Question Number: 20104

League Specific 9/29/2008

RE: competive Adult

karen thompson of nanaimo, british columbia canada asks...

A goal is scored.
The game is restarted - referee blows whistle moments after the restart
Goal is disallowed
Referee awards a goal kick

game to be protested
I am unable to find the details of the law to handle this situation

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Law 5: 'Decisions of the Referee
The decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match, are final.
The referee may only change a decision on realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion, on the advice of an assistant referee or the fourth official, provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match.'

The protest should be upheld and the game replayed. The referee should be referred to your provincial referee association for further training.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The referee has breeched the Law as he cannot change his mind after play has restarted. The protest should be uhheld

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I wonder what the circumstances surrounding this were... The referee is not empowered to change his mind on a fact connected with play after the game has been restarted.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

A misapplication of law, if a goal was awarded then a kick off then the goal dissallowed then a goal kick suggests some important communication between the AR and the referee went elsewhere for whatever reason . If the AR KNEW the goal had issues you take the flag stick and whack the referee until you get his attention BEFORE any restart!

Protests generally have to follow a proceedure , cost money and be submitted within a certain time frame. While these conditions are stated in league by-laws, at least they should be and readily available, again at least they should be. You need to address your concerns imediately if you are to be successful at having your protest considered and acted upon. Those who manage or act as directors within your association should be aware of who to contact and what to do.
Cheers

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

See Question: 20116