The
Layman’s Guide to the Management of the
Game
(And
where the Laws of the Game fit in to this)
A
Point of View
The
Laws do not exist just to penalise a player whose illegal act places the
opposition at a disadvantage. For the experienced referee, they are a guide for
the intelligent management of the game.
Even
the most sceptical should be convinced that this is the most realistic solution
to the debate about too much whistle in the Game. Actions must be viewed in the
light of the effect they create. If there is no disadvantage to the opposition,
in reality no offence has occurred. The referee must use discretion in applying
this thought and, of course, this whole philosophy presupposes the referee
thoroughly understands the Game. A secondary purpose of the Laws, but one that
cannot be ignored, is to restrain players from committing acts which, if
ignored, may lead to foul play or the cynical foul, even though they may not
effect the immediate play. This thought assumes the referee has “sports
intelligence”. It expects him to exercise mature judgement in assessing each
phase of play in this context.
Some
will be utterly confused. They are the literal minded who have no faith in their
judgement and so feel insecure when given this responsibility. They are the
inveterate whistle blowers who ruin many games. They want a Law for every minute
detail to replace judgement. They are the robots who need re-educating to become
capable of enabling the game to progress within the Laws, with as little
interference on their part as possible. Continuity is an essential ingredient in
the modern game.
The
attributes needed by referees to achieve the above are therefore:-
 |
a
presence that influences player behaviour without being dictatorial |
|
a
relationship with players that breeds trust and not antagonism |
|
an
attitude to communications that spectators can appreciate |
Referees
need to be strong silent types that dominate play without being noticed. If
players behave as if no referee was present and accept all decisions, which the
crowd silently and eagerly await…and agree with, then the referee can be
assured he is up to the very difficult task of managing dynamic challenges and
contributing to the Game. And it’s extremely satisfying and rewarding to be
able to do so. Watch the referee and appreciate what he is trying to achieve in
the above context !!
And applaud him when he gets things right!!!
