Did a Referee Coach Really Manhandle a WSL Official?

Lisa Benn, a notable referee in women's football, has made serious allegations against Steve Child, a fellow referee, claiming he "forcefully pushed" her during a training match in March 2023. The incident, which occurred during a tournament organised by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), has sparked a significant tribunal hearing, raising questions about workplace conduct and gender dynamics within refereeing in England.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The ongoing tribunal has brought to light the tensions between Lisa Benn and Steve Child, who are both involved in officiating within English football. Benn's allegations include claims of physical intimidation and subsequent professional repercussions following her complaint to PGMOL regarding Child's behaviour. The situation has highlighted issues of gender dynamics in a traditionally male-dominated environment, with Benn asserting that her concerns stem from a broader culture of fear within women's refereeing circles.

Key takeaways

Lisa Benn has accused Steve Child of "manhandling" her during a training match.
Child denies the allegations, describing his actions as minimal and misinterpreted.
The PGMOL did not pursue disciplinary action following an investigation into Child's conduct.

Timeline: how we got here

The case has unfolded over several key dates, reflecting a growing concern over workplace behaviour in refereeing:

March 2023: The alleged incident occurs during a PGMOL training event focused on video assistant referees (VAR).
August 2023: Benn and Child are involved in a training camp where further alleged intimidation occurs.
October 2023: The tribunal hearings begin, with both parties presenting their accounts of the events.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

During the tribunal, Child's testimony countered Benn's claims, insisting he did not "grab" her in the manner described and suggesting that any contact was brief and intended to guide her rather than intimidate. The tribunal continues to hear evidence from both sides.

What was already established

Previously, it was known that Benn had raised concerns about Child's behaviour, leading to an investigation by PGMOL, which concluded that Child's actions did not warrant disciplinary measures. Benn has argued that this reflects a wider issue of gender inequality and a lack of support for female referees within the organisation.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, touching on the broader perception of women in sports officiating roles. Increased awareness of gender-related issues may lead to greater scrutiny of how referees are trained and supported.

Businesses and jobs

The case could influence how sporting organisations address issues of harassment and discrimination, potentially leading to more stringent policies and a reevaluation of training programs aimed at fostering a safer environment for all referees, especially women.

Policy and regulation

With discussions around workplace conduct in sports gaining traction, this case may prompt the PGMOL and other governing bodies to reconsider their policies and practices regarding harassment and gender equality in officiating roles.

Numbers that matter

34: Age of Lisa Benn, highlighting the challenges faced by younger officials in a male-dominated field.
100%: Child’s assertion that he did not grab Benn, emphasising the stark disagreement between both parties.
6: The number of months since the incident occurred, illustrating the ongoing nature of the dispute.

Definitions and jargon buster

PGMOL: Professional Game Match Officials Limited, the governing body responsible for match officials in English football.
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)

The tribunal is continuing to hear evidence, and the outcome may lead to recommendations for changes within PGMOL regarding training and support for referees, particularly women.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the tribunal's findings, there may be an increase in initiatives aimed at supporting female referees and addressing issues of workplace harassment in sports officiating.

Signals to watch

Outcomes of the tribunal hearings and any subsequent actions taken by PGMOL.
Media coverage and public discourse surrounding gender issues in sports officiating.
Changes to training protocols or policies within officiating bodies in response to the case.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage open dialogue about experiences and concerns within refereeing circles.
Foster a supportive environment for female referees to voice their grievances.

Don’t

Avoid dismissing claims of misconduct based on the gender of the individuals involved.
Do not overlook the importance of proper training and support systems for all referees.

Checklist

Consider how your organisation addresses gender equality in officiating roles.
Review current policies on harassment and support for referees.
Ensure training programs are inclusive and sensitive to the needs of female referees.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

This case highlights the complexities surrounding allegations of misconduct in sports officiating. The outcomes remain uncertain, with the tribunal continuing to evaluate the evidence from both Benn and Child. The culture within officiating bodies, particularly regarding gender dynamics, is also under scrutiny, with implications for future policy changes.

Bottom line

The ongoing tribunal featuring Lisa Benn and Steve Child raises critical issues about gender equality and workplace conduct in sports officiating. As the case develops, the outcome may lead to substantial shifts in how referees, particularly women, are treated and supported within the English football landscape.

FAQs

What are the main allegations against Steve Child?

Lisa Benn has alleged that Steve Child "forcefully pushed" her during a match, leading to claims of intimidation and manhandling.

What is the role of PGMOL in this case?

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) is responsible for investigating complaints about referees and has conducted an investigation into Child's behaviour, which did not result in disciplinary action.

What could be the impact of this case on female referees?

The case may highlight the need for better support systems for female referees, potentially leading to policy changes within officiating bodies to address gender-related issues in the sport.