Question Number: 14883

Mechanics 2/22/2007

RE: Select Under 16

Dave Eberle of Clarkston, WA USA asks...

Not handling the ball deliberately

In a recent televised Champions League Soccer match, I noticed that the referee extended both arms out in a straight line (differently than the advantage signal) when a player's arm made contact with the ball. It seemed as though the referee was signaling that the handling of the ball was NOT deliberate, and the referee allowed play to continue.

Is that signal used sometimes to indicate that handling the ball was not deliberate and for play to continue (along with saying that outloud)? If so, is that signal appropriate for select youth matches?

Thank you for your referee mentoring.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Dave,
Seen it too, do not like it. it is in fact a play on type signal. If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck most people will think it is a duck. No need for the advantage signal or what looks remarkably similar on ANY non foul. I think he is in fact saying "play on" just missing the word advantage here. Too confusing! My opinion no not apropriate a simple roar, Nothing there play! or No way play! works for me.

We can use non FIFA arm gestures to indicate certain things I point my finger at the player grab and pull my jersey when a PK in the PA was getting flack then waved my arm in a wipeout motion end of discussion!

Use your hand to gesture get up off the ground you big floozie for a not buying that crap this time sonny. It can be a lets go, lets go arm wave or a palm rising up up up up!
You are most welcome for any assistance we can provide!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I will also use this signal although it's not approved. Advantage is arms sweeping upwards and a verbal "advantage". Americans understand the arms spread wide with hands down as a signal of "no foul". I would never do this at higher levels of play or if being assessed and I'm suprised a referee at Champions level used this signal.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

An alternate "secret signal" for no foul would be to use the baseball "Safe" signal, arms moved in front of the body with hands down and crossed.

Sometimes a signal or verbal acknowledgement will serve to let everyone know that the referee saw the action and has determined it is not a foul. That gives information to players and spectators at a lower-level match. One shouldn't need this info at a televised CL match, as we would expect the referee to seen the incident, and should respect his judgement. If no call was made, there was no call to be made, end of story.

I might note that the official line we get from USSF is to not use additional or secret signals. In general they are not needed if everyone had been paying attention. Sometimes a ref will tell an AR to use a non-standard signal for something, for example touching the badge to indicate you want to talk. From time to time I have given a signal after making a call when I am an AR, for example to touch my arm to indicate handling or raising my foot on a bad throw-in.

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

See Question: 14924