Question Number: 20806

League Specific 2/4/2009

RE: SELECT HIGH SCHOOL Under 17

JOSEPH THORPE of LAGUNA HILLS, CA USA asks...

ARE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ALLOWED ON THE SIDELINES - ie COW BELLS TAMBORINES, SHAKERS

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

According to High School Rule 1 Section 6 the spectators' area

Spectators shall be confined to areas at least 10 feet from the touch line, team/official area and goal line. No one shall be permitted directly behind either goal unless seated in bleachers.

Some leagues demand all spectators be seated in bleachers should they be provided. In fact some leagues state no one is permitted in the team area unless their name is listed on the team's roster.

Note: some referees come all unpuckered about noise makers in close proximity to the playing field. Why this is I haven't a clue, they just won't tolerate it. Bells, rattles, tambourines, horns, waving flags, drums and the like are as much a part of today's Game as are players and match officials. So as long as spectators are not closer than 10 feet from the touch line [USA High School], team/official area and goal line all is well because Rule 1 is complied with. If the league has other restrictions then you should ensure those restrictions are met by your spectators and supporters lest you be singled out for disciplinary action.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You state this is a Select U17 game and also a high school one. I know some States forbid noismakers of any kind for youth soccer so check with California South. May also have some high school rules in your state.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Joseph, this question is a valid one. You need to know the answer.
At this website we pretty well deal with IFAB Laws of the Game as published by FIFA, the international organization that deals with soccer. This issue is NOT addressed by FIFA but there may be rules forbidding noisemakers all the same. You will have to do some homework. Go to Laguna Hills soccer association and ask them. To get a contact number, ask your next referee.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

As long as it is not a whistle, I don't care... a bull horn with a guy shouting profanity may also draw my ire.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Soccer is mostly a visual game, the clanging and banging of the supporters is most often in good spirits although as a spectator much of that racket gives me a headache. I have seen fist fights between opposing spectators and even supporters as the IRRITATION of that infernal racket if you are seated in close proximity is definitely nerve fraying!

As a referee, if the league has no restrictions or if the spectators follow the ones laid out and the spectators do not endanger the players or create an unsafe or foul environment have fun!