Question Number: 24001

The Technical Area 9/23/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Jim Chandler of Kansas City, Missouri USA asks...

Situation:
With approximately 10 minutes remaining in a JV match, the home team scores to give them a 6 goal lead.
As the visiting team is lining up for the subsequent kick-off, the home team coach calls his entire team including the keeper to the touch line in front of their bench area to coach them to work on certain things for the remainder of the match. When the visiting team is aligned, the ball placed at the center spot, all officials in position, and the clock still running (JV match), the home team is still getting instructions from their coach.
What action should the referee take?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Well, if the home team happen to all be in their own half of the field, the referee could blow the whistle for the kickoff! That would be fun.

A few sharp blasts on the whistle followed by, 'Coach, we're waiting for you!' would ensure that they knew they were delaying. If it continued, caution the coach (allowable under NFHS rules). If that doesn't get them to move, give the coach a second caution and dismiss him. That will certainly get the attention of league officials and the school athletic director.

I am not familiar with JV rules regarding the clock. For a USSF game, I would simply be adding sufficient time to compensate.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jim
In a FIFA approved game the referee would add on time for the delay, signal the players back onto the field of play and get the game restarted. The winning team unless they are chasing some sort of goal difference target appear not be too bothered about the delay although I suspect that the losing team is not going to be too happy.
In NHFS rules the referee should stop the clock and caution the coach for the unnecessary delay. He should also instruct the team to return to their positions and resume play immediately. If they fail to do so he inform the team that he can terminate the match.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Give them one tiny chance to demonstrate some sportsmanship by giving a quick blast on the whistle and call them back. No movement or acknowledgment? Stop the clock (or add time if no clock) and ask the coach if there is a problem and to send his team back out now. Nothing? Caution the coach (or warn him if USSF) and give him 30 seconds to get his team back on the field. Nothing?

Ask the coach if he has an assistant, because the assistant will need to take over now because the coach has been dismissed. If there is no one to take over for the coach the game is over, file a complete report and make sure the athletic director gets a copy.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 24034