Managing the Captain and the Coach “The ate dot points”

Background This was an hot topic during a Referee Abuse Seminar 2004. Referees indicated that they wanted some strategies on how to deal with these people. It is not adequately covered in the current referee courses or Continuing Education Modules.

Scope We will look at some coaches responses to our a survey done in 2004 on their view of our percieved behaviour. While prevention is always better than the cure we will look at some strategies to deflect or diffuse aggression on the part of the over excited Captain or Coach after it has happened.

Some coaches responses to our a survey done in 2004 on their view of our percieved behaviour.

Those referees who see themselves as policemen rather than managers will always cop the most as players and spectators etc react to their style. COMMENT?

Referees should not take themselves so seriously, they need to enjoy themselves more and understand the public is there to watch the rugby, not them. COMMENT?

Some refs unfortunately think they are the most important person on the field and at times don't think or recognise that they make mistakes as well as the players. COMMENT?

I witnessed one example of zero tolerance of referee abuse taken to the extreme this year, with a team being marched 10 meters after a lineout penalty where a player didn’t say anything but shook his head. COMMENT?

Encourage referees to be part of the social fabric of rugby Encourage referees to be part of the social fabric of rugby. I would like to see the refs being more proactive in approaching the clubs and the players and meeting the players on their own turf, not in some room at the refs association. COMMENT?

I saw only one referee loose control of a match this year I saw only one referee loose control of a match this year. It all stemmed from the way he spoke to the players and his lack of respect for them, then from there it all fell apart. This would be my only message, show respect and you'll be respected. COMMENT?

How are we percieved? Like policeman Self important Too serious Arrogant Exclusive Pedantic Are not all these factors things which would escalate a situation?

What can we do about it?

“The Ate Dot Points” A little play on words as there are really only two dot points, not eight. They Are: Do not participate. Do not debate. Do not escalate. What do we mean?

Do not participate. When confronted with conflict during a match, deflect it or avoid it.

Do not escalate. Do not carry out any action which can be construed as being aggressive or confronting. Lets war game some scenarios.

How would you handle a Captain who does not respond to your management efforts (5 mins) The Captain who wants to query every decision. The Captain who will not support you when you have to speak to one of his players. The captain who is a problem player himself.

Consider some of these ideas Do you seek out another senior player in the team for assistance? Do you penalise the player for backchat - what does this do to your relationship? Is your tone in talking to the captain different to that you use when talking to other players? After the game, if you have had difficulty, do you actively seek out the captain to discuss the game with him?

Scenario 1: At half time the coach of the losing side aggressively questions you about the number of penalties against his team. What do you do?

Scenario 1 Do not participate. In the first instance don’t go near the team huddles. If things have been “hot”, brief the captain of the offending team as he leaves the field for half time. Position your drink bottle on the far side of the field and go to it (away from the two teams). Make the unhappy coach walk a long way across open ground to get to you. Surround yourself with Touch Judges (security in numbers).

Scenario 1 Do not participate. And if a coach still comes up to you and questions you aggressively, say the following:

Scenario 1 Do not participate. “Talk to your Captain, he has been briefed.” “This is not an appropriate time to be discussing this issue.” “Like the players, I also need a break and a drink, can we discuss this after the match?” “I must remind your that this is inappropriate. You should not be talking to me at half time.” Under no circumstances answer his question.

Scenario 1 Do not escalate. Maintain a neutral body stance, neither aggressive, nor aquiescent. Maintain an even voice tone, speaking slowly, clearly and perhaps quieter than you would normally to make the listener concentrate on your words. Then walk away.

Scenario 2: A captain has continually questioned what the penalties were for, when awarded against his team. At a penalty situation, the other team tries to have a quick restart, but he again questions you. What do you do?

Scenario 2 Do not participate. Do everything reasonable to facilitate the quick restart. “I will discuss it at the next stoppage.” “back on side, they are playing on”. “You are offside, stay out of it” Then move away (hopefully with play after the quick restart).

Scenario 2 Do not escalate. Keep the tone conversational if you can. Don’t march the Captain 10m and penalise again. Do explain at the next stoppage but do not debate the issue. Seek his support, appeal to him as a captain to set the right example.

Scenario 2 Do not escalate. Reiterate ground rules for quick restarts in play. Ensure that your “whistle, signal, talk” is getting the message across.

Syndicate Discussion Devise some word strategies for scenario 1 and 2 Be prepared to deliver these strategies to the rest of the group. The best suggestions will be included in this PowerPoint on the web and used by other associations in the future

Remember the “The Ate Dot Points” Do not participate. Do not debate. Do not escalate. Any Questions?