A Fair Play magazine interview with Paul Tamberino, who is retiring as a National Referee after serving as an International Assistant Referee and being named MLS Referee of the Year four years in a row. One of the highlights of Paul’s career was officiating at the U 17 World Cup.
FP:
We urge referees to exercise
“man
management” in working with
the participants in a soccer game.
How would you define man management
and are there any guiding
principles the referee can use in
implementing man management?
PT:
Sometimes referees say they are
going
to “deal” with a situation or a
player. I don’t like using the word
“deal.” When we use this word it
seems as though we are accusing players
of doing something wrong. I prefer
a cooperative working relationship
with the players. I believe this is
what works for me. There are a few elements
or principles that make a referee successful
regarding man-management.
1. Approach the game knowing that
you will BE FAIR. Although you may
prefer one team over the other, either
because of past bad experiences or
favorable experiences, it is imperative
that you, as referee, maintain an attitude
of fairness throughout the entire game.
Players will see you as a fair referee,
and you will become instantly credible.
2. LISTEN - This is imperative for
referees. Too many referees turn a
deaf ear to players. Some referees will
approach the game, enter the field of
play, and conduct the entire game as
if they are the ultimate power. Some
have been taught to have this attitude.
Yes, the referee is in control of the
game; however, some can abuse that
power. One way to abuse that power
is by NOT LISTENING to the
players. An example of how not
listening to players can become a
problem in the game is the following:
Some injustice will happen to a player
in the game, and when the player
protests to the referee, the referee
produces a yellow card for dissent. Or
worse, red. Be ready to always listen
to players, they may have a legitimate
gripe, something as a referee you may
be able to learn from. Ask yourself
this question before you punish for
dissent or misconduct: “Is the player
right?”
3. EVALUATE - Once the
referee has made his/her decision, and
the player protests, the
referee should quickly evaluate that
decision. Sometimes, the player's reaction
can tell the referee something
about his last decision. The referee
must replay the last play over in his
head and EVALUATE the play.
When this is done and the referee is
100 percent sure that he is correct,
then he must stand by that decision.
But, if there is any doubt, then the
referee must maintain an open mind
for future decisions.
time how you will work with the
participants in the game?
PT: Each game and team are
different. You cannot look at past
differences you may have had with a
particular team or individual. Every
day is a new day, and so is every game.
All players are due the respect of the
referee. In turn, referees will gain the
respect of the players.
FP: Is there a difference in how the
referee interacts with players, coaches,
assistants and trainers?
PT: During the game, the referee has
constant contact with the players,
this makes it somewhat easier to
man-manage them. Players become
emotional as the game is progressing,
and it seems appropriate that players’
emotions may be evident at various
times throughout the game.
Coaches also get caught up in the
emotions of the game, but because
they are not involved in the actual
dynamics of play on the field, it is
harder for them to vent, and not really
be noticed. Some referees will hear a
coach screaming, and automatically
take it too personal. They may think
that the comments are made directly at
them. And many times they are; however,
sometimes coaches just want to
be heard. The referee cannot take this
personally. Coaches are very technical.
Sometimes, they see things that we
as referees do not see. We need to LISTEN
to what they have to say as well.
If the coach wants an explanation, the
referee can handle this in a civil manner.
Do not ignore the coach. This only leads to
the coach becoming more frustrated, and
this is how events can escalate. If the coach
approaches the referee at half time, assess
his body language. Your gut will tell you if he
is there to dissent or if he would just like
to talk about something he is unsure of.
If his body language is very abrupt and
it is very apparent he is approaching
you to dissent it is more beneficial to walk
away to avoid any confrontations.
FP: What single bit of advice to you
have for up-and-coming referees?
PT: Treat the players as you would
want to be treated. Arrogance and
ignorance on the part of the referee have
no place when officiating a soccer match.