Question Number: 12973

Character, Attitude and Control 6/6/2006

RE: Premier 2, MSPSP Under 16

Andy of Clarkston, MI USA asks...

After we scored a goal at the 73rd minute (80 min games), and we're down now 2 - 1, our player who scored picked up the ball from the net and startng running the ball back to halfway for a quicker restart. The ref blew his whistle and immediately gave a caution, with "an unsporting behavior" cited on the game sheets. When approached, he said it is a new rule being enforeced. I'm a certified ref and I've never heard of such an offense. Is he right or wrong? Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee was basically correct. I offer this, from the US Soccer Memorandum 2006 and something all certified referees in the United States are required to know and understand:

2. ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFEREES, ASSISTANT
REFEREES AND FOURTH OFFICIALS
Delaying the restart of play
New bullet point 6

Present Text
Referees must caution players who delay the restart of play by tactics such as:
[followed by a list of five bullet points describing specific ways a player might delay the restart of play]

New Text
Referees must caution players who delay the restart of play by tactics such as:
[followed by a list of five bullet points unchanged from the present text]
? provoking a confrontation by deliberately touching the ball after the referee has stopped play

USSF Advice to Referees: This new bullet point reflects the results of an experiment approved by the IFAB for certain competitions in 2005. The behavior which is the focus of this instruction includes attempts by a scoring team to take possession of the ball from the opponent's goal and players who attempt to gain control of the ball at a stoppage, in either case in a manner which, in the opinion of the referee, would provoke the opposing team. Referees should attempt to anticipate and forestall such offenses, saving the caution for the most flagrant cases where the offending player is unwilling to desist in the provocation. If the caution is unavoidable, it must be reported for delaying the restart of play.

The IFAB agreed that the amendments made to the Laws of the Game should enter into force prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup on 1st June, instead of on 1st July 2006. The instructions and directives are introduced with immediate effect.

USSF Advice to Referees: Note that, unlike prior years, the Law changes are effective on June 1 instead of July 1. As in prior years, however, the new additional instruction described above is in effect immediately.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes, the referee was correct. The scoring team must take their position and may not touch the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Andy, ow that is a tough call albeit correct . Generally the NEED to caution is when the actions generate hostility . The team scoring is generally not trying to delay anything but trying to jump start the game with energy and hope. If your player made no real effort to rip the ball from the arms of his opponent or caused his opposition to be mocked in someway a simple verbal warning and adding time would correct this easily. My opinion is far too often time is not added for a leisurely walk up to a kick off. Ensure time added is appropriate to the occassion and the need for such theatrics will not be required! Cheers