Ed on the Pro Clinic: Perplexed but optimistic, and with a lesson for MLS

    Bob and I agree on most things about refereeing soccer, and like him, I also find myself in the perplexed state of mind, although tending, perhaps hopefully, towards optimism.  That comes from my attendance at the Pro Clinic in Dallas last Saturday, where the instructors were Heinz Wolmerath and David McKee.

    I watched all the video clips and listened to the various decisions from the clinic participants, and the final decision coming from US Soccer.  I found that I agreed with the vast majority of them, many of which differed from the actual decision rendered at the time in the game concerned.  In the discussion, both Heinz and David emphasized that the Laws of the Game should be enforced strictly and that red card offenses should not be punished with yellows just to keep players in the game.  When I inquired how this viewpoint correlated with the previous edicts of MLS to use "man-management" rather than cards, it was pointed out that MLS was now changing its approach, and had agreed with these changes.  I was pleased to hear this, since as is well known to readers of this communication and other referee-related web sites, this is precisely what we have been advocating for the past six years.  Heinz also affirmed that statements from referees such as "the game did not need a red card" , "it was too late (or too early) in the game for a red card" or "it would do nothing for me" would no longer be acceptable.

    Although I was pleased to hear all of this, there were still some nagging doubts in my mind as to whether or not it would all come true, or like a different type of  "Dallas" episode, I would awaken to find it had all been a dream.  This doubt was reinforced by a sotto voce comment to me from a person with extensive experience of professional soccer and the US referee program, who said simply "I guess we will see once the season starts."

    I was also impressed by the presentation on control of the benches, for this has surely been a matter of shame and embarrassment for both MLS and US Soccer for many years, with both substitutes and coaching personnel standing and frequently berating the match officials both verbally and demonstratively, seemingly with impunity.  Certainly the game officials did not seem to do much about it, and neither apparently did the League.  Hopefully this will go some way towards improvement in this critical matter, which ultimately led to our embarrassment a few years ago at seeing our former national coach (Arena) expelled from an international match.

    By coincidence, an object lesson in correct bench behavior could be seen during the Dallas Cup, which is going on this week, following the pro clinic.  Liverpool FC has a team participating in the Super Group, and I was fortunate enough to attend one of the games. All of the non-playing personnel were seated on the bench including the head coach (manager in the English terminology) Gary Ablett.  Mr. Ablett was a regular member of the great Liverpool team of the 1980's, and won League Championship and FA Cup winners' medals.  He is well steeped in the proud tradition of the club.  He remained on the bench throughout, only seldom getting up to deal with substitutes, or give instructions to players.  He restricted his comments to encouragement to his own players, and did not at any time complain to or criticize the match officials.  Mr. Ablett was the only one of the bench personnel who did any talking.

    His approach was very professional and polished and was a perfect example of how it should be done.  At no time was he an embarrassment to Liverpool Football Club or to the (English) Football Association.  If MLS aspires to be taken seriously, they would do well to emulate the behavior of one of the biggest clubs in the world of soccer.
                                                                                                Ed Bellion, March 21st, 2008.

Comments

[snufflupagus]

Well said. I will too wait and see.