Question Number: 15224

Mechanics 4/19/2007

RE: Senior Adult

Les Sicherman of Saskatoon, Sask Canada asks...

I would like to know the role a referee and his assistants play in the importance of accurately reporting the identity of goal scorers. Fifa obligates only that a referee keeps record of a match.
On many occasions the identity of goal scorers may be obscured by other players and deflections. I sometimes have problems determining if a goal is an own goal or simply a deflection off of another player. On these occasions, I may consult the player(s)involved.
How far should a referee go in determining the identity of a goal scorer?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Trust me the guy who scores wants the credit. Only in an own goal do we see a reluctance to admit to the deed! As referee I request both ARs to record as well as the fourth official . If I did not get a clear look at the scorer or a series of rapid deflections occur just prior always consult VERBALLY with your ARs to verify the action as well as confering with players to sort out . I record the time and scorer. I then tell the ARs & or fourth the same information as what I record if they saw it different or my time seems odd now is the time to tell me! If there was a snafu or a major bit of time to sort things out I could likely add a bit of time to that half if the restart kick off was overly delayed!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

When you get back to the centre circle and still haven't figured it out and your linesmen don't know either ask someone who's fault the goal was. The guilty player will instantly own up to the deed.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The leagues in which I work have scoresheets on which we record what players did - scores or misconduct. So yes, we do have to know who scored. In the case of an own goal, we give the credit to the last attacker who touched the ball.

Sometimes we lose sight of which player scored before we get the uniform number. One time I asked a player if he had scored, and he said yes. I just said that I thought so, but he wasn't acting excited enough.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

A lot of times I will take my score sheet over to a coach after the game and verify who scored and how often. (Mind you, I tend to shy away from this techique if there is a good chance the coach will want to give me a earful instead of answering these questions I will put to him - so pick your spots carefully.)