Question Number: 14001

Law 1- The Field 10/1/2006

RE: Select Under 19

George of Charlotte Area, NC USA asks...

I had a match today with powerlines running over the field about 40-50 feet in the air right over the penalty area. (It may have been higher, it was tough to judge) The Goalkeeper collects the ball and punts it -- right into the power lines. It bounces down and one of her teammates boots it out and play continues. The coach for one team wanted me to give a drop ball (which I wasn't about to do -- or if I did, I would drop it to the keeper), and at half time I told both coaches that should that happen again, and the defenders weren't able to continue to play the ball out, that I would drop it back to the defenders.

My question becomes -- how do Referees handle powerlines? Are they a 'field condition'? Or are they 'outside interference' that would result in a drop ball? I don't want to give an unfair advantage to either team, so I'd like to have this one right for the future.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

You must discuss this with teach team's captain before the match. You will either allow play to continue or drop the ball. If you haven't arrived at a decision before the match you must make something up when it happens and you will only please half of those present...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I would lean more on the drop ball side than continue play. Of course, talk with your captains and coaches about it. Reminds me of the over hanging tree branch in front of goal.

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Tree branches hanging into the field of play, or power line running over the field of play are, in my book, a field condition to which both teams must adapt. I would allow play to continue. However, I would address this condition with the coaches and/or captains, informing them that I consider those as a part of the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

While it does bother me you are playing under the electric power lines I see them as a field condition not a dropball but either way you make it perfectly clear prior to the start of the match as to how you will proceed if or when it occurs. Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 14028