Question Number: 22311

League Specific 10/21/2009

RE: Rec Under 14

James Emmerson of Stockport, Cheshire UK asks...

At a recent league manager's meeting, the subject of matches being 'awarded' was raised - i.e. in the event of Team A failing to fulfil a fixture, Team B is awarded the match.
In previous years, when this happened, the team being awarded the match were also given a 3-0 win, the goals being recorded in their 'goals scored' stats. Obviously this has a bearing on goal difference come the end of the season.
However, at the above meeting, we were informed by the management committee that the FA had changed this rule, so that while a match can still be awarded, no score is to be recorded.
Would you know a) if this is the case in junior football and b) whereabouts within the rules such a change would have been recorded?
Many thanks
James

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Perhaps our UK panelist may know of what you speak but this has nothing to do with the referee as he cannot declare a winner or a score for an abandoned match, All the referee may do is write his report, send it to the proper authorities who will decide the details of the matter.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This is a league issue. The referee cares about who plays in the particular game and how many goals were scored. If the game was not played, the referee notes the reason for that in his game report. The league then decides how that result (or non-result in this case) affects the team rankings.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi James
In the absence of a local rule, decisions are deferred to a national rule or then to a FIFA rule. The 3-0 win is a FIFA rule and it has been the accepted decision for awarding games in the absence of League or National Rules. I suggest you contact your local FA to determine if there has been a change.