Question Number: 13519

Law 18 - Common Sense 8/19/2006

RE: National Adult

Muhammad Afzal Khan of Quetta, Pakistan asks...

Dear Sir,

During the match one player take throw this time the assistant referee indicate for changing player, the referee blow whistle and indicate to team players changing, so in thid time the throwing player take a bottle of water for relization. I would like to know the referee show card to throwing player ?

I hope yours will be understand and give me answer as soon as possible.

Many thanks for your helping.

Wish you all the best !

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

We are not going to caution this act. The player is just trying to stay alive.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Players are free to take refreshment even when play has not been stopped, at the touchline. In this case, play was stopped, the player was off the field, and he is allowed to drink. Hydration is important. Thanks for your question.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

In cautioning players ask yourself what NEED is being realized? What violation is so henious that we MUST show a yellow card?

Laws written for adult proffessional play have a working core of officials and players are expected to be CLEAR on the conditions of conduct which could bring the game into disrepute.

Taking water is not one of them unless it is done in some unreasonable manner. Water is essential to health and well being . The safety of players is crucial in extreme weather conditions.

While we apply those laws to all forms of soccer, working matches as a single official or with linesmen and at various levels of skill, somethings are not the same from the spirit of need to the requirements of must!

If you think the player is delaying the restart of play by taking a long, long, long time to drink and return the ball into play I suppose you could consider a caution. I think a stern word is far more appropriate and only if it appears staged or contrived is there a need or requirement to take disciplinary action!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

No caution in my game. They are just getting water...no big deal.