Question Number: 15471

Mechanics 5/13/2007

RE: Open Adult

Mike Kirkman of Kennewick, Washington USA asks...

The fololowing has happened to me about three times in the past 15 years, and it happened again today. A foul occurred in the penilty area and I called it, then pointed to the spot. Right after I called the foul the attacker fell down on the defender. I did not see exactly what happened during the fall, but the defender had a bad cut over his eye. Concluding that the cut did not come from the foul, I concluded that the cut must have come from the attackers fall onto the defender. I sent off the attacker, showed red card, for striking the defender as he fell. I did not actually see striking, but thought that the defender could not have been injured any other way. Was my thinking and my decision correct?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Mike, you sent a player off for an action you DID NOT SEE??? I don't think I need to elaborate. did your AR SEE anything or do you just call your game based on what might have occurred.

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Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

It is really not a wise idea to punish someone for something not seen by you or your assistants. This WILL, sooner or later, get you in trouble and that's something we all need to avoid...

Regards,

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Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

That is bad circumstancial evidence upon which to base your decision and judgment.

Call what you see - not what you think might have happened.

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