Question Number: 18713

Law 5 - The Referee 4/7/2008

RE: Rec Under 15

John of Schertz, Tx USA asks...

I am having a problem with the referees in my division where they do not use proper hand signals on calls during the game. Also there are never any verbal commands given such as a team color to go with a hand signal.

What are the refs responsibilities? Are they required to give that verbal command along with the hand signal?

Thank you!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Coaches having problems with referees in this Game is nothing new John. We see it all the time and it usually stems from transferring that which is known about other games played in this country into expectations about this Game. There is one visual signal mentioned in the Laws of the Game the referee must use, indirect free kick. That signal is an arm raised vertically. Other signals, such as the direction of free kicks, direction of throw-ins are matters of procedure and handled by national associations.

Because Football [soccer] is an international game there are no verbal signals associated with the Laws of the Game. Referees do not have to explain any decision taken! Referees do not have to justify discipline administered. The reason for this is simple, the referee's decisions regarding facts connected with play are final.

There is one other thing about this Game that differs from others played in this country. That is the behavior of persons in the technical area. Members of the technical staff, or team officials, are permitted there, they are permitted to give their teams tactical instructions and are required to conduct themselves responsibly. Once a member of the technical staff leaves the technical area, starts telling another team how to play or judge the match or acts irresponsibly that person remains in the technical area at the pleasure of the referee because the referee, at his discretion, may expel occupants of the technical area.

The only thing a coach is permitted to do during a match is give tactical instructions to his team, be in the technical area and be good. In other games coaches are permitted to voice displeasure with the match officials, throw things, jump about and rant, and all manner of things abhorrent to rational behavior.

When a referee whistles to stop play, signals the direction of a free kick this is a fact connected with play. He doesn't need any help from anyone on the planet, especially one disagreeing with him, to restart play. All he needs is for all members of the team giving the foul play to retire at least ten yards from the ball, in all directions. No signals about what the offence was are needed because the player giving the foul play knew exactly what he did and the player who was the recipient of the foul play knew what was done to him. The coach only needs to make a mark on his clipboard indicating he failed his team in practice the previous week in that area.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Sorry to hear that you're having a problem with this. Thanks for sharing.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

John, perhaps you're thinking of the High School rules, where referees are to emulate the other football refs and do everything but the hokey-pokey when making calls.

As was noted, there are very few referee signals in FIFA/USSF affiliated games. Those that exist are to indicate what will happen next - a free kick, a throw-in, PK, kickoff, etc.

There are no verbal commands. That doesn't prohibit refs from talking with players to explain calls. But it's totally optional on the part of the referee. Many refs have found that their conversations are too often misunderstood, and choose not to speak to players any more than needed.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No John, verbal commands are not required. Many of us do give verbal commands but it's not required. What hand signals are you confused about? Soccer signals are pretty basic and easy to understand. The referee and AR give the signal and everyone is supposed to start play based on the signal. We do not give explanations except with U Littles where part of our job is instructional

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See Question: 18741