Question Number: 15722

Mechanics 6/7/2007

RE: Under 18

Martin of Karlstad, Sweden asks...

What should a ref do if he accidentely stops the ball during play or makes it change direction?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Martin,
as a playing conditions for the players' a ball striking a referee is no different than if the ball was to hit a corner post, crossbar or goal post! KEEP playing! The referee needs to anticipate better and get out of the way of play and to back away from the ball without running over or into players!. When his interference leads to a goal or attacking opportunity he will take loud verbal flack from one team and silent thanks from the other. The assessor will likely have a few choice words as well!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Nothing. Referee is just a large blade of grass.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Say, "Oops, sorry guys. I gotta stand somewhere."

Unless, as Ref Dawson suggests, the ref should have found a better place to stand, more likely to be out of the way of play. At U18 you can get an idea of where play is going and how you should react. At U11 sometimes you just have to stand still and let them swarm around you.