough.'

A football league club dance was in full swing, with the club secretary taking tickets on the door, when a stranger arrived and demanded entry.
"Tickets please Sir?"
"I haven't got tickets!" said the man. "I'm a friend of the Referee!".
"Get out of here," said the club secretary, "Whoever heard of a Referee who had a friend?"

Two Referees were sitting on bar stools having a drink or two after the game. 
The older Referee starts to insult the younger one. He screams "I slept with your mother!"
The bar room goes quiet and everyone looks towards the two Referees,….waiting with baited breath to see how the young Assistant will react.
The older Referee screams again. "I SLEPT WITH YOUR MOTHER!"
The younger Referee says:
"Go home Dad, you’re drunk".

Following a game where he had to send off two players from each side, the Referee decides to make a quick getaway after the game, and speeds off in his car. In his haste, he overturns his car on the first bend, and is thrown out through his windscreen. A few moments later, one of the players arrives in his car and goes to the aid of the Referee who looks in a bad way. The player whips out his mobile phone and calls the emergency services.
He gasps to the operator: "The Referee is dead! What can I do?"
The operator, in a calm and soothing voice says: "Just take it easy, I can help. First, let’s make sure the Referee is dead."
There’s a short silence, followed by a kind of choking, throttling sound…..and finally a loud gurgled scream. 
The player’s voice comes back on the line. 
He says: "OK, so now what do I do?"

In the middle of the game, the Referee suddenly blows his whistle to stop the game when he sees a long funeral procession on the road that runs alongside the field of play. 
He closes his eyes and bows his head in prayer.
"Wow", said a nearby player. "That is the most thoughtful and touching thing I’ve ever seen. You truly are a kind man Ref. I’ll never think bad of a Referee again."
The Referee replies. "Yeah, we were married nearly 25 years".

A Referee rushes to his doctor, looking very worried and says "Doctor take a look at me. When I woke up this morning after a harrowing game yesterday, I looked in my mirror and saw my hair all wiry and frazzled, with a large bald patch on the top. My skin was all wrinkled and pasty, my eyes bloodshot and I had this corpse-like look on my face. 
What’s wrong with me?"
The doctor looks the Referee over and says:
"Well, there’s nothing wrong with you, and contrary to popular belief, there is nothing wrong with your eyesight!"

Have you heard about the new law they've just passed. Referees have to be buried 10 feet down!
Why's that?
Because deep down they are nice people!

THIS MONTH'S HOT TOPICS:

This month, we look at advantage and when it can be applied; abandoning a game; penalty shoot-out shouting and abandoned game fees?

ADVANTAGE?

Question: Should a Referee only apply the advantage clause for Law 12 infringements?

Answer: The 'advantage clause' allows the Referee to set aside the written Law and apply a personal interpretation of 'fair play' by not stopping play for an offence, if in his opinion, the team offended against would benefit from this decision. 

Law 5 states:

The Referee allows play to continue when the team against which an offence has been committed will benefit from such an advantage and penalises the original offence if the anticipated advantage does not ensue at that time. 

There is no clause that sates the offence must be a penal offence. It can therefore be a penal (direct free kick) or a technical (indirect free kick) offence. 

Although there is nothing in the Laws to stop a Referee applying advantage after the ball has come into play from a free kick say, and the free kick taker commits an offence by touching the ball a second time before it has touched another player, generally, the Referee will stop play in such circumstances, as he would do if a foul throw has been taken. This is more in keeping with the 'spirit of the advantage clause', which was generally introduced for fouls committed against an opponent, and not so much for offences committed by a player all by himself!

MANAGER WITHDRAWS HIS TEAM

Question: A manager tried to withdraw his team from the field of play following a dismissal of one of his players. None of his players listened to him so it wasn't an issue and the game continued. What would be the suggested process if this happened? Would it be advisable to abandon the game there and then? Or should I wait for the minimum number of players to be left on the field of play before abandoning the game?

Answer: If a manager threatens to withdraw his team, the following action should be kept in mind; but as always, if common sense can be used to prevent abandonment, then all well and good.

1. Manager threatens to withdraw his players.
2. The referee should speak to the manager, and explain to him the seriousness of the threat, and to try and persuade the manager not to pursue it.
3. If the manager is successful in withdrawing his players, the referee has no option but to abandon the game. At this stage, the referee will need to manage the aftermath, as tempers will undoubtedly be hot!
4. In this case, the referee should obtain the name of the manager, and inform him that a report will be sent in highlighting how the action of the manager caused the game to be abandoned.
5. If the manager persists with his threat, but the players refuse to come off and are happy to continue playing, then if the situation can be managed by the referee, and has no detrimental effect on the safety of the players, then it could be possible in some circumstances to finish the game. 
7. The referee should then speak to the manager, obtain his name, and explain to him that a report will be sent in, highlighting how the action of the manager caused the game to be abandoned. The manager should be asked by the referee to leave the near vicinity of the field of play, as his presence will be provocative.
8. If the players are happy to continue playing, but the referee believes that the situation will have a detrimental effect on the safety of the players, then the Referee should call the captains together, and inform them that the game is abandoned, and explain the reasons for doing so. At this stage, the referee will need to manage the aftermath, as tempers will undoubtedly be hot!
10. The referee should speak to the manager, obtain his name, and explain to him that a report will be sent in, highlighting how the action of the manager caused the game to be abandoned.
11. The referee should also make a note of any comments or actions that emerge after the game is abandoned. And then make his way from the venue as quickly as he can.

Note: The abandonment of a game due to the withdrawal of player by a manager, is a much more serious offence than abandoning a game because there are only six players left on the field of play. Therefore when a manager withdraws his players, and the players start leaving the field of play, the referee must abandon the game immediately, rather than wait for the minimum number of players to remain before abandoning the game

SHOUTING DURING A PENALTY SHOOT OUT

Question: During a recent penalty shootout featuring an under 14 side, when one of the players ran up to strike the second penalty, players from the opposing team began shouting out, "WHOOOOAAARRR"  The same type of sound that you might hear from supporters at a top flight match when the goalkeeper runs up to take a goal kick. The player kicks the ball towards goal, but the Referee pulled it back and told him to take the penalty kick again. All hell broke loose, from the opposing manager and coaches, saying that the referee was not allowed to have the penalty kick retaken. After the shootout had been completed, the same manager threatened to knock the ref`s head off using some very colourful words. Who was right in this situation ? What action should have been taken ? What is or what are the correct procedures for penalty shootouts ? 

Answer: The correct procedure for penalty shootouts can be found in the Law book chapter entitled "Kicks from the Penalty Mark".

Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and International F.A. Board Decisions apply when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. 

In other words, the Law 14 Penalty Kick Law applies in cases of infringements etc.

Law 14 states that: If the Referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, a team-mate of the goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game:  (For example - by shouting "WHOOOOAAARRR" for example, which is an unsporting behaviour infringement).

- The Referee allows the kick to proceed. 
- If the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded. 
- If the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken.

The manager who threatened to knock the referee's head off, should be reported by the Referee, and will receive the appropriate (and hopefully very long) ban and a large fine.

Any players identified as shouting "WHOOOOAAARRR" should be cautioned. 

ABANDONED FEES?

Question: In the event of the Referee terminating the game in the 87th minute, what should happen in regards to his match fee? And similarly, if the Competition Rules say the Ref must be paid BEFORE the match, what would happen if he had to abandon it after 3 minutes...?

Answer: Match fee criteria can be found in the Competition Rules.

As a general principle, my advice on abandoned matches is to get away as soon as you can, and report the facts to the Competition authorities and to the FA. They will sort out any match fee anomalies.

It is not wise to start negotiating match fee repayments or criteria with club officials following an abandonment of a game.


Regards Julian Carosi

I hope that you have enjoyed this issue of the newsletter, and that you are all continuing to enjoy your refereeing roles.  All the very warmest wishes to you all, wherever you are in the world.

Regards, Julian Carosi (Newsletter Editor):

Disclaimer: The content of this newsletter is not sanctioned by or affiliated with any governing body of soccer. The opinions expressed here are sometimes those of the Corsham Referee webmaster and the readers, or from other media sources. Reference to the male gender in this newsletter is for simplification only, and apply to both males and females. All rights of the current Laws mentioned in this newsletter are reserved by FIFA, and they are the official laws of the International Football Association Board. The Editor is not obliged to publicise unsolicited manuscripts or photos.

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