Question Number: 19921

League Specific 9/11/2008

RE: Under 15

Cheryl J. Patzer of Grove City, Ohio USA asks...

At a reason game there were parents standing on the side of the field between the box and the goal. The ref stopped the game and made the parents move. I have never seen that happen in the 18 years of coaching.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I presume you mean the parents were less than 18 yards from the goal line, even with the penalty area. We have no boxes on the field, only areas; boxes tend to trip up the players and cause the ball to rebound erratically.

Some league rules prohibit spectators from being behind the goal line or near the penalty area. This is to reduce distractions for the players. If your league does not have this rule, perhaps the referee also refs in a league which does, and he thought it was a universal rule.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If the parents are lined up in behind the goal line within 18 yards of the goal post unless there is a stadium with bleachers well in behind most leagues do not allow people to be that close to the area as it serves as a distraction for the keeper/players. If those parents were engaged in such antics as distracting the keeper or oncoming shooters even if there was no league law the referee may have requested it in the interest of FAIR PLAY.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I'm suprised you haven't seen this as it's almost universal no spectators from the 18 yard line to the goal line and none behind the goal.