What Would You Do? – September Society Meeting
Our September Society Meeting brought members together for an evening of discussion, debate and practical referee development, with one question at the heart of the session:
“What would you do?”
Rather than simply being presented with answers, members were given a series of real-life scenarios and asked to discuss how they would deal with them. The conversations highlighted just how many different considerations a referee can face beyond simply applying the Laws of the Game.
Four scenarios, plenty of discussion
Your teams arrive late – and one team only has eight players. Two players then disappear, delaying kick-off further. What do you do?
The discussion focused on knowing the competition rules, setting clear expectations and understanding any specific time limits. Back-to-back fixtures and venue pressures can also be important considerations. The key message was to deal with what is within the referee's control, remain clear with the teams and ensure any failure to meet the requirements is reported after the match.
A player with ADHD tells you they are struggling. They become frustrated and start swearing, and their behaviour begins to affect others. What do you do?
Members discussed the balance between supporting a player and maintaining appropriate standards of behaviour. The coach should be involved and additional needs should be understood, but they do not automatically excuse unacceptable behaviour. Removing the player temporarily through the coach or using disciplinary action where appropriate were among the options discussed.
Parent behaviour begins to escalate. What process do you follow?
This scenario generated plenty of discussion around roles and responsibilities. The consensus was that referees should avoid taking responsibility for managing spectators themselves and instead ensure the club and coaching staff are made aware of the issue and take responsibility for their own supporters.
Your Assistant Referee is becoming over-eager and is starting to try to control everything. How do you manage the situation?
The importance of teamwork came through strongly here. Suggestions included giving the AR a clear role, bringing them into the team and addressing any ongoing concerns with the Referee Secretary after the match. Referees were also encouraged to focus on the things within their own control and consider practical ways of managing conversations with managers and players.
From scenarios to the real thing
The evening then moved from hypothetical situations to a real match, as our very own Robbie Maris talked members through his Bank Holiday Monday fixture between Hashtag United and Redbridge FC in the Isthmian North.
Robbie shared several key decisions from the match, as well as his reflections on match management, teamwork and working effectively as a referee team.
The evening provided plenty of debate, with different experiences and perspectives shared across the room — exactly what these sessions are designed to encourage.
Society Update
Members also received a brief update on Society finances and membership. Having finished last season with 37 paying members, the Society has already passed 40 paying members this season, with further proposals being developed around additional events and member benefits.
The meeting also formally confirmed Lorraine Stone as Society Training Officer, with the AGM record being amended to reflect the appointment.
Join us at the next meeting
The discussion continues at our October Society Meeting on Thursday 8 October, at the Civil Service Club.
We’ll be bringing members together again for another evening of referee development, discussion and networking.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Comments