charlie murphy
SILVER
I believe that there is inherent bias based on what one knows. ( bias not racism) If you are a European ref than growing up watching premier league you likely ref a game with a bias to that style of refing. If Spanish you likely ref to that bias . If Mexican you likely ref to that bias. The conflict arises when ones' biases do not match another's expectations or when one's biases play to one's strengths. The rules of soccer allow this as the LOG allow for ref latitude in interpretation ( foul , handball, this play out rule, card / no card etc. ). I think the inconsistence in refing seen week in week out also plays a role in sideline frustrations. It is interesting to watch a game with a ref near. You get an earful of contrast and also of affirmation, and the game given to different view would be completely different in most aspects of the game. Just watch an tightly refed game with a Hispanic sideline , they will go crazy " common ref let them play" . Just watch a loosely refed game work up a Caucasian sideline ( that may be upper / middle / or lower class -- socioeconomically ) they go crazy. ( "common ref what about a card" ) It is a bias both ways as ref , coach, player, parent. Maybe as a league ( CSL /SCDL) there needs to be some instruction given to the ref crews so that the other moving parts of the game see so consistency and all know what's up and what to expect.