Question Number: 23814

Other 8/23/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Marty Watkins of Rocklin, CA Placer asks...

I am a U12 Select Coach and my question concerns the post match respect procedures for the two teams approaching the Referees, the shaking of hands and appreciation for the work they have done. I have recently witnessed both teen and adult referees wanting to 'pound' our U12 players with closed fists as opposed to the traditional shaking of hands. For the teen referees, I think it is a matter of being cool with the players, but I recently had two experienced adult referees cite the problem associated with germs, thus the need to 'pound' the players. One said he was a teacher and would not shake hands. To me this shows no respect for the game, nor the referees for the work they perform. I have instructed my players to shake hands with those referees who offer a hand but NOT to pound them. I could not find anything with FIFA that spells out post match decorum or a change in procedure due to health concerns.

Thanks,
Marty Watkins
Rocklin Select

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There had been talk of doing fist-bumps rather than handshakes due to the flu virus scare last year. I'm not sure either way is more sanitary. Sounds kind of like the 5-second rule for dropped food - the germs don't know about the myth.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

I switched to fist-bump with youth players after I recovered from swine flu. It never occurred to me that some would think it disrespectful to the game or the players.

Coach, I will rethink what I do.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I take my cues from the players. If they want to fist bump, I fist bump. If they want to shake hands, I shake hands - if they wish to do neither, that is okay with me too. I carry hand sanitizer in case I'm worried about germs. Hand shaking is not an accepted ritual in all cultures, and I will not force any player to do or not do it. It is okay to politely refuse, and to use words instead of gestures to indicate appreciation for the effort made to call the game well.

There is no requirement for post match procedures in the game - it is a nice gesture by the teams, however it happens.