This page has taken me many months to put together, and
contains lots of questions and answers that I the Webmaster hope
will help you understand and interpret the Laws of Associated
Football.
(a) Questions about Law 12.
(b) Queries about my interpretation of Law 12.
(c) Your own interpretation of the questions are posed below.
Happy whistling to you all
- from the Webmaster
Question 1: How is a Referee
supposed to decide what is a foul under the auspices of Law 12, and what
is not a foul. He would have to be a mind reader to know the intentions
going through a player's mind before he makes each tackle - and whether
a tackle was done deliberately or not?
Answer 1: The word 'intention'
was deleted from the Laws in 1996/1997. It was thought inappropriate
since the introduction of the terms "Careless and Reckless" into the
Laws in 1995/1996. The use of the words 'careless and 'reckless' in Law
12 were included to allow Referees to interpret situations easier - but
some Referees had problems with specific incidents involving deliberate
acts that were not initially considered dangerous, but could have been
considered reckless or careless. (For example, when a player commits a
scissors kick when there are no other players near, but then a swiftly
advancing opponent very nearly gets kicked in the head). Weather
conditions may also produce a dangerous situation where a player is
neither careless nor reckless. Law 12 now includes the terms 'careless,
reckless or using excessive force' when players commit an offence. Apart
from acts of simulation and handball, the word 'intention' is no longer
used in the Laws to gauge whether a foul is a foul or not! In other
words, Referees no longer asked to consider intention - it is either a
foul or it is not a foul.
Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct offences are mostly committed by a player,
against an opponent whilst the ball is in play, and normally committed
on the field of play. (Although there are one or two situations that can
occur off the field of play, such as when the ball remains in play very
near the touchline, but a player is fouled when he has traveled just
outside the touchline following a misjudged 'follow-through' tackle
which takes both players outside of the touchline - where illegal
contact is then initially made). Deliberate handball is the only
exception that is not committed against a particular opponent, but
against the opposing team.
The word 'deliberate' (in the sense of deliberately committing a foul)
also no longer features in the wording of Law 12. It is impossible for a
Referee to judge whether a player commits a foul deliberately or whether
a player intentionally sets out to kick, charge, push, trip, hold or
impeded an opponent. The new wording 'careless, reckless or using
excessive force' makes it much easier for a Referee to make a judgment
based upon what the player actually does (and not whether it was done
deliberately or intentionally). The Referee can then make his decision
based upon the player's action, and not upon what the Referee thinks was
in the player's mind.
Question 2: If whilst the ball remains in play inside the penalty area,
and when a defender and an attacker both travel over the goal line near
the ball and out of the field of play - the defender holds the attacker
back beyond the goal line to prevent him from re-entering the field of
play - should the Referee award a penalty kick to the attacking team?
Answer 2: No. The Referee should stop play and caution the defender for
unsporting behavior. The correct restart is a dropped ball at the place
where the ball was located when the Referee stopped play. A penalty kick
can only be awarded when a defender commits a penal offence inside the
penalty area. In this instance, the defender committed the offence off
the field of play; therefore, a penalty kick cannot be awarded.
Question 3: If whilst the ball is still in play, a defender standing
inside his own penalty area strikes the Referee - what action should the
Referee take?
Answer 3: The Referee should stop play and send the defender off for
violent conduct. Play should be restarted with an indirect free kick to
the attacking team to be taken from the place where the defender
committed the violent offence against the Referee.
Question 4: An attacker shoots the ball towards goal. Just as the ball
is about to enter the goal, a defending full back standing in his own
goal area, and holding his shin guard, uses the shin guard to prevent
the ball from entering the goal. What action should the Referee take?
Answer 4: The Referee should award a penalty kick to the attacking team.
The shin guard is regarded as an extension of the defender's hand. The
defender should be sent off for preventing a goal being scored. If in
the above situation, a goal is subsequently scored after the ball hits
the shin guard, the defender should be cautioned for deliberate handball
- and not sent off.
If in the above situation, the goalkeeper is the one who uses his shin
guard to prevent the ball entering the goal, the shin guard is again
regarded as an extension of the goalkeeper's hand - albeit an illegal
extension. The correct restart here is to award an indirect free kick to
the attacking team. The indirect free kick should be taken from the
place where the infringement occurred. If it occurred inside the goal
area, then the free kick should be taken from that part of the goal area
line that runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where
the infringement occurred. The goalkeeper should be cautioned for
unsporting behavior.
Question 5: What action should the Referee take when a defender taking a
goal kick, kicks the ball outside of his penalty area to his goalkeeper
(who is just outside the penalty area), the goalkeeper then dribbles the
ball back inside the penalty area and picks it up?
Answer 5: In this instance, the goalkeeper has touched the ball with his
hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate. It
does not matter whether a colleague has deliberately kicked the ball to
the goalkeeper during a goal kick or in open play. This is still an
infringement of Law 12. The correct restart is an indirect free kick to
the attacking team - to be taken at the spot where the goalkeeper
touched the ball with his hands inside the penalty area.
A direct free kick should be awarded if the goalkeeper picks the ball up
outside of his penalty area.
Question 6: Whilst the ball is still in play - what action should the
Referee take, if a direct free kick offence is committed by a defender
on an attacker, right on top of the defender's own penalty area line.
Should the Referee award a direct free kick or a penalty?
Answer 6: The lines on the field of play are part of the boundaries that
they encompass. The Referee should therefore award a penalty kick to the
attacking team. If an offence is committed on top of any line, it is
deemed to be committed inside the area that the line surrounds.
Similarly: An offence committed on the touchline or goal line - is
committed in the field of play. A throw in comes into play as soon as
the ball is thrown back "over, on, or along" the touchline. An offence
committed on the goal area line - is committed inside the goal area. If
an opponent is standing on the center circle line before a place kick
has taken place, then he is deemed to be standing inside the center
circle, and should move outside of it before the place kick can be
legally taken.
A player standing on top of the penalty arc line should move outside of
it, before a penalty can be legally taken. A ball placed on top of the
corner flag quadrant circle is deemed to be inside the quadrant area.
The only line where some confusion exists is the halfway line. The
halfway line is the boundary for both halves of the field of play, and
it can be argued that an attacker standing on top of the halfway line,
is deemed to be standing either inside his opponents half or standing
inside his own half. As the benefit of any doubt is now given to the
attacker during offside decisions, an attacker standing directly on top
of the halfway line should not be penalized when Referees make offside
decisions.
The same philosophy can be adopted for players standing on the halfway
line when they take a place kick at the start of the match (and
following a goal scored against them). Law 8 states that before a place
kick can be taken, all players must be standing inside their own half.
Standing on the halfway line during a place kick should be deemed to be
standing in your own half. Most players and Referees allow this anyway.
Question 7: Just exactly what is dangerous play?
Answer 7: Committing dangerous play is not by itself an offence (for
example completing a scissors kick when no other player is near). A
dangerous act becomes dangerous when in the opinion of the Referee, the
action (a) is dangerous to an opponent, (b) the action was committed
with an opponent very close by, and (b) the dangerous nature of the
action caused the opponent to falter in his play, and was thus unfairly
disadvantaged.
The key is that "dangerous" in the Laws refers to the potential for
danger. The Direct Free Kick fouls include actually delivering (or
attempting to deliver) contact of some sort. Dangerous play recognizes
the potential danger to an opponent, and the award of an Indirect Free
kick is a way of causing the opponent to modify his/her play to maintain
safety. (Thanks to Karl Arps for the above excellent paragraph
description of dangerous play.)
Players would not normally be cautioned for dangerous play (unless the
dangerous play is the culmination of a number of other persistent fouls
committed by the same player). However, if a player continues to play in
an uncontrolled and dangerous manner, the Referee may caution him for
"unsporting behavior".
The Referee should stop play when a dangerous act adversely effects the
progress of an opponent who will normally cease challenging for the ball
in order to avoid receiving or causing injury as a direct result of the
other player's dangerous action. Because fouls (dangerous play) may only
be committed only against opponents - playing in a manner considered to
be dangerous when only a teammate is nearby is not actually a foul.
Contact is not necessary for dangerous play to be penalized - on the
contrary if contact does occur during a dangerous play situation, the
Referee can penalize the more serious foul of kicking, studs-up,
tripping, illegal charging etc.
An indirect free kick is awarded when a player, 'plays in a dangerous
manner'. Dangerous play by defenders in their own penalty area against
an opponent is penalized by an indirect free kick and not a penalty. The
Referee is the sole judge as to exactly what constitutes dangerous play.
Football is a contact sport, and the Laws allow players to compete
without danger to them - so long as they respect the letter and the
'spirit of the Laws'. The Referee judges the question of danger as it
happens, and the question of danger rests entirely on his opinion.
Goalkeepers are very often exposed to dangerously challenges and kicks -
Referees will normally attempt to provide the goalkeeper with special
protection against such challenges and are more likely to penalize an
attacker for dangerous play when the collision involves the goalkeeper.
This is an accepted modern part of the game that has without doubt
prevented many very serious injuries to goalkeepers.
The following are examples of what may constitute 'dangerous play:
(a) Tackling with one foot lifted from the ground.
This action is not always considered dangerous - players very often use
the sole of their foot as an effective means of controlling a ball
passed to them. If the Referee feels that a player has raised his foot,
and this action endangers an opponent, then the Referee should stop play
immediately and award an indirect free kick against that player. If a
player contesting for the ball, purposefully goes over the top of the
ball with his foot and makes contact with an opponent's leg - this is
serious play (direct free kick) and not dangerous play (indirect free
kick). European Referees are very particular about penalizing players
for tackling with one high foot. Referees in England are less
particular, and will only penalize players if there is a definite danger
to opponents. The most common instance when the Referee will penalize
players for dangerous play, is when a player lifts his foot very high in
the air in an attempt to kick the ball which is very near an opponent's
face. Players are normally receptive to this type of protection from the
Referee. Players kicking the ball with their foot going above their
waist are not by itself dangerous. It is only dangerous if there is
another player who almost gets kicked in the face (or body) when the
ball is kicked in such a manner.
(b) Tackling with two feet together.
A two footed tackle made from a short distance away, does not always
pose a danger to an opponent, because the ball itself acts as a natural
cushion between the players. When the 'two footed' tackle is made from
some distance in an uncontrolled manner when attempting to make contact
with the ball (or not) - certainly entails a large element of danger to
the opponent. Such tackles are reckless and will certainly incur the
wrath of the opposing team if they are allowed to go unpunished. Two
footed tackles should be penalized with the award of a direct free kick
(or penalty kick) - this is more of a 'jumping' penal offence, as
opposed to the less serious offence of dangerous play.
(c) Tackling by sliding.
With the advent of the Law 12 change in season 1998/1999 where 'a tackle
from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned
as serious foul play' - the use of the slide tackle has lessened
dramatically. A slide tackle carried out with one or both legs
outstretched can be allowed - but not if committed from behind. A player
making a slide tackle from some distance can be construed as being
dangerous, and if contact is made with an opponent, then there is a
large element of danger to the opponent. A player making a slide tackle
from some distance knows that if he misses the ball, he may bring down
his opponent. If he does bring down his opponent, then this is a
tripping offence (direct free kick) and not dangerous play (indirect
free kick). Slide tackles can be allowed if made from the side and
contact is made cleanly with the ball and not the player. An indirect
free kick should be awarded when a slide tackle is made from some
distance, and the tackler makes no contact with the ball or the player,
but his action constitutes a potential danger to the opponent. Opponents
are very adept at riding tackles (jumping over sliding tackles) - this
does not mean that the Referee should ignore such tackles. The Referee
can allow 'advantage' when sliding tackles do not contact or affect the
flow of play for the opposing team. Of course, the Referee should have a
strong word (or caution) the perpetrator at the next convenient moment.
A player committing a sliding tackle with the sole purpose of inflicting
damage on an opponent (even if he makes contact with the ball first) can
be construed as 'serious foul play' and punished by a 'sending-off'
depending on the severity of the tackle. I have seen many occasions when
players who are looking for retribution, make violent sliding tackles
against opponents, in the hope that the Referee will allow such action
as part of the game itself. Be aware of players exacting this punishment
on opponents. Serious foul play is "serious foul play" so do not be
duped into thinking that such action can be masked by players attempting
revenge within the Laws of the Game - because it does not exist - and is
not allowed. A Referee who allows such action to go unpunished will
quickly lose control of a match - players will very quickly realize that
they can make serious fouls without worrying about being punished by the
weak Referee.
Note: Tripping does not necessarily have to be instigated by the use of
a foot. Tripping or attempting to trip an opponent includes situations
were a player uses his body to unbalance or upend an opponent. Referees
must carefully distinguish between the act of accidentally tripping from
that of being deliberately tripped by an opponent. Deliberate tripping
or attempting to trip is an offence, if it is clearly directed at an
opponent and causes the opponent to falter or fall. Players may trip
over themselves, or accidentally fall over an opponent as a result of
natural play - and in these instances - no infringement of the Law has
been committed.
(d) Tackling from behind.
A tackle from behind is not inherently illegal. Before the 1998 World
Cup in America, Law 12 was changed for season 1998/1999 to state that "a
tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent must be
sanctioned as serious foul play". During the 1998 World Cup, almost
every player committing a tackle from behind was sent-off, irrespective
of the severity or execution of each tackle. Referees are now more
likely to only send-off when such tackles are done recklessly or using
excessive force. Tackles from behind are carried out through a player's
legs or through a player's legs, or around a player's legs. The Referee
is the sole judge as to whether a tackle from behind is illegal or not.
If the ball is played without the player touching an opponent's legs
first, this can be allowed, so long as the tackle is not deemed by the
Referee to be dangerous. For example, if two opponents are standing very
close together, there is nothing to stop one of the players tapping the
ball away whilst standing immediately behind his opponent who has the
ball just in front of him. For a tackle from behind to be illegal, the
tackling player normally either makes contact with the player before he
makes contact with the ball or the tackle endangered (or potentially
endangered) the safety of the player being tackled. Making contact with
the opponent after touching the ball while performing a tackle does not
necessarily mean that a foul has not been committed. All tackles from
behind made from distance should be penalized with the award of a direct
free kick (or penalty kick if committed by a defender in his own penalty
area). An illegal tackle from behind includes when the tackling player
makes contact with the ball first, and then strongly follows through
with his second foot/leg thus upending and potentially injuring his
opponent. It is also perfectly possible during a tackle made from
behind, to make contact with the ball first and then follow up with a
foul that can break a player's leg. The fact that a player makes contact
with the ball first does not make a tackle from behind legal. On the
contrary, players who loudly plead this case inevitably feel guilty and
are trying to sway the Referee's judgment on the severity and legality
of the tackle. Players illegally tackling from behind should always be
cautioned at the very least! And red-carded if done in a way that is
reckless or using excessive force or endangers the safety of the player
being tackled.
(e) The "Scissors" kick.
The very best goals ever scored emanate from execution of this very
difficult and exciting maneuver. Players attempting a 'scissors' kick
can put an opponent's head at risk. The 'scissors' kick is normally done
within the penalty area where there are likely to be other players in
the near vicinity of the kicker. A 'scissors' kick entails the kicker
lifting his feet very high in the air to project the ball backward from
the direction he is facing. A 'scissors' kick is not an offence in
itself - it is only dangerous when the kicker's feet come into close
proximity with another player's face when the kick is being executed.
The Referee according to the situation in which the scissors kick
is being performed must judge the danger. If there are no other players
near, then the 'scissors' kicker should not be penalized - as he has not
committed dangerous act.
(f) Dangerous play against the goalkeeper.
When a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball in his hands,
opponents should not attempt to challenge him, or block his momentum as
he attempts to release the ball back into play. It can be most annoying
when players try to block the goalkeepers path by moving to and fro
in front of him, or by lifting a foot in front of the goalkeeper whilst
he is attempting to punt the ball up field. An indirect free kick should
be awarded to the goalkeeper if an opponent infringes him upon in this
manner. Law 12 states that an indirect free kick is to be awarded if an
opponent prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands.
Another form of dangerous play is when the ball is fired towards the
goalkeeper, and an attacker dangerously challenges the goalkeeper (or
attempts to kick the ball powerfully) when the goalkeeper has dived
along the floor and gained possession of the ball with his hands - these
incidents can be very dangerous for the goalkeeper.
(g) Dangerous play by the goalkeeper.
Goalkeepers have a nasty habit when an attacker is approaching nearby,
of purposefully raising one of their boots when coming out to catch a
high ball. This is supposed to be a warning by the goalkeeper to the
attacking player "not to come too near again when challenging for the
ball". This is a dangerous act by the goalkeeper and should be punished
by an indirect free kick to the attacking team. Nevertheless, this
infringement is very rarely given against a goalkeeper. The Referee
should at the very least have a strong word with the goalkeeper at the
next suitable opportunity - to warn him about using such dangerous foot
raising tactics when an opponent is close by. If the goalkeeper commits
this act again (after being warned by the Referee) then the Referee has
no option but to caution the goalkeeper for dangerous play and award an
indirect free kick to the attacking team. If all Referees stamped down
on such behavior, then it would not happen - goalkeepers would soon get
the message!
Question 8: If a goalkeeper who has had possession of the ball in his
hands for 6 seconds, is just about to punt the ball up the field, when
an attacker runs in front of the goalkeeper and prevents release of the
ball, shouldn't the Referee penalize the goalkeeper for holding on to
the ball for too long, and award an indirect free kick to the attacking
team?
Answer 8: Certainly not. The attacking player committed the offence. Law
12 states that an indirect free kick is to be awarded if an opponent
prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands. The
goalkeeper should not be penalized for being prevented in releasing the
ball by an infringement committed on him by an opponent. The goalkeeper
has the right to release the ball without being obstructed by an
opposing player.
Question 9: If a player commits a sending off or a caution able offence
during the half time period, what action should the Referee take?
Answer 9: The half-time interval is considered to be part of the game
time itself. If a player commits a sending off offence, he should be
sent from the field of play. The player being sent off is not allowed to
be replaced (i.e. the team will start the second half consisting of 10
players).
If a player commits a caution able offence (such as dissent) during the
half-time interval, that player should be cautioned as if the incident
occurred during any other time in the game. The Referee should show the
red and yellow card respectively when dealing with misconduct during the
half-time interval.
Question 10: If whilst the ball is still in play, a goalkeeper standing
inside his own penalty area, forcefully and purposefully throws his
fist) into the face of an opponent who is standing just outside of the
goalkeeper's penalty area - what action should the Referee take?
Answer 10: The Referee should send off the goalkeeper for violent
conduct. Play should be restarted with a direct free kick to the
opponent's side, to be taken from the place where the offence occurred
(i.e. where the fist struck or would have struck the opponent).
When a player strikes an opponent with the use of any part of his body
(fist, head, leg, boot, elbow etc.). The restart should also be taken
from the place where the strike lands, and not from the place where the
strike was made from. For example, if a goalkeeper (or any other player)
standing just inside his own penalty area strikes an opponent who is
standing outside of the penalty area, the restart is a direct free kick
to the opponent's team to be taken from outside of the penalty area (and
not a penalty kick).
The point of impact is important in judging where a 'punch throwing'
incident took place. This illustrates the principle of penalizing where
the contact actually happens, and not where it was initiated.
For example:
(a) If a goalkeeper is standing in his penalty area or on the line,
leans out to catch the ball outside the penalty area, he commits an
offence, which can be penalized with a direct free kick. If he was
standing outside and reached in the area to catch the ball, there would
be no offence.
(b) If a defender slid into a tackle and made contact with an opponent
before the ball, he would be penalized, and the game restarted from the
point where the contact was made - not where the player began the
sliding tackle.
Question 11: While the ball is in play a player standing inside his own
penalty area throws an object at an opponent standing outside the
penalty area. What action does the Referee take?
Answer 11: He stops play and sends off the player who threw the object
for violent conduct. Play is restarted by a direct free kick to the
opponents' team taken from the place where the offence occurred, i.e.
where the object struck or would have struck the opponent. (FIFA Site
Law 12. Q18)
Question 12: Whilst the ball was still in play, a defending player
standing inside his own penalty area spits at an opponent who is
positioned outside of the penalty area, what action should the Referee
take?
Answer 12: The guilty player must be dismissed and shown the red card
and a penalty kick awarded to the attacking team as the offence was
initiated from within the penalty area. The case of spitting at an
opponent is the offence. The punishment for spitting applies to where it
was carried out and does not depend on it landing on an opponent.
Question 13: What action should the Referee take against a substitute
who throws an object (e.g. a shoe) at a player of the opposing team who
is on the field of play and is at that moment playing the ball?
Answer 13: The Referee shall stop the game, send the substitute off and
resume the game by dropping the ball at the place it was when play was
stopped, unless it was within the goal-area at that time, in which case
it shall he dropped on that part of the goal-area line which runs
parallel to the goal-Iine at the point nearest to where the ball was
when play was stopped. He must report this incident to the responsible
authorities. The substitute will not be allowed to take part in the
match. (FIFA)
Question 14: If following an argument between team mates, one of the
players decides that he has 'had enough', and permanently leaves the
field play claiming that he is injured and cannot continue (when this is
obviously not the case) - is there anything that the Referee can do?
Answer 14: In such an instance as this, the Referee cannot make a
judgment as to whether a player is injured or not. If the player says he
cannot continue because of an injury, then the Referee has no option but
to allow that player to leave the field of play without being penalized.
Although simulating action (faking or exaggerating an injury) can be
construed as a caution able offence (Decision 6 Law 12 Fouls and
Misconduct), the Referee is not advised to take disciplinary action
against this supposed outgoing injured player! The letter of the law
should caution a player who enters or leaves the field of play without
the Referee’s permission cautioned - however in this case it would not
be in keeping with the 'spirit of the game'. Just let the player leave
and get on with the game.
Question 15: Is there any situation where an opponent is denied an
obvious goal scoring opportunity, when the perpetrator is not sent-off?
For example, what action should the Referee take if the eleventh team
player arrives late after the game has commenced, and then enters the
field of play without notifying the Referee. At the precise moment that
this eleventh player enters the field of play in his own penalty area,
an opponent kicks the ball in the direction of the empty goal. The
eleventh player then manages to stop the ball with his foot just before
it travels over the goal line and denies his opponents an obvious goal.
Answer 15: Law 12 clearly states that a player should be sent-off if he
" denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent moving
towards the player's own goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or
a penalty kick". In this instance, the opponent who kicked the ball
towards the goal had not been interfered within any way, so it would be
very difficult to justify sending- off the oncoming eleventh player for
deflecting the ball away from the goal. I believe that the wording
"punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick" applies only to those
fouls and misconduct listed under Law 12 Direct and Indirect free kick
infringements, for example, kicking, tripping, pushing, impedance,
handling etc.... in this instance, the eleventh player did not commit
any of these offences. Coming onto the field of play without the
Referees permission is punishable by a caution and the award of an
indirect free kick to the opposition (Law 3), to be from the place where
the ball was when the Referee stopped play. It could therefore be argued
that as the offence of coming onto the field of play is punishable by
the award of an indirect free kick, then if the words "punishable by a
free kick or a penalty kick" are taken literally, the eleventh player
could be justifiably sent-off. The Laws are not clear as to which action
by the Referee is the correct action. I believe Law 18 Common sense
dictates that the eleventh player should be cautioned, and the match
restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team.
Other dubious (preventing an obvious - or not so obvious! goal scoring
opportunity) instances for your consideration are:
(a) When a goalkeeper who has released the ball at his feet,
purposefully picks it up again to prevent an oncoming nearby challenging
attacker gaining possession and shooting towards goal. Should the
Referee Send off the goalkeeper for denying a goal scoring opportunity
and restart with an indirect free kick, or should the Referee just give
the goalkeeper a caution and restart with an indirect free kick for
touching the ball a second time after it has been released??????
(b) When a goalkeeper receiving the ball direct from a throw-in taken by
a teammate, has to dive and palm the ball away from entering the goal. -
and thus prevents an oncoming nearby attacker from making contact with
the ball and shooting towards goal. Should the Referee Send off the
goalkeeper for denying a goal scoring opportunity and restart with an
indirect free kick, or should the Referee just give the goalkeeper a
caution and restart with an indirect free kick for touching the ball
after it has been received directly from a throw-in taken by a team
mate?
I suppose it could be argued that had the throw-in entered the goal
directly without touching any other player, then a corner kick would be
awarded. BUT.... On the other hand, Law 12 clearly states that an
indirect free kick is to be awarded if the goalkeeper touches the ball
with his hands after he has received it direct from a teammate. So an
offence "punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick" had been
committed, and had prevented an opponent from an obvious goal scoring
opportunity.
Send off or just an indirect free kick??????
Question 16: Just exactly
what parts of the body is a player allowed to use to legally pass the
ball back to his own goalkeeper, before the goalkeeper is penalized for
subsequently touching the ball.
Answer 16: This is commonly
known as 'the back-pass Law'. Law 12 states that a goalkeeper is
penalized with the award of an indirect free kick against him, if
(inside his own penalty area) he touches the ball with his hands after
it has been deliberately 'kicked' to him by a teammate. 'Kicked' means
if the ball was deliberately passed to his goalkeeper by a teammate
using any part of his foot (or shin). The goalkeeper should not be
penalized if he touches the ball after it has been passed to him by a
teammate using any other part of his body, for example, knee, thigh,
chest, head or shoulder - and in these instances, the Referee should
allow play to continue. For a goalkeeper to be penalized during a
back-pass, the ball must be played by a team-mate's foot (or shin), it
must be played back deliberately by that team-mate, and the goalkeeper
must touch the ball with his hands. Note, that the direction that the
ball travels is immaterial, a back-pass means that the ball is
deliberately passed back to the goalkeeper - and not that the ball must
travel in a backward direction to the goalkeeper!
In some instances, a defender attempting to kick a ball away from his
penalty area will inadvertently deflect the ball towards his goalkeeper.
In such cases the goalkeeper MAY use his hands if the ball comes to him
- because the defender did not deliberately kick the ball back to the
goalkeeper. The Referee is the sole judge as to whether a back-pass is
deliberate or not. Referees are advised to be 100 percent certain before
penalizing for a back-pass.
If a team-mate seeks to circumvent the spirit of the 'back-pass law' by
purposefully flicking the ball up in the air and subsequently heading
the ball back to his goalkeeper, then if the goalkeeper touches the ball
with his hands, the goalkeeper should still be penalized, even though
the team-mate last touched the ball with his head. In this instance,
circumventing the spirit of the 'back-pass law' should not be allowed,
and an indirect free kick to the opposing team should always be awarded.
The same goes, if a teammate taking a goal kick, kicks the ball outside
of the penalty area to his goalkeeper who subsequently dribbles the ball
back inside of his penalty area and then picks it up. In this instance,
the goalkeeper is still guilty of touching the ball with his hands after
it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate. It does not matter
whether a colleague during a goal kick or during open play has
deliberately kicked the ball to the goalkeeper. This is still an
infringement of Law 12. The correct restart is an indirect free kick to
the attacking team.
A direct free kick should be awarded if the goalkeeper picks the ball up
outside of his penalty area.
Question 17: If a goalkeeper, who has caught the ball by cradling it in
his arms, accidentally drops the ball out of his arms and onto the
floor, is the goalkeeper allowed to pick the ball up again without being
penalized?
Answer 17: Law 12 states that the goalkeeper is not allowed to touch the
ball again with his hands after if has been released from his possession
and has not touched another player. In this case, the Referee must
decide whether the ball was accidentally dropped or deliberately
released by the goalkeeper. If the Referee believes that possession of
the ball was lost because the goalkeeper had mishandled the shot, then
the Referee should allow play to continue - if the goalkeeper
subsequently picks up the ball again. If the Referee is unsure whether
the goalkeeper dropped the ball deliberately or dropped the ball
intentionally, then the Referee should allow the goalkeeper the benefit
of the doubt, and allow play to continue. The goalkeeper should only be
penalized if the Referee thinks that he purposefully released the ball,
and then picked it up a second time.
Question 18: If a goalkeeper in his own penalty area holds the ball in
his hands for more than six seconds, what action should the Referee
take?
Answer 18: The Referee should stop play and award an indirect free kick
to the opposing team at the place where the goalkeeper was standing when
the six-second time limit expired. If the goalkeeper was standing in his
goal area, then the free kick should be taken from that part of the goal
area line that runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to
where the infringement occurred.
Question 19: In a recent U14 match, the goalkeeper made a dive for the
ball that bounced off the side post. While on the ground, the keeper
made an effort to scramble for the ball and reached out for it, maybe
touching the side (not the top) of the ball with one hand. The attacker
got to the ball at the same time and hit the ball into the net. What, in
your opinion, is "control of the ball"? I am all for protecting the
keeper from dangerous challenges, but the Referee explained to me that
he has possession even if he has a pinkie finger or even an elbow
contacting the ball. Please help me understand this?
Is an attacking player allowed to kick for the ball if the goalkeeper
has attempted to dive on the ball, but is not yet in control of the
ball?
Answer 19: Although goalkeepers must be especially protected by
Referees, an attacking player is allowed to challenge for the ball and
may attempt to play the ball as long as it is not in possession of the
goalkeeper - providing that (in the opinion of the Referee) the
challenge on the goalkeeper is not dangerous (reckless, careless or
using excessive force).
A goalkeeper is considered to have possession of the ball if he has the
ball trapped on the ground with as little much as one finger on the
ball.
A goalkeeper has possession of the ball, and should not be challenged
anytime that he has a part of his body (hand, fingertip, chest, nose,
etc.) in contact with the ball (this does not include when the
goalkeeper has the ball at his feet when he is fair-game to a
challenge by an attacking player).Whether or not the goalkeeper has
possession of the ball or not, any significant contact by an attacker on
the goalkeeper may be deemed a foul. Any attempt by an attacker to kick
the ball whilst it is in possession of the goalkeeper would be a foul.
One of the Referees responsibilities is to keep the game safe and to
especially protect the vulnerable goalkeepers.
However, if a goalkeeper is not actually touching the ball, then the
ball becomes fair game for an attacking opponent, so long as the
opponent is not guilty of dangerous play (For example, placing his leg
and boot near the goalkeepers face).
Possession of the ball means having control of the ball. The Referee
decides whether a goalkeeper has possession of the ball or not. The
easiest way to define this is to understand that possession is not
determined by the amount of body mass that the goalkeeper has to use on
the ball, in order for it to be in his possession. He can use one
finger, two fingers, one hand, two hands or his whole body to gain
possession of the ball.
The difficulty that the Referee has is in deciding the exact moment when
a diving goalkeeper actually has possession of the ball. This can be
very difficult to define, when both an attacking player and the
goalkeeper are stretching for the ball and make contact at virtually the
same time. Considering the vulnerability of goalkeepers, Referees should
err on the side of the goalkeeper when making decisions.
When a goalkeeper makes a save with his hands (or finger), and he does
not catch, or gain possession of the ball cleanly, he is not deemed to
be in possession of the ball and an attacking player is entitled to make
a play for the ball (so long as it is not done dangerously). The
goalkeeper is also not in possession of the ball, when he fumbles the
ball or drops the ball or has it knocked away by an attacking opponent
before he has it properly under his control.
Possession of the ball by the goalkeeper includes, when he has it under
control when bouncing it to the ground or when releasing the ball into
play.
There should be no roughing-up of a goalkeeper once he gains
possession of the ball.
The ultimate way of understanding if a goalkeeper can possess the ball
by just using one finger, is to imagine the goalkeeper standing upright,
with the ball at his feet, and one of his fingers pressing down on the
top of the ball. This is possession, the same as if he was stretched out
on the ground with one finger on the top of the ball.
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Question 20: Just exactly what do the words careless, reckless, and
using excessive force mean?
Answer 20: Firstly, we must not forget that football is a tough
combative sport with lots of body contact. Gaining possession of the
ball should nevertheless be done in a sporting manner - most challenges
for the ball can (and are) committed fairly and in a vigorous fashion,
and should not always be penalized by the Referee. Serious foul play and
violent conduct (including spitting) are strictly forbidden, and must be
stringently dealt with by the Referee.
Careless is when a player attempting to challenge for the ball which is
in close proximity to an opponent, puts a great deal of honest effort
into the challenge, but wildly mistimed it, and in doing so fouls the
opponent.
This includes when a player challenging for the ball has not exercised
proper care or has misjudged or mistimed a tackle when making his play,
or when a player has miscalculated the strength required to challenge
fairly or has overstretched his leg when making the challenge. This type
of foul is common, and should be penalized with an award of a direct
free kick (or penalty if occurring in the player's own penalty area) -
and a quiet verbal warning by the Referee. A careless tackle does
not necessarily warrant a caution, depending on the severity or the
number of persistent offences committee previously by the perpetrator. A
quiet word usually suffices in normal circumstances.
The word careless can also mean, absent-minded, hasty, heedless,
inconsiderate, negligent, regardless, thoughtless, unconcerned, and
sloppy.
The Referee must also learn to differentiate between an act carried out
against a minor, and a similar act carried out against a senior player -
what is an excessive push on a minor, might not even be noticed in a
professional match involving senior players, where body contact is more
prevalent and readily accepted as part of the game.
Reckless is when a player makes a challenge in a manner where there is a
clear risk of endangering an opponent, but pays no regard to the
possible consequences and the safety and/or welfare of his opponent.
This includes when a player has made a challenge for the ball, and it is
done in such a way that it clearly intimidates (or distracts) an
opponent, regardless of any potential danger to that opponent. The
challenger himself does not have to make contact with the opponent (many
opponents are adept at 'riding' challenges by jumping up to prevent
contact being made) the intimidation alone is enough to warrant the
tackling player being penalized. For example, a reckless sliding tackle
may be executed with the sole aim to intimidate an opponent, or distract
him from shooting towards goal. The punishment for a reckless challenge
is a direct free kick to the opposing team (or penalty if occurring
inside the perpetrator's own penalty area) and usually a caution for
unsporting behavior if the reckless challenge was outside the sporting
bounds expected in normal play. A strong verbal warning by the Referee
is also recommended.
The word reckless can also mean, daredevil, devil-may-care, foolhardy,
harebrained, hasty, headlong, heedless, imprudent, inattentive,
irresponsible, madcap, mindless, negligent, over venturesome, rash,
regardless, thoughtless and wild.
I like the word harebrained; this sums up (for me) what a reckless
challenge is all about!
Excessive force is when a player makes a challenge, which may be
malicious or brutal and may be designed to hurt or maim an opponent.
These are the worst types of tackles where a player has placed an
opponent in considerable danger of being injured by the use of
unnecessary force when making a challenge for the ball.
If the challenge involves excessive force far outside the bounds
expected in normal play, this is serious foul play, and the
Referee must send the player off, and award the direct free kick to the
opposing team (or penalty if occurring in the perpetrator's own penalty
area). The use of excessive force should at the very least warrant a
caution against the perpetrator (and a very strong verbal warning by the
Referee).
Winning the ball first, is not an excuse for a challenge of this nature
to be deemed legal. Players who plead their innocence because they have
"won the ball" just before breaking an opponents leg in a tackle
using excessive force, should be strongly, immediately and properly
dealt with by dispatching with a Red card.
Question 21: An attacker is in an offside position inside his opponent's
penalty area but not involved in the active play. The ball is in play
and near the half way line. This attacker is then violently thumped by
an opponent. What action should the Referee take?
Answer 21: As offence took place inside the penalty area when the ball
was still in play, the Referee should stop play, send off the
perpetrator for violent conduct, and award a penalty kick to the
attacker's team.
Question 22: During a game, a defending player had left the field of
play to receive treatment. Whilst he was outside of the field of play
and very near his goal line, he deliberately puts a foot inside his
penalty area and purposefully trips an attacking opponent who is inside
the defender's penalty area. What action should the Referee take?
Answer 22: By putting his foot back inside the field of play, the
defender has actually re-entered the field of play and has therefore
placed himself back under the full jurisdiction of the Referee and the
Laws of the Game - the defender will be treated as if he is fully on the
field of play. The Referee should caution the defender for unsporting
behavior and award a penalty kick to the attacking team. If the tripping
action took place outside of the penalty area, then a direct free kick
should be awarded to the attacking team. If the tripping action
prevented a goal scoring opportunity, the defender should be sent-off
for preventing the goal scoring opportunity.
Question 23: What action should a Referee take when during play; two
members of the same team start fighting and exchanging blows on the
field?
Answer 23: The Referee should stop the match and send both players off
for violent conduct. Play should be restarted with an indirect free kick
to the opposing team from the place where the blood marked the spot!
Question 24: If when diving to gather the ball, a goalkeeper
inadvertently slides towards the edge of his penalty area and his hands,
which are still holding the ball travel outside of the penalty area,
what action should the Referee take?
Answer 24: The Referee should stop play and award a direct free kick to
the attacking team. If the Referee believes that this action by the
goalkeeper prevented an opponent from having a clear goal scoring
opportunity, then the goalkeeper should be sent-off the field of play.
Question 25: If whilst challenging for the ball, a defender (not the
goalkeeper) standing just outside his own penalty area, stretches his
arm inside the penalty area and deliberately handles the ball within his
penalty area - what action should the Referee take?
Answer 25: The Referee should stop play and award a penalty kick to the
attacking team. If the Referee believes that this action by the defender
prevented an attacker from having a clear goal scoring opportunity, then
the defender should also be sent-off the field of play.
Question 26: During a match, it was noticed that the Referee showed a
red card to a substitute sitting in the technical area, and asked that
substitute to go to the changing rooms. Is the Referee allowed to show a
red card to players who are not on the field of play?
Answer 26: Yes. The players and the substitutes (and team officials)
come under the jurisdiction of the Referee. It does not matter whether
they are on the field of play or not. The Referee can yellow or red card
the substitutes, and ask them to go into the changing rooms. By showing
the red card to the substitute, the Referee has given a clear indication
to all, that the substitute has been sent-off. A card can also be shown
to a substitute who has already been substituted.
Yellow and red cards should not be shown to team manager’s coaches, or
any other non-players - they might not be cautioned or sent off or shown
any card. Nevertheless, the Referee can (at his discretion) warn team
officials regarding their behavior. He can also dismissed them from the
field of play and its immediate area (including the technical area).
When a coach or other team official is dismissed, the Referee must tell
them that he will be reporting their misdemeanor to the appropriate
authority. The Referee must report such incidents using a normal
disciplinary report form. A dismissed "medical trainer, sponge man,
Doctor" or any other such medical assistant, can remain in the technical
area (after being dismissed) to be available to treat injuries during
the remainder of the game - but an appropriate misconduct report will
still be sent in by the Referee.
The Referee's authority begins as soon as he arrives at the area near
the field of play and continues until he has left that area at the end
of the match. This authority includes (a) when the ball is not in play
(because of temporary suspensions, for example whilst a player is being
treated), (b) the half-time interval, and (b) during additional periods
of play or kicks from the penalty mark required by the rules of the
competition. It can be argued that the Referee's jurisdiction lasts
forever. For example, if two days after a match, whilst the Referee is
quietly walking down the street, he receives abuse from a known player,
relating to a recent match incident - the Referee should seriously
consider reporting this to the appropriate football authority. I
certainly would!
Question 27: An attacker is seen running with the ball towards his
opponent's goal just inside the opponent's penalty area. A defender is
running very close behind the attacker. In the motion of running, their
legs get tangled up - the attacker falls down in a heap. Is this a
penalty or not?
Answer 27: This is a difficult decision for the Referee to make. It all
depends on whether or not the Referee deems this action to have been
committed accidentally whilst both players were solely intent on the
ball - or purposefully committed by the defender to prevent the attacker
moving further towards goal. If the Referee believes that the collision
was deliberately orchestrated by the defender, then a penalty kick (or a
direct free kick if occurring outside of the penalty area) should be
awarded to the attacking team - if the Referee believes that the
purposeful action by the defender prevented the attacker from having a
clear goal scoring opportunity, then the defender should be sent-off the
field of play.
If the Referee deems that the incident was purely accidental, then he
should allow play to continue. The Referee should be aware that when he
takes the action to allow play to continue, he will undoubtedly receive
a disparaging comment or two from the attacking player and his
colleagues. The Referee should penalize any dissenting comments
accordingly. During incidents of these types, Referees are advised to
quickly run away from the near vicinity - this prevents players 'having
a go'. If the Referee is not near - then players will very often not
bother too much about moaning.
If the incident is purposefully done by a defender outside of the
penalty area, the Referee can allow advantage if the attacker manages to
stay on his feet with the ball after the collision and carries on
unaffected towards the goal - the defending team should not be given the
advantage of having the attacking play stopped, and brought back for a
free kick. The Referee can also consider cautioning the defender (or
sending him off if the action prevented the attacker from having a clear
goal scoring opportunity). The Referee will have to consider very
carefully, when awarding advantage inside the penalty area following an
incident of this nature. If the Referee does award advantage and allows
the attacker to shoot towards goal, and the attacker subsequently misses
the goal, then the Referee is on 'dubious' ground if he then awards a
penalty. My 'gut' reaction would be to blow quickly for a penalty,
before any further action has taken place.
I have seen some Referees wrongly award an indirect free kick for
dangerous play during these accidental! Tripping type of incidents. It
is either an unintentional accident or a deliberate foul. Either play
on, or award a penalty kick (or a direct free kick if occurring outside
of the penalty area). It is certainly not a dangerous play indirect free
kick (see question 7 above).
Question 28: Handball or not handball. Can you explain exactly when a
player should be penalized for handball or not?
Question 29: If a player purposefully lies on top of the ball for an
unreasonable amount of time, what action should the Referee take?
Answer 29: The Referee should stop play immediately (this will prevent
players trying to kick at the ball whilst it is underneath the player on
the ground). The player should be cautioned for unsporting behavior and
the match restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team.
If a player (or players) accidentally falls on top of the ball, and it
looks as though the ball will not be immediately released naturally, the
Referee should stop play immediately to prevent injury to the player(s)
on the ground - and restart the match with a dropped ball.
Question 30: Exactly what is the difference between a Indirect Free Kick
and a Direct Free Kick?
Answer 30: ............... It is not the direction of the kick that
counts or which goal it is aimed at.
A goal cannot be scored direct into the opponents' goal from an indirect
free kick. A goal is counted, if following an indirect free kick; the
ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal.
If an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents' goal -
then a goal kick is awarded.
A goal can be scored direct into the opponents' goal from a direct free
kick.
If a direct free kick or an indirect free kick (taken outside of a
team's penalty area) is kicked directly into that team's own goal by one
of its players, then a corner is awarded to the opposition.
If a direct free kick or an indirect free kick (taken inside of a team's
penalty area) is kicked directly into that team's own goal by one of its
players, then the kick must be retaken - because the ball must leave
that team's penalty area before it comes into play. In this instance,
the ball did not leave the penalty area, and the kick should therefore
be retaken.
The Referee should indicate a indirect free kick by raising his arm
straight upwards. The arm remains in this position until the kick has
been taken AND the ball has touched another player, or goes out of play.
There is no official Referee signal for direct free kicks. The fact that
the Referee does not raise his arm indicates that the kick is direct.
If the Referee forgets to raise his arm during an indirect free kick,
the kick is still indirect - even though he has not indicated so with
his upraised arm. The indirect free kick does not become a direct free
kick just because he forgets to raise his arm!
A direct free kick given against an opponent's team inside the
opponents' own penalty area is a penalty kick to the attacking team.
(This will change when the new law comes in - allowing the Referee to
move the ball up the field 10 yards following cautioning a player for
delaying the restart of the game. If a direct free kick is subsequently
moved from outside of the penalty area, into the penalty area because
the Referee has moved the ball up field 10 yards - the kick remains a
direct free kick and not a penalty kick.)
An indirect free kick within the penalty area is always an indirect free
kick.
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits
any of the following... [6] six offences in a manner considered by the referee
to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
-
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
A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player
commits any of the following [4] four offences:
-
Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with
the opponent before touching the ball
-
Holds an opponent
-
Spits at an opponent
-
Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own
penalty area)
-
A direct free kick is taken from where the offence occurred.
Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed
by a player inside his own... penalty area, irrespective of the position of
the ball, provided it is in play.
Indirect Free Kick
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper,
inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following [5] five offences:
- Takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands
before releasing it from his possession
- Touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from
his possession and has not touched any other player
- Touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to
him by a team-mate
- Touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a
throw-in taken by a team-mate
wastes time
An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player,
in the opinion of the Referee:
- Plays in a dangerous manner
- Impedes the progress of an opponent
- Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
- Commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which
play is stopped to caution or dismiss a player.
The indirect free kick is taken from where the offence occurred.
Question 31: During a cup-final match, a particular attacking player had
missed a number of good scoring chances. The score is 0-0 with only one
minute remaining. This attacker then scores a goal. Immediately after
scoring the goal, this attacker runs over towards the opposing team's
supporters, lowers his shorts and shows his backside to the crowd and
then towards the opposition's technical area. What action should the
Referee take, and should the goal be allowed?
Answer 31: As this disgraceful action took place after the goal had been
scored - the goal must be allowed to count. The Referee should send-off
the attacker for committing an offensive gesture. Law 12 states that a
player is sent of if he uses offensive or insulting or abusive language
and/or gestures. An offence of this nature does not have to be committed
towards an opponent. It can be committed against anyone - and in this
instance, the offence was committed against the opposing team's
supporters.
Question 32: As the Referee is releasing the ball during a 'dropped
ball' situation in the penalty area - a defending player thumps an
opponent after the Referee has released the ball, but before the ball
touches the ground. What action should the Referee take?
Answer 32: Law 8 states that during a 'dropped ball', the ball does not
come into play until it has touched the ground. In this instance, the
ball had not touched that ground before the defender struck the
opponent. The Referee should send off the defender for violent conduct,
and restart play with a 'dropped ball'.
Question 33: During play - if a player hits or spits at one of his own
teammates in their own penalty area - is this a penalty to the
opposition?
Answer 33. No. A penalty kick is only given against a team when it
commits one of the ten (Penal) direct free kick offences inside its own
penalty area - and whilst the ball is still in play. A penalty (or
direct free kick) offence must be committed against an opponent on the
field of play, and when the ball is still in play. A penalty kick cannot
be awarded when an offence is committed between players of the same team
- as depicted in this example. The perpetrator of this offence should be
sent off the field of play. The Referee should restart the match with an
indirect free kick awarded to the opposing team - to be taken at the
place where the infringement occurred.
If the above incident occurred when the ball was NOT in play, then the
restart would be appropriate for the stoppage - e.g. goal kick,
throw-in, corner kick etc....
When the ball is still in play, any offences committed by players on the
field of play against officials, coaches, spectators or teammates, must
be restarted with the award of an indirect free kick to the opposing
team. If the misconduct occurred off the field of play whilst the ball
was still in play, the restart should be a dropped ball at the place
where the ball was when the Referee stopped play.
Question 34: If whilst the ball is in play, a player on the field of
play, throws an object at a person sitting in the technical area, what
action should the Referee take?
Answer 34: The Referee should stop play, send-off the perpetrator for
violent conduct, and restart play with an indirect free kick to the
opposing team at the place from where the object was thrown.
Question 35: If after a Referee has cautioned a player, that player then
profusely apologizes for his misdemeanor, can the Referee rescind the
caution and not send in the caution misconduct report?
Answer 35: Certainly not - don't even think about not sending in a
report. A Referee has a duty (Law 5) to report ALL cautions, sending
offs and other misconduct emanating from the match.
It is vitally important that Referees' must not be influenced by pleas
of leniency after awarding a caution or a sending off. Referees' must be
firm in their conviction - any signs of weakness will only fuel further
pleas from other players.
Referees must also be aware at all times, that the 'man with the dog'
watching on the touchline, may well be an assessor (evaluator),
reporting on - and measuring the Referee's performance.
Question 36: Is a player allowed to play the ball whilst he is lying on
the floor - should the Referee stop play immediately to prevent any
dangerous play occurring?
Answer 36: There is nothing in the Laws to prevent a player attempting
to kick the ball whilst he is lying on the ground. In instances of this
nature, the Referee will need to stop play immediately if he thinks that
any player lying on the ground endangers himself (or any other player's)
by being in that position. Opposing players will not stop trying to gain
possession of the ball just because a player has 'gone to ground.
There are several following scenarios that can develop when a player
falls to the ground near the ball:
So long as a player is not covering the ball or obstructing any
opponents, and if that player can easily make contact with the ball
without endangering any other player or himself - play should be allowed
to continue. Referees must err on the side of caution when situations of
this nature happen in matches involving young children. The safety
aspect is far more important than worrying about whether to allow play
to continue or not. Referees are advised to be particularly quick in
stopping play when children are involved. Children do not have the same
perspective as adults when gauging what is a dangerous attempt to kick
the ball near a prostrate player - and what is not.
If the player purposefully lies on top of the ball to prevent it being
released, the he should be cautioned and an indirect free kick awarded
to the opposing team.
If the ball becomes inadvertently trapped beneath a player (or players)
then play should be stopped immediately and restarted with a dropped
ball. Stopping play in this instance will undoubtedly prevent
unnecessary injury to players. The Referee should not expect players' to
stop of their own accord - when a ball becomes trapped beneath players
on the ground - the Referee must make a quick decision to stop play. In
such situations, it is not uncommon to see three or four players all
attempting to kick the ball at the same time. In the 'heat' of a
football match, players can lose all sense of decorum, and have even
been known to kick violently at the ball when it is near the head of a
prostrate player. This is not necessarily done on purpose to injure that
player - the speed of the modern game is such that actions to gain
possession of the ball can be done a split second and instinctively.
Nevertheless, the Referee should send off any player who he believes has
purposefully endangered (or injured) a player lying on the floor, by
committing a violent act or serious foul play when attempting to gain
the ball.
The Referee can consider awarding an indirect free kick if a player
lying on the floor is challenged in such a way that the challenging play
is deemed to be dangerous. For example, if the ball is positioned very
near the head of the player lying on the floor, and an opponent makes a
rash attempt to kick the ball, then this could certainly be deemed to be
dangerous play. A player does not have to be standing up for dangerous
play to be committed against him!
If the player lying on the ground (and very near - or lying on - the
ball) has injured himself whilst falling, the Referee should stop play
to allow the player to receive treatment. Play is restarted with a
dropped ball.
Whether the play for the ball is dangerous or not is left to the
discretion of the Referee - and nobody else!
Question 37: Should the Referee always caution a player if he leaves the
field of play without the Referee's permission while celebrating a goal?
Answer 37: The Referee should only administer a caution if the player
gives an excessive demonstration such as: jumping over the boundary
fence, gesticulating at his opponents or spectators, or ridiculing them
by pointing at his shirt, removing his shirt or any other similar
provocative action. The celebration of a goal was an important and
emotional part of football and FIFA relaxed an earlier statement in
their FIFA Circular 579 of 23 January 1996 that any player removing the
jersey while celebrating a goal should be cautioned. Players will now no
longer be cautioned if they remove their shirt but they will be
cautioned for unsporting behavior if their celebrations are provocative
and intended to incite or ridicule opponents or opposing spectators.
Players guilty of excessive time wasting while celebrating a goal will
also be cautioned.
Question 38: Is a fair shoulder charge, i.e. a shoulder-to-shoulder
challenge still allowed?
Answer 38: There is no such thing anymore as a FAIR CHARGE. It is either
a foul or it is not a foul.
The award of an Indirect Free Kick for a 'Fair Charge' challenge was
taken out of the Laws Of Associated Football during the 1998/99 season.
Nevertheless - please find respective advice below.
The offence is now either a foul or it is
not a foul.
If two players are running towards the ball, and one (or both players)
shoulder charges the other, the Referee needs to decide if a foul has
been committed - and by whom.
There is no such thing anymore as a fair 'shoulder to shoulder' charge,
irrespective of whether the ball was within playing distance or not.
A dangerous charge occurs when it is directed at a different part of an
opponents body such as the middle of the back, or in the ribs; such a
charge, even if applied with minimal force is likely to knock the player
off balance at best, at worse, it will cause some physical injury. A
player has to be penalized for charging in a manner, which is careless,
reckless or uses disproportionate force. A player who violently charges
an opponent must be sent-off for Violent Conduct - look out for this,
particularly during a melee when large numbers of players converge
following an incident. A charge to anywhere other than the area of the
shoulder or upper arm can be dangerous.
Referee and Assistant Referees should aim to get into the best possible
position to view incidents. Aim to try and be alongside players and get
a sideways view. The Assistant Referee is sometimes in a better position
to judge challenges.
A Direct Free Kick or penalty is to be awarded to opponents if a charge
foul is committed on them, irrespective of whether the players' are
within playing distance or attempting to play the ball or not.
Punishments for charging:
- Direct free kick if the charge is deemed to be a foul.
- Penalty if a charge is deemed to be a foul committed by a defending
player in his own penalty area.
- Send player off if a charge is deemed to be a foul and it prevents a
goal scoring opportunity.
-
If both players, which the referee deems not to be a foul - make a
simultaneous innocuous shoulder charge the game continues.
" Just shout '50/50' get on with it!! "
The intention to charge should not be governed by the size or weight of
an opponent.
Example: - A large heavy player charging a very small player may look to
be an obvious foul when compared to a small player blatantly charging a
large heavy player.
Question 39: If an attacker running with the ball very near the
touchline, plays the ball beyond a nearby defender, and then runs over
the touchline out of the field of play to run past that defender - what
should the Referee do if the defender (who is still on the field of
play), puts an arm outside of the field of play, and holds back the
attacker to prevent him from re-entering the field of play to regain
possession of the ball?
Answer 39: The holding offence actually occurs outside of the field of
play. The Referee should stop play and caution the defending player. The
correct restart is a dropped ball at the place where the ball was
located when the Referee stopped play. The Referee cannot award a free
kick for an offence committed outside of the field of play. Whilst the
ball is still in play, the restart for any offences committed outside of
the field of play is always dropped ball.
Note: Holding an opponent includes when a player stretches out his arms
across (and touches) an opponent to prevent him from moving any further.
This must not be confused with impedance (obstruction), when a player
stretches out his arms to block an opponent but does not initially touch
the opponent. Impedance (obstruction) requires no physical contact with
an opponent to be an offence - a player (who is not playing the ball)
may commit impedance simply by forcing an opponent to slow down or
change their path to the ball.
Holding is not impedance, but is the physical act of actually touching
an opponent, and is penalized with the award of a direct free kick to
the opponent's team (if the incident occurred on the field of play
whilst the ball was in play). Impedance by the use of arms is when a
player stretches out his arms (or arm) to block the progress of an
opponent, but the stretching of the arms is initially done without
touching the opponent - albeit that the momentum of the opponent may
result in an eventual collision with the blocking player's arm.
Impedance is penalized by an indirect free kick awarded to the opponents
(if the incident occurred on the field of play whilst the ball was in
play).
If a player's arm is held out long enough and far enough, and/or if the
arm is used in an aggressive manner that leads to the opponent being
clearly restrained and held back - both an obstruction and a holding
offence have occurred at the same time - the Referee should always
penalize the more serious of any two simultaneous offences, which in
this case is to award a direct free kick for holding (and not an
indirect free kick for impedance).
Listen to the ~ Law-12-Questions-and-Answers-Section-40-thru-59.MP3 ~ file... ~ Downloadable MP3's for on the go study! ~
Question 40: Why do Referees sometimes wait until the ball has gone out
of play before they caution a player?
Answer 40: Law 5 empowers the Referees to let play continue by allowing
advantage to the offended team if the incident committed against them
was not serious enough to warrant a red card (or players are not
seriously injured). If the anticipated advantage does not materialize,
the Referee can stop play to penalize the original offence with the
award of a free kick (and administer a caution if necessary). The
Referee is not obliged to caution a player immediately after an offence
has been committed, but if he allows advantage, the Referee must caution
the perpetrator when the ball next goes out of play. The Referee must
also be careful not to allow play to restart once the ball has gone out
of play, and before he has had a chance to caution the guilty player.
In incidents where a serious misconduct and a sending-off are warranted,
the Referee must be very certain that if he allows an advantage: that
(a) no further serious misconduct will occur, (b) there are no players
seriously injured), (c) the player committing the offence does not take
further part in the game action, and (d) most importantly, the advantage
should only be given if a clear goal scoring chance is immediately and
obviously available. As a rule of thumb, Referees are not advised to
allow advantage following a misconduct offence warranting a sending off.
The Referee is better off stopping play immediately to deal with the
misconduct. Allowing advantage to continue, may result in the player who
committed the sending of offence, participating again in play - and this
cannot be allowed to happen.
In the early days of football, cautions were originally intended to be a
severe warning to players of a potential sending-off. Even though the
Laws of the Game specifically state that a yellow card should be issued
for particular misconduct, experienced Referee will firstly try to warn
players by talking to them. This can prevent further misdemeanors
happening. Other Referees do not bother with the talking bit, and will
issue a caution much more quickly.
Question 41: What is the difference between 'Serious Foul Play' and
'Violent Conduct'?
Answer 41: New Referees should not worry too much about identifying
'which is which' in their reports. The report will not get rescinded
just because the incorrect term was used. The important thing is to note
down and report exactly what happened and deal with the perpetrators by
sending them off. New Referees who are unsure of whether an incident was
Violent Conduct or Serious Foul play can contact a more senior Referee
colleague for assistance.
Serious foul play is when a player on the field of play commits one of
the offences punishable with a direct free kick (or penalty kick)
carried out whilst the ball is in play, using disproportionate and
unnecessary force when making a challenge for the ball against an
opponent. This can include instances when there is a good chance, little
chance, or no chance at all of the perpetrator actually making contact
with the ball. Serious foul play cannot be committed against a teammate,
the Manager, the Coach, the Referee, the Assistant Referee, a Spectator,
a Substitute or any other person who is not a player. If a serious act
is committed against an opponent whilst the ball is out of play, or not
in a game play situation, this must be penalized as violent conduct.
(For example, if following a challenge for the ball which has now
traveled some twenty yards away from the challengers - one of the
challengers decides to elbow his opponent in the face - this is Violent
Conduct and not Serious Foul play, because the misconduct did not take
place in a game play situation, but happened after the original play for
the ball.).
The restart following a serious foul play offence is either a direct
free kick or a penalty kick to the team who have been offended against.
Violent conduct can occur at any time - either on or off the field of
play, and when the ball is out of play or when the ball is in play.
Violent conduct is when a player (or substitute) is guilty of violent
aggression towards an opponent when they are not contesting for the
ball. Violent conduct can be committed against an opponent, a team-mate,
the Manager, the Coach, the Referee, the Assistant Referee, a Spectator,
a Substitute, a dog! or any other person. Violent conduct usually
involves one or more of the following: fighting, striking, kicking,
elbowing, throwing an object, or head butting.
The restarts for violent conduct are as follows:
-
Direct Free Kick (or a penalty kick if the incident occurred in the
perpetrator's own penalty area) to be awarded if the ball was in play
when violent conduct was committed on the field of play, and involved
opposing players. Direct free kick to be taken at the place where the
incident occurred.
-
Indirect Free kick to be awarded if the violent conduct offence is
committed on the field of play against (non-opponents) e.g. Referees,
officials, coaches, spectators or teammates. Indirect free kick to be
taken at the place where the offence was committed on the field of play.
-
Dropped ball to be awarded if the violent conduct offence is committed
off the field of play and whilst the ball was still in play. Dropped
ball to be taken at the place where the ball was when the Referee
stopped play.
-
Ball out of play when the violent conduct offence occurred - the game
should be restarted at the normal stage where it was interrupted prior
to the offence - e.g. a goal kick, corner kick, throw-in, free kick,
place kick etc.
Question 42: Just exactly
what is an obvious goal scoring opportunity?
Answer 42: See the Goal-Scoring
Opportunity page on this website for specific details
Question 43: If an attacker shoots towards goal, but the ball skews off
his boot and travels outside the defending team's penalty area - is the
defending goalkeeper allowed to come outside of his penalty area,
dribble the ball back inside his penalty area, and then pick it up?
Answer 43: Yes. In this instance, an opponent last played the ball
towards the goalkeeper. It does not matter that the ball was outside of
the penalty area before the goalkeeper picked it up. The goalkeeper has
not committed any infringements and should be allowed to continue with
play. The goalkeeper is entitled to pick up any ball within his own
penalty area, so long as it was not kicked or thrown directly to him by
a colleague.
Question 44: Why is there so much inconsistency between Referees when
judging when to penalize a player for a pushing offence?
Answer 44: Let us not forget, that football is a contact sport where
pushing of one type or another (with the hand or the body etc.) is an
integral part of the play. There have been many Law changes over the
years, which have endeavored to protect the players and enhance the play
action - if pushing is totally removed from the game, and then it will
never be the same. Pushing is not normally seen as a danger to players
(unless it is done violently, or in a dangerous situation). If the
Referee believes that a push has been done "carelessly, recklessly or
done with excessive force" or done to unbalance a player or to prevent
him from fairly challenging for the ball, then it is a foul in
accordance with Law 12. (For example - when a player pushes an opponent
to the ground, or whilst they are both jumping or challenging for the
ball).
Players very often push by using a bit of their arm, shoulder or their
elbow when they are fending one another off, or when they are trying to
maintain balance or contesting side-to-side for possession of the ball.
Referees will rightly ignore this accepted 'part and parcel' aspect of
the game. As long as the two players involved are both evenly having a
go! at one another, Referees will usually let it go on, unless the
action is done to such a degree, that a foul is eventually committed by
one of the players.
The strength of pushing can range from barely making an indent on an
opponent's shirt, to shoving someone 10 yards into the cheap seats. The
degrees of pushing allowed also varies immensely from match to match,
and can depend on the age of the players, the standard of football, the
nationality of the teams involved, the experience of players, the
players' perception of what should and should not be allowed, the
tolerance of the Referee, whether there is a full moon
etc............................
It is therefore no wonder that each Referee measures pushing in a
different way - after all, Referees' are not robots!. The best advice to
Referees is to learn by experience and watching football - and to
develop a consistent standard you based on the knowledge gleaned. But
remember - pushing done "carelessly, recklessly or with excessive force"
or done to unbalance a player or prevent him from fairly challenging for
the ball - must be penalized as a foul.
Question 45: Studs up - what does this actually mean, and when should it
be penalized?
Answer 45: It's not really difficult to identify a 'studs-up' tackle.
They are the type of tackles that make a Referee 'wince'. Players'
intentionally raising their feet above the level of the ball when
tackling, can cause untold (career ending) damage to an opponent's lower
leg.
One type of tackle that we are describing here is the well known "over
the top" tackle. This is where the perpetrator has little or no
intention of playing the ball, and stamps down over the top of the ball
without really making contact with the ball. This sort of tackle is the
most hated by players - as it can do untold injury if the studs connect
with a player's leg or ankle. Players will get very irate when a tackle
of this nature is committed against themselves, or one of their
teammates. The Referee must act very quickly to diffuse any further
trouble following "over the top" tackles. The punishment for such a
tackle is at the very minimum a yellow card - and very often a red card.
The restart is a direct free kick (or penalty) to the opposing team.
"Over the top" tackles are not dangerous play (indirect free kick
restarts), they are the more serious 'kicks or attempts to kick' fouls
(direct free kick or penalty kick restarts).
An 'over the top' tackle is a Law 12 Direct Free Kick offence (kicks or
attempts to kick an opponent) - it does not matter whether the studs
catch the opponent or not - the attempt is enough to warrant a direct
free kick (or a penalty).
Tackles of this nature have no regard for the spirit of the game, and
are usually committed in a pique of temper without any regard for the
damage it may cause to an opponent. The Referee who does not penalize
the perpetrator with at least a yellow card - will certainly regret not
doing so, because players who feel that they have not been protected by
the Referee against such spiteful tackles, will no doubt, take the Law
into their own hands and seek retribution against the perpetrator an his
team at the very next available instance.
Question 46: Why do Referees ignore the blatant impeding (obstruction
offence) when an attacker kicks the ball towards his opponent's goal
line, and then attempts to regain possession of the ball. In the
meantime, a defender intersperses himself between the attacker and the
ball, with his back blocking the attacker from the ball, knowing full
well, that if the ball is not touched, it will run out of play naturally
for a goal kick. The defender is only focused on blocking the attacker
from the ball, and has no intention of playing the ball himself (which
is invariably never within his playing distance)?
Answer 46: By Law, blocking or screening a player from a route to the
ball should only be allowed if the blocking player has the ball within
playing distance of him.
The 1996/1997 Law 12 stated that an indirect free kick should be awarded
against a player committing the following offence:
" When not playing the ball, impeding the progress of an opponent, i.e.
running between the opponent and the ball, or interposing the body so as
to form an obstacle to an opponent".
The (1996/1997) Law 12 Decision Number 5 further explained that a player
was allowed to shield the ball without touching it - so long as it is
within playing distance of that shielding player.
The FIFA rewrite of the Laws in 1997/1998 simplified the wording of the
Laws, which now only show:
" Impedes the progress of an opponent".
This exactly describes the question incident above - so why is it still
never penalized?
Still a good question - and I can never understand why this is not
always penalized either (albeit that I am just as guilty of not
automatically penalizing this offence myself).
By Law, Referees should always penalize this offence, but actual
enforcement of it varies considerably from Referee to Referee. The real
answer to the question is that over the years, players have become very
adept at disguising the fact that the ball is not within playing
distance during these types of incidents. This has slowly lead to too
many instances of this being ignored by Referees, and it has now become
an unwritten demi-Law that is a semi-legal, semi-accepted part of the
game. I believe that Referees should be given a mandate from FIFA to
apply the Laws rigidly, and penalized this action by always awarding an
indirect free kick. In the past, FIFA have mandated many stipulations
for Laws that have slipped into disrepute - and this is another one that
requires tightening up.
An individual Referee rigidly applying the Law cannot hope to influence
the rest of the World!
By Law, Referees should always penalize this offence - but not if (in
the opinion of the Referee) the defender remains within playing distance
of the ball, and was therefore legally shielding a playable ball.
Impedance (obstruction) only occurs when the ball is too far away to be
played by the shielding player.
Question 47: If a player deliberately handles the ball after entering
the field of play without the Referee’s permission - what action
should the Referee takes?
Answer 47: The Referee should caution the player for entering the field
of play without receiving his permission. Play should be restarted with
a direct free kick for the more serious offence of deliberate handball.
If the deliberate handball occurred in the player's own penalty area,
then a penalty should be awarded to the opposing team.
If the Referee has cautioned this player for entering the field of play
without his permission, the Referee can also (at his discretion) give
this player a second caution (leading to a sending off) for deliberately
handling the ball.
Question 48: If a goalkeeper holding the ball within his penalty area,
puts the ball down on the ground, dribbles it outside of the penalty
area, and then back into the penalty area and then picks it up again -
what action should the Referee take?
Answer 48: The Referee should award an indirect free kick to the
opposing team, to be taken from the place where the goalkeeper touched
the ball a second time inside his penalty area.
By placing the ball down on the ground, the goalkeeper has released it
from his possession, and he is not allowed to touch it again with his
hands until it has touched another player. (He is also not allowed to
touch the ball if it is received directly from a deliberate back-pass or
throw-in from a teammate - if he does so, than an indirect free kick is
awarded to the opposition).
Question 49: Whilst the ball is still in play, is it a penalty, if the
goalkeeper strikes an opponent in the area under the goal net and behind
the goal line?
Answer 49: The area under the nets is not part of the penalty area or
the field of play. The Referee should send off the goalkeeper, and
restart play with a dropped ball at the place where the ball was when
play was stopped. If the ball was inside the goal area when play was
stopped, then the dropped ball should be taken from that part of the
goal area line which runs parallel to the goal line, at the point
nearest to where the ball was inside the goal area when play was
stopped.
Question 50: Is the goalkeeper allowed to bounce the ball once he has
gained possession of it in his hands?
Answer 50: Yes, this is acceptable within the spirit of the game, and
the goalkeeper is not regarded as having released the ball from his
possession when bouncing it on the ground.
It is now generally considered that possession of the ball by a
goalkeeper in his penalty area includes the act of bouncing the ball in
preparation for kicking it out - tossing the ball in the air and
re-catching it - the motion of throwing the ball back out into play (or
out of play) - and releasing the ball in a drop kick action whilst
punting the ball up field. In all these motions, the goalkeeper is said
to be still in possession of the ball.
It only becomes an infringement if he loses possession by dropping it
purposefully (or accidentally) to the ground and subsequently picks the
ball up a second time - the punishment for doing this, is an indirect
free kick to the attacking team at the position where the goalkeeper
touched the ball a second time. (If in the goal area then the indirect
free kick is taken on the goal area line parallel to where the
infringement occurred).
Referees should therefore avoid taking any action when goalkeepers,
bounces the ball in their possession while inside their penalty area.
This is NOT seen as being an infringement of the rules. Whilst bouncing
the ball, the attacking players should not attempt to kick or gain
possession of the ball - as this is deemed to be interfering with the
goalkeeper whilst he is fairly trying to release the ball back into
play. The punishment for preventing the goalkeeper releasing the ball is
an indirect free kick to the goalkeepers team at the position where
the infringement occurred. (If occurring in the goalkeepers goal
area, the indirect free kick can be taken from anywhere within that goal
area).
Parrying the ball can be seen as gaining possession of the ball - it all
depends on whether the Referee thinks that the goalkeeper has gained
possession or not. For example, a ball blasted at 100 miles an hour can
only be parried by a goalkeeper - conversely, a ball traveling at say 20
miles an hour can be easily caught, so if the goalkeeper decides to
parry the ball instead, and then pick it up after it has touched the
ground - the Referee could deem this to be an infringement - so it's up
to the Referee to decide!
Question 51: What action should the Referee take if whilst the ball is
still in play at the other end of the field, a player in his own penalty
area deliberately kicks an opponent?
Answer 51: The Referee should stop play, send off the perpetrator and
award a penalty to the team of the player who had been kicked.
Note - the ball does not necessarily have to be in the penalty area for
a penalty kick to be awarded - it just needs to be still in play on ANY
part of the field of play.
Question 52: If a goalkeeper lying on the ground outside of his penalty
area stretches his arm inside the penalty area and handles the ball -
what action should the Referee take?
Answer 52: None - play should be allowed to continue because the
goalkeeper had not infringed any of the Laws. The goalkeeper can only be
penalized for handling the ball if it is outside of the penalty area -
and in this instance the ball was inside the penalty area. It does not
matter whether the goalkeeper is inside or outside of his penalty area -
so long as the ball is inside the penalty area.
Of course - the answer to this question assumes that the ball was not
kicked back deliberately by a team mate or received directly from a
throw-in taken by a team mate. If this was the case, then an indirect
free kick should be awarded to the opposition, to be taken from the
place where the goalkeeper handled the ball inside the penalty area.
Question 53: When a player commits an offence leading to a penalty kick
being awarded - does the award of a penalty against the player cancel
out the need for a caution to be given to the offending player?
Answer 53: Certainly not - the Referee should consider each case on its
merits. If the foul was innocuous, the Referee may decide not to caution
the player (or maybe just have a quiet word with him). Fouls of a
greater degree will need to be punished, as they would normally be, when
occurring on any part of the field of play. Just because the foul
occurred inside the penalty area, and lead to a penalty - this should
not effect whether the Referee should caution a player or not. It is the
nature of the offence, and not necessarily the position or punishment of
the offence that merits a caution.
Question 54: Whilst a player was receiving treatment off the field of
play, he strikes a spectator who has been giving him some verbal abuse
during the game. What action should the Referee take?
Answer 54: The Referee should send - off the player for committing
violent conduct. Substitutes can also be sent-off if they commit the
same (or a similar offence). If the ball was in play when the offence
occurred, the restart is a dropped ball to be taken from the place where
the ball was when the Referee stopped play.
Question 55: Two players are standing one in front of another, and as
the ball approaches them, the player standing at the rear shouts, "Leave
it", and subsequently gains possession of the ball. What action should
the Referee take?
Answer 55: No action at all - because the player shouting, "Leave it"
has not gained an unfair advantage and should therefore not be
penalized. Players giving and shouting instructions are all part of the
game itself - it has always been this way. Imagine a game of football
where players were not allowed to speak! - now that would be a novelty
for the Referee, but it would certainly not allow the game to flow its
normal exciting course. There has never been mention in the Laws of
prohibiting players from shouting out orders and advice to colleagues. I
just wish the players knew this! then us Referees would not have to put
up with the usual quip:
"What about the name Ref.!" when opponents' shout "My ball" or "Leave
it".......
The only time that the Referee should penalize a player for calling, is
when the call is purposefully done to cheat an opponent. For example,
imagine an attacker positioned behind a defender, and that defender does
not know the attacker is there. The ball is kicked (by another attacker)
towards the defender who is just about to take control of the ball. The
attacker standing behind the defender says, " Leave it. Goalkeepers
ball". The defender, thinking that it is his goalkeeper giving the
order, lets the ball roll past him to the attacker who gains possession
and scores a goal. This is clearly unsporting, and if done within the
Referee's hearing, should be punished with the goal being disallowed,
and an indirect free kick being awarded to the defender's team (and a
possible caution for the attacker).
Shouts of "My ball" and "Leave it" and "Pass it here" and "Pass it
right" are all 'part and parcel' of the game and should not be
penalized. Luckily, calls aimed at cheating opponents are few and far
between - and as a rule of thumb, Referees should ignore most calls -
and just tell players to "Get on with it".
Question 56: If after a free kick has been taken, a player complains to
the Referee about the decision to award the free kick. If the Referee
decides to caution this player for dissent - when should he administer
the caution?
Answer 56: The Referee has two options:
-
(a) Stop play immediately to issue the caution. The restart is an
indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where
the dissent occurred.
-
(b) Allow play to continue, and caution the player when the ball next
goes out of play.
The latter (b) is probably the best option - but there will be occasions
when the Referee will decide to take option (a). Either option can be
used.
Question 57: Is the Referee allowed to stop play to have a strong word
with a dissenting player - but not give him a yellow card?
Answer 57: Legally no (and certainly not in senior games). Nevertheless,
I have seen this done to very good effect on many occasions (and have
used it myself many times to curb growing dissent). Play should be
restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team taken from the
place where the offence (dissent) occurred).
By Law, if the Referee stops the game because of dissent, the dissenting
player should be cautioned, and play restarted with an indirect free
kick to the opposing team taken from the place where the offence
(dissent) occurred).
Question 58: Where should the Referee restart play, after he stops play
to issue a yellow card to a player entering the field of play without
his permission?
Answer 58: Play should be restarted with an indirect free kick to the
opposing team, to be taken from the place that the ball was, when play
was stopped.
Question 59: If a defending player taking an indirect free kick just
outside of his own penalty area, kicks the ball back towards his
goalkeeper, but his goalkeeper misses the ball with his foot, but makes
contact on the ball with his hands before it crosses his own goal line
and into the net - what should the Referee do. Is it an indirect free
kick against the goalkeeper for touching the ball after receiving a back
pass or should a goal be awarded - or is it a corner or a goal kick??
Answer 59: A goal cannot be scored direct into a player's own goal from
a direct or indirect free kick. In this case, the free kick originated
from outside of the penalty area - the ball comes into play as soon as
it is touched and moves. The goalkeeper subsequently touched the ball
with his hand before it entered the goal. The Referee should apply the
advantage clause and award the goal.
Had the ball entered the goal after being touched by the goalkeeper's
foot, and then the goal would still count.
Had the ball entered the goal without being touched by the goalkeeper -
then a corner to the opposing team would have been the correct restart
(this applies to both an indirect and a direct free kick). If the
goalkeeper had picked up the ball, then the Referee should award an
indirect free kick (for a back pass) to the opposing team, from the
place where the ball was picked up by the goalkeeper).
Had the goalkeeper just kicked the ball up field? And away from danger -
play should be allowed to continue, because no infringement had
occurred.
Listen to the ~ Law-12-Questions-and-Answers-Section-60-thru-76.MP3 ~ file... ~ Downloadable MP3's for on the go study! ~
Question 60: A defender takes a free kick just outside of his penalty
area. He plays the ball back to his goalkeeper who unbeknown to the
defender is lying injured on the ground. The ball is making its way
towards goal, when the same defender manages to intercept it, but in
doing so, the defender slices at the ball that then crosses the goal
line between the goal posts, and into the goal. Does the goal count?
Answer 60: No. A goal has not been legitimately scored, as a player
cannot play the ball a second time at such a restart, and an indirect
free kick must be awarded. The normal restart by Law 13 for touching the
ball a second time after taking a free kick is for the opposing team to
be awarded an indirect free kick to be taken at the place where the
defender touched the ball for a second time. If the defender touched the
ball a second time inside the goal area, then the indirect free kick
should be taken from that part of the goal area line which runs parallel
to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the defender touched the
ball a second time.
Notwithstanding the above, an astute Referee will have noticed that the
goalkeeper is injured, and blow his whistle to stop play straight away
before any of the above action ensues! (UK/RA).
Question 61: If a defending player taking a free kick just outside of
his own penalty area, kicks the ball back towards his goalkeeper, but
his goalkeeper misses the ball with his foot, but makes contact on the
ball with his hands before it crosses his own goal line and into the net
- what should the Referee do? Is it an indirect free kick for touching
the ball after receiving it directly from a kick from his team mate
(i.e. a back pass) or should the goal be awarded?
Answer 61: As in the above question - Law 5 allows the Referee to apply
advantage and allow play to continue after an offence (handling of the
ball by the goalkeeper after receiving it from a team mate) has been
committed - thus benefiting the team that the offence had been committed
against. The goal should therefore be allowed to count.
Question 62: If a goalkeeper holding the ball within his own penalty
area throws the ball to a team mate who is also standing in the penalty
area, then the team mate miss-kicks the ball and it enters the goal
after being handled by the goalkeeper, is this a goal?
Answer 62. Yes. The Referee should allow play to continue as no
infringement had occurred. The miss-kick by the defender is not a
deliberate act -and therefore cannot be deemed to be a deliberate
back-pass - so it is irrelevant whether the goalkeeper handles the ball
or not - the goal should still be awarded.
Question 63: (From John Stockman 28 Jan 2001) What does it mean when a
Referee puts his elbow(s) in the air and starts waving them about?
Answer 63: This is not a standard recognized Referee signal, but it
usually refers to when a Referee has blown for a foul, and is indicating
to others, that a player had held another player down whilst trying to
jump up to head the ball. This usually happens when a high ball is
coming towards two opposing players who are challenging for the ball
with their head, then one of the players (usually the one standing
behind) puts is his hands on the shoulders of the player in front and
uses his shoulders as leverage to lift himself higher, or prevents the
player in front of him, from jumping up properly by holding him down by
the shoulders.
This is not a widely recognized signal, but nonetheless, is used by some
Referees.
Thanks to John for an interesting question.
Question 64: Teams playing in a Christian league, normally have
connections with the Church in some way. If the club secretary of the
home team informs the Referee that the football is of a high standard,
but if any player uses the phrases "Oh God" or "Christ sake" the Referee
will be asked by the Christian league to issue a red card for foul and
abusive language, as suggested by the Christian league rules. If this
situation arises, should the Referee be stricter, and can the discipline
report be passed to the Christian league for action, as opposed to
sending it to the normal County Discipline Secretary for action?
Answer 64: The official line is, that any football team playing within a
County should be affiliated to that County's Football Association. All
the players belonging to that team must also be registered with the
County FA before they can play. As such, Church type leagues are no
different to any other league - and come under the jurisdiction of their
County Football Association in all matters - including discipline.
A qualified Referee should not officiate outside of his County without
first obtaining permission from his parent County FA (the one that he is
registered with). It is also a matter of courtesy for Referees to inform
their parent County before officiating elsewhere.
Some 'Church' type league rules are more stringent towards improving
discipline standards than those off normal league status. Nevertheless,
'Church' type leagues should adhere to the same standards as everyone
else. Any suggestion that disciple will be dealt by the 'Church' league
themselves (as opposed to sending in discipline reports to the normal
County Discipline Secretary) is not legal.
Registered County Referees must send any discipline reports to the
County Discipline Secretary and not to the 'Church' league secretary for
action. 'Church' type leagues may try and persuade Referees to be
stricter when dealing with swearing and dissent. Although one cannot
deny the principles behind this, one of the hardest things for a Referee
to learn is consistency. And in this matter, a Referee should not be
stricter with the Church Team on a Saturday, than he would be with a
normal league team playing the following day on a Sunday morning.
Problems will also arise when a player disciplined for saying "Oh
Christ" whilst playing for a 'Church' team on a Saturday, also plays for
his local pub team on a Sunday morning, where such an expletive will
most probably be ignored by most Referees - if he repeats the "Oh
Christ" on the Sunday whilst playing for the pub team, will the same
Referee take the same action? I doubt it. If the same Referee has to
officiate in both games, he leaves himself open to applying double
standards - and this cannot be allowed to happen.
Notwithstanding the above, the sentiments of the 'Church' type leagues
must be admired. Any move to install discipline and to cut down swearing
and dissent must be a good move. The problem the Referee has - is in
fulfilling the 'Church' league expectations for acting swiftly to deal
with swearing and dissent. The level of swearing and dissent, should
really be a matter for the 'Church; league to promote (as undoubtedly
they do)......the Referee should not be expected to follow the 'Church'
league sentiments without falling into the trap of using double
standards when dealing with discipline.
It is a sad fact, that the 'factory' language of football has reached an
unprecedented level of acceptance - it's a great pity that the standards
of the 'Church; leagues cannot be imposed on all of the other leagues.
Question 65: When a goalkeeper who has released the ball at his feet,
purposefully picks it up again to prevent an oncoming nearby challenging
attacker gaining possession and shooting towards goal. Should the
Referee Send off the goalkeeper for denying a goal scoring opportunity
and restart with an indirect free kick, or should the Referee just give
the goalkeeper a caution and restart with an indirect free kick for
touching the ball a second time after he has released it.
Answer 65: As the ball was clearly in control of the goalkeeper and not
the oncoming player, it is not a clear goal scoring opportunity. An
indirect free kick should be awarded. The additional punishment of a
caution is not automatic. If the Referee considers that the goalkeeper
has gained an unfair advantage over his opponent, he would judge this as
unsporting behavior and caution him.
When a goalkeeper handles the ball whilst in his own penalty area, in
violation of the laws as in the above question, the punishment is an
indirect free kick and not a penalty kick.
Because a goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball in his own penalty
area, he can not therefore be sent off for stopping an obvious goal
scoring opportunity by illegal use of his hands in his own penalty area.
(The goalkeeper can of course be sent off for stopping an obvious goal
scoring opportunity by other fouls, or if he stops an obvious goal
scoring opportunity by handling the ball outside of his penalty area).
Question 66: Is an 'over-the-top' (or over-the-ball) tackle that does
not connect with an opponents leg, deemed to be an indirect free kick
for dangerous play, or a direct free lick for a penal offence (i.e.
attempting to kick an opponent) ?
Answer 66: Direct free kick or penalty, depending where the offence
occurred and by whom. The disciplinary action will rely on the Referee's
view of the severity of the offence. This is classified under the penal
offences, kicking or attempting to kick an opponent.
Question 67: As you know, it is impossible to slide tackle someone
without having your studs facing the ball. I know that this isn't
normally a foul when tackling from one side. But what happens if an
attacker is running towards a defender who in turn is running towards
the attacker, the defender slide tackles (with 1 foot), taking the ball,
but sending the attacker flying. In my view if you touch the ball it
shouldn't be a foul, what is your view?
Answer 67: Firstly, you CAN slide tackle with your knee. A slide tackle
does not necessarily have to involve the studs facing the ball. For
example, you can also slide tackle with the toes pointed downwards, with
the studs facing the grass. Referees should always penalize slide
tackles when they are done in such a way that they jeopardize the safety
of the opponent (it does not matter whether the ball is touched first or
not). Only just last night (26 March 2001) in the English Nationwide
Div. 1 game West Bromwich Albion v Tranmere Rovers, the Referee
penalized two such slide tackles, neither, of which made contact with
the opponent but both made in a reckless way using excessive force
(Law 12).
It does not matter whether the defender touches the ball or not, it is
the fact that the attacker is sent flying that decides whether the
Referee will penalize him or not. If two opposing players are running
towards each other, and one of them decides to make a slide tackle from
the front – then this is most certainly reckless and undoubtedly
involves excess force. If a Referee decides NOT to immediately penalize
such action, then he will give the 'Green light' for players to make
reckless tackles during the rest of the game. And this cannot be allowed
to happen.
Making contact with firstly with the ball is normally accepted. But it
is not excepted if the tackle is done in such a way that the tackling
player - although in Law making a clean tackle - undoubtedly aims to
inflict some damage to the opponent. The strength and outcome of the
tackle will gauge what action the Referee can take. (a) A strong talking
to: (b) A caution for Unsporting Behavior (tackle made in a reckless way
using excessive force): (c) A sending-off (Serious Foul Play - even if
the ball was touched first) if the tackle is done in such a way that the
ball is a secondary consideration, and inflicting injury to the opponent
is the first. These types of tackles are very easy to recognize and
should be penalized accordingly. Just because a tackling player makes
contact with the ball first, this does not mean that every tackle is
legal. For example: A player who makes a reckless tackle but touched the
ball before he touched the opponent - should be penalized. Touching the
ball first does not necessarily give the tackling player a 'get out of
jail card'.
The often-heard shout of "But I played the ball Ref." does not
necessarily mean free immunity for the perpetrator!
26 March 2001 - Great question from Tommy...........................many
thanks.
Question 68: If a player deliberately runs into the Referee what action
should he take?
Answer 68: The Referee is a part of the field of play – so it could be
argued that no offence has occurred. e.g. If a player purposefully ran
into a goalpost, this would not be deemed as an offence. You might think
that the player is barking mad but all players are slightly touched
anyway!
As rumor has it - that the Referee was once a human being and not born
inert the perspective is somewhat different. If a player purposefully
runs into the Referee, the first question is "Was it done to harm the
Referee". I have been involved with players jokingly running into me and I have reacted in a similar way and just laughed it off. Yes,
Referees DO have a sense of humor!
If a player purposefully bumps into the Referee then the severity,
speed, whether the action influenced the game, whether it was done
whilst the ball was in play or not etc. etc... all need to be taken into
consideration before the Referee makes a decision.
There are 4 actions that the Referee can take:
-
1. Do nothing.
-
2. Give the player a verbal roasting for being a Pratt!
-
3. Caution the player for unsporting behavior.
- 4. Send the player off for violent conduct.
Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct allow the Referee a huge amount of
discretion when making decisions covering discipline. For example,
Unsporting conduct can cover anything from farting to larking about!
Nevertheless, it is the Referees duty (Law 5) to take the appropriate
disciplinary action against irresponsible players.
Another factor for the Referee to consider is the players size in
contrast to the Referee. For example: I weigh 16 stone, am over 6 feet
tall, and build like a brick sh*t house. A punitive bump by a 7 stone
weakling (or a 7 year old player) is not likely to have much effect on
me. I would probably not even notice it – in the course of battle.
Conversely, a 16 stone player bumping into a 7 stone Referee will just
as likely flatten the Referee like a cow pancake. Notwithstanding all
this, it is the act itself and not the severity that must be primarily
considered. Purposefully bumping into the Referee is deemed to be
violent conduct warranting a red card. BUT as mentioned above, a great
deal of Law 18 Common sense must be applied before taking the
appropriate action.
There is no easy solution, and each Referee will react differently.
If a player accidentally runs into the Referee " then there is not
much that the Referee can do " except shout ouch! As a mobile part of
the field of play, the Referee is responsible for getting out of the way
during play situations. I have been bumped into accidentally on many
occasions and each one has been properly ignored with a touch of
humor. If players berate me for being the way then I agree with
them, and try even harder to stay out wide from the play action areas.
Now? "What about those situations where the Referee runs into a player" now that is a different question altogether?
Thanks to Dave Larder of Bulldogs Unleashed Western Australia for the
interesting question.
Question 69: In the cases when a goalkeeper illegally handles the ball
thus denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity, should compassion be
used by Referees in a youth contest - i.e. can the Referee ignore the
first occurrence of this offence and just teach the 'keeper about the
Law?
Answer 69: Although the sentiments above are understandable, there are
many factors that make the statement very complex to apply fairly.
For example, at what age would you start applying the Law correctly?
What action would you take in a mixed-age team - and how would you know
the ages of each player?
What would you do as a Referee say, if you failed top apply the Law to a
16 year old goalkeeper playing in a youth team on a Saturday - and the
same player repeated a similar offence whilst he was playing for an
adult Sunday team the next day.
By not applying the Law correctly, young players will expect to be
treated the same when they get older - and if they are not, will
undoubtedly protest to the Referee. Albeit that some leniency and
understanding must be show during throw-ins and kick-offs when very
young players are concerned - the goal scoring opportunity is a serious
offence that can immediately effect the result of a game - and should
therefore always be penalized properly.
Ignoring such incidents will inevitably lead to serious problems with
astute parents and coaches.
Compassion in Youth games is a two edged sword that the Referee needs to
use very very carefully - it relies on the goodwill of the coaches,
managers, players, parents and spectators.
And goodwill can turn nasty in an instance.
As a general rule, goal-scoring opportunities should be penalized
properly at all ages - else trouble is surely waiting around the next
corner.
When a goalkeeper handles the ball whilst in his own penalty area, in
violation of the laws, the punishment is an indirect free kick and not a
penalty kick (for example, when he handles the ball after receiving it
directly from a colleague taking a throw-in).
Because a goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball in his own penalty
area, he cannot therefore be sent off for stopping an obvious goal
scoring opportunity by illegal use of his hands in his own penalty area.
(The goalkeeper can of course be sent off for stopping an obvious goal
scoring opportunity by other fouls, or if he stops an obvious goal
scoring opportunity by handling the ball outside of his penalty area).
Many thanks to Karl Arps - first year licensed referee in the U.S. for
this interesting question.
Question 70: If a Referee awards a foul, but is unable to positively
identify the exact player that committed the foul, what should he do?
Answer 70: When awarding fouls, it can sometimes happen, that although
the Referee has awarded the correct decision, the speed and entanglement
of nearby players (and the fact that players are all dressed the same)
can prevent the Referee identifying the individual perpetrator of the
incident. In such cases, the Referee still has a duty to act positively
in penalizing the offending team. There is no stipulation in the Laws
that require the Referee to positively identify every culprit. However,
recognizing who the culprit is, can allow the Referee to take the
appropriate action such as, having a quiet word, or issuing a caution
etc. Notwithstanding this, any enquiries from dissenting players to
"positively identify" who committed the foul must be quickly and
strongly dealt with - the Referee should not waver, he should not
succumb to the 'badgering' of players seeking identification, and he has
no obligation in Law to identify the unidentifiable!
As is often the case, decisions made by Referees are HONEST decisions
made at that particular time. Referees, who penalize a team, have no
option but to apply the correct punishment - there is no other
alternative. If approached by players seeking positive identification,
the Referee is advised to back-off slowly a couple of yards, at the same
time telling the oncoming players on a loud voice to "Move away!" using
the (back-off) arm/hand signal - similar to that used when shooing
chickens or cows away! During incidents of this nature, Referees are not
advised to discuss anything with players. Doing so will only lead to
further trouble. So long as you know your decision and the punishment
you award is correct - what else can a Referee do. Not knowing for sure
who did the foul should not negate the advantage of the free kick if
deserved.
Question 71: An attacker and defender left the pitch during the momentum
of the game, and the ball remained in play. As the attacker tries to
re-enter the field of play, the defender holds him back. As this
incident is, off the pitch, and the ball is 'in play' what decision
should a referee make regarding this Incident,
Answer 71: (sanctioned by the UK RA). If an advantage can be applied the
Referee should allow play to continue and during the next stoppage in
play caution the defender and show the yellow card, for unsporting
behavior. Where no advantage is to be gained then the Referee should
stop play, caution the defender and show the yellow card for unsporting
behavior and restart play with a drop ball from the place where it was
at the time of stopping the game.
Question 72: Should Referees be made to do penance for mistakes made in
games? For example as happened during a Norwich City game in season
2000/2001 where a midfielder committed a second yellow offence, the
Referee dealt with an injured player first then went to send off the
offending player. Unfortunately, a defender with the same hairstyle had
walked up the pitch and was sent off by mistake. Ok, his sending off was
rescinded later, but what if he was the star man of the game and they
lost because of his sending off. Would the club have right of appeal
against the loss?
Answer 72: As far as the Laws themselves are concerned - Law 5 clearly
states that:
"The decisions of the referee connected with play are final".
That's it really as far as Referees are concerned.
What the question really alludes to is - how much money could be lost
following a (genuine honest) refereeing mistake - as far as the
commercial business of that particular Club is concerned?
20 -30 years ago, people would have accepted the honest mistake. Sadly,
these days, money and success are the ONLY factors that seem to count.
Whatever happened to the spirit of the game"?
Albeit that theses days, there may be some mileage in the sentiments.
Far be it for a single person to make a judgment that all the wisdom of
Solomon, plus an FA panel of judges, and a number of independent
adjudicators would take weeks to decide (if at all). The outcome of
which could have serious repercussions on the game itself.
Why can't people just accept that mistakes will be made - instead of
pillorying every Referee that "so much as farts" in a game?
This is not really a refereeing type question. The answer lies with the
decision-making football authorities.
At the end of every game, Referees have done their bit honestly at that
particular time. You can't ask for any more than that - surely?
I suppose it is only a matter of time before one of the goalkeepers (or
players) is made to pay for letting in a goal that relegates his team
from the Premier league. And how many unpunished or talked-about
mistakes do they make in a year. More than referees I'll warrant.
We are very much in danger of losing perspective over what in essence is
still a game!
Imagine the furor that would occur if one team's relegation was
rescinded by a panel of so called judges at a later date, at the expense
of another innocent team who get relegated instead.
World War 3 comes to mind!
Question 73: Will technology enhance the game?
Answer 73: Albeit that I (Webmaster) can understand the commercial
reasons for advocating the use of technology, I'm not personally in
favor of ANY technology being used myself.
There has been talk particularly of using camera technology to decide if
a ball crosses the line for a goal or not. This is all well and good at
the top level, but what about the majority of Referees who officiate at
Park level where such technology will never be used. I am a great
advocate that genuine mistakes made by the match officials and the
players are a fundamental part of the game itself - and this is why it
has such a massive worldwide following. Take away the mistakes, and you
might as well stay at home and mow the lawn!
Microphones and earpieces were experimented with in England during most
of the 1999/2000 seasons, it lasted a while, but match officials now
generally do without them. Referees with their ears taped up, and
Assistants talking to their flags made them vulnerable to more ridicule.
I believe that technology needs to advance further to make such methods
less intrusive and more comfortable for the users. Referees were very
often seen adjusting their tapped ear-pieces - and this can only detract
from the Referees main task of concentrating on the game itself. The
buzzing armband seemed to work for a while. During off sides, the
Assistant Referee would press a button on his flag-stick, that in turn
would vibrate a concealed armband on the Referee's arm.
Before long, we will have remote controls that can be passed out to
allow spectators control of the Referee himself!! Whatever
next?????????????
I suppose that one-day, we might even have video evidence that will be
used to change the result of a game, because the player who scored the
goal was 10 centimeters offside. I think we are heading down a very
slippery slope with the utilization of technology - especially if our
decisions are constantly overruled by the opinion of some glorified
machine or a panel who sits two days after the game has finished.
Question 74: It was noticed during a match that two illegal
substitutions were made, and the substitutes entered the field of play
at different times during the game, without first notifying the Referee
or the Assistant Referee. In the first instance, and after the Referee
had realized what had happened, the Referee issued a strong warning to
the substitute. In the second instance, the Referee decided to issue a
caution to the second substitute who had entered the field of play
without the Referee's permission. Surely the Referee should have
cautioned both the substitutes and not just the second substitute?
Answer 74: It is not very often that amateur players will purposefully
cheat by entering substitutes without informing the Referee. Law 3
(Number of Players) specifically states that a player should be
cautioned if he enters the field of play without first obtaining the
Referee's permission.
In this first instance, the Referee has used common sense and gave the
benefit of doubt to the substitute - who probably did not have a clue
about the correct procedure to be used. The Referee should be allowed to
use his good judgment by simply warning the player after the first
instance. If players continue to cheat after being warned by the Referee
(as in the second instance) then the perpetrator should be definitely
cautioned. Of course, this only applies to junior (or park) levels of
football. Senior players know all about the Law 3 regulations concerning
substitutions - so any misdemeanor of Law 3 by them should be punished
at the first instance by the obligatory yellow card.
Question 75: If a goalkeeper controls the ball by balancing it on his
head (using a gentle rolling to keep it in place), is he deemed to have
it under his possession, and is an opposing player allowed to challenge
him?
Answer 75: This is a clever question that paradoxically has a simple
answer. The only thing that a goalkeeper can use in his penalty area,
that other players cannot, are his hands. Apart from that, he is just
the same as any other player.
So ask yourself this. If a player (not a goalkeeper) had the ball
balancing on top of his head - is another player legally entitled to
make a play for it (for example, by jumping up and heading it off)?
Of course he is.
And the same goes for a daft goalkeeper who balances the ball on his
fizzog!.
As soon as the goalkeeper releases the ball from his hands, it becomes
fair game for an attacking player to make a play for it. So if he
decides to place it on the top of his head, it is very likely that it is
not only the ball that will be knocked off his shoulders!
Question 76: I went to watch a game the other day, why can't Referees be
consistent?
Answer 76: Consistency is not just what it "says on the tin".
Take two similar tackles by player and player for the same team.
-
Player fouls an opponent and the Referee just has a quiet word with him.
-
Player commits a similar foul 5 minutes later and the Referee shows him
a yellow card.
Inconsistency or what! Rubbish!
A spectator in the stands has no idea what grief and dissent and
whinnying, player has been giving the Referee throughout the
match. And neither does the spectator keep a tally of minor
infringements committed previously by player .
The tackle by player is cautioned quite correctly under Law 12 , because
player persistently infringed the Laws of the Game.
But to you in the stand, this looks like inconsistency because the two
tackles where similar.
What I am trying to point out to you, is that consistency is not quite
so easy to understand as you make it out to be. You only see what you
see, and not what the Referee sees or hears.