Andy Richards
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Now, I’m not the type of coach that would make wise cracks about referees and say things like, all referees are well balanced because they have a chip on both shoulders.
Or that the referee’s course is the hardest course in the world, because no one has passed it yet.
That’s not my style, so relax referees, you’ve got nothing to worry about here!
Seriously though, I want to talk about coaches and referees, and how we can get the most from that sometimes, strained relationship.
The first thing to remember is that most of us could possibly see the same referee several times over a season. Therefore, don’t burn any bridges and think that by having a strong exchange with the ref after a game that it’s not going to come back and haunt you later in the season.
Always be polite to a referee. Call him sir and make sure you try to greet him as he arrives at the ground, especially if it is your home fixture.
Put aside all personal misgivings about the referee built up from past games, and start him off on a clean slate each time. Make him feel welcome; ask him if there is anything he needs. Be a great host.
Referees at our level volunteer their time willingly and just like us coaches, they want to enjoy their Saturday rugby experience.
If they get assigned your team and after reading it on the schedule, their stomachs turn and they say, ‘Oh no’ then whatever is causing this reaction could be putting your team at a huge disadvantage before you’ve even taken the field.
I don’t know of any referee that enjoys being constantly shouted at by a coach from the sideline. Some coaches might think that by ‘pointing out’ something to a ref from the sideline they can manipulate them to make a call.
Whether the referee calls it or not, do it enough and sooner or later, you will get under the referee’s skin to the detriment of your team.
After a game, as well as shaking hands with the opposing coach, I always try to do the same with the referee. Be polite, shake their hand, say thank you, and then get out of there.
Straight after the game is not the time to have a discussion about this or that decision.
After learning the hard way, I now never have any kind of match review with my players (beyond saying well done) after a game, no matter how brief. Wait at least 24 hrs and reflect before talking about specifics.
The same applies to a referee. In the past, some referees have asked me for feedback right after a game. Avoid this at all costs; nothing good can come from it. Politely say you have nothing to add and walk away.
If you get the chance to talk to them later over a beer, then fine. But nothing good can come from discussing details and calls straight after a game when everyone is still in a combative mode.
The next day, if something is still burning and you need to ask the referee about a decision or incident, then use your game video. Send the clip and ask (politely of course) for clarification via email. Referees learn from game tapes just as players do.
Referees have a thankless task. It can sometimes seem to referees that all coaches are interested in, is telling them what a bad job they did. Like players and coaches, referees make mistakes.
With a little thought to how you treat match officials that thankless job can be made a little more bearable, and perhaps you’ll have a referee actually looking forward to coming to one of your games.
Now that surely can’t be a bad thing?
