Question Number: 15342

Mechanics 5/1/2007

RE: Comp High School

Ryan of Flower Mound, TX USA asks...

Dear Referee Panel,

Could you please advise on the correct procedure for the following instance.

During the first half of a game in additional time, the trailing assistant referee observes a misconduct. The trailing assistant attempts to signal the referee who does not see the assistant. The leading assistant referee also fails to mirror the signal from the trailing assistant. The referee then signals for the end of the first half. The trailing assistant immediately informs the referee of the misconduct that took place.

How does the referee now deal with the misconduct? Should the referee present the caution/send off durning half time, wait until right before the start of the second half, or start the second half before dealing with the misconduct?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

As soon as you become aware of the incident you take the necessary action. This is something that may cause difficulty because of the US High School play ruling 12.8.3.F: Between the two periods or during the halftime interval, a team member directs offensive, insulting or abusive language at an official. The team member is disqualified. The team will be able to play with 11 players the next period. RULING: Legal. A team does not play short for a team member disqualified during an interval between periods.

NOTE: this applies to US High School ONLY

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The referee should accept the advice (even though they are not required to) and in my opinion issue the caution immediately. This leaves the actions most fresh in everyone's minds and the punishment will make more sense. The card should be shown at the field and recorded at that time.

If the referee is not informed about the caution until after the teams have dispersed to the locker rooms the referee should do it as soon as the teams return to the benches.

The ref must not wait until after the 2nd half has been restarted! If he waits until this point, he may no longer return to caution the player as he has missed his chance.