Question Number: 22483

Mechanics 11/9/2009

RE: Travel - Girls Under 16

Steven Bloom of McLean, Virginia USA asks...

This past Sunday I shared referee duties with another ref of a U15 Girls travel match in a style typical of high school games in Virginia - two refs dividing up the pitch. During the second half, two players raced to a ball near the touchline just past middle field. I was located down the line perhaps 15-20 yards from the ball with a clear view of the play. To me, it appeared that both players contacted the ball at the same time and I was not confident about calling it either way. Since I had no AR and unsure about who kicked the ball over the touchline, I called for a drop ball at the point where the ball left the field of play, which went off without incident. The coach standing nearby objected to my approach. After the game, the other ref - far senior to me - felt that I should have called it either way rather than performing a dropped ball restart. What would you recommend? Should I have given preference to the attacking team?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Referee Bloom
The senior referee had an old head with experience. In law the dropped ball is legally okay but it is rarely used.
My advice is that if both player contact it together the ball will mainly go in the direction of the player that hit is first so give it that way as it more than likely deflected off the other player.
If that does not yield an answer I would give it to the defending team. Same would go for ball over the goal line. Go with the GK rather than a corner.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

1) IMO, it is always better to signal a throw than delay the match for a dropped ball (usually with dissent and an explanation). Someone touched it last, choose one team and be emphatic that you KNOW which one. A throw-in is a faster, simpler way to get play restarted. The referee's best friend is a ball in play.

2) If I don't have a clue, I alway give the throw-in to the defense. I would accept the notion that promoting attacking soccer means always give it to the attacking team, so long as you remain consistent. My reason is that if I have to use a default (rather than guess), I'd rather present the least amount of harm to the players if I'm wrong.

3) Just a reminder. The dual system of control is never used for matches affiliated with USSF. Some unaffiliated leagues still think it is better (cheaper) than three referees and safer than one referee. The dual should be used only when the league requests it.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

The least harm concept is certainly the traditional way!

A GK rather than corner or a defending throw in as opposed to the attacker's throw is been long the tradition to make the restart palatable!

Just sell it quickly and with definite body language that even though you are doubtful, there is no doubt!

It is not against law to do the drop ball for simultaneous infractions by both teams it is just not a good practise and usually detrimental to game management except in unusual circumstances!
Cheers