National Football Development officer at Goals. Referee advocate, advisor, consultant and educator. Co host of The Ref Pod a podcast dedicated to all things ref at all levels. Sales experience in the sports industry
Yesterday when visiting GOALS Norwich, I was appeared onto the White and Jordan show on talkSPORT This is the most popular radio show in the UK and is a great way to get our messages out that refs are not fair game. Jim and Simon have supported myself and our Charity Ref Support UK for a number of years and every time I appear on their show they have both been staunch supporters of Ref Support UK and our drive to create a safer place for match officials at all levels. The discussion this time, was the suggestion that The FA are considering introducing Sin Bins, which are temporary dismissals for those who are guilty of dissent, in next years FA Cup. I support this suggestion and would love to see Sin Bins in all levels of the game. The FA introduced "sin bins" a few years ago at lower levels and although evidence released recently by The FA suggested that refs at the level sin bins are used, are not using them enough, but there was still a circa 38% reduction in offences of dissent. This can only be good for the game however, we still have a refereeing crisis. Evidence released in a recent FA document lead by Fraser Williamson and his team, also suggested that using "sin bins" effectively reduces the number of assaults on match officials and of course that is something every one wants in the game. IFAB, the world football law makers, are being hosted in Scotland next month and I hope this will be discussed in more detail. Grassroots refs have been dealing with Sin Bins for years and it can be difficult to control, as most refs who issue sin bins are on their own and it's another thing to worry about during these grass roots game. This could be one of the reasons refs are not using them enough. At higher levels, there are at least 3 match officials on the grass in every game therefore, sin bins will be easier to control and therefore will be more effective so probably used more. This will give sin bins a much higher profile and just like everything else seen on TV, it will be copied, more recognised as a tool to control dissent and poor behaviour and therefore more accepted in game. Bring them on at all levels of the game I say. Goals have been using sin bins for years and we have a lot of data that will evidence the effectiveness of sin bins when they are used regularly and properly. Part of my Goals role is referee recruitment, support and development and having discussions and receiving advice with people from the FA like Fraser enables us, as a national organisation, to create a more positive and enjoyable experience for those who visit our venues. This in turn, will encourage more refs into the game and keep our referee team supported and aware of the benefits of sin bins and create a clear support mechanism for our brilliant group of referees. I am genuinely interested in everyones opinion on sin bins being introduced at every level of the game and if you believe they will work a pro level.
Adam Palfrey
9mo
You're becoming a bit of a celeb martyn
Sam Howell
9mo
At a pro level I don't see Sin Bins working at all. I feel they would add another element for a ref to think about which they don't need and they would also impact negatively on the quality of the product (you'd just see teams go into low blocks for 10mins if they are a player down). Ref's at the top level already have all the tools they need to control dissent.. a yellow and a red card. Unfortunately for decades at the top level refs have let players walk all over them, which has trickled down into grassroots. There doesn't need to be a rule change, there needs to be a stronger standard set by referees at the top of the game with a zero tolerance message.
Richard Sale
9mo
The focus should be on clarifying the recommended retribution for certain offences such as dissent and communicating this to players, clubs and most importantly the fans. It is then the responsibility of the officials to be consistent with the implementation at the elite level. This can all be done within the current armoury referrees have at their disposal. Introducing a new threshold for decision making will only increase the chances for inconsistent decision making which is clearly what players , clubs and fans are most dissatisfied with currently.
You've made a great case for sin bins Martin, as you know I've been involved in Grassroots for a long time and have seen firsthand the benefits, but unfortunately have also seen how they're not used enough by some referees. Living in Scotland now as an active referee it's interesting to see the conversation with other referees about the introduction of Sin Bins in Scotland and there is a lot of apprehension. I'd love to see it introduced! Your point about seeing it at the top level is spot on, as that will help it filter down to the grassroots more positively!
At grass roots level I definitely think that it helps, although with tv camera coverage at pro level showing dissent going unpunished the majority of the time it is difficult to re-enforce the message at lower levels as they find it hard to accept when it is acceptable at higher levels. The problem for me is that it would open up further opportunities for officials to have bigger outcomes on the results of matches, either unintentionally or intentionally and suddenly that could become a much bigger issue especially with the amount of money currently in and associated with the game.
Tim Hughes
9mo
As a grassroots ref at youth level where sin bins can be used, I tend to apply them only after being unable to manage a player on the pitch (usually with a loud dressing down where the coach can see/hear what I’m doing for a visual cue) but it is very difficult when by yourself to effectively manage multiple instances of sin bins at the same time. I was very skeptical at the initial introduction but have been pleasantly surprised at how they have improved behaviour. Can’t say what the impact is with open age as don’t do that anymore but I don’t think it has any correlation with assaults on match officials at this level as it is usually spectators etc who commit these having had this pleasant experience myself recently…
Michael Craddock
8mo
Introducing a Sin Bin system of 10 minutes for acts of decent is an excellent idea. As things stand, clubs at the highest level do nothing about their players behaviour, but if they start losing their 'stars' for 10 minute intervals and are forced to play 1 or 2 men down, the clubs themselves will start enforcing discipline
Ian Viner
8mo
OK so let's suppose a player commits a bad foul Normally you would expect a referee to issue a Yellow Card and nobody would complain So under what circumstances would a Referee issue a Blue Card ? What's the difference ? I can foresee so much inconsistency - one week a player gets a yellow card - the next week another player gets a blue card for the same thing
richard murrell
8mo
Some very good points made there Martin & I'd imagine it should be seen as a positive opportunity to improve the lack of discipline & respect within the game & should be considered for sure. I would believe that the issues VAR has caused & how that's divided opinion will no doubt impact people's perception of another new process being introduced to the game. Great profile for yourself & the cause too, keep up the great work!
Director at Matt Messias Impact Leadership Ltd; LeadershipCoach; Mental Health First Aid Instructor (MHFA England)
9moA positive move to reduce dissent Martin Cassidy 👍