1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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