Refereeing Tips: Managing Dissent

Law 5: One of the duties of a referee is to take disciplinary action against players guilty of cautionable and sending-off offences. He is not obliged to take this action immediately but must do so when the ball next goes out of play

Law 12: A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he shows dissent by word or action

This two statements in the Laws of the Game require the referee to take action against players who refuse to abide to the decisions of a referee. Such action includes questioning the referee's decision each time a decision is made. Persistent in such action will leads to the referee losing his authority and respect by other players, officials and also spectators.

A referee has to use his discretion in overcoming such undesired situations. Players who persistently questioning showing his refusal to accept the referee's decision if not checked early either by verbal warning (either a soft word or stern action) or shown a yellow card to caution him will leads to many other players objecting to his decisions. Getting it right at the right time is very important. A timely action will prevent or overcome all other possible problems later on in the game.

"The grasses will not sway if the wind is not blowing". Self-evaluation in the game itself will help the referee in having a composed feeling and firm control of the game. Perhaps there is/are foul(s) or error that you may have overlooked that resulted in the players appealing, objecting, showing dissent or retaliation. Self ego, arrogant or stubbornness will result in the referee getting more serious problems later on. How can a referee prevent or overcome such situation? Be in control from the start till the end, be well positioned, near to play or on the spot of action/incident, well-versed with the Laws of the Game. expect the unexpected, good reading of the game and judging the emotion of the players following any incident, not to be complacent (feeling satisfy with one's performance), alertness, taking correct action at the right time and taking appropriate strong action when it is necessary are among the ways or guide a referee can use to prevent objection or dissent from players. If the referee is confident with his decisions, fair and seen to be fair and accepted or respected from the start any difficult situation even like taming the tiger can be overcome.