Question Number: 13384

Law 18 - Common Sense 7/20/2006

RE: National Grade 1 Adult

Muhammad Afzal Khan of Quetta , Balochistan Pakistan asks...

This question is a follow up to question 123

Dear Sir,

I ask you one Question because today this is done with me in National Match.

During the match one player take a Glass of water for refreshment and then at the moment the ball come to player and his player tach the ball during the play.

Please tell me referee what action take ?

1. To his player show the yellow card ?

2. His player team apponent take Indirct free kich and his player yellow card ?

I am waiting for your kindest and soonest response.

Best soccer regards,


Muhammad Afzal Khan

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Usually taking water at the touchline during play is permitted. When the ball comes to that player all he need do is drop the container off the pitch and carry on with the match.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

As long as player did not leave pitch, it is ok. If he left, then he has violated a cautionable offense.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Muhammad,
A player who requires water has done no wrong even if during play he goes to the touchline to get the needed drink . FIFA recognizes how important it is to stay hydrated.

The two decisions you mention being shown a yellow card and having an INDFK taken against you, could be awarded if while taking drink as a player you chose to play the ball and not drop the water bottle to do so.

If you were standing along the touchline drinking and the ball deflected off you without your attempt to play it I feel to caution and award an INDFK to be a harsh judgement although as a referee's opinion it is a condition of play and such uncontestable.

The cautionable portion of playing while carrying a foreign object in the hand in this case a water bottle, is classified as USB. If you LEFT the field of play to get a drink and then reentered it is plausable although harsh to be cautioned for leaving the FOP without permission or reentering without permissionas you are ONLy to go to the touchline not leave the FOP. While we can apply some latitude in ensuring a player is safe and not heat stroked it is the PLAYER"S responsibility to follow these quidelines

LIquid Refreshments
Players are entitled to take liquid refreshments during a stoppage in
the match but only on the touch line. It is not permitted to throw
plastic water bags or any water containers onto the fi eld.

The FIFA Medical Committee recently emphasized the importance of proper hydration during a match and the need for water (or other appropriate liquids) to be available to the players. Referees are advised to use the following common sense guidelines in determining the correct ways in which this concern can be implemented. Although the term ?water? is used below, the guidelines apply to all liquids that may be provided for player hydration in the immediate area of the field.

- Players may drink water during play or at a stoppage but only by going to a touch line or goal line.

- While drinking water, players may not leave the field nor may they carry water containers onto the field. The players should stand at the touch line or goal line while drinking water.

- Water containers may not be held in readiness where they will interfere with the movement of the assistant referees. After water containers are used, they must be removed so as not to interfere with the movement of the assistant referees.

- Under no circumstances may water containers of any sort (regardless of material, size, or construction) be thrown onto the field or to players even during stoppages of play.
Cheers

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