Why They Scream! Alan Kibbler One of the biggest problems facing referees today is the problem of unchecked abuse. It is probably the single biggest reason for our failure to retain referees We need to understand why the scream and ways to deal with the issue.

Who Screams! REFEREE PLAYERS OFFICIALS SPECTATORS There are basically three groups of participants who are active in their abuse of match officials The first is players who are either active on the park or waiting as substitutes The second is officials who may or may not be on the bench in some capacity The third is spectators in all their forms.

PLAYERS ACTIVE BENCH Want to win Emotional based ignorance Want to win Leader Based Emotional ACTIVE PLAYERS The need to win has been installed in them from early development. The emotional high of winning is, on a personal and team level, seen to be the ultimate good feeling. Despite what they think their knowledge of the laws of the game is often flawed. BENCH PLAYERS Have the same need to win Often follow the lead of the coach when abuse starts. Don’t want to be seen as not supporting then cause. Different emotions take charge not least being frustration at being on the bench instead of on the field.

OFFICIALS COACH SUPPORT Needs to win Decision Based Misinformed Want to win Bias based No logic COACH NEEDS to win as well as wants to win. Keeping the job is often reliant on the teams winning performances. Self preservation is a strong human motivation. Reacts to decisions. Uses his own logic to decide if they are right or wrong and reacts accordingly. Apattern of wrong decisions from his perspective then takes on a whole new meaning in determining general competency Often does not understand the laws or chooses to view incidents from a favourable viewpoint Does not react when infringements or behaviour problems are committed by his team. SUPPORT admin support on the bench Wants to win ..helps the club survive could mean better deal with sponsors Totally biased with no room for fairness..often frustrated at not being the coach No fairness or logic in his need to abuse

SPECTATORS PARENTS SUPPORTER Winning culture Winning is good Protection Based Emotional Bias -No logic SUPPORTER Winning culture Bias based Misinformed PARENTS Believe that winning is better than losing so their child is a winner React badly when their child is injured or threatened in any way… protecting their offspring The relationship clouds rational judgement and becomes an emotional reaction The desire for their child to win to make the kid feel good creates an all consuming bias with little logic or fairness SUPPORTERS The team winning is the all Australian sporting culture It allows no alternative and becomes all consuming and biased. The average supporter has little understanding of the laws and will bend what they do know to suit their own requirements

Major reasons for abuse Disagreement with the rule interpretation Perceived lack of competence of official DISAGREEMENT Caused by a number of factors Lack of knowledge Doesn’t suit their needs See it from a different position to ref COMPETENCE Every “wrong” decision is a nail in the coffin of the officials competence Perceived opinion of the referee caused by factors not associated with the game..how you look how you dress how old you are or what sex. ….etc

Common factors in abuse Is not influenced by whether decision is right or wrong Usually ignorant of rules Observation from a selfish( biased) viewpoint Usually attacks the POSITION NOT THE PERSON Abuse often comes whatever decision you make. It has nothing to do with the correctness of the decision.If it doesn’t go their way you will be abused regardless Common factor is ignorance but not as common as Interpreting the incident with a favourable bias to their team and then judging the decision It matters not who is refereeing. Anyone who made “that “ decision would be abused….therefore it is the position of referee that is being attacked and not necessarily the person fulfilling that role.

Type of abuse Players Word or action involves….yelling,s wearing,insults Often up close Not usually threatening Not personal

Type of abuse Coaches Usually less swearing More damaging Public display Intimidating

Type of abuse SPECTATORS Loud More likely to use taunts and insults Often personal Most likely to get physical Can last after the game Often designed to hurt

Type of abuse Physical Seek safety Abandon game Collate and cross reference reports Report to branch Seek medical aid Report to police

Survey of abuse to officials 2002 Conducted by the Australian Sports Commission 2002 respondents asked to rate severity of harrassment MODERATE 58% involves arguments,comments at officials , not personal MODERATE/SEVERE 30% disruption of play,some sanction involved, insults or swearing used. SEVERE 12% removal of players,bodily harm,legal ramifications,suspensions or fines

What is abuse meant to achieve Manipulate the official Destroy the confidence of the official and effect the decision making process Make the abuser feel better Instill a fear of making a contrary decision

Common factors in dealing with abuse React positively Recognise what you can and can’t fix Remain calm and in control Recognise the limit of your own skills when deciding what to do Retain your own strength by de-personalising the whole process