What should be the disposition of referees as they handle matches? One often notices some referees come out with smiles as they handle their matches, especially when they caution offending players.
A cursory observation may lead some football fans to regard such referees as cynical and perhaps, not being serious. To them, referees should always display militant and serious dispositions on the field of play, especially when confronting players.
During the just-ended CHAN 2014 I observed some referees on a few occasions issue out cautions, which were accompanied by smiles. Our own Joseph Lamptey was one of them as I noticed him during his match between Gabon and DR Congo.
Back in Ghana, he was kind enough to explain to me that “such smiles come naturally to referees and they help in controlling and managing the game”. He further explained that in some cases, the offending players committed such offences and as a result both the player and the referee appreciated the sense of frustration.
But since a cautionary offence had been committed, he explained further, an appropriate disciplinary action had to be taken and in that case the player himself would understand and accept the caution in good faith. Referee Lamptey explained that this style of refereeing came naturally to some referees.
He said “a referee in carrying out his duties is not against anybody on the field of play”. Some referees may feel very tensed and unrelaxed during their matches and may not show any friendliness and understanding on the part of players.
Referee Lamptey finally said, “As referees we are there to assist the game of football”. The question is, what do football fans expect from a referee and conversely, what frustrates spectators about a referee? Is it just when decisions go against their team, or are there other factors?
And so what do football fans expect from a referee? Naturally, they expect him to look the part. He should turn up in plenty of time, have the proper kit, have a smart-looking appearance, be confident and friendly. Additionally, he should not be noticeably “old” or have a pot belly or look fat.
Indeed, he should look smart and fit enough to keep up with play. Again, he should not have an awkward running style. Football fans also frown on referees who would spend time locating their cards or pulling them out without dropping it or spilling sundry items onto the ground.
He should also clearly be part of a “team” with his assistants. Perhaps, above all, a referee is expected to be in control. He should, by all means, know the Laws inside out and be confident enough to handle any eventuality, including those things not specifically covered by the Laws.
He should be prepared to enter into limited and respectful dialogue with players over incidents, but in the end, it is his view that counts.
For observers, it can be painful to see a referee lose control of the match and be impartial. Indeed, the worst comments or criticism that can be made against a referee is that he is favouring one team. What else could anyone mean when a referee is described as a “cheat” or supporting a particular team in his decision-making?. He must be above suspicion.
On some occasions, some referees, at the initial stages of a match, could be swayed as a result of pressure from players, coaches and/or spectators, especially when playing on their own home grounds. This is pressure, but it still remains “cheating” or being bias.
Followers of football also admire a referee who is clever, astute and intelligent. Being clever, astute and intelligent could be a product of long experience in handling matches. Such a referee knows what players are up to, when there is intent to foul or injure and when there isn’t, a player is genuinely hurt or not, when to whistle or when to play advantage or when to step in with a word or when to let things go.
There is another level of anticipation that should come with experience too. An experienced referee should be able to see situations developing. A referee is also expected to be humane. Players and spectators normally act and respond favourably if they perceive the referee to be “good” and doing an honest job.
When players show respect and they demand clarification of certain decisions by the referee, they should be tolerated. However, there should be limits to this kind of interaction and it shouldn’t therefore happen after all or most decisions. If and when a referee’s decisions are clear, prompt and indisputable, there should be virtually no need for any dialogue.
Finally, it is important to note that a referee who knows his job with adequate experience behind him can do his job with a smile on his face, like referee Joe Lamptey and a few of our top referees’ smiles are natural expressions and should not be forced, otherwise such smiles would generate anger and reproach.
It is good to be a referee and a friend. It is that simple but it must come naturally. Both players and match officials make a football match. Even though their roles may be fundamentally different, they need each other.
As referee Joseph Lamptey explained, “referees are in matches to assist”. Our referees should, therefore, learn to cultivate the appropriate culture of match handling to enable both players and fans appreciate and understand them.
In any football crowd, most people will be prejudiced against the referee before the match even starts. Just because potentially he applies rules that can stop their team from getting what they want. They are unlikely to have known him before or met him socially. But the referee must play his part.
As the match develops and he takes his decisions, he would certainly have some among the crowd on his side. The important decider should be because he has performed creditably and professionally.
Graphic Sports
