Question Number: 14429

Character, Attitude and Control 11/13/2006

RE: Competive Adult

Rob of NY, New York USA asks...

During a recent game for whatever reason there were no linesmen. The referee was all alone.
As the attacking team was setting up for the kick two opposing players were pushing for a position right where the arc meets the box. The referee warned them but as the kick was taken the they were still fighting for the same spot. The ref made the mistake of watching these two guys instead of the play. The ball when into the net for a goal but hit the rear bar at the back of the net and came back out. A defender noticing the ref wasn't waching palyed the ball as if it hit the goal post and play continued. The attacking team argued but where not awarded a goal or a re-kick. What was the proper call. Should he have called for a re-kick?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The proper decision is play continues because the referee watched nothing but the players mucking about at the top of the penalty area as he should have done, that was NO mistake! Moral here, play fair and quit pushing each other. The defender took advantage of a field condition that doesn't ordinarily manifest itself, well done -- NOT.

He could have done the correct thing and picked up the ball, given it to the referee and said a goal was scored. It would take a real sportsman to have the courage to do something of that nature and the players on both teams already demonstrated there were no sportsmen out there, yes???

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the the whole ball crossed the whole goal line and was between posts and under cross bar, then it should have been a goal. This is a prime example of why linesmen are necessary. Referee probably was not trained to referee without linesmen and made a mistake. I agree with Mr. Fleischer...where is the sportsmanship???

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Referee can not in good conscience call what he did not see. On the other hand a referee should pay quicker attention to stamp out the lack of attention these conflicts create. Fair play is words on paper without integrity in action they remain ideas not reality! Single referee requires cooperation by the players to truly play fair! Cheers