Question Number: 23514

Other 6/20/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Sean of Charles Town, WV USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23160

In the best (or rather most entertaining way) I have heard it put by an official, named Quame (spelling). 'The game must flow like the river' in reference to minimal interference by the referees.

However, I am a keeper, and the game was labeled as 'competitive U18', and at that age in a competitive level, any keeper knows they are not allowed to use their hands to catch that ball, and even if it were called on me, I would have nothing to argue against the official, as I would have intentionally broken one of the laws of the game. How can something like that even be considered trifling?

Also, even if the keeper didn't understand the laws and thought she were allowed to handle it... I've been told by multiple police officers 'ignorance of the law is no excuse' and I believe that should have been applied to this situation. My ranting does have a point and a question.

My question is, that since I am trying to become a certified official, I would in no way be wrong in making the call against the keeper, correct?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

As a new referee, I expect you would make this call. Even with a player's experience, you are still new to the enforcement of the LOTG. One thing you will learn in the entry level class is that not every offense that happens is meant to be called. That is what the comment about the river meant - no undue interference from the referee.

As a more experienced referee, you might judge this was not necessary to call. Or, you might judge it needs calling. Either way, you are right, and you have the duty to make such decisions, based on what you see, what you know and what is best for that game, those players, that field, that day. Good luck!! It's a hard road, but a rewarding one.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As an example of game flow, watch the Cameroon/Denmark game from the World Cup. There were relatively few fouls called (only 21 total on both teams) and it was an interesting and entertaining game to watch. Were there things that could have been called that weren't? Certainly. But it worked out for the good of the game that they were not called.

But a referee can get into trouble if he doesn't call enough, and the game can 'flow' right down the toilet. Players who feel agrieved that the action taken against them wasn't sanctioned will take the punishment into their own hands and begin to retailiate.

It takes an experienced referee to draw the line in the correct spot between call and no-call. As a new referee, you should call the things you see. With experience you will begin to recognize the things that you see that do not need a call.