Question Number: 14841

Mechanics 2/14/2007

Rufus of Belmar, NJ USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14828

As a follow up to the question about pacing off the ten yards, all three of the respondents said they would NOT march off the 10 yards [14828]. Yet the question was raised as to why do the EPL officials do it on the ceremonials? Is it a League practice? A country practice? A uefa practice? Since, a lot of referees in the USA watch EPL games, I think they pick up tips from the more famous referees. But you're saying NOT to pace it off, and the top guys in the best league ARE doing it. I'm confused as to why you shouldn't pace it off.

R

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Because you look like you are pacing off the distance and you have no real clue where 9,15 M is. A referee, like a player KNOWS where this distance is, why pace it off? The idea is get there, get them there and make them WANT to get there next time.

Players watch the top level play as well and they learn to cheat the required distance. We are there to prevent cheating. We are there to enforce the Laws of the Game and we are there to ensure a team harmed by foul play is not further harmed by us delaying the restart of play and the opponents making time to get behind the ball and defend. Expedite, expedite, caution or use some mind games to ensure compliance.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Great answer by my colleague. Referees need to be familiar with 10 yds. Pace it out at home and see how close you are.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Did you see there were 5 responses not just three? While I disagree with my colleague's approach as an absolute I do understand their reluctance! At a ceremonial free kick you are intervening because that is what is required. The NEED to do something other then let play continue or find an excuse to caution because the free kick is forced into ceremonial conditions. The referee has stopped play to deal with an issue. The way that issue is dealt with a referee must take the time to ensure it is done in a manner that elinimiates controversey rather than add to or prolong it! As I metnioned earlier what players expect or how a referee interacts to obtain a desired result is a matter of character. I saw again as you point out in the EPL a great game today in the FA match up Bolton versus Arsenal referee frequently pace doff or at least appear to step it off . What I do not see is a counting of 1, 2, 3 etc'... I tend to backward pace as a single official often I must try to keep my eyes roving as they are focused differently then if I have 2 ARs or a 4th. I count out only the 9 and 10 to get their attention that this is where the wall will be set. In South America I see the can of foam laid out as a marking line for ten yards and you know what it works? I have NEVER seen the wall once a line of the foam is laid out step over that line . Yet in North America I frequently see walls collapse too quickly, inch forward and generally not STAY exactly where the wall is first positioned. Hence we try the exagerated ten but you could get an argument and while we could use plastic to control that if we are seen to arbitrarily dismiss concerns by players respect is hard won under such circumstances. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If you pace it off, you give the impression that YOU don't know what 10 yards is. Why the top referee in Europe do this is beyond me. They also allow 10-15 players infringe on every penalty kick taken, not something I'd recommend any referee doing.