stepped approach Flashcards
(15 cards)
what is step 1 to dealing with a player?
Quiet word in passing
You’re letting the player know that they need to calm down, be more careful, etc.
This a conversation between you and that player, no one else.
what is step 2 to dealing with a player?
Public rebuke
This time, everyone on, and possibly off, the pitch will know that you have issued a second warning.
what is step 3 to dealing with a player?
Formal warning (may involve the captain)
Now you’re letting the player, their captain, and all the other players on the pitch know that this player is very close to being formally disciplined.
what is step 4 to dealing with a player?
Disciplinary action
You have reached the final step, and you have no choice but to issue a yellow, or even a red card, depending on the severity of the offence.
what are the types of players?
-the mouth
-the tackler
-helpful
-the captain
-the old friend
-the lightweight
-the reputation
-sneaky
-the heavyweight
what does it mean if the player is “the mouth”
This is the player who is constantly confronting you, questioning decisions, complaining and generally being irritating.
It’s essential that this player is dealt with early. The two-step approach works best with the mouth: the public warning and then the inevitable caution, after which they will generally go quiet.
If your competition uses Sin bins, then please use this and follow the combinations accordingly.
what does it mean if the player is “the tackler”
This is the player who dives into every tackle, which poses problems for the referee.
The tackler will be competitive throughout the game. This kind of player is best managed with the stepped approach where appropriate: a quiet word, then the public word, followed by a formal warning (which may involve the captain), and finally formal disciplinary action (yellow or red card).
what does it mean if the player is “helpful”
This is the player who welcomes you at the ground as a long-lost friend and insists you are their favourite referee. Be mindful of this interaction, as the helpful one could try to control the game by persuasion.
Also consider the perception of too many interactions with this player.
Use this player’s approach to be proactive, using the helpful one to persuade a problematic team-mate.
what does it mean if the player is “the captain”
Potentially two types of captain: the one who helps you to referee the game, and the one who thinks being the captain entitles them to question every decision.
Managing captains starts before the match. Create a good first impression at team sheets / coin toss and keep the interactive positive.
what does it mean if the player is “the old friend”
Players returning to, or playing against, their old club can pose the referee issues.
How players interact with the old friend can affect their behaviour on the field of play.
Be mindful of this, but it’s important that you focus on the game in front of you.
Judge each tackle/interaction on its own merit and stay focused and calm.
what does it mean if the player is “the lightweight”
Players returning to, or playing against, their old club can pose the referee issues.
How players interact with the old friend can affect their behaviour on the field of play.
Be mindful of this, but it’s important that you focus on the game in front of you.
Judge each tackle/interaction on its own merit and stay focused and calm.
what does it mean if the player is “the reputation”
The Reputation player is the player with history. You may do your pre-game homework, or listen to hearsay, but don’t pre-judge players. They may be someone who has been sent off before for serious foul play or violent conduct. You know about it and so does the opposing team. IMPORTANT!
Normal tackles by the reputation player can cause an overreaction from the opposition to get a reaction from the player and the referee.
Ensure you have credible positioning, judge each tackle on its merits. Remember: prevention is better than cure.
what does it mean if the player is “sneaky”
This is the player who puts a bad tackle in but is the first to offer a helpful hand to the individual on the receiving end before being apologetic to the referee.
“Sorry ref, pure accident” – Be aware of this and pitch your involvement accordingly. Judge the tackle using the appropriate stage of the stepped approach.
what does it mean if the player is “the heavyweight”
This player may be clumsy but genuinely attempts to play the ball.
Over time this can become persistent, despite the non-intention. The stepped approach works best with this type of player, but again - manage what is manageable.
