Question Number: 22133

Law 5 - The Referee 10/3/2009

RE: Federal Professional

Mulgeta Kidane of Asmara, Maekel Eritrea asks...

In a match between two teams in an artificial surface, a heavy rain was raining.In this case, the players can't control the ball properly. At 11th minute the referee:
- Stops the match.
- Instructs the two teams' captains and assistant referee, because of the heavy rain the referee suspend the match and give information that the match will restart after some minutes if the situation becomes suitable.
- The referee enters to the dressing room because of the heavy rain.
-After three minutes, the match restarted by dropping. In 14th minute, the players can't play properly. The referee stops the match and give information to the two teams' captains and assistant referees and terminate the match (coming to an end).
Question:
1. Was the decision of the referee correct?
2. Was the referee incorrect to enter to the dressing room during the heavy rain?

Thank You.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Due to the inclement weather the referee was absolutely correct in terminating the match. Perhaps waiting 15 minutes would have been better but if in the referee's opinion the field was not playable he should terminate the match

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Mulgeta, It is difficult to pass a comment on the referee's decision whether it was correct or not on that day in Eritrea to stop play andthen abandon the match. From your description it sounds like he was.
What I can tell you is that the referee has all the powers to do what he did. Although he should consult his A/Rs, he is the lone wolf out there and he alone makes the decision if the field is playable. Law 5 has a whole bunch of things a referee can do and stopping play for weather conditions is the first IFAB Decision, which follows Law 5 and is part of TLOG.
In Canada we are instructed to stop play if there is lightning nearby.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mulgeta
Law 5 of the Laws of the Game gives the referee powers to enforce the
Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been
appointed.
The referee was totally correct in doing what he did as the condition of the pitch was not suitable for the proper playing of the game.
Once the game was suspended the referee should ask/encourage the teams to enter the dressing rooms. If one or both teams decide not to go to the dressing rooms then in my opinion the referee should stay on the field of play with the team/s. The reason for this is that in the event of any problems arising between players and officials during the stoppage he is there to observe and deal with any misconduct. It is not required under the laws but it is good practise just in case problems happen.
As regards the restart I would believe that 3 minutes was probably not long enough of a stoppage to ascertain if the conditions would improve. Having said that if the pitch became playable within the three minutes then the game should be restarted. After 20 minutes or thereabouts with no improvement it would be necessary in my opinion to abandon anyway.