Question Number: 17019

Mechanics 10/1/2007

RE: Under 15

David K of Carlisle, IA Warren asks...

Okay okay!
I get it!
I vow, as a Referee, never to use the word "handball" during play.
But in all the questions I've read, I can't seem to find a suggestion of a clear name to call it out on the field. Yesterday, at a U14 girls match a player used her elbow to prevent the ball from getting past her. I blew the whistle and said something like "deliberately handling the ball, direct free kick white". They all turned and looked at me like I had lost it and was speaking a foreign language. So, still fighting myself from instinctively spewing forth the "H" word, I said she "deliberately handled the ball with her elbow." and again instructed them of the restart.
They were a good group of kids, and they politely proceeded with play. But they all seemed to be going along with me the same way that we humor Grandpa when he starts talking about the secret instructions he hears from the radio. If I had said, you-know-what, everyone would have gotten it instantly.

Any suggestions?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Obviously you don't want to say, "handles the ball deliberately, except for the keeper ..." etc.

My first question is why you have to say anything at all. Blow your whistle, point your arm in the proper direction, and if necessary indicate the proper place for the restart. By not having your arm vertically in the air, the players will know it is a DFK. (OK, that may be wishful thinking. but some do.)

If anyone asks you what was called, you can simply say either "Handling" or "Deliberate Handling". As soon as you get that syllable "hand" out, they should understand.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I always blow the whistle, point to my own arm and then give a directional. Anybody asks me my words are always "he deliberately handled it". You can easily avoid saying the dreaded H word!!!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If they ask I say "you have to hide that better". They understand...

Regards,