Calling It Like It Is

If anyone was watching the FIFA World Cup final match this past weekend, they know that a referee’s job is not always easy. With a final match record 14 yellow cards and one red, emotions were riding high. So how do officials handle highly charged scenarios?

The referee plays a key role in soccer matches. His vigilance, concentration and authority on the pitch ensure the respect of the players and adherence – or enforcement of the Laws of the Game. This is true for any officiated sport. According to Sports Officials Canada and their Code of Conduct, officials are charged with emphasizing the spirit of the competition rather than its outcome, striving to provide a sportsman-like environment, and placing the safety and welfare of competitors above all else.

The following tips to prevent and resolve conflict are central to providing a competition focused on the sport itself as opposed to the personality of those participating.

Tips to prevent conflict:

• Prevention is always better than cure! If action is taken early in the game, conflict is less likely to occur
• Make competitors aware of your presence by reacting immediately to rule infringements (when appropriate)
• Remain objective, no matter what prior knowledge of participants/teams an official has.
• Be definite and firm with decisions and communication
• Look sharp and act sharp - this will gain respect as an official
• Don’t take criticisms personally. Remember that coaches and participants are seeing the game from a different perspective to the officials
• At the beginning of the competition, provide structure and guidance, but also start a dialogue with the participants.
• Acknowledge the participant’s abilities and experience, and invite constructive viewpoints from some participants
• Speak clearly and firmly in heated situations. This will indicate confidence in managing the situation
• Keep cool if the situation starts to get a bit heated

Tips to resolve conflict:

• Be professional
• Remain calm
• Address the problem, not the emotions
• Focus on the person
• Be fair - avoid team or individual bias at all costs
• Be confident and open
• Be firm

References from the SIRC Collection:
Grunska, Jerry (2010). Enough is Enough: Where Should Officials Draw the Line on Coaches? Referee, 35 (2), p.62-63.

Does team sport build character?

The idea that an individuals' involvement in team sport builds character is firmly engrained in our minds. Advocates of sport participation believe that sport provides opportunities for learning moral development and social skills like cooperation, conflict resolution, self-control, teamwork, fairness and a good work ethic. As a result, many parents often sign their children up for a sports team in the
hopes that they will learn some, if not all of these skills.

There is considerable evidence that the development of character in young athletes can be formed positively, if helped along by sport coaches who implement specific strategies to do so.

• Set the example - Young athletes will look to their coaches to teach them how to respond to a difficult situation - a coach who can effectively control his/her emotions under pressure or in anger is a great example for good sporting behavior. If a coach expects good sporting behaviour, but does not follow the set rules, young athletes receive mixed messages.
• Goal setting - Set team and individual goals, ask them to express how they wish to see themselves grow as players and as a team and help them to accomplish those goals.
• Peer influence - Peers are extremely important in the socialization of young athletes. Establish a peer leader that engages in positive, character-building behaviors and not just those with the greatest skill set.
• Establish guidelines - Make it clear that disrespectful behaviour towards opponents and officials is not tolerated. Let your players know what the expectations are as a team, for example, shaking hands with the opposing team before and after a game, respecting calls from officials, and following the rules of the game.

Character development is a process that requires careful planning that can definitely be developed through sport, but this type of development will not just happen on its own. To be effective, coaches need to set a personal example for youth as well as come up with an organizational plan to help athletes overcome challenges and work towards their individual and team goals.

References from the SIRC Collection: 

1. Boardley I, Kavussanu M. The influence of social variables and moral disengagement on prosocial and antisocial behaviours in field hockey and netball. Journal Of Sports Sciences. June 2009;27(8):843-854.
2. DiCocco F. The Importance of Character. Texas Coach. August 2012;57(1):34-35. 
3. Doty J, Lumpkin A. Do Sports Build or Reveal Character - An Exploratory Study at One Service Academy. (Abstract). Research Quarterly For Exercise & Sport. February 2007;78(1):A-91.
4. Falcão W, Bloom G, Gilbert W. Coaches’ Perceptions of a Coach Training Program Designed to Promote Youth Developmental Outcomes. Journal Of Applied Sport Psychology. October 2012;24(4):429-444. 
5. Gaines S. Developing Individual and Team Character in Sport. Strategies. November 2012;25(8):30-32.
6. Murray K. Team Sports and Character Development. ACSM Fit Society Page. Summer2007 2007;:1-2.
7. Welch B. Character team building. Australian Fourfourtwo. October 2011;(72):96.