Question Number: 23968

Law 5 - The Referee 9/19/2010

RE: USSF Grade 7

Tim Mann of Akron, OH USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23928

According to the recent Week In Review 23 on the US Soccer site, if a goal is not immediately scored, then the advantage has in fact not been realized, and the PK must be called. So in the original situation, at least in the U.S. the foul must be called and the PK given, regardless of whether the original foul contributed to the attacker's teammates' shot or not.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tim

The advice given is to 'delay' the decision with a 'wait and see' approach to ascertain what happens immediately. If the goal is scored advantage can and should be allowed. If no goal then award the penalty. That approach can help in a DOGSO situation where the referee can allow the goal and perhaps caution instead of the required dismissal.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Tim:

You are correct about the new USSF guidelines for when the referee applies advantage on direct free kick fouls inside the penalty area.

The referee makes no signal, and uses 'wait and see.' If a goal is not scored immediately, the referee should award a penalty kick. 'Immediately' rarely lasts more than 3 seconds. But, it's a good practice to wait the entire three seconds. Few things feel worse than blowing the whistle, knowing a red card follows, and then watching the ball hit the back of the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

So, how do we define 'immediately'?

It is still in the opinion of the referee. USSF does not want referees delaying past all reasonable opportunity, which creates more game management problems.