Question Number: 16817

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/21/2007

RE: AYSO High School

Jonathan Gingerich of Los Angeles, California usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 16776

Yeesh, I hope I'm quicker on the field than I've been on paper...

I would like to correct two errors in my previous followup. First, as you've noted, if you allow advantage then stop play, the proper restart according to a recent USSF answer would be an IFK at the spot of the misconduct, rather than a dropped ball. Also, Richard Dawson, did, in fact, suggest this as a possible course of action. Where the integrity of score is in question, I believe it is the right choice, unless your hand is forced by continuing misconduct.

Let me attempt to express my bemusement in more palatable fashion. Allowing the game to continue when players have lost control of their emotions, will make you look very, very bad, and I certainly agree that it is almost always the wrong choice. But the threat is continued emotional behavior, not a rational decision to commit further mayhem because the player knows he will be sent off anyway. It's probably the right idea for the wrong reason, and I shouldn't worry about it!-)

Answer provided by Referee Debbie Hoelscher

Uh. I'm not sure there's a question here, but OK.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Here it goes a question is asked of the panel then the panel answers to the best of its ability. At other sites someone poses a problem or a something and numerous unidentifiable persons comment and then everybody chats about it and arrives at a consensus of opinion.

Thanks for offering another chance to chat.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

All good referees seek to be better. In this you or I are no different. Knowledge is power in that what we spend hours obtaining work to our benifit in that split second decision on the field! As you know in soccer law what was good a while back will change as it is refined and tinkered with. Such is the burden of trying to stay with current changes and thinking!
Cheers