TRIFLING INFRINGEMENTS
Your question:
Situation 1: In a competetive U11 boys game, the goalkeeper caught an incoming shot and controlled it in his hands. While running out toward the edge of his penalty area to release the ball, he accidentally dropped the ball. It rolled a few feet, but he immediately picked the ball back up in his hands and then released it up the field, while remaining inside the PA throughout. There was no challenge for the ball from the opposing team while it was on the ground (not that it matters). It was clearly an accidental release of the ball by the goalkeeper, but it also was clearly not still in his possession, as if he were dribbling the ball. I was the center referee and I let play continue. But I wondered whether this should have been called an indirect free kick for the opposing team, because the gk released the ball and then re-handled it? I have read other opinions that indicate an accidental drop and immediate retrieval don’t constitute the actual “release” of the ball by the goalkeeper, but I would very much like the USSF opinion.
Situation 2: In a U14 boys game, the goalkeeper received a ball in his hands and was ready to release it. However, he noticed some problem with his uniform; he might have been tightening or re-fastening his gloves. Without any permission or acknowledgement from the referee, he set the ball down at his feet (in the penalty area), and proceeded to fix his uniform problem, which took him just a few seconds. There was no challenge for the ball by the opposing team. He then picked the ball back up and proceeded to release it back into play. I was the upfield assistant referee. Neither the center referee or nearest assistant made any call. They may have felt it was within the “spirit of the game” to let the play continue without call, and the goalkeeper was obviously very inexperienced. However, shouldn’t the correct call be that the goalkeeper re-handled the ball after releasing it, and an indirect free kick should have been awarded to the opposing team?
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
It’s re-education time for all referees: Was there an offense? Yes. Could it have been called? Yes? Should it be called if, in the opinion of the referee, the infraction was doubtful or trifling? No. All three answers are “by the book.”
The intelligent referee’s action: If the goalkeeper’s actions had no obvious effect on play and were accepted by both teams, consider the infringement to have been trifling and let it go. If it was not trifling, punish it.
OFFSIDE AT CORNER KICK?
Your question:
Is it possible to be offside on a corner kick?
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
No.
GOALKEEPER DENIES OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY
Your question:
Please help me get closure on an issue that has been on more than one forum. You have answered related issues in previous responses to DOGSO-H and “passback” questions, but there continues to be disagreement about the particular elements of this question.
Player A with the ball in the center of her own half of the field is pressured by a defender. Player A kicks the ball in the direction of her keeper. The kicked pass from the player is headed toward goal and not directly at the keeper. The keeper, who is clearly outside the penalty area, dives and catches the ball with her hands while still clearly outside the penalty area. If, in the opinion of the referee, the kicked ball would have continued into goal, has the keeper denied a goal and committed a sending-off offense as described in 12.36 of the Advice to Referees?
(Leaving aside the additional factors of how one might call a U11 recreational game or how an intelligent referee might choose to form an opinion to best manage a particular adult game, what is the proper call?)
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
Bowing to your wishes and leaving aside all the other possible factors and sticking strictly to the opinion of the referee (as stated in your scenario), the goalkeeper — knowing exactly what she was doing — has denied the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity and must be sent off and shown the red card. (And because she knew what she was doing, it makes little difference what the level of the game.)
LEAVING THE FIELD TO INTERFERE WITH THE GOALKEEPER
Your question:
I had an interesting call that I had in the game on Saturday. But I issued a yellow card against a red player on a corner kick, and I am not sure of the correct ruling. It is the first time I have ever run into this, and I did not know the correct call. One of those calls that you know something is not right, or does not seem right, but not sure.
Corner kick by red. Set play that they run. AR brought it to my attention at half time. Red sets up a player behind the goalie. Goalie is standing on the end-line inside the goal area. As the kick is being taken, player runs off the field, into the goal area, and back in front of the goalie. I called the red player for leaving the field of play without my permission, and issued a yellow card. Of course the red coach said that was wrong, and they have been doing this set play forever. I could see it if the goalie was up a yard or so, and the player was trying to get to the ball. But this was happening as the kick was being taken. Almost seems to me to be a deception play in a way, and yet, what is wrong with it? Just did not feel right. What is your take on it? 12 years of doing this, and run into something new (again).
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
In situations like this, the referee must wait until the ball has been kicked to see what happens. If the player who is posting on the goalkeeper is attempting to play the ball, his tactics are legitimate. On the other hand, if he is attempting to interfere with the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball, his tactics are not legitimate. In addition, he has left the field of play without the referee’s permission and could be cautioned and shown the yellow card at the referee’s discretion.
The referee must exercise common sense.
WORLD’S OLDEST SOCCER TRICK REVISITED
Your question:
I know this may seem odd and far out, but I’m really curious as to the answer to this. If a goalie caught the ball, tucked it into his jersey and sprinted up field into the other goal, would the goal count? He is not touching the ball with his hands in any way after he tucked the ball in his jersey.
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
No, the goal would not count. This act would be regarded as unsporting behavior. The goalkeeper would be cautioned and shown the yellow card. The restart would be an indirect free kick for the opposing team from the place where the goalkeeper tucked the ball into his jersey.
WAIT FOR THE REFEREE’S WHISTLE
Your question:
Situation; A kick on goal. Attacker requests 10 yards. Referee tells attacker to wait for his signal. Attacker kicks without signal from referee.
1. The ball sails over the goal and out of touch. 2. The ball goes into the goal.
What is the restart for both 1 and 2?
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
The game was not restarted properly. The game must be restarted with the free kick.
LIFTING THE SHIRT
Your question:
My friend was thrown out of a game after previously receiving a caution card and then later in the game he scored a goal and he lifted his shirt up and over his head, is this deserving of a 2nd yellow card?
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
If the referee believed that your friend was taunting or denigrating the opposing team by lifting his shirt up and over his head, or had a political message concealed beneath the shirt, then yes, the act deserved a caution/yellow card for unsporting behavior.
GETTING UP TO STRENGTH
Your question:
I was coaching a youth soccer game, 10 and 11 year old boys. My team only had 7 players to start the game. The game was stopped for a throw in for the opposing team who was playing with a full team ( 11 players). At this time I was wanting to add a player, that showed up late, to the field of play .I was told that I could not do this at this time and I have to wait until my team has possession of a out of bounce ball like a throw in, goal kick, corner kick etc. Please advise on this situation. Again I was not substituting but only wanting to add a player because we played short, and the play was stopped.
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
Your referee was wrong. When a team is playing shorthanded for any reason other than having had one of its players sent off, that team may add a player at any stoppage. The player’s equipment must be inspected by the referee or an assistant referee or the fourth official and any player pass or other paperwork must be taken care of before the player can enter the game.
JEWELRY — PLEASE READ AND REMEMBER!
Your question:
What is the interpretation of the words in Law 4: “including any kind of jewelry”?
I am a State Emeritus Referee and work various levels of competition. In adult competition, players frequently want to wear their smooth wedding bands. Some women want to wear small earrings. I generally disallow all jewelry and quote Law 4. The players say only dangerous jewelry is prohibited, and they often talk about the jewelry professional players seem to get away with wearing. The players ask whether they may play if the jewelry is taped over.
The quoted phrase would seem to ban all jewelry–taped or nor–which would certainly make my life easier. I would like to know if there has been any ruling or interpretation on this issue (besides the medical or religious medals issue, which is not on point). I would also like to pass along the information to our association so that there is uniformity in the application of the rule.
USSF answer (April 30, 2003):
This question was answered in the May 2001 issue of Fair Play:
QUOTE
Law 4 and Jewelry
Law 4 of FIFA’s Laws of the Game states that “a player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).”
The following items worn by players are considered dangerous and will not be allowed:
a) jewelry (including watches) worn on the wrist
b) rings with crowns or projections
c) jewelry worn along the upper or lower arm
d) earrings of any sort
e) tongue studs
f) any visible body piercing
The match referee remains the sole authority regarding the danger of anything worn by a player in a specific game. Referees must enforce these guidelines strictly.
END OF QUOTE
As to professional players wearing jewelry, please see the USSF position paper on “Law 4, Players¹ Equipment (Jewelry),” dated March 17, 2003, available for download on this and other sites.
The U. S. Soccer Federation cannot make new Laws or change the existing ones. We referees are expected to exercise common sense in enforcing the existing Laws. Referees have the guidelines: It is up to them to enforce them until we receive further guidance from FIFA.
ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL . . .
Your question:
Can you get a red card because you have a angry face when you make a foul not worthy of a yellow?
USSF answer (April 29, 2003):
Anything is possible in this wonderful world of ours.
KEEPING TIME/THROW-IN QUESTIONS
Your question:
1. U11 boys game. Injury on the field towards the end of the game. The referee adds extra time because of the injury. In the last couple of seconds of extra time one of the away team players scores a goal and is celebrating as this is the winning goal. After the celebrating the referee looks at his watch and declares no goal as the game had ended. Since there was no game ending whistle, is this a legitimate call?
2. Weather is rainy and the ball is very slippery. U11B throws the ball in but because it’s so slippery the ball slips out early in the throw and lands on the field directly in front of the player. The ball had entered the field of play and the thrower had completed the correct throwing motion except for the fact that the ball was released behind the head. Is this a valid throw?
3. U16B runs up to take a throw-in. In the process of the run he gains an extra 10 yards. Should the referee require a re-throw or should the ball be turned over to the other team for the throw-in.
USSF answer (April 29, 2003):
1. Law 5 empowers the referee to act as timekeeper and to keep a record of the match. Law 7 instructs the referee to add time (at his discretion) for time lost in either half of a game or in any overtime period for the reasons listed in Law 7 (Allowance for Time Lost). The amount of time is not specified, but the referee must use discretion and common sense here, as in all other elements of game management. In this case, the referee showed a distinct lack of common sense in failing to keep better track of time and not allowing the goal, but there is little the players can do about it — other than reporting the facts to the referee’s assignor and state referee administrator.
2. If the ball was not released according to the requirements of Law 15 — from behind and over his head — then the throw was not correctly taken and the throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team.
3. Throw-in for the opposing team from the place where the ball originally left the field.
GOALKEEPER HANDLING THE BALL
Your question:
Can a goalie dribble the ball into his penalty area and pick the ball up? The ball was last touched by an opposing player.
I was doing a young boy’s game where a goalie punted the ball straight up in the air and caught the ball. The ball was not touched by an opposing player and it did not touch the ground. Is there an infraction?
USSF answer (April 29, 2003):
Given the scenarios you posit, the answer is yes for both questions.
A caveat on the first question: This applies only if the ball was not played by a teammate. And a caveat on the second question: This might be considered trifling in younger age groups.
REFEREE-ASSISTANT REFEREE CONSULTATION
Your question:
During a corner kick, an opposing team player grabs the goalie and prevents him from reaching an air ball, and consequently a goal is scored. The referee misses the infraction but the linesman does see it…Can the linesman lift the flag and consult with the referee about the infraction? Can the scoring call be recalled?
Wishing for better officiating…
USSF answer (April 29, 2003):
“Linesmen” are now called assistant referees.
Law 6 indicates that one of the duties of the assistant referee is to signal when a violation of the Law occurs out of the view of the referee. USSF training of assistant referees emphasizes, however, that they should not signal at all for fouls or misconduct that clearly occur in the sight of the referee, that are doubtful or trifling, or for which the referee would likely have applied advantage. Such events can be brought to the attention of the referee at a stoppage of play.
As for the goal, if the game has not been restarted since the goal was scored, the goal may be nullified. If the game has been restarted, then the goal may not be nullified.
Wishing for more knowledgeable players, coaches, and spectators . . .
PARTICIPATING AFTER REMOVING ONESELF FROM INVOLVEMENT
Your question:
A player in an offside position “gives himself up” (holds up his hands and makes no attempt to play the ball) as the ball rolls past him. A defender runs past the player chasing down the ball. He catches the ball a few yards past the offside player and turns upfield dribbling it.
The question: Can the player that gave himself up, now attempt to tackle the ball away from the defender? If not, when would he be allowed to “get back in the game”?
USSF answer (April 29, 2003):
: While it is true that a player who is in an offside position at the moment the ball is played by a teammate can become “onside” if an opponent intentionally plays or gains possession of the ball, that might not be true in this case. If that same player had clearly shown the referee that he was not interfering with play, but then became immediately involved in the play when the opposing player took possession, the referee should punish the involvement. Although the referee might consider that the original move to show non-involvement had a tactical aim or was in some way a feint, it is more likely that the player probably did not realize that he was infringing the Law. The referee must use common sense.
RESTART AFTER SUBSTITUTION
Your question:
Recently, a couple of members of our area referees association [in another national association] have been having quite a debate over the substitution procedure. The question is simply, “Should the referee allow the individual entering the field of play to assume his or her position on the field before play is restarted?”
Though the laws state that the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play, it would seem that in the interest of “the good of the game”, the referee should hold the restart to allow the new player to assume his / her position.
Your comments would be greatly appreciated to provide some insight on this matter.
USSF answer (April 29, 2003):
Caveat: The U. S. Soccer Federation cannot presume to instruct referees from other national association on how to manage the game as played in their country. The following answer would apply to games played under the auspices of U. S. Soccer.
If the player coming out is a goalkeeper, the referee will normally allow a replacement goalkeeper to reach a reasonable playing position before restarting the game. For all other players, the intelligent referee — remembering that two of his ultimate goals are fairness and enjoyment for the players — will wait until the entering player is at least in the general area of his team, but it is not necessary to wait for the entering player to assume the exact position on the field occupied by the player he replaced.
REFEREE CODE OF ETHICS
Your question:
In none of the various Referee Code of Ethics, have I seen any reference to the safety of the players. Can this be correct?
The Coaches Code of Ethics makes this the number 1 item. It seems odd that your number 1 item is “Play to Win”, while the safety of the players does not require any mention. Could this be why many referees seem to be more concerned with out of bounds calls rather than the safety of the players?
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
There are not “various” referees codes of ethics, there is only one Referee Code of Ethics. You can find it in the Referee Administrative Handbook.. It deals with overall referee conduct, not with specifics of game management:
Code of Ethics for Referees
( 1 ) I will always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.
( 2 ) I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position.
( 3 ) I will always honor an assignment or any other contractual obligation.
( 4 ) I will attend training meetings and clinics so as to know the Laws of the Game, their proper interpretation and their application.
( 5 ) I will always strive to achieve maximum team work with my fellow officials.
( 6 ) I will be loyal to my fellow officials and never knowingly promote criticism of them.
( 7 ) I will be in good physical condition.
( 8 ) I will control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate without sacrificing fairness.
( 9 ) I will do my utmost to assist my fellow officials to better themselves and their work.
( 1 0 ) I will not make statements about any games except to clarify an interpretation of the Laws of the Game.
( 1 1 ) I will not discriminate against nor take undue advantage of any individual group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
( 1 2 ) I consider it a privilege to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation and my actions will reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates.
The referee’s concern with player safety is part of the Laws he or she must enforce. Law 5 instructs the referee on his or her powers and duties. Among them is the duty to ensure that player equipment meets the stringent requirements of Law 4 for player safety. Another duty involves dealing with injured players.
Coaches have no such instructions. Their only duty under the Laws is to behave responsibly.
RUNNING THE LEFT DIAGONAL (AND COMMON COURTESY)
Your question:
I was working this weekend and overheard some coaches commenting about the right diagonal vs. a left diagonal. The state has a new position on this. Where can I find this on the web site?
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
Picture the field as a drawing on the wall. The left diagonal is when the pattern the referee runs goes essentially from bottom right to top left. The right diagonal goes from bottom left to top right.
There is no USSF requirement that the referee must run one diagonal the first half and the other in the second half — although having the flexibility to run either diagonal is a good idea.. The USSF Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials states that the choice of diagonals and the degree of flexibility is at the referee’s discretion.
Most referees run the left diagonal almost exclusively and most assistant referees are familiar only with the left diagonal. The referee who changes diagonals because of field conditions or to better observe play in a certain area of the field must take care to determine that the assistant referees know how to do it before asking them to learn a new skill while on the job — to the possible detriment of the game that might be caused through confusion and lack of experience.
TEAM REFUSES TO PLAY
Your question:
At the time for the match to begin, there is considerable standing water along both touch lines extending into the field. As the referee, you still think the field is playable. May one coach refuse to play?
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
The coach may refuse to let his team play. It is not the referee’s place to argue the point. The referee simply notes this in the match report to the competition authority.
PLAYER OUT, NO SUBSTITUTE IN
Your question:
I have a question regarding an earlier question dealing with player off- no sub in..
If for some reason the team elects to play short – sub is requested and granted. Player “A” leaves field with permission, coach indicates no replacement will play with 10. Am I correct that this is allowed?
Is the player who left still considered a player, not a sub? Does that mean he could re-enter, with permission, at some later time? Could different player enter, with permission, at later time?
What would be procedure for “A” to re-enter or for “B” to complete substitution – Any time, with permission, or only at stoppage?
While “A” is in the limbo situation, if he received a 2nd caution or direct dismissal does the team play short or can a sub be sent in.
As I read you answer I believe “A” would be considered a player, albeit off the field, until “B” enters the game, with permission. So a dismissal of “A” would be considered dismissal of player – not of sub- Team plays short.
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
Your belief is correct. As long as the player has left with the referee’s permission and has not been replaced by a substitute, he may return to the game as a player. And yes, a dismissal of “A” would be considered a dismissal of the player, not of a substitute, and the team would play short.
SUSPENDED, ABANDONED, TERMINATED GAME
Your question:
I know that the answer to this question may be dependent on the Rules of Competition for the particular sanctioning organization, but…
Does the USSF have a policy for determining when a match has been “played” in the case of an abandoned match? Does it matter why the game was suspended? I can think of the following reasons why a game would be abandoned:
– Threatening weather
– Unsafe field conditions
– Violence
– Damaged equipment
How long does the match have to be underway before it is considered to have been “played”?
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
Your intuition is correct, the status of an abandoned game is determined by the rules of the competition or the competition authority itself. There is no set amount of time, but many rules of competition will call a game complete if a full half has been played.
In the absence of a competition authority rule on this, the Laws of the Game would apply — meaning that the game must be played in its entirety and, if terminated or abandoned prior to this time, the game must be replayed as though the earlier effort had not occurred (i. e., it is not resumed from the stopping point).
“Suspended” means that a match was stopped temporarily for any of the reasons you cite. After that the match is either resumed, abandoned, or terminated and the competition rules take over.
WHAT’S MY LINE?
Your question:
On a throw-in, is the ball in play when it starts to cross the outside of the touch line or when it completely crosses the inside of the touch line? I have heard both. Is the ball considered in play whether the player taking the throw in has released it or not? Do you need to look for a hand ball in this case? When the ball crosses the touch line on the way out it must completely cross the outside of the line. I was told the ball needs to completely cross the inside of the touch line to be in play. On a goal kick, does the ball need to completely cross the outside of the penalty box line to be in play?
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
At a throw-in the ball is in play once it has crossed the outside of the touchline AND has been released by the thrower. (Even if the Law allowed it, which it does not, who would turn a simple matter of restarting the game into a federal offense by calling deliberate handling?)
Law 9 tells us that the ball is out of play when it has wholly crossed the touchline whether on the ground or in the air.
Law 16 tells us that the ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area. That means it must be completely beyond the line demarcating the penalty area.
OFFSIDE
Your question:
Most of us would agree that an attacking player is offside if the goalkeeper saves an attacking teammate’s shot on goal and the ball deflects to the attacker who was in an offside position at the time of the shot. The attacking player is in an offside position at the moment a teammate played the ball, and the attacking player became involved in play by gaining an advantage from being in that position.
Most of us would also agree that an attacking player is offside if a teammate passes the ball to the player in an offside position but the ball deflects off a defender who did not attempt to play the ball. Again, the attacking player is in an offside position at the moment a teammate played the ball, and the attacking player became involved in play by gaining an advantage from being in that position.
My question: Is an attacking player offside if the last defender (not the goal keeper) makes a great sliding save with his foot but kicks the ball directly to the attacker who was in an offside position at the moment the attacker’s teammate took the shot? Assume that the defender played the ball with his foot as well as a goalkeeper would have played it with his hands. He couldn’t gain control of it, but he played the ball deliberately; as luck would have it, the ball deflected directly to the opponent in an offside position.
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
The referee’s job here is to decide if the player, whether goalkeeper or other defender, controlled and established possession of the ball. If not, the ball was not “played” but simply deflected and therefore the offside must be given, regardless of what the defender used in making contact with the ball. The only difference between a goalkeeper and a teammate in this issue is that the ‘keeper can legally use his hands within his own penalty area. And now a question in return: Why would anyone not agree completely with a decision for offside in the first two situations?
PROPERLY-TAKEN KICK-OFF
Your question:
WHAT IF? …During a kick off, the player moves the ball forward, and, without breaking contact with the ball, rolls it backward to one of his teammates. Is an IFK awarded? Was it KICKED?
USSF answer (April 28, 2003):
We know from Law 8 that the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward. Moving the ball forward without releasing it is not kicking. Because the ball was not put in play, the kick-off was incomplete. The kick-off must be retaken.
GOAL KICK/DELIBERATELY KICKED PASS TO ‘KEEPER
Your question:
How many of your own players can you have in the box when you kick a goal kick? And in this scenario, what is the correct placement of the ball. A defender passes the ball back to his keeper inside the penalty box, and the keeper picks up the ball 2 feet away from the goal line, outside to the right of the goalpost, is it a indirect kick at the spot, or does the ball gets moved.
USSF answer (April 25, 2003):
There is no limit to the number of players from the kicking team who may be in the penalty area — if that is what you mean by “box” — during a goal kick.
Your scenario for the second question is unclear. If you mean that this happens on a goal kick, then the kick is retaken, because the ball must leave the penalty area and enter the rest of the field before it is in play. If it does not do this, then the kick is retaken. If you mean that a player deliberately kicks the ball to his goalkeeper while the ball is in play and the goalkeeper touches it, then the ball is placed on the goal area line parallel to the goal line for the indirect free kick, at the spot nearest to where the goalkeeper touched the ball.
PENALTY KICK IN EXTENDED TIME
Your question:
Penalty Kick. No time left in game. Time is allowed for kick by referee. Ball is kicked toward goal and hits goalpost and rebounds back into play. Is PK terminated when the ball is next touched?
USSF answer (April 25, 2003):
In the case of a match extended for the taking of a penalty kick, if the ball hits the goalpost and remains within the field, it may still be in play and a goal may still be scored if the ball winds up in the net if touched by the goalkeeper or it enters through spin or a bad bounce. In this case, the ball may not be played by anyone but the goalkeeper and time expires as soon as the ball stops moving.
METAL STUDS
Your question:
Have any specific instructions regarding the adidas Predator Mania SG boots have been issued to guide referees? If FIFA regards them as safe and they have no sharp or jagged edges, why would a referee judge them unsafe? A lot of kids are buying and wearing the boots with magnesium studs. It’s going to become an issue that needs be addressed clearly and without room for confusion. These boots are becoming increasingly popular, and thousands of players and parents are going to be terribly upset if they show-up for a game with only these boots to play in, and the referee declares them unsafe despite FIFA’s declaration that they are safe.
USSF answer (April 25, 2003):
We are not familiar with any recent notice from FIFA declaring any particular boots to be safe.
Referees are instructed to examine all player boots for safety, irregardless of the manufacturer’s name. Boots manufactured as soccer boots are usually quite safe at the outset of the game — and, if safe for all participants, should be approved. However, referees, coaches, and players must remember that a boot declared safe before the game starts may become dangerous during the course of play. Metal and even plastic studs tend to develop rough edges and may cause injury later in the game. Many youth leagues (both recreational and competitive) flatly outlaw boots with metal cleats. Players, coaches, and parents need to become familiar with their local rules of competition, just to be certain that buying a particular shoe or type of stud is not a mistake. But whatever the rules of competition may say, the referee has the final decision on all matters of player safety.
FEET AND THE THROW-IN
Your question:
A player takes a throw-in and has one foot placed on the touchline such that the foot is partially on the field of play, across the touchline while still on the line. Does this action constitute a foul throw-in? The law reads “has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touchline”. I interpret this to mean if the player’s foot is across the line (on the field of play, but still partially on the touchline) this is an improper throw-in. A fellow referee disagreed and believed it to mean as long as the player’s foot was on the line at least partially (not all the way across the line) then the throw-in is valid.
This topic has always seemed strange. A player is allowed to step on the touchline, which is part of the field of play, but the ball must cross completely over the touchline before it is in touch. If someone were to handle the ball on the line, while the ball is in play, it would be a free kick. However, the player can stand on the field of play (at least on the touchline) to put the ball back into play. This seems to contradict itself, in terms of when a ball is in play. Thanks for your clarification.
USSF answer (April 24, 2003):
The throw-in is SIMPLY A WAY OF RESTARTING PLAY when the ball has left the field of play over one of the touch lines. Please do not complicate things through erroneous explanations for things that do not need explaining.
The secret to understanding the throw-in is to follow the text of Law 15:
QUOTE
Procedure
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
* faces the field of play
* has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
* uses both hands
* delivers the ball from behind and over his head
END OF QUOTE
What does this tell us?
* As long as part (and the Law does not specify any particular part) of each foot is either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line, there is no problem.
* The part of the foot that makes contact with the touch line can be the toe, the ball of the foot, or the heel.
* The Law does not care about where the ball is, except the place from which it must be delivered, “from behind and over” the thrower’s head.
* There is no mention of the ball being entirely off the field — which would be impossible if the thrower were leaning into the field as the ball was correctly delivered.
* The ball need only break the plane of the outside of the touch line to be in play (once it has been released by the thrower).
* The thrower can never be accused of deliberately handling the ball if he does not release the ball before it crosses the touch line.
* Nowhere is it written that the thrower must stand at least partly in touch.
* As long as the throw is taken from the correct location, with both of the thrower’s feet on the line or outside it, and with the thrower facing some part of the field, and if the throw is properly delivered, then it is a good throw.
Notwithstanding these requirements, the intelligent referee will be satisfied in most case if the ball is quickly put back into play from approximately the right place. Most other violations should be ignored as trifling.
OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY OR SERIOUS FOUL PLAY?
Your question:
This is a follow-up to your answer of April 9, below. Prior to 1997, I understand the Laws of the Game stated that certain acts of ³handling² were to be declared Serious Foul Play. But in the 1997 rewrite, I now understand that not only was the foul reinterpreted (it is now ³deliberate use of hands²), but so was the penalty. Your answer, below, addressing Fabien Barthez¹ deliberate use of hands outside the PA, states that ³nothing else should be done² if he neither denied his opponent a goal, or a goal-scoring opportunity. Leaving aside the issue of Caution for USB, I ask simply: can Deliberate Use of Hands today ever result in a Send-Off for SFP? If so, how?
QUOTE OF ORIGINAL QUESTION
OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY OR NOT?
Question:
During the Manchester United VS Real Madrid Match Manchester Uniteds keeper deliberately handled the ball outside of his penalty area but did not prevent a goal scoring opputunity as he handled the ball just outside the right corner of his penalty area preventing the ball from going out for a goal kick and there was no opposition within 10-20 yards. The commentators where saying that he should have been sent off and I just want to know what apart from a direct free kick from where he handled the ball should be done.
Answer (April 9, 2003):
Caveat: The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) does not presume to tell the referees of other national associations how to referee the game. This answer would apply to a game played under the auspices of the USSF.
If the goalkeeper did not deny the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity when he handled the ball, then nothing else should have been done — provided the referee did indeed award the opposing team a direct free kick from the place where the goalkeeper deliberately handled the ball outside his penalty area.
It is unfortunate that many commentators, no matter their nationality, are not well aware of the Laws of the Game and their proper application.
END QUOTE OF ORIGINAL QUESTION
USSF answer (April 24, 2003):
The only clarification that might be made to the original answer is that the referee could caution the goalkeeper for unsporting behavior and show him the yellow card if he judged that the handling was a tactical foul designed to interfere with or impede the opposing team’s attacking play.
Deliberately handling the ball outside the penalty area is a direct free kick offense. There is no mention in the Laws of the Game or the IFAB/FIFA Questions and Answers on the Laws of the Game of punishing deliberate handling of the ball with a send-off/red card other than in the context of denying the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity. It should never be regarded as serious foul play.
Serious foul play is defined in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game”:
QUOTE
12.33 SERIOUS FOUL PLAY
It is serious foul play when a player uses violence (excessive force; formerly defined as “disproportionate and unnecessary strength”) when challenging for the ball on the field against an opponent. There can be no serious foul play against a teammate, the referee, an assistant referee, a spectator, etc. The use of violence or excessive force against an opponent under any other conditions must be punished as violent conduct.
END OF QUOTE
PERSISTENT INFRINGEMENT
Your question:
MLS game Saturday night April 19th. D.C. United player carded for the third foul on Beasley. Referee demonstratively counted out the three fouls. Afterwards Beasley was fouled four maybe five more times…no cards given.
Question- Is persistent infringement over after the card and foul count starts over? Should the referee yellow have carded the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh fouls on Beasley? When or ever should you go to red?
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
We do not comment on identifiable referees and the way in which they manage their games.
The USSF publication “7 + 7” instructs referees to caution and show the yellow card to those players who persistently infringe the Laws of the Game by repeatedly committing fouls or participating in a pattern of fouls directed at an opponent. Again, the referee should work to manage play so that such situations cease immediately, but, if all else fails, then all players who are part of this tactical scheme must be dealt with according to the Law. (There is no “team caution” under the Laws of the Game, so the referee may not send off and show the red card to a player on that player’s first infringement of this portion of the Law.) It shouldn’t take more than one additional caution to get the point across.
TIME MANAGEMENT/PERSISTENT INFRINGEMENT
Your question:
Time management is important, especially when a team is protecting a one goal lead. I understand long clearing kicks force the opposition to start their attack at their own 18 and I understand coaches substituting at every legal opportunity as time runs down. However, some teams in this area have started using tactics that I think constitute time wasting and unsporting behavior. I’d like your opinion:
1. A red team player picks up every ball that goes into touch and starts a throw in even when I am signaling it is a blue team throw in. I have to whistle the ball dead and get the blue team the ball.
2. After calling off a player and sending in a substitute the coach indicates he/she wants to substitute for another player, effectively doubling the amount of time used up for the substitution.
Either behavior can be an honest mistake but as Goldfinger told James Bond, “Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, but the third time is enemy action.”
My approach to the first situation when I see it occurring time after time is to warn the player and the captain, then if it continues to caution the player and show him/her the yellow card. In the second situation I tend to add time for the delay.
I would also like to ask how does one deal with a situation where a caution and yellow card have been given for persistent infringement of the laws because one team is targeting and fouling a certain player but the activity continues with different players committing the fouls? Does one continue to issue yellow cards until someone with a yellow card gets their second one and is sent off or can one issue a red card?
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
As to constant substitution, the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game” tells us:
QUOTE
3.5 PREVENTING DELAY DURING SUBSTITUTION
Referees should prevent unnecessary delays due to the substitution process. One source of delay is a request for a substitution that occurs just as a player starts to put the ball back into play. This often (incorrectly) results in the restart being called back and retaken. Another common source of delay is a substitute player who is not prepared to take the field when the request to substitute is made. In each case, the referee should order play to be restarted despite the request and inform the coach that the substitution can be made at the next opportunity.
The referee shall not prevent a team from restarting play if the substitute had not reported to the appropriate official before play stopped. END OF QUOTE
As regards your final question, the USSF publication “7 + 7” instructs referees to caution and show the yellow card to those players who persistently infringe the Laws of the Game by repeatedly committing fouls or participating in a pattern of fouls directed at an opponent. Again, the referee should work to manage play so that such situations cease immediately, but, if all else fails, then all players who are part of this tactical scheme must be dealt with according to the Law. (There is no “team caution” under the Laws of the Game, so the referee may not send off and show the red card to a player on that player’s first infringement of this portion of the Law.)
VERY LATE SEND-OFF/RED CARD (REPRISE)
Your question:
On the following question already asked, what happens if Smith scored a goal during the time he was allowed to continue playing? Does the goal get cancelled or allowed to remain as a goal?
QUOTE ORIGINAL Q&A
VERY LATE SEND-OFF/RED CARD
Question:
In a professional match, the same player (Smith) receives a caution in the 5th minute and another in the 25th minute, but the referee crew doesn’t realize the same player was cautioned twice and consequently allows Smith to participate for the remaining twenty minutes of the first half. Play is stopped and restarted many times. The officials notice their error while in the locker room at the beginning of the half time intermission.
Question #1: Can Smith participate in the second half?
Question #2: If no to #1, does Smith’s team play short for the second half?
Question #3: If no to #1, when should the referee notify Smith that he has been sent off?
Question #4: If no to #1, does the referee display a red card to Smith?
Answer (April 3, 2003):
No.
Yes.
As soon as he figures it out. In other words, before the start of the second half.
Yes, if it is done on the field before the start of the second half.
If the referee informs Smith in the locker room that he has been dismissed, then no card is necessary. (And full details must be included in the referee’s match report.)
END QUOTE ORIGINAL Q&A
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
: The goal stands — just another reason for referees to be careful about their bookkeeping.
ADVANTAGE
Your question:
In the Advice to Referees handbook, it is clearly stated that Advantage may only be applied to infringements of Law 12; it even goes so far as to specifically prohibit its application to Law 11. However, everyone knows that in practice most referees stretch the advantage clause to cover a variety of infringements, in particular offside. I have seen more than a few very intelligent, highly-respected referees wave down the AR’s flag, sometimes giving the advantage signal, as the ball is collected by the keeper. Is this practice merely a commonly accepted deviation from the letter of the law for the sake of the Spirit of the Game, or is this an officially endorsed practice?
Also, isn’t the whole concept of allowing a PK goal to stand despite defensive encroachment (or any of the other scenarios) just a form of advantage more rigid in its application? I say this because, for an incorrectly taken DFK (the restart PKs are loosely based upon) the restart is always a repeat DFK.
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
The intelligent referee does not use the advantage on offside or on infringements of any Law other than Law 12. The intelligent referee either calls offside or finds that the conditions have not been met. The matter of allowing a penalty kick to be scored despite the occurrence of a violation of Law 14 is a matter of discretion for the referee based on whether he considers the violation to be trifling.
SLIDE TACKLES
Your question:
Are slide tackles legal when a player with possession of the ball and is about to score, and is slide tackled from behind while in the goalie box?
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
A slide tackle is legal, provided it is performed legally. In other words, there is nothing illegal about a slide tackle by itself — no matter where it is done and no matter the direction from which it comes.
FIFA has emphasized the great danger in slide tackles from behind because, if this tackle is not done perfectly, the potential for injury is so much greater. Accordingly, referees are advised that, when a player does commit a foul while tackling from behind, it should not be just a simple foul (e.g., tripping) but a foul and misconduct. In fact, if the referee decides that the foul while tackling from behind was done in such a way as to endanger the safety of the opponent, the proper action is to send the violator off the field with a red card.
How can tackles become illegal? There are many ways but two of the most common are by making contact with the opponent first (before contacting the ball) and by striking the opponent with a raised upper leg before, during, or after contacting the ball with the lower leg. Referees must be vigilant and firm in assessing any tackle, because the likely point of contact is the lower legs of the opponent and this is a particularly vulnerable area. We must not be swayed by protests of “But I got the ball, ref” and we must be prepared to assess the proper penalty for misconduct where that is warranted.
Q&A LAW 3, Q&A 13
Your question:
I’ve been going through some of my readings and came across this conundrum.
From FIFA website…Q & A Law 3 #13… A substitute enters the field of play without having obtained the permission of the referee. While the ball is in play, an opponent punches him. What action should the referee take?
1. The referee stops play, sends off the player guilty of violent conduct, cautions the substitute for entering the field of play without the permission of the referee and restart the game by an indirect free-kick against the team of the substitute at the place where the infringement occurred.*
Law 3 in the Law Book states that “If a substitute enters the field…play is restarted with a dropped ball…”
What am I missing regarding these restarts…
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
: In Q. 13 the substitute also comes on the field without permission, but he is the victim of the violent conduct by his opponent, the greater of the two evils. The IFAB (and FIFA, who printed and disseminated it for them) erred on Q.13. The correct answer is that the indirect free kick is awarded TO the team of the substitute. We hope that this correction will be included in the updated version of the Q&A.
GOALKEEPER POSSESSION AND TIME WASTING (EXPANDED ANSWER TO ITEM OF 7 APR 2003)
Your question:
Is there a distinction between these two events in enforcing the GK six-second law?
1. Goalkeeper deliberately parries the ball to ground and retains possession in penalty area for more than six seconds while playing ball with his feet.
2. Goalkeeper has possession of ball with hands, but drops ball to ground and plays the ball with his feet for more than six seconds in penalty area. I believe #1 could be deemed to be time wasting as GK never gave up possession. #2 would not. USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
[Answer expanded, but not changed in substance, on April 23, 2003.]
There is a great difference between the two situations, but not in the proper action to be taken by the referee. In each case, the goalkeeper had possession and then gave it up. When the goalkeeper parries the ball (first situation), he has established possession and the six-second count begins then. Once the goalkeeper surrenders possession, the six seconds are no longer counted and the ball is playable. When the goalkeeper releases the ball to the ground (in both situations), he has relinquished possession and the ball is available for all players. In addition, the goalkeeper cannot play the ball again with his hands until certain conditions are fulfilled — none of which is proposed in the question.
WE PROTEST!
Your question:
I ran into a situation over the weekend and would like some clarification if we could protest this ruling by a referee.
In the second half, the referee ran the game 6 minutes and 3 second over the allotted time. (These was a 35 minute half’s, the second half ran 41 minutes and 3 seconds). There was no injury, in the second half. Three minutes after time should have expired, i.e. in minute 38, the referee told our coach he could not substitute as one minute was left, the game then went on another 3 minutes and 3 seconds. The other team scored to tie the game.
Since this was a league game, points are involved and needless to say, some very upset kids and parents. Appreciate an answer, so I can go back to the team.
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
Law 5 empowers the referee to act as timekeeper and to keep a record of the match. Law 7 instructs the referee to add time (at his discretion) for time lost in either half of a game or in any overtime period for the reasons listed in Law 7 (Allowance for Time Lost). Referees allow additional time in all periods for all time lost through substitution(s), assessment of injury to players, removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment,wasting time, as well as ³other causes² that consume time, such as kick-offs, throw-ins, dropped balls, free kicks, and replacement of lost or defective balls. Many of the reasons for stoppages in play and thus ³lost time² are entirely normal elements of the game. The referee takes this into account in applying discretion regarding the time to be added. The main objective should be to restore playing time to the match which is lost due to excessively prolonged or unusual stoppages. Law 5 tells us that the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.
If the facts are indeed as you state them, we would like to wring the referee’s neck — first for obviously making errors in timing (assuming the facts were as stated), but also for making the truly dumb statement that a substitution request could not be allowed because there was only one minute left.
It is certainly your right to protest, but there would appear to be little chance of success.
WHY NO CAUTION??
Your question:
In your response to ³ADDING TIME; TOO MANY ENTER AT A SUBSTITUTION² dated March 27, 2003, you indicated that no caution would be given because the player entered the field with the Referee¹s permission. While I agree with this assessment, shouldn¹t a caution be issued because the player ³deliberately leaves the field of play without the Referee¹s permission² also indicated in Law 12?
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
Why ever would one do that? First, this is an infringement of Law 3, not Law 12, so the analogy is inappropriate. Second, even if it were possible, the referee would be stabbing himself in the foot by doing that. The intelligent referee will not invite trouble where all is serene.
WHO CHANGES JERSEYS?
Your question:
I have a question concerning the nature of goalkeeper jerseys and referee jerseys. In a recent spring league game our goalkeeper was wearing a yellow goalkeeper jersey. Neither team had yellow jerseys and neither did the opposing keeper. After the referee had checked over the team cleats and shin guards making sure all was legal he asked our keeper which color jersey he would be wearing throughout the game. He told them he would be wearing a yellow jersey. The referee then told him that he may not wear it as the referees would be wearing yellow and they would conflict. The goalkeeper then put on another jersey allowed by the referee. My question to you is, who should change jerseys? Should it be the referees or the goalkeeper? If it is the goalkeeper then why aren’t yellow keeper jerseys banned in soccer games?
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
When we had only black uniforms, we referees rarely had color-conflict problems with players — and then the players decided they wanted to look “bad” and wear black. Now referees have four different jersey colors to choose from: gold, red, black, and blue. The referee team should make every effort to accommodate the players in choice of colors, but if the referees cannot all change to the same color, then they will ask the goalkeeper, the player least likely to be inconvenienced, to change. If the goalkeeper has no shirt of another color, then he or she may wear the same colors as the refereeing team.
HANGING ON THE CROSSBAR
Your question:
We have this big debate in our state and i have heard many answers to this question, let’s see what you think. A defender jumps up and catches the crossbar as the attacker is shooting the ball, as he is hanging there the ball hits the defender right smack middle of the chest. So let’s hear what you have to say to this situation.
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
We say the defender is guilty of unsporting behavior for hanging on the crossbar. This is misconduct and is punishable by an indirect free kick, to be taken after the referee has cautioned him and shown him the yellow card. If the referee believes the defender denied an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by this offense punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick, the referee will likely decide to send him off and show the red card.
NOTE: See? We answer even rude questions.
WEARING THE BADGE
Your question:
When doing a match is the logo such as the U.S.S.F. logo on the sleeve of the OSI yellow/black pin striped shirted REQUIRED under the laws of the game?
USSF answer (April 23, 2003):
No. But the USSF badge must be worn when working competitions affiliated with USSF.
“ACCIDENTAL” STRIKING
Your question:
The goalkeeper comes out to play a ball in the box and “accidentally” smacks an opposing player in the face. No blood is drawn but the attacking player was definately hit. It was not a definite goal scoring opportunity as there were 5 or 6 other players in the box. What is the call? Is it a cardable offense?
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
According to your scenario this was not an obvious goalscoring opportunity. If, in the opinion of the referee, this was the foul of striking an opponent, then the restart is a direct free kick for the opposing team from the place where the foul occurred. If this was in the penalty area, then it is a penalty kick. If, again in the opinion of the referee, this foul was committed either recklessly or with excessive force — in other words the foul included misconduct — the restart would stay the same, but the punishment becomes more severe because of the misconduct. If the foul was reckless, the goalkeeper would be cautioned and shown the yellow card for unsporting behavior. If the foul was committed with excessive force (also known as violence), the goalkeeper would be sent off and shown the red card.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATORS?
Your question:
Are you aware of any requirement that state administrators live in the state where they are an administrator?
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
There are no residency policies regarding administrators.
A SPECTATOR INQUIRES
Your question:
1. Blue player is taken out from behind with a 2-handed push just inside own end of the field. Red player gets possession of the ball and play continues until ball goes out of bounds across goal line. When injured player is removed from field, play restarts with a goal kick. Why no foul? I am not a referee, but it looked to me like it should have been a card. (Not that it matters as far as a card goes, but blue player has several small abrasions and bruises on arms and upper legs, and 1 in. cut and moderate bruises on lower back. Player is a 12-year-old girl.)
2. Defending red player intentionally strikes attacking blue player in the ear with elbow while in the box as attacker is shooting. Attacking team is given an indirect kick. Why no card and why no PK? Our whole sideline thought it was a card and a PK. While attending the player, the coach attempted to ask the referee, but the center yelled, ³Get off my field!² (Attacker has 2 in. black goose egg behind ear and possible loss of hearing. It was a VERY hard hit! Same game, same player injured.)
3. This has happened several times in various games at several age levels. Ball strikes player¹s arm and player makes no attempt to play the ball (in one case, she was completely surprised, and was looking around to see what hit her). Sometimes, a kick (I am not sure if it is direct or indirect, except when it was a PK) is awarded for the team whose player is not struck, sometimes the ref says, ³play it² and sometimes the ref completely ignores it. I was under the impression that unintentional ³handling² (handling includes arms, correct?) was not a foul. There was a sign posted on the referee board at the fields a while back that said, ³Ball to hand, no foul, hand to ball foul.² Since different calls are made in the same situation, someone is making a mistake! What is the correct call?
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
As stated here just recently, some referees actually do make mistakes and, though few will admit it, some referees even miss events on the field altogether. There is nothing anyone can do about it now, but here are the correct referee responses to your situations — assuming, of course, that you have described them completely accurately.
1. Direct free kick for Blue at the spot of the foul (as described).
2. Although the word “intentionally” is not in the Laws of the Game, the striking of the blue player in the ear by the red player should be regarded by the referee as at least “reckless,” meaning the player knew what she was doing but did it anyway, possibly trying to “send a message” to the blue player, and possibly “using excessive force,” meaning that the act was violent. A reckless player is cautioned for unsporting behavior and shown the yellow card. A player who uses excessive force is sent off for serious foul play and shown the red card. The restart in the case you describe is a direct free kick or penalty kick if committed in the offending player’s penalty area.
3. The offense known as “handling the ball” involves deliberate contact with the ball by a player’s hand or arm (including fingertips, upper arm, or outer shoulder). “Deliberate contact” means that the player could have avoided the touch but chose not to, that the player’s arms were not in a normal playing position at the time, or that the player deliberately continued an initially accidental contact for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage. Moving hands or arms instinctively to protect the body when suddenly faced with a fast approaching ball does not constitute deliberate contact unless there is subsequent action to direct the ball once contact is made. Likewise, placing hands or arms to protect the body at a free kick or similar restart is not likely to produce an infringement unless there is subsequent action to direct or control the ball. The fact that a player may benefit from the ball contacting the hand does not transform the otherwise accidental event into an infringement. A player infringes the Law regarding handling the ball even if direct contact is avoided by holding something in the hand (clothing, shinguard, etc.).
MECHANICS AND PROCEDURES
Your question:
What are the directives given to referee’s responsible for youth games re the following?
When an offside occurs and they raise their flag – do they stay there until the ref observes their flag – or do they give him approx 5 seconds then drop the flag and re-catch up with play?
When substituting, a referee forces a player to remain on the sideline until the player leaving the field steps off. Should the new player entering the field be allowed to take up his position before the referee indicates play should restart?
For what circumstances are youth referee’s directed to add additional time to the half. Ball out of play? Substitutions? Time wasting? injuries?
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
Except where specifically noted, the following answers are applicable for all matches, not just youth games.
1. If the referee misses the assistant referee’s signal for offside, the assistant referee should stand at attention with the flag raised until the defending team gains clear possession or until a goal kick or throw-in is awarded to the defending team. To avoid such situations, the referee should make eye contact with the assistant referees as often as possible. In addition, the assistant referees must be alert for and mirror each other’s signals if needed to assist the referee.
These procedures should be clearly covered in the pregame meeting of the officials, particularly when working with young and/or new assistant referees.
2. The referee will normally allow a replacement goalkeeper to reach a reasonable playing position before restarting the game. Officially, of course, goalkeepers are expected to be properly equipped before entering the field so time is not wasted while the old and new goalkeepers exchange equipment (gloves, pads, etc.) but we know this is often not the case in youth matches. For all other players, the intelligent referee — remembering that two of his ultimate goals are fairness and enjoyment — will wait until the entering player is at least in the general area of his team, but it is not necessary to wait for the entering player to assume the exact position on the field occupied by the player he replaced.
3. Law 5 empowers the referee to act as timekeeper and to keep a record of the match. Law 7 instructs the referee to add time (the specific amount being at his discretion) for time lost in either half of a game or in any overtime period for the reasons listed in Law 7 (Allowance for Time Lost). Referees allow additional time in all periods for all time lost through substitution(s), assessment of injury to players, removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment,wasting time, as well as ³other causes² that consume time, such as kick-offs, throw-ins, dropped balls, free kicks, and replacement of lost or defective balls. Many of the reasons for stoppages in play and thus ³lost time² are entirely normal elements of the game. The referee takes this into account in applying discretion regarding the time to be added. The main objective should be to restore playing time to the match which is lost due to excessively prolonged or unusual stoppages. The referee’s decisions here should not differ greatly for youth matches.
KICKING THE BALL AT AN OPPONENT
Your question:
Player from attacking team A and player from defending team B are about 5 feet apart, in the penalty area about 10 yards wide of the goal and about 10 yards from the endline. They are facing each other, B is between A and the penalty mark, B with his back to the penalty mark, A facing the penalty mark. Player A hauls off and drills the ball, which hits player B in the family jewels. Can this be considered unsporting behavior? What would you look for in determining whether or not it might be unsporting behavior? Is your answer affected at all by whether or not player B crumples to the ground or continues playing for a while? Is your answer affected by where on B’s body the ball hits? In the case of the strike on the family jewels, it seems that a no-call may lead to retaliation on B’s part. But is it the view that B simply defends at his own peril, and A shouldn’t be penalized because there is no way of knowing if it wasn’t just an inaccurate kick?
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
It is at least possible that the referee might decide, based on all the facts and circumstances and what had gone before this moment in the game, that the attacker was in fact deliberately using the ball to strike the opponent — if so, there might well be a case made for striking carelessly or even recklessly. Short of a statement made while the kick was being taken to the effect of “I’m gonna get you!” or “Take that, you scum!”, there is no reason to treat it the same as other forms of striking which are clearly violent conduct. Referees are not and should not try to be mind readers. Without the aforementioned statements or other evidence, the intelligent referee will reflect for a moment on the wisdom of wearing a cup and move on with the game.
PLAYER LEAVES WITH PERMISSION, NO SUB IN YET
Your question:
At a Goal kick. Routine sub situation. Player blue #6, leaves but no sub comes in. Ref not paying attention, allows goal kick, as #6 is leaving. So Blue team plays shorthanded. From bench area off field, player #6 sticks leg over touch line onto field, as play continues, trips opponent. Occurred on field by player — as substitution not completed — during play. Yes? So DFK, perhaps misconduct, etc.
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
Blue #6 is still a player, as the substitution was not completed. Whatever the intention of the player, until one of two conditions exists, he is still a player — (1) a substitute enters the field with the permission of the referee or (2) the referee decides that the player is no longer physically able to participate in play (due to injury). At a minimum, Blue #6 must be called for tripping his opponent on the field; direct free kick for the opposing team.
Then we are left with some options for possible misconduct:
– If Blue #6 left with the permission of the referee, he then returned to the field of play without the referee’s permission and should be cautioned and shown the yellow card.
– If, in the opinion of the referee, Blue #6 is guilty of unsporting behavior for recklessly tripping the opponent, he is cautioned for unsporting behavior and shown the yellow card. As this would be Blue #6’s second caution in the match, he must then be sent off and shown the red card.
Object lessons for all referees:
(1) Be aware of what players are doing and where they are.
(2) Do not allow the game to restart until substitutions are completed. In other words, the referee who fails to follow the requirements of Law 3 on substitution does so at his or her own peril.
SHIRT AND BADGE
Your question:
I am a Grade 8 Referee registered with the USSF. I currently only referee youth games for our local youth soccer league. I am just a soccer dad trying to help the organization get going. I was told by another referee that I could not wear my black badge on my referee uniform (the badge that says 2003 referee USSF). He informed me that since these matches are not sanctioned by FIFA, I should not be wearing the badge? This seems sort of silly to me, because the same circle of information is on my right shoulder of my yellow referee uniform shirt. And if this is true, Is there a badge that would be okay to wear? I fell silly having a big Velcro circle on my left shirt pocket?? !!
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
The referee has a right to wear the USSF referee badge as long as he is registered for the current year and is not doing an unaffiliated or outlaw competition. If your local youth league is not affiliated, you should not wear the black USSF badge when working those games.
The symbol printed on your shirt does not signify registration with USSF; it indicates that the manufacturer, Official Sports International, Inc., is a sponsor of the USSF National Program for Referee Development.
SIZE OF THE GOAL AREA
Your question:
What are the dimensions of the 6 yard box?
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
The “six-yard box,” also known as the goal area, measures six yards out along the goal line from the inside of each goalpost and six yards out from the goal line. That equals 6 plus 8 plus 6 yards long, 20 yards, by 6 yards yards wide.
SHORT HANDED OR NOT?
Your question:
If a player who was on the field in the first half of play commits misconduct that requires a send off just after the teams line up for the second half and it is clear that the player who commited the misconduct will not start the second half as he has been substituted out, should his team play short?
Referees in unlimited-substitution games tend not to have a formal substitution at the outset of the second half. Instead of waving the players on the field they just enter – and I think I’m correct in the interpertation that once they get on the field the referee should count the sides and make sure everyone is eligible and commencing play is an accepted aknowlegment of player entry and substitution.
In the situation I described above, play has not been (re)started for the second half. Is the participant who was a player of record at the end of the half and who is sent off prior to the start of the second half still considered a player of record, or is it that when his replacement enters the Field of Play the player from the first half at that time ceases to be a player?
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
If the misconduct leading to the send-off/red card had occurred any time after the end of the half and before the start of the second half, the offending player’s team would have to play the second half of the game shorthanded. In this case, even though the teams were already lined up on the field for the start of the second half and this player was now clearly a substitute, the team will have to play shorthanded, as the second half had not started.
LEAVING THE FIELD OF PLAY TO TAKE A GOAL KICK
Your question:
Can a player leave the field of play without the referee’s permission in order to run back on the field to perform a goal kick?
This situation arose as follows: At a youth BU12 match, the defending team was awarded a goal kick. A player from the defending team placed the ball at one front corner of the goal area. Another player on the same team stood at the other front corner of the goal area. As soon as the ball was properly placed, the player at the other front corner of the goal area ran in a straight line toward the goal line, left the field of play by going over the goal line, continued running around the back of the goal net, then re-entered the field on the other side of the goal and ran up and kicked the ball for the goal kick. It appeared the obvious purpose of this u-shaped maneuver was to give the kicker a lengthy running start in order to possibly increase the distance of the kick. Can a player leave the field of play for this purpose and in this manner?
I am aware that a player can leave the field of play in order to play a ball that is “in play” – such as coming off the field at the touchline to play a ball rolling on the touchline. A player can also come off the field of play to avoid being offside. But in the situation described above, the ball was not “in play.”
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
In the normal course of events, players are expected to remain on the field of play. However, they are allowed to leave the field to retrieve balls for restarts on the boundary lines (corner kicks and throw-ins), balls that left the field after fouls or misconduct, and to avoid opponents blocking their way or to get to the ball still in play, as well as to perform the restart itself.
In short, yes. But bear in mind that the referee could, under certain circumstances, consider this act of leaving the field for a goal kick to be a timewasting tactic and deal with it in that light.
THE GOALKEEPER IS A “PLAYER,” OKAY?
Your question:
I assume that if player “A” takes a penalty kick, and the shot deflects back (either off the ‘keeper or the post), and then player “A” touches the ball again, that this is not allowed (since the player taking the PK, can not be the first player to touch the ball). Is this correct, that he can NOT be the first player to play the ball after the deflection?? OR, if it deflects off the keeper, is player “A” then not considered the “first player to touch the ball after the kick”, and therefore OK for player “A” to to play the ball??
Please clarify.
USSF answer (April 22, 2003):
It is true that the original kicker cannot be the first player to play the ball after it is kicked, but nothing in the Law prevents the original kicker from playing a rebound from the goalkeeper. According to Law 14, the kicker “does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.” The goalkeeper is considered a player, so the goalkeeper can also be “another player,” thus allowing the original kicker to play a ball that rebounds from the goalkeeper.
WHO TEAM CALLS THE TOSS?
Your question:
Law 8 states to determine which team kicks off a coin is tossed. Home or Visitor team making the coin toss call is not mentioned. Which team is to call flip of coin? I have visitor team call flip. In a game last week a referee had Home team call flip.
Please confirm.
USSF answer (April 18, 2003):
It makes absolutely no difference who tosses the coin or calls heads or tails. The referee should bow to custom and usage in the culture in which he is working.
NO REPLACEMENT FOR PLAYER SENT OFF
Your question:
I have a question about red cards. Say that someone in the match gets a red card. I understand that the referee sends the player off but, does this mean that there can be a substitution for this player? Or does this team play short for the rest of the match? Say there are multiple red cards does the team play short for as many cards there were?
USSF answer (April 17, 2003):
Once a player has been sent off and shown the red card, the player’s team must play “short” for the rest of the game. In other words, no, a player who has been sent off may not be substituted. And yes, a team must play one player short for each player sent off and shown the red card — until the number of players goes below the normal limit, seven. Once a team is below the limit of seven, the referee will abandon the game.
HANDLING AND THE SHOULDER
Your question:
If a player intentionally strikes the ball with his/her shoulder, is this considered handling? In this instance, shoulder is defined as the area of the body between the collar bone and the top of the arm.
USSF answer (April 17, 2003):
Given your definition of the shoulder, the answer is yes. You will find the information in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game,” sections 12.9-12.11:
QUOTE
12.9 DELIBERATE HANDLING
The offense known as “handling the ball” involves deliberate contact with the ball by a player’s hand or arm (including fingertips, upper arm, or outer shoulder). “Deliberate contact” means that the player could have avoided the touch but chose not to, that the player’s arms were not in a normal playing position at the time, or that the player deliberately continued an initially accidental contact for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage. Moving hands or arms instinctively to protect the body when suddenly faced with a fast approaching ball does not constitute deliberate contact unless there is subsequent action to direct the ball once contact is made. Likewise, placing hands or arms to protect the body at a free kick or similar restart is not likely to produce an infringement unless there is subsequent action to direct or control the ball. The fact that a player may benefit from the ball contacting the hand does not transform the otherwise accidental event into an infringement. A player infringes the Law regarding handling the ball even if direct contact is avoided by holding something in the hand (clothing, shinguard, etc.).
12.10 RULE OF THUMB FOR “HANDLING”
The rule of thumb for referees is that it is handling if the player plays the ball, but not handling if the ball plays the player. The referee should punish only deliberate handling of the ball, meaning only those actions when the player (and not the goalkeeper within his own penalty area) strikes or propels the ball with his hand or arm (shoulder to tip of fingers).
12.11 USE OF THE SHOULDER
Any use of the shoulder in playing the ball is considered as using the hand. This can mean that, even though the player leaves his hand/arm close to his body, he may have moved the body so as to strike or propel the ball with the arm or hand, and the referee must watch for actions of that sort. Propelling the ball forward using the front part of the shoulder is considered handling, even when the main area of contact between ball and body is the chest.
END OF QUOTE
OFFENSIVE, INSULTING OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE (OR GESTURES)
Your question:
[A coach asks:] What are the rules regarding Foul Language? A few years back I was told at a Referee seminar that the NCAA was “red carding” players for use of foul language. Is this true? I’m appalled at the leniency by referees to the use of profanity in the youth game. What are the actual rules??
USSF answer (April 17, 2003):
Well, the U. S. Soccer Federation cannot speak for the college game (NCAA), but in the world game of soccer a player is sent off and shown the red card if he or she “uses offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.” It should be no different in your state than in the rest of the world.
There is also a memorandum of 14 March 2003 on this matter, available for download on this site.
PLAYER OFF THE FIELD
Your question:
On a corner kick, the goalkeeper comes out and catches the ball. After catching the ball in the field of pay and while keeping the ball in the field of play, ONE foot steps over the end line. the other foot is still in the field of play. Is the goal keeper inbounds or out of bounds. Similar questions, an offensive player while controlling the ball and while the ball is in the field of play steps over the touch line and back into the filed of play. Play continues or stops?
USSF answer (April 17, 2003):
You ask whether the goalkeeper is “inbounds or out of bounds” but this is not the correct question. Frankly, the referee shouldn’t really care if the goalkeeper is on or off the field, but only if the ball is on or off the field. Law 9 gives us a very simple test — has the whole of the ball completely passed over the line?
In the same way and for the same reason, the referee doesn’t care if a player steps partially, or even entirely, off the field during play if, in the opinion of the referee, such action was part of normal play. Again, we go to Law 9 for the answer. Play stops only if the ball leaves the field or if the referee stops play.
In short, a player is allowed to leave the field momentarily during the course of play if the situation requires it. A situation that would certainly require this would be playing the ball.
‘KEEPER’S HANDS AND THE BALL REVISITED
Your question:
I am now moving into centering more U16 and higher club matches, and I am having some second thoughts on calling the PK.
Early on, and I still tend to feel this way, I figured a foul should be a foul no matter where it happens – at center circle or in penalty area. As I have more games under my belt, I realize that the “lesser” or more trifling foul should not get the call in the penalty area. I am ok with that and understand entirely (I think). But a colleague stated that a National ref explained to him that a foul should be a FOUL! to get the PK call, since in awarding the PK we are basically giving the attacking team a goal. I don’t know how comfortable I am with this, and since I’m not comfortable I’m asking. I guess I still lean toward the philosophy that a foul at midfield should be a foul in the penalty area. Two scenarios I have experienced or observed:
1. Player shoots from about 16 yards, ball goes straight to keeper. After shot, player is fouled (“sandwiched” by two defenders) and goes down. Foul was a good two steps after shot. (Gulp) I didn’t call the PK. Should I have done so?
2. Player shoots while defender has a handful of jersey. No call. However, similarly severe jersey pulls were called outside of the penalty area. (I wasn’t the ref this time)
What is your advice to a referee hoping to upgrade this summer?
USSF answer (April 17, 2003):
Based on the scenario you described first, it would appear that a penalty kick would have been the appropriate decision — a direct free kick foul was committed by a defender inside his penalty area (of course, we would “swallow our whistle” for a moment to see if the ball went into the net anyway). As for scenario 2, it would appear that a penalty kick call would NOT have been appropriate since, as you specifically note, the shirt pulling did not interfere with the opponent’s ability to make a shot on goal. In this case, the holding was trifling and would not have been called at midfield any more than it should be called here. The “severity” of the holding (shirt pulling) is not the issue, the issue is what effect did it have.
A foul should be a FOUL anywhere to be called. If a “foul” is questionable, in other words, doubtful, then it should not have been called in the first place. The referee who wants a foul to be a FOUL is absolutely correct — but we suspect that he falls into the trap that swallows many referees, wanting a foul to be something that probably goes beyond the “careless” level which is all the Law itself requires.
A foul in the penalty area must not be any different than a foul at midfield: they must both be fouls as defined in the Laws of the Game and emphasized in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game”:
QUOTE
12.1 WHAT IS A FOUL?
A foul is an unfair or unsafe action committed by a player against an opponent or the opposing team, on the field of play, while the ball is in play. Deliberate handling of the ball is committed against the opposing team, not against a particular opponent. If any of these three requirements is not met, the action is not a foul; however, the action can still be misconduct.
Under the terms of Law 12, the word “deliberate” in the sense of deliberately committing a foul does not mean that the player intentionally set out to kick, push, trip, hold or otherwise foul his opponent. If that were so, the referee would have to be capable of reading a player’s mind. Under Law 12, the referee makes a decision based upon what he sees a player actually do ‹ the result of the player¹s action ‹ not upon what he thinks is in the player’s mind.
END OF QUOTE
The only difference will be whether the foul is a foul punished by a direct free kick (or penalty kick if committed in the penalty area) or one punished by an indirect free kick.
‘KEEPER’S HANDS AND THE BALL REVISITED
Your question:
Here is something where I would appreciate an official clarification:
In regards to your April 2 answer:
=========================================
‘KEEPER’S HANDS AND THE BALL
Your question:
I can’t find this in the laws of the game or on the “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game” or any the other of the handbooks I have. What determines when the keeper is out of the penalty area and should be penalized for handling the ball? Is it the position of his feet or the ball crossing over the 18 yard line? If his foot is on the line but not over what is the call? What about one foot out and one foot in? I just want to be clear on what to look for?
USSF answer (April 2, 2003):
It makes no difference where the goalkeeper’s body or feet are. The only significant factors are the position of the goalkeeper’s hands and the position of the ball. If they are in contact simultaneously (and deliberately on the part of the goalkeeper) outside the penalty area, then the goalkeeper has broken the Law.
==========================================
With the elimination of the steps, the frequency of keepers carrying the ball close to the edge, and to all appearances, beyond the bounds of the penalty area while releasing the ball into play, has increased substantially. Along with this has been an increase in assistants flagging such apparant breaches, over zealous referees awarding DFK’s to the opponents, spectator unrest, and even cautions to keepers who apparantly cross the line once too many times. There seems to be some confusion.
Further, even amongst skilled and experienced referees with whom I have discussed this, on-line as well as off, with those whom I work and assign, there is disagreement. The disagreement stems not so much on how we handle it, since most would make no call, but on the technical aspect of the Laws.
My opinion, which, by the way is in the minority, is, since the keeper is entitled to handle the ball within his/her own penatly area, if while releasing the ball from his/her possession, the ball accidentally crosses out of the penalty area while in contact with the keepers hands, it is not an offense at all. It is not a deliberate breach of the laws, not to be confused with a keeper carrying the ball out of the penalty area prior to releasing it or deliberately handling the ball outside the PA, all of which would be fouls.
The opposing view is that if the ball passes fully outside the penatly area while in contact with the keepers hands, even if in the process of being released, it is a deliberate breach of the laws. The rational for not calling the offense is that it is trifling. The keeper should be warned, and if this persists, could even be cautioned.
My question, therefore, is:
In your April 2 answer to ‘KEEPER’S HANDS AND THE BALL, you said: “. . . (and deliberately on the part of the goalkeeper).” Does this mean that if, in the process of releasing the ball from his possession, the keeper accidentally handles the ball outside his/her own penalty area, that the keeper had not committed the offense of deliberate handling?
Further, what official guidance might be offered to assist referees and assistants in judging this?
USSF answer (April 10, 2003):
Some very wise words that were once in the Laws of the Game, Law V, International Board Decision 8, familiarly known as the “V8” clause, instructed referees that “The Laws of the Game are intended to provide that games should be played with as little interference as possible, and in this view it is the duty of referees to penalize only deliberate breaches of the Law. Constant whistling for trifling and doubtful breaches produces bad feeling and loss of temper on the part of the players and spoils the pleasure of spectators.” These same words are preserved as an embodiment of the Spirit of the Game in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game,” section 5.5.
If the goalkeeper accidentally carries the ball over the line marking the penalty area while releasing it so that others may play it, this is a trifling infringement and the intelligent referee will overlook the matter. If the goalkeeper does it deliberately, the intelligent referee should first warn the goalkeeper and only stop play and award a direct free kick to the opposing team if it occurs again.
REFEREE ERRORS
Your question:
Here is a wacky set of circumstances that, unfortunately, decided a match and tournament championship against us last year. I never understood what happened and it’s been gnawing at me ever since:
A youth (U12) girls tournament game:
1. In a goal area scramble, opposition knocked down our keeper, who remained on the ground motionless.
2. Roughly simultaneous to (1), the ball was cleared away from the goal.
3. Opposition recovered the ball near the half line and renewed their attack.
4. Referee did not notice the keeper down until the attack approached the goal along the end line.
5. Referee stopped play and motioned the coach onto the field to help the keeper. Referee then asked the coach to carry the keeper off the field at the end line near the goal. The referee also told the coach that a substitution could be brought on from our bench.
6. Coach assigned a field player to become keeper; that player began putting on keeper jersey while standing on the field of play.
7. Referee quickly restarted with a drop ball on the 6 yd line, which was uncontested and was shot straight into an unguarded goal.
8. Coach protested quick restart and the referee acknowledged that no substitution had yet occured from bench players (coach was assisting downed keeper off field). Referee appeared to decide to redo drop ball restart.
9. After opposition bench protest, referee allowed goal and restarted with a kickoff.
The opposition should kick the ball out of bounds; but youth players do not always recognize this convention. No law penalizes this if it does not occur, of course. A good referee should stop play earlier. But what should a referee do if the downed player is not seen until late as in this case?
1) Should play be allowed to continue? (in youth matches the decision to stop play is acceptable for safety reasons)
2) Can a referee “maneuver” to ensure that the drop ball be uncontested in front of the goal (ie make sure no defenders are nearby or aware of restart)? I know keepers are routinely given uncontested drop balls, perhaps this is the same?
3) My biggest question: Can a referee restart before bench substitutions are made?
4) Can a referee restart before a new keeper is ready? I assume this is at the discretion of the referee as long as the keeper has a different colored jersey and is on the field. Should the new keeper have changed her jersey off the field?
This appeared to be horribly “unfair,” but may have been within the laws of the game (perhaps not “law 18”)? Or just an arbitrary unsupportable action by the referee? Your comments would be more than welcome.
USSF answer (April 10, 2003):
First let’s clarify some erroneous assumptions that many people make: (1) It is not always a foul if there is contact and a player, even the goalkeeper, goes down. The makers of the Laws have told us that soccer is a tough, combative sport – where the contest to gain possession of the ball should nonetheless be fair. They have also said that challenges to gain the ball, even when really vigorous, must be allowed by the referee — as long as they are fair. Referees must strive to promote player safety, but not at the expense of fair play for all. (2) There is no requirement in the Laws that the goalkeeper be on her feet during play — or even on the field!
Another erroneous assumption is one we referees tend to make: that we are infallible. If only! The referee in this case made a number of mistakes.
Referee error 1: The referee should stop play for a player down ONLY if he believes that a player is seriously injured and needs to be removed from the field, but not otherwise. Referee error 2 occurred next: Under the Laws of the Game, an injured goalkeeper may be treated on the field.) Once the referee has determined that the player must be removed from the field and has decided that a substitution may be made, as in this case, then he must wait until the substitute has entered the field and achieved a playing position. This is particularly true in the case of the goalkeeper.
Referee error 3 (at least in the vast majority of matches played in this country): No referee should ever make the mistake of ordering that an injured player be taken from the field without examination — the referee invites a team official to make that evaluation. While we want to err on the side of player safety, we cannot forget the specter of litigation.
Referee error 4 was that the restart was not correctly taken. The referee should not have dropped the ball without the new goalkeeper in proper position. The correct decision in this case would have been to retake the dropped ball.
While it is tradition that the opponent in such cases kick the ball out of play, it is not required by the Laws. But there was a fifth referee error: There is no requirement in the Laws that a player from each team be present at the dropped ball; nor any player, for that matter. If necessary, the intelligent referee will work the dropped ball so that the appropriate team will receive the ball.
NO RED CARD HERE — PUT IT IN THE REPORT
Your question:
Player A punches Player B. Center sees it and issues red card. He looks to lead AR who indicates Player B did not start it. 20 minutes later, the trail AR ask why both players were not red carded as Player B threw the first punch. One of the higher up refs on a web site says to red card player B at the half and there’s nothing you can do about the fact that 20 minutes have passed. To quote ATR the referee “is not obligated to take this action immediately, but MUST do so when the ball next goes out of play.” Seems to me he can’t issue a card 20 minutes later assuming the bal has gone out of play at least once before the half. Your take?
USSF answer (April 10, 2003):
Although a referee cannot rescind a caution/yellow card or send-off/red card once play has restarted, a referee may issue a caution/yellow card or send-off/red card immediately upon learning the facts from a neutral assistant referee or fourth official. Nevertheless, the Law is clear that, with one exception, every card must either be given at the time of the misconduct or no later than the very next stoppage. If the referee fails to give the card within these limits, the card cannot be given at all (though full details of the situation should be included in the match report). The exception is that a red card may be shown at any time prior to the end of a match if a player was given two yellow cards without the red card being shown and this fact is brought to the referee’s attention by a neutral official.
CHARGING THE SHIELDING PLAYER
Your question:
in a previous question: Marking vs. Impeding the G.K the USSF reply on April 1, 2003: “Overall, not necessarily relative to this one particular situation but during the normal course of play, what I read into this is that USSF is telling me that if an attacking player is impeding (shielding the ball) the defender is allowed to make contact with the back of the shoulder blade in an attempt to play the ball. Yes, No, Maybe???
In this case it is allowed to charge the shoulder blade of the shielding attacker. In another question “What contact allowed when a player is shielding the ball” the answer 3/27 is “Nor may the opponent charge the player in the back”. Is it really possible for the ref to distinguish between shoulder blade push and back push?
USSF answer (April 10, 2003):
Yes, we expect referees to know the difference between a fair charge (defined below in an excerpt from the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game”) and serious foul play, a charge in the middle of the back.
QUOTE
12.5 CHARGING
The act of charging an opponent can be performed without it being called as a foul. Although the fair charge is commonly defined as “shoulder to shoulder,” this is not a requirement and, at certain age levels where heights may vary greatly, may not even be possible. Furthermore, under many circumstances, a charge may often result in the player against whom it is placed falling to the ground (a consequence, as before, of players differing in weight or strength). The Law does require that the charge be directed toward the area of the shoulder and not toward the center of the opponent’s back (the spinal area): in such a case, the referee should recognize that such a charge is at minimum reckless and potentially even violent. It is a violation of Law 12 to perform an otherwise fair charge against an opponent who is already being fairly charged by another player. Such an action is at minimum a careless challenge. It is also holding and is commonly referred to as a “sandwich.”
END OF QUOTE
REFEREE ABANDONS GAME
Your question:
We played a game that began raining in the first half. during the half it was coming down very heavy. The ref instructed me that the field was playable and we would continue on. The opposing coach refused to play his team due to the rain and pulled them off the field. The ref then called the game. The ref informed me that the other coach did not want to play and the game would end in a 0-0 tie.
My question is, If the ref declares the game playable, should this not result in a forfeit to the opposing team?
USSF answer (April 10, 2003):
If a game is abandoned or terminated before it is completed, the determination of the result is up to the competition authority (league, cup, tournament). In most cases, competitions declare that if a full half has been played, the result stands, but that does not apply to all competitions. The referee does not have the authority to declare what the score is or who has won the game. The referee’s only recourse is to include in his game report full details of what caused the match to be abandoned or terminated.
MISCONDUCT OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY
Your question:
A goalkeeper standing in his penalty area strikes an opponent who is off the field of play. After dismissing the GK for VC, what is the restart if this occurred during play? In a similar scenario, the GK leaves the field of play to strike an opponent. What is the restart? What if the GK leaves the field of play to strike a spectator?
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
Because the misconduct occurred off the field, if the ball was still in play when the referee stopped play for the violent conduct, the restart would be a dropped ball at the place where the ball was, bearing in mind the special circumstances described in Law 8. If the ball was already out of play, the restart must be appropriate to the reason the ball was out of play. The referee would, of course, send off the goalkeeper for violent conduct and show him the red card.
NO JEWELRY!!!
Your question:
I have been in soccer for many years, first as a player later as a team coach and finally as a referee, in all these years I make the same question to any buddy who know about soccer rules.
The law book (Law 4) read: “A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (Including any kind of Jewelry” However I see that many players in the big ligs (MLS, Mexican, Europe etc.) wear jewelry and taping earrings during the games, my question is, the referees that work these games belong to a different FIFA group? why these referees allowed these players play with jewelry? As you may know, the job of the referees is very difficult, and for those of us at the amateur level it is very hard to explain to the young players why they cannot wear jewelry when the FIFA referees in these games continue to permit the players to do so.
I hope that in the future FIFA, USSF and the other federations take a good look at this situation and enforce the rule at all levels.
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
The U. S. Soccer Federation has made its position clear to all referees, from those at the top of the ladder to those just starting out: NO JEWELRY!
Here is an answer to a similar question, provided on April 2, 2003:
QUOTE
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment states very firmly in its very first paragraph: “A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).” This means that all items of jewelry are normally considered dangerous. There are only two permissible exceptions to the ban on jewelry: medicalert jewelry that can guide emergency medical personnel in treating injured players and certain religious items that are not dangerous and not likely to provide the player with an unfair advantage.
Taping earrings should not be permitted by any referee, as there is still the danger of injury to the player. Taping does not negate “must not . . . wear. . . any kind of jewelry.”
END OF QUOTE
In addition, all referees affiliated with U. S. Soccer must follow the guidance of the Federation, published in March of this year, regarding player equipment/jewelry:
QUOTE
Memorandum
To: Referees Officiating Professional Matches
All Affiliate Members
National Referee Instructors and Trainers
National Assessors
From: Alfred Kleinaitis
Manager of Referee Development and Education
Subject: Law 4, Players¹ Equipment (Jewelry)
Date: March 17, 2003
_________________________________________________________
Law 4 (The Players’ Equipment) states very clearly that “A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).” In addition, FIFA included in the 2002/2003 edition of the Laws of the Game a section on “Additional Instructions for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials” in which this requirement is further emphasized: “Referees are reminded that, in accordance with Law 4, players may not wear any kind of jewelry.” Referees officiating in professional matches must ensure that this clear restriction is properly enforced.
USSF reaffirms its advice to referees that jewelry worn solely for medical purposes may be permitted but only if, in the opinion of the referee, the item is not dangerous. Such items can often be worn safely if appropriately taped. Additionally, for married players, a wedding ring may also be permitted if it does not include any dangerous projections. An item of jewelry permitted by the referee under these provisions must have been carefully inspected prior to the commencement of the match.
The match must not be permitted to start with any player wearing illegal equipment or apparel, including jewelry. Players who insist on retaining such items will not be permitted to participate in the match. Any player who, having been instructed to correct illegal equipment, nevertheless attempts to participate in play without having made the correction is subject to being cautioned for dissent.
The referee, assistant referees, and the fourth official all share in the responsibility to enforce the clear requirements of Law 4 related to jewelry and are advised to discuss in their pregame meeting specific measures each will take to ensure compliance prior to as well as throughout the match.
Cc: Chair, State Referee Committee, State Directors of Instruction, State Directors of Assessment, State Referee Administrators, State Youth Referee Administrators
END OF QUOTE
It doesn’t get any clearer than that.
U-8 SMALL-SIDED TIME PERIODS
Your question:
how many minutes in a quarter foR u-8?
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
U-8s play four 12-minute quarters in small-sided games. If they play other than small-sided games, the time in the periods is up to the competition.
WHEN TO END A PLAYING PERIOD
Your question:
1. There are strong opinions has to whether it is acceptable to end a game during a dead ball interlude. To wait until a player completes a thrown in or launches a goal kick in order to blow the game over seems to be silly and not keeping in the spirit of added time which makes up for lost time for pauses in the game above and beyond reasonably paced restart efforts.
2. There are strong opinions as to whether it is acceptable to end a game by a very strict adherence to a fixed time so that in between the time a ball is struck and it enters the goal, and the referee determines that full time has been played, he/ she can state that the game is over and the goal is not counted. Some referees feel that there is an unofficial prerogative to allow a direct attack on goal to play out fully before the whistle blows. I know that when full time is over,it is over, but please elaborate .
Please provide your thoughts and the official positions in both cases.
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
There is no set or particular moment to end a game. Law 5 empowers the referee to act as timekeeper and to keep a record of the match. Law 7 instructs the referee to add time (at his discretion) for time lost in either half of a game or in any overtime period for the reasons listed in Law 7 (Allowance for Time Lost). Referees allow additional time in all periods for all time lost through substitution(s), assessment of injury to players, removal of injured players from the field of play for treatment,wasting time, as well as ³other causes² that consume time, such as kick-offs, throw-ins, dropped balls, free kicks, and replacement of lost or defective balls. Many of the reasons for stoppages in play and thus ³lost time² are entirely normal elements of the game. The referee takes this into account in applying discretion regarding the time to be added. The main objective should be to restore playing time to the match which is lost due to excessively prolonged or unusual stoppages. Law 5 tells us that the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.
Some referees will end the playing period while the ball is in play and there is no threat to either goal, such as allowing a team to take a goal kick and then ending the period. Others will end the playing period at a stoppage. Our advice is to do what is comfortable for you, the referee, and fair to the players.
OFFSIDE
Your question:
With the attacker A, running down the middle behind the last defender, his team mate makes a long throw-in. Before the ball reaches attacker A from the throw-in, the defender B catches up and attempts gain control of the ball. However, being a little late, the ball glances off defender B, and reaches attacker A, who is still in an offside position.
What is the call?
1) No offsides since the offside position is allowed at throw-ins, when received directly.
2) Offsides is the call, since when the defender touched the ball, the attacker was in an offsides position, and since the attacker had not received the ball directly from the throw-in.
Does the call change if the one who deflects the ball to the attacker A in an offside position, is his own teammate, who was also in an offside position at time of the throw-in?
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
First the vocabulary lesson, then the answer. There is no such word or condition as “offsides” in soccer. The word is “offside.” The other word is used in the game played with the pointy ball.
There can be no offside in this situation. At a throw-in it makes no difference if the ball deflects off an opponent. This is treated as if the ball had come directly to the person in the offside position. (If it had deflected off a teammate, then offside would come into consideration.)
SEND-OFF AT A SUBSTITUTION; PLAY SHORT OR NOT?
Your question:
I played in a match yesterday and had a questionable call made in the game, FIFA rules do not state whether or not this is the case or not so I have to ask you. Substitution was made and as the player was coming off the field and arrived at the touch line, he received a red card. Does the team go down to 10 men after that? In my opinion that is the case, the same as if he was actually on the field. They continued with the full sqaud of 11.
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
In all cases, the player who was being substituted out will be sent off (for whatever serious misconduct he committed) and shown the red card. If the referee and assistant referee or fourth official followed the requirements in Law 3 for substitution, in other words, if the new player (to be substituted in) had not yet entered the field, then the substitution was not completed. If the substitution was not completed, his team must then play short. The game restarts for the reason it had been stopped prior to the substitution.
OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY OR NOT?
Your question:
During the Manchester United VS Real Madrid Match Manchester Uniteds keeper deliberately handled the ball outside of his penalty area but did not prevent a goal scoring opputunity as he handled the ball just outside the right corner of his penalty area preventing the ball from going out for a goal kick and there was no opposition within 10-20 yards. The commentators where saying that he should have been sent off and I just want to know what apart from a direct free kick from where he handled the ball should be done.
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
Caveat: The U. S. Soccer Federation (USSF) does not presume to tell the referees of other national associations how to referee the game. This answer would apply to a game played under the auspices of the USSF.
If the goalkeeper did not deny the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity when he handled the ball, then nothing else should have been done — provided the referee did indeed award the opposing team a direct free kick from the place where the goalkeeper deliberately handled the ball outside his penalty area.
It is unfortunate that many commentators, no matter their nationality, are not well aware of the Laws of the Game and their proper application.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE GAME?
Your question:
A scenario was presented in a class module titled “Refereeing for the Good of the Game.” The purpose for the class is to provide referees with tools/ideas to keep the game going without being too stuck on being a “by the Book” referee.
Attacking player Red at 10 yards in front of the attacking goal, shoots on goal. Defender, fullback, Blue, in haste and under pressure from a second Red attacker, within the goal area at 3 yards in front of the mouth of goal, deliberately kicks the ball to the Goalkeeper, not too far away, but also in front of the mouth of goal at 3 yards distance. The GK handles the ball. Referee stops play for GK handling the ball on a deliberate kick to the GK by a teammate, awarding an IFK, arm raised up. The Goalkeeper (being the gentleman that he is) drops the ball at said spot (3 yards in front of the mouth of goal) and retreats. Red attackers 1 & 2 quickly approach the ball for a quick kick. One touches, the other kicks the ball over the goal line wide of the goal. All the players, Red and Blue, prepare for a goal kick restart.
The positioning or actions of the referee are not mentioned at all in this scenario other than what is written above.
My question: Does, or may, the referee allow the Red’s IFK quick kick, from three yards in front of the attacking goal, that went wide of the goal to remain, then restarting with a goal kick? This will keep the flow of the game continuing on without bringing players back to do it again.
Or does the referee have the IFK retaken at the appropriate spot on the goal area line closest to the point where the GK handled the ball? This will ensure that the ball is properly put into play.
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
The game was restarted improperly. Place the ball at the appropriate spot, as indicated in your question, and retake the indirect free kick. Read into this answer a condemnation of the referee for not being on the spot to ensure a correct restart in the first place.
THERE IS NO “ATTEMPTED GRABBING” FOUL
Your question:
We had a situation on Saturday that I would like to run by you. One of our kids made a shot at the goal. The goalie trapped the ball, but then he reached out with both hands to grab an opposing player running by. Luckily he missed. My question is, had he been able to grab the kid . . . what, if any, penalty could have been called?
USSF answer (April 9, 2003):
If the goalkeeper had actually done this, laying hands on the opponent within the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the referee would have had no recourse but to award the opposing team a penalty kick.
POOR MECHANICS LEADS TO PROBLEM FOR REFEREE
Your question:
I was a center at at U12G game with real ARs. There were about 2 minutes left in a 1-1 game. I was standing at the upper left corner of the penalty area and the AR was to my right at the corner on the end line. A player took a shot which the goalie caught and took a step backwards. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the AR quickly raise his flag and immediately take it down. I then turned my attention away from play (the goalie was running out to punt the ball downfield) and watched him run upfield. Upto that point, we did not have eye contact. There was quite a bit of controversy from the sidelines as to the fact the goalie had brought the ball back into the goal, completely crossing the goal line (how people at the center stripe could see that when I couldn’t is beyond me, but spectators are always right
The game ended 2 minutes later in a chorus of controversy. Not withstanding the fact that USSF teaches ARs to raise the flag and move upfield as a signal for a disputed goal), I felt that the AR should have stayed in place with the flag raised until I made eye contact and perhaps then run upfield. If I had seen the AR standing in place, I would have realized what had happened and stopped play at that point. To me, this would have been no different than the situation on a goal being scored and the AR calling offsides.
Upon speaking to the senior referee of our league, he felt that the AR did the right thing. His concern was that if the AR had stood there, I could have interpreted that as an offsides call. My response was that context is important here. There were defenders standing on the goal line and there couldn’t be offsides.
Obviously, at least to me there needed to be some unusual action. So what is the real story here? I realize that USSF teaches that AR signals should be subtle, but in some cases, it seems to me that signals should not be subtle.
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
This issue is not a disputed goal but a goal which has been scored despite the appearance of players continuing to play the ball. Nowhere in your scenario did you indicate whether you had discussed the situation with the assistant referee (AR) in question. Not having this information, we can only speculate.
First, the correct signal for a ball into goal and then pulled back into play is as you described it — the AR stands with his flag up, makes eye contact with the referee, and then moves upfield to indicate a good goal.
Your presumption about what the AR should have done is misleading, however. The AR standing with the flag up in the air is only asking for the referee’s attention — a sort of “Hey, ref!” signal. The eye contact is the referee’s answer — “Yeah, what is it?” It is what comes next that is important. Offside could be signalled, but so could a foul or misconduct, a throw-in, a goal kick, a corner kick, or, as here, a goal. If a goal had been scored by an attacker in an offside position, the signal by the AR would have been completely different than what the AR did in this case.
The problem that occurred here is that, from your point of view, the AR did not wait for eye contact before running upfield. However, you say you saw the flag go up and should have wondered why the AR would do this and then run upfield. On the other hand, you did say that you saw the flag go up and thus, presumably, the AR saw you see this — this might have, in his mind, constituted the requisite eye contact and thus his actions were perfectly understandable and, from his point of view, correct.
The entire scenario should be taken as an object lesson for referees and assistant referees to slow things down a bit and make their actions more deliberate. There are few things that can happen on a soccer field, from the referee’s point of view, which are so critical that good decisionmaking couldn’t be made better by waiting a second or two.
POSITION AT CORNER KICK
Your question:
Which is the best position in corner-kick in your opinion for the referee?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
There is no “best” position for the referee at a corner kick. Proper positioning must be intelligent and flexible, allowing the referee to see what is going on at the restart. Some referees will position themselves near the goal post, while others will take up a position nearer the corner of the penalty area, 14-17 yards from the goal line. It is a matter of “reading” what is going on in the game and preparing for it. It also involves proper use of the assistant referee at that end of the field. It is also advisable to vary your position throughout the game so that players cannot predict where you will be and thus “hide” violations from you.
INDIRECT FREE KICKS IN SMALL-SIDED GAMES
Your question:
As I understand it, the modified LOTG for small-sided soccer games where there is no goalie indicate that all free kicks are indirect. Is it necessary to give the IFK signal for every free kick, or what would the proper signal be?
Also, since there are no DFK’s is it correct to assume that no goal can be scored directly from a goal kick or kickoff?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
Although it is not stated specifically, under small-sided rules the kick-off is treated as an indirect free kick, just like all the other kicked restarts (including the corner kick). For the education of the players, and to remind the referee, give the indirect free kick signal at every kicking restart.
TRICKY PLAY TO BEAT OFFSIDE TRAP QUITE LEGAL
Your question:
Team A is attacking, B is defending. B has used the quick offside trap to catch attackers off guard several times (by quick I mean stepping forward right before a pass is made to place their opponent offside). Team A catches on to the tactic and purposely leaves a man in line with defenders to be placed offside. Team B, seeing the “decoy,” prepares to step forward and put him offside. Sure enough, Team A player makes motion to pass to the potential offside player, prompting Team B to move forward, only this time faking the pass and dribbling full sprint past the defenders who are expecting the offside call and moving in the wrong direction.
Does the use of this decoy still constitute involvement and thus offside (without him in the picture the defenders would not step forward, instead collapsing on the attacker), or is this just another smart and sneaky tactic that makes soccer enjoyable?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
Yes, this is one of those smart and sneaky tactics that are both legal and enjoyable to watch. The only way to win is to score.
TECHNICAL AREA; FOURTH OFFICIAL’S “AREA”
Your question:
Can you please provide me with the measurements of the team technical areas and the 4th official “area”?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
The information you seek on the technical area is in the Laws of the Game:
QUOTE
The Technical Area
The technical area described in Law 3, International F.A. Board Decision no. 2, relates particularly to matches played in stadia with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes as shown below.
Technical areas may vary between stadia, for example in size or location, and the following notes are issued for general guidance.
– The technical area extends 1 m (1 yd) on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 m (1 yd) from the touch line.
– It is recommended that markings are used to define this area.
– The number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules.
– The occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules.
– Only one person at a time is authorized to convey tactical instructions and he must return to his position after giving these instructions.
– The coach and other officials must remain within the confines of the technical area except in special circumstances, for example, a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referee’s permission, to assess an injured player.
– The coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner.
END OF QUOTE
There is no defined area for the fourth official, other than between the two technical areas, where the fourth official can carry out his or her defined duties.
FOUL OR NOT?
Your question:
Our Club uses referees for U-5 and U-6 games mainly as a training ground. No official score is posted for these games. I understand that many young children have not mastered complete physical control of their legs and arms, and that most of the time their games are what we normally refer to as “mob ball”, so there are many accidental falls, trips, etc. Do you have any advice on how fouls should be called for these games? For instance, at these ages, an opposing player might accidentally kick an attacker in the shin guard or trip him while trying for the ball. I want to be objective, but it can be difficult when parents are screaming at you because their child is laying on the field after a fall. In other words, does a foul need to be intentionally committed for play to be stopped?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
The referee is always given the discretion to determine what is a foul and what is not, no matter what the level of play. In youth play the referee should strive “to keep the playing environment FUN, SAFE and focused on the child.” Youth soccer at the youngest ages is an educational experience, not simply a game, and the players need to learn in a civilized way what they can and cannot do. If the referee, whether a registered referee, a team official, or a parent/coach, coordinator, manager, or observer, stops “play for a foul or other reason, he or she must take the time to explain to the players WHY!
All referees need to remember that “intent” is not an issue in deciding what is or is not a foul, regardless of age, and that something at the youngest age levels might nonetheless be considered a foul if it is determined to be careless. U-5/6 is not too young to begin learning not to be careless.
WHEN TO BLOW THE WHISTLE AT OFFSIDE
Your question:
I would like clarification on when the official must blow his whistle on an offside call. We were playing a game and there was an offside call the ball went to the keeper and play probably should have gone from there, instead the referee awarded the indirect kick without blowing the whistle to stop play. Is this the correct procedure or do you have to blow the dead before awarding the free kick.
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
The referee must signal a decision to stop play in some way. This is usually done with the whistle. The signal should occur soon after the referee has made the decision to stop play (which is the actual moment when the infringement is called). The referee sends the message from brain to hand and mouth, and then blows the whistle or makes some other signal announcing the decision.
MISCONDUCT; LOCATION OF RESTART ON “DELIBERATE PASS”
Your question:
Two questions for you.
1) In a recent game I was the AR. A player was deliberately fouled over the goal line (off the pitch) in retaliation for a previous foul the referee chose to ignore. The referee gave the red card and sent the player off. What is the correct restart in this situation? I thought it would be a goal kick (since it was misconduct off the pitch and the restart was a goal kick anyway), he did a DFK from the goal line (outside of the 6 yard line) where the incident occurred. Who was correct?
2) When a pass is deliberately played to the GK and he plays it with his hands the correct restart is a IFK. But from where? The place where it was played to the GK or where the GK handles the ball?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
1. An infringement of Law 12 that occurs off the field of play cannot be classified as a foul. It is misconduct. The referee was correct in sending off the player and showing the red card, but the restart was certainly incorrect. If the ball was still in play when the referee stopped play for the misconduct, then the correct restart would have been a dropped ball at the place where the ball was when play was stopped.
2. As you state, the restart in this case is an indirect free kick. According to Law 12, the indirect free kick is taken from where the offense occurred. The offense occurs, according to the Law, where the goalkeeper “touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate.” (If this occurs within the goal area, the kick is taken at the point on the goal area line parallel to the goal line nearest to the place where the goalkeeper touched the ball.
RESTART AT THROW-IN THAT DOES NOT ENTER FIELD
Your question:
I had a coach who said he had been a State referee for twenty years tell me there was a rule change on throw-ins when the ball does not enter the field. He claims possession changes if the ball does not enter the field. I explained the ball is not in play if it does not enter the field. The team awarded the throw keeps possession.
Has there been a change and if so what is it?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
Well, the coach and self-proclaimed “State referee” is wrong. He is referring to a change in the high school rules two or so years ago. This rule does not apply to the rules of any game of soccer played under the auspices of the United States Soccer Federation and using the Laws of the Game.
CLUB LINESMEN LIMITED IN WHAT THEY CAN DO
Your question:
Recently we were at a game where both sideline judges were fathers of boys on the opposing team. Offsides was called by the sideline judges against our team. Several parents stated that they thought this wasn’t allowed since the sideline refs were ‘bias’ by relationship default. Is this true?
We lost a great goal and the game (due to this call in particular) and the game was particularly rough on and by a couple players.
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
Where neutral assistant referees are not available, the referee may use club linesmen, such as the parents you describe in your question. Club linesmen must remember, and the referee must make it clear, that the decision of the referee is final and must not be questioned. The relationship of club linesmen to the referee must be one of assistance, without undue interference or any opposition. Club linesmen are to signal only when the ball is entirely over the goal line or touch-line. In other words, no assistance on offside. A referee who allows club linesmen to make any other game decisions is a referee asking for trouble.
LOST BADGE
Your question:
I was making a copy of it and i left it in the copying machine at the store. I know it was careless. But now its gone. What do I do?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
Go to your State Referee Administrator or State Youth Referee Administrator and ask if you can purchase a new badge from them. If that fails, call the USSF referee department in Chicago (312-808-1300), who will be happy to sell you a new badge, plus shipping and handling.
FEINTING AT A PENALTY KICK
Your question:
My question is twofold: During penalty kicks some players will use a stutter step to try and throw off the timing of the goalie to see if he is committing to one side or the other. If during the kicker’s approach to the ball he stutter steps and then stops at the ball because the goalie has not committed is the kicker allowed to back up and restart his run for the penalty shot, or if the kicker stutter steps to the ball kicks and misses the ball because he is looking at the goalie to see where the goalie comitted is the kicker allowed to restart his run to the ball? In neither case the kicker touched the ball. What if the situation repeats itself a second time?
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
Feinting at a penalty kick, provided it is done without lapsing into unsporting behavior, is allowed. The judgment of unsporting behavior is at the discretion of the referee, who should remember that players are permitted to deceive their opponents at the taking of free kicks outside the penalty area using well-rehearsed drills. The penalty kick should be treated in the same way. Remember that the penalty is awarded because of an offense by the defending team. One example of unsporting behavior would be to step over the ball, hesitate, and then bring the foot back again to kick the ball. The kicker’s behavior must not, in the opinion of the referee, unduly delay the taking of the kick.
While the referee might allow a player to get away with this once, it would be very unprofessional to allow a kicker or a series of kickers to pull the same trick again. If the referee believed the player deliberately missed the ball early to shake the ‘keeper’s concentration, then a caution/yellow card for unsporting behavior would be in order. If the referee believed that it had been merely the kicker’s enthusiasm or an honest mistake, the referee would warn the first kicker before taking any disciplinary action.
Nor should referees limit any feinting unnecessarily. Remember that the penalty is awarded because of an offense by the defending team.
Any instance of unsporting behavior must be in the opinion of the referee, based on that particular act in that particular game at that particular moment of the game. Although there are certain actions that will always be unsporting behavior, we cannot arbitrarily set a list of actions that must be called as unsporting behavior in the case of feinting at a penalty kick. The referee has to take responsibility for some of his own decisions.
GOALKEEPER POSSESSION AND TIME WASTING
Your question:
Is there a distinction between these two events in enforcing the GK six-second law?
1. Goalkeeper deliberately parries the ball to ground and retains possession in penalty area for more than six seconds while playing ball with his feet.
2. Goalkeeper has possession of ball with hands, but drops ball to ground and plays the ball with his feet for more than six seconds in penalty area.
I believe #1 could be deemed to be time wasting as GK never gave up possession. #2 would not.
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
There is a great difference between the two situations. When the goalkeeper parries the ball, he has established possession and the six-second count begins then. When the goalkeeper releases the ball to the ground, he has relinquished possession and the ball is available for all players.
GUEST PLAYERS
Your question:
I officiate local Park District games and have a question regarding “guest players”. Often, when I show up to referee a match, one side is short of seven players, while the other side has well over eleven. My question is, is it permitable for players from one team to play for the other side because of player limitation? Does it depend on the league? Thank you for your time.
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
According to Law 3, if a team cannot field the minimum number of registered players, the game cannot go on. However, the rules regarding who is or who is not able to play on a team are entirely up to the league or tournament that sponsors the match. If they allow it, so should the referee.
TAKING A GOAL KICK
Your question:
Can a goalkeeper “drop kick” the ball on a Goal Kick verses punting the ball? I have been told no by another Grade 8 referee.
USSF answer (April 7, 2003):
At a goal kick the ball — stationary on the ground — is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team.
FOUL OR NOT?
Your question:
While kicking the game ball the kicker swings his elbow (arm) back and hits an opponent in the nose which causes an injury, what is the call?
Also, two players are running side by side and the offensive player goes down. Both players were bumping each other for over 10-15 yards, what is the call?
USSF answer (April 3, 2003):
Your descriptions of these situations, while colorful, are not precise enough to allow us to give you a good answer. Was the kicker swinging in anger or intimidation, or was it simply to maintain balance? There is a big difference in what should and would be called. In the second situation, both players appear to have been very offensive.
ILLEGAL PLAYER?
Your question:
What do you do when a parent approaches you and says that the other team has a select player playing in rec. league? They have a newspaper picture from 2 weeks earlier with this girls picture along with the select team. Is this illegal and what should be done about it?
USSF answer (April 3, 2003):
This is a problem for the competition authority to resolve, not the referee. If the player has a legitimate pass and is listed on the team roster, there is nothing the referee can do.
Although the referee is not in a position to make any ultimate determination here (the player must be allowed to play), the referee can and should include details of the incident in his game report.
VERY LATE SEND-OFF/RED CARD
Your question:
In a professional match, the same player (Smith) receives a caution in the 5th minute and another in the 25th minute, but the referee crew doesn’t realize the same player was cautioned twice and consequently allows Smith to participate for the remaining twenty minutes of the first half. Play is stopped and restarted many times. The officials notice their error while in the locker room at the beginning of the half time intermission.
Question #1: Can Smith participate in the second half?
Question #2: If no to #1, does Smith’s team play short for the second half?
Question #3: If no to #1, when should the referee notify Smith that he has been sent off?
Question #4: If no to #1, does the referee display a red card to Smith?
USSF answer (April 3, 2003):
1. No.
2. Yes.
3. As soon as he figures it out. In other words, before the start of the second half.
4. Yes, if it is done on the field before the start of the second half. If the referee informs Smith in the locker room that he has been dismissed, then no card is necessary. (And full details must be included in the referee’s match report.)
JEWELRY
Your question:
can u tape an earing up durning a soccer match if the person can not take it out or will you tell them to take it out or not play?
USSF answer (April 2, 2003):
Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment states very firmly in its very first paragraph: “A player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player (including any kind of jewelry).” This means that all items of jewelry are normally considered dangerous. There are only two permissible exceptions to the ban on jewelry: medicalert jewelry that can guide emergency medical personnel in treating injured players and certain religious items that are not dangerous and not likely to provide the player with an unfair advantage.
Taping earrings should not be permitted by any referee, as there is still the danger of injury to the player. Taping does not negate “must not . . . wear. . . any kind of jewelry.”
NUMBERS ON JERSEYS
Your question:
I was wondering if you could tell me if there are and what kind of rules about numbers on players jerseys? for instance is there size requirements or duplicate number restrictions, where can numbers start on the number line or how big a number can be used?
USSF answer (April 2, 2003):
The Laws of the Game neither require numbers nor set standards for them. Numbers are governed by the rules of the competition in which the player’s team is participating, i. e., the league, cup, or tournament in which the team competes. The referee should worry only about any requirements regarding numbers in the rules of the competition in which he or she is officiating.
‘KEEPER’S HANDS AND THE BALL
Your question:
I can’t find this in the laws of the game or on the “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game” or any the other of the handbooks I have. What determines when the keeper is out of the penalty area and should be penalized for handling the ball? Is it the position of his feet or the ball crossing over the 18 yard line? If his foot is on the line but not over what is the call? What about one foot out and one foot in? I just want to be clear on what to look for?
USSF answer (April 2, 2003):
It makes no difference where the goalkeeper’s body or feet are. The only significant factors are the position of the goalkeeper’s hands and the position of the ball. If they are in contact simultaneously (and deliberately on the part of the goalkeeper) outside the penalty area, then the goalkeeper has broken the Law.
AR SHOULD ASSIST, NOT INSIST
Your question:
A situation occured recently where I was the linesman. At the exact time where a ball went over the touch line, I made a call for Team A, and the referee made a call for Team B. I would like to think that I was right, but, hey, I wholeheartedly agree that the referee can certainly override my call. But, in this instance when we both signaled opposite directions of the call, I then saw the referee’s call and immediately changed by signal to coincide with his. But, at the very same time that I was altering my call players from Team A were pleading to the referee, “ref, look at your linesman’s call please”. Now the referee did indeed notice me, but now my call was agreeing with him. Keep in mind that no more than 2 or 3 seconds have expired during this whole exchange of words and directions of my flag. Boy, did feel stupid. I felt that my call was correct to start with as I was in a better position to see it, and I felt that I should have communicated this to the referee.
So what should I have done differently? Anything? How could I have communicated my disagreement with his call without causing any undo concern on the part of the players. Should I have left my call as I made it until waved off by the referee? Should I immediately change my call to agree with him? I appreciate any thoughts and words of wisdom you could impart.
USSF answer (April 2, 2003):
The first rule of the assistant referee (AR) is to assist, not insist.
If the referee is about to carry out a decision that may be based on erroneous data, it is the duty of the AR to ASSIST the referee by bringing that fact to the referee’s attention. However, before doing so, the AR must be absolutely certain that the referee did not or could not have a clear view of the entire situation. The referee must then confer with the AR to confirm the nature of the infringement (keeps field in view while moving to touch line and while conferring). If there is no way for the AR to communicate disagreement with the referee’s decision without disrupting the game, then the AR must swallow his or her pride and let it go. Once the AR has given the pertinent information to the referee, the AR has done his or her duty and CANNOT INSIST that the referee decide in a certain way. The referee makes the final decision.
ENDING A GAME FOR DARKNESS
Your question:
We recently played a game that went past dusk and into “quite dark”. The referees started the game about 15 minutes late because one of the linesmen didn’t show up on time, and by halftime it was obvious that the game was going to extend into darkness. We were worried before the game started that we wouldn’t have time to complete the game given the fact that we were playing one week before daylight savings time started(game day of March 31st, 2003). We had a lead of 1-0 and dominated play in front of their goal mouth for almost the entire game. Whenever the other team would get the ball over midfield, the coach and parents would scream for the players to kick it high towards our goal. We couldn’t follow the game from the sideline very well because of the darkness, meaning it was equally difficult for the referee to officiate infractions in the minimal light. In the final minute of the game a girl from the opposing team scored a goal on a long kick from approximately 40 yds out that our goalie couldn’t react to until she saw it at the last moment. He set the ball up to restart, and soon after it was struck he blew the whistle as regulation time ended.
My question is this: When should a game be called for darkness and what are the ramifications of ending it early? The referee at our game said that a game should only be stopped for two reasons; if conditions become dangerous and if there is an unfair advantage for one team. Obviously, we felt there was an unfair advantage for the other team. The goal they scored was the only shot on goal they had the entire game. I’ve seen professional games stopped for too much water on the pitch, heavy fog, and dangerous weather. I’ve also seen a professional game end because a number of banks of lights went out leaving the pitch dimmed dramatically. I look forward to, and will appreciate, your answer.
USSF answer (April 2, 2003):
There are no fixed rules for determining when to call a game for darkness. Once the game starts, the referee is the sole judge of whether or not the light is insufficient to see. Some referees have common sense; others do not.
If a game is abandoned or terminated before regular time is up, the Laws of the Game (which are written for the highest competitive level) require that the game be replayed in its entirety — as though the game had never taken place. However, this is seldom the rule followed at lower competitive levels where individual leagues and tournaments often specify a less drastic outcome. The most common rule is that a game which is ended prematurely (for whatever reason) will stand as official if at least the first half was played.
TECHNICAL AREA/FIELD SIZE/FLIP THROW-IN
Your question:
Question #1- Is there a standard location of an area or box in which the coach and players must remain during the game? We had a ref in a division 1 game (U16 girls) tell our coach that they could not move out of a certain area or they would be cautioned. I’ve never heard of this before.
Question #2- I know that regulation field size is generally referred to by how long and wide they can be, but is there a minimum size of field of play that is required for a game to be considered legal? We’ve played on a couple of fields in which the penalty box and sidelines were only a yard or two apart. For a high quality team of 16 year old girls, it felt like a postage stamp. It completely changed the style of game and made it very difficult for us to play on this teams home field, giving them a true “home field advantage”.
Question #3- Are flip throws considered illegal for some reason? We have a girl on our team that can flip-throw a ball to the center of the field every time, however we’ve had two games in which the referees wouldn’t let her do it. In both games she was given a yellow card when she did it the first time.
USSF answer (April 2, 2003):
1. At the higher levels of the game, the field markings include “technical areas” on either side of the halfway line. Coaches are not allowed to leave their technical areas during the halves. Such technical areas are rare at the lower levels of the game.
2. The minimum legal-sized field is 50 yards wide by 100 yards long.
3. There is nothing wrong with the flip throw-in. Shame on the referees who would not allow them, and double shame on them for cautioning your player and showing her the yellow card.
COACH’S RIGHTS?
Your question:
In a youth match a coach wishes to abandon the match because “the referee is not good enough for this match.” He illegally enters the FOP at a stoppage for this purpose, but the players refuse to leave the FOP. They wish to continue playing. With regards to this situation what are the rights and responsibilities of (1) the referee, (2) the players and (3) the coach?
USSF answer (April 1, 2003):
Once the game begins, only the referee has the right to decide whether the game continues, is suspended temporarily, terminated or abandoned. The coach has absolutely NO rights in the game other than to advise his team in a responsible way.
MARKING VS. IMPEDING THE GOALKEEPER
Your question:
I have a question as I was uncertain as to a best practice on how to handle the following situation that has occurred in several of my matches.
Upon receiving a free kick near the attacking goal, the attacking team would place an single player 2-3 yards directly in front of the goalkeeper. I viewed this a potentially explosive situation, especially in the adult matches that I had, in that often times there would be a defender right next to this attacking player in front of the goalkeeper and the goalie would take exception to this positioning. Luckily (for me) the ball never traveled near this player positioned in front of the goalkeeper but I wasn’t exactly certain as to how to handle these situations either. USSF advises us (Instructions to Referees, Nov 2002) that no player shall intentionally impede (position) the goalkeeper during corner kicks but makes no reference to free kicks.
This is what I have done in the past: position myself down low off to the side of the goal so I had clear view of the players as well as the ball. I would comment to the players in front of the net that I expect fair play once the ball is kicked. Other than that I didn’t know how to handle it.
Nor am I certain as to how much leverage I should provide the attacking player or how much leverage to provide the goalkeeper in both playing the ball. I am fairly certain that youíre going to inform me that I should allow the both players a fair amount of latitude if the ball comes screaming at the netm, but any advice (especially relative to preventative maintenance techniques) would be greatly appreciated.
Relative to allowing the goalkeeper the play the ball should I entertain the following USSF advice (Instructions to Referees, Nov 2002) “charging from behind is permissible only if the opponent is intentionally impeding (shielding the ball). The charge, however, must be made fairly and under no circumstances to the back” Overall, not necessarily relative to this one particular situation but during the normal course of play, what I read into this is that USSF is telling me that if an attacking player is impeding (shielding the ball) the defender is allowed to make contact with the back of the shoulder blade in an attempt to play the ball. Yes, No, Maybe???
USSF answer (April 1, 2003):
If the player marking the goalkeeper at a restart plays the goalkeeper rather than the ball, he is engaged in unsporting behavior and should be cautioned and shown the yellow card. This was made clear in the USSF 2002 publication “Instructions for Referees and Resolutions Affecting Team Coaches and Players [at] Regional and National Cup Competitions and Tournaments” It is equally applicable to all games played under the aegis of the United States Soccer Federation.
QUOTE
4. Offenses against goalkeepers
It is an offense if a player:
//snip//
(c) who is standing in front of a goalkeeper when a corner kick is being taken, takes advantage of his position to impede the goalkeeper before the kick is taken and before the ball is in play (misconduct, no change in the restart)
END OF QUOTE
As to the goalkeeper taking exception to the positioning of an opponent at a restart — life is tough. The goalkeeper will just have to learn to live with it — in accordance with the guideline above.
In the case of player shielding the ball from an opponent, your surmise is correct.
MANAGING SPECTATORS
Your question:
What is the proper procedure for management of unruly parent spectators? I had an unfortunate State Youth Division One experience. I am aware I should utilize the team captains to talk to their coaches who in turn speak to their spectators. At a recent game my AR was harassed to the point where termination would have been the best solution. One fellow referee suggested carding the captains, until the spectators got the point to settle down. What is your opinion?
USSF answer (April 1, 2003):
Unless the rules of the competition specify otherwise, the referee has no authority to show the card to a coach or other team official, nor may the referee take action against parents or other spectators unless they enter the field of play. And the referee should not even think about carding captains for anything other than their own behavior.
However, the referee does possess a powerful tool with which to control spectators. The referee may stop, suspend or terminate the match because of outside interference of any kind. If no other recourse remains, the referee may inform the team that the match is suspended and may be terminated unless “that person over there” is removed from the area of field.
FINGERNAILS
Your question:
What is the current USSF position on the acceptable length of fingernails for players?
USSF answer (March 31, 2003):
There is no official position on the length of players’ fingernails. Players are not allowed to “wear” anything that is dangerous to themselves or another player. The acceptable length or shape or adornment of fingernails is up to the good judgment of the referee.
USA FLAG PATCH
Your question:
I recently got my referee grade 8. My question is beside the referee patch are we allowed to have a USA Flag patch on our uniform and where if allowed.
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
The USA Flag patch is to be worn on the left sleeve, between elbow and shoulder.
WHAT IS A “FAIR CHARGE”?
Your question:
Where can I find info regarding standards of the “fair charge”? That is, what contact is permissible under what conditions, and what is not?
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
[This is a repeat of an answer of March 26, 2002]
The only instance in which a charge would be punished under the Law is one in which the player charges an opponent carelessly, recklessly, or with excessive force.
Although you will have to search very hard to find it written anywhere, the world accepts a fair charge of the opponent if the players make contact shoulder to shoulder, with the charging player’s arms in at his side, while both players have at least one foot on the ground. The charging player may not use excessive force. At the youth level, particularly in the early teenage brackets, where players of the same age may experience growth spurts differently, a “best effort” at a should-to-shoulder charge is accepted.
TACTIC TO BEAT THE OFFSIDE TRAP
Your question:
This is a situation that has occured in several games. This normally happens when team A is moving its defenders up the field quickly leaving an attacker on team b in an offside position in the middle of the field. Team B gains possesion of the ball and plays it long to the wing where a player for B runs from an onside position, dribbles then crosses the ball. In the meantime the player that was offside in the middle of the field has sprinted down the field to receive the cross, (the center defender unable to make up the 5 yard offside advantage). At the point the ball is crossed the defender covering the sprinting winger is now keeping the team B central attacker onside and there is no flag.
There was clearly a huge advantage created from being in the offside position in the middle of the field. The explanation I have been given is that the initial pass forward was to an onside player and that the player in the middle of the field was not involved in the play and when he recieved the cross he was onside. The central defender had no chance of making up the 5 yards.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
This is a tried and tested tactic to avoid the offside call — and it is allowed, provided that the attacking player in the offside position does not become actively involved in the initial play of the ball to his teammate who was onside. Once the attacking player has been put back onside by the central defender in this situation, he may not be called offside if he remains no nearer the goal than at least two opposing players.
TERRITORIAL IMPERATIVE
Your question:
Attacker with back to the goal, defender right behind him, facing his back. Does defender have any rights, he can’t possibly play the ball? That is, must he yield to the attacker, i. e., back out of his current position or as in basketball he most certainly has rights, the attacker must go around him. Specifically, he is allowed to stay right where he is. Seems to me ATR 12.14 applies, so the attacker has the right to move toward the defender.
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
A player who establishes his position is not required to move out of an opponent’s way (with the sole exception of doing so while in an offside position; see below). Impeding consists of moving into the way of an opponent, not just being in his way. If the defender was there already (behind the attacker, between the attacker and the goal), it is the attacker’s responsibility to move around rather than back into him. This is very different from the defender who moves into the path of the attacker with the result of forcing the attacker to stop or swerve in order to avoid making contact. The right to BE is not the same as the right to GO.
As stated above, however, none of this applies to someone who is in an offside position, where Law 11 clearly requires that he not interfere with an opponent.
WHAT IS ADVANTAGE?
Your question:
I was the center of a high school game. An attacker broke away and went 1 v 1 with the goalie, who came out of the box to challenge him, and they met about 15 yards out to the left side of the penalty area. The goalie made a stab for the ball, and in the process tripped the attacker, who regained his balance and the ball, pressed on, and kicked the ball over the goal line (all within 2-3 seconds of the foul). I pulled the ball back to the point of the trip/attempted trip and awarded a direct kick. In my opinion there was no OGSO.
I am having some internal and external arguments about my application of advantage. My understanding of the LOTG is that advantage is something that is a benefit to the team that was fouled as determined by the referee. I believe that the “benefit” does not always include a shot at goal, but it certainly doesn’t preclude it. However, my refereeing mentor believes that (and I quote from an email) that “the taking of the shot is advantage enough …. if he is fouled during the shot, then no…. but if he has a free shot, then this is his prescribed advantage….. change in thought from a few years ago… just like interpretation of dangerous tackles at the 1998 WC…. the FIFA referees really hosed all of their calls for a few days because they were lacking interpretation from FIFA…. or better yet, correct interpretation… The goalie made a stab for the ball, and in the process tripped the attacker, who regained his balance and the ball, pressed on, and kicked the ball over the goal line. ==== the advantage was when the attacker regained his balance and had the ball at his feet… when he kicks the ball over the goal line, then he has squandered his advantage…”
So, please, clarify for me the application of advantage, particularly the assertion that the taking of a shot is advantage enough. If I need to adjust my understanding and application of the LOTG then so be it. Also, please do not answer with a recitation of the LOTG and Advice to Referees. I read both those documents as well as the stuff on the USSF web site, and they aren’t giving me any more clarification. What I need and want is your insight as a referee based on experience and nuance.
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
There is no single, black-and-white answer to your question, so if you are determined that the Laws of the Game and the Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game have nothing more to teach you, then you will have to do with this:
You appear to be looking at advantage the wrong way. Advantage is not something a team which has been fouled GAINS by the referee not stopping play; it is something the FOULING TEAM gains if the referee did stop play. In other words, we don’t ask ourselves if the team is better off by not stopping play but, rather, if the opponents are better off if we DO stop play.
Looked at this way, your puzzlement should clear up. The player was fouled, the player retained control of the ball (or, possibly, his team retained control if he had been able to pass the ball, before falling down, to a teammate), the player took a shot on goal, and the player missed for reasons which, in the opinion of the referee, had nothing to do with the prior foul. Advantage called properly, foul gone, play should not have been stopped subsequently simply because the player was not successful. We call the play back for the original foul only if the player’s subsequent loss of control (or advantage) is attributable to the original foul. (If it were otherwise, every player who was fouled and who kept control (or his team kept control) would be justified in having the original foul called if they screwed up (tripped over shoelaces, hillock, etc.) shortly thereafter.)
And you might want to thank your mentor for his good advice.
DEALING WITH THE SECOND CAUTION/YELLOW CARD
Your question:
I have two questions, and I guess you could say they are related…
1. If a player receives a caution earlier in the match, and it is necessary to issue another caution later on, does the referee show the yellow card for the second offense and then show the red card or does one just issue the red, bypassing the yellow?
2. Also, if two cautionable offenses are committed simultaneously (a player leaving the field w/o the referee’s permission and then re-entering without permission, persistent infringed with dissent, etc.) does one issue just the red? Or, should the yellow be issued first?
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
If a player receives a second caution in the same match, he must be sent off. The correct procedure is to show the yellow card, immediately followed by the red card. The referee presents each yellow card separately, followed by the red card, jotting down details as he goes. In preparing the match report, the referee writes up each caution separately and then writes up the dismissal.
OFFSIDE MECHANICS
Your question:
I [have] a question regarding a recent new procedure adapted by [another National] Federation regarding the offside.
It appears that this new procedure involves the Referee’s assistants (linesmen) whereby it is required that the signal to the referee of an offside violation is delayed until the ball is received by the attacker, instead of the previous procedure which required that the offside violation should be flagged at the moment the ball was played.
I would appreciate your opinion and if this rule by the [other National] Federation has been approved by the International Board.
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
We have not seen anything on the procedure you describe and do not want to be accused of saying that any other National Federation is doing something wrong. Perhaps it is simply a matter of differing mechanics.
In the United States, our assistant referees and referees are instructed to be certain of both offside position and active involvement before flagging for and deciding on offside. We do not define active involvement as actually making contact with the ball. A player becomes “actively involved” in the play only when he is in the “area of active play.” This area shifts, widens, narrows, lengthens, or shortens, according to where the ball is going and who is “involved.” Involvement includes attempting to play the ball or preventing others from having a fair play at the ball. Active involvement can occur without the ball being directly nearby. There are three elements in “active involvement”: “interfering with an opponent,” “interfering with play,” and “gaining an advantage.”
If an assistant referee is in any doubt as to whether a player is actively involved or not, he is expected to decide in favor of the attacker; in other words, he should refrain from signaling offside. The referee, too, must be certain that there is active involvement before deciding for offside. This may or may not include waiting until the ball last played by a teammate has reached the player in the offside position.
To put our answer in the proper perspective, we should note that you seem to be setting up a false dichotomy — either flag at the moment the ball was played by an attacker or flag when the attacker in the offside position actually plays the ball. The first is incorrect because, at that moment, the only decision that can definitively be made is offside position. The second is incorrect for two reasons — first, not all offside violations involve interfering with play (e. g., interfering with an opponent) and, second, by the time the ball and attacker “connect,” the officiating team has likely dug itself a hole from which it will be difficult to escape. We are looking at involvement in active play which may or may not include actual contact with the ball — we penalize the attacker in an offside position for being in the area of active play and, while there, failing completely to take concrete steps to avoid being considered as even potentially involved in play.
DEFLECTION VS. PARRY
Your question:
I have a question that has gotten me into several heated discussions and never the same answer.
First I will set the playing stage. I was involved in (and still am) in a fall recreational soccer league and had finished my games for the day so I went over to watch the Seniors League play their second half. The seniors are 16 to 18 years of age and co-ed and did not make the High School team and do not have a Select team to play on and are kids who just want to play soccer for the fun of playing soccer. So you have a varied mix of talent. The game was a good high energy contest with a score of 2 to 1. The Reffs had to run a reverse diagnal due to the side line condisions, these fields are used by three or four different leagues from aages 14 to adults and it had rained for a few days. Here is the rough part, the uniform shirts were black and navy blue. The black team (team A) had on red pennies the navy blue team will be team B.
Now team A drove down and took a shot on goal about 20 min. into the second half the ball was blocked by team Bs keeper. Both teams had about 4 to 5 people in the top of the box (between the 6 and the 18). The Center reff was to the far side of the field just about the 18 but out of the box and the AR was down between the 6 and the gaol line when I saw her.Now remember I was at mid field in the stands about 5 seats up in my reffing shorts and socks which were pulled down and a white t-shirt with the parents and friends of these kids and they all knew me I have Reffed their games before (for about 6 years). now after the keeper deflected the ball it popped up and back out to about the PK mark between the center and right side of the field but still in the box. Now the ball gets to the group of players from both team A and B just over head high and an arm comes up smacks the ball into the net just under the cross bar in the far corner. At the same time both teams are jumping to head the ball but you could plainly see the hand or arm strike the ball from where I sat. to the best of my knowledge I do not remember seeing a shirt or sleeve to distinguish a team member, but it happened so fast I do not remember seeing more than an elbow to hand.The goal was allowed and tied the game (it did end in a 2 to 2 tie). Parents went nuts, and I just sat there biting my tongue. after the game I did ask the reffs about the no-call and was told they did not see it.
Now comes the question “IF” it was seen by either the center REFF or the AR which team did the infraction? Who gets the card (is it a RED)? What is the restart?
Please try to get the answers to me I would really like to hear from you on this one, and so would several other reffs.
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
Based on the information you have given, it is impossible to answer your question meaningfully. We are left with the IFs you point to:
– IF the referee or the assistant referee saw the incident, then the perpetrator should be dealt with in accordance with appropriate portions of the Laws of the Game and the IFAB/FIFA Questions and Answers on the Laws of the Game. There is no way of knowing from your description whodunit, so your question must remain unanswered.
– IF the player is identified with certainty, then the restart is either a kick-off — IF the culprit was a member of the defending team — or a direct free kick for the defending team — IF the culprit was a member of the attacking team.
FOUL UNSEEN
Your question:
I am the coach of a U-13 competitive soccer team. Recently we had the unfortunate circumstances in an indoor soccer tournament where our goalie’s arm was broken by a player on the offensive team trying to kick the ball into the goal. The goalie had deflected the ball down, then was pushing it away. His arm was hit because it was in the place where the ball had been, and where the offensive player was aiming. The referee did not see the infraction clearly, and a goal was scored on a third kick. It took the goalie about five seconds before the pain from the broken arm registered with the goalie, who fell to the ground in considerable and obvious pain. It was clear to the coach and Emergency Medical Technician (a parent) on the scene immediately that the boy’s arm was broken. The goalie was quickly walked off the field, using his shirt to pin his arm against his body. The referee let the goal stand. The other coach let the goal stand. The tournament director let the goal stand. The parent’s on my team are quite upset that goalie interference was not called, no red card was given, and no attempt at sportsmanship was made (i.e., not claiming the goal).
It seems to me that by the consequences it was by definition a dangerous play. Additionally, it was goalie interference, and “unsportsmanlike conduct.” What are the actual rules that cover what happened?
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
It is unfortunate that your goalkeeper was injured, but this does not appear to have been dangerous play (actually called “playing dangerously”) by the attacking player and may not even have been a foul. How can that be, you ask? Because you have not demonstrated that the goalkeeper was in possession of the ball, which is defined below.
Law 12, International F. A. Board Decision 2 tells us: “The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save.”
We also tell our referees (in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game”):
12.16 GOALKEEPER POSSESSION OF THE BALL
The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball while bouncing it on the ground or while throwing it into the air. Possession is given up if, while throwing the ball into the air, it is allowed to strike the ground. As noted in Section 12.10, handling extends from shoulder to tip of fingers. While the ball is in the possession of the keeper, it cannot be lawfully played by an opponent, and any attempt to do so may be punished by a direct free kick.
We might add that there is no such foul as “goalie interference” and “unsportsmanlike conduct” is termed “unsporting behavior” in soccer. And, unfortunately, a foul unseen is NOT a foul under the Laws of the Game.
MISCONDUCT DURING AN OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY
Your question:
From a DFK 30 yards from the Goal the attacker kicks the ball over the wall of defenders and toward the goal. The ball appears that it would have scored were it not for the defender who hung from the goal and headed the ball back onto the field. What is the action from the referee?
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
The defender has committed unsporting behavior, for which he must be cautioned and shown the yellow card. If the referee believes that the defender’s act of misconduct denied the opponent an obvious goalscoring opportunity, then, based on USSF guidance, for which we are presently seeking an official ruling from FIFA, the player may be sent off and shown the red card. The offense was punishable by an indirect free kick restart and otherwise met the requirements of Law 12.
INTERFERING WITH THE GOALKEEPER’S RELEASE OF THE BALL
Your question:
In a game where the keeper often made a save, brought the ball to the 18, and dribbled it forward himself, I had trouble deciding what was permissible by the defenders regarding “preventing the goalkeeper from putting the ball back into play.” Can they shadow the keeper’s movements to stay close? What if he decides to punt the ball instead of dribble it? Can a defender leap in front of a punted ball in an effort to catch the keeper off his line? At what point is the ball “in play”?
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
There is a distinction between the ball being “in play” and being “playable.” The ball is considered to be “in play” while the goalkeeper has it in his hands, but it is not “playable.” If the goalkeeper has possession by means other than his hands (e.g., dribbling with the feet), an opponent is not only free to but is expected to challenge the goalkeeper in any otherwise permissible way.
The makers of the Laws of the Game changed the Law some years ago to prevent time wasting by the team with the ball, such as the goalkeeper standing around holding the ball. Now that a limit has been set on the time during which the goalkeeper may hold the ball, the Law expects all players to refrain from delaying or otherwise interfering with the goalkeeper’s right to release the ball into play for all players. Any interference with the movement of the goalkeeper who is trying to release the ball into play is illegal, particularly any movement to block the goalkeeper’s line of sight or motion. Interference with the release of the ball is purely a positional thing, regardless of whether the goalkeeper is moving at the time.
DIRECT OR INDIRECT, THAT IS THE QUESTION
Your question:
Lots of confusion on when a kick is direct or indirect. Second half of the question is goal scored on direct or indirect
USSF answer (March 28, 2003):
Free kicks are awarded for fouls, misconduct, a combination of the two, or offside. A direct free kick is given if a player commits any of the ten fouls specifically listed at the beginning of Law 12. An indirect free kick is given if play is stopped for any other foul or if play is stopped solely to deal with misconduct committed on the field by a player, or for offside. A free kick may be taken in any direction. (This does not apply to penalty kicks. See Law 14.)
A goal may be scored “directly” from a direct free kick. Another player must have somehow made contact with the ball for a goal to be scored from an indirect free kick.
ADDING TIME; TOO MANY ENTER AT A SUBSTITUTION
Your question:
1) I know that in youth soccer matches it is not common practice to add stoppage time. I happen to coach select soccer as well as referee matches from U8 through adult. Recently in a tournament qualifying match for the U12 girls team that I coach, we were trailing 1-0 just before halftime when one of my players won the ball near midfield, made some good moves to defeat two defenders and was headed to goal on a breakaway when the CR blew his whistle for halftime (my player was 35-40 yds. from goal and closing at full speed). There were a couple of stoppages for minor injuries during the half. I personally would have allowed the play to reach its conclusion had I been CR. What do you think?
2) My U12G team is trailing by a goal and has just been awarded a goal kick. Our opponent sends five substitutions on, but only four girls come off (unbeknownst to anyone but the AR). The CR signals for play to start and my GK sends the ball into play. As players are contesting for the ball, I happen to notice the AR frantically waving his flag trying to get the CR’s attention. I begin shouting to assist in that effort. The opposing coach finally realized what was going on, and called his closest player to come off the field. His team had won possession and were attacking when we finally got the CR’s attention (the AR took his flag down when the extra attacker reached the sideline) and informed him that the other team had had too many players on the field when the restart occurred. He replied that they did not have too many presently and allowed play to go on. What should the CR have done? This just happened to be a tournament championship match.
USSF answer (March 27, 2003):
Well, no one ever said that referees were infallible. (Or did they? See an article of March 13, 2003, in The Guardian on “illusory superiority,” available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/.)
As to your questions:
1. Laws 5 and 7 give the referee responsibility for timing the match and for making allowances for time lost due to excessive delays or unusual stoppages. Competition rules sometimes try to limit the referee’s authority in this area by forbidding any lengthening of a half to account for time lost. This is contrary to the requirement that only certain specific parts of the Law can be modified for certain categories of players and that making allowance for time lost would not fall within these limits. That said, the practice to which you refer is common in tournaments, has a very practical rationale, and is only one among many local rule exceptions of which we are aware that are not sanctioned by the Laws of the Game. If such a rule were proposed for a competitive level of play and officially presented to USSF for approval, the answer would be that the rule could not be used.
The book answer to your question is yes, with the single exception of a penalty kick having been awarded. The practical answer is also yes, but with more latitude (the intelligent referee will normally not stop play if the ball itself is in flight toward the goal and it will either go in or it won’t).
2. The assistant referee should have taken action as soon as he noticed the extra player — before play was restarted by the referee. As that was not done, the referee’s only recourse would have been to do as he did, stopping the game and talking to the AR, and determining from the AR that the extra player came off at the coach’s request. Because the AR observed the infringement when it occurred, play would then be restarted with a dropped ball at the place it was located when play was stopped. No caution would be given, because the extra player entered with the referee’s permission.
DEFLECTION TO PLAYER IN OFFSIDE POSITION
Your question:
An interesting question came up during a training class that created some good discussion. We think we have the right answer, but would like to hear from the expert.
Play is being restarted with a goal kick and the ball is properly put into play by the red team. The ball contacts a blue player, but was not intentionally played by him, and is then played by a red player who was in an offside position at the taking of the kick. Has an infraction occurred, since he did not receive the ball directly? Our consensus was that there was no infraction because at the time of the kick by his teammate the player was allowed to be offside.
USSF answer (March 27, 2003):
The deflection by an blue-team opponent does not affect the status of the red-team player in this case. No offside from a goal kick.
REFEREE UNIFORM COLORS
Your question:
You could really help us out here in [our state]. I know this forum is USSF, but I need desperate help. Our State Board of Control for High School Sports has just passed a mandate that officials will wear in 2003 forward ONLY the solid black referee shirt. I f there is a conflict with team colors, (get this) the team is to provide a contrasting “pinnie” for the referee to wear on top of the official uniform. (This is not a joke – I am telling you the truth) It would really help if you could poll the country and ask what alternate shirt or shirts are allowed in other states. For example, the cover of the NFHS Publication in 2002 showed a young referee wearing a USSF gold shirt (badge on sleeve) shirt. While I realize this may be a USSF concern, I thought the whole idea is for all of us to work together for the good of the game. I personally see no problem with the USSF shirt as long as the USSF BADGE is NOT worn. I guess what I am asking is if you could form this into some form of question and publish results. I am appalled that our current [state] answer is to wear a “pinnie”. I feel this is degrading to the official and demeaning to the professionalism that we preach in every communication. I really need some help here.
USSF answer (March 27, 2003):
This is a matter between your state’s high school body and the referees who choose to work games controlled by it. The United States Soccer Federation has no jurisdiction in competitions that are not affiliated with it. If you have a concern, we suggest you contact the National Federation of State High School Associations directly.
WHEN MAY A TEAM SUBSTITUTE?
Your question:
I do not see anywhere in the laws about substitutions occurring during corner kicks, kick offs, etc. Is that a U. S. or state law?
USSF answer (March 27, 2003):
In youth play (see the USSF Administrative Handbook, p. 53), substitutions are permitted for either team before a kick-off (following a goal), at halftime, and before a goal kick. A team given a throw-in may substitute but not the opposing team. And substitutions by either team are permitted when the referee stops play for an injury.
However, the world game of soccer uses Law 3 to regulate substitution opportunities and Law 3 permits either team to substitute at any stoppage of play regardless of the reason (goal kick, corner kick, foul, throw-in, injury, etc.). Of course, Law 3 also prevents a substituted player from ever returning to the field during that game!
WHAT CONTACT ALLOWED WHEN A PLAYER IS SHIELDING THE BALL?
Your question:
When an attacker is shielding the ball from an opponent, how may he use his arms, elbows, and hands? Is it permissible to back through the defender, that is, use his backside to force his way through? May the defender push his shoulder into the back of the attacker and attempt to force him off the ball? What sort of “bumping” should be permitted?
USSF answer (March 27, 2003):
No player shielding the ball from another is allowed to use any part of his body for other than maintaining balance. No backing, no pushing, no nothing. Nor may the opponent charge the player in the back — that is considered to be serious foul play and should result in a send-off/red card. As long as the shielding player is within playing distance of the ball (i. e., meaning capable of playing the ball), then he cannot be obstructing. If his movement includes holding his arms out and making contact with the opponent as a means of keeping the opponent away, then the player is guilty of holding. If his action includes falling down and “covering the ball” and this gives the opponent no safe way to play the ball, then the player is guilty of playing dangerously (within the meaning of Q&A 12.5) and potential misconduct. No “bumping” is permitted for either player.
Physical contact between the player and the opponent is normally absent. If physical contact occurs, the referee should, depending on the circumstances, consider instead the possibility that a charging infringement has been committed (direct free kick) or that the opponent has been fairly charged off the ball (indirect free kick). However, nonviolent physical contact may occur while impeding the progress of an opponent if, in the opinion of the referee, this contact was an unavoidable consequence of the impeding (due, for example, to momentum).
USSF LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE
Your question:
I was told you had to be officially assigned a match to be covered by the member insurance coverage. According to my policy however, you are covered if the match is between US Soccer-affliated teams and leagues. Would you clarify this please?
USSF answer (March 24, 2003):
For insurance coverage to be in effect for referees, the referee must be registered with US Soccer and the teams and players affiliated with US Soccer. The insurance coverage does not depend on who makes the assignment. Referees are independent contractors and that status assumes that the teams hire the referees. Assignors are a matter of convenience and organization, and, while important, do not impact the insurance coverage of referees one way or the other.
DEFLECTION VS. PARRY
Your question:
Much controversy exists over this one. Attacker A1 shoots. The ball deflects off the keeper to A2 who is in an offsides position. Offsides!
If the keeper had intentionally parried the ball with his hands toward the area where A2 was standing, should offsides be called? If not, what standards should be applied to determine “deflection” versus “parry”?
USSF answer (March 21, 2003):
No controversy here at all. The offside call is clearly correct. As to “deflection” versus “parry,” the answer is clearly and specifically stated in the Laws of the Game: Law 12, International F. A. Board Decision 2 tells us: “The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save.”
OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY?
Your question:
I don’t remember how this situation came about. Perhaps a defender had slipped, but there was no chance of anybody else being in the play. The attacker was alone with the keeper about 22 yards out. The ball had been deflected high into the air and would come down about three yards to the attacker’s right. The keeper was with the attacker, facing him, between him and the goal. The keeper jumped and punched the ball out of bounds, well aware that he was outside of the penalty area.
The handling call is obvious. Does this constitute an “obvious goal-scoring opportunity” simply by being alone with the keeper? Should the keeper be cautioned? Sent off?
USSF answer (March 21, 2003):
Referees should read the position paper “Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity Denied (The 4 Ds,” dated September 16, 2002, available for download from this site and elsewhere. If the referee believes that the situation meets the criteria in the position paper for an obvious goalscoring opportunity, then the goalkeeper should be sent off and shown the red card for denying the opposing team an obvious goalscoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball.
In the case you describe, it is unlikely that a red card would be justified because the criterion to be applied is “but for the handling, would the ball have gone into the goal?” This was simply a handling foul or, at most, a caution/yellow card for unsporting behavior (illegal handling to break up attacking play).
PLAYING THE BALL WHILE ON THE GROUND
Your question:
The attacker dribbles in on goal all alone. He slips and falls. The ball is inside the penalty area. While prone, and with the keeper reaching for the ball with his hands, the attacker kicks the ball back out of the PA to a teammate. Is this a legal play? If so, under what circumstances should play be stopped for kicking the ball while down?
USSF answer (March 21, 2003):
[This answer is a repeat of an answer of October 10, 2001.] There is nothing illegal, by itself, about playing the ball while on the ground. It becomes the technical foul known as playing dangerously (“dangerous play”) only if the action unfairly takes away an opponent’s otherwise legal play of the ball (for players at the youth level, this definition is simplified even more as “playing in a manner considered to be dangerous to an opponent”). At minimum, this means that an opponent must be within the area of danger which the player has created.
If this is not the case (for example, the player had no opponent nearby), then there is no violation of the Law. If the referee decides that a dangerous play violation has occurred, the restart must be an indirect free kick where the play occurred (subject to the special rules that apply to restarts in the goal area).
By the way, even if a dangerous play violation has been called, the referee should never verbalize it as “playing on the ground” since there is no such foul in the Laws of the Game.
PLAYER EQUIPMENT AND FORMS
Your question:
Here is the background of my inquiry: I was attending my local coaches meeting last night and our District Referee Coordinator informed us that players are now being required to provide a USSF issued form to refs prior to the start of a game, signed by their physician in order for them to wear ANY kind of elastic support bandage. In his description he stated that players could no longer wear ace bandages, neoprene support sleeves or soft support braces (soft = no hard surfaces like plastic or metal) UNLESS this form was completed and given to the ref.
He stated that there have been many occurrences where players with a cast or appears to have some kind of injury will arrive at a field, their coach would cut it off and pad or cover it with some kind of soft bandage so that the player could play. He also stated that if a referee sees a player warm-up in a knee brace for example and that player during check-in no longer is wearing the knee brace but is wearing an ace bandage for example – that the ref should not allow that player to play because their safety is at risk — meaning if they are already injured enough to wear a support brace prior to the game and get even more injured during the game then the ref is liable???? He also clarified that taping an injury with athletic tape is fine – because it isn’t elastic.
Well – to my questions:
1. Can players wear support braces as long as they are covered with a neoprene sleeve or other suitable padding? If so – must they provide the ref this USSF signed form?
2. Will a ref actually not allow a player to play because she may have a slight quad pull and is wearing a neoprene sleeve for extra support & protection of the muscles?
3. Lastly, if this form exists – where can I obtain a copy of it?
USSF answer (March 21, 2003):
Please refer to the recently-published USSF position paper on player equipment, available for download on this site and elsewhere.
Finally, the United States Soccer Federation is not aware of the form you describe, which may be a requirement of your state association or other competition. There may be some confusion between USSF and high school rules in your area, as the national high school federation does, under some circumstances, require written physician approval for some things.
WAS IT A PENALTY KICK?
Your question:
A coach asks: Just curious if you would agree with this call? A player has the ball and enters the box, the defender is running with them stride for stride. The offensive player pushes the ball in front and the ball is clearly going to miss the goal, the defender bumps the player, after the ball has been played, the offensive player falls, the referee calls a Penalty Kick.
USSF answer (March 21, 2003):
The referee must evaluate each situation on its own merits. In this case, there is no need for the ball to be anywhere nearby. If the defender “bumped” the player illegally in a careless manner, meaning that the defender has not exercised due caution in making the play, then a foul has been committed, for which the punishment is a direct free kick or, in this case, a penalty kick.
CALLING THE ADVANTAGE
Your question:
This is in response to an indoor game that had an unusual call. The ball was in the penalty area and the defender handled the ball. Before the play was stopped, one of our forwards kicked the ball into the goal. The referee blew the whistle for a hand ball and took the ball out of the goal and placed it on the penalty spot. Should this have been an advantage call and allowed the goal? Or is this not an area where advantage comes into play?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
The advantage may be invoked at any moment when the ball is still in play. Sometimes referees do not allow their brains to become properly engaged before acting and they blow the whistle too quickly.
MORE ON PARRYING
Your question:
I have been recently informed that if a keeper “parries” a ball he could have just as easily caught, he may no longer handle the ball. Is this true? I could find no such scenario in my rule book.
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
International F. A. Board Decision 2 of Law 12 tells us that the goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save.
The rule on parrying was introduced by the IFAB to deal with timewasting tactics by the goalkeeper. Now that the goalkeeper has six or so seconds to get rid of the ball once he establishes possession by either parrying or catching the ball, the utility of parrying as a timewasting device has diminished greatly. Formerly the goalkeeper could waste time by pushing the ball to a place where he could play it later. Now he is simply wasting his own limited time by so doing. For all intents and purposes, parrying can now be disregarded as a timewasting tactic. Goalkeepers take heed: Six seconds are six seconds; waste them at your peril!
FAILURE TO REMAIN THE REQUIRED DISTANCE
Your question:
It seems that every time I watch a Premiere or Brazilian game on Fox World Sports, the encroachment on PKs get more rIdiculous. I know USSF doesn’t control the actions of referees in England or South America, but why do YOU think that these flagrant violations are finding so much acceptance at the professional level? I had a U-14B player tell me on Saturday that encroachment on PKs was OK because “that’s what the English dudes do on TV.”
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
Far be it from us to criticize in any way the officiating in other countries. Let us simply say that the acts you describe are against both the Letter and the Spirit of the Laws of the Game and should not be allowed.
And as we already know, IFAB will be delivering a stern warning on the subject as a result of its just concluded meeting.
GOAL KICK
Your question:
I’ve read the rule book at least 2 times per year for the last 15+ years. This time I’ve noticed that it seems I have misapplied a rule. What do you think?
Rule 16 (Goal Kick) Art 2 and 3
If A1 is taking a goal kick, A2 cuts in front of B1 to get the ball before it goes directly to him and collects the ball in the penalty area.
In the past I have generally allowed a re-kick because the ball never left the penalty area. I now read this as it was prevented from leaving which is different from the ball was not kicked hard enough to exit the penalty area. Accordingly the restart would be an indirect free kick for the B team at the point of contact by A2.
Likewise if B1 entered the penalty area to beat A2 and collected the ball, the restart would be indirect free kick for A team at the point of contact of B1 with the ball inside the penalty area.
Thank you for your answer?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
You appear to be citing a situation from the high school rulebook. The United States Soccer Federation cannot speak to high school rules. If you wish an answer that would apply under the Laws of the Game, read on.
By entering the penalty area to play the ball before it is in play, a player has not allowed the goal kick to be completed in accordance with Law 16. Because the ball was not in play when the interference occurred, the only correct solution in either case is to retake the goal kick.
RE-ENTRY AFTER EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS
Your question:
5.8 of Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game appears to directly contradict Law 4 of the LOTG. 5.8 states that if a player has been instructed by the referee to leave the field due to illegal equipment (or bleeding), “Once the correction has been confirmed, the player can be permitted to return to the field if beckoned by the referee, even if play is continuing. The objective is to bring the team back to its authorized strength as soon as possible.” However, Law 4 states that for any infringements of Law 4 (in other words, whenever a player is illegaly equipped), the player must be instructed by the referee to leave the field of play to correct his equipment, and “the player is only allowed to re-enter the field of play when the ball is out of play.” At advanced referee clinics and during assessments, I have been told to allow illegally equipped players back on the field as soon as their equipment is corrected, but it seems black-and-white in FIFA that they should only be allowed back on the field at a stoppage. What is the correct interpretation?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
Although the IFAB directive in 2001 did not expressly include players off the field to correct illegal equipment, USSF is of the opinion that this situation is indeed covered by the intent of the directive and, accordingly, expects referees in the country to act accordingly. To this end, USSF issued a memorandum on April 23, 2001, on “Players Temporarily Off the Field,” which officially provides this guidance.
This situation is an excellent example of why referees must keep up to date with memoranda and position papers published by USSF. These documents are distributed to all state referee organizations and are available on the USSF website.
While the IFAB did not deal with this issue over the weekend, as they were scheduled to do, the Board’s directive of 2001 remains in effect. It states that a player off the field (with permission) for an injury or ordered off to correct bleeding can return even during play provided the referee gives permission and, in the case of bleeding, has been inspected by the fourth official or assistant referee in accordance with pregame instructions. This is provided that the referee chooses to delegate the authority to inspect the equipment to the fourth official or the assistant referee. If the referee chooses not to delegate, then obviously the return has to be at a stoppage since a stoppage is the only realistic opportunity for the referee to perform the inspection.
Ninety percent of the games played in the world use only a single referee with no supporting assistant referees or fourth official. That is why the words you cite are left in the Laws. Where assistant referees and are fourth official are available, the PRACTICE is to allow this to take place.
BALL DELIBERATELY PASSED TO THE GOALKEEPER
Your question:
If a G/K receives the ball outside his Penalty box area and dribbles it in the box, can he then pickup the ball with his hands? I thought that would not be allowed. During one of my kids (U13) state cup games a G/K did that and the referee confirmed that was OK! It was a surprise to me so looked in the FIFA Laws book and could not find any thing specifically on that. What is the proper call? Play on, no offense?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
You appear to have been confused by the references in Law 12 to the goalkeeper touching with his hands a ball passed to him by his teammates. Under the terms of Law 12, the goalkeeper may dribble the ball back into his own penalty area and pick it up only if it was not last deliberately kicked by a teammate or received directly from a throw-in by a teammate. The goalkeeper may handle (touch with the hands) only those balls that have been played to him legally. That means that if a teammate last played the ball, it must not have been thrown in nor kicked deliberately, but either misplayed in an attempt to clear it away or in some legal manner without resorting to trickery to get around the conditions of Law 12.
If an opponent last played the ball or it was played legally by a teammate (outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area), the goalkeeper may dribble the ball into his own penalty area and then pick it up to put it back into play.
The ‘keeper may not handle the ball, release it, and then kick the ball to himself. That is called a “second touch” or “double touch,” meaning that no other player has played the ball between the moment the goalkeeper released it from his hands and then touched it again.
The goalkeeper may play with his feet any ball passed to him in any manner — unless the referee believes some trickery was involved. In such cases, the other player, not the goalkeeper, would be punished.
TACKLING
Your question:
1. If a marking player, in an attempt to tackle an offensive player, clearly gets to the ball first but in the process trips up the offensive player, is that considered a foul?
2. Are all tackles from behind, whether clean or not, considered fouls? I thought that FIFA, prior to the 2000 European Championships, declared them as such?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
1. Players may trip over or fall over an opponent as a result of natural play when no infringement of the Law has been committed. The first six penal fouls listed in Law 12 — kicks or attempts to kick an opponent, trips or attempts to trip an opponent, jumps at an opponent, charges an opponent, strikes or attempts to strike an opponent, pushes an opponent — are punished if they are performed in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force. If the referee believes that the tackling player played the ball and that the opponent tripped over the outstretched foot or leg after the fair tackle, then there has been no infringement of the Law. However, if the tackling player tackles fairly but then raises the foot or leg and thus trips the opponent, then a foul has been committed.
2. According to International F. A. Board (IFAB) Decision 4 to Law 12, “A tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play.” This decision means that the player guilty of such an offence has to be sent off in accordance with Law 12.
The statement does not mandate a send off for every tackle from behind and it does not make all tackles from behind illegal regardless of how they are performed. Referees continue to have the full range of options available to them for dealing with actions that are careless, reckless, or performed with excessive force. The IFAB has emphasized, however, that any tackle “which endangers the safety of an opponent” must be sanctioned with a send-off/red card for serious foul play.
THROW-IN TO OWN GOALKEEPER
Your question:
A couple of years ago, while officiating in a competitive league, I had the following experience in a U-19 boys game (this happened not too long after the throw-in rule was modified to disallow a throw in from a teammate to the GK if the GK then controls the ball with his hands):
Near the goal line of the defending team the ball went into touch for the defenders. One player set up to throw, his teammate lined up between the thrower and the GK. The thrower threw the ball to the head of the field player who then headed it to the goalkeeper who controlled the ball with his hands. I blew the whistle and awarded an indirect free kick to the opposing team. My reasoning was that this was a clear attempt to circumvent the Laws regarding throw ins to the keeper. Was I correct? Should I have cautioned one of the players for trickery? If so, which one?
I told this story to a number of experienced coaches and referees over the next few days and the range of replies was really very surprising. About half thought my decision was correct, about half thought I was incorrect.
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
A part of your answer will be found in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game”:
QUOTE
12.21 BALL THROWN TO THE GOALKEEPER
A goalkeeper infringes Law 12 if he touches the ball with his hands after he receives it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate. The goalkeeper is considered to have received the ball directly even if he plays it in any way (for example, by dribbling the ball with his feet) before touching it with his hands. Referees should take care not to consider as trickery any sequence of play that offers a fair chance for opponents to challenge for the ball before it is handled by the goalkeeper from a throw-in.
END OF QUOTE
So, if the opposing team has a fair chance of challenging for the ball when it is thrown to the player who heads it to the ‘keeper, then there is no offense.
THE 12-MINUTE RUN
Your question:
I am currently a Grade 8 and am interested in upgrading to a Grade 7. As part of the upgrade process, my local referee association is holding a couple times when we can complete the physical fitness tests.
My question involves the endurance test (12 minute run) and whether it it permissable to use the “Run/Walk Plan” technique endorsed by Runners World (http://www.runnersworld.com/home/0,1300,2-61-0-236,00.html) to achieve the time and distance prescribed as I have started a running program within the last month?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
The referee participating in the 12-minute run must run for the entire 12 minutes.
DEALING WITH SLOPPY REFEREEING
Your question:
How is a coach to handle a “Referee” who is…out of uniform (baggy street clothes, hat, etc), has a non-chalant attitude (couldn’t care less about his job), and who makes absurd comments to the players on the field (“I’m thinking throw-in for that one. Oh, I’m the one with the whistle!”, etc.) and incorrect calls (offsides on a throw-in?). With regard to the zero tolerance by-laws, there really isn’t any room to question a call or situation like this. The players got discouraged and couldn’t get a handle on the game because it was so bizarre. We were out of state at a tournament (for which the club and team members had paid a bit of money) and the tournament board acknowledged they’d “had a bit of a problem” with this referee, but they were short-handed. This just looks bad all the way around (for Refs, for tournament board, for players and coaches). As it was, we never got our “guaranteed” games.
What to do? How do we eliminate this from happening without getting in the Ref’s face or showing our frustration on the field?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
The correct procedure is to submit a full report to the appropriate authorities in the tournament committee and follow it up with a copy to the state association in which the game was played, and to the State Referee Administrator of that state association. (If you can document it with a videotape, so much the better.) It won’t do you much good for games past, but it might help other teams in the future.
TACTICS OF KICKING TEAM
Your question:
Situation 1: Team A is kicking near Team B goal. Team B wall set up approx 10 yards. Player A-1 in kicking position in line with goal. Player A-2 comes out of wall area while crossing in front of Team B wall and passes the ball back to A-1 player who then tries to kick to the goal. Is A-2 player causing a distraction and causing an unfair advantage? Any Law that applies here?
Situation 2: Team A is kicking to Team B: Team B set up wall approx 10 yards. Player A-1 inline with ball and goal. Player A-2 standing next to ball. Referee motions to proceed. Player A-2 taps balls causing small ball movement and moves back, then Player A-1 plays through with a bigger kick. Again is A-2 causing any unsporting behavior or advantage in this situation? Any Law that applies here?
In both situation, the referee made no calls.
I was taught that a quick kick where you catch the team off guard and little time is wasted on kicks and played by one player with a 10-yard gap. How is this any different with the kicker plainly identified for the opposing team. Please explain.
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
There has been no infringement of Law 13 or Law 12 in either case. Play on.
GOALKEEPER POSSESSION
Your question:
This subject has come up in many games last season, and I suspect it will again. I know there is a point at which the goal keeper is considered to have “control” or “possession” of the ball . . . . at which time the opposing team is no longer allowed to intentionally kick the ball. I have heard that this rule changed last season.
Exactly at which point is the goal keeper considered to have control or possession and at which point must the opposing team refrain from making plays on the ball (i.e.. kicking ball into goal when keeper has hand on top of ball)?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
Law 12, International F. A. Board Decision 2 tells us: “The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save.”
We also tell our referees (in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game”):
12.16 GOALKEEPER POSSESSION OF THE BALL
The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball while bouncing it on the ground or while throwing it into the air. Possession is given up if, while throwing the ball into the air, it is allowed to strike the ground. As noted in Section 12.10, handling extends from shoulder to tip of fingers. While the ball is in the possession of the keeper, it cannot be lawfully played by an opponent, and any attempt to do so may be punished by a direct free kick.
To the best of our knowledge, there was no change in the Law regarding this subject last year (or, indeed, in recent years). As a practical matter of applying the Law, the intelligent referee will define control more liberally at lower age and skill levels.
LOCATING THE RESTART FOR OFFSIDE
Your question:
As an AR, I am positioned at midfield with play in the Red teams end of the field. Red kicks the ball through toward the Blue goal. Red #9 is standing just over the midfield line in an offside position, but is not immediately actively involved in the play. However, as the ball rolls closer to the Blue goal and before it is played by the Blue team, Red #9 runs onto and plays the ball. I now raise my flag to signal that player to be offside. What is the proper method of pointing the flag to indicate the offside location on the field? Do I point from where I am standing when I raised my flag? Or after raising the offside flag do I move back towards midfield to be even with where Red #9 was first in the offside position and point to the restart location from there?
USSF answer (March 20, 2003):
As you imply, offside is punished where the infringement occurred. The indirect free kick should be taken from the place where the offside player was when his teammate played the ball.
That leaves us with your original question of what the assistant referee (AR) does next. We recommend that the AR stop where he is at the moment, give the offside signal, and then (assuming the referee has stopped play) move to be in the correct position for the restart (even with the second-last defender or the ball, whichever is closer).
Locating the restart exactly is often a trifling exercise — if the referee doesn’t like where they are setting up, he can tell them — better for the AR to be in the correct position for the restart. Of course, there is no reason why the AR cannot assist verbally in helping to locate the restart position if needed and if this doesn’t interfere with being properly positioned for the restart.
SIGNALING
Your question:
I am a grade 8 becoming a grade 7. M question is which are arm is correct to signal an offside and a goal kick? left or right
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
It makes absolutely no difference which arm is used.
HOW MANY PLAYERS AFTER A SEND-OFF?
Your question:
In Youth Soccer, a player has just received their 2nd Yellow card (for whatever foul/dissent). The Ref shows a yellow then the Red card. The player leaves the field. The question that keeps causing major concerns with coaches is “does that team finish the game with 10 players or can a substitute be brought in for the removed player”?
I always thought that whatever the reason, when a Red card is shown to a player that team must finish the game with 10 players.
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
If a player is sent off and shown the red card after the game has begun, he or she may not be replaced. If the team wanted to put in another player, they would have to substitute for one of the ten remaining players. They would still play with no more than ten players.
GOALKEEPER MOVEMENT
Your question:
In my last soccer game as a goal keeper, I stopped a penalty kick (PK). However, the referee had the PK retaken because I moved before the ball was in play. So, I have a question for you that Law 14 did no answer: Can the goal keeper move BEHIND the goal line before the ball in touched by the player taking the kick?
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
Law 14 (The Penalty Kick) tells us that the defending goalkeeper remains on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been kicked. So, no, you may not move either behind the goal line or ahead of the goal line, but you may move along the goal line before the kick is taken.
PLAYER POSITIONS AT THE KICK-OFF
Your question:
I am the coach of a U14 girls team. I was told of that when the opposite team scores on your team, your goalie can send the ball as fast as she can to middle of the field and your team can restart the game even if the other team still in your half of the field and your team doesn’t have to wait for the referee. Is this a FIFA rule?
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
No. Law 8 requires that both teams be in their own half of the field of play for the kick-off to take place. Your informant should be more careful about using illegal substances.
RESTART WHEN SUB ENTERS FIELD WITHOUT PERMISSION
Your question:
In a recent U-8 (small field 4 v 4 no keepers) game that I witnessed, a player not in the game form the bench stepped onto the field to play the ball- (don’t you just love 7 year olds?) stopping the attack. The referee had to blow her whistle to make the kid stop –
I think this kid may have Attention Deficit Disorder because he stepped on to the field 2 or 3 times before this and his coach had to catch him. If cautions for illegal substitution were enforced, then he would have been red carded and I don’t think any one would justify that with this particular child in the U-8.
The ref restarted with a drop ball that went to the attackers- so no harm done as far as who had possession. One coach then started yelling across the field “what are you doing the drop ball for?”
True, this player was guilty of unsporting behavior and I’m sure the coach was wanting a free kick but since the referees in this “non-competitive” league refrain from yellow cards and red cards, she later explained that she went to the drop ball-restart theory that since the ref stopped the game by blowing a whistle during play (similarly to stopping at an injury) This makes sense since the rule book does not specifically address a player jumping off the bench, I see how this 13-year-old referee could make this call based on Law 8 (a drop ball for restarted for stoppages not covered under the other laws.) I also argued with her that an indirect free kick could have been awarded for the unsporting behavior/ illegal substitution -even though cards are not show. Both would have the same result but this young lady, my daughter, wanted to see if she did the right thing so she’ll know if it happens again.
Looking forward to your reply to resolve our father- daughter conundrum of the day.
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
Well, your daughter wins the contest of knowledge. Law 3 tells us:
If a substitute enters the field of play without the referee’s permission:
– play is stopped
– the substitute is cautioned, shown the yellow card and required to leave the field of play
– play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place it was located when play was stopped * (see page 3)
HOW TO TOSS THE COIN?
Your question:
Is there a common acceptable means for the “Coin Toss”? [many accomplish this seemly trifling task w/ authority, but no one can quote a correct way] For example: who tosses/flips the coin, is it caught, by whom, left falling to the ground, which team calls [start of game, overtime period(s), shootout], alternate method w/o a coin.
The ball is in flight as the game time expires, headed directly toward the goal mouth…35yards away from goal, 20yards, 5yards, 1yard…when does the Referee signal that game time has expired? Using Laws of Game, Common Sense and being able to sell the call sometimes conflicts…help please.
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
There is no “correct,” commonly acceptable way to accomplish the coin toss. Some referees do it themselves, others ask the visiting team’s captain to call as the home team’s captain tosses the coin, or some variation on this theme. Some referees let the coin hit the ground, others catch it.
VERBAL DISTRACTION
Your question:
An attacker is running with the ball towards the opponents goal. He passes the last defender leaving only the keeper between him and the goal. The attacker prepares to take a shot and just as he begins to take the shot, the defender he just passed verbally distracts him (i.e. yells something to the defender to take his focus off the ball) the attacker is distracted and his shot misses the goal most likely due to the fact that the defender yelled at him. Could this be called a foul or impeding the progress of an opponent or could it simply be a misconduct? Could the defender be sent off for DOGSO by fouling? If it occured somewhere else on the field, could the defender be cautioned for unsporting behavior? Thank you for your response.
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
First things first: There is no such infringement of the Laws as “oral” or “verbal” impeding of an opponent. Impeding must be understood in relation to an opponent. If the player gets in the way of the opponent and causes the opponent to stop or swerve without making contact AND if the ball is not within playing distance, then there is obstruction (impeding the progress). Impeding implies movement, not a verbal tactic.
Verbal distraction of an opponent is considered to be unsporting behavior, punished by a caution/yellow card. If the referee stops play to deal with this misconduct, the restart is an indirect free kick for the opponent’s team, taken from the place where the misconduct occurred (bearing in mind the special circumstances described in law 8).
As to your question regarding whether verbal distraction can lead to a dismissal/red card if, in the opinion of the referee, the verbal distraction interfered with an obvious goalscoring opportunity and if (as here) the referee stops play solely to deal with this misconduct: Based on USSF guidance, for which we are presently seeking an official ruling from FIFA, the answer is yes. The offense was punishable by an indirect free kick restart and otherwise met the requirements of Law 12
OFFSIDE
Your question:
The situation is as follows…….
An attacker has the ball and is outside the penalty area with a defender in front of him slightly to his right. The attacker trys to pass the ball to a fellow player, who is on the other side of the defender, positioned towards the touchline but in an offside position. The ball leaves the attacker;s foot but hits the out-stretched foot of the defender before it can get to the player in an offside position and the ball deflects into the goal. The AR puts his flag up for offside, the referee agrees and the restart is a free kick to the defending team.
Now, I am on my soapbox!!!!
They always drummed into us “Always be patient especially when it comes to offsides. The AR assists the referee in identifying offsides and he must hold his flag in check for a second or so to determine the final destination of the ball. This avoids calling offside when a player, who might be in an offside position, does not get actively involved with the play/ball .” Having heard the example and the need, in that situation as a AR, to hold his flag up and call offside, I am perplexed !
I was at a meeting Saturday and this example was given as a “gray area” that continues to exist in referee circles in [my state]. I am NOT surprised it exists, it’s the opposite of what we were always trained to do! Surely, because of the INTENT to play the ball to a player in the offside position, why on earth should he be actually called offside as he was NOT involved in active play. The defender, in this situation, made a mistake sticking his leg out for the ball.
My example, similar situation as the one outlines. The winger attempts to hit a ball to far past and the player is in an offside position BUT the attacker does not kick the ball high or hard enough and the ball drops short at the front of the goal but one of his team mates does a diving header and scores. That would not be an offside would it?
What say you ?
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
Law 11 requires that two elements be considered in determining offside: First, offside position. Second, if there is offside position, then the player must, in the opinion of the referee, be involved in active play by interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position. That does not appear to have been the case in this situation and so the decision must be against offside. The assistant referee should have waited to determine active involvement before raising the flag.
CHART FOR RESTARTS?
Your question:
My referee instructor said that there is a chart on the ussoccer website concerning the various ways and reasons that play can be re-started. I don’t see it. Would you please direct me to this chart? Thank you.
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
We are not aware of any such chart on the U. S. Soccer system. The instructor may have been imprecise in stating what was there, or, heaven forfend, you may have misunderstood. You can find complete guidance to all restarts in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game,” available to all registered referees through your State Director of Instruction. It may also be purchased from the Federation for $4.95 plus shipping/handling by calling the Referee Department, (312) 808-1300, or downloaded from the very website where you could find no chart.
SECOND TOUCH AT PENALTY KICK?
Your question:
U10G Game. Penalty Kick. Kicker kicks ball. Ball’s trajectory is towards the space above the keeper. Goalkeeper jumps for the ball. Ball brushes by keeper’s hand and then bounces off crossbar towards kicker. Kicker kicks ball into the goal net. Note, I said “brushes by” because the ball was not deflected but instead proceeded to continue through and hit the crossbar.
Question: Is this a double touch and as such the goal not allowed? Or does the fact that the goalkeeper’s touch in combination with the crossbar bounce give the kicker an opportunity to score?
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
You said “brushes by” and noted that the ball was not deflected, but also said that there was a “goalkeeper’s touch.” Why are you worried about the crossbar in this case? Once the goalkeeper — also known as “another player ” — has touched the ball in ever so slight a way, the requirements of Law 14 have been fulfilled and the original kicker may play the ball again.
DELIBERATE VS. ACCIDENTAL HANDLING
Your question:
A coach writes: I’ve been noticing in my indoor games and others I have watched recently that players and refs have a basketball bias. It comes to one word, planting. No planting in soccer, but I see it allowed all the time. If you stand immediately behind a player with the ball you have no rights… because you can’t play the ball, so the call is impeding if the ball handler is trying to move in the path toward the defender or “backwards”. If the attacker makes no effort to move toward the attacker, no call. If someone plants right in front of you, they have no rights either, they must get to the ball first or get out of the way. Or am I mistaken?
USSF answer (March 19, 2003):
Unlike basketball, players are not allowed to “plant” or set picks in soccer, but this does not mean that a player may not be in the way of another player inadvertently. If a player moves to a position close behind the player with the ball and then simply stands there, making no play for the ball, then he is liable to be called for impeding if the player with the ball decides to move backward or to turn around and go in that direction. If the player behind is actively challenging for the ball, then there should be no infringement of the Law. All of this would be in the opinion of the referee, based on what was occurring at that moment in the game. For complete guidance, see the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game”:
QUOTE
12.14 IMPEDING AN OPPONENT
“Impeding the progress of an opponent” means moving on the field so as to obstruct, interfere with, or block the path of an opponent. Impeding can include crossing directly in front of the opponent or running between him and the ball so as to form an obstacle with the aim of delaying his advance. There will be many occasions during a game when a player will come between an opponent and the ball, but in the majority of such instances, this is quite natural and fair. It is often possible for a player not playing the ball to be in the path of an opponent and still not be guilty of impeding.
The offense requires that the ball not be within playing distance or not capable of being played, and physical contact between the player and the opponent is normally absent. If physical contact occurs, the referee should, depending on the circumstances, consider instead the possibility that a charging infringement has been committed (direct free kick) or that the opponent has been fairly charged off the ball (indirect free kick). However, nonviolent physical contact may occur while impeding the progress of an opponent if, in the opinion of the referee, this contact was an unavoidable consequence of the impeding (due, for example, to momentum).
END OF QUOTE
SETTING “PICKS”
Your question:
First of all, I love the site! Really useful. I especially appreciated the write-up on deliberate vs. accidental handling. Much clearer than anything else that I have seen on this difficult and often misunderstood subject.
Here’s my question: Law 12 says that it is a foul to impede the progress of an opponent. Recently, I have seen a number of younger players intentionally run in front of the keeper after a save as the keeper starts to move forward. In each case, the attacker clearly moved so as to interfere with the keeper. In several cases, it was equally clear that the player had been instructed to do so by the coach — in one case, the coach even yelled to his player to “get in front of the goalie.”
I did not blow my whistle (given the age of the players I felt that the keeper’s punt would travel much farther than a stationary kick, so in essence I allowed “advantage”), but I did tell the players involved that I would caution them if they continued. Am I correct in thinking that this behavior is impeding?
USSF answer (March 11, 2003):
Yes, what you describe would not be considered impeding, an unfair interference with the movement of the opponent, such as a basket ball pick, but would be considered to be preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands, particularly as the player moved to block the goalkeeper’s line of sight and action. Another way to think of it: Impeding generally requires that the opponent be in motion, whereas interference with the release of the ball is purely a positional thing, regardless of whether the goalkeeper is moving at the time.
Your decision to warn the players before cautioning them for following their coach’s instructions was a good one. You might also ask the captain(s) to tell the coach that this is not allowed.
DELIBERATE PASS TO THE GOALKEEPER
Your question:
High School game of 3/7/03 but uses the same rule as FIFA: Defender plays ball, with feet, directly to the keeper. The keeper attempts to play the ball up the field and completely misses the kick. The ball continues toward goal and strikes the post and bounces back toward the keeper. The keeper covers the ball with attacker in the vicinity. The keeper then makes the distribution and play continues. Quite literally, 10 seconds went by and I (the AR) began to thinking about what had happened. I’ve convinced myself that this should be ruled a pass to keeper with subsequent IDK at the 6yd line.
Comments?
USSF answer (March 11, 2003):
If by “covers” and “makes the distribution,” you means that the ‘keeper actually touched the ball with his hands, then the goalkeeper has infringed that portion of Law 12 which states that an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate.
DELIBERATE VS. ACCIDENTAL HANDLING
Your question:
For identification porpuse, the numbers on the players uniform is very important. My question is, why these numbers are never mention in the law book, are these numbers mandatory? If they are why are never mention in any FIFA or USSF book?
USSF answer (March 9, 2003):
Player numbers are not required by the Laws of the Game. They are required by the rules of the various competitions (leagues, cups, tournaments, etc.) for administrative purposes.
If you think that is strange, consider this: Nothing in Law 4 requires the teams — other than the goalkeepers — to wear contrasting colors! Everything related to colors, numbers, etc., is the province of the competition authority.
DELIBERATE VS. ACCIDENTAL HANDLING
Your question:
A ball that strikes the arm or hand accidentally is not considered an offense, but what if the player achieves a significant advantage from such an occurence, such as the ability to control the ball and kick it into the net for a goal. Is it still considered not an offense? Please explain.
USSF answer (March 5, 2003):
The offense known as “handling the ball” involves DELIBERATE contact with the ball by a player’s hand or arm (including fingertips, upper arm, or outer shoulder). “Deliberate contact” means that the player could have avoided the touch but chose not to, that the player’s arms were not in a normal playing position at the time, or that the player deliberately continued an initially accidental contact for the purpose of gaining an unfair advantage. Moving hands or arms instinctively to protect the body when suddenly faced with a fast approaching ball does not constitute deliberate contact unless there is subsequent action to direct the ball once contact is made. Likewise, placing hands or arms to protect the body at a free kick or similar restart is not likely to produce an infringement unless there is subsequent action to direct or control the ball. The fact that a player may benefit from the ball contacting the hand does not transform the otherwise accidental event into an infringement.
In other words, if the player does not infringe the Law, as described above, then it makes absolutely no difference how much he or she may benefit from the accidental contact with the ball.
REFEREEING SOLO
Your question:
I am a Grade 8 referee and am sometimes forced to referee games without any assistant referees. It gets very frustrating as the diagonal system is virtually useless. How would you recommend I cover the field?
USSF answer (March 5, 2003):
There is no textbook answer on how to cover the field in a one-man game. In such cases, the intelligent referee will first obtain club linesmen from each of the teams and give them their instructions: The referee should make it clear that the decision of the referee is final and must not be questioned; the relationship of club linesmen to the referee must be one of assistance, without undue interference or any opposition; club linesmen are to signal only when the ball is entirely over the goal line or touch-line. While the club linesmen may be of some help in dealing with balls out of play, they have no other role in officiating the game.
The referee must be near action and stay out of the players’ way and out of space the players need to work in. Inevitably the referee will miss some events and the coaches and players will accept this if all other refereeing decisions are given quickly, correctly, and firmly.
PLAYERS WEARING GLASSES
Your question:
Where in the laws does it cover anything on the use of prescription glass to be or not to be worn in soccer matches? I know you could come back and say if as a referee you feel that it is unsafe then they cannot but, is there any one item that covers this?
USSF answer (March 4, 2003):
In addition to this quote from the IFAB/FIFA Questions and Answers on the Laws of the Game (2000 edition), Law 4, Question 4, . . .
4. May a referee allow a player wearing glasses to play in a match?
If, in the opinion of the referee, the glasses are dangerous to the player himself, or to an opponent, he does not allow the player to take part in the match.
. . . this quote from USSF Memorandum 2001 should provide your answer:
Players Wearing Spectacles
Sympathy was expressed for players, especially young players, who need to wear spectacles. It was accepted that new technology had made sports spectacles much safer, both for the player himself and for other players.
While the referee has the final decision on the safety of players’ equipment, the Board expects that they will take full account of modern technology and the improved safety features of spectacle design when making their decision.
USSF Advice to Referees: Referees must not interpret the above statement to mean either that “sports glasses” must automatically be considered safe or that glasses which are not manufactured to be worn during sports are automatically to be considered unsafe. The referee must make the final decision: the Board has simply recognized that new technology has made safer the wearing of glasses during play.
OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY
Your question:
At a recent meeting of high school officials we determined what the High Scholl ruling would be, had a defender passed the ball to his goalie who then picked it up to prevent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity from the attacker charging him: what is the official USSF response to this? Is it a red card? indirect? Please help us, I have been asked to determine the answer.
USSF answer (March 4, 2003):
The answer to your question is that this situation does not require a send-off/red card, because the goalkeeper is within his rights to handle the ball within his own penalty area. See Law 12, Sending-Off offense 4:
“4. denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area).”
There is no misconduct at all. The correct restart would be an indirect free kick from the place where the goalkeeper handled the ball.
UNPLAYABLE FIELD?
Your question:
I think this has been answered before (as have many questions you receive), butŠ If a penalty kick has been awarded during normal play and the penalty mark is dug out and full of water, what is the official decision on the referee’s action? Quite likely, the match should never have been started with such a problem with the field, but what should be done?
USSF answer (March 4, 2003):
As you have suggested, a careful inspection of the field before the start of the game would have found this unsafe and unplayable portion of the field and led the referee to abandon the game before it was started. If the problem is not correctable, then the referee’s decision during the game must be to abandon the game and report the matter to the competition authority.
However, if the problem is correctable, it might not be necessary to abandon the match. Some problems, before or during a match, can be resolved and the match may continue. The determination as to whether this is possible belongs to the referee, but the actual implementation of the resolution is NOT the responsibility of the referee. It belong to whoever “owns” the field.
COMPETITION RULES ON _NOT_ ADDING TIME
Your question:
I have refereed in several local tournaments in my area, all of which are affiliated with/sanctioned by USSF. I have seen that the competition rules provide that time is not to be added on, even for injury. I find this grossly unfair to the players, as they deserve to play the fully allotted time. I also believe that the practice of forbidding stoppage time (for purposes of tournament scheduling) is in violation of Law 7 as well as FIFA regulations. Law 7 states that time shall be added on at the discretion of the referee to replace time lost. FIFA allows modification of the periods of play for youth matches. However, I believe this simply means that the periods themselves can be shortened (i.e. we would not expect a U-12 team to play two 45 minute halves, as stipulated in Law 7), but whatever period length is set still must be played in its entirety, as FIFA makes no allowence for modification of that part of Law 7.
Please tell me if my assumptions are correct, and please forward this to the appropriate authority within USSF so that this seemingly unfair practice, if it is forbidden, can be stopped quickly for the good of the game.
USSF answer (March 4, 2003):
You are correct in noting that Laws 5 and 7 give the referee responsibility for timing the match and for making allowances for time lost due to excessive delays or unusual stoppages. You are also correct in noting that local league or tournament rules which appear to limit the referee’s authority in this area by forbidding any lengthening of a half to account for time lost are contrary to the requirement that only certain specific parts of the Law can be modified for certain categories of players and that making allowance for time lost would not fall within these limits.
That said, our only response can be that the rule to which you refer is common in tournaments, has a very practical rationale, and is only one among many local rule exceptions of which we are aware that are not sanctioned by the Laws of the Game. If such a rule were proposed for a competitive level of play and officially presented to USSF for approval, the answer would be that the rule could not be used.
Your problem is whether, as a referee, you are willing to implement local rule exceptions. If so, it is no use complaining about them; if not, refuse the assignment. The last word in USSF is “Federation,” which means that affiliated programs are given wide latitude to shape their programs according to local needs and that USSF avoids micromanaging these matters.
OFFSIDE AT THE HALFWAY LINE
Your question:
I was running the line last week and encountered a situation: A defender in his own half passed the ball to his teammate, a striker. At the moment the ball was kicked, the striker had one foot in his own half and one foot in the other half. Was he offside?
USSF answer (March 4, 2003):
The answer for USSF referees lies in our publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game,” but the referee who uses this information must remember to look for active involvement by the player before calling him offside:
11.14 WHEN IS A PLAYER IN AN OFFSIDE POSITION AT THE HALFWAY LINE?
Keeping in mind the requirement for active involvement in play, here are some guidelines for judging offside position at the halfway line:
1. (a) If the player’s toes are on the halfway line, but not over the line, there would be no offside.
(b) If the player’s feet are on the halfway line, with the toes over the line (heels on his own side), there could be offside (if there is active involvement).
2. If the player has one foot over the line and one foot completely on his own side, there could be offside (if there is active involvement).
3. If the player has both feet on his own side of the line, but his head or hands extend over the line, there would be no offside. (It would not be justifiable to count the head or hands, as we usually judge offside based on the torso. An instance of a player with both feet completely on his own side and his body over and beyond the line and still ready to take an active part in play would be improbable at best.)
BALL SPINNING AT THROW-IN
Your question:
I see this a lot at all levels of youth play. During a throw-in a player faces the field of play, keeps his feet either on or outside the touch line, uses both hands and delivers the ball from behind and over his head. The question arises when the dominant hand causes the ball to spin. Does the ball have to be delivered with equal pressure so that no spin is apparent? When does serving the ball with a spin become a ‘foul’ throw?
USSF answer (March 3, 2003):
There is no requirement in Law 15 prohibiting spin or rotational movement. In addition, there is no requirement in the Law for both hands to be used with equal force, only that both hands be used.
SHOE KICKED AT GOALKEEPER
Your question:
Recently a referee presented this situation to me. I am not sure if this was a real situation or somebody came up with it – he also had no proper answer. Attacker in a penalty box is shooting the ball. As he kicks the ball his shoe comes off and hits the goalkeeper in the face. The ball rolls on the field towards the goal and, as the goalkeeper is temporarly disabled by the hit, enters the goal.
What would be the referee’s call? So far I got 3 answers and all 3 make some sense. Is it strictly the situation for referee’s judgment call or certain call has to be made ?
USSF answer (March 3, 2003):
Although the loss of the shoe was inadvertent and accidental, it was also careless. A careless act of striking toward an opponent is punishable by a direct free kick for the opponent’s team, taken from the spot where the object (or fist) hit (or would have hit) its target (bearing in mind the special circumstances described in Law 8).
If the kicker’s shoe had been removed when an opponent tackled for the ball, there would be no punishment for either player.
Decision in your situation: No goal, restart with a direct free kick for the goalkeeper’s team, taken from the spot where the shoe hit the goalkeeper, as described above.
MORE OFFSIDE
Your question:
I just recently attended a recertification class. We viewed a portion of some off-side interpretations and there was one situation I cannot find in the laws of the game. I personally think the interpretation is incorrect and has not seen if called in a real game.
An attacking player enters to the left side of penalty area and shoots. His teammate is in an offside position near the six yard box but clearly not involved or interfering with play. If the player shoots and scores then the goal counts. If the player hits the woodwork and bounces to his teammate then this is offside. If the player hits the goalie and the goalie deflects the ball to the other attacker then this is ruled offside.
I find this hard to believe and I have played for many years in division 1 NCAA. You cannot have it both ways. To my thinking, once the goalie deflects the ball it starts a new play. The offensive cannot be offside when he is behind the ball. The answer I received at the class was that the goalie is determined to be the same as the goal posts and the attacker was seeking an unfair advantage.
I cannot find that distinction in any rule book I have seen. If it only exists as an interpretation of the offside law then my guess is it not being enforced based on the old rules when any deflection by a defender negated offside.
USSF answer (February 26, 2003):
You have stated it correctly: “You cannot have it both ways.” If a player is in an offside position when his teammate plays the ball and the player then becomes involved in play, then he must be declared offside. In the two cases you cite, the player in the offside position became involved in play by gaining an advantage from his position. In addition, the referee needs to remember that The Laws of the Game require that a defender (including the goalkeeper) actually PLAY the ball before relieving an attacker of being in an offside position. A deflection is not a “play” — “play” means “possess and control.”
Decision: Offside. You will find an illustration of the situation in the USSF publication “Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game,” Section 11.3.
PLAYER CAPS
Your question:
The other day on t.v., we were watching a soccer game. They started talking about players caps. they would say Mia has 10 caps. Do you know what caps means?
USSF answer (February 26, 2003):
“Player caps” refers to a tradition established in England many years ago. Wearing caps as part of soccer uniform, to distinguish teams by cap colors, goes back to 1654. The custom continued, as shown in many photos of famous mid-19th century amateur teams with all-capped players. Pro clubs also wore caps. A special England “cap” was introduced by FA in 1886 with the citation “For players who have gained full international honours for England.”
Today, recognized categories are decided by FIFA. In addition to the usual categories of games at A, B, Under-23, Amateur, Youth and other levels, the list is growing with the introduction of Women’s Under-19, handicapped players etc.
Nowadays caps are usually awarded only for matches against full international teams in the same category.
And Mia Hamm, by the way, has well over 100 caps for the United States Women’s National Team.
WEARING THE USSF BADGE
Your question:
Last weekend I was assigned to a sanctioned game in a sanctioned youth tournament. I showed up for the game along with one team, while the other team was a no-show. After waiting the appropriate time, the one team asked me if I would stay and officiate them in a friendly 7v7 scrimmage, so they could warm up and get prepared for their next game. I did so. During a break, a tournament official stopped by and asked me to remove my USSF Referee badge. His reasoning was that this was not a sanctioned game. My response to him was that all the players were appropriately registered and thus I should keep the badge on; however, I did remove it.
Can you provide an official guidance on this issue, or give me help in finding out what it is?
USSF answer (February 24, 2003):
Despite the fact that both teams and the tournament were affiliated with US Youth Soccer, the game itself was not. Because the game was not sanctioned, the referee may not be covered by USSF liability insurance, and that is a point that should be considered be every referee who is asked to officiate a non-affiliated game.
A badge may or may not be worn in such a scrimmage. The referee has a right to wear the USSF referee badge as long as he is registered for the current year and is not doing an unaffiliated or outlaw competition. In this particular case, it was a scrimmage, but the players were affiliated.
NO GOAL ALLOWED AFTER PLAY IS STOPPED
Your question:
I am a grade 8 referee. In a recent game (semi-final of a tournament) the following happened: The attacker, in the penalty area, is moving forward towards a crossed ball. He has “beaten” the defender (he is a step ahead of the defender – not off side). I am 10 yards behind the play (about the top of the arch of the penalty area) with a very clear view of the play. The defender starts to pull the attacking player’s shirt. At this point, I cannot see the ball, as I am outside the penalty area, the players are around the penalty spot and the ball is somewhere on the other side of their bodies. I blow my whistle as the ball is played by the attacker. The ball goes directly into the goal. I indicated that the goal stands. Was the play “dead” since I blew the whistle? Was it legitimate to let the goal stand?
The lesson I learned was to hold my whistle (especially in the penalty area on goal scoring opportunities) to wait and see what happens (i.e. advantage). The defending team complained that the play was dead which I felt was a somewhat valid argument. I consulted with my AR (an experienced referee), and she concurred with me. I felt my decision was made and had to stand by it.
The game was well played and it ended up a 1-0 win on the goal I let stand. After the game, the losing team understood my position and were very good sports about it. I think they (the losing team) realized, it was an excellent goal and a difficult decision.
Thanks for any response.
USSF answer (February 24, 2003):
Once the referee has made a decision to call an infringement of the Law, whether or not the whistle has been blown, play is considered to be stopped. The referee cannot allow a goal to be scored after he has blown the whistle.
LEAVING THE FIELD TO AVOID BEING CALLED OFFSIDE
Your question:
An attacker is dribbling the ball down the field and has reached just outside the Penalty Area, past all of the defenders, one of his team mates is standing between the goal line and the top of the goal area. The goalkeeper is in the same general area. Question: If the attacker standing between the goal line and the goal area leaves the field of play, in between the goal posts, to remove himself from an offside position, after the kick was taken, but in the opinion of the referee interferes with the goalkeeper, what is the correct decision for a restart? What about if he¹s not interefering with the goalkeeper? Is it a cautionable offense for him to leave the field over the goal line to remove himself from an offsides position? At what point do we consider whether it was in dynamic play or not? Is the restart a kick off, after a goal being awarded? What is the referee to do? What If the attacker leaves the field of play over the goal line between the goal posts, before kick was taken, what is the proper restart?
USSF answer (February 24, 2003):
No, it is not a cautionable offense to leave the field to avoid the offside. However, if, in the opinion of the referee, the attacker who has left the field to avoid being called offside interferes with any opponent, then he must be cautioned for unsporting behavior and shown the yellow card. The correct restart for interfering with play while off the field is a dropped ball at the place where the ball was when the offense occurred, bearing in mind the special circumstances described in Law 8. And if the ball was still in play when the interference occurred, then whatever happened did occur during dynamic play.
If the referee believes that the player was not interfering with an opponent, then no offense has occurred and the goal is scored; restart with a kick-off.
QUESTION REGARDING 3 FEBRUARY 2003 ANSWER ON TRICKERY
Your question:
Your question: If I read your answer to the question [of February 3, 2003] of whether a defender who juggles a ball several times before heading it back to his goalkeeper is guilty of unsporting behavior correctly, you stated that the defender should be cautioned for trickery and the IFK taken from the spot where the defender played the ball back to the goalkeeper. Is it unsporting even if the goalkeeper does not pick up the ball? If the ball is picked up by the goalkeeper, is the IFK from the point where the ball is picked up or the point where it is passed by to the keeper by the defender?
USSF answer (February 24, 2003):
A player who engages trickery to circumvent the goalkeeper’s limitation on handling the ball played from a teammate’s foot is cautioned for unsporting behavior. The decision does not require that the goalkeeper actually handles the ball, and the misconduct can occur during dynamic play or at a restart. The restart is taken from the place where the trickery was initiated; in this case, where the defender juggled the ball and then headed it back to his ‘keeper.
DEALING WITH CAUTIONS
Your question:
I have 3 questions for you:
1) Player A is running up-field with the ball. The defender, B, jumps at A to startle him, causing him to flinch and lose possession. Should the referee award A an IFK, or possibly caution him for USB?
2) Suppose a player commits a foul and is cautioned. Later, he commits a second cautionable foul. Does the referee present the yellow card followed immediately by the red card, or simply the red card?
3) A player commits two consecutive cautionable fouls. When the referee writes up the fouls, does he write up one caution, present the yellow card, write up the second caution, and present the red card; or does he write up the two cautionable offenses, and simply present the red card?
USSF answer (February 20, 2003):
1. This sounds like a case of “you had to be there.” The defender, B, has committed the foul of jumping at an opponent if he does it in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force. If the foul were careless, the result would be a direct free kick (or penalty kick if committed within B’s penalty area) for A’s team. If the foul were reckless, the result would be a caution/yellow card to B for unsporting behavior and a direct free kick (or penalty kick if committed within B’s penalty area) for A’s team. If the foul involved excessive force, the result would be a send-off/red card for B and a direct free kick (or penalty kick if committed within B’s penalty area) for A’s team.
2. If a player receives a second caution in the same match, he must be sent off. The correct procedure is to show the yellow card, immediately followed by the red card.
3. In dealing with this situation during the game, the referee presents each yellow card separately, followed by the red card, jotting down details as he goes. In preparing the match report, the referee writes up each caution separately and then writes up the dismissal.
RESTARTS
Your question:
Several questions have arisen during the recent high school season among our referees. I have not been able to find definitive answers, and in some cases, I have found conflicting answers.
1. Away from the ball, asst. referee observes two players tangled up; defender strongly pushes offensive player to the ground in the penalty box; ball is at midfield when referee notices flag and blows whistle to stop play; asst. feels a caution is needed for defender. What is the proper restart and where should it take place?
2. Similar question. During play, defender complains to referee about previous call. Referee feels a caution is needed. The ball is 20 yards away at this point. What is the call and the restart? Does it make any difference if the dissent takes place in the defender’s penalty box or if the ball is in the penalty box?
3. Ball hits the corner flag as it goes over the touch line not the goal line. Throw in or corner kick?
USSF answer (February 15, 2003):
We cannot presume to answer for games played under high school rules, but if these incidents had occurred in USSF-affiliated games, the answers would be:
1. Penalty kick for the attacking team.
2. If the referee stops play to deal with dissent, the restart would be an indirect free kick taken from where the offense occurred, bearing in mind the special circumstances described in Law 8.
3. Throw-in.
YOUHADDABETHERE
Your question:
I have 2 questions after watching mexican premiere league on t.v.
The first: An attacker inside the penalty area has the ball and dribble towards goal with no defender except keeper who runs out dives towards the attacker feet and with one hand manage punch the ball away. As a result of the dive his body takes down the attacker who manage to get up quickly but the ball is already rolling towards the goaline so he has no chance of getting it back to score. What would be the correct restart: Penalty or Corner if last touched by the keeper?
Similar situation where Keeper at top of the penalty area but inside it, lost the ball to an attacker who now has it and can pass to another attacker. Keeper slides with one foot(w/o force) behind the attacker extend his foot between attacker legs and kicks the ball away while the his slide cause the attacker to fall when the ball is rolling away from him. Ref gave penalty while players argued that it was clean on the ball and the ball was already beyond his reach when he fell. Please advise.
Thank you as always for your great website.
USSF answer (February 14, 2003):
The answer must be the same in both cases: The referee on the spot is the only person who can determine exactly what happened, whether the goalkeeper took the ball cleanly and the attacker then tripped over the goalkeeper’s arm or leg — or not. Both are strictly judgment calls.
QUESTION REGARDING 3 DECEMBER 2002 ANSWER ON OFFSIDE
Your question:
I am preparing some instructional material for recertification clinic for some experienced grade 8 referees and downloaded some Q&A from the Ask A Soccer Referee website. Based on how this is presented, I disagree with the answer to Situation 3. If Attacker 1 passes to Attacker 2 who is in an offside position at that moment isn’t the subsequent action by the defender irrelevant? The moment to judge offside is prior to the defender’s action. So it is offside regardless. If the defender had control of the ball and then passed the ball towards his own goal and it went to an attacker who was in an offside position, then no offside. What do you say? [An abridgement of the original question follows:] There are three variations on the same situation. In each one, Attacker A1 passes the ball to teammate A2, who is in an offside position at the moment the ball is released by A1. In the first two cases the referee is about to call the foul or do something else when he realizes that the AR has signaled for offside. In Situation 1, Defender D1 (not realizing that A2 is in an offside position) fouls A2 (tripping him, pulling his shirt, etc.). The referee correctly awards the indirect free kick for offside.
In Situation 3, Defender D1 (not realizing that A2 is in an offside position) tries to intercept the ball with his foot, but he diverts it into his own goal. The referee does not allow the goal and awards an indirect free kick to the defending team for the offside infringement.
[Original] USSF answer (December 3, 2002):
//snip//
In Situation 3, the crucial question is whether, IN THE OPINION OF THE REFEREE, the involvement by D1 constituted a play of the ball or whether it was accidental, a deflection. If D1’s play was truly a deflection, the goal should not stand and A1 should be declared offside for his involvement (gaining an advantage from his offside position). If, on the other hand, the referee believes that D1 had established control of the ball, the offside call is incorrect.
If the ball had come away from D1 and gone to A2 instead of into the goal, would the referee have punished for offside? If so, then the fact that the ball went from D1 into his own goal is irrelevant; the offside infringement has occurred and it occurred before the ball entered the goal. If the referee would not have punished for offside (because he judged that D1 PLAYED the ball), then D1 has just scored an own goal.
USSF answer (February 12, 2003):
As clearly pointed out in the original item, it is the referee’s opinion that governs the decision. If you would remove the referee’s option to exercise his or her opinion, then you take away any and all options for discretion in any decision made during the game. The Laws of the Game come in a flexible book, one that allows you to bend the Law — as long as you do not spill any of the words in the process.
As a sort of technical addendum to the answer, let us add that it is incorrect to say that “The moment to judge offside is prior to the defender’s action.” As USSF training materials (Advice to Referees, Myths of the Game, etc.) make clear, the moment to judge offside POSITION is when the attacker touches the ball, but the time to judge offside INFRINGEMENT begins then and continues until that particular play is over. The play is considered over for purposes of judging offside INFRINGEMENT if a defender clearly plays (possesses and controls) the ball.
REFEREE UNIFORM AND HATS
Your question:
I am currently a Grade 7 USSF-registered referee, who is also a member of the US Military. As a result, I travel around often and rarely spend more than two years in the same location. This presents its own set of challenges as a referee as I am forced to start over as a referee each time I move. For the most part, I haven’t had many difficulties. I do have one problem now though that is significantly impacting my ability to referee. I moved to [this State] in November 2001 following a seven-month deployment on a submarine. I registered with the [State] in December and started officiating the following month, at which point I received three developmental assessments in my first four games, each with satisfactory results. In February, [a] Tournament took place and that is when I started being excluded here in [this State] as a referee. The issue concerns referee equipment.
I read through the 2002 Laws of the Game and the Referee Handbook again last night after being excluded from this year’s [name deleted] Cup and Snickers Cup which take place [in February 2003]. While the Referee Handbook describes the required uniform, it does not currently state that the wearing of hats is forbidden. I have actually been refereeing off and on since I was 10 years old (currently 35) and I remember the Laws of the Game use to strictly forbid it. My problem is that I refuse to officiate daylight games without wearing a hat, especially here in [this State]. This is purely for medical reasons. I am mostly bald and have been since I was 23. My family on my father’s skin has a history of skin cancer and I currently have pre-cancerous spots on my head. I have a letter from my physician and have shown it to both the SRA and SYRA without results. In fact, last night at the tournament meeting it was reiterated to me that the wearing of hats is not local policy, but rather a USSF regulation. I have browsed through the regulations, and while I cannot find anything that specifically allows the wearing of hats, I cannot find anything that strictly forbids it.
I love the game of soccer and have been involved since I was 8 years old. I would hate to think that my career as a referee is over, but my health is more important to me than foregoing a hat to referee. Is this a USSF policy, and if so, are there allowances made for medical conditions or have I simply worn out my welcome as an official? Thank you for your response.
USSF answer (February 12, 2003):
Dear [Name Deleted]
No, you certainly have not worn out your welcome, but there are considerations that go beyond the individual. The refereeing team is expected to look professional for every game. Hats are not considered to be “professional” in appearance and would not be worn at high-level competitions — but please see below.
THE REFEREE UNIFORM
Referees may wear only the gold primary jersey or the black/white-, red/black- or blue-striped alternate jerseys. No other colors will be worn without express permission of the USSF. If the uniform colors worn by a goalkeeper and the referee or by a team (or both teams) and the referee are similar enough to invite confusion, the referee must attempt to have the goalkeeper or the team(s) change to different colors. If there is no way to resolve the color similarity, then the referee (and the assistant referees) must wear the colors that conflict least with the players. Referees and assistant referees must wear the same color jerseys, and all must wear the same length sleeves. The referee uniform does not include a hat, cap, or other head covering, with the exception of religious head covering. Referees must wear the badge of the current registration year.
The paragraph above does not cover shorts, socks or shoes, but referees who want to get ahead will make every effort to present themselves neatly and professionally. Shorts should be made of the same materials as the jerseys. Shoes must be black and bear as little ornamentation as possible. Referees should dress as conservatively as possible, to avoid drawing undue attention to themselves.
The policy on hats was also published in the October 1999 issue of Fair Play:
Q. May referees wear caps and sunglasses?
A. With regard to caps, the policy of the United States Soccer Federation was stated in the Spring 1994 issue of Fair Play magazine: “Under normal circumstances, it is not acceptable for a game official to wear headgear, and it would never be seen on a high level regional, national or international competition. However, there may be rare circumstances in local competitions where head protection or sun visors might sensibly be tolerated for the good of the game, e.g. early morning or late afternoon games with sun in the officials’ line of sight causing vision difficulties; understaffed situations where an official with sensitive skin might be pressed into service for multiple games under strong sunlight or a referee who wears glasses needing shielding from rain.” Sunglasses would be subject to the same considerations. In addition, we ask referees to remember that sunglasses have the unfortunate side effect of suggesting that the referee or assistant referee is severely visually impaired and should not be working the game. They also limit communication between the officials and the players by providing a barrier against eye-to-eye contact. Sunglasses, if worn, should be removed prior to any verbal communication with players.
OFFSIDE
Your question:
Player A1 has the ball. Players A2 and D4 are in offside position, in their respective directions. (For the purpose of this question, please assume there are no other players, except for the goalkeepers.) Currently, because A1 is the last to touch the ball, only A2 is actively in offside position, but D4 could become so if one of his teammates were to touch the ball. A1 kicks the ball over the top, planning to put the ball over D1 and D3, to A2 (who would be called for offside if the ball went that far). However, the ball strikes D1 and rebounds to the other side of the field, towards point X. (D1 did not make any sort of deliberate play nor did he control the ball, rather the ball just hit him.) D4 and A2 both chase after the ball, arriving at the same time. What is the call? It seems that A2 is offside from the original play by A1, and also that D4 is offside because he was in offside position when the ball was last touched (by a teammate). Whaddya call?
USSF answer (February 11, 2003):
Let it first be clear to all readers that this is a most unlikely situation, another in the imaginative soccer referee’s world of millions of angels dancing on the heads of pins. In theory, either player could be called offside. D1’s deflection of the ball does not remove A2’s status of being in an offside position when the ball was played by A1. D4 was also in an offside position. How about a compromise? Whichever player gets to point X and the ball first will be declared offside.
A “TRIFLING” OFFENSE? NOT!
Your question:
I was told that if, just prior to a free kick, the defensive wall steps forward to put opposing players in an offside position, that is a “trifling” offense and should not be punished. That doesn’t seem right to me.
USSF answer (February 9, 2003):
We need to remember four things: First, the defending team committed the foul for which the kick has been given. Second, the Law requires players of the defending to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick or be cautioned and shown the yellow card. Third, no offside offense can be described as “trifling”; it either is or is not offside, depending upon whether or not the player or players in the offside position were actively involved in play. Fourth, misconduct can never be “trifling” if not punishing it leads to unfairness for the opponents.
Allowing the situation to continue as you describe it would punish the injured team doubly and reward the sinning team doubly. In other words, by allowing the misconduct to place the opponents in an offside position, the referee would be permitting the defending team — the same team that committed the foul in the first place — to remove itself from punishment for both the initial foul and the misconduct. The wall may certainly move forward, toward the kicker, but if no member of the defensive wall moves forward to a position less than ten yards from the ball when it is kicked, then there has been no misconduct.
INTERFERENCE AT A THROW-IN
Your question:
The ball leaves the field of play for a throw in to team B. A Player from team A stands near the touchline about 1 meter away from the line, and at this point is standing still with arms at the side. As the player is about to take the throw in the defending player jumps up and down with his hands at his sides. The player delivers the throw into the F.O.P. to a team-mate. The referee stops the game, cautions the defending player and restarts with a indirect free kick from where the player is standing.
Now for my question. I am happy with stopping the game, the caution, but is the restart correct?????? Should it not be restart with the throw-in as technically the offence occurred before the throw-in was completed, even though the referee did not blow for a infringement until the ball was well into the F.O.P.?
USSF answer (February 9, 2003):
If the referee stops the game to deal with interference BEFORE the throw-in, the correct restart after the caution/yellow card for unsporting behavior is a retake of the throw-in. If the former thrower is prevented from participating in play AFTER the throw-in is completed, the referee must stop the game, caution and show the yellow card to the offender for unsporting behavior, and restart with an indirect free kick from the place where the misconduct occurred.
The referee must exercise management skills in such cases. What will work? What is appropriate for this match at this time? What will buy the most for the referee? Indeed, there is a third option — which is to be proactive and take preventive action to avoid the misconduct entirely (mostly for younger, less competitive, or “friendlier” matches).
OFFSIDE CONFUSION
Your question:
If a team is taking a goal kick and an opposing player is outside the penalty box but in an offside position, should he be called offside if the goal kick is played straight to him? What if the goal kick being taken by the keeper deflects off a defender who is outside the penalty area and the opposing player who is in an offside position attempts to play the ball or gains an advantage by having been in an offside position, should an offside call be made?
One more question… If an attacking player is in an offside position and a defending player plays the ball back to his keeper it is legal for that attacking player to attempt to play the ball; however, what if there is a throw in and the ball is thrown to the goal keeper by his own teammate, should the attacker in the offside position be penalized if he attempts to play the ball or gain an advantage after the throw in? Please respond!
Thank you
Confused Referee
USSF answer (February 9, 2003):
Dear Confused Referee,
The Law tells us that “it is not an offense in itself to be in an offside position.” It only becomes an infringement of the Law if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, a player is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position. (In other words, unless the ball is last played by a teammate, there can be no question of offside.)
None of those requirements is met in your situations. In both situations, the ball is played by an opponent. Even with the deflection by the defender in the first situation, the ball is still played by an opponent, not a teammate of the player in the offside position. Situation 1: no offside.
Situation 2 has the same result: no offside. If an opponent plays the ball back to his own goalkeeper, then the player in the offside position is welcome to play it. There is no punishment for this. The same is true of a ball thrown in by an opponent to his own goalkeeper. No offside.
Who has confused you so? This should have been made clear in your entry-level course.
IS PLAYER OFF FIELD FOR THROW INCLUDED IN OFFSIDE SITUATIONS?
Your question:
During a throw-in, the thrower is still off the pitch for several seconds (not by intent, but by lack of alertness). As being off the field of play, does that mean that player cannot be counted when judging potential offside violations until the player actually enters the field?
USSF answer (February 6, 2003):
The player who has stepped off to take the throw and is late returning would still be counted for purposes of offside in a sudden counterattack by the opposing team. This follows the general principle that a player temporarily off the field for any reason, assuming it was “in the normal course of play,” such as taking a throw-in, has to be considered when evaluating offside position.
MOVING THE BALL PRIOR TO THE TAKING OF A GOAL KICK
Your question:
At a recent ref clinic, an instructor stated that it was improper for a player to move the ball once it had been placed on the ground for the taking of a goal kick. His opinion was that this is a delaying tactic and should not be tolerated. I see kids do this occasionally, and I’ve rarely considered it a delay tactic. It usually takes 30-60 seconds to execute a goal kick (even with ball handlers), and only a few seconds for a player to pick up the ball from one corner of the GA, and run it to the other corner of the GA and kick it. I see this as a tactical move to open up one side of the field for the defending team – not as a delay tactic. Obviously, a referee needs to be aware of delaying tactics (usually late in the match and by the team leading the match). I don’t think this applies usually for this scenario.
What’s your thought regarding this?
USSF answer (February 5, 2003):
It is indeed considered a delaying tactic if, prior to taking a goal kick, the player picks up the ball and moves it from one side of the area to another. However, simply picking the ball up and placing it down again MIGHT not be considered as delaying the restart of play. The referee must base the decision on the situation at this particular moment in this particular game.
JUGGLING AND TRICKERY
Your question:
(A) A defensive player starts juggling the ball from his feet to his head, and then heads it back to the goal keeper. IFK? Trickery? Is there a difference between he defensive player playing the ball back while he is under pressure by the offense compared when the offense is not around?
(B) A thrower throws the ball to his team mate who heads the ball back to the goal keeper. IFK? Trickery? Is this to be dealt with the same was as trickery from a free kick?
USSF answer (February 3, 2003):
(A) We must look first to understand the nature of the offense of trickery and yes, this offense would fall under that category. Stop play, caution the juggler for unsporting behavior and show the yellow card, restart with an indirect free kick for the opponents from the spot where the juggler did his thing.
12.21 BALL THROWN TO THE GOALKEEPER
A goalkeeper infringes Law 12 if he touches the ball with his hands after he receives it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate. The goalkeeper is considered to have received the ball directly even if he plays it in any way (for example, by dribbling the ball with his feet) before touching it with his hands. Referees should take care not to consider as trickery any sequence of play that offers a fair chance for opponents to challenge for the ball before it is handled by the goalkeeper from a throw-in.
END OF QUOTE
DENIAL OF GOAL OR OBVIOUS GOALSCORING OPPORTUNITY?
Your question:
A player near the halfway line kicks the ball back toward his GK for the purpose of wasting time. However, he kicks the ball too hard and it will become an own goal unless the action below is taken. In all circumstances the opposing team is completely uninvolved in play. What (if any) is the misconduct in each of the following cases?
A. The goalkeeper in his own PA jumps up and catches the ball.
B. The goalkeeper just outside of his own PA jumps up and catches the ball.
C. A field player in his own PA jumps up and punches the ball over the crossbar.
USSF answer (February 3, 2003):
The referee must base the decision on the circumstances in each and every case. Your scenario states unequivocally that, although no opposing team member had played the ball, if there had been no interference by the goalkeeper or the defender the ball would have entered the goal. In each of the situations you posit, it is the handling offense which has denied the opposing team a goal and so the application of Law 12 is very clear.
In A, the ‘keeper has committed an indirect free kick foul but no misconduct, because the goalkeeper is exempted from the restriction against handling to prevent a goal if he does it within his own penalty area.
In B, the goalkeeper has committed a direct free kick foul (deliberately handling the ball outside his penalty area) and, in addition, must be sent off and shown the red card if his handling, in the opinion of the referee, denied the opposing team a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
In C, the defender has committed a penalty kick foul (deliberately handling the ball within his own penalty area) and, additionally, must be sent off and shown the red card for deliberate handling which denies a goal or an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
COPING WITH BREACHES OF THE REFEREE CODE OF ETHICS
Your question:
I have a question based on an actual experience at a recent tournament. I was acting as an assistant referee at an U-10 game. During the game the referee called a hand-ball just outside the penalty area. When the direct kick was taken, he held his hand up. A fan came over with a rule book to explain to me that a hand-ball is a penal foul, with a direct kick required. Subsequently (same period), the ref did the same thing, and a different person began shouting at me about the proper penalty for a hand-ball. I looked over and it was someone in a referee uniform. I told him he needed to be quiet and not disturb me. He replied that he was the referee coordinator and he could have me removed. Unfortunately, I did not think fast enough to hand him the flag and I said I wanted to file a protest, to which he replied that there was not protest mechanism. What is the proper thing to do when a tournament official interferes with the assistant referee orÊthe referee? It seems a shame to call off the game just because a non-player acts up…
USSF answer (February 3, 2003):
As much as we can sympathize with the officials at any game, who do not always receive the respect they merit, we cannot support a protest by one of them. Yes, the referee was wrong to signal for an indirect free kick following his decision to call the deliberate handling. The immediate appropriate action is for the assistant referee to submit a detailed report of the events to the proper authorities. [I may have misunderstood your use of the word “protest” here. See below.]
The secondary appropriate action is to report the action of the referee who harassed you to the appropriate refereeing authorities as a violation of the referee code of ethics. Whether the referee in the middle was wrong or not (and he was), this gives no one (including self-designated referee coordinators) a right to interfere with the actions of either the referee or the assistant referee. If anyone should know this, it would be another referee.
YET ANOTHER OFFSIDE QUESTION
Your question:
The defending team is playing an aggressive trapping defense with the line of defense 10 yards from the center line (in their own end of the field). Three offensive players are clearly in the offside position well behind the line of defense with the keeper as the last defender between them and the goal. A 4th player dribbles the ball from an onside position through the line of defense. The defending team freezes assuming an offside will be called.
All 4 players simultaneously attack the goal and the keeper (traveling some 30 yards down the field). The fourth player does not pass but as he approaches the keeper he fakes a pass to one of his teammates. The keeper moves in that direction. The fourth player, having never passed or lost control of the ball shoots and scores.
The center referee calls it a good goal. AR calls offside. Total confusion erupts. The center referee’s interpretation is that the 3 players who were in the offside position did not get involved in the play (because they did not touch the ball or impede an opponent or keeper) and did not gain an advantage.
USSF answer (February 3, 2003):
One of the keys to offside is the release of the ball to a teammate in an offside position and actively involved in the play. In this situation, the player with the ball did not release it for another to play, so there was no offside. Why was there any confusion??
The only possible confusion might be in the case that “All 4 players simultaneously attack the goal … and the keeper.” If they simply continued running down field, no problem. However, if anything more than this is meant, then we might indeed have an offside infraction, if, by doing something more than merely running downfield, one or more of the attackers in the offside position could arguably have interfered with an opponent.
ENTERING TOO EARLY AT THE PENALTY KICK
Your question:
a) I know that if the “non-encroacher” who received the rebound passed to the “encroacher” and that person “scored,” the goal would not stand. But what if the non-encroaching player who received the rebound passes directly to another non-encroaching player, who then puts the ball in the net. Goal?
b) If there is subsequent play (I stress “play,” and not deflection) by the opposing team (defenders), then all bets are off, and even an encroaching player could receive the ball and score at this point, correct?
USSF answer (February 3, 2003):
The principle, regardless of how many angels are frolicking on this pinhead, is that neither an encroaching attacker nor his team can be allowed (in the interests of fairness) to achieve an advantage through that encroachment. If in the opinion of the referee, an attacker has clearly encroached at the taking of a penalty kick and he or his team benefits from that encroachment by receiving the ball — directly or not directly — from a rebound, play should be stopped and restarted with an IFK for the defenders. If the referee believes that the encroaching attacker, despite his encroachment, received no benefit from his violation of Law 14, then play should NOT be stopped. It all depends on whether the infraction was trivial or not.
To put it more simply: the referee should discount the intervening players and keep focused on the player who entered the penalty area too early. He received the ball without an intervening play by a defender, he gained an advantage from his violation of Law 14. His team loses out on this one because of his error.
ANOTHER OFFSIDE SITUATION
Your question:
A direct FK is awarded to team A 25 yards from the goal line. The ball is on the AR’s side of the field approximately 10 yards from the middle of the field (to the left of the GK). A 5-man wall is set by team B 10 yards from the ball. There are also defenders 15 yards from the ball behind the wall. Team A has a player (A1) behind all of the defenders, on the ball side of the field, in an obvious offside position. He is actually standing in the goal area about 15 yards to the GKs left. Player A2 plays a soft chip shot towards the general vicinity of player A1, who is in the OS position.ÊA1 makes no move at all toward the ball, in fact, he never moved and did not interfere with the GK or any defender. Before the ball hits the ground, defender B1, catches the ball and throws it to the side of the field towards the AR. At about the same time, the AR lifts the flag indicating an OS infraction. A long conference ensued between R & AR.ÊThe AR’s interpretation of the OS Law contended that because A1 was in the area of activity, that is, A1 was standing in the area of the field where the ball was played to, A1 was involved and thus OS.ÊThe R contended A1 remained completely passive, regardless of where he was standing and was not involved in play. The result was the R overruled the AR and awarded a PK and cautioned B1 for intentional handling.
USSF answer (January 31, 2003):
Based on your description of the incident, player A1 should have been declared offside and team B should have been awarded an indirect free kick from the place where A1 was standing when A2 played the ball toward him. Although he did not interfere with play or with another player, A1 gained an advantage from his position and was thus involved in play. If he wished to show that he was not involved, then A1 should give a clear indication of his intent.
Long discussions on any subject between referee and assistant referee (AR) are NOT a good idea. The referee should listen to what the AR said and agree or disagree but get on with it. Discussing the finer points of offside philosophy is counterproductive. Second, even granted the referee’s misunderstanding, it is clear what the defender did and, unless the referee judges that the defender’s action was a cynical attempt to influence the decision, a card hardly seems indicated. Finally, there is no card for “intentional handling” — that’s the foul, nothing more — not an obvious goalscoring opportunity, not breaking up attacking play, etc.
TEMPORARY EXPLUSION [REPEAT OF EARLIER ANSWER]
Your question:
I seem to recall FIFA chastening some countries this past year, because of rule variations passed by member leagues within those countries. Those rule variations require players to be substituted out after the first caution, with the right to come back on later in the game. So it’s not a full send-off, but a temporary sit-out.
My vague recollection was that USSF passed the statement down the line, stating that cautioned players should not be required to leave the field. But I can’t find any documentation of what was said, so I’m doubting my memory.
The following note was in my morning e-mail, regarding the youth State Championship tournament going on this month:
===quote===
Two items of interest have come to our attention:
1.
2. Cautioned player is not being removed from the field immediately after receiving the card. This must be done, we are playing under [deleted to protect the guilty] rules of competition for this tournament. All of their exceptions apply. This also makes a game protestable. Please notify your officials.
===end quote===
What is the state of such rule variances? Are they valid in USSF-sanctioned competitions??
USSF answer (January 30, 2003):
The directive from the International F. A. Board states:
TEMPORARY EXPULSIONS
The Board strongly supports FIFA’s concern that some national associations continue to use temporary expulsions in lower leagues. The Board confirmed in the strongest terms that this procedure must cease immediately, otherwise disciplinary sanctions will be applied against the offending federation.
The USSF Advice to Referees states:
QUOTE
USSF has not authorized nor will authorize any state association or local league, competition, or tournament to adopt a “temporary expulsion” rule. The Laws of the Game may not be modified in this regard.
END OF QUOTE
The referee must be aware that leagues or other competitions which use the “hothead” rule, temporarily expelling players for whatever reason, are not operating with the authorization of the United States Soccer Federation. The U. S. Soccer Federation has no power to authorize modifications to the Laws that are not permitted by FIFA. This is a FIFA directive that must be followed by members of FIFA. There is less concern over this issue in recreational-level youth and amateur leagues, but it can certainly not be permitted in competitive-level youth and amateur competition. A referee who takes assignments in higher-level competitions that require temporary expulsions does so knowing that he will not be following the guidance of the Federation and may jeopardize his standing within the Federation.
FIX THE PROBLEM BEFORE YOU RESTART — OR LIVE WITH IT!
Your question:
A confused referee sees an attacking player foul a defender inside the PA, awards a PK and sends off the attacker for DOGSO. Some time later the referee realizes his mistake. When MUST he realize his mistake to reverse the DOGSO? To reverse the PK? If a goal were scored on the PK, can that be reversed prior to the KO?
If instead this incident occurred outside the PA and a DFK were awarded, when must he realize his mistake to reverse the DOGSO? To reverse the DFK? If a goal were scored on the DFK, can that be reversed prior to the KO?
USSF answer (January 30, 2003):
Life (at least in this particular game) will become very hard for the confused referee, who will have to live with his mistakes — unless he or she happens to recognize and correct them before the game is restarted. Just to keep it straight, we have two restarts here: (1) The game is restarted following the send-off/red card with the penalty kick. (2) The game is restarted following the penalty kick with the kick-off.
Failing resolution of errors before a correctly taken restart, the referee’s sole recourse is to report all the details in his match report.
BALL PLAYED TO GOALKEEPER
Your question:
The ball was rolling back towards the penalty area and the ‘keeper came out to the top of the penalty area and a defender was running ahead of an attacker and dove to the ground, landing on his chest, and headed the ball to the keeper, who picked it up with his hands. Play was stopped and the defender was cautioned for unsporting behavior and play was restarted with an indirect free kick for the attacking team.
USSF answer (January 21, 2003):
We must look first to understand the nature of the offense of trickery and to realize that this offense would most likely not fall under that category. Punishing a player for unsporting behavior (trickery) in playing the ball to the goalkeeper would suggest that the player did something unnatural or contrived. If the defender’s header to his goalkeeper was a natural part of play — in other words, he was doing the best he could to get the ball to the goalkeeper without allowing the opponent to get to the ball — then there has been no infringement of the Law. Only the referee on the spot can determine the correct decision.
“SIMULTANEOUS FOULS”
Your question:
The ball is in play. Two penal fouls are committed by defenders of opposing teams in their own penalty areas. That is, if either foul were to be committed by itself, a PK would be awarded with the possibility of misconduct. The law tells us to punish the more severe of simultaneous offenses, but in this case, the fouls are of “equal” severity. Under normal circumstances, we might guess at which foul occurred first, sell the call, and restart accordingly, but can we do this when our arbitrariness would effectively result in a goal? This situation is complicated further as someone is very likely to be sent off for violent conduct. Please advise!
USSF answer (January 21, 2003):
We refuse to deal with the age-old question of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. There is only one definitive answer to this imperfect question based on “perfect information”: You are trying to apply a totally inapplicable part of the Law.
The language you cite from Law 5 involves simultaneous offenses committed by the same player. For example, a player performs a throw-in and then, immediately upon the ball entering the field, handles the ball. This player has committed two separate offenses under the Law — touching the ball a second time after performing a restart (the so-called “two-touch” violation) and a handling offense. The punishment for the first is an indirect free kick but a direct free kick is the restart for the handling. Law 5 says that we always use the more serious punishment, which in this case is a direct free kick.
As for the scenario you present, please note that, in a USSF game, NOTHING happens simultaneously! The intelligent referee will quickly discern that one event happened before the other and will therefore decide to stop play for the first infringement. As a result, the second event becomes misconduct because a foul cannot occur after play has stopped.
REFEREE STATUS
Your question:
My son (13 until August) is currently registered as a grade 9 Rec Referee and a grade 10 Linesman. With the elimination of grade 10s with the next year’s registration, will he still be able to run competitive lines until his grade 10 badge expires? He is planning to get his grade 8 badge this summer. Will the required age for that grade go up, also?
USSF answer (January 15, 2003):
With the new Grade 9, the referee will be able to work as referee up to and including U-14 _recreational_ games and as an AR up to and including _all_ U-14 games. There is no indication that the required age for Grade 8 will increase.
GOALKEEPER HANDLES BALL THROWN IN BY TEAMMATE
Your question:
Throw-in by a defender toward own goal-keeper. Goalkeeper attempts to stop the ball with his foot. Ball slides underneath foot and into the net. In the opinion of the referee the ball touched the goalkeeper’s foot. Goal awarded to opponents. [English Premier League, Aston Villa v. Birmingham City]
Now consider these two variations. Throw-in by teammate toward goalkeeper. Goalkeeper deflects ball with hands:
a) over the bar
b) into the goal
I think this should result in an indirect free kick for the attacking team from the spot of the handling, both cases. I’ve heard arguments for awarding goal for b), but then a) should be a corner kick.
USSF answer (January 14, 2003):
The ball is in play immediately it enters the field of play from a throw-in. The referee may invoke the advantage clause in cases where a goalkeeper infringes Law 12, such as touching the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate. If the referee chooses to invoke the advantage clause, then the answer to a) would be corner kick and the answer to b) would be goal.
GOALKEEPER AND THE DROPPED BALL
Your question:
Dropped ball in the penalty area. ‘Keeper can obviously participate, he’s a player like any other. And he’s allowed to use his hands. So, can the ‘keeper squat, wait for the ball to hit the ground, and then grab it? Nothing in the rules preventing that, though one could argue he’s creating a dangerous play?
USSF answer (January 14, 2003):
All referee decisions in dropped-ball situations must be based on what happens after the ball hits the ground, rather than on what the players are doing to prepare for it. While the goalkeeper may participate at dropped balls, he may not be given any advantage over other players.
CHANGING A DECISION
Your question:
Defender commits a penal foul in the penalty area. Center calls for DFK for the attacking team at the spot of the foul. Before the lead AR can react the ball is kicked and goes over the crossbar. Center signals a GK. Before the GK is taken the AR finally gets the Centers attention and they confer. After discussing the situation the Center indicates and proceeds with a PK. The reasoning was the DFK was the wrong restart and the game had not restarted and as long as no other restart had taken place the center could change his decision and go to the PK. Was our conclusion correct?
USSF answer (January 13, 2003):
Under normal circumstances, once the game has restarted the referee may not change his decision. However, because the game was restarted incorrectly in this case, the referee may accept the advice of the assistant referee and restart with the penalty kick. This situation should serve as a reminder that officials must communicate constantly with one another to prevent errors.
CHANGING KICKERS IN KICKS FROM THE PENALTY MARK
Your question:
We know that at the taking of a penalty kick during regulation time, if a kick is to be re-taken for whatever reason granted under the Laws, another player from the kicking team may be chosen to take the re-kick. But what about during Kicks from the Mark to determine a winner? Can you provide any citation relating to this?
USSF answer (January 13, 2003):
Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and International F. A. Board Decisions apply when kicks from the penalty mark are being taken. Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a second kick. In the situation you posit, another player could take the re-kick in place of the original kicker as long as doing so would not violate the principle expressed in the preceding sentence.
NO WIGGLE ROOM
Your question:
In a recent match, a couple spectators came running on the field from the bleachers and started kicking a player. In self defense, the player retaliated by punching one of the spectators. According to the Laws of the Game, you must send that player off, but are there circumstances that you allow the player to continue? We are out reffing for the players, and a player was attacked. Everyone understands why it is a red card, but no one on either team wants to see it. Can we allow that player to continue without viloating the spirit of the game.
USSF answer (January 13, 2003):
It is certainly regrettable, but the referee has no leeway in this case. In addition to sending the player off and showing him the red card, the referee must submit a detailed report on the incident.
OFFSIDE
Your question:
I have one of the many questions about offside that you receive I’m sure. I was wondering if after the goalie mishandles the ball charging forward and an opposing player gets it and passes to a teamate. The teamate only has one defender between him and the goal and that defender is not the goalkeeper. I am wondering if the rule book means just any 2 defenders or one of those defenders has to be a goalie. I am a referee for high school soccer games so that is why I am asking this question.
USSF answer (January 13, 2003):
Unlike Laws 3 and 4, Law 11 does not discriminate among players as to position played; it deals simply with players, teammates, and opponents, without regard to the position they play. A player is in an offside position if he is nearer to his opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent. This means that to avoid being in an offside position, a player must be no nearer to the opponents’ goal line than at least two opponents — any two opponents — and the ball. Therefore, the player in your situation, who had only one opponent between himself and the goal line when the ball was passed to him by his teammate, was in an offside position and should be declared offside because he has gained an advantage from his position.
FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURES AND AVOID PROBLEMS!
Your question:
In a dead ball a substitution is requested by a team. The referee, not following the proper substitution procedures, motions the substitute to enter the field. The substitute enters the field, the player who has not yet left, strikes an opponent. He is of course, shown a red card and sent off. Will his team play short?
USSF answer (January 13, 2003):
Even though the referee did not follow the requirements of Law 3, the substitution was completed correctly. The now former player (the one who was substituted out) must be sent off for violent conduct and shown the red card. His team does not have to play short. The game restarts for the reason it had been stopped prior to the substitution.
POINTING FOR CORNER KICKS
Your question:
Please tell me to which corner the Center Referee is to point to indicate a corner kick.
Example:
When the CR is to the left of the goal and the ball goes over the goal line to the left of the goal. To which corner does the referee point? Answer: No brainer, here. It is to the left corner, most likely using the left arm.
When the CR is to the left of the goal and the ball goes over the goal line to the right of the goal. To which corner does the referee point? Should the referee point to the right corner or to the left corner? and why?
I hope this isn’t too lame of a question. Through the years I get conflicting information all from reliable sources…..
USSF answer (January 13, 2003):
The USSF Guide to Procedures for Referees, Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials tells us that if the corner kick will be on the referee’s side of the field, the referee points to the corner on his side of the field. If the corner kick is to be taken on the other side of the field, the referee raises his arm at a 45-degree angle and points to the correct corner. In other words, the referee always points to the corner where the kick will be taken.
KICK-OFF DIRECTION
Your question:
On a kick off at the start of a game or after a goal has been scored can the ball be kicked into the back court or does it have to remain, going forward or along the center line until touched by an offensive team (kicking team) member or defensive team member. Indoor soccer or outdoor are the rules the same?
USSF answer (January 13, 2003):
On a kick-off, the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward on the initial kick. Then it may be played either back or forward or sideways.
The rules of indoor soccer vary from arena to arena, so there is no definite answer for your question.
GOALKEEPER TOUCHING BALL
Your question:
A shot is taken on goal and the defending goalkeeper saves it with his feet, let’s say about two yards on front and center of his goal. He then dribbles the ball with his feet and goes outside of the penalty area, let’s say again about two yards. He then sees an opponent quickly approaching to challenge him. The keeper then quickly dribbles, with his feet, back and gets inside his penalty area and picks the ball up with his hands. Has an infraction/misconduct occurred or not? Either way, please explain.
USSF answer (January 8, 2003):
No, no infringement of the Laws has occurred — provided that the shot on goal was by an opponent, not a teammate. As long as the goalkeeper has not previously played the ball with his hands — as you specified, he saved the ball with his feet and did not touch the ball with his hands until threatened by the advance of an opponent — then he may dribble the ball with his feet wherever he likes, and it is perfectly legal for him to then return to the penalty area and pick up the ball. It is only an offense if the goalkeeper touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player.
PROBLEM FOLLOWING SUBSTITUTION
Your question:
In a match with re-entrant subs a fight breaks out. The referee sends off the Blue player and Red #6. Shortly thereafter and initially unknown to the referee Red #6 and Red #10 swap jerseys. The Red coach subs Red #6 (wearing the Red #10 jersey) in for Red #8. A little bit later the referee notices that Red #6 is back on the FOP. While this incident will go in the referee’s match report, what sanctions can be taken against Red #10? Against the Red coach? Is Red #8 or Red #10 considered the player of record at this time?
USSF answer (January 7, 2003):
Red #8 is the player of record. Red #10 must be cautioned and shown the yellow card for unsporting behavior for swapping jerseys with Red #6, who earlier was sent off and shown the red card. Red #6 must be sent from the environs of the field, unless he is a minor, who must then be escorted as far as possible from the field and protected. The referee may dismiss the coach from further participation in the game for irresponsible behavior. Full details must certainly go into the referee’s match report. The referee should hang his/her head for not ensuring that Red #6 left the area of the field immediately after the original send-off — however, see caveat above.
JUMPING IN THE WALL
Your question:
I coach a u19 girls select team. On our direct free kick the opponents began jumping up and down in the wall as soon as the wall was formed. I claimed that was a cautionable offense for unsporting. The center referee, supported by his assistant, claimed that as long as they were 10 yards away they could do anything they wanted. Is this a cautionable offense? If this is a cautionable offense, who is cautioned? All the players or just one? Also, would you recommend a verbal warning before handing out cards?
USSF answer (January 5, 2003):
Prior to 1997, the Law required that if “any of the players dance about or gesticulate in a way calculated to distract their opponents” at a free kick they should be cautioned and shown the yellow card for unsporting behavior (then called “ungentlemanly conduct).” This is no longer true. Jumping by members of the wall is common practice throughout the world. The referee should allow this activity unless it goes to extremes. Examples of extremes would be members of the wall jumping forward and back — and thus failing to respect the required distance from the ball — or doing handstands or other acts designed to bring the game into disrepute. No verbal warning is required.
OFFSIDE AND HANDLING
Your question:
A player is in the offside position when a teammate passes the ball towards him. Before it gets to him a defensive player inside the PA purposely handles the ball to deflect it to him. This move is done to get an offside call.
I say if the player in the offside position is actively involved in the play, them the call would be offside with a restart of an IFK. If he is not actively involved in the play at the time of the handling of the ball, even if the ball goes to the player in the offside position. See if there is an advantage, if not caution and show a YC and restart with a PK. If the offside and the handling of the ball occurs at the same time, and I’m not too sure why, offside should be called and restart with an IFK.
USSF answer (January 5, 2003):
Any deflection, deliberate or not, by the opposing defender cannot alter the referee’s decision to punish the offside infringement. Decision: Offside; restart with an indirect free kick for the defender’s team from the place where the player was when he became offside. Caution/yellow card to the defender for unsporting behavior.
If the defender has clearly gained possession by stopping the ball and then redirecting it, the attacker should not be called for offside — unless he was already involved in active play (as defined in Law 11) before the deliberate handling of the ball.
NEW REFEREE SOCKS
Your question:
What is the interpretation of the new socks, the solid black with the ussf logo, official sports has out? Are they allowed in the youth level and do all three referees need to be wearing them to be in proper uniform? Alot of the newer refs are asking.
USSF answer (January 5, 2003):
The new, solid black socks were recently approved by the National Referee Committee for use by all referees. This applies at all levels of the game.
Although the National Referee Committee did not expressly provide an answer to your second question, it is generally accepted that, in order to present a more professional appearance, the referee and assistant referees will match each other in the color and sleeve length of their shirts and in the design of their socks. You may see variations in referee dress at the professional level, where the colors of the uniforms worn by the officials are dictated by the combination of colors worn by the teams.
REFEREE CHANGING THE DECISION
Your question:
In a senior men’s game [in another country],a black team attacking the blue team’s goal, the referee is standing just few feet outside the 18 yard box of blue team, a black team player with the ball, pulled a hamstring and fell on the ground just outside the oppontent team’s 18 yard box between the corner flag and the goal, a blue team defender seeing the opponent player goes down showing good sportmanship kicked the ball out, the ball goes out on his half of the field, now the throw in for the black team, the blue team thinking the ball will be thrown back to them all the players went up the field except for one player, the ball was thrown to the black player who dashed towards the goal only one player to beat, the defender screamed at him that the ball should have been thrown back at them and grabbed the player as he tried to pass him just out side the blue team’s 18 yard box, both players fell to the ground, the ball rolled pass the goal line, the referee red carded the blue playe, big fuss by blue team that the ball should have been thrown back to them, game is stopped for few minutes, fans and blue team players surround the referee,the captain of black team talked to referee, referee decided to call the red carded player back in and exchange for yellow card both team happy with the outcome the game started with goal kick. It was 2-2 at the time and 12 minutes to play. Did the referee did the right thing?
USSF answer (January 3, 2003):
First, let me congratulate you on establishing the record for the longest sentence ever in a question to this forum. To that let me add that the following answer would apply to games played under the aegis of the United States Soccer Federation; we cannot speak regarding games played in your country.
The referee is permitted to change his decision only if the game has not been restarted. That is what happened here. Whether or not that decision was the correct one is known only to the referee.
The black team did not violate the Letter of the Law in refusing to give the ball back to blue at the restart, but they certainly violated the Spirit of the Game in doing what they did.
