Question Number: 22927

Law 18 - Common Sense 3/9/2010

RE: High School

Susan of Savannah, Georgia USA asks...

A parent tossed a water bottle to her child during a soccer match. The player has a heart problem and will faint if he does not stay hydrated. The player came to the sideline and caught the bottle, drank some water, and resumed playing. Is there a penalty (to the team and/or parent) for this and, if so, what is the proper penalty?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Two problems here. First, no one should toss a water bottle onto the field. It's dangerous. Second, under high school rules parents must remain 10 feet from the touchline and goal lines. Only coaches and team officials are permitted in the team area.

Players, however, are permitted to come to the touchline and be handed a bottle of water to to drink by the coach, trainer, or team official. There is no reason the player cannot remain hydrated during the match.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

As Ref Wickham notes, throwing water bottles, or bags of water or any containers onto the field for players to obtain a drink is dangerous, which is why it is not allowed. A player has always been able to come to the touchline and get water.

I suspect the mother was worried the son would forget to hydrate during the heat of the game, but it doesn't excuse causing danger to other players. The most that would most likely happen, barring any injury to anyone, is that she would be politely asked to refrain from this practice. Upon repetition, she would be escorted from the field by security.