Question Number: 13995

Character, Attitude and Control 10/1/2006

RE: Rec Other

Dan of Jersey , NJ USA asks...

While working a U12 game, defender clears the ball with force, striking an attacking player on the face, same attacking player has shown theatricals before this incident and goes down to the ground. At this point in my opinion, no infraction has taken place and I allow the play to continue. At the same time, the coach is yelling on the side line for me to stop the game, (coach dissent) and enters the field without my permission (Entry or exit to/from the field without referee's permission). I stopped the game and allowed the player to be treated. I verbally warned the coach, applying rule # 18.
What would have been the right call ???
thanx

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Dan, this is a 10 or 11 tear-old. He has just been hit in the head by a rapidly moving object. Why would you not stop play and allow him to be treated? Of course he must leave the field after being treated.

Now comes the fun, you may allow him sufficient time to recover his faculties before allowing his return after the ball is in play. If his coach sends him on the field then he has entered without permission and shall be cautioned and shown the yellow card.

In your scenario the coach must be mentioned in the match report for entering the field during play.

Another thing to consider is stopping play and evaluating the injury. If the player immediately jumps to his feet he is simulating an injury, is he not? Caution him and show the yellow card then restart with an indirect free kick to the defense.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Dan, it's a foolish referee that ignores a 10 or 11 year old that has been hit in the head by a forcefully kicked soccer ball. Even if you think the child has exaggerated things before, that's no excuse for not stopping play immediately and allowing him to be removed from the field. Technically, the coach should not have entered the field without your permission. In reality, at this age and skill level I'd have done the same thing as this coach. If the player jumps up and is all of a sudden ok, issue a caution for diving but always at this age level, assume the worst has happened and stop play asap.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Stop play right away at this age. You were correct to warn the coach.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Taking a ball in the face is much more significant in its potentiality for serious injury than say a ball to the gut or thigh or something. If I were the coach or even the parent (and I am a mom) and I saw my kid (even if they'd been goofing off before) get smacked like that I'd want the referee to stop play before immediately. I would probably even completely forget that I'm not supposed to go out there to make sure my baby is ok. Yeah, I have an 11 1/2 year old boy who plays soccer and he'd be more than embarrassed that his mom would come screaming out to the field, but heck, that's my kid I spent a loooongggg night bringing into this world....