Question Number: 24008

Law 5 - The Referee 9/24/2010

RE: Select Under 12

Mike Slattery of Columbus, Ohio USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 23965

As I was considering your answers (which by the way are entirely consistent, which lends to their credence), the thought occurred to me:

Does a ref ever do a final scan (of his assistants, for down-field fouls or even VC, etc., before blowing final)? That would have caught this instance of a foul, but it probably is not something that is taught I suppose.

Thanks again for your dedicated service to the soccer/football community!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mike
Yes it is a good idea to do that scan of assistants to see that there are no raised flags. Also on a goal at the end of the game it is another reason why the referee should restart play.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Constant eye contact among the referee team is a sign of an outstanding referee team, and there are a number of ways referees communicate during the match.

When a goal appears to be scored, the referee should first look for confirmation from the assistant referee (who uses approved procedures to indicate: good goal; offside; or "problem"). The referee should indicate a goal only after confirmation from the assistant.

Referees strive to be in a position where they can see play and one of the assistant referees. Assistant referees are taught to look at the other assistant referee and mirror an unseen flag.

Unfortunately, referees don't always look. There is a lot happening on the field of play, particularly when a goal is scored. Eye contact is something that can be improved by the referee team in every match.