The European Championship was the test run for the so-called captain’s rule. There was also less discussion with the referee on the pitch than usual. The model is now being adopted across the board in Germany.
The complaining rule will also be introduced in German football and will apply immediately. As the German Football Association (DFB) announced, the so-called captain’s rule, which was tested at the last European Championship, will be applied uniformly in all leagues. It also applies to friendly matches. This decision was made by the DFB Schiri GmbH, the DFB and the German Football League (DFL).
The rule states that only the captains of both teams are allowed to complain to the referees about their decisions. Comments or reactions from other players can quickly result in yellow cards. Times in which a group of players would talk to the referee should therefore be a thing of the past. The fact that the referee only explains his point of view to the captain should also ensure that interruptions are shortened and the net playing time is increased.
There is an information sheet
If the captain is a goalkeeper, a representative should be appointed on the field for him to speak to the referee before the start of the game if a controversial situation occurs further away. In the European Championship matches, there were visibly fewer discussions on the pitch than usual.
“The introduction is not only sensible and practical, it also helps football right down to the grassroots level. It is also very easy to implement, as no changes to the rules are required, just the communication process between the referee and the captain is clearly defined,” explained DFB referee instructor Lutz Wagner. “There is also a short, concise information sheet for everyone involved, so that everyone is on the same page.”
Complaining rule also in the European Cup
The captains are also responsible for ensuring that their teammates respect the referees, keep their distance and do not harass them. “A player who ignores the role of his captain, complains to the referee or behaves disrespectfully will be cautioned,” it said.
The complaining rule will also apply in the European Cup competitions in the future. At the European Football Championship, it meant that there were significantly fewer arguments with the referee and fewer groups forming.
Source: Stern
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