Question Number: 15860

Mechanics 6/22/2007

RE: Competitive Adult

jonah of Calgary, Alberta Canada asks...

The referee awards a player advantage after a foul at midfield. The referee has turned and is running with the play, ahead of the player and the ball. The player takes a couple of strides with the ball, and then kicks it into the back of the referee causing the ball to bounce in the opposite direction, generating a scoring opportunity in the other direction for the other team.

Should a call be made?

Answer provided by Referee Jon [Withheld]

Totally depends on how quickly all of this happens. Within a second or two, I tend to think I would blow and say, "Lads, no advantage coming there. We'll have that freekick." Anything more than that then the advantage has been played and hitting the referee (is bad mechanics by him firstly) but is a play on situation.

Talking of mechanics, i have just rered you saying that the referee is running ahead of play?? Seems bizarre. When plays are running forwards heading towards goal, why would you put yourself ahead of them? You are hughely decreasing your view of the field by having to look backwards as you run. Why not let them pass you playing and jog around 8-10 yards behind? A lot better mechanics and you can see more and will have you ARs flag in site if it goes up. Runing forwards looking backwards is not a good idea. ever.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Jonah,
hmmph the referee's fitness level and anticipation seems not to be working in this case? Well despite the unusual positioning with back to play it truly depends whether the referee felt advantage was achieved and this was a mistake, if so play continues. If the referee felt the ball was marginally under control and advantage was not yet achieved then we revert to the foul.
It is one of those calls that relies on you had to be there! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

If this happens within a second or 2 then the anticipated advantage did not develope. Call it back and restart with a free kick.

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

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