Question Number: 14804

Character, Attitude and Control 2/5/2007

Joe of Bel Air, MD USA asks...

An attacker is fouled just outside the penalty area, and I spot the ball for the direct kick directly in front of the goal, just outside the eighteen. The spot is clearly close enough for a great scoring chance; and while the defending team is hurrying to set up a wall, one defender ran up and stood directly in front of the ball with the clear intention of preventing a quick shot/restart by the attacking team. I cautioned the defender on the spot for USB (to the howls of many, needless to say). Do you concur?

In this particular case, I subsequently learned that this coach had specifically instructed his players to do this, with the express purpose of delaying the restart, confirming my on-the-spot assessment of the situation. I'm aware that some coaches believe this to be an acceptable tactic on the theory that they do not need to respect the required distance until & unless the kicker asks for it. If you'd like to expound on that as well, I'd welcome your discussion.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Joe,
why do you need us to expound anything? You were 100% spot on! Delaying the restart is not to be tolerated! You COULD be proactive with voice to eliminate this tactic without showing a card but I am willing to bet that was the only card required in the match for that offence!

In my opinion, caution on delay the restart when the free kick is being interfered with! Play has not occurred! This is misconduct only! IF the restart occurs and the ten yards were not respected then caution for failure to respect ten yards and retake. You can stll apply advantage and show a card at the next stoppage if it is warranted

While I will be vocal, Ten yards NOW, gentlemen! when I referee a league or teams regularly, space opens up around the ball like you cannot imagine. Do what you feel is right instead of what is expedient! There will be those that disagree but no one will accuse you of being inconsistent They may not like what you do but they can be assured you will do it! Then they can plan their tactics from you as a match condition where your tolerance is much less than perhaps the other referees.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes, he deserved a caution. He did not respect the requiered distance on a free kick which is a cautionable offense. This was your right to caution him and hopefully it helped you with game control later on in the match.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

A well-deserved caution, although it should have been for failing to respect the distance, not unsporting behavior. When it is as blatant as you describe it, no warnings need to be given. It's something different if they set the wall at 8 yards "thinking" it is 10. There, they have the benefit of doubt. If more refs would caution players who move directly in front of a free kick, coaches would have no incentive to teach this.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Absolutely except in your report it's not usb but failing to respect the required distance. I wish when players did this there was some way to send them off and show a red card. I have had coaches argue that their players may stand wherever they want until I tell them not to. It's pointless arguing with these folks. I simply tell them, they can't do it on my game and a caution and subsequent yellow card will be forthcoming if they do. This is a horrible tactic and flyes if the face of everything soccer is supposed to be. the Spirit of this game is just lost on some people. You did the right thing. I hope you do this every time someone behaves in such a manner, which brings up a point. After you issue the card, if the player dissents, feel free to produce a second yellow and send the player off.