After a seemingly eternal football career, a knee injury sustained forty years ago, compelled me to cease playing in 2026 and embark on a grassroots football refereeing adventure. I assumed that my playing experience, knowledge and feel for the “beautiful” game would make be a good fit for whistle blowing. While my initial season officiating full time had many enjoyable moments and I believe I did my job quite competently, I was not prepared for the frequent, consistent challenging of decisions, that being a football referee attracts.
The “touchline referees” and the majority were the coaches, always knew better. It appears that my knowledge of the game was particularly deficient with regard to handball and the offside rule. I blame the International Football Association Board (“IFAB”) for the handball calamity.
Whether the ball is smashed at an opponent from less than one metre or bounces unfavourably off a sub standard pitch, immediately the cry of “handball” comes from all and sundry on the non offending team. I would generally ignore such claims and wave play on but once that phase of play ended, there was always a fourteen year old or more often, a sixty five year old player who would want to engage in a debate as to whether the hand or arm was in an “unnatural” position. I’m sorry mate but the arm attached to your shoulder joint, is as natural as it can get. Thank you IFAB but can we go back to “accidental” or “deliberate” handball?
I didn’t fare too much better with the offside rule either, according to one particular coach on Sydney’s Northen Beaches. This was a Sunday morning 8.30 a.m. kick off, Under 14 Division 2 girls match, without the benefit of assistant referees. The away team had defended a corner and suddenly a very long clearance found the away team’s striker, just over half way. As I didn’t bring my portable VAR device to the game, in my best judgement, I considered that the attacking player, at most, was level with the defending player if not onside and I allowed play to continue. The attacking player scored and I awarded the goal. Immediately, the home team coach berated my decision, which encouraged further disagreement from the home team supporters. “Five metres offside” bellowed the coach.
There are many junior players who score very few goals during a season. When they do score, the happiness and celebration that accompanies their goal is most enjoyable to watch. To deny a goal for offside and the ensuing delight for fourteen year olds, because of a slightly contentious offside decision, in my book is against the spirit of football. This game is primarily about goals, despite what the possession football fanatics might say.
I have encountered many respectful coaches during the recent season who appreciate a neutral, qualified official looking after their or their child’s match. Unfortunately though, there is the other kind, who consider a win, as another string to their bow, as they climb the coaching ladder of success. This variety of coach shouts instructions relentlessly to their players and it was not until becoming a referee, that I really appreciated the vast amount of information, that these players have to contend with on the pitch.
As a budding footballer, I learned to play with my friends at the park or in the street and we didn’t have to endure incessant directions from outside, on how to play the game. In fact, I never received any coaching until I was playing Under 14 football and I’m sure that the lack of formal coaching, did me no harm as my football developed.
As I have suggested previously, it is so important to allow footballers to develop their skills, without persistent advice from coaches or others during their games. Young players just need encouragement to develop their ability and most will correct their failings without realising it and they will evolve as footballers, without coaching. This encouragement and instruction by coaches, should take place at training and not in the hurly burly of a competitive match.
Today’s young footballer that might be unfortunate to be under the control of an aspiring English Premier League coach, can only be confused by the non stop directions from the sideline. The vocal coach, will shout all the modern coaching catchphrases, “second ball”, “reset” and “recycle” during the game, which may justify his membership of the coach’s union but will only confuse his players. The would be Jose Mourinhos also probably instruct their players to be “6” an “8” or a “10” whereas an actual geographical position would be far more informative. It would be far better for these coaches to concentrate on teaching players the basics – controlling and passing the ball, how to take a throw in properly or placing the ball on the logical side of the corner flag when taking a corner kick.
It was immensely pleasing to officiate at a recent grand final where a coach sat quietly on the bench throughout the match, only communicating with the team, during substitutions. Her team were ultimately victors, while the opposition coaching bench had two loud male voices shouting instructions non stop. I congratulated the coach on the victory and her manner and she simply explained that she instructs her players at training and trusts them to play as they train, come match day.
It is not just grassroots football coaches that harangue their players from the touchlines and even professional and national team coaches, including our own, are guilty of this practice. Sadly, coaches of all ages and levels of football feel the need to rant and rave and shuffle around the technical areas of the world, when it would just be so much better for all, if they would just let their teams play.
© David Jack 2026
David Jack 