"God answers my prayers everywhere except on the golf-course."
Referees' strike
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1At the time of writing it is uncertain what will happen in Scottish football this weekend. Referees have voted to strike in response to increased criticism and scrutiny, which they believe are threatening their safety.
Referees feel criticism has reached such a level that their safety is at risk inside grounds. They also fear for the wellbeing of their families. One referee received death threats via phone calls to his home that evening. The Scottish Football Association warned last month that a raft of resignations by match officials could occur due to concern about abuse and criticism.
What is the Christian’s attitude to the officials? Is has been said that the only biblical reference to the referee or umpire is ‘the man born blind’! As the Bible doesn’t offer any direct application to referees, we need to look for relevant Biblical principles. Romans 13 refers primarily to political rulers but can reasonably have application to match officials, since they have been put in a place of authority over us for that game and if we are to love our neighbour as we love ourselves then it is hard to see how that can exclude the match officials.
Romans 13 is about submission to the authorities. Does this mean that Christians be players who never question the referee?
Another Scripture which is relevant is “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39). Loving the umpire doesn’t mean saying, “Great game umpire”, when she has had a poor game. Our aim is to help them be as good as they possibly can. Perhaps you would say something like, “Thanks umpire. I thought you controlled the game pretty well but could you just explain how you came to award that penalty”.
Gavin Peacock played professional football as a Christian for nearly fifteen years. He has encountered a few referees in his time. He is clear about where the line has to be drawn: ‘I think it is OK to protest to the referee but only to the point of not disrespecting him. Football is partly a mental contest and trying to make sure that the referee is alert to anything the opposition are trying to get away with is part of that contest.’
If you feel that the officials are being intimidated (and influenced in their decisions) by the opposition players or coach, then to say so respectfully is acceptable. To try to counter-balance the intimidation is not. As team captain at the beginning of a game which you fear could develop into an aggressive physical battle, it may be helpful to encourage the referee not to be afraid to take the tough decision when it is needed.
When a decision goes against you when you feel you haven't done anything, how do you react? Obviously your judgment will be a bit biased and you have to bear that in mind at the time and afterwards when you are reflecting on it. If you show no reaction it might seem to the referee that you are accepting that you have committed a foul, deserving a penalty when really you feel you didn't. To argue about it is equally pointless for the referee will never change his mind. A respectful protest is perhaps the best response.
Remember that the officials are only human. They have good games and bad games, just like you! If you are playing, coaching or watching this weekend, pray for the referee. And pray for your own attitude towards the officials.