Question Number: 21702

Law 1- The Field 7/27/2009

RE: Select Under 16

Jakob O'Meara-Gil of Balnarring Beach, VIC Australia asks...

Hi,
As a goalkeeper, before the game last weekend i was marking out the middle of the goal with a line through the box that went from the goal line to the edge of the box as I had done my whole life. The ground was very dusty so it was easy to see. The ref came over and very nearly gave me a yellow for doing it, even though i didn't realise i had done anything wrong.
Are you allowed to mark out the middle of the goal??
thanks a lot
Jakob

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No you are not allowed to do so. The ref was being lenient with you.

Laws of the Game, page 56:

Field markings
It is not permissible to mark the field of play with broken lines or furrows.
If a player makes unauthorised marks on the field of play with his foot, he must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. If the referee notices this being done during the match, he must caution the offending player for unsporting behaviour when the ball next goes out of play.
Only the lines indicated in Law 1 are to be marked on the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

You're lucky you didn't get an immediate caution. You absolutely cannot make marks on the field

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Perhaps surprisingly, this is a mandatory caution - every referee who has allowed it to occur has been lenient on you. Perhaps they also didn't notice....