Question Number: 18998

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 5/5/2008

RE: competive Under 12

sharon of wichita, ks United States asks...

This is hard to explain so hope it makes sense.

Ok midway into the second half of a game for the championship the center ref goes over to the opposing teams coach while play in going. It was a throw in our girls won the ball then he stopped play by blowing whistle and told our girls to step back. Still talking to opposing coach now at about 1 1/2 minutes gone by then all of a sudden the opposing team throws the ball in our girls on the other side of the play waiting for the call the opposing team scored. He had not started play. His back still to the field as soon as the goal was scored he turned around and awared the goal.
Did not put the 2 minutes back on the clock told our coach the conversation was none of his business. Question should goal have counted. Two did he have a right to tell our coach it was none of his business. 3rd did he have any reason to stop play talk to one coach without stopping play then award a goal when he had not started play. He did not see the goal scored.

Hope this made some sense.
Thanks
Sharon

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This sounds suspicious at best. Knowing only your side of it, we can't really comment as to what he was thinking. You seem to indicate that it was your team's throw, and then he allowed the other team to restart. That alone raises questions. Your coach should report this referee to the powers that be in your league so this ref can get additional help and instruction if needed.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

the referee stopped play by blowing his whistle. He would have had to somehow signal for play to restart. He did not do this. The opponents then took the ball, threw it in while his back was to play and kicked the ball into the net, none of which the referee saw. he then awards a goal. I really hope you have not accurately described what happened as this is way out of line not to mention protestable.