Question Number: 14102

Character, Attitude and Control 10/11/2006

RE: AYSO Under 15

Sherlock of Palmdale, CA USA asks...

At a recent game everytime a team was awarded a throw in or a corner kick, the team players kept asking their coach who should take the throw in or corner kick. This resulted in considerable delay and break in the flow of the game. Even after the referee politely told the coach to be quick about assigning a thrower or kicker, the team took time to assign someone. Who does the ref show the yellow card to? The player who the coach finally assigns to throw or kick? This does not seem fair as it is not that player fault for delay of game. Can the referee award the other team the throw in or negate the corner kick and give the non offending team a goal kick when a team persists in such delays?

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the referee believes a player is unfairly delaying the restart, they get a yellow card. Not the coach! Good idea for ref is to warn and then caution after that.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If the referee deems the coach to be acting irresponsibly he may be dealt with in accordance with Law 5. It is a huge stretch, but if his actions are that intolerable it will stop them.

It is also possible the coach and his team are not all that skilled and they do not understand The Game.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This is probably nothing more than an inexperienced coach and team. In any case, cards are reserved for players. The referee should add time for any delayed time he deems appropriate. No, the referee may NOT change the restart. If he feels misconduct has occured he may caution a player or expel a coach from the field of play. In no case may he award the ball to the opposing team.