Did a Complaint to PGMOL Cost the WSL Referee Their Position?

Lisa Benn, a Women's Super League referee, claims she lost her international officiating role after reporting an incident where a referee coach allegedly "manhandled" her during a training event. Benn's testimony at an employment tribunal revealed that after she complained about Steve Child, a coach with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), her recommendations for FIFA's international referee list were adversely affected. This case raises significant concerns about the treatment of female referees in football and the implications of reporting misconduct.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The tribunal hearing in London has brought to light serious allegations made by Lisa Benn against Steve Child, a PGMOL coach. Benn described an incident during a training tournament in March 2023, where she alleges Child forcefully pushed her onto the pitch, raising questions about the treatment of female officials in the sport. The case is ongoing, and the tribunal is examining the implications of Benn's complaint and subsequent loss of her international standing.

Key takeaways

• Lisa Benn alleges she was "manhandled" by referee coach Steve Child during a PGMOL training event.
• Benn claims her international officiating opportunities were adversely impacted following her complaint.
• The PGMOL investigation concluded Child's behaviour did not warrant disciplinary action.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events concerning Lisa Benn's allegations against Steve Child is as follows:

• March 2023: The alleged incident occurs during a PGMOL-organised tournament focused on training referees regarding video assistant referees (VAR).
• October 2023: The employment tribunal hearing takes place, where Benn shares her experiences and claims of mistreatment following her complaint.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

During the tribunal hearing, Benn detailed her allegations against Child, including his forceful behaviour and the impact on her career. The testimony highlighted the potential gender bias in officiating and the challenges female referees face in a male-dominated environment.

What was already established

Previous reports have indicated that female referees often encounter difficulties in gaining recognition and opportunities compared to their male counterparts. Benn's case underscores these ongoing issues within the sport, particularly in relation to professional conduct and support for women in officiating roles.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this case may not have immediate financial implications for consumers, it sheds light on the broader issues of gender equality and representation in sports, which could influence public perceptions and support for women in football.

Businesses and jobs

The allegations could impact PGMOL's reputation and its approach to training and supporting referees. Should the tribunal find in favour of Benn, it may lead to changes in policy regarding the treatment and evaluation of female referees, potentially affecting hiring practices and career progression within officiating.

Policy and regulation

The case has the potential to prompt discussions around the need for improved governance and protective measures for referees, particularly women. If the tribunal rules in favour of Benn, it could lead to new guidelines within PGMOL and possibly influence how sports organisations handle allegations of misconduct.

Numbers that matter

• 34: Lisa Benn's age, highlighting the challenges faced by younger female referees in a competitive environment.
• 3: The number of years since Benn was involved in officiating at the highest levels of women's football, illustrating her experience.
• 1: The singular incident that reportedly led to her being marked negatively by PGMOL after raising her complaint.

Definitions and jargon buster

• PGMOL: Professional Game Match Officials Limited, responsible for the training and support of referees in professional football in the UK.
• VAR: Video Assistant Referee, a technology used to assist referees in making decisions during matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Observers will want to follow the tribunal's proceedings closely, as the panel's findings will likely influence future policies regarding referee treatment and support.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the tribunal's outcome, PGMOL may be compelled to enact reforms regarding how it handles complaints and supports female referees, potentially impacting training and officiating standards.

Signals to watch

• Outcome of the tribunal hearing and any subsequent changes in PGMOL's policies.
• Public and media response to the case, which could influence the broader conversation about gender equality in sports.

Practical guidance

Do

• Encourage open discussions about experiences in officiating to foster a supportive environment.
• Advocate for better training and resources for referees, especially women in the sport.

Don’t

• Avoid dismissing allegations of misconduct; each case should be taken seriously.
• Do not ignore the importance of gender equality in sports officiating roles.

Checklist

• Stay informed about the tribunal’s outcomes and potential policy changes.
• Support initiatives aimed at increasing representation of women in sports officiating.
• Promote awareness of the challenges faced by female referees.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

It is crucial to understand that the tribunal's findings may not lead to immediate or significant changes in the culture of officiating. The outcome is uncertain, and how PGMOL responds to any findings could vary. Furthermore, while Benn's allegations are serious, they reflect broader systemic issues that may require extensive reform beyond individual cases.

Bottom line

The case of Lisa Benn highlights the significant challenges female referees face in a male-dominated sport. As the tribunal continues, the implications of her allegations could lead to crucial discussions about gender equality and the treatment of officials in football, which may ultimately shape the future of the sport in the UK.

FAQs

What happened to Lisa Benn's officiating career?

Lisa Benn alleges she lost her place on FIFA's international referee list after complaining about being manhandled by a coach at a PGMOL event.

What is PGMOL's role in football officiating?

PGMOL, or Professional Game Match Officials Limited, oversees the training and support of referees in professional football in the UK.

What are the implications of this case for female referees?

This case could lead to increased scrutiny of how female referees are treated and may prompt reforms to ensure better support and protection for women in officiating roles.