Question Number: 14765

Mechanics 1/30/2007

RE: Professional

Jon of London, UK asks...

It all happens at once as they say...why does all controversy happen in short bursts?!?! Centre tonight in a top of the table clash. All going fine until the 65 mintue. Keeper came out and made a challenge outside his area, by not very far. Well not from where i was stood.

Challenge was made and it was very tight. Striker through on goal and I was in a decent position but not quite in line. The challenge was made by the keeper and my first instict form about 8 years away and at an angle was that it was fine. But as i said i was at an angle. As SOON as the challenge was made my assisstants flag raised striaght up in the air to stop play, which i did. He comunicated inear piece that Keeper was out of his area and deliberately handballed. I ran across and asked if he was sure. I was then able to add that if this was so the keeper DOGSO and therefore i dismissed him.

However all was not well on the benches and i had shouts of 'How could you see from there etc' which could even be heard over the crowd. I was in a very good position, however i was not in line as i had an assisstant and in many ways i couldnt be in line...esp trying to keep up with players who run the 100m in 12/13 seconds. I just wanted to throw out there that you may be in the best position possible and not see the correct call, but if u have an assisstant, go with them, esp if they force you to stop play. Life is easier with 3 of u, and it is easier if your trust them. We have hard jobs, so guys trust yourself...if on your own make your own decision....had i been on my own tonight, i would have snapped my arms sideways and shouted no foul. I had help, he was right (on replay) and was in a better position. trust yourslef and trust your help. Your game and your reputation

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Good comments, Jon. You do games at a far higher level than I will ever achieve, yet the principle remains the same. If you have quality AR's to work with, your job is much easier. Trust them to help you.

And I am shocked, shocked that anyone on the bench would object to a keeper being sent off ... :-)

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jon,
the team concept is one that flies or does not by the faith and integrity of its component parts. If the AR has the trust of his referee the communication between the two is generally without peer. You obviously looked over for a thumbs up moment and got the wait I saw it different lets talk flag. While the AR reported it was you who decided what needed to be done was in fact done! I have repeatedly stated a referee with integrity sees what he sees so too the AR! It is nice to place OUR match your decision and OUR reputation as one and the same is it not? Unlike your previous situation where the mind cramp by the referee undid that warm fuzzy feeling of a job well done! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

First, I concur with your comments about teamwork and trusting our fellow officials. Well said. A question comes to mind, however. It sounds like the striker was "through on goal" and had the potential for an advantage situation and possible goal. Would it not have been prudent to have allowed play to continue and then return to card once play concluded? Meaning, a yellow if a goal was scored or a red if his actions did indeed deny the goal. I know the main point of your comments has to do with teamwork amongst the officials and, again, excellent comments. My qeustion is more out of curiosity given the description. All the best,

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

See Question: 14785