Today I had the opportunity to participate in my first disciplinary meeting with the other league officials. This is a weekly conference call, where, upon review of the week's supplemental (incident) reports, we decide upon an appropriate course of action. This week was ripe with incidents, so I'll focus on a few incidents that were particularly interesting. While I'm not certain of my duties regarding privacy, I will not disclose team or player names.
Aside from typical "heat of the moment" violent conduct incidents, we had one incident that raised some serious red flags. A player was given a red card for reportedly walking over to a fallen opponent, and maliciously stepping on said player's rib cage. Rather than the typical one game suspension, we opted to suspend this player for three. We all saw this individual as a "dirty" player, or at least the move as a "dirty" move.
Verbal abuse is another typical red card incident that typically warrants a one game suspension. However, we had an incident so heinous, it sparked much debate among the team. According to the reports, after the conclusion of a match, a team coach and three of his players surrounded an official, yelling, using foul language and being physically intimidating. While the official attempted to exit the stadium, the gang followed him for over forty yards, berating and threatening him. Finally, security had to be called in to remove the coach and players. We decided to use this incident to send message. We suspended the coach for three games, and each of the players for one game. We're talking with the team's owner about a possible fine as well.
Finally, we received a video of a player slamming the opposing team's goalie to the ground. Curiously, the referee chose to give the offending player a yellow card. After review of the video, we all decided that the action violated not only the spirit of the rules, but the very letter. As a group, we chose to treat the incident as a red card incident, and suspended the offending player for one game.
So far, this has been the most enjoyable part of this internship. The team is great, very experienced and capable. I'm learning a LOT from them.
Aside from typical "heat of the moment" violent conduct incidents, we had one incident that raised some serious red flags. A player was given a red card for reportedly walking over to a fallen opponent, and maliciously stepping on said player's rib cage. Rather than the typical one game suspension, we opted to suspend this player for three. We all saw this individual as a "dirty" player, or at least the move as a "dirty" move.
Verbal abuse is another typical red card incident that typically warrants a one game suspension. However, we had an incident so heinous, it sparked much debate among the team. According to the reports, after the conclusion of a match, a team coach and three of his players surrounded an official, yelling, using foul language and being physically intimidating. While the official attempted to exit the stadium, the gang followed him for over forty yards, berating and threatening him. Finally, security had to be called in to remove the coach and players. We decided to use this incident to send message. We suspended the coach for three games, and each of the players for one game. We're talking with the team's owner about a possible fine as well.
Finally, we received a video of a player slamming the opposing team's goalie to the ground. Curiously, the referee chose to give the offending player a yellow card. After review of the video, we all decided that the action violated not only the spirit of the rules, but the very letter. As a group, we chose to treat the incident as a red card incident, and suspended the offending player for one game.
So far, this has been the most enjoyable part of this internship. The team is great, very experienced and capable. I'm learning a LOT from them.