This Video from the... Ken Aston Referee Society - Channel

Law #12		Law #12 Extra
Download ~ Law-12.mp3 Duration - 12:39 | 5.941MB		Download ~ Law-12-Extra.mp3 Duration - 12:39 | 5.941MB

A Venn diagram showing the relationship between fouls and misconduct in association football, with examples. The offside offence is an example of a technical rule infraction that is neither a foul nor a misconduct. Note that the Referee is given considerable discretion as to the rules' implementation, including deciding which offences are cautionable "unsportsmanlike" conduct.

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits...
any of the following 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 player, in the opinion of the referee,
commits any of the following [3] three offences:

- Plays in a dangerous manner
- Impedes the progress of an opponent
- Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands

An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area,
commits any of the following [5] five offences:

- Takes more than four steps 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

The indirect free kick is taken from where the offence occurred

Disciplinary Sanctions

Caution able Offences

A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following [7] seven offences:

- Is guilty of unsporting behavior
- Shows dissent by word or action
- Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game
- Delays the restart of play
- Fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick
- Enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee's permission
- Deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee's permission

Sending-Off Offences

A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following [7] seven offences:

- Is guilty of serious foul play
- Is guilty of violent conduct
- Spits at an opponent or any other person
- Denies an opponent a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
- Denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
- Uses offensive, insulting or abusive language
- Receives a second caution in the same match

DECISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL F.A. BOARD

- 1. A penalty kick is awarded if, while the ball is in play, the goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, strikes or attempts to strike an opponent by throwing the ball at him.

- 2. A player who commits a caution able or sending-off offence, either on or off the field of play, whether directed towards an opponent, a team-mate, the referee, an assistant referee or any other person, is disciplined according to the nature of the offence committed.

- 3. The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball by touching it with any part of his hand or arms. Possession of the ball includes the goalkeeper deliberately parrying the ball, but does not include the circumstances where, in the opinion of the referee, the ball rebounds accidentally from the goalkeeper, for example after he has made a save.

- 4. Subject to the terms of Law 12, a player may pass the ball to his own goalkeeper using his head or chest or knee, etc. If, however, in the opinion of the referee, a player uses a deliberate trick while the ball is in play in order to circumvent the Law, the player is guilty of unsporting behavior. He is cautioned, shown the yellow card and an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team from the place where the infringement occurred. * (see preface)

A player using a deliberate trick to circumvent the Law while he is taking a free kick,
is cautioned for unsporting behavior and shown the yellow card.

The free kick is retaken

In such circumstances, it is irrelevant whether the goalkeeper subsequently touches the ball with his hands or not.
The offence is committed by the player in attempting to circumvent both the letter and the spirit of Law 12.

Fouls and Misconduct

Minimize Assault Direct Free Kick Indirect Free Kick Penalty Kick Gamesmanship Discipline Report Writing Informal Tips

Impeding Handball

Positioning Cautionable Offences: Sending off Offences: Playing Ball a Second Time ABC’s of Conflict Handball Common Sense

Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card

Direct Free Kicks

How to recognize and to deal with Direct Free Kicks

Direct Free Kicks are known as 'penal offences' in Referee jargon.

A direct free kick is taken from where the offence occurred. Opponents must be 10 yards away from the ball when the direct free kick is taken. If a team decides to take a quick indirect free kick before the opposition have had a reasonable amount of time to retreat the 10 yards, and the ball subsequently hits a retreating opponent who is only yards from the ball, then it is not expected that the direct free kick should be taken again. By taking a quick direct free kick, the team has attempted to gain an advantage over their opponents. This can only be deemed fair, but if the advantage does not accrue, they should not be given a second chance - this would be unfair and against the spirit of the game. Referees are strongly advised to personally conduct any attacking free kicks near or in the penalty area. Speak and signal to the players that the free kick must only take place on your whistle signal. This will prevent any misunderstandings that could and will develop if a quick free kick is taken and a goal is scored. If an attacking team does decide to take a quick free kick before you have asked the players to wait for your signal, and a goal is scored - then so long as no infringement has occurred during the taking of the free kick, the goal must be allowed - BUT YOU WILL NOT BE TOO POPULAR WITH THE DEFENDERS. Aim to be consistent in your handling of free kicks near the penalty area - this will save you reams of trouble. Let the players know early in the game that you wish to personally conduct free kicks near the penalty area.
A free kick (direct or indirect) awarded to the defending team inside its own goal area, may be taken from any point within the goal area.

An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area, is taken from the goal area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred. In this case, the defenders must be at least back on the goal line, when the kick is taken.

And just to remind you - a direct free kick awarded to the attacking team in its opponents' goal area is a PENALTY!!

A goal may be scored directly against opponents. You cannot score direct into your own goal - if you do, it is a corner to the opposition if the direct free kick was outside of your penalty area. If the ball was inside of your penalty area, retake the kick - as the ball has not yet come into play by leaving your penalty area.

The Referee should signal a direct free kick by firstly blowing his whistle to stop play, and then pointing an outstretched arm upwards about 45 degrees from the horizontal, and in the direction that the direct free kick is to be taken. I also usually (when I can) shout "Direct Keeper" to the goalkeeper as a matter of courtesy. Players normally do not have a clue if a free kick should be Direct or Indirect, and as part of man-management, it is recommended that you tell them.

To indicate a free kick, the Assistant Referee will raise and wave his flag upwards, then point his flag in the direction that the free kick should be taken.

A Free Kick can only be awarded if the ball is in play at the time an offence was committed. For example - if the ball is out of play pending the taking of a throw-in, and a player thumps an opponent on the field of play - the play is restarted with the throw-in, and not a direct free kick. After you have sent off the culprit of course !

The position of a direct free kick is not necessarily taken at the position where the ball was when play was stopped. For example - if an attacker in the center circle passes the ball to his colleague who is 15 yards outside of the center circle, and then an opponent decides to chop off the legs of the first attacker who is still in the center circle - the Direct Free Kick will be taken from inside the center circle.

It is important to emphasize that the offence is considered by you the
Referee
to be
careless, reckless or using excessive force.
You make this decision - so do not be influenced by anyone else...

A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any...
of the following six offences on an opponent in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force,
and whilst the ball is still in play:

- Kicks or attempts to kick an opponent. Only the slightest example qualifies, including when a player attempts to kick an opponent - he does not have to make actual contact. A failed kick is just as guilty as a kick, which connects. Can include ankle taps, heel kicks. The kicking action is intended to unbalance an opponent, cause the opponent to falter or prevent the opponent from losing the race for possession of the ball. I would suggest that, at the very least, you always Caution any players guilty of the preceding offence. It can be difficult to decide whether a kicking player is just trying to gain an advantage over an opponent, rather than kicking the opponent in a fit of anger with the intention of causing the opponent an injury. Any player, who purposefully kicks or attempts to kick an opponent in anger, MUST BE SENT OFF THE FIELD OF PLAY.

- Trips or attempts to trip an opponent. A player will use this ruse in an attempt to make his opponent lose balance, lose possession or fall to the ground. The foot is normally used to trip an opponent, but it is not unknown for a player lying on the ground to stretch out an arm or leg to trip an opponent. Further to this, the back, thigh or body can be used in an attempt to cause an opponent to fall.

- Jumps at an opponent. You can usually tell when a player has jumped at an opponent rather that attempted to jump for the ball - look at his eyes or the direction of his face beforehand. When a player is genuinely jumping for the ball, he will normally be looking straight at the ball. Watch for players jumping into opponents during a challenge for a high ball - watch the direction of the jump - is it towards the ball?, or is it towards an opponent?. If it is towards the opponent, then award a direct free kick to the opponent's team. Even the slightest jump towards an opponent, is enough to unfairly unbalance that opponent .

- Charges an opponent

Awarding an Indirect Free Kick for a 'Fair Charge' when the ball was not in playing distance is no longer in the Laws of Associated Football - and was taken out of the Laws in the 1998/99 season.

There is no such thing as penalizing a fair shoulder-charge when the ball is NOT within playing distance.

A FAIR CHARGE is 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 actually been committed or not - and by whom.

If both players, which the Referee deems NOT to be a foul - make a simultaneous innocuous shoulder charge the game should be allowed to continue. Football is a physical contact game, which allows players to jostle each other whilst trying to gain fair possession of the ball.

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, or cause some physical injury. A player has to be penalized for charging in a manner, which is careless, reckless or using excessive 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.

Punishments for charging:

- A Direct Free Kick (or penalty) should be awarded to opponents if a charge is deemed by the Referee to be a foul, irrespective of whether the players' are within playing distance or attempting to play the ball or not.

- A Penalty should be awarded if a defending player in his own penalty area deems a charge to be a foul committed on an opponent.

- A player should be sent-off player off, if a charge is deemed to be a foul and it prevents a goal scoring opportunity.

- A player should be sent-off if a charge is deemed to be violent conduct or serious foul play.

If both players, which the referee deems not to be a foul - make a simultaneous innocuous shoulder charge the game continues.

" Just shout out... '50/50' get on with it !!! "

Players stepping in front of an opponent = impedance (indirect free kick) and not a charging (direct free kick) offence.

Foul Charging also depends on the size or weight of an opponent.

For 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.

- Strikes or attempts to strike an opponent: A strike is a blow delivered with the hand or arm. The slightest example qualifies. For example, it only needs a finger in the right place at the right time to cause serious damage to an opponent's eye. Striking is usually the result of a player losing his temper, purposefully done in a fit of anger, or calmly done in the cold light of day. A failed strike is just a serious as a strike that connects.

The reason why a player may react violently in this way are numerous, I have listed just a few examples below for you to consider. There are many, many more..........

Striking or attempting to strike, includes when a goalkeeper throws the ball at an opponent (or a colleague for that matter.)

- For example: If the ball is still in play, and a goalkeeper who is in his own penalty area deliberately throws the ball at an opponent who is standing outside of the penalty area, then you must award a penalty to the opponent's team. The offence of throwing the ball commenced inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, and is a penal offence, hence the award of the penalty kick against the goalkeeper. It does not matter where the opponent is standing (inside or outside of the goalkeeper's penalty area) or whether the ball hits the opponent or not. Caution or send-off the goalkeeper depending on the severity of the throw.

- Pushes an opponent: A push is normally executed by use of the hand, but it is also possible to push using the thigh, stomach, shoulder, backside etc.... Only the slightest example qualifies. It is very easy to unbalance an opponent with a slight push. Players are very good at disguising such motions. You will need to be particularly vigilant when opponents are challenging for a high ball, where slight pushes to unbalance opponents are very common occurrences. Try to get a side view of players when any high ball is being challenged for.

A direct free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following four offences:

- Tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball. This offence is fairly easy to spot as a Referee, so long as you keep concentrating on the game action. Any contact with a player - no matter how slight a contact - before the ball is touched by a tackler, is deemed a Direct Free Kick.

In these situations, you will undoubtedly receive many pleasantries from the tackling players, such as " But I played the ball Ref". Just wave these protests away - if the tackler persists in moaning about your decision, you can of course Caution him. In these situations, I like to talk to the tacklers, telling them that they made contact with the opponent first, before they touched the ball. It works sometimes!!!!!. Make a note of where the first contact was made. For example: after an initial tackle by a defender just outside of the penalty area, the forward momentum of the players' can sometimes continue on into the penalty area. So be sure to make the correct decision to award a direct free kick outside of the penalty area, and not a penalty.
An opponent who falls over the ball after a clean tackle on the ball, has not been fouled, unless the challenge was from behind - or it was careless, reckless, or using excessive force.

- Holds an opponent. Holding can include clutching an opponent's arm or shirt. Shirt pulling has become popular, and Referees World-wide have been asked to stamp down on players found guilty of this offence. It is often very difficult to see shirt pulling, you will have to rely on vigilant Assistant Referees, and good positioning to observe, minimize and penalize this offence. The definition of holding is when a player holds or grasps an opponent, with the aim of unfairly stopping the opponent from moving where he wishes to go.
The use of the hand during holding is not important, opponents can be held with: (a) the body leaning against them, (b) an arm detaining their progress, (c) a wrist on the shoulder thus preventing a player jumping, (d) by placing a foot on top of an opponents foot, thus preventing opponents from jumping upwards.
Holding is a direct free kick offence and must not be confused with the obstruction indirect free kick offence when a player purposefully puts out an arm to impede the progress of an opponent. An obstruction is where the offender puts out his arm without first making contact with the opponent, with the aim of blocking the opponent's path. The opponent's momentum may eventually propel him into the arm - an indirect free kick for obstruction should be awarded here. The offence of holding warrants a direct free kick, and is where the offender purposefully holds back an opponent by making instant holding contact with his arm or shoulder against an opponent.

- Spits at an opponent. Attempting to spit and/or spitting at an opponent is deemed a penal offence and a direct free kick is to be awarded at the place where the spitting occurred.

- If a defender who is standing inside his own penalty area, spits at an attacker (the attacker can be standing inside or outside of the defender's penalty area) and the ball is still in play - award a penalty, even if the ball at the other end of the field of play. The spitting offence took place in the penalty area, so it must be a penalty; it does not matter where the ball was at the time of the offence, so long as the ball was still in play. Spitting must be strongly dealt with. Spitting or attempting to spit at anyone, is a sending off offence in its own right.

Anyone guilty of this filthy offence MUST be sent-off.

The offence of spitting or throwing an object actually takes place from where the spit or object was thrown from. i.e. If the ball is in play, and a player standing inside his own penalty area spits or throws an object at an opponent who is standing outside of the penalty area, the restart is a penalty kick (and NOT a direct free kick taken where the spit or thrown object lands). The spit or object does not have to hit its target for it to be an offence.

- Handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area). This offence is my pet hate. Players will insist on shouting "Hand Ball" every time the ball goes anywhere near the upper body.

HAND BALL MUST BE 100% DELIBERATE BEFORE IT IS PENALISED

'Ball to hand', is the well-known term used by Referees to describe an accidental hand ball. I very rarely give handballs unless it is blatantly 200% obvious that a player purposefully moves his hand towards the ball with the intention of cheating his opponents. It is immaterial if after the ball accidentally hits a player's arm or hand, it subsequently falls to that player's advantage.

Not all deliberate handballs are deliberate. Pardon, have I made a typing error NO: If a ball is blasted towards a players middle bits!!!, and that player deliberately moves his hand towards the ball to deflect what could possibly be a very painful experience, then I would not penalize him for doing this - what would you do in a similar situation ? A similar occurrence sometimes happens when players in a 'Defensive Wall' protect their heads from being knocked off. If the action is done in self defense, then I will ignore it, and shout to any moaning players to "Get on with it"! As a 'rule of thumb' I also do not penalized players when an opponent has blasted the ball towards them from close range, and the ball makes contact with the hand. It is virtually impossible for a player to purposefully handle a ball with the aim to cheat his opponent, if the ball is blasted at him from 5 yards at a speed of 100 miles an hour.

Again shout - "Get on with it"!!!

The aim of the following impedance notes is to identify and to deal with impedance
Deliberate Obstruction

1. What is impedance (Obstruction)? 2. Punishment: 3. Positioning of the...           Referee and Assistant: 4. Referee: 5. Diagrams:

Fig. 1: INDIRECT FREE KICK Defender No. 2 passes the ball to a defending colleague No. 3, and then moves forwards to collect a return pass at position 2A. Attacker No. 9 moves to position X blocks the path of the defender No. 2 and impedes him. = Indirect Free-kick

1. What is impedance (Obstruction)?

Law 12 states that an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the Referee, "impedes the progress of an opponent" - in other words, running between an opponent and the ball, or interspersing the body so as to form an obstacle to an opponent. Nevertheless, so long as the ball remains within playing distance, it is perfectly reasonable for a player to use his body as a screen to prevent an opponent from gaining possession of the ball.

The legal name in football / soccer terms for obstruction is "Impeding". Referees must recognize that impeding involves no initial contact between opponents, and is penalized by the award of an indirect free kick to the team whose player was impeded.

If a player uses physical contact to block an opponent - this is a direct free kick (or penalty kick) offence and not an impeding indirect free kick offence.

Example: If two contesting players are close together, and the defending player puts his arm out physically touching the chest of the attacker and directly holds back the attacker - THIS IS NOT AN INDIRECT FREE KICK IMPEDANCE OFFENCE - but the Direct Free Kick offence of holding. This is a more serious offence, and players who use any part of their body to physically touch and prevent an opponent from progressing, must be penalized by the award of a direct free kick (or penalty) to the team offended against.

Impedance can be committed against a goalkeeper..........if a player purposely hinders a goalkeeper from releasing the ball into play - the Referee should award an Indirect Free Kick. Players can be very subtle when blocking goalkeepers. Referees can consider cautioning such offenders.

Or impedance can be committed against an outfield player..........impedance occurs when a player intentionally obstructs an opponent by forming a block between the opponent and the ball, or prevents an opponent from making a move to another part of the field of play with the intention of delaying an opponent's advance.

Impedance should only be punished when the blocking player has no intention of playing the ball, or the ball is not within playing distance of the blocking player. An impeding player achieves this by placing himself between an opponent and the ball, or by using any part of his body to purposely obstruct an opponent - with the aim of denying the opponent access to the ball in playing situations. Often, a player who has failed to win a tackle may obstruct an opponent in desperation.

It is perfectly reasonable however, for a player to use his body as a shield between the opponent and the ball, so long as the ball remains within that player's playing distance - the screening player has as much right as an opponent when attempting to keep possession of the ball. This is a legal move and is an integral part of the game. It is irrelevant, whether the shielding player actually plays the ball or not. As long as the ball remains within reach, the shielding player has committed no offence. It only becomes an offence if the ball is not within playing distance of the shielding player. Albeit, that it is very frustrating when players shield the ball at the corner flag, in an attempt to keep possession at the end of a game in which they are winning - as long as they retain the ball within playing distance, they are not infringing any of the Laws.

If a player is standing still and has the ball one yard away from him (i.e. it is still in playing distance), then there is nothing to stop an opponent from gaining possession of the ball by putting his body between the player and the ball. It only becomes impedance if the opponent obstructs the progress of the player. In other words, impedance should only be punished when the blocking player has no intention of playing the ball, or the ball is not within playing distance of the blocking player.

For example: If two players are running side by side, and player 'A' has the ball just in front of him. Player 'B' is allowed to step in front of opponent 'A' so long as he plays or gains possession of the ball. This maneuver can be seen in every game. If player 'B' steps in front of player 'A', without any intention to play or gain possession of the ball, then this is impedance.

Player 'A' is also allowed to step in front of player 'B'. In other words, as long as player 'A' retains possession of the ball and it remains within his playing distance, he is allowed to shield the ball with his body from player 'B'. If player 'A' steps in front of player 'B' but the ball travels away from player 'A' so that it is no longer within playing distance, then this becomes impedance by player 'A'.

Impedance (award of an indirect free kick offence) does not include any contact with an opponent in the first stage of the obstructing move. For example, a defender who purposefully puts his arms out horizontally across the path of an oncoming attacker does not initially make contact with the attacker. The moment he raises his arms to block or divert the attacker, he is guilty of impedance. Because of his momentum, the attacker may subsequently run into the obstructing defender and physical contact will then occur.

Football is a physical game, and there are many occasions when obstruction occurs naturally when players are contesting for the ball - this normal manifestation within the game should not be penalized. For example, two players are running towards the ball, one player is faster than the other, and moves his body in front of the slower player - this is allowed, and is a normal part of the game. The faster player is entitled to make every legitimate move he can to gain possession of the ball - so long as he is intent on playing the ball. It is therefore possible for a player who is not playing the ball, to be in the path of an opponent, and yet not be guilty of impeding that opponent. Players are also within their rights to turn their backs to opponents when receiving the ball - and although they place their body between the opponent and the ball, this is a legal move known as shielding the ball (so long as the ball remains within playing distance). Illegal impedance covers those situations where a player who is not in possession of the ball, or is not within playing distance of the ball, purposefully blocks the path of an opponent who is trying to play the ball or prevents that opponent from running into an advantageous position. Illegal impedance is against the 'spirit of the game' and should always be penalized by the Referee.

Further examples of impedance include:

- (a) Waving arms in front of a player...
- (b) Stretching out arms...
- (c) Stepping sideways...
- (d) Walking...
- (e) Running ahead...
- (f) Willfully slowing down in front of an opponent...
- (g) Willfully blocking a goalkeeper whilst the goalkeeper is attempting to release the ball from his hands...
- (h) Crowding a player out...
- (i) Restricting a player’s movement by placing an arm across an opponent's path...
- (j) Placing your body between the opponent and the ball in a feint to allow the ball to go to a colleague.

There are many occasions when attacking players purposefully or accidentally run into defenders. A defender should not be penalized just because an attacker's momentum makes him collide with the defender. It is only an impedance offence if the defender moves his body into the path of the attacker, in an attempt to block his progress. Attackers have become very adept at trying to fool the Referee into awarding them an indirect free kick by purposefully running into defenders. This normally happens when the attacker kicks the ball too far in front of him - realizes that he is not going to regain possession of the ball, and decides to purposefully run into the nearest defender to try and gain an indirect free kick. Referees should be aware of this ruse, and penalize the attacking players accordingly – or just allow play to continue.

2. Punishment:

The punishment for impeding (obstruction) is to award an indirect free kick to the team who has been obstructed. The indirect free kick is taken from the place where the incident occurred.

Note: An indirect free kick awarded to the attacking team inside a defending team’s goal area is 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. An indirect free kick awarded in the goal area to the defending team can be taken from any point within the defending team's goal area.

The Referee should consider each impeding incident on its merits, and issue a yellow card if required. For example, if a defender impedes an attacker, and prevents that attacker from a clear goal scoring opportunity, the defender should be sent off the field of play.

If the impedance occurs in the penalty area, the punishment is an indirect free kick and NOT a penalty kick. A penalty kick is not awarded for impedance inside the penalty area.

If the ball is traveling towards the goalkeeper, and a defender purposely obstructs an attacker (whilst the ball is not within playing distance of that defender) - in an attempt to prevent the attacker from challenging the goalkeeper fairly for the ball - THIS IS IMPEDANCE - the Referee must award an Indirect Free Kick. Defenders are rarely punished when committing this blatant impeding offence. Another example occurs when defenders shield the ball (whilst the ball is not within playing distance of that defender) to enable it to roll over the goal line for a goal kick. Again, guilty defenders are rarely punished when committing this blatant impeding offence. If the ball is not within playing distance of the shielding defender, the Referee should punish them for impeding the opponent. If the shielding player manages to keep the ball within playing distance, then theoretically the ball is within his control, and he is not infringing any Law - even though he allows the ball to run out of play over the goal line or the touchline.

3. Positioning of the Referee:

The Referee and his Assistant Referees should position themselves always to allow a sideways view of play areas throughout the game.
This enables obstruction incidents to be better identified.

4. Referee:

It is very important for Referees to recognize the difference between impeding indirect free kick offences (where no initial physical contact is made), and direct free kick Law 12 offences (where physical contact, such as holding is made between players) - especially if the incident occurs inside the penalty area. Referees will need to use a large dose of 'common -sense' when differentiating between incidents of fair impedance, and those incidents that are clearly against the 'spirit of the game'. And just as another reminder…impedance on an attacking player within the penalty area is still an indirect free kick (and not a penalty kick).

How does the Referee measure 'playing distance’? An easy way to identify this is to judge whether the ball remains within two paces of the shielding player. This distance will vary between minor youth players and senior players.

To signal that an indirect free kick has been awarded, the Referee should raise his arm and hold it there until the ball touches another player after the free kick has been taken, or until the ball goes out of play.

The Indirect Free Kick Signal

Every season we read of proposed changes to the Laws of the Game and it is always interesting to look back through the record books to see when certain innovations took place. In reading about the introduction of the Indirect Free Kick into football, no mention has ever been made about the signal given by the referee on such an occasion. It is common practice to see the man in the middle raise his arm when awarding this type of free kick, but how and when did it come into use?

Some time ago I was in the company of the late Arthur Blythe, the ex-FIFA referee from London. This subject came up in conversation, and much to my surprise, he related how he was the very first official to use the sign.

Arthur recalls in the early 1950's a new word came into the football vocabulary - obstruction. Players with outstretched arms were preventing their opponents from playing the ball and allowing it to run out of play or to their goalkeeper. The FA in their wisdom said this had to stop and referees were instructed to award an indirect free kick for obstruction (the first time this term was used) anywhere on the pitch including the penalty-areas. Straight away, this caused problems for referees. We had players milling around the referee with "Can we score from it?" especially when the offence occurred in the penalty area.

Then one day, Portsmouth, who were one of the top teams in the country at that time, were playing Manchester City. The Chairman of Portsmouth, Vernon Stokes, who was then Chairman of the FA Disciplinary Committee, came to Arthur's dressing room and made the suggestion that it might solve the problem if the referee would raise an arm to denote what offence had been committed and that no goal could be scored direct from the free-kick. Vernon's suggestion was met with apprehension and Arthur said he would like ten minutes to talk it over with his linesmen. The outcome was that Arthur decided to give it a trial, fully realizing it could mean the end of his career as a referee, knowing that the FA were not in favor of their referees being demonstrative.

Both teams were informed via their managers and the general public was told over the public address system. Arthur recalls it went like a dream. Players accepted the decisions and there was no milling around officials asking questions. Following the match, Arthur decided he would carry out the same procedure at his following games and on his many trips abroad on international duty.

Eventually, the system was incorporated in the Laws of the Game, and was further extended in that referees the world over have to raise an arm not only for obstruction but for all the offences when an indirect free-kick has been awarded. Although this started out as an experiment it is now universal, and players and the general public are well aware of the award, sometimes with relief, when they see the referee's arm raised.

A great piece of football history!!!.........

5. Diagrams:

Fig. 1: INDIRECT FREE KICK Defender No. 2 passes the ball to a defending colleague No. 3, and then moves forwards to collect a return pass at position 2A. Before defender No. 2 has reached his new position at 2A, attacker No. 9 who ignores the ball, runs into the path of defender No. 2 and deliberately obstructs him at position X. This is an impeding offence committed by the attacker No. 9. An indirect free kick should be awarded to the defending team at position X. No physical contact is made at the onset of the offence. Even if the defender No. 2 subsequently runs into the attacker No. 9, this is still an impeding indirect free kick offence committed by the attacker, and not a direct free kick offence.	By blocking the defender's path to the ball, the attacker No. 9 who is making no attempt to play the ball. prevents defender No. 2 from making a reasonable attempt to regain possession of the ball at position 2A.
Fig. 2: INDIRECT FREE KICK In an attempt to gain possession of the ball, the attacking player No. 9 is about to run past the defender No. 2 towards the goalkeeper (G) the defender No. 2 who is facing the attacker, extends his arms outwards to block the path of the attacker No. 9 but does not physically touch the attacker. The attacker has to change his direction because of the block. This is an impeding offence committed by the defender No. 2. and an indirect free kick should be awarded to the attacking team. No physical contact was made at the onset of the offence. Even if the attacker subsequently runs into the defenders' arms, this is still an impeding indirect free kick offence committed by the defender, and not a penalty.
Fig. 3: PENALTY KICK As the attacking player No. 9 runs towards the goalkeeper (G) in an attempt to gain possession of the ball. When the attacker gets alongside the defender No. 2 , the defender who is facing the attacker, extends his arms and physically touches the on-coming attacker No. 9, and prevents him from advancing towards the goalkeeper. This is a foul equivalent to the Law 12 Direct Free kick offence "holding an opponent", and a penalty kick should be awarded (or a direct free kick if the incident occurs outside of the penalty area).

The following notes are to identify and to deal with Handball.

- "Handball Ref. Handball Ref. - Handball Ref. - Handball Ref.?"

How many times have we all heard the above words during every game?

Only just the other night, I kept hearing those words repeated and repeated and repeated:

- "Handball Ref. Handball Ref. - Handball Ref. - Handball Ref.?"

I looked up at the scoreboard............. Octopus United 0, Millipedes 1.

I awake in a cold sweat - why do players these days have so many arms and hands?

Law 12 clearly states that a direct free kick should be awarded to the opposing team (or a penalty kick if occurring inside a perpetrating defender's own penalty area) if a player handles the ball DELIBERATELY (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area).

Deliberate handball means that a player intentionally moves his hand or arm towards the ball, and could have avoided touching the ball, but decided not to. It is unfairly done to prevent an opponent from gaining possession of the ball, because the perpetrator is unable to play the ball in any other way - and therefore stops or deflects the ball by the use of one, or both hands or arms, punches it, or catches it.

Not all deliberate handballs are necessarily intentional.

The handball Law 12 offence is so very simple, yet it is so universally (and frustratingly for Referees) misunderstood by players, managers, TV pundits and spectators alike. Nevertheless - players will insist on shouting "Handball" whenever the ball goes anywhere near the upper body - or when the ball accidentally hits an opponent's arm or hand. It can by very annoying for the Referee when players' keep shouting "handball, handball, handball!" - It makes you wonder sometimes, whether the players are actually octopuses instead of people!!! The continual shouting of "Handball Ref.!" by players actually shows their ignorance of the proper Laws.

HANDBALL MUST BE 100% DELIBERATE BEFORE IT IS PENALISED

Not all deliberate handballs are necessarily intentional.

Pardon?... have I made a typing error... NO!!!

There is no general right within the Laws that allows players to deliberately handle the ball when protecting themselves. When a ball is 'blasted' towards a player, the normal response is to try to duck out of the way instead - but because of the speed and strength of the modern game, this is not always possible.

If a ball is 'fired' towards a player's middle bits!!!, and that player deliberately moves his hand towards the ball (the football that is!) to deflect what could possibly be a very painful experience, then should he be penalized for doing this? - What would you do in a similar situation - grin and bear it?

"Get on with it"!

A similar occurrence very often transpires when players forming a 'Defensive Bastille Wall' instinctively protect their heads from being knocked off -. If the protecting action is done in self-defense - some may argue that this protection is done 'deliberately'. In this instance, I would like to substitute the word 'deliberately' with 'instinctively'. Instinct is an inherited human behavior that results in a fixed reaction to a particular stimulus (in this case, the cannonball that is just about to knock your head off!). Instinct is not something that can be learned but is based on the human need to survive in certain situations. It is an automatic and involuntary reaction - it is not a 'deliberate' action.

Some Referees will penalize players for 'instinctive' type handballs - I will normally ignore it, and shout to any moaning players to... "Get on with it"!

… There is a long-term risk of inadvertently semi-legalizing this protective use of the hands and arms.

Again shout - "Get on with it"! To any moaning players.

Players have become very adept at handling the ball…

Players mistiming headers have scored some good goals!!!…

The front of the shoulder (just above the armpit) should not be dipped to gain better control of the ball.

The player on the right is demonstrating a new style top that enables Referees to identify the fleshy arm parts that if used deliberately to touch the ball - should be penalized as handling.

To keep your minds alert, please find below some handling type questions for deliberation?

Happy whistling.........

- 1. If a goalkeeper takes off his shin guard, holds it in his hand and uses it to stop a ball entering the goal - what action should the Referee take?

- 2. If a defender takes off his shin guard and uses it to stop a ball entering the goal, what action should the Referee take?

- 3. If a defender taking a goal kick, passes the ball out of the penalty area to his goalkeeper who is standing just outside of his penalty area, and the goalkeeper dribbles the ball back inside of the penalty area and then picks the ball up - what action should the Referee take?

- 4. If a teammate purposefully flicks the ball up in the air and subsequently heads it back to his goalkeeper, who catches it, what action should the Referee take?

- 5. If whilst the ball is still in play, a player deliberately handles the ball in his own penalty area after entering the field of play without the Referee's permission - what action should the Referee take?

- 6. 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 for a back pass or should a goal be awarded?

- 7. A defender takes a free kick just outside of his penalty area. He plays the ball back to his goalkeeper who (unknowingly 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. What should the Referee do? Is it an indirect free kick against the defender for touching the ball a second time or should the goal be awarded?

- 8. 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. What should the Referee do? Send the goalkeeper off for preventing an obvious goal scoring opportunity, or just award an indirect free kick for touching the ball a second time?

- 9. When a goalkeeper receiving the ball directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate, has to dive and palm the ball away from entering the goal - thus preventing an oncoming nearby attacker from making contact with the ball. What should the Referee do? Send the goalkeeper off for preventing an obvious goal scoring opportunity, or just award an indirect free kick for touching the ball after it was received directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate?

Indirect Free Kicks

How to recognize and to deal with Indirect Free Kicks.

Indirect free kicks are known in Referees' jargon - as technical offences.

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper,
inside his own penalty area, commits any of the following offences:

- A. Goalkeeper takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands before releasing it from his possession.

It is the goalkeeper's privilege to handle the ball in his own penalty area - but he is responsible for putting the ball ‘back in play’ as soon as possible. The ball is deemed ‘back in play’ as soon as the goalkeeper has released it from his possession (hands) – it then becomes ‘fair game’ for anyone to challenge him for possession of the ball. As soon as he releases the ball from his hands, the goalkeeper becomes another outfield player. (The only difference being that if he picks the ball back up in his penalty area, an indirect free kick is awarded, as opposed to a penalty kick.)

There have been several Law changes in the past, in an attempt to force the goalkeeper to release the ball much sooner to keep the game flowing. Time wasting by the goalkeeper with the ball in his hands or arms is now measured in time rather than distance. The Law no longer limits the goalkeeper to taking four steps when he has control of the ball in his hands or arms. He is allowed to carry the ball for a maximum of six seconds but may take as many steps as he wishes within this period. Possession starts from the moment the goalkeeper has control of the ball - possession includes controlling the ball with his hand or arm, or parrying the ball. Beware of the goalkeeper who purposefully parries the ball downwards instead of catching it. By parrying the ball, he has in effect gained possession of the ball and released the ball all in one motion. If he then decides to pick the ball up after he has parried it, then (within the letter of the Law) the Referee could award an indirect free kick against the goalkeeper for touching the ball a second time after he has released it from his possession. But be very careful with this decision, you need to be very, very certain that the goalkeeper had deliberately parried the ball, as opposed to the ball ricocheting off the goalkeeper's hands. My advice would be for Referees to only penalize the goalkeeper, if you are 100 % sure that he deliberately parried the ball to gain some sort of advantage, for example, to waste time at the end of a game.

Use common sense when calculating exactly when the 6-second countdown should start. Wait until the goalkeeper is stable before you start counting. You do not have to actually count, experience will tell you when the goalkeeper has overstepped his mark. By all means count down the 6 seconds by mentally talking to yourself, but do not be too fussy - else you will spoil the game, and incur the wrath of the players. Do not look at your watch during countdown - else you will not be able to concentrate on the game action. If a goalkeeper is blatantly and deliberately wasting time, then you have no option but to award his opponents an indirect free kick - after you have cautioned him of course!

- B. Goalkeeper touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other player. If the goalkeeper touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and the ball has not been touched by another player:
INDIRECT FREE KICK to opponents if he touches the ball inside penalty area.
DIRECT FREE KICK if he touches the ball for a 2nd time outside of his penalty area.

EXAMPLE 1: - The goalkeeper throws the ball to a colleague who is outside of the penalty area; an attacker quickly moves to intercept the ball. The goalkeeper rushes out in an attempt to thwart the attacker, dives outside of his penalty area and fists the ball away from the attacker before any other player has touched the ball = DIRECT FREE KICK.

EXAMPLE 2: - The goalkeeper taking a free kick outside of his area, kicks it into his own area and picks the ball up before it has BEEN touched another player = INDIRECT FREE KICK.

- C. Goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a teammate. Commonly known as the BACK-PASS. The back-pass has to be 100% deliberate. Be absolutely sure that a defender has deliberately passed the ball back to the goalkeeper before you award the opposition an indirect free kick. Very often, the ball is deflected off a defender and travels on to the goalkeeper - this is not a back-pass and should not be penalized. The back-pass is only an offence if the goalkeeper touches it with his hand. The goalkeeper does not have to pick the ball up to be penalized during a back-pass; he only needs to touch the ball with his hand.
For example: a defender deliberately passes the ball back to his goalkeeper, but hits the ball too hard, the ball is about cross the goal line between the goalposts, when the goalkeeper dives and fists the ball out for a corner kick. In this instance you should award an indirect free kick to the attacking side, because the goalkeeper TOUCHED the ball, which was deliberately passed back to him by a colleague.
The goalkeeper is allowed to touch the ball if a colleague uses a thigh, head, chest, and knee to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper. It is only an offence if the foot is used.
(What about the shin?? I reckon that use of the shin is an offence, what do you think, let me know.

- D. Goalkeeper touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a teammate.

If the goalkeeper touches the ball inside his penalty area with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a colleague:

= INDIRECT FREE-KICK

If the goalkeeper touches the ball outside of his penalty area with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a colleague:

= DIRECT FREE-KICK (Remember - once the goalkeeper leaves his penalty area - he becomes another outfield player).

The goalkeeper is allowed to touch and play the ball with his feet, having received it directly from a throw-in by a colleague.

An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the Referee commits the following offence:

- 1. Plays in a dangerous manner

The Referee and the Referee alone is responsible for deciding what is dangerous (with the help of any Assistant Referees). Always err on the side of caution when dealing with this offence. Players are usually receptive if you offer them protection, albeit that you will receive some whines from the perpetrators about whether or not an incident was dangerous or not.

'Dangerous' refers to players who are in close proximity to each other during a challenge for the ball, or expected to be in close proximity to each other in pursuit of a challenge for the ball. For example, a defending player who has attempted (but failed) to touch the ball with his studs showing high in the air towards an incoming opponent, who manages to divert himself away from the danger - is guilty of dangerous play. There does not necessarily need to be any contact made for a player to be guilty of dangerous play.

It is irrelevant whether or not a player has intentionally attempted to injure, inhibit or unbalance an opponent. Dangerous play is DANGEROUS PLAY, no matter what the circumstances.

As a guideline, any dangerous challenge, which makes you (the Referee) wince, should be penalized as dangerous play.

It is irrelevant whether or not the incident arises by:

- (a) chance;

- (b) unfortunate circumstances;

- (c) on purpose; or

- (d) inadvertently created by movement of an opponent over which the offender has no control.

If the challenge is considered by the Referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force, and whilst the ball is still in play
then this is not deemed an indirect free kick dangerous play offence, but a direct free kick offence

Dangerous play normally excludes when the goalkeeper dives down towards the legs on an incoming opponent. This is accepted as a normal part of the game. Goalkeepers are usually 'bonkers', and seem to have a complete lack of regard about their safety.

The following are some examples of dangerous play which must be penalized by
the award of an indirect free kick to the opposing team:

- (a) raising of the foot too high;

- (b) proximity of foot when an opponent lowers his head to a kickable ball;

- (c) overhead kick in dangerous proximity of other players.

Another instance of dangerous play which always goes unpunished, is when the goalkeeper jumps and fairly catches a high ball, but puts his foot or knee out towards the opponent. This is done with the sole aim of frightening off the opponent, and preventing the opponent from making a possible fair challenge for the ball, and to give a warning to the opposing team that he (the goalkeeper) will do the same dangerous action throughout the game - so look out !. This example really should be punished - but for some strange reason, I have yet to see a Referee penalize a goalkeeper for this type of dangerous play. A Referee is well within his rights to penalize such dangerous action by goalkeepers - and should do so by the award of an indirect free kick against the goalkeeper in the goalkeeper's penalty area.

It is recommended that you (the Referee) should have a quiet word (or a strong word if merited) to players guilty of dangerous play. Ask them to be careful in the future. Players are normally receptive and responsive to this type of approach from a Referee.

Referees must take into account the weather elements - ground conditions may turn a fair challenge for the ball, inadvertently into a challenge, which is now dangerous because of the ground condition.

When awarding an indirect free kick for a dangerous offence, the Referee should blow his whistle to stop play, and then point an outstretched arm straight upwards, and use his other arm to indicate the direction that he kick should be taken. The outstretched upward arm should be held vertical until the ball touches another player or goes out of play after the indirect free kick has been taken. The Referee's outstretched upward arm demonstrates that the free kick is indirect. The indirect free kick should be taken from where the offence occurred.

 An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the Referee commits the following offence:

- 2. Impedes the progress of an opponent

- 3. Prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands

- 4. 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

How to recognize and remember the 7 Caution Offences 1. Introduction: 2. The Seven Caution able Offences: 3. Questions and Answers: Mnemonic Unsporting Leaves Persistently Delays Distant Dissenters Entering

1. Introduction:

The more aggressive society in which we now live, and the falling standards of behavior are reflected in the way players behave themselves on the football field. Deterioration had set in long ago, and Referees are undoubtedly fighting a loosing battle. Football Referees are one of the few bastions remaining, which try to promote fair play and behavior amongst what can best be described as the 'weekly sporting blood baths'. A growing number of players are not really interested in playing the game within the spirit in which it has developed over the years. Their attitude is " If it moves kick it. If it does not move, kick it until you make it move." Football sadly reflects the society in which we now live in. Notwithstanding the above, there are still enough genuine people involved within the game to make refereeing a very worthwhile pastime. Now I will get of my soapbox and get down to business..........................

Once you have cautioned a player, it is mandatory for you to send the Caution Report to the appropriate authority within two days.

Holding and Pulling

The International FA Board has expresses its concern at the amount of holding and pulling which was prevalent in football today. It recognized that not every instance of holding and pulling of jerseys and shorts was unsporting behavior, as is also the case with deliberate handball. It expressed regret, however, that Referees were not applying the Laws fully in dealing with blatant cases of holding and pulling and issued the following Mandatory Instruction for the season.

"Referees are instructed that, in the case of blatant holding and pulling, the offence must be sanctioned by a direct free kick, or a penalty kick if the offence is committed inside the penalty area, and the player must be cautioned for unsporting behavior."

Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card...

Restarts after misconduct:

If play is stopped solely to deal with a misconduct committed by a player on the field of play, the proper restart is an indirect free kick taken from the location of the misconduct. If play is stopped solely to deal with misconduct committed by a substitute, for misconduct committed off the field of play, or by team officials who fail to conduct themselves in a responsible manner, the restart is a dropped ball taken from where the ball was when play was stopped. Any restart due to penal offences committed whilst the ball is in play, will be the award of a direct free kick or penalty. If misconduct occurs while play is stopped, the restart is determined by the original reason for the stoppage, for instance, a goal kick or throw-in.

2. The Seven Caution able Offences:

A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences:

- Is guilty of unsporting behavior.

- Shows dissent by word or action.

- Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game.

- Delays the restart of play.

- Fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick.

- Enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee's permission.

- Deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee's permission.

Mnemonic

Unsporting Leaves Persistently Delays Distant Dissenters Entering

The phrase "A player is cautioned" means that the Referee must caution any player guilty of the seven offences. But man-management by the Referee beforehand may prevent a Caution becoming unnecessary. For example: following a challenge for the ball, a player becomes frustrated and starts running after the opponent who has fairly won the ball. A good Referee will sense that the player has momentarily lost his composure, and there is a strong possibility that he will attempt to tackle his opponent using undue strength. The Referee can prevent this by shouting to the player to calm down. This lets the player know that the Referee is close by and watching his actions. It also distracts the player, bringing him back to his senses. This works to good effect - and most players will respond.

Is guilty of unsporting behavior

Unsporting behavior covers just about everything else not mentioned in the other 6 caution able offences. It covers all types of minor villainy - cheating, hard tackles, holding, diving etc..... This does not necessarily mean that the Referee needs to Caution every offence committed in a game of football. The Referee needs to apply plenty of common sense in deciding the severity of each offence. Football is a contact sport - the act of battling for the ball is an inherent part of the game. A hard two-footed tackle against an opponent would normally produces a Caution, whereas a well-timed tackle on an opponent would not. The Referee must not be too lenient with players - do not rely solely on having a 'quiet word' with guilty players. Experienced Referees instinctually know when to administer a Caution. A Referee who relies solely on his cards to control his game, will not progress very far. Nonetheless - applying cards at the right time can help you to control the game. The Referee should also not allow a player to change his (the Referee's) mind when a Caution has been administered.

"But I went for the ball Ref.!"

Now where have I heard that one before?

Unsporting behavior can include the following examples:

- (a) Kicking the ball away after a decision has been given against a player's team.

- (b) Goalkeeper deliberately lies too long on the ball.

- (c) Shouting "Leave it" to purposefully cheat an opponent into letting the ball reach you (the player).

- (d) Committing an offence, which prevents an attacking (or defending) move.

- (e) Deliberately handling the ball to prevent a goal but fails to do so.

- (f) Using a deliberate trick to circumvent a Law.

- (g) Making a bad tackle on an opponent.

- (h) Simulating action such as purposefully diving in an attempt to be awarded a penalty.

- (i) Fake an injury or exaggerates the seriousness of an injury.

- (j) Deliberate handball.

- (k) Interfere with or prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands into play.

- (l) Unfairly distracts or impedes an opponent performing a throw-in.

- (m) Verbally distracts an opponent during play or at a restart.

- (n) Unfair deception whilst taking a penalty kick.

- (o) Climbing on the back of an opponent or colleague to gain height when jumping for a ball.

Shows dissent by word or action. Dissent must be deliberately done towards the Referee, Assistant Referee or other players or the crowd. The Referee must allow for a degree of players' frustration in what can be a very taxing game. Dissent is where a player challenges the Referee's authority. This also invites other players to follow suit. This type of bad example can spoil a game. It is important to stamp out dissent very early in each game. Use your man-management skills to firstly warn any dissenting players, but do not fail to Caution any loud outward dissent towards you - else you will find the game very difficult to control. Dissent may be verbal or by action such as a gesticulation of the arms towards you. Beware of cautioning a player who has reacted out of frustration, for example, after he has missed an open goal. Allow some leeway for actions of this nature. Football/Soccer is a very emotive game; played at high tension and with much passion, so do not be over officious if you can help it.

Dissent is committed by words, actions (including gestures), or a combination of the two. The referee should evaluate dissent in terms of content (what exactly is said or done), loudness (the extent to which the dissent can be seen or heard widely), and whether it is clearly directed at an official (including Assistant Referees and Fourth Officials). The objective in dealing with dissent is to support the spirit of the game, to maintain the authority of the officials, and to reduce the likelihood of such behavior becoming widespread. A goalkeeper who leaves the penalty area (not beckoned by the Referee) to engage the Referee or an Assistant Referee in debate regarding a decision has clearly committed dissent.

To allow players to continue showing dissent is one of the quickest ways for the Referee to lose control of a game. It must be stamped out at the onset. A Referee who manages to keep the game relatively free from dissent is more than halfway towards gaining full control of the game - which will then be enjoyed by all those participating. Deal with cases of dissent firmly from the beginning of the game - otherwise the situation will deteriorate, and you will then need to resort to cautioning or sending off players for offences, which probably would not have occurred had you been more committed in dealing with early dissent.

Following the scoring of a goal, the Referee should make his way quickly to the center circle. Only then should the Referee make a note of the score in his notebook. Moving quickly to the center circle often prevents players running up to the Referee and complaining immediately after a goal has been scored against their team. Staying in the penalty area after a goal has just been scored may invite players to approach you to comment - this will be avoided if you move away quickly - do not give them the opportunity to moan. The fact that you have moved towards the center circle will also demonstrate to players that you have allowed the goal to stand, and that you will not be changing your mind. Payers can behave very foolishly in the heat of the moment, but they invariably calm down very quickly. If a player decides to run 60 yards after you to complain - and into the center circle, then I would suggest that you have a very good case for a CAUTION.

Persistently infringes the Laws of the Game. A player who continually offends is inviting retaliation from the opposition, and will increase the tension of a match. There is no set quantity of offences required before disciplining a player for persistent infringement. As a rule of thumb, I usually allow 3 or 4 fouls at the most before disciplining a player for this offence. Nevertheless, you must Caution the player on the first foul, if that foul alone warrants a Caution in its own right. When Cautioning a player for persistent infringement, it does help if you explain to that player why you are Cautioning him - advise that player in a calm but firm manner. You can also point to the other areas of the field where he has previously committed fouls - this helps with both your explanations to him, moreover it demonstrates to other players watching, that you are disciplining this player for persistent infringement. You do not really have to remember exactly where the previous offences took part, if you cannot remember, just point north, south, east and west. The player will certainly not have a clue whether you are right or wrong - and to the other players watching, it looks as though you certainly know what you are doing, even if you don’t!!!. Before a player reaches the final minor foul that warrants a caution, have a quiet word with him, and tell him that the next offence will result in a Caution for him. Of course, you must stand by your word and Caution him on the next offence; else your control of the match will diminish.

Persistent infringement occurs either when a player repeatedly commits fouls or infringements or participates in a pattern of fouls directed against opponents. It is not necessary for the multiple fouls to be of the same type or all to be penal fouls. Persistent infringement may be the result of a player who feels that he has received no protection from the Referee, and has decided to take the Law into his own hands. The Referee should first warn the player that the pattern of offences has been observed and that if it continues, will eventually lead to a caution. In cases where the Referee is aware of a pattern of fouls directed against a single opponent (usually the most skilful opponent), it is proper to warn the guilty team that the pattern has been seen, and then to Caution the next player who continues the pattern, even if this specific player may not have previously committed a foul against this single opponent.

Delays the restart of play. This includes when a player purposefully stands over the ball to prevent the opposition taking a quick free kick. You can see numerous examples of this each week during televised football matches. Players will seek to gain time for their defenders by standing in front of the ball, or walking in front of the ball when opponents are attempting to take a free kick. You must deal swiftly with this type of behavior, else defending players will take every opportunity to gain time for their team. Payers guilty of this deliberate action should be cautioned. If you are not 100% convinced that players have deliberately sought to delay free kicks - for example, they may need to pass close to the ball in making their way from the area of the free kick - have a strong word with them and ask them to move away quickly. In other words, let all the players know that you will not tolerate deliberate delaying tactics during the taking of free kicks. One typical example of delaying the restarts of play can be seen weekly in Italian football - players deliberately converge towards the area of a free kick, especially if it is near their penalty area. Players from both sides suddenly surround the Referee. It seems to take an age for free kicks near the penalty area to actually take place. Of course, the defending players do it all on purpose - it gains time for their goalkeeper and defenders to regroup and position themselves to their advantage. Try and stamp down on this type of action - a Caution or two will soon let players know you mean business.

Some examples are shown below:

- Kicks or throws the ball away or holds the ball to prevent or delay a free kick, throw-in, or corner kick restart by an opponent.

- Fail to restart play quickly after being instructed to do so by the referee.

- Excessively celebrates a goal.

- Delays the taking of a kick-off when signaled by the referee.

- Continually fails to be in a correct position for a kick-off.

Some players make a habit of claiming a throw-in and getting hold of the ball, walk away with it, and only passing it to the thrower when they and the players of their own side have had time to position themselves advantageously. Referees must stamp down on this type of behavior. Acts of this kind are unsporting - the offenders should be Cautioned or severely warned.

Fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick. Players’ encroaching within 10 yards of a free kick is an example. The best way to deal with this is to be strong in your instructions to players when you ask them to retreat the required distance. Tell them not to encroach, use your voice and hand signals to warn players. Taking this approach will minimizes any incidents occurring - or if they do occur, will justify you handing out a Caution or two - because at least you had warned the players beforehand - so they have no excuse if they ignore your advice. The Assistant Referee is also empowered to move players the correct distance from free kicks near his area of the field.

Enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee's permission. Once game has started, a player cannot enter or re-enter the field of play unless he has received a clear signal to do so from the Referee, and the Referee alone. Players must wait on the touchline until the Referee has signaled that they can enter.

If a player comes onto the field of play without your permission, he must be cautioned, preferably when the ball is next out of play. But you are within your rights to stop the game immediately, Caution the player, and restart the game with an indirect free kick at the place where the ball was when you stopped play. If the ball was out of play, then you re-start according to circumstances, e.g. Goal kick, throw-in etc......

Players who leave the field with the Referee's permission require the Referee's permission to return back into the field.

Some examples are shown below:

- After being instructed to leave the field to correct his equipment, a player attempts to come back onto the field without having received the Referee's permission.

- After leaving to receive treatment off the field for an injury, a player attempts to come back onto the field without having received the Referee's permission.

- After leaving to receive treatment for bleeding, a player attempts to come back onto the field without having received the Referee's permission.

- A substitute enters the field of play without having received permission from the Referee.

When a player requests permission to enter the field of play, the Referee does not need to wait for a natural stoppage in the game: except in the case of a player told to rectify or remove a dangerous item of equipment. In this case, the player can only re-enter the field, during a natural stoppage in the game.

Deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee's permission. This means when a player deliberately leaves and does not include accidentally running off the pitch, or during the taking of a corner kick and when a player is about to take a throw-in. It also does not include players fetching the ball after it has left the field of play for a throw-in. These exclusion examples are fairly obvious. You may have some difficulty when injured players crawl of the field of play behind your back. Use your common sense here - you would not be expected to Caution a player because he needed treatment - but when he comes back onto the field of play, have a quiet word with him, and ask him to let you know next time he decides to leave the pitch.

If you decide to Caution any player who has left the field of play without your permission,
you the Referee have three options:

- (a) Do not allow him back until the ball has gone out of play - then you can Caution him, prior to restarting play.

- (b) Let the player back onto the field of play whilst play is still in motion, stop play immediately, Caution the player and re-start with an indirect free kick awarded to the opponents.

- (c) Let the player back onto the field of play whilst play is still in motion, wait until the ball is next out of play before you Caution the player.

I vote for (a), let him stew a bit on the touchline, he will not do it again!!!!!

Invariably, players do not purposefully leave the field of play; it is usually for a good genuine reason. I usually give them the benefit of the doubt and a strong talking to when they come back into the field of play. I have yet to Caution a player for this offence - perhaps I am too soft!!

If an injured player is able to walk off the field of play, he should be encouraged to do so, especially if he is close to the boundary lines. When returning to the field of play, an injured player can enter the field from any point on the boundary lines if the ball is out of play. If the ball is in play, the player may only re-enter the field of play from the touchline. In each case, the player must await the Referee's signal.

Sending Off Offences:
Use the mnemonic below as a memory aid

Violet's Second Hand Goal-scoring Spit is Seriously Offensive.

- (a) Aim is to recognize the offences for which a player shall be sent off the field of play. - (b) Law 5 Powers & Duties of the Referee. - 1. Is guilty of serious foul play - 2. Is guilty of violent conduct - 3. Spits at an opponent or any other person - 4. Denies the opposing team a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area.) - 5. Denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick - 6. Uses offensive, abusive or insulting language, and/or gestures. - 7. Sending-off Questions and answers:

- (a) Aim is to recognize the offences for which a player shall be sent off the field of play.

A player sent from the field of play (under Law 12), after the game has commenced may not be replaced (i.e. that team must continue the remainder of the match with one less player).

A player who has been sent off (under Law 12) before the kick off may be replaced by one of the named substitutes. (Law 3)

A substitute sent off (under Law 12) either before the kick off or after play has started is not allowed to be replaced, but this does not alter the number of players his team may have on the field of play. For example, if there are three substitutes sitting in the technical area, and one of the substitutes is sent-off, the team is only allowed to make a maximum of two substitutions during the remainder of the game. (see Law 3 Number of Players)

Only a player or substitute or substituted player may be shown the red or yellow card.

A player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area.

A player is shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences...

- (b) Law 5 Powers & Duties of the Referee.

To remind you that a Referee MUST:

Provides the appropriate authorities with a disciplinary report.

Acts on the advice of assistant referees regarding incidents, which he has not seen. You can only change your mind on the advice of an assistant referee, provided that the game has not been restarted. (You cannot act on the sending-off advice of a club linesman).

Take disciplinary action against players guilty of a sending-off offence. You are not obliged to take this action immediately, and can allow advantage to the offended team, but you must take action when the ball next goes out of play. (Note - it is nearly always best to stop play immediately to administer a sending-off.)

- 3. You must compile and post your report within two days (Sundays excluded). The Discipline Secretary will return the tear-off receipt slip at the bottom of each report and send you replacement blank report forms.

- 4. If you need to stop a game to administer a sending-off where no other separate offence has occurred (for example, when a player uses 'insulting or abusive language' during play- you restart play with an indirect free kick to the opponents - at the place where the offence occurred.

- 5. If before or whilst you are cautioning a player, he commits another caution able offence - then send him off for a second caution able offence. (For example, delays the restart of play, then shows dissent whilst being cautioned for the first offence.

- 6. A player sent-off from the field of play is forbidden to take any further part in the game.

What about using him for a linesman? Is he allowed to sit on the bench???

No and No.......

- 7. Sending-off Questions and answers:

(i) A player uses abusive language to the Referee during the half time interval: What action should the Referee take?
Answer - send him off.

(ii) An attacker has a clear goal scoring opportunity, then the goalkeeper who is in his penalty area,
reaches outside the area and handles the ball - What action should the Referee take?
Answer - send the goalkeeper off.

(iii) The ball is still in play in the center circle when a Red defender (who is in his own penalty area) thumps an opponent.
The opponent then head buts the Red player. - What action should the Referee take?
Answer - send the Red defender off. Send the opponent off. Award a penalty.

1. IS GUILTY OF SERIOUS FOUL PLAY

Football is a tough, combative sport - where the contest to win the ball should nonetheless be fair and sporting. The Referee, even when sometimes vigorous, must allow any such moves.

Serious foul play however - is misconduct of an extreme nature against an opponent in a playing situation, and the Referee must apply the Laws of the Game and send players off, even if they have not already been cautioned. Broadly speaking, serious foul play occurs when a player commits one of the Direct Free Kick offences (or penalty if in the penalty area) by using a physical act of excessive force or violence, committed with the clear intention of hurting an opponent or stopping him from completing a skilful move.

You can usually tell when a player is out to harm an opponent. If I wince during a tackle - then the player usually gets sent-off. A Referee must distinguish between what he considers to be 'foul play' and serious foul play'.

You need to differentiate between the following three levels, when awarding a Direct Free Kick or Penalty:

- No disciplinary action is deemed necessary. (Perhaps a strong word will suffice?).

- Caution the player for being careless, reckless or for using excessive force.

- Send the player off for serious foul play.

- Some Sending-off Examples:

- Two footed tackles.

- When a player intentionally plays over the ball and makes contact with the player’s leg.

On 6 March 1998 the FA Board brought in a new Law 12 Decision no. 5:

A tackle from behind which endangers the safety of an opponent must be sanctioned as serious foul play.

It has been recently noticed that Referees have not punished many tackles of this nature.
Referees who do not apply punishment will be sanctioned.

Lastly - beware of overlooking misconduct of a serious nature, as this can result in subsequent injury and can make the rest of the game very difficult to handle.

2. IS GUILTY OF VIOLENT CONDUCT

Violent conduct is when a player is guilty of aggression towards an opponent even when they are not tussling for the ball. Violent conduct refers to acts which occur outside the action of the game itself, or which are taken against officials, spectators, colleagues, officials etc. Violent conduct also concerns obscene gestures or indecent exposure! The ball can be in or out of play.

Violent Conduct Against an Opponent:

- If the ball is in play, the player shall be sanctioned with the award of a Direct Free Kick to the opposing team at the spot where the offence was committed, or a penalty if the offence took place in the penalty area.

- If the ball was out of play, when the offence occurred, the game shall be resumed where it was stopped prior to the offence. For example, commence the game with a throw-in, goal kick etc...

Violent Conduct Against Others:

- If a player attacks one of his team-mates, the Referee, a linesman, a spectator or an official etc

- If the ball is in play, the player shall be sanctioned with the award of a Indirect Free Kick against the team of the guilty player, at the spot on the field where the offence was committed - or with a dropped-ball where play was stopped - if the incident was off the field of play.

- If the ball was out of play, when the offence occurred, the game shall be resumed where it was stopped prior to the offence. For example, commence the game with a throw-in, goal kick etc...

Examples:

Whilst the ball is still in play:

- Striking or head-butting an opponent with the intention of hurting or injuring.
The blow does not necessarily have to land to warrant a sending-off. If someone throws a punch or kicks out at an opponent and it misses due to the dexterity of the opponent, this does not lessen the seriousness of the offence.

Question: What action should the Referee take for the following incident:
Whilst the ball was still in play and in possession of a goalkeeper in his penalty area - the goalkeeper strikes an opponent by throwing the ball at him.

Answer: Penalty, Send-off goalkeeper for Violent Conduct. (Law 12 Decision No.1)

3. SPITS AT AN OPPONENT OR ANY OTHER PERSON

The matter of spitting at anyone is disgusting and must be sanctioned strongly. The culprit must be sent-off.

The spit does not necessarily have to land to warrant a sending-off. If it was purposely aimed at anyone, then the player must be sent-off. Ensure that your discipline report is definite.

- If the ball is in play, the player shall be sanctioned with the award of a Direct Free Kick to the opposing team at the spot where the offence was committed, or a penalty if the offence took place in the penalty area.

REMINDER- SPITTING IS A DIRECT FREE KICK OFFENCE OR PENALTY!!!!!!!!!!!!

- If the ball was out of play, when the offence occurred, the game shall be resumed where it was stopped prior to the offence. Example, commence the game with a throw-in, goal kick.