Question Number: 17377

Character, Attitude and Control 10/18/2007

RE: rec Under 11

SPENCER HAYWARD of tonbridge, kent england asks...

my son is a goalkeeper and i often stand to the side of the goal right by him to give him encouragement but some referees ask me to go and stand on the sideline. i find this very disappointing as i am not able to encourage him from a long way away as i should be able to. if your son plays on the left hand side does this mean that you have to go and stand on the right side so you cannot advise or encourage him. please advise on the ruling.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Don't know about across the pond but here I'd NEVER allow a parent to be any place other than where spectators are supposed to sit. No one is allowed behind the goal line. ANy referee allowing you to be there is simply asking for trouble. Believe me, your child can hear you just fine from the sidelines. Most players ignore their parents anyway. I know mine did.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Spencer,
Truth is unless it is a stadium or a marked area where spectators are specified it is a referees call as to whether you pose a distraction to the opposing players. Certainly wanting to support your son is a good thing but if you are tactically advising him much as a coach would it is technically not allowed. If you stand on the touchline I am sure he should still be able to hear you when you say, ?Well done son!? IN most leagues here and especially in tournaments teams are within the technical areas on one side of the touchlines and supporters are only allowed on along the touchline on the opposing side of the field. 5 yards back with the lawn chairs and to give the ARs clear views. No one is allowed in or around the goal areas.
Speaking as a coach my parents support the kids but do not coach during a game. They can assist in many ways, many are better players than I ever was and will help in the players training but not at game time they record information video the games etc.. Their primary goal love and support! From the touchlines! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 3, International FA Board Decision 2 allows "A" team official may give tactical instructions from his technical area.

If you are seen talking to the goalkeeper from a point near him on the goal line what does that appear to be? Right you are, a team official giving tactical instruction[s]. Guess where the referee MUST require you to be? Another thing, if the referee sees you giving tactical instructions from someplace you are not supposed to be AND assumes you are a team official you become subject to his control. If he asks you to return to the technical area and you refuse he may expel you from the technical area and the field of play. Only after the match report is read by the disciplinary committee will it be found you are not a team official. BUT, you have already been expelled, been embarrassed in front of your son, and been unable to watch your son play. Choices, choices, choices...

Regards,

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

See Question: 17585