Question Number: 19610

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/14/2008

RE: Rec Under 18

Stéphane LeBlanc of Moncton, NB Canada asks...

Alright now this occurred while reffing an under 16 girls match there was a girl in close to the sideline in her half of the field who was shielding the ball from a player on the other team I proceeded to tell the player trying to get the ball to get her hands off the back but did not call a foul against the person shielding. Later in the game the same situation happened she shielded the ball for about 15 seconds and then one of her teammates came and took the ball. This time I did call an interference foul which is an ifk correct? Did I call that correctly? The match went really well in the first half but then in the second half I was not concentrated for about 3 minutes and lost control of match had to give a couple yellows to regain control ... anyone have any tips on how to wake up after one or two bad calls? I have been reffing for five years now but still have some of those games where i just zone out for a couple minutes and then it ruins my momentum and the rest of the game for me...
And also does the team have to have possession to make a sub? I don't remember seeing any law stating that so i usually go by the never take an advantage away from the other team rule since teams have unlimited subs but is that what I should do?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

I suggest you break up your questions as it is easier and less confusing to concentrate on a specific rather than a bunch of stuff.

Shielding a ball within playing distance is NOT impeding. A team mate can come close and take that ball as the 'other" shields as long as the 'other' COULD have legally played the ball. Aside from pushing and slingshot holds by the defender watch for elbows and arms raised into the face by the shielder. I feel your call maybe incorrect but was that ball always within playing distance? Also note that when a player shepards a ball into touch as part of being able to access the ball an opponent can go outside the boundries to get an angle at the ball

Losing focus at any critical incident can create problems and games with nothing can suddenly turn into something. We caution and show yellow cards when they are the necessary tool for the job at hand. You have your voice, whistles, body language and you have ARs and field boundaries and the laws to help you find your way. Cards are a tool of importance and not to be so much YOU listen to ME arrogance but Pay attention please I am trying to help you!

Focus and attention to detail in referees at recreational play is difficult as the skill or play level will at times not truly fit what you expect or want. If you have ARs and TRULY work as a team all three of you can assist in the focus of the others. Proper mechanics FORCE you as referee to get your head up and really LOOK at the important things and pay some attention to everyone, all the time so if an unimportant thing happens you won't miss it to allow it to become important. Your AR eye contact as a muscle memory check must be second nature ALMOST all the time not an occasional look over with a weak smile and a thumbs up!

You are not fruit juice where you get concentrated and suddenly you need water to fulfill your expectations but stay fit and hydrated to avoid fatigue, mental or physical creates a lack of focus.

Substitution standards as part of law 3 is set by the league or association as it is one law allowed to be tweaked for the benefit of youth and unlimited opportunity. That said study YOUR league bylaws. There maybe restrictions on the number allowed at one time or the opportunity when subs are restricted. Unlimited opportunity can result in some teams doing it all the time and frankly it is a pain as well as a crappy tactic especially when time and field schedules are at a premium.

Substitutions unless otherwise restricted are at ANY stoppage BUT at referee discretion.
The procedure is any sub MUST be at the centre line BEFORE the actual stoppage to show he or she is ready to enter.
I suggest the teams be permitted sub ONLY on THEIR possessions or IF the opposing team chooses to sub the other can do so at the same time.
This does as you suggest ensuring there is no taking away restart opportunities. JUST remember that a ball that goes way out into touch it is referee discrestion to allow a substitution for either team without harm.
Ensure those leaving are OFF BEFORE any sub comes in and ONLY at the midline and only by your signal.
Those leaving can exit anywhere but I suggest they raise their arm and signal to you when they are off the field!
The exception here is in the event of an injury where a player can be replaced even if no sub was at the midline already

The point here is if you follow the procedures you will waste MUCH less time!
Do not permit those to slow this process without thinking about an asking, (PLEASE do it this way), followed by a request (I DID ask, now I WANT it done this way), followed by a warning 'Third time is not a charm you have been Told do it this way), followed by a caution (Not likely to forget again are we?) in the first game where you try to enforce these concepts. Teaching everyone you got a good bead on things takes some getting used to!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

What on earth is 'interference'? It sounds as if you are making up infractions not found within the Laws Of The Game. A player may legally shield the ball if the ball is within playing distance. There is no time limit on this. The opponents could have simply run around her and challenged the ball from off the field of play which would have been perfectly legal. Since you stopped play for a foul that doesn't exisit, you should have restarted play with a dropped ball. I think we all tend to zone out from time to time especially with the younger kids. I try to make sure I'm at least watching where the ball is and the action around it. If you constantly watch the players, the ball and your ARs, you'll tend to keep your head in the game

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