Question Number: 16242

Mechanics 8/7/2007

RE: Competitive Adult

Ryan of Flower Mound, TX U.S.A. asks...

Dear Referee Panel,

I have a question about terminating a match because of dangerous weather. Severe weather always calls for terminating a match, but can a severly windy day be grounds for terminating a match? I have seen days with wind gusts over 40 mph. Corner flags blow over and some of the gusts were even strong enough to move the goals off the goal lines. I have played through these days and players really could not play in those conditions. Should matches be terminated on a day like that or should we continue playing?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I suggest that if the wind was blowing the goals off the line, they probably weren't anchored sufficiently to be playing the game regardless of wind.

If the players can't stand up against the wind, it's probably wise to reschedule the game for another day. Whatever game you are playing out there, it isn't soccer.

Remember that if time allows, you may delay a game for thunder and lightning until the storm has passed. It is recommended that the game not restart until 30 minutes after the last observed flash.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Referee may terminate any match if he/she feels the weater is unsafe or makes playing the match impossible. I agree with Ref Voshol; doesn't sound as if the wind allowed a decent playing field. You always could suspend the match for a short period of time and retry.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

One thing about wind if it is not hurricane or tornado or storm forcing you to terminate be sure and brush up on the restarts for balls kicked into the wind returning into the penalty areas for second touches or resulting in a goal!

I have grave reservations if the goals are moved by wind to see if they are adequately secured. Tactically balls along the ground into the wind for passes and shoot from anywhere with the wind! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I have a feeling if the wind was as strong a match that I was refereeing would probably have a serious discussion with both coaches are captains to see if they were interested in rescheduling the game.

If the goals are being blown around on the goal line I would try to ensure that they were more securely anchored if they could not be the match would be abandoned. In any case, if I felt the safety of the players was in jeopardy the match would also be abandoned.

In the former situation I want to involve the teams as safety may not be a factor but rather how well the game could be played maybe affected. In the latter situation, I would not consult the coaches or captains as determinations about player safety is ultimately my responsibility as the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I have allowed matches in lousy weather. The skills necessary to play in very bad conditions are difficult to learn and should be rewarded because they indicate the side has been on the practise field in those conditions. Their dedication to The Game should be rewarded, especially when an opponent does not have the same skills. Football, after all, is a winter sport and a field condition such as a bit of wind shouldn't make all that much difference.

The referee crew is faced with the same conditions and must adapt to what is going to happen with the ball, this is difficult at best. If there are safety issues, lightning being the biggest, flying debris, another the match will have to be halted. Stopping the festivities because the goals are moving off the line is an impossibility because the match should never have started in the first place.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If you feel that conditions are UNSFAFE, then yes. Remember player safety is your number one responsibility. If it is unsafe, then terminate.