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Advice for new and experienced referees compiled by Sam Bayley

Dissent and the offence of OFFINABUS (Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language or Gestures) always seems to be on the increase and the prepared referee should have his or her own way of dealing with the situation. For new referees, the levels of dissent and abuse can be overwhelming and we lose many referees every season who are unable to handle the situations which arise during matches.

I have compiled a guide to dealing with dissent drawing on my own (modest) experience, the official line, and the views of other referees around the country. If you have any comments they would be most welcome - please visit our Discussion Board and leave a message.

Dealing with Offensive, Insulting or Abusive Language or Gestures

"A player is sent off and shown the red card if he uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures"

How many referees can say that they actually follow this rule to the letter? Obviously, it's simply not possible or practical, especially when refereeing men's football. But the punishment still isn't issued enough, and with so many players getting away with it week after week, this curse of football can only continue to grow. So how should we go about controlling the use of unacceptable language?

Often, the words that come out of players' mouths will be a result of pure frustration, for example after conceding a goal or missing from point-blank range. A quiet word with such players will usually do the trick, especially if you remind them (or tell them for the first time!) that they could end up headed for an early bath if they repeat the offence! If they continue, they run the risk of offending spectators (who could be children) and the other players. After a final warning, you have to stick to your guns and dismiss the player for his breach of the law. If all referees do this, the player might eventually get the message that the law is to be taken seriously!

If, however, the language is clearly directed at you, an assistant referee, or another person, action must ALWAYS be taken. All referees have different threshold levels - personally, I don't accept anything that I wouldn't expect to be called outside of football. And if it's said loudly enough for everybody to hear it, it will only increase the dissent if players know they can get away with it. Show the player the RED card, and explain why to him so that he can clear it up with his manager on the way back to the dressing room... You may also wish to consult the guide below to help distinguish between dissent and OFFINABUS.

Dealing with Dissent and Recurring Dissent

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

All too often, referees are too lenient on the levels of dissent they allow players to show. Again, each referee will have his own threshold and his own way of dealing with players that criticise decisions. Dissent is different to the rule regarding offensive, insulting or abusive language because dissent can only be directed at match officials, not at opposing players, spectators, etc. Although this should make it easier for us to recognise and punish dissent, should we be reaching for our pockets at the first sign of trouble?

As a general rule, if you are unsure whether a player should be dismissed for OFFINABUS, for example for an insult such as "You're a cheat ref" thrown your way, and the tone was not overly threatening, the player should be cautioned for dissent. As soon as that situation changes though, or the player becomes aggressive, you can interpret the outburst as a personal insult and you are well within your rights to show the RED card.

Julian Carosi at the Corsham Referee has come up with the "Language Map" below which can help with interpretation of which words deserve each colour card...

The advice given by this chart is not supposed to indicate words that will always constitute a warning, yellow or red card offence. Each situation will call upon a Referee to interpret the offence and to decide which category the language falls into.

The words in the green ovals are those which would usually warrant just a quiet word in a player's ear (or a public rollicking!) However, depending on the circumstances as suggested below, it may be appropriate to show a yellow card. See also the One-Liner section below which may be of some help.

The words in the yellow circle are those which would almost certainly warrant a caution - attacks of this kind are likely to lead on to OFFINABUS if not dealt with properly. More experienced referees or those with superb man-management skills may be able to cut out this kind of dissent without showing a card, but in almost all cases a yellow card will be necessary - make sure the disciplinary action is applied consistently and fairly.

The words in the orange ovals are words which could be dealt with by either a yellow card for dissent or a red for OFFINABUS. As the referee you need to consider if the words are said in an abusive way or in a dissenting way (see the guide below), and punish accordingly. It really isn't advisable to let players get away without a card in this situation. You should also consider removing club officials from the touchline if they use this kind of language on more than one occasion.

The words inside the red circle are those which could be dealt with by the issue of a red card. It will not always be the case that these words require a direct dismissal (see "Dealing with OFFINABUS", above) with the exception of racial abuse which should ALWAYS be punished by dismissal and the appropriate report. Again, consult the guide below to determine if the way the words are said constitute OFFINABUS.

Dissent or OFFINABUS?

Thanks to Julian Carosi of the Corsham Referee for his help on this section, which is designed to help you decide whether what you hear players say constitutes dissent or OFFINABUS, and therefore a yellow or red card respectively. Remember, it's not always the words that count, it's how they are directed:

1. Were they loud?
2. Were they directed at the Referee or Assistant Referees?
3. Were they uttered in frustration after a mistake by the player or a teammate?
4. Were they said in an angry way?
5. Are there young children or members of the public nearby?
6. Are they threatening?
7. Have they been used before during the game?

Gestures

In many ways, gestures can be easier to deal with than the use of language, on the basis that they will always be directed AT somebody and it is easy to distinguish between dissent and offensive, insulting or abusive gestures.

Dissent by action should always be dealt with quickly. For example, a player throwing his hands up in the air in disgust or clapping decisions should usually be cautioned, because these actions will be seen by spectators and club officials, as well as other players who are likely to react. In a lot of cases, the gestures will be accompanied by words - so the decision a straightforward yellow card.

A player that makes, for example, a masturbatory gesture towards the referee, should be immediately dismissed from the field of play, as the abuse is directed and quite clearly intended only to undermine the referee. Giving these players a chance will usually just mean the opportunity to offend again - and teammates may follow suit.

One-Liners for Dealing with Dissent

Each referee will have his own way of tackling dissent, but as suggested above, some referees may be able to use some simple one-liners to diffuse initial signs of disagreement. Some examples are listed below, and make up lines you feel comfortable with. More can be found on the Corsham Referee website.

Be wary and use common sense when using any of these lines, and remember there is the potential that they may backfire on you. Although I have personally used all of these lines with varying levels of success, you need to judge your situation before you produce one. NEVER start arguments with players, and once dissent passes the initial stage you should be reaching for the yellow card.

• "If I wanted an afternoon of nagging, I would have stayed at home."
• "I didn't call you over here for YOU to give ME a lecture!"
• "Are you ok? Calm down a bit, you should see your face!"
• "One of us might be going to the changing rooms early. Guess which one?"
• "You're having a laugh ref!" "That's cause this game's such a joke."
• "Blimey ref, where did they get you from?" "I only said I was available, not that I was any good!"
• "You're spoiling the game ref!" "I've spoilt better games than this matey..."

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I hope you have found this section useful. Any comments or ideas you have would be welcome and should be directed at our Discussion Board.

The ideas on this page are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official interpretations of the Football Association.