Question Number: 13083

Character, Attitude and Control 6/19/2006

RE: Professional

Steve of , GA USA asks...

OK, so like any good referee, I have been watching the WC games with an eye towards the referee and trying to learn from what FIFA has determined to be the best in our practice.

In a recent game (maybe you too saw it), the attacking team was determined to be offside. It appeared there was a late whistle for the offside, and the attacker was taken down by a very ugly slide tackle from behind by the defender, taking the attacker down after play continued (not certain if indeed it was before or after the whistle).

I fully understand the restart would be a IFK for the defending team as that was the initial cause for the stoppage, but, can the defender be cautined for USB, as this tackle would have clearly been called for such if play had not been previously stopped.

I am not asking for a second guess of the referee, but rather to understand that if in the opinion of the referee this was truly USB, could the action be carded even though the offside was called prior to the tackle (which in my mind makes the tackle all the more USB since play was stopped).

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

I am in agreement as well. DISCLAIMER: MY OPINION FOLLOWS: I would warn you that if you are doing anything beyond Youth such as Super Y, A-League (D2), PDL, D3, (not to mention the MLS) etc. you would do well to know that when you enforce the LOTG as you are supposed to, you will probably not get another assignment at that level because the coaches/team managers/owners, etc. will whine so veraciously to the powers that be that they will have no choice but to cave in to this group, because you are open season to the a vast majority of completely inept and ignorant media. So, take courage and know that you would be doing the right thing, but that you will have no backing for your high standards.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Steve, a very astute observation here. Well worded too!. Notice you immediately questioned the pronouncements of the television commentator. This is also good. Too bad they haven't a clue because referees in America will have even more problems with coaches, parents and players who believe what the hear on the TV.

Right, here is what you, the match official, should do when this happens. Give offside, this stops play. Anything happening after play stops that looks like a foul can not be foul play because one of the three things necessary for foul play is absent. [in play, on the field, against an opponent]. Now what you see happen right in front of you looks bad, smells bad and rings that little bitty bell warning you that you MUST intervene here. What you have just seen is misconduct and it is either unsporting behavior or violent conduct!

Here is where your match fee is earned! You open the huge container in your bag of tricks labeled "Courage". Use some. Go with what your gut tells you and caution or send-off the player taking liberties after play has stopped.

Restart with an indirect free kick for offside. Please don't do as the commentator says and ignore the incident because play had stopped, doing this is not in the best interest of Football.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

You have the right to caution or send off player. As Mr. Fleischer said, go with your gut instinct and if you feel the player deserves a card, use some courage and GIVE IT TO HIM. As Always,

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

As the referee you have been empowered to deal with whatever comes your way during the course of the match and within the LOTG - you are not to misapply the laws, obviously. The offside occurs first hence the stoppage of play for that infraction. What occurs afterward is a dead-ball situation but not beyond the scope of authority of the referee to deal with. Players should not be afforded "free shots" at their opponent and accordingly the referee should, in my opinion, step in and deal with it in whatever way is appropriate; i.e. yellow, red, whatever. All the best,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Steve,
well you certainly have the admiration of my fellow panel members. Astute observations and reflections on the "what ifs?" in this line of work/fun are to be encouraged. It is a far too common practise that when play is over or after a shot is taken little is done on the after the fact tackles that cut down opponents. Why this is so remains a mystery to me and my fellow panelists.

Any conduct that is USB or reckless is cautionable as is any conduct that is VC or excessive is retirement papers for that player so inclined.

At times a verbal warning might be acceptable but remember you are responsible for the safety of all the players and have a duty to ensure safe, fun, FAIR PLAY.

If the misconduct AFTER a whistle is grave then it must be dealt with in some fashion.

Talk, warn or walk the player as you see fit what the match requires and the laws permit!
Cheers