referees not speaking english

[furriner]

usually some pretty simple sign language / gesture makes it clear. Watching UEFA games is a good way to pick these up. There are something like 17 languages spoken as "National Tongues".

[futbolislife]

Lets remember that at the international level, having a referee who doesn't speak the language of the two teams is very common. And also, no one is "entitled" or "due" an explanation. Yes, sometimes referees may do this but it is not a right granted to any player or coach (exception: there are requirements for some explanations in HS ball)

[number3]

Is this in the New Orleans area? You're not the first one to tell me about this....

[futbolislife]

Number 3, I assume you are questioning the statement about some instances when referees are supposed to explain the call. Let me first say I don't referee HS and haven't attended a HS clinic in some time. So someone may correct me but it used to be that referees were required to explain the reasons for cautions to the coaches. I could be totally off base but I seem to remember this not long ago. I am sure one of the current HS refs will correct me if I am mistaken.

[number3]

No, I've had two coaches already from the New Orleans area relay to me that their referees speak very little or no English at all. Explanations for all cards are still required by NFHS Rules.

[futbolislife]

Yes, many of the referees in the N.O. area speak spanish as their first language. They all "speak" english but dont necessarily communicate well in that language. And again, speaking english is not a requirement for calling the game. With the only caveat being the NF requirement for explaining bookings (which doesnt happen often regardless of the referee language)

[furriner]

is it just me being a little picky, being someone whose father was not a native English speaker, and "not from round these here parts", but is there not a double standard on these boards just now? While in the boys HS board people are rightly offended by players being abused based on their ethnicity, it seems to be open season on referees??

Like I said, maybe I am just being too picky.

[happyjack]

the NFHS rules says that the official has to explain the cautions and send-offs, it doesn't say it must be in English or any other language that a coach may or not speak (just playing devils advocate here).

And let's be honest, any player "demanding" an explanation of a call is really dissenting, because what was called doesn't really matter, and i've yet to see an official change a call because someone asked for an explanation

[504boy]

i dont think it was ment to be rascits or picky
and what about when the coaches and captains meet at mid field and the ref does not speak english?

[PutMeInCoach2]

Dec 7, 2008 19:10:16 GMT -6 504boy said:

i dont think it was ment to be rascits or picky
and what about when the coaches and captains meet at mid field and the ref does not speak english?

I have been in this situation, and as AR was asked to conduct the coin toss for the offical. If this is the right procedure, I am unsure...

As far as working with officials who speak another language is very difficult and the few times I have done it, felt uncomfortable. However, it is defantly a learning expierence. Makes the game harder, but not impossible.

[PutMeInCoach2]

Nov 29, 2008 19:59:31 GMT -6 futbolislife said:

Lets remember that at the international level, having a referee who doesn't speak the language of the two teams is very common. And also, no one is "entitled" or "due" an explanation. Yes, sometimes referees may do this but it is not a right granted to any player or coach (exception: there are requirements for some explanations in HS ball)

I think you are suppose to let the coaches know. However, I myself have not done it. Nor have had it done in games I have coached. It has been like pulling teeth to get a reason for yellow cards from referees when they haven't let the player or coach know.

[viewofthelake]

Hate when there's a language barrier with the ref. I know communicating verbally with them doesn't do anything, but it's just annoying.

[futbolislife]

Let's remember that at the international level, the majority of the time, the referees do not speak the language of at least one team. And up until just a few years ago, the referees on a game all came from different countries and often they couldn't speak the same languages. They "spoke" with standard mechanics and signals that are universal and understood. But not long ago, they did start putting referees from the same countries on games together. This language thing is really an American hang up.

[furriner]

FIL, I don't suppose you have access to the countries of origin of the registered refs in LA? Does that info even get collected?

[im4christ]

As a ref, I like it better when the players speak a different language, then I can't tell when they are swearing at me...(lol)