Law 7 - Match Duration 8/30/2010

RE: Under 16

Thami of Witbank, Mpumalanga South Africa asks...

Can the referee end the match should a goal be scored on the last second of the match without allowing the scored on team to take the ball to the center of the pitch?...

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Mechanics 8/29/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

Geoffrey of Southern California, CA USA asks...

What is the proper procedure to indicate an indirect free kick? You blow your whistle - say for playing in a dangerous manner. Then do you point in the direction of the team that will be taking the kick? Then do you raise your hand straight in th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: Travel Under 12

Tony of Shelby Twp, MI Macomb asks...

Hi,

Is a goalkeeper allowed to make a 'feet first' save?

Thanks

Tony...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 8/29/2010

RE: rec Adult

brian of shannon , co clare ireland asks...

does the referee have to toss a coin to decide who plays which way in the first half?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: rec Under 16

Jerry Grayson of Everett, Wa usa asks...

If a full back - passes the ball with his feet to the goalie and the goalie picks up the ball with his hands inside the penalty box what is the correct call? Is it a direct kick or indirect or a penalty kick?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/29/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

David Lovett of Royal Palm Beach, Florida USA asks...

I am taking a referee course. I was just wondering if this is correct. A player takes an indirect free kick. Everything is done correctly and a goal is scored. Here is my question or should I say, the question posed in the class. The referee did not ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: competive Under 14

Mark Bondurant of Canton, North Carolina Usa asks...

What happens if a player kicks the ball out of the keepers hand?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 8/29/2010

RE: U10 Rec Under 10

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

My first game as grade 9 CR in U10 Rec. with only parent linesmen, i.e. no ARs. Would appreciate feedback on a couple of questions.

First question: An attacker 'juked' several defenders and with the GK out of position had one defender to...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/28/2010

RE: Comp Under 18

Drew of Ocala, FL USA asks...

What is the ruling on a break away where the keeper comes out of the box and blocks the ball from being shot outside the box. Our keeper came out fell to his side sliding outstretched on the ground and took a shoot in the chest saving a goal but was ...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/28/2010

RE: Adult

Mark of N. Plainfield, NJ USA asks...

I guess I should have a bit more clear with my question. I understand the offside rule but I guess my question should have been, what are the proper mechanics in a situation like this? Here's a situation:

An offensive player is in an offside...

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Law 5 - The Referee 8/28/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I have a crazy idea of signing up to be a full fledged referee, probably for the spring season. Though,I still want to play competitively. Would I have to give up playing soccer in order to referee games?

How long would it normally take be...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/28/2010

RE: Competitive, triple-A Under 14

Jonathan Wagner of San Diego, CA USA asks...

In a penalty kick, if there is offensive encroachment, and the kicker scores directly, then the kick is retaken. However, what if there is offensive encroachment, and the kicker does NOT score directly, but DOES score on a rebound? In that case sho...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/28/2010

Anonymous of Pasadena, US asks...

I suspect the card for delay in the Q would have been on a goal kick,in which case the goal kick would remain the proper restart. (I can't imagine a context in which a goal keeper would properly be carded for delay as a result of a 6 second violatio...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/27/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Jorge A. Lorza of Las Vegas, NV USA asks...

A substitute who is warming up behind his own net when his team is in danger of conceding a goal, enters the playing field and prevents the goal with his foot. What action will the referee take?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 8/27/2010

RE: Under 16

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

Can you give a brief explanation of the Advice to the Referees?

I'm just a little confused as to why there are both. Is it just a detailed version of the laws?

Do all countries have there own set of details of the LOTG?

My ...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/26/2010

RE: High School Adult

Barrie Monks of La Crosse, Wisconsin USA asks...

Defender A attempts to clear the ball up field, it hits the back of degender B and rebounds to an attacker in an off side position. Is he off side? Two thoughts, the attacker is gaining an advantage but the initial clerance from the defender was in...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: ALL

JT of Seattle, Wash USA asks...

The LOTG states that a deliberate passback to the keeper that is picked up inside the 6 directs that the ball shall be placed on the six at the point it entered. It will be an indirect kick, for the other team. question.

Scenario 1- Player...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/23/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Joshua Herrmann of Springfield, NH USA asks...

I have started wearing football cleats for soccer. I haven't noticed any difference in my control and am much more comfortable playing in them.
Recently during a scrimmage, a ref noticed that I was wearing the football cleats. HE asked to see th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Walter of San Diego, CA USA asks...

This question regards handling inside the penalty box, and possibly DOGSO in a U11 competitive girls match I saw this weekend.

Attacking team has the ball on the outside, down near the penalty area. The goalie has left the goal to defend the...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/23/2010

RE: Under 12

jim of Fairless Hills, Pa USA asks...

Is there any requirement that the ball be 'touched' (with his hand, etc.) by the player taking a quick free kick before it is put into play? I thought as long as the ball is in the correct location and the ball is stationary, that a QFK can be taken...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: Rec League Under 13

Ken of San Andreas, CA USA asks...

If the goalie handles the ball outside of the goalie box; should this be a direct kick or indirect kick?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: Competative Adult

Al Sinopoli of Covington, LA USA asks...

Referees McHugh and Voshol:

I am aware that DOGSOH does not apply to a keeper inside his penalty area. However, I do not see a reference where as Referee McHugh states, that touching the ball by the goalkeeper in the penalty area as part of...

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Other 8/23/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Marty Watkins of Rocklin, CA Placer asks...

I am a U12 Select Coach and my question concerns the post match respect procedures for the two teams approaching the Referees, the shaking of hands and appreciation for the work they have done. I have recently witnessed both teen and adult referees ...

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League Specific 8/23/2010

RE: travel soccer for U9 Girls Under 9

Liza Owens of Baltimore, MD Baltimore asks...

Are yellow cards used in U9 girls travel soccer? Can a ref make a parent leave for talking to another parent about the yellow card situation?

What can do done if there was obvious favoritism in a soccer tournament?

Long story-sho...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2010

RE: Recreational Under 13

Rey of Bakersfield , CA United States asks...

My question is a goalie question.

The attacking team puts the soccer ball over the top and the ball bounces close outside the defending Penalty box, attacking player reaches for the soccer ball but the defending goalie knocked dow...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canad asks...

Hi,

My question is about what constitutes a 'fair charge'. The interpretations and guidelines say: 'If the ball is within playing distance, the player may be fairly charged by an opponent'.

I had a player last week argue that he go...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2010

RE: D1 Boys Under 16

Rob of Houston, TX USA asks...

Can the player who is taking a corner kick bend the flag with one hand (holding the vertical stick) while he kicks the ball?...

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League Specific 8/22/2010

RE: D1 Boys Under 16

Rob of Houston, TX USA asks...

Is there a rule about where parents can sit while on the side line? Can they be along the sideline near the corner?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2010

RE: rep Under 15

Jeff of Burlington, Onatrio Canada asks...

The answers clarify my question, but also raises another question. It sounds that a deliberate hand that denies an obvious goal or goal scoring opportunity can be punished with a red card whether the ball is in or out of the 18. I was always under ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2010

RE: D1 Boys Under 16

Rob of Houston, TX USA asks...

The ball rolls to the keeper who is standing on two feet in the box. He bends at the waist and holds the ball against the ground with two hands. He then looks up at the oncoming offensive player. He stands like that for several seconds while the offe...

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League Specific 8/21/2010

RE: amature Adult

alan of glasgow, britain asks...

i got a 6 game ban at the end of the season last year,already served 3,my team played a friendly during the week which i was told i couldny play in because of my suspension,surely this should count as 1 of my suspensions...i might add i am not proud ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 8/21/2010

RE: Select Under 14

Peter Duckett of Ann Arbor, MI USA asks...

In a game I was playing in not long ago, my team was losing by one, but were killing the opposing team's defense. A defenseman from the other team, on orders from his coach, just blasted the ball out of bounds into the surrounding forest, and it took...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/21/2010

RE: Under 15

emmanuel nevarez of Redwood city, California United States asks...

today the ref called two calls wrong first he said there was a penalty in our box when it hit my hand (the goalie) and then when he called it i stopped then their player came up and kicked it in and the ref counted it (the two things were directly in...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/21/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Greg Kidd of Palm Bay, FL USA asks...

Is there such a thing as an 'over and back' rule in soccer? My daughter was called for an 'over and back' penalty during a tournament today. I asked the head ref and he said it was when a player returns from an offside postion to gain an advantage ...

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League Specific 8/20/2010

RE: 5 Under 11

Kathy walsh of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

Our boys just played their semi final game and with 2 minutes to go a penalty was awarded to our team. The other team didn't agree and the coach stormed onto the field and argued with the ref. After a few minutes of arguing the ref would not change h...

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/20/2010

RE: Adult

John Panone of Troy, MI United States asks...

If a player is about to take a throw-in from the touch line, what constitutes the ball being in play? Does the whole of the ball need to cross the whole touch-line in order to be in play or if it is on the line or touching the line is it in play?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/20/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Rick Bennett of Bellevue, WA USA asks...

Last night in the Sounders vs Marathon match the referee awarded Marathon with a PK for a kicking foul. The defender, Leo Gonzalez, had his back to the attacker, facing the goal, he knew the attacker was closing in and felt he should clear the ball b...

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/20/2010

RE: Select P2 U18 Under 19

Eric Gunstone of Seattle, WA USA asks...

In reference to your question of the girl with one arm, my son was just in a U18 tourny with a boy with one arm taking the majority of the throw in's. He obviously had a clear advantage over the other boys taking throw in's and the team was using him...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/20/2010

RE: Select Under 11

Bob Dawson of Camarillo, ca usa asks...

In Paul Gardner's Aug. 20th, 2010 Soccer Talk column, he states: 'This is what the rule book says on the matter of contact when tackling: a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player "tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ba...

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League Specific 8/19/2010

RE: recreation Adult

Pina of maple, ontario canada asks...

Just wondering if a game has been forfeit for not having enough players on the field (7) Does the other team have to pay for this forfeit and if so who gets the money, the league or does it go to the other team....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/18/2010

RE: U11 Travel Soccer Under 12

Coach Scott of New Boston, MI US asks...

If a player is laying on the ground is he able to still kick at the ball and or other Players allowed to kick at the ball? In past years a whistle is blown until all players are back on there feet to prevent injury. At what age does this safety play ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/18/2010

RE: Competative Adult

Al Sinopoli of Covington, LA USA asks...

While reading over this, it brought to mind a play and a this passback foul as it relates to obvious goal scoring opportunities.

A defender within his own penalty area is under pressure from a pair of attackers who remain in onside positions...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/18/2010

RE: Grade 9 Ref + Rec Coach Under 10

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

Hello, I see from Ref Michelle Maloney that included in the list of how a player can be involved in a play is to 'distract a player attempting to play the ball'.

Some time ago, we had a DFK just outside the penalty area. One of the attackin...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/18/2010

RE: social Adult

ian of cairns, queensland australia asks...

can a player play the ball(kick it)while he's on the floor.eg sitting down....

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Other 8/18/2010

RE: rec Adult

bob johns of wakefield, england asks...

can i set up my own football league and still use the rules of the game set up by fifa?...

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Law 1- The Field 8/17/2010

RE: Grade 9 Ref + Rec Coach Under 10

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

I am told that the goal should be placed such that the rear of the post is aligned with the outside of the goal line. This of course, puts the post on the line and thus in the field of play. Is this correct?
Thanks,...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/17/2010

RE: Varsity high school team High School

Craig of Kittery , Maine US asks...

My son wears non metal knee braces to support weaker exterior muscles. We need a doctors note so he can wear them in games. What do I ask the doctor to write? Thank you!...

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League Specific 8/16/2010

RE: rec Under 6

Vivian Parks of colleyville, TX United States asks...

in a U5 game can both teams be on the same touchline?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/16/2010

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

An attacker is pushing the ball forward. A defender came in from the side and poke the ball away. Maybe it is the lack of skill for the attacker, he keep going through with a kicking motion toward the location where the ball is now been replaced by t...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 8/16/2010

RE: comp. Adult

mel of parkes, nsw australia asks...

If a game is abandoned and has to be replayed, does the same team have to play or can new players be introduced for the rematch?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/16/2010

RE: Select Under 17

Danny Vaughan of North Vancouver, Canada asks...

Well, Here I am again.... I don't know how many times I've thought I knew it all about soccer but once again I'm seeking the correct response to an incident that happened on the soccer field.

A break away from the other team, our goalie rush...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/15/2010

RE: competive Under 15

Jeff of Burlington, Onatario Canada asks...

My daughter is a Keeper for her team. Her coach told her if she handled the ball with her hands outside of her 18 it would be an automatic red card. Ive never heard of this. I heard of the "auto red" for a hand ball by a non-keeper denying an obvi...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 8/15/2010

RE: County Combination Adult

daniel bruns of warrington, Cheshire England asks...

Can a team score direct from a restart? Without the need to pass to team member?...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/14/2010

RE: Fan Adult

Angela Degenhardt of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA USA asks...

What constitutes an offside. I have had two people explain it to me and I still don't get it....

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Law 11 - Offside 8/14/2010

RE: Rcc, competive Adult

john baltutis of Belleville, ontario canada asks...

attacker A, is in a off side position,
the ball is kicked from his own team, and is deflected from the defending team to attacker A, who is still in a off side position,
Is he called off side??...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 8/14/2010

RE: Stundent Under 18

Anele of Dundee, South Africa asks...

When is a ball in and out...

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Other 8/14/2010

RE: Rec, Select Under 13

James of Gulf Breeze, FL USA asks...

I downloaded the very helpful USSF Guide for referees, but I noticed a contradiction in Law 11 Section 1 (11.1). The section states 'No part of the attacking player other than the arms may be nearer the opponents' goal line than the torso, head or le...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/14/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Jim Keeper of Milwaukee, WI USA asks...

I was the last defender and my team mate passed the ball back to me. Under pressure from an opposing player, I let the ball through my legs and the ball got to my goal keeper who picked up the ball with his hands. Now since clearly the intent of my...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Anthony Follett of Lake Stevens, Wa USA asks...

When players are going for the ball. If player A has the Ball. When player B goes for the ball, if B gets his foot in front of the ball and player A then trips over the ball because of player B's attempt to win the ball, is this tripping?

B...

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League Specific 8/12/2010

RE: Competive Professional

Jean of Raleigh, NC USA asks...

On a perfect summer evening and on a perfectly lighted field for a cup game, the game is tied after regulation. After O.T ; 2 full 15 min periods; the score remains unchanged. After having done the coin flip to see which team will shoot first from th...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/12/2010

RE: Competive Other

Todd of Fnt Vly, California USA asks...

I have been told that a hearing impaired player may not wear an earpiece that allows the coach with a microphone to communicate directly with the player; however I don't see any reference to such a rule anywhere. If the earpiece is part of a hearing...

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Other 8/11/2010

RE: Adult, Club, High School, College Adult

Steve Jeffrey of Trabuco Canyon, CA USA asks...

At a recent tournament with fields close together I was referee on a B16 game. The referee's whistle on the neighboring field was loud. I often had to yell to the player's that his whistle was 'NOT ME, PLAY ON' and this worked most of the time.
<...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 8/11/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Leah of Thornton, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi, At a game I played recently the referee called an injury but the player was alright. The play restarted with a drop ball. The referee dropped the ball about a foot away from the players and told the green team to kick it to the red. When green ki...

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Other 8/11/2010

RE: Competitive High School

James of Beaverton, Oregon USA asks...

What is a ballpark figure for what an Assignor makes: for a tournament, and for a league? Thank you....

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 8/11/2010

RE: Competitive High School

James of Beaverton, Oregon USA asks...

On a Penalty Kick - if the ball doesn't cross the whole of the goal line but does hit the left then the right cross bar, it it a goal?...

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8/11/2010

RE: Adult

Michael of Sunderland, UK asks...

when a goalkeeper kicks the ball, if an opposition player gets in the way of the kick immediately in front of the goalkeeper would play be continued if the ball hits the opposition player?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/11/2010

RE: Adult

David Anderson of Sunderland, Tyne & Wear United Kingdom asks...

If a goalkeeper has the ball in his hands and a player stands in front of the ball then jumps as the ball is kicked thus blocking the goalkeeper's clearance this is pulled up as a free kick and the player who blocked the shot should be booked for obs...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 8/11/2010

RE: Competitve Adult

Joey of Hebbville, NS Canada asks...

At the end of overtime and preparing for a PK shoot out, are the coaches allowed in the center circle to designate the shooters?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/11/2010

RE: Adult

Tony of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Panel,

My question is regarding DOGSO-H. A 3 part question.

A team-mate turns towards his own goal and passes it back towards his own goal. The ball is going to go into the goal, as the goalkeeper is asleep and has no way of gettin...

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Law 5 - The Referee 8/10/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Tim O'Neill of Merced, CA 95341 asks...

If a coach gets out of control and I ask him/her to leave the vicinity would I show a red card or just tell him/her to leave and keep his card?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/10/2010

RE: High School

Daniel Courtney of Baltimore, Md usa asks...

on a penalty kick can the kicker score a goal on a rebound from the goalie or has someone else have to touch the ball first...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/10/2010

RE: Completive, Adult, College, NFHS & Youth

Tony of Hendersonville, TN USA asks...

Is there any where that provides a definition of 'playing distance'? I have checked TLOG, ATR, and FIFA advice. I have not located a definition.

I was taught that it was an elastic distance that was the length you could reach out with th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/9/2010

RE: competitive Under 15

Christian Downs of Dorval, Quebec Canada asks...

Not being allowed to say 'I got it' or the equivalent... is this an official rule of the FIFA? Or an unwritten convention? ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 8/9/2010

RE: Under 17

Caleb Appiah of Kumasi, Ghana asks...

What happens if there are only four players on the field of play due cards shown or severe injuries and the particular team has no extra player?...

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League Specific 8/8/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Ronny Ah-Tive of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Australia asks...

In the fixture for last weekend, the kick-off time was stipulated for 3:00 pm. The match, however, did not kick-off until 3:30 pm because the opposition were having problems putting a team together and as they were the home team, we did not get the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/8/2010

RE: Competive Under 15

Jeff of Burlington, Ontario Canada asks...

Re: the pass back rule to Keepers.

The rules says 'if he (Keeper) touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate'

What is the definition of "kicked". Does that mean by the foot or can a...

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/7/2010

gary of elizabethtown, kentucky USA asks...

When does a throw in cease to be a throw in?
ex. P1(red tm) throws in to team mate P3 who is standing behind P2(blue tm)near goal(In a offside position)...the ball strikes/touches P2 and rebounds to P3...Is P3 now considered offside because P2 ma...

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8/7/2010

RE: Adult

darron frost of cumbria, england asks...

a forward goes on a run and moves of the field of play accidentally,a defender makes a challenge which fouls the forward while the forward is off the field and the defender is on the field of play and the ball is in play what would you award,a drop ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 8/5/2010

RE: ALL Other

Chris of SLC, Utah USA asks...

a goal is scored.After the ensuing kick off,the referee realizes that the was scored by the team with 12(apparent) players on the field.Should the goal be disallowed?...

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Other 8/4/2010

RE: Under 15

Andre Pelaez of San Bernardino , California USA asks...

If a ball is kicked into the stands during the course of a game can a fan keep it the ball?...

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Other 8/4/2010

RE: Long Ago Rec Adult

KFritz of Emeryville, CA USA asks...

History Question: When was a handball that prevents a goal declared an expulsion offense?
Caveat: I did this in a high school game in 1966, but not at the end of the game. I was not expelled. The goalie saved. We won. I was lauded....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/4/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Tim Haas of Houston, TX USA asks...

If the ball is out of the goalie box can he dribble the ball back in the goalie box and then pick it up?...

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Other 8/4/2010

RE: Under 16

Dave of DM, IA U.S. asks...

A question about reffing club scrimmage games.
Could there be legal liabilities for reffing such a game since it is not sanctioned by USSF?
What do you recommend I do if I am asked about helping out with a scrimmage game?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/3/2010

RE: Rec and Competive Adult

Del DeSousa of Milford, Ct USA asks...

Recently at a game in Europe, there was a pass back to the keeper. The ref. whistled. The keeper handed the ball to the ref. The ref placed the ball in the ground, the attacker quickly passed it to a teammate and he scored.Question: Is it mandatory f...

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Other 8/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Leah of Thornton, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi, I recently refereed a game where a player booed the other team at the end of the game. I talked to his coach about it. The coach told me this was not the first time it had happened. I was wondering was this the right way to handle it? Thanks. ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/3/2010

RE: rec Under 12

Mark of Herndon, UT USA asks...

I have seen coaches and referees call illegal throw ins because there is a spin on the ball when a player throws the ball in, claiming that the player is favoring one arm, making it illegal. However, when searching for throw in regulations the only ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/2/2010

RE: College

gene of geneva, il usa asks...

The keeper gets possession of the ball in the penalty area. He now walks by a player and intentionally passes his elbow across the opponents stomach. It is non-violent but more an act to say 'don't invade my space'. What is the call and restart by FI...

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League Specific 8/2/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Yassine of Arlington, VA USA asks...

A penalty was taken and it should have been retaken according to Penalty kick rules but the referee ignored that and called an indirect free kick for the defending team. The defending team decided to leave and not finish the game, does the result sta...

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8/2/2010

RE: Recreational Adult

Dave of Clarkston, WA United States asks...

Player Equipment

When I inspected player equipment for an adult recreational tournament, I noticed that several players were wearing braided cloth wristbands. One player was wearing a braided cloth necklace.

I asked the players to r...

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Other 8/2/2010

RE: rec Under 16

Lee of Greenville, NC USA asks...

Hello Everyone,
I will have a series of questions to ask, so keep in touch.
Question 1: if a fould is committed in the penalty ARC, is the a PK or free kick?

Question 2: Can You score into the opposing goal on a drop ball? what happ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 8/2/2010

RE: Other

joe of clifton, usa asks...

If a pk is awarded during the game, is the defending team allowed to swap their keeper for that pk....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/1/2010

RE: Select Under 15

DeAndre of Dallas, GA United States asks...

-I stopped play because player A tripped player B. Player A did not agree with my decision, and decided to kick the ball out of bounds after I gave the indication for a free kick for team B. In kicking the ball out he hit a spectator in the face. I d...

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Other 7/31/2010

RE: pro Adult

jibola of lagos, Lagos Nigeria asks...

In a situation whereby fair-play is been observed,and on the verge of returning the ball,it is mistakenly kicked into the opposing team's goal..what's going to happen.....

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Other 7/31/2010

RE: College

David of District of Columbia, D.C USA asks...

Hi. I noticed that some teams prefer to use right-footed players to take left-sided corners, and left-footed players to take right-sided corners, while other teams do exactly the opposite. Looking it up, I found that they are called in-swinging and o...

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League Specific 7/30/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Ronny Ah-Tive of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia Australia asks...

Is there a mimimum age restriction on referees to officiate senior men's games?

Are women alllowed to officiate senior men's games?...

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Other 7/29/2010

RE: Adult

Chrissie Stewart of Swan Hill, VIC Australia asks...

I am looking for a walkie talkie that is used for refereeing where is the best place to get a set for our club?...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/28/2010

RE: Academy Adult

Joe Couture of Sugarland, texas Fort Bend asks...

At the end of regulation league rules make the teams go to PK's to break any ties.
The first shooter scores and while running back to the center circle the AR notices that he does not have his shin guards on.
1) Do you caution the player?
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Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/24/2010

RE: mls u17 Under 18

alex of sugarland, tx usa asks...

A pk is taken, and scored in a shoot out. Directly after, the ref realizes his shinguards were not on during the kick. I know it is a yellow card but do you retake the pk as well?...

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Appearance 7/19/2010

Walt Heatherly of Hendersonville , TN USA asks...

I failed to include the shoes in question so here they are: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4102886
From your previous responses (for which I am very thankful for) I would assume that these would be in order but...<...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/19/2010

RE: W-end recreational Adult

joe t of sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Does a high foot by a defender in the penalty box on a corner kick constitute a DFK or IDFK ? (no contact was made, but was close to other attackers). ...

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League Specific 7/18/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Ronny Ah-Tive of Kalgoorlie, WA Australia asks...

In a recent game, a player was sent off abuse. The punishment is usually a one game suspension. However, the following week, the player was back on the field. When enquiring the reason from the local soccer association, they informed me that the p...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/18/2010

RE: division2 Under 16

Denis Londero of sydney, nsw australia asks...

How many times can a penalty kick be taken? We had player encroachments into penalty box on two occasions and after the second attempt, which goals were scored on each attempt, the referee awarded the defending side a goal kick - is this correct? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/18/2010

RE: comp./adult Adult

richard marnhout of pleasant hill , ca. u.s.a. asks...

As the referee of a rather contentious u-19 boys' match., I witnessed two teammates going for an air ball played to mid field. One teammate was right in front of the other and when they went up for the ball, the player in front took out his teammate ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/17/2010

RE: select Under 16

vince devine of west deptford, new jersey usa asks...

On a penalty kick, there was offensive encroachment called. Should the kick be rekicked, or a should there be an indirect kick coming out?...

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Appearance 7/17/2010

Walt Heatherly of Hendersonville, TN USA asks...

I am in need of new ref shoes. Due to the fact that I wear a size 14 shoe, my options are fairly limited. If you were an assignor, assessor, etc. would you consider these shoes appropriate? My concerns were just that the color of them may not have as...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/17/2010

RE: AYSO Under 13

Bryan Avenetti of Upland, California USA asks...

Is it possible to be offside on a 'drop ball' restart?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/17/2010

Walt Heatherly of Hendersonville, TN USA asks...

I have a question in reference to the US Soccer 'Referee Week in Review' piece on http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Referee-Programs/2010/07/2010-Referee-Week-In-Review-15.aspx . My question is about the principle of DOGSO. The video clip that US Soccer u...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/16/2010

RE: rec Under 13

Marissa Mallicoat of Sacramento, California USA asks...

When is it correct to give an indirect/direct kick?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/16/2010

RE: High School

bruce of jackson, new jersey usa asks...

high school soccer

player spits on referee inside own penalty box .. can u award a penalty kick.. i can't see awarding a pk for a foul against a referee.. i assume player gets red carded what is restart?...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 7/16/2010

RE: Adult

brian campbell of Edinburgh, Scotland asks...

if a player leaves the field of play can he return to the field of play without permission from the referee?...

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Other 7/16/2010

Fred Landau of Harrisburg, PA USA asks...

There are two excellent websites in the UK that have questions on the LOTG that are similar to those that appear on the Grade 8 Entry Level and Refresher exams. I often refer young referees to them for practice.

This one's from the Scottish...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/16/2010

RE: District Adult

F. Nick of Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada asks...

In a game that I was watching, a defending team was allowed a throw-in in their half of the field.
The defender threw the ball towards his goalie. The goalie received the throw-in by foot (as if he were a player) outside the penalty area. The go...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/16/2010

RE: select Adult

carm soldato of chicago, ill us asks...

I am on the team that was fouled (and our team is taking the free kick). If a member of my team places himself 10 yards from the free kick (where the wall may form), is it not true that it is now his 'space' and the defending team should not be allow...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/15/2010

RE: Recreation Under 6

James of Orono, ON Canada asks...

I recently reffed a game in which a handball occurred in the box. I immediately called a penalty shot. Mind you these are 5 year olds.... Was I supposed to call a direct free kick instead????...

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Other 7/14/2010

RE: Competive College

Cedric of Rustenburg, African South Africa asks...

Sir! I would like to know the difference between these: lets say a player makes mistake inside 18 area and the ball mistakenly scores on his goal keeper, ok! Its own-goal..Question! What do we call it if opponent striker shoot to goal keeper and the ...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/13/2010

RE: travel Under 16

zach valincourt of rochester, new york united states of america asks...

I have a small question - is there a drop ball were the goalie is forced to take the drop ball in the box or is there not?...

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The Technical Area 7/13/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Steve of Granby, Quebec Canada asks...

thanks so much for responding!!!
There was not to my knowledge, an injury or an illness to the starting ref, it was more of a I'll take the first half you take the second kind of thing. The reason I'm seeking something in the Laws is because the ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 7/13/2010

RE: High School

Joshua Bellinger of Bethel, ME United States asks...

Are metal cleats legal in Maine high school soccer?...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 7/13/2010

RE: Novice Adult

Ming of Sacramento, CA USA asks...

During the WC final, July 11, at about 33 minutes in, a kick from a Dutch player past midfield was deflected by the goalkeeper and bounced over the crossbar. The Dutch team was given a corner kick, and the ABC commentator said 'surely the Dutch won'...

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Law 15 - Throw In 7/13/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,

My son (U18) was playing in a tournament this past weekend. In three different games (Different teams and refs) I saw someone take a throw-in and send it roughly parallel to the touch line without it entering the field. It every case t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/13/2010

RE: indoor soccer Adult

likhi of houston, tx USA asks...

we had a goalie leave the penalty box to try to clear a ball. The ball was kicked past him, he then turned to chase the ball. The ball was about a yard inside the box when he finally grabbed it. The issue is that as he went down to the floor to grab ...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/13/2010

RE: Former Player Adult

Rudy of Queens, NY USA asks...

If a player is substituted out during regulation, add on time, or over time. Can he/she be eligible for the penalty kick shootout to decide the game? ...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/12/2010

RE: Competative Under 19

Greg Weigel of Boise, ID USA asks...

World Cup Final - what an intriguing game to analyze from referee perspective. Overall I thought Referee Webb did a fabulous job managing a very difficult game. I have 3 issues; 1) he clearly missed the call in giving a goal kick when it should hav...

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Mechanics 7/12/2010

RE: all levels

Richard Gonzalez of Sacramento, California USA asks...

I have been told twice now that I do not vary my whistle enough. I use short quick whistles for small things, solid whistle for fouls and strong whistle for cardable offenses and PK. I just don's understand why I am being told to vary my whistle mo...

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The Technical Area 7/12/2010

RE: Under 14

Annika of Bowmanville, Canada asks...

At the age of squirt and above are teams allowed to have a coach or parent coaching the goal keeper from behind the net? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/12/2010

RE: AYSO Under 13

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

It is hard to believe that commentators such as Harke would suggest that there was no foul committed. It does appear that players, fans, and referees are much more forgiving with the bicycle kick. I guess more leeway is given because it is such an ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 7/12/2010

RE: None Adult

James of Houston, Texas USA asks...

Is there ever a situation where a team is required to take a corner kick from their own goal? I think I remember seeing such a kick during the world cup. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/12/2010

Brian Auer of Pittsburgh, PA USA asks...

In the scenario provided, we have an IFK awarded where the GK handled a ball kicked to him by a teammate.

The IFK is taken, the ball on the way into the goal, when a defender is judged to have deliberately handled the ball, resulting in a co...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/12/2010

RE: All levels Adult

Doug Anderson of Orillia, Ontario Canada asks...

'...on the taking of the kick...' -
If the questioner meant the kick awarded after the deliberate kick to the keeper, this should have been an INDIRECT free kick,from inside the penalty area, right?

So, the handling on the goal line -...

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Law 1- The Field 7/12/2010

RE: Beginner Under 19

Navroop Singh of Amritsar, Punjab India asks...

What have been the latest reforms in football in terms of rules of play field ?...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

I think I have this right, but would like to get confirmation. Would it be true to say that any touch by the offense, even a deflection, resets determination of offside? Two cases specifically:

1. Attacker A shoots with Attacker B in an of...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/12/2010

RE: rec Adult

nigel of calgary, ablerta canada asks...

quick question,

during the recent WC finals NED had a free kick but they kicked the ball back to Spain, i can not find any rules for this and seeing the games I assume it was a courtesey but why is that?

cheers...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/12/2010

RE: Under 19

steven of sydney, nsw Australia asks...

Before a game I went to find the team sheet for my next game and when I was looking for it when one of the players undermined me and said something to imply I'm not impartial but tried to say it as a joke. I just sort of laughed but I feel I shoul...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/11/2010

RE: Adult

Dave Mullenix of Edgewood, md usa asks...

During the World cup final, I noticed that the Netherlands kicked a long ball at Spain's goal. It took the keeper a little by surprise, he knicked it with his thumb even though it was on its way out for a Spain goal kick. The announcer said 'I doub...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/10/2010

RE: Competitive Under 16

Scott Friendly of Minneapolis, MN USA asks...

Ball is intentionally played back to the keeper who picks it up . . . direct free kick if outside the penalty area? Indirect free kick or a PK in the penalty area? And when you give an indirect free kick in the box, how can you get the ten yards if ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/10/2010

RE: Adult

carlos giordano of dover, pa USA asks...

if a defender kicks the ball to his own goalie and the goalie picks it up with his hands is it a foul and if so what is the penalty?...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 7/10/2010

RE: Under 18

Anonymous of Anonymous, Anonymous Anonymous asks...

This is a hypothetical question! Let's say, the goalkeeper is standing in front of the goal line, the ball is played, the goalie catches the ball with his hands, but the ball is struck with so much force, that the goalie is thrown back into the goal ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/10/2010

RE: Rec Adult

jamie Carew of Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada asks...

Does a referee have a discretionary call ( options ) when a player intentionally plays the ball with his hands while standing on his goal line.....in other words, instead of awarding a penalty kick and red carding the player who played the ball with ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/10/2010

RE: Club College

Adam Baeta of Chester Hill, NSW Australia asks...

On a recent match I was playing, a brawl started to break out and the referee and linesmen were not doing anything to stop it. I (the goal keeper) rushed out and struck the opposition player who had one of our players in a choke hold. A few players ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 7/9/2010

RE: all levels Adult

Doug Anderson of Orillia, Ontario Canada asks...

I am interested in the twist that referee Dennis Wickham puts on the throw in answer (if thrown in not proper, it goes to other team whether it comes into play or not.

Until now, I would not have made a similar ruling. My reasoning (up un...

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Mechanics 7/8/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Steve of Granby, Quebec Canada asks...

this evening at my daughter's U12AA match, I noticed that the referee who started the game switched with one of the linesman at the half, therefore making the linesman the new ref and the ref became the linesman.
is there a rule covering this? se...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/8/2010

RE: Rec, Select, Competitive Adult

Brian of Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada asks...

This might not get posted since it's not so much a question but a rebuttal to Erik but when I watched that game I was very disappointed - to me it was cheating or at the very least poor sportsmanship. At that level if he could get his hand out to st...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/8/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Kent Smith of Menlo Park, CA United States asks...

So if I understand correctly...

If Klose was even with or behind the ball and his teammate when the ball was played, Klose is not offside? Even though Klose was ahead of the 2nd to last defender when the ball was played?

Incident...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/8/2010

RE: Adult

stopgap of sydney, nsw australia asks...

I received conflicting answers from the referees re this question. From a goal kick the goalie's team mate receives the ball in the attacking half whilst he is in an offside position. He would not be offside. However in this case,the ball hits a defe...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/7/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Doug of Orange County, California USA asks...

Thank you very much for the insights regarding handling a dropped ball. I actually saw such a thing happen in today's world cup match, Spain vs Germany, at the very beginning.

As a follow up, I'd like to ask one more question.

I th...

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Mechanics 7/7/2010

G of Windsor, Canada asks...

I would just like to know if there is a special 'system' that a ref should use for placement while reffing a game in corresponding to where the play is....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/7/2010

RE: u9 rec thru Adult comp Other

Brian Lewis of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada asks...

This situation refers to aU12 boys rec game and I would like your opinion of my assessment of the situation. The play was in the PA and an attacker kicked toward the net. A defender attempted to play the ball but wasn't successful and the ball defl...

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Law 15 - Throw In 7/7/2010

RE: Pro Professional

Jack Miller of Cheney, Washington USA asks...

What happens if the ball is kicked and bounces off a referee and then out of bounds? Who's ball is it?...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/7/2010

RE: Rec/Select Adult

EugeneOubre of Texarkana, Texas USA asks...

Offside question:

Situation: Player is in an offside position when the ball is played. The ball is passed forward, deflects off the leg of a defender, and goes to the player in the offside position, who plays the ball.
Is the ball previo...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/6/2010

RE: Rec Under 19

Ref Jeff of Los Alamitos, CA United States asks...

If a penal foul occurs off the field, is it really a foul?

In the second half of the Netherlands vs Uruguay semi-final game in the World Cup, two opponents vie for the ball near the corner flag. The Netherlands attacker shields the ball, wit...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/6/2010

RE: AYSO Under 13

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

I wish the pundits would reflect on the spirit of the offside law, which is to keep players from camping out by the opposing goal. They now measure offside to the precise half-inch. Even worse, the freeze frame appears to be off a step. In the Uru...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/6/2010

RE: AYSO Under 13

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

In the Uruguay vs Netherlands game, a bicycle kick by Martin Caceres strikes De Zeeum hard in the face. The referee cautioned Caceres. IMO, the foul was more worthy of a send-off. To me, it appeared to be accidental, but it was hard contact above ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/6/2010

RE: Under 18

Dave of DM, IA US asks...

So if a player is legally shielding the ball close to the touch line and facing the ball, is it legal for an opponent to run around the player and run completely out of bounds, then steal the ball and then run back on having dispossessed his opponent...

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Law 15 - Throw In 7/6/2010

RE: High School

John York of Weyers Cave, VA US asks...

One note on a throw in that never gets to the touch line... US High School rules give the ball to the other team, unlike FIFA rules. Don't know why the US High School people chose to make their book so complicated....

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/6/2010

RE: College

Joe of london, uk asks...

hi,

i was wondering how long a penalty shoot-out lasts and if there is a limit so that the shoot-out doesn't last forever.

And what happens after a long time of endless goal scores?


Joe...

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League Specific 7/6/2010

RE: N/A Other

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire England asks...

Unfortunately, Ref McHugh is incorrect on this one.

In previous World Cups, FIFA has had an amnesty on yellow cards after the group stages. However this time, they have shifted it, apparently with the specific intent of allowing any big-nam...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/6/2010

RE: Adult

David Hooper of London, England asks...

In the recent Spain V Paraguay game in the World Cup Cesc Fabregas was clearly fouled by the Paraguayan goalkeeper who was following up after having saved the retaken Spanish penalty. However, Fabregas was only in the position to be fouled because h...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/5/2010

RE: Adult

stopgap of sydney, nsw australia asks...

If an attacker receives the ball directly from his keeper when the attacker is in the other half of the pitch and in an offside position I understand that he is not offside. However, if a defender tries to head the ball away from the goal kick but th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/5/2010

RE: College

Les of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

In the recent Ghana vs. Uruguay World Cup game, a Uruguay player deliberately stopped a shot on the line with his hands, stopping a blatantly obvious goalscoring opportunity. The referee correctly sent the player off and awarded the penalty kick.
...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 7/5/2010

RE: house league Under 15

Roger Rotilio of aurora, ON canada asks...

1.
can a goalie be substituted any time during a game or only at half time?

2.

when can a player's switch be made? and made not?

Thanks.

Roger
house league coach...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 7/5/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Doug Anderson of Orillia, Ontario Canada asks...

My question takes this in a slightly different direction; relative to the foul committed, when does the ball cease to be in play? the situation that brought this to mind was this:
I was AR in a Men's competitive game. The ball was played toward ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/5/2010

RE: Adult

Ambrose Ogutu of Nairobi, Kenya Kenya asks...

Dear Sir

I am a Kenyan football fan. At end of the above Game I felt like it was the end of 2010 World Cup for me. You may easily say that every loser feels the same. My main issue is that I feel like the Ref awarded a bad behaviour at the e...

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Law 5 - The Referee 7/5/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

I saw a referee give a yellow card to a player for persistent infringements but that player had a twin n the Ref thought it was the same player can the ref rescind the yellow card later after finding out this ??...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/4/2010

RE: Adult

Adam of Tampa, FL U.S. asks...

What's the reasoning behind the offside exception on throw-ins?

I'm sorry if this is addressed elsewhere and I failed to find it....

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Law 11 - Offside 7/4/2010

RE: competitive Under 15

aw of Ridgefield, ct usa asks...

I was challenged with a situation in a competitive girls U14 tournament and was curious to read your comments. One of the teams had a player who had only one arm. Whenever her team had a throw-in opportunity in their defensive end of the field, thi...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/4/2010

RE: Select Adult

Anthony Saba of Rochester, New York Monroe asks...

This is a follow up the the original question referenced below. I would like my question answered.
I repeat 'How many (practice) attempts is a kicker allowed in a penalty shoot out???'

If you say that there is no limit to the number o...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/4/2010

RE: Adult

Atta Kissiedu of takoradi, ghana asks...

In the quarter final match between Ghana and Uruguay in the ongoing World Cup tournament in South Africa, a player of Uruquay standing right on his goal line intentionally prevented the ball from entering his net.
Since the ball would have entere...

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League Specific 7/4/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

Regarding what spectators say. They can say what they like as they are a spectator ? Including when the coach is sent to the stands?...

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Other 7/4/2010

RE: WC Professional

Mike of IC, IA USA asks...

This is only partly a rules question and also a soccer culture question. As a fan of many common American sports, I am somewhat perplexed by the post-match reactions to some events that happen in the World Cup.

I'd like to point to the Luis...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/4/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Trawets of London, Ontario Canada asks...

At the start of a match or after a goal is scored the ball is placed at centre. The Ref. blows the whistle to start (restart)the match and the player then puts there hands on the ball to re-position it. Is this a hand ball, or since the ball hasn't m...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/3/2010

RE: pro Under 13

Kent Smith of menlo park, ca usa asks...

In today's WC game between Germany and Argentina, the 2nd goal for Germany should have not counted.... It is pretty clear that the attacker was ahead of the ball and the 2nd to last defender when the ball was played to him. They would have called t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/3/2010

RE: Comp

Steve Sassman of Palm Bay, FL USA asks...

I'm a grade 8 referee working mostly comp and rec games.

I saw something at my son's practice the other night that threw me. One of the boys held his shirt open at the bottom and took the ball under it, on the bounce. He proceeded to carry...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/3/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Dutch of Colorado Springs, Colorado USA asks...

I used to do some part-time officiating for a adult co-ed recreational league (not recommended for those without patience). I have a question regarding passive/active offsides. Does a player become active immediately if he makes a move towards a bs...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/3/2010

RE: Select/Competitive Under 17

Steve Goldberg of Cupertino, Ca USA asks...

I'm following up on the question re: slide tackles and ball contact.

I've been watching the World Cup and it seems like anytime a slide tackle occurs that takes down the offensive player (with ball) a direct kick foul is called.

I...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Hi

I have a World Cup question for you. In the Paraguay vs Spain game, the disallowed goal for Paraguay, why was it off-side? Number 7 was clearly off side but did not touch the ball, number 18 looked very close but from the replay the playe...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 7/2/2010

RE: Adult

Gabriel of las vegas, nv usa asks...

If a player other than the goal keeper uses his hands to stop the ball from going in the goal, does it count as a score because the ball was going in before it was stopped? ie. Uruguay vs Ghana. July 2 2010 in overtime....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/2/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Ben Wiles of Todd County, KY USA asks...

The player in the question was off the FOP as part of the normal flow of play, and can 're-enter' without penalty or waiting for a stoppage and being beckoned.

(Not stated in the question, but suppose the player swerves into touch to avoid c...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/2/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Hi

What is the correct way to handle a drop ball restart? I have always dropped the ball between two players, one from each team, and then they have 'fought for the ball'. I have not seen this done in the WC, and I am wondering if there is a...

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Law 15 - Throw In 7/2/2010

RE: Competitive D3 Under 15

Joshua Klein of Canton, MA USA asks...

I was reffing a lower level U14 girls game, when one of the girls went to take a throw in. I noticed that she had only 1 arm with the other arm a stub. With the one arm she took the ball over her head, with her stub of an arm also over her head but...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/2/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Doug of Orange County, CA USA asks...

I have a question regarding drop balls with intent to go to one team.

If in the opinion of the referee, the ball should go to the blue team, but the correct restart is a drop ball, can the referee request the red team to stand further back, ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 7/2/2010

RE: club soccer Under 10

Norine of Mission Viejo, Ca USA asks...

Can you tape earrings on newly pierced ears in a club game or scrimmage?...

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Other 7/2/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

Darrell Peterson of Osseo, MN USA asks...

Esteemed Panel,

First of all, I'd like to offer my compliments on a fabulous site. I am a regular reader, and have found your dialog very useful in helping my players understand the laws of the game, as well as helping my daughter get her cl...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/2/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Chris Orme of Bathurst, NSW Australia asks...

Surely the most blatant elbow was by a USA player in the first minute of play. An elbow straight into the head region of his opponent. Didn't you see that one?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/1/2010

RE: Recreational, Competitive Adult

Warren of Sydney, Australia asks...

Hello Panel, a question about the correct restart in an unusual situation.

U15 Boys. Breakaway attack moving towards top edge of penalty area - single attacker, closely pursuing defender. Goalkeeper comes out and successfully collects bounci...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/1/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

Hello Again,

I had some mild dissent from a parent that had me thinking about one of my calls...

Our league guidelines generally consider a slide tackle to be PIADM in younger ages. I had a player land on her face after a slide tac...

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Law 1- The Field 6/30/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

James of Ottawa, Ontario Canada asks...

If the lines on the field are not straight and swerve noticeably outward or inward for a yard or two, would you consider a ball out of play only when it has crossed the physical line, or would you draw an imaginary straight line, ignoring the irregul...

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League Specific 6/30/2010

eddie of lodi, nj usa asks...

Does a red flag stay w/ a player in the world cup into the finals? Or semis ?...

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Other 6/30/2010

RE: ayso Under 11

Don Clark of Downey, ca Los Angles asks...

I was the center Ref in a u10 boys game when I heard one of the Parents yell to a player "Hey, fall down and feign a foul when that happens. The Lakers do it all the time."
What should I have done? ...

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Other 6/30/2010

RE: Adult

zulfi of Santa pola, Alicante Valencia asks...

Is football a contact sport?...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 6/29/2010

RE: Welsh league Adult

Adam bishop of Newport, Wales asks...

When defending a corner kick why don't they put defenders on the post is it tactical or is it due to rules?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/29/2010

RE: Professional

Mik of Kent, Kent United Kingdom asks...

During a penalty shoot-out, can the goalkeeper be sent off? If so, can he be replaced by a sub?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/29/2010

RE: a new fan Adult

rich of maple ridge, british columbia canada asks...

is a opposing goalie allowed to handle the ball in the other goalie's crease? I wasn't aware that the goalie could play in the opposite end of the field !i saw this in one of the world cup games ,and it looked to me like the opposing goalie was tryin...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 6/29/2010

RE: Select Adult

Anthony Saba of Rochester, New York USA asks...

In a recent game of U13 Girls, the game was tied after regulation and after 2 overtime periods. The kicks were tied 2-2 when the tenth player's turn came. She placed the ball down and kicked the ball over the goal!
The referee said no kick beca...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/29/2010

RE: competative Adult

brad paton of hamilton, Ontario canada asks...

in the flow of the game a penalty is given. can the defending team change their goal keeper for the penalty shot.
would it not be similar if the right back moves to striker in the flow of the game. A ref does not even ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/29/2010

RE: competitive Under 19

mp of bridgeport, ct usa asks...

I would like to read your comments regarding all the feigning of injuries at the World Cup. Every four years we hear how referees will deal more severely with this sham, but nothing ever seems to be done. Players continue to fake injuries, particul...

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Other 6/29/2010

RE: competitive Under 19

mp of bridgeport, ct usa asks...

Regarding coaches being limited to tactical instructions and not attempting to deceive opponents, do you allow play (tricky corner kick) to proceed if coach is deceiving or do you whistle a stoppage? Do you then allow a re-kick of the corner because...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/29/2010

RE: competitive Under 19

mp of bridgeport, ct usa asks...

Team A scores goal, but before restart, you see that team A had 12 players on the field. You are not certain when that 12th player entered the field or who that player is. I know that a caution is called for in this situation, but what if you don't...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/29/2010

RE: competitive Under 19

mp of bridgeport, ct usa asks...

Ball rolling along side touch line. Offensive player A running just out of touch (legally), parallel to the field, about to play the ball. Defensive player A attempts a hard slide tackle on the ball, but misses the ball, his momentum recklessly car...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/28/2010

RE: Competitive and Recreation Adult

Steve of Vero Beach, FL USA asks...

Thank you for your input. I believe Michelle must be accurate in saying that their handlers have given a direction. And yes it was Findley in the 1st game that I was referring to not Beasley in 2nd.

I think the descriptions that you all prov...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 6/28/2010

RE: Sunday league Adult

Nick Poling of Fareham, Hampshire UK asks...

Two variations on this question:-

1) If the goalkeeper kicked the ball out, it cleared the penalty area but the wind blew it back toward the goal and then the keeper put out a hand, touching the ball but the ball still goes in the net. The ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/28/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Dennis Griffin of Trenton, NJ USA asks...

In watching the World Cup, it seems all HTB offenses are now considered a yellow. The explanation in LOTG states:

-deliberately and blatantly handles the ball to prevent an opponent
gaining possession
- attempts to score a goal by de...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/28/2010

RE: Adult

Gary Carruthers of Ottawa, ON Canada asks...

In her response to the original question, Referee Maloney suggests if the ball popped out from the keeper deliberately handling the ball outside the box and an opposing team mate scored as a result, the keeper would only be cautioned. Is it not possi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/28/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

Justin of ottawa, ontario Canada asks...

In one of my recent games i reffed a u18 girl competitive final game in which it was tight match with very little fouls. A scenario came up in which i thought was routine, but it seems i must have made the wrong call. After a corner kick the keeper...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/27/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

What is some advice for refereeing girls and all age girls , they seem to winge about trifling things like in the back etc?
...

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Mechanics 6/27/2010

RE: Level 7 College & Adult Other

Brian of Wauwatosa, WI USA asks...

Follow up to #23504. Thanks for the prompt response. I quess I was looking more for insight on positioning, etc. Anyway, after watching GER v ENG and ARG v MEX, is the prattle I heard on ESPN and ABC the death rattle for the diagonal system of con...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/27/2010

RE: rec Other

Ann O'Neill of Greenwood Village, Colorado USA asks...

I thought that players could not leave the field of play during the game without permission from the referee. Is this true? If so, why are all the world cup players not carded when the leave the field to celebrate a goal....

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Law 1- The Field 6/27/2010

RE: Adult

hema of lagos, lagos nigeria asks...

in football is a goal considered to be valid if it crosses the goal line but does not touch the net?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 6/27/2010

RE: rec, select Adult

gary of nashua , nh usa asks...

During an U-11 game, a players throw in never crossed the touchline, what would be the correct restart?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/27/2010

RE: rec, select Adult

gary of nashua , nh usa asks...

I was reading that a foul can only occur when the ball is in the field of play. When officiating an U-11 game,a player kicked the ball out of bounds and immediatelty pushed an opposing player after the ball crossed the touchline. I awarded a DFK to t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/27/2010

RE: Premiere Under 19

Paul Savoie of plymouth , mi USA asks...

I know the rule that if a player deliberately denies a goalscoring opportunity with his hand he is given a red card. what i am curious about is that after the red card is given is the goal awarded to the team who was denied? ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 6/27/2010

RE: Competitive College

Sal of Murfreesburo, TN USA asks...

Hello. I am a state referee. I was disappointed in the performance of the Hungarian referee in the USA/GHANA match. I felt he missed several critical elbows in the face that would have resulted in red cards for Ghana. In particular, in the overtim...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/27/2010

RE: Competitive and Recreation Adult

Steve of Vero Beach, FL USA asks...

In the WC I have seen a lot of Cautions given for handling the ball. I believe it was Marcus Beasley that received one in the infamous Slovenia game a minute or so before the SLV 2nd goal. As much as I am against Replay, this one showed the ball hitt...

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Law 2 - The Ball 6/27/2010

RE: Competitive Under 13

Mike of Norton, MA USA asks...

In a state championship semi-final game earlier this morning, a team scored directly from the opening kickoff. When the keeper retrieved the ball from the goal, he discovered it was a size 5 and not the prescribed size 4. He mentioned this to the r...

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Other 6/26/2010

RE: Adult

Bernard Barcos of Goleta, CA USA asks...

To what do the phrases 'out the door' and 'in the door' refer?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 6/26/2010

RE: Adult

jerry farmer of Flower Mound, TX usa asks...

how much time is allowed for a throw in?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/26/2010

RE: competitive Under 14

Ihab Leheta of Brossard, Quebec Canada asks...

Mr Ref

During a match, a player is tripped(fouled), but does not fall (in the penalty area at the edge of the 6 yd box)the referee gives the advantage , but the player shoots wide. The referee judges that it is better to shoot from the edge ...

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Other 6/25/2010

RE: competive Under 14

maureen of murrieta, ca usa asks...

my sons coach said that my boy is 'quite the little TM' and said that this is a good thing and is a soccer term. What does the acronym TM stand for??

thank you...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/25/2010

RE: rec Adult

Cam of kelowna, BC canada asks...

After I was hacked in penalty area I politely asked the ref to keep an eye out for any of this stuff. He waved me away saying 'get out of here' because he was issuing a card to another player. Next time down the field I took a high cleat to the chest...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/25/2010

RE: Comp Adult

Nick of Montreal, Quebec Canada asks...

Player Change.

A player leaves the field of play at the center line but the new player doesn't enter the field of play but walks done the line to do a throw in.

I request that the player enter the field of play then leave the field ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/25/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Anna of Merced, California USA asks...

I understand playing with jewelry, even taped, is not legal in the game of soccer, does this apply even if the bracelet is simply made of string and is taped securely to the wrist?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/25/2010

RE: Adult

Doug of Cincinnati, OH U.S. asks...

Protecting the keeper - what does that mean to you? In a recent adult league match an attacking player and keeper came together as they both slid on the ground towards the ball, a clear 50/50 challenge IMO. But of course, the keeper is coming at th...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/24/2010

RE: Adult

Robert Finkelstein of New Rochelle, NY USA asks...

Can a goal be scored when an offensive player (other than the goal scorer) is in the goal? Question in light of Landon Donovan's goal when Clint Dempsey was lying in the goal after tripping over the Algerian keeper....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/24/2010

RE: Competitive High School

David Meadows of Helena, MT USA asks...

Winning the ball in the air...
I've started to notice lately that very few fouls are called when a defender comes over the back of an attacker to win a ball out of the air. I watch the attacker's head pop back and they regularly end up on the gr...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 6/23/2010

RE: Other

Basil of Pickering, Ontario Canada asks...

In the 2010 world cup final game if penalty
kicks do not produce a winner do they then
'draw lots'?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/23/2010

RE: caregiver Adult

ROMAN of Safety Harbor, Florida usa asks...

all arbiters of the game should take an oath.!...

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Other 6/23/2010

RE: Adult

Melvin H. of Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A. asks...

I realize the situation the panel and the site are in. I was not asking the question to get an opinion of the referee himself, or for you to criticize the Malian referee, but what the call could have been for--other than offside in some form or a fou...

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Mechanics 6/23/2010

RE: Rec Under 18

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi I'm back, the first year ref, trying to work out the details.

In the interpretations/guidelines, under law 6, gestures, it says: 'As a general rule, the assistant referee must give no obvious hand signals'.

I was AR for a U19 rec...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/23/2010

RE: rec Under 13

Ian Denning of Houston, Texas United States asks...

In the U.S.-Algeria World cup game Landon Donovan scored the winning goal off a rebound from the goalkeeper. I saw that Clint Dempsey was past everybody when Donovan shot the ball, having slid past the goalkeeper during the initial shot. Could Demps...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/23/2010

RE: World Cup Professional

Mike of IC, IA USA asks...

In the aftermath of the last-minute USA win and advancement, and having seen no question to you guys yet about it, I'm curious what you think.

Were the calls in the last two US matches particularly egregious, or is all the attention on them ...

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League Specific 6/23/2010

RE: Other

John Dewhurst of Newmarket, Ontario Canada asks...

This will be a quick one guys! LOL
Am I correct when ejecting a coach or manager I do not show him the red card.
Please advise Law # and location

Thanks
jd...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/23/2010

RE: Rec/Select Under 18

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,

Thanks for all your help in getting me up to speed on the game. I love this site and believe I have read every question here and check daily for new ones.

I'm a first year ref who is beyond the FIFA WC retirement age. I want t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/22/2010

RE: rec Under 13

Don Clark of Downey, ca usa asks...

I ask before and thought I understood but watch world cup I don't think I get it. When a player with the ball attacks the goal, can the goalie dive for the ball and make contact with tha attacker? Does it make adifference what age group?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/22/2010

RE: Competitive/Rec Adult

Euan McLean of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada asks...

Are there any limitations on when a team is allowed to make a substitution?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/22/2010

RE: Rec and Select Under 13

Anna of Merced, California USA asks...

If a player, such as myself, were wearing bracelets, is it legal to tape them down with sports tape and continue to play?...

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League Specific 6/22/2010

RE: Under 17

Terry Blair of fairbanks, ak usa asks...

In a tournament if a u-16 team is playing in a u-17 bracket, do you still play the 40 min game or do you play the age bracket 45 min game. I know you never make a younge rteam play up but does that apply in tournaments.

Thank you
Terry ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/22/2010

RE: competitive Under 16

Linda Kelly of Eagle River, Alaska USA asks...

DOGSO: With 5 minutes left in the game there was a handling violation by a defender in the goal box. By the surprise on her face of what she had done, I'd say that it was a reactionary or reflexive action, but in reviewing all elements again afterw...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/22/2010

RE: competive/semi pro Adult

Michael of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

I find it hard to believe that the code of ethics requires us to not consider what the 'mechanics' of the head referee were lacking in an attempt to better ourselves as referees.

I do not find it difficult to believe that such a code of ethi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/22/2010

RE: Provincial Under 19

Aaron Labovich of Calgary, AB Canada asks...

Hey. I've watched a bunch of replays of the handball called against Harry Kewell in Australia's WK game against Ghana, and I'm not convinced that it was a handball at all. The ball was blasted from 10m out and he couldn't possibly have avoided it. <...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/21/2010

Melvin H. of Colo. Springs, Colorado U.S.A. asks...

I wonder what the esteemed panel thought of the call in the 85th/86th minute of the USA-Slovenia match a few days ago? I am still trying to figure out: (A) What was called, (B) What did the Malian referee see from his position [on the replay, he ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/21/2010

RE: osl Adult

rob of toronto, canada asks...

been watching world cup and noticed something that occurred on 2 occasions and wanted clarification.

a penalty kick was awarded for what appeared to be deliberate use of the hand in the penalty area(i understand that) but the referee caution...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/21/2010

RE: osl Adult

rob of toronto, canada asks...

can you clarify the following whether offside or not:

at the moment attacking player A (APA)kicks ball toward goal attacking player B(APB) is onside. APB continues his run to goal as ball approaches goal area defender A(DA) attempts to clea...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/21/2010

RE: rec Under 9

brennan of pleasant hill, CA USA asks...

Is the restart on an offside where the ball was played from, or where the attacker received it?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/21/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Mo of ottawa, on canada asks...

Handball question
Have always been thought to think of handball in terms of if arm was not there what would happen - if it would deflect against the body and arm does not move then no handball
If it would not hit the body (because arm stickin...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/21/2010

RE: Rec Adult

MO of Ottawa, ON Canada asks...

A question regarding goalkeepers and handling outside their box during a breakaway

Recently refereed a U14 Boys game game - the striker had a breakaway, keeper came out and smothered the ball outside the penalty area plus brought down the st...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/21/2010

RE: competetive High School

david tucci of woodbridge, ontario canada asks...

Player A1 is on offense and mounts an attack. He passes the ball to A2 who is in an onside position when the pass is made.

player A2 gets behind the defender. the ball, however, does not make it through defender B.

Player B attemp...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/21/2010

RE: Competitive and Recreation Adult

Steve of Vero Beach, FL USA asks...

I agree with the panel on this one that no foul let alone USB has occurred. However, in my limited experience, there is almost never a time when to bodies get to the ball at the same time and collide without one of the players positioning an elbow or...

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Other 6/21/2010

RE: N/A Other

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire England asks...

While ref McHugh is spot on with the ruling on removal of the shirt, he is a couple of years off with the deliberate kick to a goalkeeper.

This rule (or one very close to it) was first introduced in 1992. At that time the wording was:
<...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/21/2010

RE: All Levels Adult

Steve of Whyalla, south australia Australia asks...

What happens if a players name or shirt number is put on match card twice?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/21/2010

RE: Adult

Mike of IC, IA USA asks...

I found the answers to this question to be quite interesting as earlier today I watched the Brazil-Ivory Coast world cup match (which quite got out of hand). When Ivory Coast finally scored, Didier Drogba did exactly this in grabbing the ball out of...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/20/2010

RE: Adult

Mike of IC, IA USA asks...

In relation to this question and the issue of the player who's hand is being stood on retaliating and being called for a foul .. what, exactly, is the proper response of that player? Clearly, remaining on the ground with the opponent standing on his...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 6/20/2010

RE: Professional

Derek of Carlsbad, CA USA asks...

With the recent IFAB decision that running up and feigning on a penalty kick is unsportsmanlike conduct resulting in a yellow card, I was wondering what would happen is a player would get sent off during his kick among KFTPM (a shootout). Does the te...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/20/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

In the Australia vs Ghana game was it a deliberate handball by Harry??

And why was Cahill sent off in the first game and the Ghana player not in the next game when Cahill pulled out of the tackle and made little contact and the Ghana player...

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League Specific 6/20/2010

RE: Under 15

Lesley Osmundsen of hicksville, NY usa asks...

At what age do the teams start with sideline ref's?...

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Other 6/20/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Sean of Charles Town, WV USA asks...

In the best (or rather most entertaining way) I have heard it put by an official, named Quame (spelling). 'The game must flow like the river' in reference to minimal interference by the referees.

However, I am a keeper, and the game was la...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 6/20/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Sean of Charles Town, WV USA asks...

So, I've been studying to become an official, and I'm fairly confident in my understanding of the laws.

Here is the scenario:

We were in an adult league game (I'm playing defense), play was in the middle of the field, next to the ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/20/2010

RE: german childrens league Under 12

mrs toni turner of gutersloh, germany asks...

My daughter and her friend were in a comp at the weekend they had played all there games then it went to a penalty shoot out the German team had a goal keeper through all the rounds it came to the shootout then they put one of their other team member...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/20/2010

RE: Comp Under 19

Jim Menter of Haverhill, MA USA asks...

1. Direct kick awarded and taken quickly without player asking for 10 yds. It hits an opposing player who is located inside 10 yds who was never asked to move. What is the call? Referee called obstruction and gave him a retake of the kick. I disagr...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 6/20/2010

RE: comp Under 15

alec of amarillo , tx randall asks...

If you hit the ref with the ball and it goes out of bounds who gets the ball?...

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Other 6/20/2010

RE: Fan

Joshua Beauford of Mulberry, AR USA asks...

Why do the refs wear 'black'?
What do the blue flags mean(corner of the field)?

Why are there half circles in the corner's of the field?

What do the flags mean(assistant refs throw up flags)?

What are those flag pendant...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/20/2010

RE: Div 2 Under 13

Evan of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada asks...

This weekend I was reffing an Under 12 Div 2 tournament match. White team was up 3-1 on Red team. White comes up the side, makes a cross in front of the net, and a Red defender comes in with his hands on his chest, and the ball rebounds off his hands...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/19/2010

RE: rec select competive Under 13

bucky of belmont, nc united states of america asks...

are goalies allowed to wear American football wide receiver gloves or lineman gloves. The grip material are a far superior grip than standard goalie gloves? We have tried them with a few goalies of various levels and ages. All agree about the grip....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/19/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Thomas Evins of Naperville, IL United tates asks...

High School summer leagues are a good place for trivial rules discussions. A goalkeeper, attempting to field a high, popped-up ball from about 40 years out, lets it slide immediately through his hands and/or arms and drop harmlessly to the ground. Un...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/19/2010

RE: College & Men's Majors Adult

Brian of Wauwatosa, WI USA asks...

Everyone has seen the disallowed score in the US-Slovenia match. Still photos reveal multiple fouls occurring: holding, elbowing etc. What should the Center and his AR have done?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 6/19/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Adnan Binmahfuz of aurangabad, Maharashtra India asks...

Dear Sir,
The present winning goal controversy on behalf of the United States which is going on of the Fifa World Cup match which held between United States and Solvenia on 18 june 2010. The Fifa will verdict on Monday regarding the Unit...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/19/2010

RE: etc Adult

Michael Rothschild of Quaker Hill, CT 06375 asks...

What happens when a referee sees multiple fouls occurring at the same time in the penalty box, both by the offense and the defense?

What is the appropriate procedure for him to follow at that point?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/19/2010

RE: College

darran of Toronto , Ontario Canada asks...

from what length of the full arm is hand called?...

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Law 1- The Field 6/19/2010

RE: Adult

Chong Lim of Perth, Western Australia Australia asks...

In a corner kick, can the corner flag be removed for the kick to be taken?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/18/2010

RE: All Adult

Kerry B. of Bourg, Louisiana United States asks...

Regarding the USA-Slovenia game from earlier:

In your opinion, what was called on the US team that disallowed the potential game-winning goal? Offsides, or a foul in the box?

Also: What could have been called, on both teams? (I'm s...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/18/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Michael Borga of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

Can anyone tell me what the foul was that called back the 3rd goal for the US against Slovenia? AR didn't raise flag so it couldn't have been offsides, could it?

Never saw any indication from the ref as to what he was calling, did you?
<...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/18/2010

RE: Junior Adult

Joe McDonnell of Castlebar, Mayo Ireland asks...

Okay I'm fairly well versed on the Offside rule and have read the rule book extensively but wasn't sure about one situation.

Player A has the ball. Player B is behind him and obviously offside.
Player C is in an offside position.
D...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/17/2010

RE: Select, Rec Under 18

Michael A Kropp of Cottage Grove, MN USA asks...

Can a player with possession of the ball and dribbling forward hold a defender, trying to attack from the side, away with his arm fully extended straight out and his palm against the opponent? (essentially like straight-arming in American football). ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/17/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Jenny of Wrightstown, WI USA asks...

In our game tonight, the opposing team was given a verbal warning in the first half for too many players on the field (they had 12). In the second half, play was stopped for a push (opposing team's foul) and the ref again counted 12 on the field. H...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/17/2010

RE: Adult

Farsi Mahdi of Tehran, Iran asks...

I think first goal of Mexico in match versus France was offside. Wasn't it?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/17/2010

RE: Rec High School

Steve of Muskoka, Ontario Canada asks...

All ball is play when it is kicked and moves ....

You have clearly answered the 'moves' part. Thank you. What is the definition or interpretation of a kick.

Specifically, is placing your foot on top of the ball and rolling it (movi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/17/2010

RE: competive Under 19

Sultan Akkawi of beirut, beirut lebanon asks...

When was (which year )the rules released or has been put concerning :
1- IF the player took of his t-shirt after a goal will be penalized with a yellow card

2-If the player give back the ball to his goal keeper by his leg and the goalkee...

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Mechanics 6/17/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Michael Borga of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

After watching the South Korea v Argentina game, I was wondering what was the referee's justification for continually stepping in and stopping the players from taking a quick kick after he awarded a free kick. Didn't seem to matter which team it was,...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/17/2010

RE: Adult

Adam Derechin of Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591 asks...

In the infamous Hand of God goal, is Maradona not offside because the ball was played to him by a defender?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/16/2010

RE: select Under 17

dee of middletown, nj usa asks...

Charging ... or is it just Chicken? Two players running full speed for the ball usually head on or at an oblique angle (not side by side). If neither player 'flinches,' both are going to be carried off on stretchers. One player generally does flin...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/16/2010

RE: Adult

Jo of Vic, Vic Australia asks...

Im just wondering, does a red card on a player mean that a team plays with only 10 players on the field next match, like in the current match where the card was payed?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/16/2010

RE: select Under 17

dee of middletown, nj usa asks...

GK and attacker both challenging (fast) for the ball. The GK goes to a slide tackle at a right angle to the attacker coming dead on to goal. Both can and will get to the ball at the same time. GK manages to get there first, by inches, and deflects...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/16/2010

RE: World Cup Other

Kolin Walker of Madison, Wisconsin USA asks...

I watched the match between South Africa and Uruguay today and saw the red card on Khune and immediately disagreed. (Here's a link to the call: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eKy_mLfHQg).

I would have awarded the PK and then given Khune a ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/16/2010

RE: Rec, HS Other

Joe M of Waldwick, NJ USA asks...

The question about the keeper being DQ'd was timely as it happened in South Africa v Uruguay today.

Let me preface this by stating I am NOT questioning the call made by the official, but want to understand what he saw and called.

M...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/16/2010

RE: Rec, Competitve Under 19

David of San Clemente, CA USA asks...

When is it appropriate to 'bend' the LOTG in the greater interest of the Spirit of the Game'
(picked up off a local Forum post)
I'd like a general response but I'll give two examples and I'd like to hear how the referee should handle these:
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Appearance 6/16/2010

RE: Adult

Mahdi farsi of Tehran, Iran asks...

I have a question.
Is it possible for a referee or his/her assistant having ring on fingers? Some referees in Iran recommend that referee should not slick ring. ...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 6/15/2010

RE: Adult

rasheshwarnath of mumbai, maharashtra india asks...

1) goalie takes a goal kick, it sails the field of play and sails over the opposing goalie and lands in the net. will this be considered a goal??
2) goalie collects the ball driven by an opposing forward and kicks it back into play, it sails the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/15/2010

RE: Competition Adult

Andrew of Sydney, New South Wales Australia asks...

An opponent takes a shot at goal. What seems to be an easy catch for the goalkeeper, with no other attackers near by, the goalkeeper decides to allow the ball to rebound off his hand where the goalkeeper traps the ball with his feet. The goalkeeper t...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 6/15/2010

RE: All level up to college Other

Scott of Watertown, NY USA asks...

My son and I got into a conversation and wanted to make sure I was correct in my thinking. My son is being coached by a coach stating that this is an acceptable way of taking a PK. The true question we were discussing is what will the restart be?
...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/15/2010

RE: College

Med of Calgary, AB Canada asks...

In the 7th minute of the Portugal v. Ivory Coast WC game, Zokora attempted a dangerous studs-up, feet-off-the-ground challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo. But he missed it and Ronaldo dove over to get a free-kick. Assuming the referee saw the incident as I...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/15/2010

RE: Competive Under 15

Joe Johnson of chicago, USA asks...

In a recent match a girl on the opposing team had chalk under her shirt which she use to help dry the ball on her throw-ins. She would put the ball and her hands under her shirt to dry it prior to the throw-in. She had a powerful flip throw-in and ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/14/2010

RE: every level

R,Miller of Susanville, USA asks...

I've noticed a lot of ' grabbing and pulling' of an opponent's uniform...what is the penalty awarded against the player doing this? And why isn't this infraction called more often? It is 'cheating' isn't it?...

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League Specific 6/14/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Spyro Gerontidis of LIC, NY USA asks...

Can a team play a game, complete the game, then forfeit the game after the final whistle?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/14/2010

RE: High School

Ben of Calgary, Alberta Canada asks...

Was watching the World Cup highlights (forget the game) when there was a long pass by the attacking team into the penatly area and the attacker knocked the ball down in an attempt to control it, with his hand/arm. Play was blown and the referee gave ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/14/2010

RE: Professional

Caroline of Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

Is there any offense that would result in a goalie getting a red card? If so, what happens in that situation? Does the goalie get sent off the pitch and there is no goalie for the rest of the game?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/14/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Bob Dawson of Camarillo, CA USa asks...

In the U.S. v England match, on the play where U.S. keeper Tim Howard was injured, please explain the reasoning that allows the attacking player to go cleats out into Howard, never touching the ball, without being judged to be misconduct of any sort....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/13/2010

RE: Competitive Other

Greg Turner of Digby, Nova Scotia Canada asks...

So, what is everyone saying about the Cahill red card in the Australia vs Germany game at the World Cup? Was it excessive force or just reckless? The Australians are saying it was merely careless and Cahill was actually trying to pull back. The card...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/13/2010

RE: Select Under 17

Daniel Bacic of Plano, Texas United States asks...

As I was playing in a game recently, one of my teammates and a certain player on the opposing team really disliked each other. During play, those two got into a one-on-one quarry for the ball; during that, the opposing player grabbed my teammate's j...

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Other 6/13/2010

RE: Fan

Joshua Beauford of Mulberry, AR USA asks...

Why do team captains trade flag pendants in the World Cup? Are they flag pendants from their country?...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/13/2010

RE: Pro Professional

Greg of Dallas, Tx USA asks...

This is about the England vs USA game for those of you that watched. There was a ball played through which Wayne Rooney ran on to. He was clearly not in an offside position. However, I believe it was Heskey in the center circle, who was in an offside...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/13/2010

RE: Rec and competitive Under 12

Chris Doucette of arroyo grande, ca USA asks...

I just watched Ghana v Serbia. A Serbian player handled the ball in the area for which the ref called a PK and he cautioned him. Why the caution? It was not a DOGSO, the ball was going across the field. Thanks...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/13/2010

RE: Adult

Timm Kluender of Gypsum, CO USA asks...

Is the OFFENSIVE team allowed to set a wall during a free kick? During a corner kick?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/13/2010

RE: Adult

Fakhry Saymeh of old bridge, nj` usa asks...

What happened after a player received a red card?...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 6/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 17

Tim Siow of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada asks...

Hi refs; as a starter, I appreciate the answer to my earlier question regarding the offside rule. Here's another one that's been puzzling me.

Recently, while looking up footballing tactics, I noticed a very tricky/clever corner kick taken by...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 6/12/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

While watching the USA vs England World Cup match, I was also paying attention to what the referees were doing and how they were handling the game.

When Clint Dempsey's shot trickled past the goalkeeper, the assistant referee was still way...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/12/2010

RE: competetive Under 13

Jef Harding of Moorestown, nj usa asks...

Players A1 and A2 beat the defenders and approach the keeper. A1 moves ahead of A2
A2 shoots and the keeper bangs it back out. A1 shoots into the net...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 6/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Ata Ivanov of Palo Alto, California USA asks...

Here is my question: According to FIFA rules is it possible for a player who has been substituted once to play again in the same game?

The FIFA rule book has two, a bit conflicting, rules:
http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/ge...

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Law 1- The Field 6/12/2010

RE: competive Under 19

Neil Mahoney of rehoboth, ma usa asks...

ball in play on field and is kicked high by team blue it his an overhanging tree branch at center line, tree branch is a good 15 ft above field ball drops straight down and is played by team yellow. Should i have stopped game or continue play, I did...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/12/2010

RE: Under 10

Barry of Wellington, New Zealand asks...

Our GK made a good save and while lying on the ground with the ball still in both hands on the ground, our own defending player kicked it out of his hands and into the goal. It was awarded as an own goal, and fair enough. But a keeper is not allowed ...

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Other 6/11/2010

RE: odp Under 16

oscar almazan of valinda, ca usa asks...

where can I find the rules or regulation from fifa regarding a player playing for one country and maybe transferring to another country and playing international matches....

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 6/11/2010

RE: - Adult

doddy of jogja, jogja indonesia asks...

About the opening match of World CUp 2010, the offside against Vela.

There's still Pienarr as the last player of the defence side, why was Vela called offside?

Is it because there have to be 2 last defending player? or is it because...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 6/11/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

sam of oregon, Wisconsin USA asks...

If the goalie saves it and then rolls or walks out of bounds without the ball touching out of bounds is it out? I wonder because I see people save it with some part of their body touching out. thanks...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 6/11/2010

RE: BEGINNER Adult

MARTIN of McAllen, TX United States asks...

WHAT CHOICES DOES THE TEAM WHO WINS THE COIN FLIP TO START A GAME HAVE?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/10/2010

RE: AYSO Rec Under 12

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

Player A runs completely off the field while playing the ball. Player B is challenging the same ball, and has one foot off the field, and the other on the touchline. Player B carelessly trips opponent A with the foot that is off the field.

...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/10/2010

RE: Adult

Nick Broderick of Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada asks...

In a Senior Men's C game recently, I had the following scenario occur. The ball is played from 25 yards outside the penalty area at an angle towards the left corner flagpost. It is headed towards an offside-positioned attacker who makes no effort to ...

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Other 6/9/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Cory Elgin of Menifee, California USA asks...

When were the assistant's 'blip flags' first introduced?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/9/2010

RE: Select Other

Octavian Iliuta of Saskatoon, SK Canada asks...

Team A attacks and a cross comes in the penalty box. The attacker is in pole position to head the ball in the goal. Defender behind him whispers'Let it go, i got it' To my surprise, the attacker let it pass him( I later found out they go to high scho...

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Other 6/9/2010

Aidan of chicago, il usa asks...

What team scored the most goals in one World Cup tournament?

AND

Name 3 countries that have played in a World Cup but never scored a goal?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/9/2010

Brittany of Keswick, Ontario Canada asks...

I understand the rule regarding the removal of a jersey for the celebration of a goal, however, should a player be issued a yellow card for removing his jersey at any point during the match? Perhaps as a caution for 'acting in a manner which shows a ...

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6/9/2010

Paul of smyrna, ga USA asks...

With all due respect Ref Contarino, the topic discussed was regarding offside calls on restarts when the ball was previously off the FOP, goal kicks, throw ins, corner kicks and kick offs
Direct and indirect kicks, as well as drop balls were...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/8/2010

RE: Other

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

The law says:

...penalised if,...involved in active play by:...gaining an advantage by being in that position.

In the interpretations/guidelines at the back of the this year's (09/10) LOTG, page 103, it says:

A player in an...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/8/2010

Doug of Cincinnati, Ohio US asks...

Thanks for the clear as mud difference of opinion on the way to handle the situation described in this question. I had something similar happen recently in a game. As I began to read your individual responses I felt like I had made the correct deci...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/8/2010

RE: high school, all ayso levels, select and club Under 19

greg t of torrance, ca usa asks...

Interesting discussions ensue when referees get together regarding at what point the ball is actually 'in play' during the taking of a free kick. Please shed some light on this subject so that I may educate others. Thanks! greg t....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/8/2010

RE: Comp Under 13

John Arnold of Berkeley, CA USA asks...

Given the sometimes large difference in size between some of the kids in our U12 games, the question of whether the larger kids can shoulder-charge the smaller kids off the ball comes up a lot. It's not uncommon to see a small kid end up on the groun...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/8/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Mike of Boston, MA USA asks...

Does intentional stepping on toes constitute obstruction? This would be away from the ball, waiting for a potential pass.

Thanks...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/8/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Leah of Thornton, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,
Recently I refereed a game where a player had two hearing aids. These hearing aids were visible and they were sticking out a little bit. I allowed her to play. Was this right?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/8/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

On a related question,
What do you do with untied shoe laces that take too long to tie?
Especially with goalies with their gloves.
This happened when the goalies shoes were untied and her team was ahead by one near the end of a tournamen...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/7/2010

RE: Club Under 15

David M of Corona, CA usa asks...

I wish someone would emphasize to the refs that kicking the ball or especially the keeper when they have possession is AGAINST THE RULES. We have teams that are taught to 'challenge' (I'd call it attack) the keeper when they have the ball, almost no...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/7/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Mike George of Centennial, CO US asks...

At a recent 8v8 game, one of the players on the purple team was playing with his shoelaces untied. During play, one of the white team players stepped on his shoelaces causing him to trip and fall down. The referee called tripping and awarded a kick...

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Mechanics 6/7/2010

RE: Rec, Select ... Under 16

David of Southfield, MI USA asks...

What is the proper positioning for a Center Referee on a corner kick? I think just outside the penalty area, in line with where the ball may land....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/6/2010

RE: rec Adult

adam wolstenholme of manchester, england asks...

A defender strikes an opponent whilst the ball is in play, is the restart a penalty and red card for violent conduct. Does the same apply elsewhere on the field a player strikes an opposing player, a red card for violent conduct and a direct free ki...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/6/2010

RE: High School

John Moore of Chagrin Falls, OH United States asks...

What if the second foul is a cardable foul?...

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Other 6/6/2010

RE: Competative - Semi Pro Adult

Garry of Bristol, UK asks...

If a player was to steal a referee's card either red or yellow, what would be the punishment ? And under what law would it be applied to ?


...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/6/2010

RE: Select Adult

Sammy chelimett of Nairobi, Kenya asks...

What happens when a goalkeeper handles a passback in his goal area/penalty area?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/6/2010

RE: competive Under 13

gjohn of indianapolis, in usa asks...

My son was involved in a game that was being played very physically and was inadvertently injured but walked it off. %minutes later he is near the player that injured him both on a run for a 50/50 ball and my son tries to trip other player but miss...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/5/2010

RE: Under 15

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

The attacking team clears the ball and it is heading to the keeper. Another attacking player in an offside position is chasing it down. The keeper (still in the penalty area)kicks the ball, and it deflects off the attacker who then takes control an...

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6/5/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Josh of Millington, NJ USA asks...

Is it a goal if the ball is in the goalie box, the keeper has dived for the ball and literally has two fingers on the ball but not 100% possession, the ball is then kicked into the goal?...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/5/2010

Paul of smyrna, ga usa asks...

Regarding why players can not be called for offside infractions on goal kicks, throw-ins or corner kicks; although I've never read this anywhere I've always assumed the reasoning is (almost) obvious.
Offside is judged by the position of the pl...

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Other 6/4/2010

RE: Regular

Mike Yessail of Westwood, MA USA asks...

I took my ref training course in February, but I have still not received my ID card. Is something wrong?...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/4/2010

Joshua Beauford of Mulberry, AR USA asks...

How does someone become offsides?
Why does the goalie wear different colored jerseys than the team?...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 6/4/2010

RE: Select Adult

Dan Paolini of Eastampton, NJ USA asks...

>> A player cannot be offside DIRECTLY from a corner kick (or a goal kick or throw in).

It is interesting to learn about the historical reasons. When you consider that one cannot be offside on a kick-off by law, I had just assumed that the c...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 6/4/2010

RE: High School

Steve Cichon of Tinley Park, Illinois USA asks...

An attacking team member takes a shot from outside the 18 to an upper 90 location of the goal. The keeper catches the ball in mid air and falls into the goal, crossing the end line with the ball in his possession. The ball and the keeper are clearly ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 6/4/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Jim Faust of Chambersburg, PA USA asks...

I'm starting to see more teams when they are taking a corner kick have a player holding the goalkeeper, knocking the keepers arms down, generally impeding the keeper from moving and/or catching the ball, even before the kick is taken. Nothing is bei...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/3/2010

RE: gold Under 15

leigh bacon of vancouver, bc canada asks...

A ref gave us a penalty as the other teams
goalie handled outside the box.His reason for giving it was that the goalie was the last man.I did not agree(although happy for the pen :)...)if anything I thought it was a direct kick to us and kid get...

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Law 15 - Throw In 6/3/2010

RE: select Under 16

bill of grapevine, texas usa asks...

Throw-in attempt lands on line. Ball did not cross into play and then curve back towards line - just never made it all the way past the line. IMO the ball never made it into play and I instructed the player to take a re-throw. When we discussed it...

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Law 15 - Throw In 6/3/2010

RE: Club Under 11

Edgar of WLB, New Jersey USA asks...

Can you tell me how officials determine who to reward the ball to when two players contact the ball simultaneously and it goes out of bounds? I see this most often when an attacker is moving down the field and the defender challenges him for the ball...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 6/3/2010

RE: Competive Under 13

J Lawrence of Houston, Tx usa asks...

Can a player play an IDFK or a DFK back to a team mate or does it have to be kicked and moved forward ?

Thanks for all you guys do....

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 6/2/2010

RE: Amateur Adult

Ruben of Portugal, Portugal Portugal asks...

Hello! I wish that you would help me clarify a doubt, the doubt is this: which is the principle/theory and what reason because don't exist off-side in a goal kick? And what would happen if there was offside when a player scores a goal kick? In other ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 6/1/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Robert of St. Charles, Mo USA asks...

I and told that there is no off-side on a corner kick.
Why is this so? Once the ball is in the air, it logically loses any privileged status. If I am wrong, then when does the off-side rule become instantly operable?...when the ball is in the ai...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/1/2010

RE: High School

Bill James of Madison, IN USA asks...

My daughter recently called me from a U10 game my granddaughter was playing in with a question about an indirect kick. My granddaughter took the kick which hit the goalkeeper and went in the goal; a goal was awarded. Several parents from the opposing...

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Other 5/31/2010

RE: competetive youth College

Louis of New Castle, DE USA asks...

I witnessed a semi final ( blue Vs White) and blue was up 2-0. Blue decided they did not wish to continue to the final, so to avoid the fines of dropping out. The blue team scored 3 consecutive goals on themselves within a matter of seconds...(The w...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 5/31/2010

RE: Rec-Classic Under 13

Drew DeGraff of High Point, NC USA asks...

I had a U12 CL game at a tournament. The two teams had both won a game and lost a game, so winning meant a lot. Team Blue was up by 1 goal. In the final 10 seconds of the game, the ball was kicked out of bounds by the White team. The Blue team too...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/30/2010

RE: Select Under 18

M.P. of , USA asks...

A question from my assessment game-- U17 Girls Select. White defender in her defensive half attempts a clearance which deflects from the knee of a nearby red midfielder to a red forward standing in offside position when ball rebounds from her teamma...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/30/2010

RE: rec Under 12

Bernard of Denmark, Western Australia Australia asks...

Interference with goalie clearing kick.

Is it considered a foul for a forward to block a goalie OUTSIDE the 18 yard box when the keeper is trying to kick from hands.

In the recent women's Asian Cup final between Australia and North ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/30/2010

RE: competitive Under 11

Greg of Dallas, Texas USA asks...

I was an AR in a U10 girls game the other day. Team A was winning 2-0 and one of their strikers was dribbling the ball inside the penalty box. She was between the goal area and the edge of the penalty box, about 20 yards from me (if that). She knocke...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/29/2010

Steve of Stockton, CA US asks...

Mr. Contarino responded:
'Most seasoned referees will tell you to generally avoid giving advantage inside the penalty area and USSF tells us never to give the advantage signal inside the penalty area.'

I'm not taking issue with this resp...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/28/2010

RE: Competive High School

Steve Johnston of Kamloops, BC Canada asks...

We have won a game on a ref's bad decision. We were in extra PK's, Our sixth player shoots first and scores. Opposition's sixth player shoots and the ball hits the the goal post then our keeper's back and goes in the net. The ref calls it no goal...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/28/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Lloyd Walker of Florence, SC USA asks...

A defender challenges a fast-moving attacker and pokes the ball away -- an apparently fair tackle. The defender's momentum carries her into the defender and a fairly violent collision occurs. The call was a fair tackle, but a subsequent reckless ch...

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Other 5/28/2010

RE: Adult

David Hunter of Columbia, SC USA asks...

What can a referee do if a fan is calling his actions in question? No foul language, or abuse but asking 'are you going to call fouls so our players don't get hurt?' Does the referee have the authority to suspend or abandon the game for something l...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/28/2010

RE: Grade 7 Adult

Tim Mann of Akron, OH USA asks...

This is a purely hypothetical situation, but I thought would stir some discussion. I know if a whistle is blown not by the referee, for example by a spectator, or even a referee on the next field, the restart is a dropped ball. This tends to be som...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/28/2010

RE: Pro Adult

Lumkile Payi of Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

can a penalty kicker be changed if the first one was ordered to be retaken?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/27/2010

RE: Competetive Adult

Al of La Crescent, MN USA asks...

A local soccer rules committee wants to require referees to change from their standard gold jersey when a color conflict arises, and have them wear a contrasting color over their gold jersey. I thought the laws of the game were clear (pg 15). The t...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/27/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Chris of Hudson, NH USA asks...

If the keeper is out of the box and picks up the ball in his/her hands, is the result a direct kick or a PK?...

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The Technical Area 5/27/2010

RE: select College

mark.patton of Hayden, Idaho USA asks...

Under FIFA law (as opposed to modified league or High School rules), what is the proper procedure for dealing with coaches and/or bench personnel (assistants, trainers, etc.) who engage in inappropriate behavior?

Are they shown a card? Or ar...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/27/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Don Baker of Memphis, TN USA asks...

Attacker has possession of ball and beats last defender to go one on one with goalie. Goalie comes out to defend a possible shot. Shot taken and goalie deflects the shot off the playing field behind the goal while sliding out towards attacker. Thr...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 5/27/2010

RE: Under 18

Sanjay of Bangalore, Karanataka India asks...

Is it a goal when the football passes the goal line in the air & if the goalkeeper without crossing the goal line manage to stop the ball from touching the net?(the ball is in the air) ...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 5/26/2010

RE: Rec High School

Michael J Gajdowski of New Fairfield, CT usa asks...

If a player takes a shot on goal and the ball hits the crossbar and then rebounds back to the same player who now shoots and scores, is the goal allowed ?...

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Other 5/26/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Leah of Thornton, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,
Do you have a recommendation for a stop watch?
Thanks,...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/26/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Leah of Thornton, oNTARIO Canada asks...

Hi,
Last night at a game I played a player intentionally blocked the goalie from doing a drop ball. The referee talked to the player and play continued. Was this right?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/25/2010

RE: National Rec Under 19

Ramon Reyes of Oak Park, Ca USA asks...

What if the player uses to spinning throw in to get advantage in attaining distance to score a goal? Isn't uneven use of the hands illegal or throwing it from the side of the head? There seems to be a disconnect with the rules and the way coaches...

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The Technical Area 5/25/2010

RE: Rec and High School Under 16

John of Eatontown , New Jersey USA asks...

What is the rule regarding an opposing coach 'B' calling his team to the side lines but still on the field and gives them instructions while coach of team 'A' is attending to his injured player on the field......

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Law 3 - Number of Players 5/25/2010

RE: Select Under 16

Fred Landau of Harrisburg, PA USA asks...

When leagues adopt rule modifications that the teams don't like it is up to the teams/clubs who make up the league to voice their opinions and have the modification reviewed and changed. Here in Central PA we also have a league that has gone to unli...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/25/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

John of boston, ma USA asks...

A foul occurred about 40 yds from goal against a player dribbling the ball. The player maintained possession so advantage was allowed. A second later the player made a thru pass to another attacker who was just offside. The whistle was blown for o...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/25/2010

RE: Adult

Preetam of Lallmatie, Flacq Mauritius asks...

Can a player replace a goalkeeper during a penalty shoot out even after all the substitution had been made and the goalkeeper is not injured??...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/24/2010

RE: competive Under 13

frank of farmingdale, ny USA asks...

On a goal kick. How many on the defense can stay in the goal box?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 5/24/2010

RE: USSF Level 7 Other

John Richer of San Jose, CA USA asks...

2 teams showed up for their U14 game. One team had 11 players the other had 9. The coaches agreed between themselves that they would play 9v9 with team #1 having 2 subs.

I remember somewhere in the rules/LOTG that if a team had 11 players th...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/24/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Annette of Canton, Georgia USA asks...

I'm a R9 soon to be bridging to be R8. I have a question about offsides. I was AR for one game, one of the attacking teammates was offsides and was passed to him but the attacking player did not have full possession of the ball but the attacking play...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/24/2010

RE: Rec Under 19

Alan of Los Angeles County, California USA asks...

A situation came up recently that I would like your advice on how to handle in the future.

Attacker 1 was clearly in an offside position when the ball was kicked by his teammate. The lead AR raised his flag to signal offside. I saw the fla...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/24/2010

RE: Competive Under 17

Nani of Manchester, nh usa asks...

Question on the Offside law, as this interpretation has change back and forth over the last couple of seasons and I would like clarification.

Coaching this weekend, we were awarded a direct kick in the waning minutes of the first 1/2, in th...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/24/2010

RE: Select Under 18

Ted Snyder of Belleville, IL St Clair asks...

Follow up, this occurred in a game I was watching, not reffing. PK awarded for foul in box. Player taking PK shot, goalie saved, came back to player who took the PK. He punched it in...referee called double touch. I thought if it hit post and play...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/24/2010

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

With regard to the concept of 'must reduce to equate', I have always thought of this as more of a benefit to the team with more players, since they may now remove their weaker penalty kick takers from the competition, and so something that they are ...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/24/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

Peter Henderson of Glasgow, Lanarkshire Scotland asks...

At the end of a Cup Final (extra time included) with the result at 1 - 1 we went to a penalty shootout.

For one of the penalties the Goal Keeper saved the ball pushing it back out the way. Due to the spin on the ball it came rolling back tow...

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Other 5/23/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

Mark of Lake Villa, IL USA asks...

After a referee has red carded the head coach; can the ref then red card the assistant coach due to the head coach questioning the ref's ability as he leaves the field.

The assistant coach did not say one single thing to the ref and the ref...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/23/2010

RE: COMPETITIVE Under 16

JOSEPH of GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA USA asks...

In the first half a penalty is committed, can a player on the bench come in to take the penalty kick?

Can a player come to take a penalty kick if a player is injured? Or does the player need to be on the field when the PK is called?
<...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/23/2010

RE: travel Under 10

Bill Cumming of olmsted falls, ohio usa asks...

Is 'slide tackling' a loose ball with no other player in the immediate vicinity considered a slide tackle for the purposes of calling a foul?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/23/2010

RE: Most Rec and Youth Travel Other

Donna Meredith of Amissville, Virginia USA asks...

If there is an IDFK awarded and the kicking player shoots (as if direct) but the ball deflects off of an opposing player and enters the goal, is a goal awarded?

My suspicion is yes because the law simply says that on an IDFK the ball must t...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/22/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Terry of Felton, DE USA asks...

Penalty kick awarded, during kick defense encroaches, referee allows a different attacking player (not a substitute) to take re-kick of penalty kick. I believe this was incorrect to change player taking penalty kick without good cause, i.e. injury to...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 5/21/2010

RE: select Under 12

Stanley Lo of BROOKFIELD, WI United States asks...

A shot is taken and comes off the hands of the goalie. The goal hits the top of the square cross bar and returns to the field of play. The ball is subsequently shot into the goal by an offensive player.

Is this a goal or is was the ball co...

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Mechanics 5/21/2010

Avery Haskell of Overland Park, KS USA asks...

Can someone please explain the concept of isolating when carding a player? When it is necessary, why, how, etc.
Thanks!...

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5/21/2010

RE: Competitive Under 11

Brett Baker of Virginia Beach, VA US asks...

A player loses his boot near midfield. Play is allowed to continue with the 1-booted player dribbling through and around pressure into the attacking third, for about 10-12 seconds, before finally losing possession of the ball. I felt the ref should h...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 5/21/2010

RE: Rec, Competitive Adult

David James of Tallahassee, Florida US asks...

What is the correct procedure for an AR to signal: A PK foul that only the AR sees in the penalty box; A foul that the Center calls in the penalty box and looks for AR confirmation, IDK or PK? ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/20/2010

RE: competitive Adult

bob of boston, ma us asks...

Opening kickoff is about to begin and i notice that one teams goaltender has jewelry on so i instruct him to leave the field and remove them, but then i blow the whistle to start the game before the goaltender returns to the game. What is the proper ...

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Other 5/20/2010

RE: Competitive Under 10

Tom Pickett of Akron, OH United States asks...

I am the Executive Director for our local youth league and a situation has occurred involving a decision by a referee and league rules.
In a U9 game a foul was called in the penalty box-there is no dispute regarding that. Unlike our older age gr...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/20/2010

RE: amature Adult

moh'd of tehran, tehran Iran asks...

When two forwards run from behind the last defender and when still there is a defender between them and GK , the third forward passes the ball behind the defender , now both of them are running through the goal with the ball , is there any possibilit...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/20/2010

RE: Rec Under 10

Tom Richer of Briarcliff Manor, NY USA asks...

Law 16 Goal Kick Question - If the ball crosses the goal line to the right or left of the goal, where does the goal kick restart need to take place? Can it be anywhere in the goal box? I was under the understanding that it had to be in the half of ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/19/2010

RE: Competitve High School

Betty Franchi of Arlington, VA United States asks...

Team A is awarded a free kick. Player 1 takes the kick as the ref walks across the area. The ball thus hits the ref and player 1 touches the ball again. The ref awarded the ball to the other team. Is this the correct call as it was the ref that walke...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/19/2010

RE: Select Under 18

Bruce of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

Wonderful site. Keep up the great work!

I was watching a competitive mens' game last week on the local pitch, when the following situation occurred.

The red team keeper set up for a goal kick. He placed the ball on the left corner...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/19/2010

RE: Select Under 11

Mike Slattery of Columbus , OH USA asks...

Question about how to call being active in an offside position. Offensive player A brings ball into area on near side, say, and goalie shifts to cover his near post. Offensive player B (in clear offside position) is within 6 yard box at far post, cer...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/19/2010

RE: Adult 11-a-side Cup Final Adult

Simon of Cranfield, England asks...

Hi all,

As well as being a level 5 referee in the UK, I also run an amateur Weekend League. Last Sunday, whilst watching a Cup Final in our League, I saw a strange incident that had all of us arguing about what should happen.

Here's...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/19/2010

RE: All Levels Under 14

Todd Wendorf of Marysville, PA United States asks...

Interesting situation occurred during a U12 game. Attacker Player is in an offside position. His teammate attempts a pass to the offside player. An opponent stepped into the passing lane to intercept and attempts to clear the ball. Unfortunately ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 5/19/2010

RE: Competitive Under 11

Andrew Bekken of Birmingham, AL USA asks...

Thank you for your responses. I blew it - not the first time and probably won't be the last.

But as a follow up more of curiosity, what if the ref does not give permission? Or is it understood he is supposed to and will?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/18/2010

RE: Regional Adult

Nondas Roussakis of Pierrefonds, QC Canada asks...

Are you allowed to play with a Knee Brace?
Do you need to wrap it up?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/18/2010

RE: Club, Select Other

Patrick Faulds of Columbia, South Carolina USA asks...

I just read an online article that indicates the IFAB is issuing a change to Law 14, banning feinting on penalty kicks at the Worl Cup in S. Africa. (see site at http://www.proreferee.com/article/4189)

Is there any indication that this will ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/18/2010

RE: Competitive Under 11

Doug of Cincinnati, Ohio U.S. asks...

In this instance the game situation has been shared with me by a coach. His player, possessing the ball with back to the goal and inside the penalty area, is challenged from behind and has his legs taken out from under him. Another member of the at...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/18/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

DJ of Mankato, MN USA asks...

My player had a free kick and the ball hit the crossbar, then came out 20 yards where he originally kicked from and he volleyed it back into the net. Should this have been a goal? It was allowed, but I thought another player had to touch it before he...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/18/2010

RE: 1 Adult

dave bott of london, uk kent asks...

If the ball is played to player in an offside position you would award? ...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/17/2010

RE: Competive Under 14

Mark of Meridian, Idaho USA asks...

We recently played in a semi final game that went to PK's. My question is, are you allowed to switch keepers in the middle of the shoot out? I know your keeper is allowed to be one of the shooters just never seen a keeper change in the middle of a ...

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Law 1- The Field 5/17/2010

RE: Rec High School

Jay Ramey of El Dorado Hills, CA USA asks...

I commend all the Refs and their ideas on the securing of the goals. As I am sure many on this site have done many jobs to promote youth soccer in one form or another, I would say the number one priority is to make sure the field is safe, and that i...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/17/2010

RE: Select Under 14

Doug Beauregard of Otsego, MI USA asks...

A throw-in is properly taken. However, on the way towards the field, the ball bounces on the ground OUTSIDE the touchline. After it hits the ground, the ball enters the field of play. Is this a legal throw-in?

I couldn't find WORDING in t...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/17/2010

RE: Select Under 17

Whitney of Tupelo, MS US asks...

On a goal kick, two of the offensive players (A&B)are past their midfield and one (say player A) receives the ball direct from the keeper. All defenders are standing at their mid-field thinking those two players are in an offside position. I know the...

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Other 5/17/2010

RE: High School

Jim Laydon of Iron Mountain, MI USA asks...

The rule applies to an indirect kick if clear possession is determined when an injury occurs. It appears this rule was changed to apply to High School games. Here is the scenario that happened in my game this past week and it pretty much determined...

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Character, Attitude and Control 5/17/2010

RE: U-16 Travel Under 16

Catherine of Kearny, NJ USA asks...

Second question on our NJ State Cup game, which was very controversial. The ref awarded a penalty kick to other team in the second half of a 0-0 game calling interference on our goalie. Our goalie did slide into attacker, but...after the ball was u...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/17/2010

RE: U-16 Travel Under 17

Catherine of Kearny, NJ USA asks...

This is a State Cup game. Our players are attacking. Everyone is onside when the ball is kicked. The ball is kicked at the goal, the goalie comes out of the goal and tries to grab it, but it bounces off of him due to the force of the kick to one o...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/16/2010

RE: Under 13

Michael of scv, ca usa asks...

on a throw in when is the the ball in play? on the line or over the 4' line?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/16/2010

RE: rec Adult

michelle kim of vancouver , b.c. canada asks...

If the ball is going in and the defender intentionally handballs it, knocking it out of the net. what is the call. i thought it was a red card and an automatic goal.
...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/16/2010

RE: rec and select Under 12

Jim Aspell of West Hartford, Ct usa asks...

I am newly USSF certified this year and am still working my way through offsides calls. If an attacking player passes the ball to a team mate who at the time of the pass is in an offsides position, but by the time the pass reaches him/her she is ons...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/16/2010

RE: Travel Under 16

Coach D of Boston, MA USA asks...

Relatively straightforward situation.

Blue team shoots, Red team defense player (not keeper) on or behind goal line probably reflexively catches the Blue shot on net and then drops ball. Immediate whistle by center ref. PK awarded to Blue...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/16/2010

RE: Under 17

Mark Kamer of Greenwood, Indiana United States asks...

If the ball is in play and the defender uses his knee to play the ball back to the keeper. Is it legal that the keeper picks it up?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/16/2010

RE: Competitive Under 10

Scott of Hainesport, NJ United States asks...

Had a game yesterday. Throw-in rule was questioned. We had a player throwing the ball in from the sideline, but only had one foot stationary behind the touch line. The other foot was in the field of play. We thought it was a bad throw and the ref...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/16/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Mark Smith of Barwon Heads, vic Australia asks...

Interpretation on the back rule: A keeper may not use his hands to handle the ball under any circumstances if one of his own players deliberately passes the ball to him. What if when he receives the back pass, he attempts to dribble past the opposing...

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Character, Attitude and Control 5/12/2010

RE: travel Under 19

John of aylord, mi Otsego asks...

If the ball is being played at the far end of the field and a comfrontation happens on the other end enough to stop play nothing serious just keeping it under control what would be the restart and where would it take place?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/12/2010

RE: Travel D4 Under 15

Phil of head of the harbor, NY USA asks...

When an opposing team (several players 5 0r 6)approaches a referee to argue a call should the referee yellow card the players (other than the captains) for dissent?

Mind you the players weren't asking for clarification they were attempting t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/12/2010

RE: Select Under 11

Mike Slattery of columbus , ohio USA asks...

I have a question regarding deliberate handling by the keeper outside the area. It correctly warrants, of course, a DFK, but here's my conundrum, which has bugged me for a while now.

The advantage gained by a keeper for mistakenly stepping o...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/12/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Steve Carlson of Ridgefield, CT USA asks...

Law 15. The question is around any provisions in FIFA Law or guidance for a disabled one arm player on a throw in.

The referee allowed this situation (for the record, I agree with the inclusion). There were parents who were upset with it, ...

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Fitness 5/11/2010

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

The comment 'too many referees do not know how to run' caught my eyes. That is one of my problem and despite I have been doing a lot more running practise, my running ability do not improve much.

Can Mr Wickham share some tips as to the prop...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/11/2010

RE: Under 11

stephen mchugh of castleford, west yorkshire asks...

In a penalty shoot out, if a player takes a penalty and it hits the post and comes back out and hits the goalie's heels and goes in, is it a goal or after it hits the post is the ball dead? Thanks....

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/10/2010

RE: Rec Other

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

I just completed my training and exam yesterday. I'm interested in this question because of an incident several years ago.

I see 'inside the sock' and 'under the sock' in your answers. In the 2009/2010 laws, it says 'are covered entirely b...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/9/2010

RE: Competive Under 12

Mark of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

A question relating to offside and when the ball is technically 'played'. A player is in an offside position and in active play by distracting a defender, as the ball is brought towards that defender by an another attacker coming from an onside posit...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/9/2010

RE: Competive Under 12

Mark of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

Just wanted to clarify when a goalkeeper kicks the ball from his hands but is outside the penalty box at the time the ball is kicked from his hands, is the correct decision to award a handball and a direct free kick ?? recently saw a referee award a...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/9/2010

RE: Recreation Under 10

Joseph Andes of Newberry, FL USA asks...

Per our state guidelines, if an extra ball enters the field during the match (common with rec fields tightly spaced) than the game is to stop if the ball creates interference in the game. The situation is that the ball entered the field, while the a...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/9/2010

RE: comp Under 16

mike of TBay, Ontario canada asks...

Nowhere in the law book is there a statement about players having to tuck their jersey's in. One referee cautioned a player for coming on to the field without his jersey tucked in. Is this the correct way to handle this? Is there a statement in the...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 5/9/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

Dave of Ottawa, Canada asks...

A corner kick is awarded, at the end of regulation time. Does the ref blow the game off, or allow the kick to corner kick to be taken, then blow the game off?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/9/2010

RE: travel division 2 Under 11

anthony of camp hill, pa us asks...

Attacking player is tackled from behind in the penalty box on a break away run. It's debatable whether it was a foul. Defender and attacker both come down and are hurt. The goalie picks up the ball and punts. There are no other players close to t...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/9/2010

RE: travel Under 12

mark of robinson, pa usa asks...

My question is in regards to throw ins. I'm aware that there is no offside when a player receives the ball directly from a throw in...what constitutes directly? Can a defender deflect the ball first? We had a situation where a defender deflected the...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/9/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Mark of Findlay, OH USA asks...

One answer to this question had this quote:
'Many years ago the Law stated that the player had to use both hands and referees interpreted that spin on the ball was a result of not using both hands and therefore an incorrectly taken throw in. That...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/8/2010

RE: Silver Under 13

Andy of Coquitlam, BC Canada asks...

i was watching a cup game recently (although not closely) and thought I saw the goalie dribble the ball from outside the penalty box to within it and then pick up the ball with her hands. there was no call on the play and i wasn't sure of what i saw...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/7/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Michael Borga of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

Guys, you can't have it both ways.

The LOTG says you 'must' stop play and caution the player if he uses a trick to pass the ball to the goalie even if he doesn't pick it up.

While I agree with all of you that it makes no sense at m...

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League Specific 5/6/2010

RE: Adult

Norman of Singapore, Singapore Singapore asks...

What happens when a player receives a red card on the last match of his contract with the club?...

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Law 1- The Field 5/6/2010

RE: Select Under 15

Erik of Waukesha, WI USA asks...

if i brought my own spikes to anchor a goal, would i be liable if the spikes failed?...

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Fitness 5/6/2010

RE: Select Under 15

Erik of Waukesha, WI USA asks...

how much does playing high school soccer help you with refereeing and how can not doing hurt your refereeing

(Note: i'm debating between cross country which i'm pretty good at and soccer which i'm pretty bad at and i'm considering the effect...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 5/6/2010

RE: Rec Under 10

Steve Davenport of Wenatchee, WA Chelan asks...

When taking a corner kick, if the ball hits the goal post and comes back into the field of play is it considered to be out of bounds? At my Daughters game last night the ball from the corner kick hit the goal post, bounced back onto the field and we ...

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Mechanics 5/6/2010

RE: Select Under 10

Todd Wendorf of Marysville, PA United States asks...

I was the lone referee (with two club linesmen) for a U09 Girls match last night. Per League rules, they play 8v8 and the field size is reduced.

My question is regards to mechanics and how to best handle a situation.

The ball is ne...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/6/2010

RE: Under 17

stopgap of sydney, nsw australia asks...

If a defender clears up field but the ball cannons of an attacker in an onside position back past the defender and to an attacker in an offside position. Is the attacker offside? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/5/2010

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

'uses a deliberate trick while the ball is in play to pass the ball to his own goalkeeper with his head, chest, knee etc. in order to circumvent the Law'

If it is up to the referee to judge whether it is a deliberate trick or not, then can t...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/5/2010

RE: High School Adult

David Hunter of Columbia, SC USA asks...

I understand the substituting for a keeper at KFTPM to determine a winner. Let me clarify my original question. During KFTPM at a high school game, one of the teams used two keepers. FIRST keeper for 1st kick; SECOND keeper for 2nd kick; FIRST keepe...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/5/2010

RE: high school and competitive Adult

Roger Hitson of Farmington, MO USA asks...

Attacker running toward goal in penalty area, without ball, which is not under anyone's control, and maybe 3 yds away. Defender immediately goalside of attacker falls on attacker's legs, flattening attacker on her backside. Penalty or not? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/4/2010

RE: Competitive Under 13

Dan M of Hastings, MN USA asks...

In a recent game I had a player knocked down just outside of the penalty area by a defender that ran in to challenge although no contact was made with the ball. I guess this could have either been a charge (direct) or dangerous play (indirect). The...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/4/2010

RE: Select Under 18

Jon of Chesterfield, MO USA asks...

Can a player taking a penalty kick pass the ball to another player on his/her team for them to run on and shoot? Provided they move the ball forward and not back or, I guess, square? Of course the teammate must be outside of the penalty area until ...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/4/2010

RE: Rec, competitive Under 17

Greg of Rockwall, Tx USA asks...

I think a mistake was made. It was stated that 'A team mate of the kicker for a GK may be in an offside position. While he may not for an IFK' This is backwards. According to the Laws of the Game, there is no offsides on a goal kick, corner kick, or ...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 5/4/2010

RE: Rec, competitive Under 17

Greg of Rockwall, Tx USA asks...

My question is about a balance between watching the ball and watching the second to last defender. When I am working as center, I like to give my AR instruction, just worry about offside as a first priority, I'll focus on throw ins since I will be wa...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 5/4/2010

RE: rec Under 14

Dennis Campbell of Duluth, Ga USA asks...

On a corner kick, my daughter kicked the ball towards the goal, but the arc of the ball carried it from right to left causing it to cross the goal line (in the air) and reappear in front of the goal and went off the hands of the goalie and into the n...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/4/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Michael Borga of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

I unfortunately misread the interp, it does specifically state that the restart is an indirect kick.

This is permitted I assume under law 12 by
the section under indirect free kicks where it states:

commits any other offence, no...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/4/2010

RE: Competive Under 16

Cooper Anderson of Palmyra, Missouri USA asks...

Can a throw-in go directly to a goalkeeper, who then picks up the ball and punts it?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/4/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Michael Borga of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

Re: Question 23234 and the answers I must agree with those that state that there has been no infringement of the laws.

Just because a player juggles a ball to his head does not make the act in itself a foul. If the pass were to any player o...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/4/2010

RE: rec/select Under 15

paul m. of ludington, mi mason asks...

Now looking at that question, what if the goalie came out towards the attacker with the ball and another attacker slipped in behind the keeper and took a pass.
In my mind the person is in a offside position. The defenders are not around and its ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/4/2010

RE: select Under 12

Crosland Doak of Whistler , BC Canada asks...

If a ref blows a whistle must the play stop or can he undo the whistle during play? What is the rule #?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/4/2010

RE: Under 15

Alan Lands of Linwood, NJ Atlantic asks...

These questions concern the required 10 yard distance before a direct or indirect kick on the offensive side of the field in youth soccer games U-9 to U-17.
1. Upon a request from a player or coach is the referee required to move the defensi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/4/2010

RE: All Under 14

Todd Wendorf of Marysville, PA United States asks...

In respect to the keeper handling the ball that is deliberately kicked back to the keeper --

I have always believed that the spirit of the law was to speed up the game and prevent the timewasting that used to be so prevalent prior to the ins...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/4/2010

RE: All levels Adult

Doug Anderson of Orillia, Ontario Canada asks...

Wait a minutes people; the question says (IN CAPS) that the keeper does NOT pick the ball up. Where is there any infringement?

In my book, if the ball remains on the ground, the headed pass is a pass to a player who can be challenged like ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/4/2010

RE: Travel Under 13

Gwyn Williams of Bridgewater, NJ USA asks...

I was center ref for a U12 boys travel game. A shot was well saved down low by the left post by the goalkeeper and cleared by his defense. The ball came out to about 10 yards outside the penalty area to an attacker who took a shot. As I turned to loo...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Parent coach of Middle , Tn US asks...

I'm sorry, somewhat confused by the answer. On the one hand, I understand the idea of circumventing the laws but I'm confused here by the punishing the 'intent' rather than an actual circumvention since the keeper didn't. In other answers, the pane...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/3/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Kenneth Patricio of Springfield, IL USA asks...

Offside

Free kick about 30 yards out. While the ball is in the air, it is clearly going right to the goalie, and defenders stop. Several offensive players (all onside at the time of the kick) continue rushing the goal, once each to near po...

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Other 5/3/2010

RE: Adult

felipe vasquez of apo, ae usa asks...

What is the age limit to become a referee under ussf rules? Also, being a ussf referee can you officiate high school games? And what is the age limit to be a referee under the NFHS rules?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

As a coach, I noticed that opposing keeper was very sloppy with getting rid of the ball. I told one of my forwards to stand, and not move, at the edge of the penalty box. I told her if it was a weak pass to a defender to charge the ball. It was an...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

Hi Refs, love this site and it's been a great mind-stretcher.
I'm not sure about the kick to the keeper rule. I think all the questions regarding this call illustrate how poorly written a law it is.
In the US, I think, the determination has ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/3/2010

RE: maa1 Adult

gavin of gosford, nsw Australia asks...

Hi, can you receive a red card after a game has finished, as the referee is walking off the pitch? The player is getting changed on sideline, for example. Thanks. ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/3/2010

RE: SEMI PRO Adult

ALAN HENRY of PRESTON, LANCS UK asks...

In a recent game the pitch was becoming increasingly waterlogged when the ref awarded a penalty. The penalty spot was covered by a large puddle. Should the ref brush water off the spot to allow the kick to be taken, insist the kick is taken under the...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/2/2010

RE: competitive Under 15

myron chwe of Tuscaloosa, AL USA asks...

DFK at 25 yds from goal, defensive wall lines up inside penalty area.

Defenders have one arm over their faces and one over their groin area for protection.

Kick is taken, and a member of the wall jumps up, hand position essentially ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/2/2010

RE: select Adult

Gary Flanagan of Niagara Falls , ontario Canada asks...

Intentional pass back to keeper...
The defending player flicks the ball from his foot to his head; he then heads it back to his keeper WHO DOES NOT PICK IT UP. Is this still an indirect free kick and a caution for circumventing the laws of the ga...

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League Specific 5/2/2010

RE: REC Under 13

Mark Palmer of Georgetown, KY USA asks...

This is specific to a game that was to take place today. There was bad weather in the area. The home team showed at the fields but the Visiting team whos club canceled their own home games thought surely that ment their away games were canceled as we...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/2/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

dk of San Diego, California United States. asks...

Was this 'Goalie cannot pick up soccer ball with hands passed by own team' rule new rule? As I recall back about 10 years ago, I saw that 'dead ball goal kick' from ground - result of opponent kicked the ball out of bounce behind the goal -, the goa...

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Law 1- The Field 5/2/2010

RE: Competive Under 17

Pat O'Malley of Santa Barbara, CA usa asks...

Is it a violation of the Laws of the Game if on a very windy day, the corner flag inserted into a flexible base is wiping about in a manner that could be considered dangerous to a player taking a corner kick, and after being instructed by the center ...

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League Specific 5/2/2010

RE: select Under 11

John Carr of mishawaka , IN USA asks...

Placement of kick after a punt from my goalkeeper has landed into the other teams penalty box. Rule 12 says that it can not land in the box, but it may land long outside of it. Where does the foul occcur? and what type of kick does the other team ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/1/2010

RE: Adult

malcolm jones of Redditch, Worcs asks...

Regarding the 'hand ball' rule,why are free kicks being awarded when the ball hits a player, rather than,as I believe the rule says, when he has made a deliberate attempt to touch it?...

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Law 1- The Field 5/1/2010

RE: Adult

brian cook of southampton, hants england asks...

Why is the penalty box 'D' still marked out on the pitch?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/1/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

If a player jumps to impede the thrower but is back the 2 meters is it a yellow and idfk ? An what if he is not back the 2 metres?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/30/2010

RE: All Other

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

Why is this a matter of opinion? Don't the Laws clearly state that if a defender infringes the laws of the game after the whistle, and the result of the kick is that the ball goes in the net, the restart is a kickoff?

If the referee gives th...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/30/2010

RE: Select Under 12

Doug Dressman of Goshen, KY US asks...

Was there not a recent directive from USSF for referees to do more to manage dealing with injured players and not have teams kick the ball out of play? I thought we were instructed to quickly check on a player and if we had to stop play to do so tha...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/30/2010

Sam Smith of Ocaneside, Ca usa asks...

During BU19 Game early in the 2nd half there was TI for one team on the own touch line cross the field from one AR, the AR thought was FK as soon the play in play went to team mate the AR flag the player for offside the referee blow the whistle and a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/30/2010

RE: Select Under 15

Jenny of Lexington, KY USA asks...

Help settle an argument amongst referees over calls in 2 recent games...

Incident One: Red team is attacking. White is defending. Ball is kicked by White to Red who receives it on his chest and continues forward towards the goal and well in...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/30/2010

RE: Rec, Select Under 13

James of Gulf Breeze, FL USA asks...

I will be the center for a U-11 girls game at a tournament, and it will be the first tournament center for me. I will be looking forward to parents yelling, 'Handball', and I know I will need to be up-to-date on all the aspects of 'deliberate handlin...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/30/2010

RE: Rec, Select Under 13

James of Gulf Breeze, FL USA asks...

If a team is awarded a free kick and chooses to take the kick before all defenders have left the required distance, and the team kicks the ball at one of these defenders, does play continue even if they claim that they aren't outside the required dis...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/30/2010

RE: Competive Under 15

Doug Dressman of Goshen, Kentucky U.S. asks...

Passback to Keeper...defender, in an attempt to clear the ball over the goal line, kicks a bouncing ball into the air from just outside the 18. The ball is not going to clear the goal line in the air so the keeper catches it. Infraction or not?...

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Other 4/29/2010

RE: under 11 Under 11

tim Weare of hurst green, e Sussex england asks...

Thank you all for your candid replies
perhaps it is time, just for a laugh, to ask whether the fact that it was a league deciding game and the ref was the father of the team being scored against makes any difference to how you feel.
(I am su...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/29/2010

RE: 3A High School

augusta batchelor of washington, nc beaufort asks...

How many seconds does the goalie have after a save to kick the ball back into play?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/29/2010

RE: 3A High School

augusta batchelor of washington, nc beaufort asks...

Goalie goes down after an altercation with another player - then slowly gets back up and is able to play. As she is getting up, her coach walks on the field. She is ok and ready to play. The ref says she has to go out of the game because the coach w...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 4/29/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Philip Fukushima of Kailua Kona, HI USA asks...

My questions is more to issue of how the goal was scored. I recently did a game as an AR and signaled a goal on a play of the same nature. Shot hit the crossbar came down over the goal line and then bounced back into the field of play (back spin). Th...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 4/29/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Tn Parent of Middle, Tn US asks...

Just a note -- we once played a 3x3 tournament that had tournament specific rules like that. Played without a keeper, with a half circle in front of the net. If a player entered the circle, it was a point for the other team. If the ball came to a ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/29/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Iain of Southampton, UK asks...

Thinking of the Inter versus Barca semi-final last night, Toure's handball caused a foul to be called, although the handball was clearly largely inadvertent. However it did provide massive advantage to the Barca team. However, at the other end of the...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 4/29/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Phil Fukushima of Kona, Hawaii USA asks...

Looking for confirmation about a goal. The ball hit the crossbar, bounced down inside the goal line, and because of back-spin, bounced back into the field of play. Getting a lot of grief that it's physically impossible for the ball to have bounced ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 4/28/2010

RE: grade 8 Under 13

mark turrell of el cerrito, ca usa asks...

A goalkeeper takes a goal kick. It leaves the penalty area, but hits the ref and rebounds into the goal. No player other than the kicker has touched it. I say it's a corner....

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Other 4/28/2010

RE: Recreation/Youth centers High School

Chris of fayetteville, Arkansas Washington asks...

I was wondering how recreational/youth center pay their referees? cash or check? ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/28/2010

RE: Rec Under 12

Kevin O'Brien of Vienna, VA USA asks...

If a player attempts to throw a ball in but it stays out of bounds (lands out of bounds), what is the correct call (knowing in this league refs often use this as a teaching point)?

Is is a do over?
Is it a turnover?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/28/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Joe L of Chicago, IL USA asks...

While the ball was in play, a defender standing inside his penalty area spat at an opponent standing outside the penalty area.The defender was shown a red card and dismissed from the game.We have different restarts from two senior referees .
1. P...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

I seem to recall an old article by Ken Aston where he made the case that a second caution could be given. For instance, if the referee believes that it was the substitutes intent to cheat or bring disrepute to the game when entering the field, then ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/27/2010

Steve of Stockton, CA US asks...

One time I saw hair that was so heavily laden with product and formed into spikes that were thick and stiff enough to warrant concern that it could pose a danger to other players - I was afraid that, on a contested header, another player might sustai...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Tracie Hall of Austin, TX United States asks...

Our ref said if the girls entered the box (offense or defense), the 'other team' got a point. The parents on both teams were all baffled. We had never heard of that rule before. I couldn't find the rule on our youth association's website. My daug...

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4/27/2010

RE: Adult

anita johnson of lebanon, oregon usa asks...

I am making a quilt as a gift for my grandson who lives in Victoria, BC and who breathes soccer, especially team Italy. He is fourteen. My question: What color(s) is/are the flags in the corners of the pitch?

Thank you....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2010

RE: select Under 15

Bruce Fox of fairfield, oh usa asks...

Player 1 team on offense enters the penalty area with the ball at his feet, goalie comes out to smother the ball but misses, player 1 shoots the ball and a defender standing at the goal line kicks it back out, the recovering keeper is directly in lin...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2010

RE: competive Under 13

jason d bacon of twin falls, idaho usa asks...

Under new laws of the game does the ref have to blow the whistle to restart play if in the 'attacking end of the field'? What is the law for youth competitive soccer in Idaho? Regardless of the wall being set or not......

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Angela of New Boston, MI USA asks...

Is a player allowed to head the ball back to the goalie and the goalie, pick it up?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/27/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Dave Kumlin of Lunenburg, MA USA asks...

Penalty kick is kicked. Keeper dives across and makes a nice save. The ball bounces forward of the keeper. The kicker gathers up the rebound and one times it for a goal. A bang bang play. After the action, the CR makes eye contact with the AR. The...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/27/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Kevin Doe of Norwich, Norfolk England asks...

Can I handle the ball as a keeper outside of the area but my feet inside the area?
I had a free kick given against me for this, Please can you confirm the rule.

Thanks

Kevin...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/26/2010

RE: rec Adult

cornel of des plaines, il usa asks...

Hi, I got this situation where a keeper handled the ball with his hands outside the box but his feet were in the box. Isn't this handball, because in my opinion it is? ...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/26/2010

RE: recreational Under 11

crystal blackowl of el reno, ok usa asks...

This weekend my daughter scored off the kick off. She has been playing for 6 years and has done this many times including the weekend before this one. But for some reason the ref said you aren't allowed to score off of a kickoff and he gave the ball ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/26/2010

RE: Travel Under 14

Larry Zensen of Sparta, NJ US asks...

My team had a goal taken away which would have won the game. The AR called for a throw-in for the other team but the Center Ref overruled and called my team. We then make a sub. We throw the ball in and go down the field and score. I didn't see the ...

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Appearance 4/26/2010

A. H. of Overland Park, Kansas USA asks...

I always hear that referees, if they choose to wear an undershirt, must wear a black one. Yet, I see MLS referees wearing white undershirts which are easily revealed with the new Adidas jersey cut. Does the color matter?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/26/2010

RE: Adult

Dave Poston of Cumming, Georgia United States asks...

An offensive player that is in the offside position receives the ball on a throw in that touches both an offensive and defensive player but continues to the offensive player. Offsides or not?...

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Other 4/26/2010

RE: Recreational Adult

Edgar Hulatt of Calgary, Alberta Canada asks...

I know that a team cannot score on itself from its own restart. I've searched the Laws of the Game looking for this but for the life of me I cannot find it. It this actually written in the Laws or is it just one of those things that is accepted? I...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 4/26/2010

RE: travel competive Under 13

janet neely of greenwood, indiana usa asks...

Can you change goalies when going into penalty kick shootout? It was a field player and they put her in as goalie for shootout....

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/26/2010

RE: U6 Under 7

Shannon Ross of Beaver Dam, KY USA asks...

I am aware that shin guards are required to play and agree fully. My question is in regard to strap on shin guards. Some shin guards are made to slip into a soccer sock on the inside, while others are made with Velcro straps that strap around the s...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 4/26/2010

RE: School Under 16

Darren of Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

If my team is taking a goal kick. Can I or any other player in my team also be in the 18 yard box to receive the ball.
I would also like to ask, just out of interest, what league you referee in (or use to referee in)....

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/26/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

AR throws up flag for a bad throw in.
I wave it down.
Players react to the flag and the next thing I know, a team mate of the thrower picks up the ball inside the PA!
I experience one of those 'special' referee 'moments'.
In a bit of ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 4/26/2010

RE: Friendly league Under 11

Tim Weare of hurst green, England asks...

The game is at 3 all, a corner is given and taken, a player kicks the ball over the goalkeepers head but the ref blows the whistle before it hits the back of the net Is this OK ?
(Ps we were all very well behaved if a little disappointed)...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/26/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Jim Cappellucci of Plymouth, MA USA asks...

A keeper has made a save and punts the ball. The closest person to the keeper is the attacker who took the shot. Attacker is well enough away from the keeper and is also outside of the penalty area. The ball is punted and flies past the attacker abou...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/25/2010

RE: rec and select Other

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

What about those times where you are doing, say, a U11 competitive game, and a player does something about which you really want to talk to them to give some instruction, but for which you don't really want to give out a caution, and this happens whi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/25/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Michael of New Hyde Park, NY USA asks...

The following happened at the end of my daughter's game today. There were about 5 minutes left in a 0-0 tie. The goalkeeper from the opposing team handled the ball right outside the penalty area. One of the offensive players on my daughter's team w...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/25/2010

RE: Select Under 18

Bob Loehr of Mason, OH USA asks...

Would like to get a further interpretation of this situation below:

Please note: We played in a tourney this weekend in Columbus OH. Tourney info said we would play under FIFA/USSF rules. Also, because of a rain situation and game delays AN...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/25/2010

RE: Challenge Under 17

Bernard of Raleigh, NC USA asks...

When a players receives a yellow card, can the coach decide to replace him with a substitute at that moment? Or is this up to CR's discretion?

Thanks....

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/25/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

Dave of Clarkston, Washington USA asks...

Managing Quick Free Kicks

Two or three times during my match yesterday, a defender failed to retire the full 10 yards for a quick free kick.

Is it considered a good practice for referee to manage those types of situations through pr...

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League Specific 4/25/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Tracie Hall of Austin, TX United States asks...

My daughter plays for Lake Travis Youth Association, 5 x 5 with NO goalie. What is the rule concerning both offensive and defensive players entering the goalie box?

...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/25/2010

RE: Adult

Peter Babbage of Hjorring, None Denmark asks...

I should know the answers to both these questions but I've had one or two doubts creep in, so am hoping for clarification. 1. A player has a clear run on goal and is tripped. It would be a denial of a c.g.s.o. and a red card. However, after stumbling...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/24/2010

RE: Club Under 12

william pittman of irvine, ca usa asks...

Direct kick from just outside the 18. Ball is kicked and hits post and not any one or anything before it hits the post. A second attacker rushes and kicks the ball into the goal. The second attacker was not in an offside position at the time of the k...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/24/2010

RE: competitive Under 11

joe of boston, ma usa asks...

There is a penalty kick. Player takes the penalty kick before the goalie is set and before referee blows his whistle. Player misses the net. Referee allowed to be rekicked since the ref never blew his whistle to start the play and penalty kick. I...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/24/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Dave of Romeoville, Illinois USA asks...

I was center ref for a U14 AYSO game last night. A player, whom I had previously warned verbally about some attitude issues, was offside. After hearing the whistle and stopping play, the player got frustrated and kicked the ball far off the field.
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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/24/2010

RE: Rec/Competitive Under 16

Robert of Fort Dodge, Iowa USA asks...

A couple years ago at the Iowa Games, out of team spirit I bought blue hair gel and spiked my hair with it. Before the game even started I was told that I couldn't have my hair like this and I wouldn't be able to play if I had it like that next game...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/24/2010

RE: Under 11

Stuart of Aberdeen, Grampian Scotland asks...

I watched a game recently where a forward rounded the keeper and rolled the ball towards goal. Before the ball crossed the line a substitute who was warming up next to his own goal ran onto the pitch and booted the ball off the line thus preventing a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/23/2010

RE: All levels Other

John Ross Scarcelli of Woodbridge , Canada asks...

A goalkeeper makes a save. Prior to the opposing player who takes the kick directly to the Goalkeeper, an altercation takes place along the touchline on side of Asst. Ref#1. The verbal abuse was based on a challenge. The player on the bench swears wi...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/23/2010

RE: Rec, Select

Jace of PV, Arizona United States asks...

Can a player be offsides if they recieve the ball from thier side of the field but are on the other side in offsides position?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/21/2010

RE: JV High School

Bill Katz of San Rafael, CA USA asks...

At my daughter's game the following situation occurred, and no foul was called. Afterward she asked me if I would have called it, and I wasn't sure what I'd call, so I thought I'd ask the panel for what to look for in this situation.

An att...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/21/2010

RE: JV Under 16

Jenny of Blah, Va U.S.A asks...

How many refs are required to be on the field reffing on a JV level?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/21/2010

Larry of Danville, Ca USA asks...

On the ball kicked to the goal keeper, as I understand the rule the ball does not have to be deliberately kicked to the keeper, but only deliberately kicked to a location where the keeper can handle the ball. Reference ATR 'A goalkeeper infringes La...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/21/2010

RE: Competive Under 13

Chris Richard of Cedar Hills, Utah USA asks...

The keeper charges a midair ball about 5 yards outside of the PA, but instead of kicking it away he swats it down to the ground with his hand. He immediately realizes his mistake and gives up on the play.
One offensive player and one defender bat...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 4/20/2010

RE: Mostly Recreational Other

Donna Meredith of Amissville, VA USA asks...

I just want to get a verification. A goalie is doing a goal kick. The ball does not cross the penalty area and he re-kicks it. My rule would be that the restart would be a goal kick because the ball was never in play when the second touch occurred...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/20/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Badr Maghrabi of Alkhobar, N/A Saudi Arabia asks...

Hello,

I hope all is well..

1. I would like to know if a goalkeeper gets special protection in the goal line area(six yard box) as opposed to the penalty box?

2. Can an attacker go for a 50-50 ball with the goalkeeper insid...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/20/2010

RE: Select Under 9

Barney James of Tulsa, OK USA asks...

Our goalie fielded a ball and punted it down field. One of our forwards was onside at the kick and out ran the defender who was trying to play a header on the kick. His header went backwards towards his own goal and was fielded by our forward. All...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/20/2010

RE: Competitive -Norcal Under 14

Sandra of Frasno, ca USA asks...

I'm in CA and the ref allowed a U14G to play with an arm cast wrapped in bubble wrap. She certainly used that side to bump the other players. I was speechless. This happened last weekend.
...

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Other 4/20/2010

RE: All Under 15

Todd Wendorf of Marysville, PA United States asks...

I am a referee, coach and former player. I agree wholeheartedly with your advice that there is no limitation on the number of 'defenders' in the penalty area during a goal kick...however, I do not entirely agree with your assessment that stationing ...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/20/2010

RE: Rec Under 7

Jeff of fredericksburg, va usa asks...

If Team A is attacking and has all 10 players (- keeper) across midfield when Team B kicks the ball (on their defending side) to their attacking side, is Team B offside? In other words, can Team B indeed be considered in an 'offside' position while ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/19/2010

RE: AYSO Select Under 10

dan mountjoy of DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA United States asks...

Recently our team took a big loss at 6-1, everybody played well, we were just out skilled. One of the girls on the team didn't take it well and was very upset after the match. One of the assistant refs said she picked up a rock and threw it. I agree ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/19/2010

RE: Comp Under 19

Phil Wearmouth of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

I was always under the impression that the ball must be delivered in the direction the feet and body are facing, and that a rotation from the waist to throw the ball in another direction was a foul throw. Is this true?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/19/2010

RE: Competitive Under 18

Grant Davis of Las Vegas, Nevada U.S.A. asks...

A player on my girls team played a ball intentionally back to the keeper but hit a poor pass and the ball was bouncing. The keeper mishit the bouncing ball and her clearance went straight up in the air and she caught it on the way down as an attacke...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/19/2010

RE: Under 10

Jared of Greenville, TX USA asks...

I saw a goalie in a U10 rec game attempt to punt a ball into play and she missed the ball. When she went to pick it back up, the referee whistled a penalty. Indirect, about 10 feet (yes feet) from the goal, and backed the wall up to the goal line. Wo...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/19/2010

RE: Select Under 11

Eric of Belmont, CA USA asks...

Clarification on when an offside player is interfering.

Player A is the left wing of the attacking team. Player A is standing 10 yards behind the last defensive player and is alone in that section of the pitch. The ball is played to Player A...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/19/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

Can you please settle a discussion?
U12 co-ed rec game, I'm the center.
Long attacking player kick goes to keeper who collects ball.
I turn around and notice a kid down.
Figure it's good time to stop play for injury.
I quickly blo...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/19/2010

RE: Adult

C N Fused of Cambridge , MA USA asks...

We saw a professional womens soccer game yesterday (Boston Breakers vs. Philadelphia Independence) and a PK was awarded to the Breakers. The ball was set up for the kick, the kicker was ready, the referee appeared to be in a proper position to super...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/19/2010

RE: Competive Under 16

DL of sg long, KL Malaysia asks...

When the ball deflects from the keeper's hand, and the defender in panic uses his feet to prevent the ball from entering the goal, is it legal for the goalkeeper to receive the ball after the defender uses his feet to kick the ball away from goal?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/18/2010

RE: competitive Under 18

Darren Boynton of Saco, Maine USA asks...

For offside, does the Law 'STATE' that the ball must be touched for that player to be called for offside?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/18/2010

RE: select Under 14

E Hubble of Lancaster , Ohio USA asks...

If the defensive player kicks the ball back to the goalie, and the goalie pick it up with their hands, is that a hand ball on the goalie in the box? and should that be a Penalty Kick and not just a free kick?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/18/2010

RE: amature Adult

simon of spalding, lincolnshire england asks...

Today an opposition player left the field with an injury, the said player then wanted to return to the field....... no problem so far..... but as we were attacking, our winger was face on with 2 defenders and the player wanting to return to the field...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/18/2010

RE: Under 16

Bob of Long Grove, IL USA asks...

When he touches the ball is he not a member of his own team who is 'gaining an advantage' from being in an offside position? This seems counter to the original intent of the rule that a player cannot gain an advantage by being off of his 'side.'
...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/18/2010

RE: Competive Under 12

Betty Gonzalez of Riverside, Ca Riverside asks...

Can a ref. give a player a yellow card because the player said 'Oh My God'? The scenario was that our player was close to the goal a player from the other team skidded and tripped our player. The ref did not call out corner which should have been th...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 4/18/2010

RE: competitive Under 11

Daniel Speller of Bournemouth, England asks...

a goal keeper kicks the ball out of his hands and it goes into the opposition's net. Is it a goal?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/17/2010

RE: high school JV High School

barry barbush of york, pa usa asks...

A player gets hurt near the 18 of their attacking end and goes down to the ground. Her teammate dribbles the ball to goal and shoots. The ref blows the whistle to attend to the injured player while the ball is in the air. The ball continues into th...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 4/17/2010

RE: Recreational Adult

Tom Wiseman of Grayslake, IL USA asks...

Pretty basic question " who can be in the penalty area at the taking of a goal kick? I have always played that anyone on the team taking the kick can be in the area at the taking of the kick but cannot touch the kicked ball until it leaves the area....

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/17/2010

RE: Adult

Keith Goodwin of Beckenham, Kent England asks...

Under the laws who has the final decision on substituting a player?

I do not know of any law that recognises club officials' participation in a match so would assume the final decision should rest with the on-field captain....

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Law 11 - Offside 4/16/2010

RE: Competitive over 40 mens league Adult

David Larew of Lake Stevens , Wa USA asks...

Our goalie claimed obstruction by their defender who stood in front and blocked his view of a free kick. I was in the wall and turned to see our goalie dive for the ball after it was deflected in. It appeared to me that the blocker a 6'5' 300 lber wa...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/16/2010

RE: Adult

ALAN POWER of WASHINGTON, TYNE & WEAR United Kingdom asks...

During a recent game between Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City the Cardiff goalkeeper and one of the Cardiff defenders began pushing and shoving each other. The ball was still in play as the goalkeeper had just caught it and it was still in his poss...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/16/2010

RE: Under 19

Mohannad of khobar, Saudi Arabia asks...

If an attacker runs back from an offside position to get a loose ball (i.e deflected shot or a pass to another player)
(note that the attacker gets the ball while he is onside

should the referee call it an offside ?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/15/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Brad of Cedar City, Utah USA asks...

While coaching this evening, a ref told me that one of our players would not be able to play because he was not wearing shin guards. The ref said that shin guards are a requirement for all positions and a player can not play without them. Is this t...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/15/2010

RE: Travel Under 11

Neal Jasinski of Natick, Ma USA asks...

2 questions that happened in my daughter's game this past weekend.

1. Team A realizes they are playing 1 player short. Somebody on the sideline realizes she should be in the game and runs onto the field during play. What should the re...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/15/2010

RE: Travel Under 12

Neal Jasinski of Natick, Ma USA asks...

A player on Team A gets fouled (and injured) in the penalty box. The referee awards a penalty kick. Since the injured player comes off the field, they are replaced with somebody else. Can this substitute take the penalty kick?

This is...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/15/2010

RE: Select/competive I am a player and ref Under 14

Katie of Jacksonville , Florida USA asks...

During play the blue goal keeper bounces the ball. While the ball is touching the ground on the bounce a red player kicks the ball and scores a goal. What is the restart?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/15/2010

RE: comp. Adult

Dan of Detroi, MI USa asks...

when throwing a ball in can you have any part of your foot over the touch line?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/15/2010

RE: school Under 15

Jen Baker of Lake CIty, CO USA asks...

Can you be offside on a PK?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/14/2010

RE: High School

steve of vancouver, british columbia canada asks...

What happens if a defender plays the ball back to his keeper and an attacking player is in an offside position and attacks the ball. Offside, no offside?...

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League Specific 4/14/2010

RE: Classic / Premier Other

Stacy Wilson of Fuquay Varina, NC USA asks...

A newly certified, 14 year old soccer ref - Grade 08.....Can they ref older age group games? For example, can they ref a U-16 classic game, whether it's the center ref or linesman???
Thanks so much....

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Other 4/14/2010

RE: Under 6

erica berger of Buffalo, IA united states asks...

this is my first year coaching soccer and i was wondering in kindergarten soccer how many forwards,midfielders and backs are needed in the game?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/14/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Leah of Thornton, Canada asks...

What exactly does it mean by an obvious goal scoring opportunity? ...

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Other 4/14/2010

RE: High School High School

Jim Hannon of Atlanta, GA USA asks...

Is it unsporting behavior for a team to try and kill time late in a game by continually taking the ball into its attacking corner to try and win corner kicks and throw ins and generally run the clock out? In high school soccer the scoreboard clock a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/14/2010

RE: Adult

Steve Mountain of Ipswich, Suffolk UK asks...

In relation to the 'handball' rules, where does the hand/arm start and finish?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 4/13/2010

RE: Premier Under 13

Ed Laizer of Metairie, Louisiana USA asks...

The championship game of a U-12 premier tournament goes into overtime tied 1-1. Two five minute periods are to be played (no golden goal), followed by penalty kicks if still tied. At the end of the first five minute overtime period, one team scores...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 4/13/2010

RE: select Under 12

jeff of kenner, LA jefferson asks...

In a tournament using two 5-minute periods,a goal was scored in 2nd and final period to put team ahead 2-1.
The ball was being placed at midfield, when mid-ref noticed he had lost track of game-time and the already credited/acknowledged goal was...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/13/2010

RE: Amateur Under 14

Andrew Wilson of Manchester, UK asks...

My son's team played a game last evening and one of the opponents players was a lad whose throw ins all but arrived in the six yard box.

But in taking his throws as he brought the ball forward he ducked his head down (and was effectively l...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/13/2010

RE: Competitive College

Harry Doyle of London, N/A UK asks...

If a player is in an offside position inside the opponents half and the ball is player by a teammate to him but a defender heads the ball backwards into the path of the attacker is this offside ?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/12/2010

RE: Under 14

Duke of Albuquerque, NM USA asks...

This weekend I had a referee who was phenomenal and very professional, however he wore a uniform I have never seen it was yellow with minimal stripes with a black badge and a logo on the right sleeve, can you tell me if what he was wearing is legal a...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Ed of Missouri City, Texas USA asks...

Lets say 10 minutes into the game a PK is called, Are you allowed to change a Goalkeeper during a penalty kick? ...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

Can a player cause an offside offense against themselves?
Attacker has passed second to last defender and is dribbling with the ball. Then he stumbles over the ball so he is in front of the ball (between it and the keeper). Then he does a rolli...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/12/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Anthony of Springfield, IL USA asks...

This weekend the team we were playing scored directly from the kick off, this is legal right? Only one player touched it - the guy who scored and the keeper didn't get a hand to it....

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 4/12/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Thomas Kutz of Mechanicburg, Pennsylvania United States of America asks...

There is a trick corner play by the attacking team. Before you realize it is a trick, you blow the whistle to stop play for a double touch. What is the proper restart?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/12/2010

RE: Travel Under 13

Brad of Ashburn, VA USA asks...

When does a player become onside again from an offside position? player A is in an offside position and player B is dribbling the ball down the field ahead of the defenders but behind player A. Player B dribbles past player A. Once Player A is beh...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/12/2010

RE: Travel Under 13

Brad of Ashburn, VA USA asks...

Offside -- An offensive play dribbles the ball down to the goal line with a defensive player right with him and crosses the ball. Both players are running full speed and their momentum carries them off the field. The ball is knocked out by the keep...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/12/2010

RE: REC, Classic, challange Under 12

Charles O'Brien of Apex, nc wake asks...

Is there an official rule that says a player can or cannot play without a protected arm cast?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/11/2010

RE: Select Under 13

W Everitt of Brandon, MS US asks...

Penalty Kick, Player approaches the ball to take the kick, stops his foot, and motion without making contact with the ball. (he makes a complete stop) The goalie dives right, the kicker kicks the ball left and scores.

The center Ref and I...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 4/11/2010

RE: Premeir High School

kat of sammamish, wa usa asks...

In a PK shout-out tied at 4-4, kicker #5 proceeds with motion to strike the ball without first getting clearance from ref but stops and doesn't touch the ball, passing foot over the ball. Goalie unsets stance upon kickers 'balk'. Referee motions kic...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/11/2010

RE: Competitive Other

Steve of Pittsburgh, PA USA asks...

The responses to the the original question including the posting of "USSF ATR Quote 12.5 CHARGING" seem to indicate that, as long as contact is shoulder to shoulder, it is not a violation of the laws of the game for a player in possession of the ball...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/11/2010

RE: Division III Under 17

lesha of Houston, texas usa asks...

The referee blew the final whistle to end the game, the loosing team was harassing the winning players and two players started name calling and had to be calmed down by team mates. This was about 4 minutes after the whistle blew. The referee gave th...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/11/2010

RE: Competitive Under 10

Jack Cella of denver, colorado us asks...

In the case of a drop ball, I am under the impression that one player from each team competes for the ball upon the drop of the referee and all other players must be 10 yards from the drop.

Is this true or can all the players be as close as ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/11/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Matthew Davids of great neck, ny USA asks...

Racing down a ball which has just bounced up to about 10 feet and is falling down. The defender, facing his own goal, is about to hoof it behind his head back into play. I, as the striker next to the defender, duck my head to about 5 feet and head th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/11/2010

gary of granby, ct usa asks...

Keeper comes out of the box to challenge an attacking 1v1. Knowing he is out of the area goes to ground and slides on his side playing the ball with his stomach. The forward has the option of going for the ball but realizing he would stand a good cha...

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4/10/2010

RE: AYSO Advanced Referee Under 19

Patrick of La Quinta, CA USA asks...

Re: Jaime Moreno's goal in the 69th minute. Philadelphia Union vs. DC United April 10, 2010

As Philadelphia's GK Chris Seitz is about to punt the ball, D.C.s Jaime Moreno feints a kick, causing Seitz to mishandle the ball, dropping it. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/10/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

Brad of Wilmington, Oh USA asks...

A player makes a 'violent' foul and his team still has advantage. There is then another foul where the player runs into the goalie. Both fouls are on the same team. Do I still have the option of giving the first player a card and where should the ba...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/10/2010

RE: Rec Under 17

Mike Freeman of Hagerstown, Maryland United States asks...

In a U16 game the coach instructs the keeper to take off her penny because she is going to switch her with another player who is an active player. The ball is in play at mid field. The keeper takes off her penny and at the same time the ball heads ...

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Other 4/10/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Jessica of Baltimore, Md USA asks...

My son and daughter had a tournament game this morning.....During the game the referee was calling handballs on us..But not a call against the other team for hand ball pushing and shoving...It was a very unfair game! After the game we found out the ...

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Other 4/10/2010

RE: Adult

Adam of Tampa, FL U.S. asks...

What happens if the ball goes into the goal off the referee?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/10/2010

RE: Adult

rosemary hadaway of stanwick, northants uk asks...

Amateur Saturday men's' football. Player runs forward and is in line with opposition. Brings down ball and shoots from outside 18 yard box. Goal is scored. Linesman puts flag up. Referee points to centre circle. Linesman puts flag down. Referee notes...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 4/10/2010

RE: select Under 14

bob of gillette, nj usa asks...

When you need pkftm to determine a winner, I know a goalie can shoot. If all other ten players have taken a kick, is the goalie required to take the kick or can they simply start taking their 2nd kicks?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/10/2010

RE: 8 Under 15

micahel of lic, ny us asks...

I am a referee and a coach. The goalie touches the ball with his hands outside the penalty area, it is a red card and DFK. I do not understand what you are looking for with attempts to different interpretations, such as, is there an defender or an ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/10/2010

RE: rec Adult

brian of montreal, quebec canada asks...

During a recent game a player just outside the penalty area fell, while on the ground the ball hit his arm bounced and hit his other arm while still on the ground. I immediately called a hand ball. Another ref who was playing in the game said I made ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/9/2010

RE: Adult

karen lutz of houston, tx usa asks...

Can you also tell me how you would have called the following?

Corner kick deflected out by keeper, opposing team receives and shoots within 5-10 yds, defending player puts his hands up to protect his face, ball hits hands. Don't know if it ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/9/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

William Guynes of Mechanicsville, Maryland USA asks...

One of the recent questions briefly touched on the subject of using substitutions to delay the game. Specifically in tournament situations where the referee is expressly prohibited from adding time. Our most powerful weapon in deterring this behavior...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/5/2010

RE: U13 Girls Competive, P1 Under 14

Mike of Broomfeild, CO USA asks...

Multi question follow up RE keeper second touch after punch save.

Thank you very much for the reply. While the panels response were very well stated to the effect that a punched ball is not in possesion of the keeper, which I very much ag...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/5/2010

RE: comp

Andrew of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

I have often heard it said that a player can not play tha ball if they are on the ground. I don't see anywhere in the rule book where this applies. Any thoughts. Scenario:2 players go for the ball and both contact tha ball simultaneously. They both f...

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League Specific 4/4/2010

RE: division 1 Under 15

peter munro of rayleigh, essex england asks...

What are the penalties for a player and the opposing teams manager receiving a red card in a league match?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/27/2010

RE: Competetive (Classic) Under 12

Ann of Fayetteville, NC USA asks...

We played a match today in which the center referee removed herself from as head referee half way through the second half, exchanging places with one of the assistants. Is this allowed?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/27/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

From a throw in a team mate throws the ball to the keeper he controls it with his feet than takes it into the penalty area and picks it up?? Foul? Indirect fk ? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/26/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

Can a keeper pick up ball up from a throw in taken by a teammate ....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/26/2010

RE: District Adult

Russell Roxburgh of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

The plot thickens with this if the 'keeper touched the ball prior to the ball entering the goal...whether or not you had deemed the first touch as putting the ball into play, the keeper in touching/playing the ball would be viewed as touching the bal...

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Law 15 - Throw In 3/26/2010

RE: new Under 12

Bruce holt of knoxville, tn us asks...

If on a throw in the ball first touches the ground out of bounds, bounces a couple of times but eventually rolls onto the field of play, is it in play? What would be the correct call here?...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/26/2010

RE: Varisty High School

Jon Able of Loganville, GA USA asks...

I would like to know if it is an automatic "yellow-card" offense for a defender, taking a goal kick, to re-set the ball before making the goal kick. The intent of the player was to switch field based on her very brief assessment before taking the ki...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 3/26/2010

RE: rec Under 10

david patterson of olive branch , ms usa asks...

We are governed by High School Book.
According to that book, when is a game considered a complete game due to weather? My understanding the start of the 2nd half had to occur....

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Appearance 3/26/2010

RE: Competitive College

Daniel of Stouffville, Ontario Canada asks...

I know the rule is that a keeper needs to wear a different colour jersey compared to the field players on both teams.

i also know that in England they used to always have green jerseys for the keepers.

last night, the Philadelphia U...

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Other 3/25/2010

RE: 3 competive Under 17

geoffrey ellison of burlington, ont canada asks...

The Keeper miss kicks the ball straight up field the players on his team move out leaving the opposing players there.The ball is then kicked back and and over the keepers head who cant get back is it a goal or offside....

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 3/25/2010

RE: Rec Under 19

aw of barrington, IL USA asks...

After years of playing cat and mouse with youth girls and boys who continually try to hide and wear jewelry during matches, despite pre game checks and warnings, I am considering issuing cautions for USB. Perhaps a caution will finally get the point...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 3/25/2010

RE: Rec Under 19

aw of barrington, IL USA asks...

Law 14 The Penalty Kick. Although it is not specifically stated in Law 14, I have always been curious as to why a team can select the player to take a penalty kick. One of the great things about soccer is the ability of players to exhibit multiple ...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/25/2010

RE: Under 19

javier renteria of merced, ca usa asks...

If player 'a' is in an offside position and the ball is deflected to him from the opposing team is he offside or does play keep going because it was touched by the opposing team? not offside seen he did not received the ball directly by his team mate...

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Law 1- The Field 3/24/2010

RE: competitive Adult

andyparry of shrewsbury, shropshire england asks...

Can a tee be used to raise the ball off the ground when taking a goal kick?...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/24/2010

RE: potential youth ref Adult

Steve of Chamblee, GA usa asks...

Why is this not called offside to begin with?

*Editor's note: reference Question #22960...

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3/23/2010

RE: Competive College

David Xu of Shanghai, Shanghai China P.R. asks...

I would like to know what condition of the player means 'inside the penalty area'? All parts of the body, one part of the body, one foot or both feet standing in the box?
Thanks for your help....

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 3/23/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Richard Collins of La Mirada, CA USA asks...

I must disagree with the answers stating that an own goal being scored on a kick off should not be allowed. Based on what? The Laws of the Game SPECIFICALLY state on which restarts an own goal is not allowed: Free Kick (DFK and IFK), Penalty Kick, ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/23/2010

RE: Competitive Under 18

Al of London, Ontario Canada asks...

I know that an intentional handball is a direct free kick and a yellow card or red but what about a handball that is unintentional would that be an indirect free kick??...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 3/23/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Richard Collins of La Mirada, CA USA asks...

Situation: The Blue team just scored and is now leading by one goal with a minute remaining in the match. The Red team must tie the score or be eliminated from the tournament. All the Red players line up on the half way line for their kickoff, whic...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/23/2010

RE: Pro

Scott Worthington of Huntington Beach, CA USA asks...

Hi,

I wonder what your opinion is regarding an episode in last month's Arsenal-FC Porto match, where the referee allowed a quick free kick inside the penalty area, resulting in an easy goal.

Clip here:
http://www.youtube.com/wat...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 3/23/2010

RE: AYSO Under 19

Don Swanton of Chicago, IL USA asks...

Many referees, and I am one, feel that coaches should not be allowed to gain an advantage by asking for substitution to slow down the momentum of the opponents' attack. I know that if the red team are all running down the field and one of them wants ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/21/2010

RE: rec Adult

adam wolstenholme of manchester, england asks...

I am just wondering, if the keeper is holding the ball and about to kick it out and a player lashes out, you obviously blow the whistle, stop play and dismiss the player but what is the restart.Is it an indirect free kick to the team who had the foul...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/20/2010

RE: none Adult

david banks of manchester, none england asks...

if the referee and his assitant get injured in the same match... who then referees?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/19/2010

RE: Adult

Tony of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Dear Editor,

I have just sent a question to you on restarts after missed flag for violent conduct and not noticed until after restarting play.

I think the correct answer is dropped ball. USSF question January 8,2010 'Restarts after ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/19/2010

RE: Other

Mark Malacky of Warren, OH USA asks...

Hi everyone,

I would like to get some clarification on this situation along with a similar one.

My first thought is how can an arm swing to the head of an opponent not be some sort of cautionable offense. Lets see.

If the h...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/19/2010

RE: 2 Under 14

warren of rhondda cynon taf, uk mid glamorgan asks...

10 items a football ref would take onto the field with him...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 3/19/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Edward Stangler of Braintree, MA United States asks...

When may I make substitutions?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/19/2010

RE: High Shool High School

Tom Conway of Little Rock, AL USA asks...

(Intentional Back-pass to the Goal Keeper)

A player (thorwer) thew the ball to his goal keeper. At this time, one of his team player headed the ball to his goal keeper and the keeper handled the ball in the penalty area.
The referee call...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 3/18/2010

RE: High School Adult

Kit Gelardo of Quincy, IL USA asks...

A High School team only has matching short sleeve dark blue shirts. The coach wants his players to wear long sleeve t-shirts underneath for warmth. Per NFHS, do the sleeves of the under garment need to match the uniform or does he need to ensure th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/15/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I would like you to cite your source over why it would be persistent infringement to foul the same player several times. Nowhere is that mentioned in FIFA's Laws of the Game. It sounds like some stupid made up rules like they use in high school gam...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 3/15/2010

RE: Adult

Toni Whirty of coniston, cumbria england asks...

Hi i will give you the scenario. The blue team had been awarded a penalty kick; they took the kick but the referee decided that the kick had to be taken again, then a different player took the penalty. Is this allowed ? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/15/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

I know I've asked this before, and please excuse me if I'm being dense, but I just want to be completely sure on this.
At referee conference I was told by a high level ref that once you have restarted the game, you cannot go back and issue a red...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 3/15/2010

RE: Amateur Adult

ALAN MCCONNACH of Edinburgh, Lothians Scotland asks...

Can you tell me if there are rules governing when the referee can blow the final whistle.
We won a throw in by the opposing team's penalty box in injury time but the referee blew the final whistle before we had a chance to take the throw with one...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/15/2010

RE: Adult

malcolm slater of manchester, england asks...

can a player use the crossbar/post to gain additional height to play the ball...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/14/2010

RE: Competive Under 13

Angie of Littlerock, CA LA asks...

One of are players makes a goal and the center ref calls it a goal and then after the ref called it the sideline ref puts up his flag and said offside. What should the center ref do?...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 3/13/2010

RE: Rec Under 10

Jim of Milwaukee, WI USA asks...

I am unclear as to the rule for a goal to be scored. By the entire ball 'crossing' the goal line, does that mean completely past the imaginary plane the full thickness of the white line, or is that plane considered to be in the goal (ie what if the ...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/13/2010

RE: select level A Under 12

MARK of st louis, missouri st louis asks...

The team I am playing against takes a goal kick. Their player is on my side of the field and in an offside position when the kick is taken. The ball is not touched and goes over my center back's head and the player in the offside position gets the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/13/2010

RE: Social Adult

Andrew of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

I understand that if a player deliberately handles the ball to prevent a goal that it is an automatic red card. My question is what if a player in the penaly area deliberately handles the ball but it is not an obvious goal scoring opportunity. A pena...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/13/2010

RE: all Other

eric of sacrameto, ca usa asks...

Can impeding be a DOGSO offense? For example an attacker with the ball is past all players except the goal keeper. The attacker is on a full out run kicking the ball ahead. A defender cuts down the angle, and comes in-between the attacker and the ...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/13/2010

Paul of Atlanta, Ga USA asks...

The scenario was given that an onside player on one team passes the ball towards a team mate that is in an offside position. Before the ball reaches that team mate, the ball is handled by a player on the defensive team, and then proceeds to go to th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/12/2010

RE: Competitive Other

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

The FIFA 'Interpretation' publication does indeed say '...restart play after it has been stopped due to...the issue of a yellow or red card for misconduct...', so in this case does it matter if the send off was for a foul (serious foul play) or for a...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/10/2010

RE: 8 Adult

Jimmy of Houston, US asks...

Can be a goal if a defensive player takes a quick goal kick and does not allow an opponent to leave the penalty area and while doing that the ball hits the opponent's back and goes into the defensive players goal?...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 3/9/2010

RE: High School

Susan of Savannah, Georgia USA asks...

A parent tossed a water bottle to her child during a soccer match. The player has a heart problem and will faint if he does not stay hydrated. The player came to the sideline and caught the bottle, drank some water, and resumed playing. Is there a ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: rec Under 11

Rodger Hopkins of vicksburg, mS united States asks...

Can a goalie handle the ball when headed back to him by his own team mate?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: rec Under 11

Rodger Hopkins of vicksburg, mS united States asks...

Ball is passed back to the teams' own goalie, he picks it up. Result, an indirect for the other team but from where? He picked it up a foot from the goal line.. ...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/9/2010

RE: Intermediate Under 17

Will of Corona, Ca USA asks...

Scenario:
Defender kicks a goal kick. It is so windy that the ball travels up in the air, goes beyond the penalty area, and then the wind carries the ball backward. Without anyone from either team touching the ball, the wind carries the ball past...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 3/9/2010

RE: ALL LEVELS (MALE & FEMALE ) Adult

RICKY BERNEY of KILWINNING , AYRSHIRE SCOTLAND UK asks...

IS THERE A RULE STATING 'WHICH SIDE OF THE PITCH' THE LINESMEN MUST TAKE UP BEFORE THE MATCH KICKS OFF ? ie IF YOU DIVIDE THE WHOLE PITCH INTO FOUR SECTIONS, AS AT PRESENT, AND AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER 20 YEARS OF PLAYING FOLLOWED BY 30 YEARS OF WAT...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: REC Adult

james of frement, c usa asks...

The ball is in the air and I would like to heading the ball in the air while the opponents are trying to do the same.
Can I use one of my own team member's shoulders to pull myself up or step on his knee to jump higher to heading the ball ?
I...

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The Technical Area 3/9/2010

RE: select High School

Mike Baxter of Berlin, NJ USA asks...

Where can I find info about not being allowed to coach from behind the goal?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: Competive Under 14

Glen of Highlands Ranch, CO USA asks...

Hi,
I have questions about contact that can be made with a goalie. The first play is a high ball that bounces in the penalty area. The goalie has one opposing player coming and decides to screen that player and allow the ball to bounce past the g...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/9/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Louie of College Station, TX USA asks...

Is there offside during a direct kick, indirect kick, or throw-in....

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 3/8/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Joan of El Cajon, CA USA asks...

Can a kicker start a PK with his/her back to the keeper? example: The ball would be a step or two behind the kicker; after the whistle is blown, the kicker would immediately turn, take a step and kick the ball. Trying to determine if this would be ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/8/2010

RE: middle school Other

Glen of Albuquerque, NM USA asks...

A foul is called in the defensive third, awarding ball to Blue. The ball is set, but before Blue can kick it Red player pops off in the offensive third and is carded. What is the point of the restart, at the original foul point, or the second foul po...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/8/2010

RE: State 06 Adult

Joe Couture of Sugarland, Texas USA asks...

An attacking player, bringing the ball up the field, attempts to pass the ball to his teammate, B. Player B is in an offside position. However, before the pass reaches player B, the ball is handled (handling) by a a defender. The deflection ends up g...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 3/8/2010

RE: competitive Under 15

janet Vandale of calgary, alberta Canada asks...

What should the ruling be in the situation where the 'other player' is the goalkeeper? We recently had a situation in which a PK awarded to the opposing team due to a foul our team had committed in the box. The pk was taken, our keeper made the ini...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/8/2010

RE: rec Adult

y citerneschi of sechelt, b.c canada asks...

A goalie slides out of the box with the ball in his hands. Is it a yellow?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/8/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Matt Niswander of Lawrenceburg, TN Lawrence asks...

Thanks for the answers. The attacking team was trying for a quick free kick, and the ref stepped in to enforce the '10 yard rule'. My player was close to the ball because he knew that the attacking team was trying to kick quickly, and they didn't c...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/8/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

Sorry about all the 'hurricane' questions.
Just a few more;
My question is about playing advantage when a goalie illegally touches the ball before it goes into the net.
Would it be true that if it were a free kick or goal kick, and the go...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/8/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Steven Bouse of Cardiff, Wales asks...

I am a goalkeeper. Our defender took out the striker when through on goal. Our defender rightly got sent off. Then as I was setting up my wall the striker took a quick free kick and scored. The referee allowed the goal. As the game was stopped for ou...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/8/2010

RE: Middle School Other

Phil of Dawsonville, Georgia US asks...

Hi All,
During a game last week, a player on the opposing team was injured during the normal course of play.The officials stopped play, and the coach of the opposing team was summoned out on to the field to tend to his injured player.
...

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Other 3/7/2010

RE: division 3,competitive Adult

francisco of victoria, BC Canada asks...

Quarterfinals of a cup game, full 90 of regular time and full 2 x 15 min extra time played. Ref is talking to captains prior to commencing pk's when the lights go out in the stadium. This is how the game ended.

What happens now. do they repl...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/7/2010

RE: Select Adult

Emerson Carnavale of Phoenix, AZ United States asks...

Hello,

My question is regarding offside.

Here is a scenario:

On a free kick the ball is cross into the area, the ball is deflected on the first post by a defender; on the second post, the ball is touched by an offensive p...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/6/2010

RE: All Levels Under 17

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

The following question was asked,March 1, 2010 on USFF's Ask A Soccer Referee. As usual, their answer was technically correct, but basically left the correct decision to be 'based on experience, game circumstances, and common sense', and lacked the ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 3/5/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Patrick Joyner of Monroe, Georgia United States asks...

I recently refereed a game where a peculiar instance happened. A throw in was being taken by a player on his own half of the field. The player saw no one open to receive the ball so he threw it to his own goalie. The ball was thrown relatively high a...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/5/2010

RE: Select Under 17

Walt of Hendersonville, TN USA asks...

Despite my many attempts to answer this question myself, I cannot. So here it is: If attacking player is standing with his heels on the half line and the rest of his body in the defending end, is this player in an offside position?
All I can fin...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/5/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I have been reading the laws of the game FIFA version and have a question over persistant infringement. I was wondering how many fouls I can commit, though the laws say there is 'no specific number of infringement which constitutes 'persistance''. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/5/2010

joe of st clair shores, mi usa asks...

In High School soccer , can a goalie pick up the ball after he receives it from a throw in or a header from his own teammate ?

Thank You...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/5/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

David Willett of San Clemente, CA USA asks...

Contact significance in Shielding/Impeding:

1 If there is a shield (ball is playable) and the player holds their arms out but there is NO CONTACT. Do we have a foul (yet)?

2 If there is impeding and the opponent who is impeded ru...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 3/5/2010

RE: Amatuer Adult

Ray oglesby of Wexford, Wexford Ireland asks...

Can a ref blow for full time when the attacking is in the 18 yard box and about shoot...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/4/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Jeff of Concord, CA USA asks...

I have struggled with keeping the restarts in my head as well. I have come up with the following to help me with the restart.

I) There are three types of entities
A) Involved in the game
1) Players
a) teammates
...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/4/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Matt Niswander of Lawrenceburg, TN USA asks...

On a restart of a free kick in the field, if the defending team is not 10 yards in away from the ball when it is set how does the ref deal with that? Does the ref have to step 10 yards off for the attacking team? Does the ref let the play continue ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 3/4/2010

RE: yOUTH Adult

Hogrod of Great Falls, MT USA asks...

You have awarded a corner kick. Before the kick can be taken, time runs out for the first half. What action should you take?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/4/2010

RE: School Under 16

Darren of Boksburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

If there is a high boot in the box. Is it a penalty or an indirect free kick?...

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3/4/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Ed of Plano, TX USA asks...

In the second half, a game is getting out-of-hand and there have been several times a player has been fouled with no fouls being given.
After the ball goes out-of-play, it is our throw-in or goal-kick, can a coach just sit his players (on the fie...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/4/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of des moines, ia us asks...

Wind blows goal kick into own goal after exiting PA (assumed) with no other touches.
Yes, it does happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYJttBJq6lw&feature=topvideos
No goal right?
Restart with corner kick?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 3/4/2010

RE: Competitive High School

steve glanz of council bluffs, iowa usa asks...

I would like to know if the high school game has just started and 1 minute has approximately been played, but the time keeper forgot to start the clock. The referee does not have a watch on, what is the proper restart....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/3/2010

RE: Competitive High School

gray of pearl, ms usa asks...

Can a goal be scored on a goal kick if it leaves the box, the wind catches it and the ball goes into your own goal. What if it doesn't leave the box?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/3/2010

RE: Under 13

Peter of South Pasadena, CA USA asks...

A player who is lying on the ground kicks the ball. What is the restart?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/3/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Lowell Frobish of Auburn, Alabama USA asks...

What is the significance of the goal area in high school varsity matches other than placement of the ball for goal kicks, indirect free kicks near the goal line, etc? Does the goalkeeper have special protection privileges in this area?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2010

RE: rec Adult

Patrick of Louisville, KY United States asks...

When a field player is in their own box but commits a handball outside of the penalty box (by reaching his or her hand across the line) is this a PK or a kick outside of the box where the ball was handled?

Similarly, If a goalie stands in th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2010

RE: U15 Classic Under 15

Larry Beguin of Swansboro, NC United States asks...

If a ball is struck by a player from either team while in the Keeper's box on the pitch, and that ball then strikes the arm of a defensive player, however inadvertant the touch may be, is such a touch considered a 'handball' and the attacking team aw...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/2/2010

RE: competive Under 19

anthony murphy of cork, ireland asks...

how many yellow and red cards should i bring onto field of play? i saw ref on tv with y/c in top pocket, r/c in hip pocket, and 1 of each in side pocket for use when a player is to receive a second caution and therefore a red card. is there a rule or...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2010

RE: 8 Under 14

Angela of North Royalton, Ohio USA asks...

If you are a defender, and you are running to your own goal, but your goalie calls for the ball and you stop to try to block the person behind you ( but you don't put your arms out to stop your opponent) Do you get a yellow card for that? In national...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/1/2010

RE: Under 18

Billie of sydney, Australia asks...

If the goal keeper comes out of his penalty area and picks up a ball at the feet of an attacking player, would a red card for DOGSO apply?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/28/2010

RE: competive Under 15

david brannan of rossendale, england lancs asks...

last 5 min of the game the score was 2 v 2 and then we scored the winning goal. The ref points to the half way line and takes his book out and start to walk back to the half way line. As he was walking back the opposite team surrounded the ref and th...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/26/2010

RE: Amateur Adult

Graeme Bedford of Yeovil, Somerset England asks...

Hi
When taking a throw-in can the foot be on the line or slightly over the line? Is it the same as 'the whole of the ball must be over the whole of the line' i.e. its only a foul if the whole of the foot is over the whole of the line? Or does the...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/25/2010

RE: Under 18

Steven of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

if as a player holds the ball in their hands and face the field ready to throw in but the ball slips out and lands of the field of play but the thrower has not thrown it over her head and
2. What if it slips out just as they throw it and pick it...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/25/2010

RE: rec Under 13

David Smythe of Pomona, CA USA asks...

During a drop ball restart in a recent game, the blue player swung and kicked the leg of the red player before the ball hit the ground (despite clear instructions) - and as ref, I believe there was intent (i.e. no real attempt to hit the ball, but a ...

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Appearance 2/25/2010

RE: rec Under 9

Ali of etown, ky america asks...

Are you allowed to use black cleats that have white stripes on them for reffing?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/25/2010

RE: rec Under 11

chris dunk of newport beach, ca usa asks...

A goalie goes outside the 18 penalty box to field a ball. He dribbles the ball back into the 18 area penalty box and then picks it up.
What is the penalty?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 2/25/2010

RE: Select Adult

Broward of Yokosuka, Japan asks...

I both coach and play in our various base leagues here in Japan, and our selection of officials is exceptionally thin. While we have several qualified officials, there are several who have no idea what they are doing on a pitch, and are always follo...

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League Specific 2/24/2010

RE: rec Adult

Pina of vaughan, ontario canada asks...

one of the teams in our league used an non-register player to play for their team. Is there any rule in the fifa rules that says this is okay to do and if not allowed does that team get disqualified from playing in the playoffs, please let me know a...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/24/2010

RE: All Under 14

Todd of Camp Hill, PA US asks...

Referee Wickham makes a very valid point. The purpose of a throw-in is to get the ball back into play. As one's experience in refereeing increase, it becomes very evident when a player is performing an illegal throw-in or delaying the match as oppo...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 2/24/2010

RE: Under 8

David Hunter of Columbia, SC USA asks...

Referee Maloney,

You state 'If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same
number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken
in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than ...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/24/2010

RE: rec Adult

hany of cairo, egypt asks...

all people urged about this goal some said it is right others said it is offside
pro: said it came from the defence and the offense came back to a non offside state

please see the goal and judge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy4Bv4I...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/24/2010

RE: Adult

Paul of Birmingham, UK asks...

I have a bet with a friend that if, for whatever reason (but mainly due to the number of players sent off), any one side in a premiership match is reduced to fewer than 8 men then the match must be abandoned (i.e. the referee has no discretion) and r...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/23/2010

RE: Classic Under 16

Mark of Greensboro, NC USA asks...

I very much would like to thank Joe McHugh, Gary Voshol, Michelle Maloney, and Dennis Wickham for their informed, insightful, and thoughtful responses to my question. Your answers make perfect sense and clearly back up the decision of the official i...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/23/2010

RE: Competative Under 19

Al Sinopoli of Covington, LA USA asks...

As a follow-up to this, is the attacker outside of the field of play and in the goal considered to be on the goal line for purposes of the offside determination? This is implied by Ref. Voshol's answer, as he seems to imply that unless (2) defenders...

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Other 2/23/2010

RE: ussf grade8, high school, college College

Mark Raudelunas of Vallejo, Calif USA asks...

I was watching a soccer match on the Spanish channel during a match in Mexico and observed the referee awarding a direct kick for the attacking team about 18yards away from the defenders penalty area the referee pulled a spray can out of his belt tha...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/23/2010

RE: Select Under 15

David of Houston, TX USA asks...

Did I mis-read the answer? Did some of you say the restart for a foul committed off the field of play is a dropped ball and some said the restart is an IFK?

If the restart is a dropped ball, I have a followed up question: What if it was the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/23/2010

RE: Rec Under 19

phyllis robertson of Birmingham, United Kingdom asks...

Whilst the ball is in play a goalkeeper strikes an opponent within the area enclosed by the goal line and nets, what action does the referee take?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/23/2010

RE: Adult

Kjetil Haugen of Molde, NORWAY asks...

When did FIFA change the penalty kick rule such that the goalkeeper was allowed to move along the line before the shot?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/22/2010

RE: 8 Under 12

P Schneider of Boca Raton , FL USA asks...

A coach after a water break sneaks a 12th player onto the field, the ref does not takes notice until the 4th referee calls on the ref about the incident. Ideally you would send the last player who entered, off the field and hand him a yellow card.
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Kicks From The Penalty mark 2/22/2010

RE: Competitive Under 16

Penny Williams of Scottsdale, Arizona USA asks...

This concerns penalty kicks to determine te winner of a match. My understanding of the Fifa rule is that 5 players shoot. If there is a tie after 5 players then kicks continue 1 for 1 until one team has a point more than the other team. I was told b...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/22/2010

RE: Classic Under 16

Mark of Greensboro, NC USA asks...

I had two players (on two separate plays)called for offsides this past weekend... however, they were on OUR side of the field. On both occasions the referee said that the players had begun running toward the ball from on offsides position on the oppo...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/22/2010

RE: Classic Under 15

Larry Beguin of Swansboro, NC USA asks...

If, during a PK, the player taking the shot misses and the ball strikes the left post may that same player follow his attempt and be credited with a score if he should put the ball into the goal?...

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Fitness 2/22/2010

RE: All Adult

Ryan of Flower Mound, TX USA asks...

Dear Panel,

I have another set of questions regarding referee ethics. We all agree that it is unethical for any referee to accept matches that are outside ones fitness range. But too frequently I find myself with either a center or assista...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/22/2010

RE: competitive High School

neelesh lalwani of mumbai, maharashtra India asks...

if the player shoots the penalty before the referee whistles does he get a rechance? and does the player get a rechance if crowd yells and he gets distracted on his own?...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/19/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Julian of Cambridge, Ontario Canada asks...

I was running the line during a feisty game. There was a mad scramble for the ball in the box. An attacking player had ended up in the net. During the scramble he came out and proceeded to head the ball at the goal hitting the cross bar. The ball reb...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/19/2010

RE: competetive Under 13

Bobby of Queen Creek, arizona U.S. asks...

When a team scores how do I acknowledge/signal that they have scored?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/19/2010

RE: Adult

damien jefferies of oxford, england asks...

As a football player when you have committed a foul and then get given a yellow card and then if you commit another foul no matter how reckless it is does the referee have to show the second yellow or can he just show a straight red?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/18/2010

RE: Travel Under 15

Gwyn Williams of Bridgewater, NJ USA asks...

A simple question.
Does the game start when the referee's whistle is blown or when the ball is put into play (kicked and moves forward)?
It would make little difference most times but if a player commits a red card action after the whistle is...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/18/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

I find it difficult to memorize the restarts for offenses that occur outside of the normal playing circumstances.
Like those that include substitutes, game officials, off the FOP etc.
I'm sure there's a consistent theme or rule to these resta...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/18/2010

RE: Pro Adult

Lerato of Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

What happens if a game is called off after the flood lights(stadia Lights) fail due to heavy Rain in the first half?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/17/2010

RE: Other

A.Kanyi of Banjul, Banjul Gambia asks...

If a fast play is made in an indirect free kick an happens to be a goal.Should the goal stand?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/17/2010

RE: competitive & highschool Under 18

William of san antonio, texas usa asks...

In a recent high school match a player was given a red card for tripping another player. The player was only shown a red. The player had not received any other yellows in the match. I am a certified ref and I was taught that you had to show both a ye...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/17/2010

RE: compet Adult

doug of chicago, il usa asks...

this is a follow up question to 22812. If there is a sending off in this situation from a second yellow card involving the misconduct that happened off the field of play. Does that team have to play short for the rest of the game or can the substitut...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 2/17/2010

RE: AYSO Intermediate and High School Referee Under 15

William Gomez II of Montclair, CA USA asks...

'The lesson here is just because a restart has been awarded doesn't mean there will be time to take it. The only exception is a penalty kick, when time will be extended for the taking of the kick.'
Question: This applies to a awarded Direct Free ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 2/16/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Matt of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi Mr/Mrs Refs,

My question has to do with Law 7, the Duration of Play.

I was presenting for a group of instructors recently, and someone asked me 'what is the minimum length of a half time interval?'

My response was that t...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Ned of Plymouth, MA USA asks...

If the ball kicked 50 feet away from where I am standing, and the ball is played while at the same time a foul is committed right in front of me, do I spot the ball at the sight of the foul, or where it was played 50 feet away? The foul in this case ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Don Klecher of Marlon, New Jersey USA asks...

Why can't a player score directly from a throw-in?...

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Other 2/16/2010

RE: Adult

karl of northamptonen, england asks...

we had a game with a serious bad ref, at half time he stated that he was going to abandon the game if he got any more abuse!
it was not abuse it was players moaning because of bad decisions made by himself
i no that this is not aceptable but ...

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League Specific 2/15/2010

RE: Competive College

Mohammad of Amman, Jordan asks...

If the team walked out of the league what is happening to all previous findings note that walked out of the season return ....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/15/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Wayne of Lauderhill, Florida USA asks...

When should an indirect free kick be awarded as opposed to a direct free kick?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/14/2010

RE: 7 Under 19

Dennis Hume of Colchester, Essex UK asks...

The ball was in the middle of four players (two from each side) one player call 'MINE' this caused the other three players to stop attacking the ball, so I stopped the game a awarded an indirect free kick against the player. But after the game both ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/13/2010

Tim Mann of Akron, OH USA asks...

This is not a question but a clarification on this question. I was intrigued by this and asked a colleague on another forum who referees in Florida about this. Here are his exact words...

'Florida High School Athletics Association uses the...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/13/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Sean of Valencia, california US asks...

Offside question.
The law states:
A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball
touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee,
involved in active play by:
¢ interferin...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/13/2010

RE: i play grass root football Under 15

Nathan of Newport, Mayo Ireland asks...

Will I be able to wear Soft Ground Boots in Grass Root football (under age football)?

I will be worrying about the boot check

...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/13/2010

RE: Grade 7, Adult Adult

James Long of Dayton, Oh USA asks...

I am unclear of an exact definition of misconduct in Law 12. If a foul is By a Player, against an opponent or opposing team, on the field of play, while the ball is in play, is misconduct all other innapropriate action?...

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Other 2/13/2010

RE: Fairplay Under 7

Dawn Thurgood of Edlesborough, Nr Dunstable Bedfordshire asks...

When playing in under 7's games where a fair play score is given and not the score, I understand that the off side rule does not apply. One of the boys picked up the ball confused and a penalty was awarded. Is this correct as I believed that at this ...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 2/13/2010

RE: Comp Under 17

George of Charlotte, NC us asks...

I'll try to briefly explain the scenario and how I handled it, as the center referee; a Red player in taking of a PK in the PK phase of the match, begins her forward motion just prior to my whistle. I attempted to quickly whistle again and did as she...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/12/2010

RE: Under 18

Steven of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Can the ref after playing advantage at the next stoppage send a player off?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/12/2010

RE: Select High School

Natalie of Atlanta, Georgia USA asks...

I had ACL reconstruction surgery a year ago. I was given a Donjoy brace which I absolutely swear by. However, in some select games referees have told me to cover the brace (it is partly metal), and others have let it go uncovered. Is the cover requir...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/11/2010

RE: Adult

Ian Robinson of Swindon, Wiltshire England asks...

The attacking player runs into the box with the ball, goes round the goalkeeper and pushes the ball the wide of the goal (but still in the box). His momentum takes him off the field of play. A defending player then slides in to challenge for the ba...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/11/2010

RE: Recreational, Select Under 16

M Jarrett of Victoria, Canada asks...

On a set play IDFK given to attacking team and the first attacker runs over, steps on, touches the ball and it does not perceivably move from the stationary spot. The second attacker kicks the ball over the wall and scores without any other player ha...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/10/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Kevin of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

So the other day our guy has a breakaway, pushes the ball past the goalie and attempts to run past him. The goalie grabs our player around the legs and drags him down, while the ball rolls into the empty net. The ref applies advantage on the play a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/10/2010

RE: House , rec Under 15

Sean of Delta, BC CANADA asks...

Hi, during a physical match our forward was on a breakaway and red's defender initiated contact with an elbow to the back, elbow to the throat and shoved our forward off the ball. The players turned face to face and shoved each other. Unfortunately, ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/10/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Richard of Westchester, NY USA asks...

If an IFK is kicked (by your teammate)in the direction of your team's own goal and the ball is toached by your keeper (inside the pk area) before the ball goes into your own goal, what would the correct restart be?

Law 13 does not explain th...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/10/2010

RE: N/A Adult

Julia of Fakenham, UK asks...

No site that seeks to explain the Offside Rule actually explains what is meant by 'second to last opponent'!

What is a 'last opponent', even?

The last player you tackled?

The nearest/furthest away member of the opposite ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/9/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Lori Arnett of Georgetown, Texas USA asks...

My nephew who players High School soccer in Florida, played a game today where a player had a hand ball in the goal box and was issued a blue card, suspended from the game and the team had to play the rest of the game a player short. I have never hea...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/8/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Harry Sommerfeld of Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada asks...

This scenario actually occurred in an adult level game.
A blue player attempting to play the high ball kicked a red player under the chin. This went undetected by the referee.
The assistant referee signaled foul and was mirrored by the secon...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/6/2010

RE: Under 11

pat skeggs of wantagh, ny nassau asks...

In today's game the other team had a corner kick,the other team boxed the goal keeper in.One girl in front of her one behind her.When the ball was kicked she could not move.There was little contact made.Can you do this, or must the goal keeper have r...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/6/2010

RE: Under 13

Carl of Beckbury, Shropshire asks...

Is there a rule to say that players should have their shirts tucked into their shorts when playing...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/6/2010

RE: level 1 Under 10

scott of bristol, avon asks...

can a goal keeper make a mound of mud and place the ball on it for a goal kick...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/5/2010

RE: Adult

Sylvia Chacon of Lincoln, NE USA asks...

If a soccer team puts in a player for another can they take out the same player they just put in to put in another.
...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/5/2010

RE: Adult

Steve of Burleigh, Qld Australia asks...

Which way forward? There are two re-starts which refer to the ball being kicked forward, (kick-off and penalty kick). If in both situations all other requirements are correct, if a player faces his own goal and back-heels the ball, so that it travel...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 2/4/2010

RE: Championship game High School

Joy of Hilo, HI USA asks...

What should happen if a referee knocks a defensive player down while he was trying to get to the ball to clear it out. Then the ball goes directly to an attacker who shoots it and scores. I have heard people say the referees are a part of the field b...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 2/2/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Bill of Perkasie, Pa USA asks...

If a defender passes a ball back to the keeper, but the ball goes in the net, is this a corner kick or a goal? Thank you...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/2/2010

RE: competitive Adult

rob of woodbridge, new york us asks...

our last referee meeting ended in a debate no one could answer. i thought it was simple but didn't respond. here was debate: if during the course of play a player fully crosses the touch line leaving field of play to avoid an opposing player and re...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/2/2010

RE: select Under 12

John of Lincoln, NE USA asks...

In his response, Ref Joe said: 'If the referee decides that it is unsporting behavior and a goal is scored the player is cautioned and the penalty is retaken'

Wouldn't the restart be a goal kick or a free kick for the defense since the infra...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/2/2010

RE: Under 12

David Willmoptt of norwich, norfolk england asks...

Is it legal to have all the players on both sides correctly positioned at a kick off, and the kick taker kick the ball up field to the opposition, off for a goal kick, throw in, or even score a goal direct from the centre spot without the team mate t...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 1/31/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

cassie of Danbury, CT USA asks...

Can a goal be scored directly off of a drop ball once it hits the ground?...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 1/31/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Al of Strathroy, ON Canada asks...

In response to Ethan's question, the expectation in Canada for AR signals for Goal Kicks and Corner Kicks (even when caught up field) is to sprint to the goal line first, stop, and make the correct signal there.

Even from a dead stop, it tak...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/30/2010

RE: Select Adult

Dave Young of Moss Beach, Ca USA asks...

Players 8 and 9 are attacking the opponent's goal. 9 shoots and hits the crossbar. Player 8, who was onside when 9 shot, receives the deflected ball and knocks it in. By this time 8 hits the ball he has moved offside.
Is this a goal? Seems th...

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Other 1/30/2010

RE: competitive Under 13

Tyler of Erie, Pennsylvania U.S.A. asks...

What does the blue card in indoor soccer mean?...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/30/2010

RE: College

Saad of Karachi, Sindh Pakistan asks...

Is it offside if on a free kick the keeper punches the ball away then another striker kicks the ball in.?
Basically I am talking about keeper rebound over here.
and is it offside if in the same scenario the ball rebounds from the pole and the...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/30/2010

RE: competive Under 17

STEPHEN WHYTE of cork, ireland asks...

when taking tipp are you aloud to take a shot without a second player touching the ball?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/30/2010

RE: Competive High School

Ted of Page, Az USA asks...

What is the suspension of a soft yellow..?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 1/30/2010

RE: Adult

alex of africa, kenya asks...

what happens if all substitutes are done and a critical injury is experienced so a player has to be off the pitch. ...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 1/30/2010

RE: Other

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

I've always wondered, or heard and have forgotten, what would be the difference in AR mechanics and signaling between situation 1) a player is in an offside position even with the 6-yard line, but just outside the goal area, gets involved in play by ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/30/2010

RE: Rec & Select Under 17

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire England asks...

Actually, the Premier League rules say that both teams should normally wear their home strip unless there is a clash.

The full rule is as follows:

'F.21. Subject to Rules F.20 and F.22, when playing in League Matches the Players of ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/29/2010

RE: Under 18

steven of Sydney, nsw Australia asks...

Can the referee just stop play if the ball gets trapped on the ground with a few players on the ground and others trying to get the ball and restart play with a drop ball ?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 1/29/2010

RE: Under 16

Marissa of Bethel, Fairfield asks...

At the taking of a pk a teammate of the kicker entered the penalty area before the kick was taken The kick was taken and the ball entered the goal. what kind of kick should be awarded?...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/29/2010

RE: Competative Under 19

Richard Rose of Knoxville, Tennessee USA asks...

This occurred while I was center - Division 1 State League U19Boys:
Blue player A is in offside position. Ball is played forward by another Blue player. White defender B leaps up to head the ball and does so, flicking it back toward his own keepe...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 1/27/2010

RE: Competitive Under 14

John Taylor of Falkirk, Scotland asks...

This concerns a penalty award right at the end of the game.
I.e., a penalty is awarded right at the very end of time, including injury time.
Say that time expires prior to the penalty being taken.
I believe that the rules say that time is...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/25/2010

RE: Say Soccer Under 13

Mike of Reading, Oh USA asks...

I have a hard time knowing when to call Tripping. I have operated on the assumption that if player A contacts the ball (via tackle) prior to tripping player B that it is NOT a foul, and that if player B is tripped without player A touching the ball f...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/25/2010

RE: rec/select Under 13

paul morrill of ludington, mi usa asks...

Here is a scernio possibly involving an offsides after the initial penalty kick.
1. The kicker takes the kick and the ball bounces off the goal post straight back to him as he is charging in ahead of everyone else. Now I do know the ball is live ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/24/2010

RE: Rec Under 17

steve b of barrington, IL USA asks...

Everton v Manchester City Premier League match January 16, 2010. Towards the end of first half Man City defender Micah Richards grabs the jersey of Everton attacker Louis Saha at the penalty arc (outside of penalty area). Defender continues to hold...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/22/2010

RE: Under 18

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

I'm starting to wonder why the 'gains an advantage' clause is even in law 11.
It is certainly confusing to many new refs
especially since the word 'advantage' can be very ambiguous.
Isn't this covered anyway since a deflection off of the ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 1/20/2010

Sandy Sullivan of San Diego, CA San Diego asks...

In the following scenario, why is the restart played as a goal kick?

On a corner kick, the ball curved in the air completely over the goal line, returned onto the playing field and was then kicked in the goal. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/18/2010

RE: Adult

Steve of Brisbane, Qld Australia asks...

An indirect free kick offence and DOGSO

Thanks for your help previously. This question is specifically about those lesser class of offences, punishable by an IDFK, and how they may also trigger a dismissal under DOGSO. Two examples both base...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/17/2010

RE: Select Under 14

Rob Johnson of Folsom, CA United States asks...

My question relates to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJagi-LakA

Note that the purpose of my inquiry is not to challenge a call. The game's over and it was a tremendous contest - both teams' families left feeling so. My question...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/16/2010

RE: Youth Adult

Chris Bradley of Gibsons, BC Canada asks...

Defender under pressure passes back to the keeper. It's a hard pass that's misdirected and goes past the keeper towards the net. Keeper runs back and palms the ball away with his hand just before it crosses the line. Red card for keeper?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 1/16/2010

RE: Competive High School

Kathleen of San Diego, California United States asks...

A team is givin a PK because of a hand ball. The player shoots the ball and the keeper saves it. The ref said the keeper jumped off the line before the kick so they had a chance to re-take it. Is the team allowed to change the player taking the pk af...

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Law 5 - The Referee 1/16/2010

RE: College

selam of addis ababa, addis ababa ethiopia asks...

what is the name of extra time and switching player number displaying board that the 4th referees use? and also where is it sold? ...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/14/2010

RE: Adult

kevin dunn of South Pasadena, california USA asks...

thank you for the thoughtful and insightful responses to my question(post 22708). I have a much better understanding of 'interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position'.
I was previous...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/13/2010

RE: Amateur Adult

David Harris of Modi'in, Israel asks...

What to do if a player repeatedly shouts 'leave it'?

Many thanks...

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Law 5 - The Referee 1/13/2010

RE: Rec, Select Under 13

James of Gulf Breeze, FL USA asks...

During a game, a defender tripped an opponent in the penalty area, and the ball rolled directly to another attacking player, who then lost the ball moments later. I did not call for the penalty initially because of advantage, but then signaled moment...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/13/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Matt of Little Rock, Arkansas USA asks...

Can a player sitting on the bench, named as part of the squad ( a player waiting to be put on the field by his coach in place of another) be red carded?

He has not yet played but he is a potential player being named as a sub, and he is yelli...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/11/2010

RE: Pro Adult

Roy Gomes of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

The goalie touches the ball with his hands
(does not grab it) inside the area then
carries it with is feet outside the area
changes his mind and brings it back inside
the area, again with his feet, then picks it up with his hand. Is ...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/11/2010

RE: High School

Joe Sereno of Gaylord, MI USA asks...

Laws of the Game Advice to Referees(p.101)states:

'When an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick to be
taken from the position of the offending player when the ball was last played
to him by one of his team...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/10/2010

RE: Club Under 14

Lyndsie of Lorain, Ohio US asks...

A player shoots the ball and the goalkeeper deflects it in the other direction. Another player from the same team as the shooter goes in for a rebounded shot and slides in and gets the ball. The defender falls to the ground and the attacker shoots as...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 1/9/2010

RE: any level Other

Joe Iano of Seattle, WA USA asks...

When a player is sent off for misconduct, when can the team replace that player with a substitute and when can then not?

For example, the referee has blown the whistle to end the first half. As the players are walking toward their team benc...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/3/2010

P O'MALLEY of santa barbara, CA USA asks...

THE GOAL KEEPER OF THE DEFENDING TEAM TAKES A QUICK GOAL KICK. THE BALL LEAVES THE PENALTY AREA, AND ACCIDENTALLY BOUNCES OFF THE BACK OF A RETREATING ATTACKER AND TO AN ATTACKING PLAYER IN AN OFFSIDE POSITION WHO THEN TURNS WITH THE BALL AND KICKS I...

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Law 5 - The Referee 12/31/2009

RE: Rec Under 14

Nate of Kensington, CT North America asks...

How many refs are allowed to ref a match...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/30/2009

RE: Select Under 19

Harry Sommerfeld of Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada asks...

Defender A passes the ball back to his goalkeeper. Defender B runs across the field and deflects the ball. The ball is heading towards the goal and the Goalkeeper picks it up.
What if any, is the call.

My call was since B last touched ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 12/30/2009

RE: Various High School

Dan Paolini of Eastampton, NJ USA asks...

>>'...Assuming play has not restarted, the goal cannot count...If the 12th person is someone that was not on the roster, or a player or substitute that had been sent off, the restart is a dropped ball. on blue's 6 yard line...'

Assuming that...

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Law 5 - The Referee 12/30/2009

RE: Pro Professional

John Schneider of La Mirada, CA USA asks...

When creating a referee's record of the match: Does the second-half begin as the 46th minute, even if their was stoppage time added to the first half? So for example, if the first half had 2.5 minutes of stoppage time added, does the second half offi...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/30/2009

RE: Adult

Steve of Toowoomba, Qld Australia asks...

This question is about a free kick awarded near the oppositions PA, which is taken quickly " before defence were set, and upset.

In a mid-level mens game, the left winger was about 10m from his sideline and sprinting with the ball from halfw...

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Law 11 - Offside 12/29/2009

RE: competitve Adult

Jake of bromley, kent england asks...

two players are in an offside position the ball carrier in front of his team mate knocks the ball forwards for the team mate to run on to is he still offside as the ball was played forward...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 12/28/2009

RE: high school athletics High School

Jimmy of Augusta, GA USA asks...

What are the rules for soccer cleats regarding Poly cleats, metal cleats and the poly cleat with metal tip? ...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 12/26/2009

RE: rec Under 19

locksley of valhalla, ny usa asks...

My question is on mechanics, so here is the scenario.

In an attacking play two thirds into team B half, a team A forward kicks a ball toward team B goal, but the ball unintentionally hits a team B player in the face, causing him to go dow...

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Law 5 - The Referee 12/23/2009

RE: Adult

Steve of Brisbane, Qld. Australia asks...

While taking a goal kick, the keeper falls over and is slightly injured, but the opposing forward gets the ball and scores a goal. An ethical question whether the goal is allowed.

I saw the video clip on the link for the KSRA site, which or...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/22/2009

RE: Rec Under 13

Joe Rogan of Tampa, FL USA asks...

This is a question regarding the age appropriateness of cards.

During a U-12 rec game, a player who the Grey team whispers to his teammate very loudly 'This ref sucks' while awaiting a corner for the other team. I told him I heard that, sho...

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