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Mad River Youth Soccer League
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Part 6: ASK, TELL, REMOVE
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IMPORTANT NOTES ON “Ask,Tell & Remove Policy” for Officials, and why it is important for coaches to be part of the support network for officials.
Comments by Phil Rouse, Experienced USSF Ref, Arcata High Boys Coach and MRYSL youth referee educator
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To clarify, the “Ask, Tell, Remove” process was developed and formalized by USSF. While it is used at higher levels for coaches and bench personnel, I feel it is a critical part of youth ref education. I see it as a tool that can be used to control the tone or environment of the game. Courage to use
it is definitely a factor, but I think the concept should be introduced and encouraged. These young refs should know that it is within their power to stop the game, not just for an injured player, but for bad behavior and conduct also. I think we can build on the confidence they show in stopping for injured players (which has become a part of our culture) by teaching the importance of stopping the game for conduct which is not good for the game. Stopping the game for injured players went through the same process.
I am thinking of the situation when the referee begins to sense the emotions of the game rise and they begin to feel uncomfortable and perhaps unsafe. I believe a youth referee should NEVER have to tackle this on their own, but my wording is intended to solicit the coaches help up front by telling them to remember the ref may need their help during the game. When the ref stops the game and approaches both coaches, the ref SHOULD be able to say, “I am stopping the game until you talk to/remove/or tell “person X” to stop. This is a necessary layer between the ref and the fans. Stopping the game seems drastic, but at the same time, it signals to ALL players, coaches, and fans what is NOT acceptable, and thus (hopefully) we begin to change the culture.
If you Google “USSF, Ask, Tell, Remove,” you will get the USSF Position Paper which explains it fully. I mention this in my ref training, but youth refs really need the support of the coaches to back them and help remove unwanted behaviors from the game. In short it is a “shared” responsibility.
When the ref feels it is just their own responsibility, the pressure and emotions go up and it takes more courage to make it happen. The coaches must be behind the ref and supporting (AND Sometimes POLICING) the healthy environment we want at games.
I have used this approach at HSU games when spectators are crossing the line. Sometimes I confront the fans directly, or I know who the on-site administrator is and use that person to deal with them. I ALWAYS feel justified in stopping the game if needed. The pressure leaves me (at least in my mind) and gets placed directly on the jerks until they adjust or are removed. Everyone wants the game to continue, so if it is one person or two holding up progress, the mob usually “encourages” these persons to conform.
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