Question Number: 17132

Character, Attitude and Control 10/6/2007

RE: competetive Under 19

Colin of glasgow, Scotland asks...

While i was taking my team through their warm up, the referee stated that there were no corner flags and ask me to fetch some. While i was away trying to retrieve some the referee started the match 10 mins early, as i was managing the team alone that day while my assistant was on holiday, i had not given my team their instructions before the game, when i did return my team where down 1 - 0 what are my options in this matter, would i have a valid case to protest?

Thanks in advance!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes you do. Obviously the referee started the match without corner flags. This is something he may not do if he follows the Laws of the Game. BUT, should your captain have agreed to the early start and there were flags present you will find it useless to protest.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Yes you do! For the referee to request you go get the corner flags because the match can not start without them but to do so anyway reeks a big smelly one in my opinion. We could allow a match to go forward if those playing agreed to do so under the auspicuces of no flags and used say a flat cone or kit bag but the laws request they be present in law 1! Were you or your team or association responsible for ensuring the flags are in place prior to the game? Perhaps this was a message to be prepared? I find it difficult to belive a referee would first ask you, then go ahead and start early without you or the flags there! Poor taste left in mouth ! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but please report this situation to the referee's assignor and to the league. It may or may not result in a replay for your team, but I can almost guarantee you it will result in education for the referee. That way, at least no other coach should have to suffer the same fate. Goodness, what was the referee thinking? In the alternative, should such a situation occur again, please be sure to make the referee understand you expect him to wait until you return with the flags to begin the game.