Question Number: 24151

Law 18 - Common Sense 10/13/2010

RE: competitive High School

Mark Hubbard of Walnut Shade, MO USA asks...

I was watching a game in my community and one team was up by two goals. As the game got within 10 minutes of being over, the team which was leading began to stand and shield the ball near the touchline or goal line whenever they had the opportunity - clearing trying to burn time off the clock. When the opposition would try to get the ball, they would try to play it off of them out of bounds. I'm just not sure how sporting this is and if it is allowed. No action was taken in this game. Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Mark
As long as the ball is within playing distance a player may shield the ball from opponents in the manner you describe. There is nothing illegal in this and its up to the opponents to win the ball. A player shielding the ball in this position may be legally charged.
I recall a local team who got to a national cup final and who started this tactic in the opponents' half with about five minutes to go leading 1-0 when there were better promising attack options available. Team ended up conceding in added time and lost the replay. I believe had they gone for goal that it would have had worked out better by keeping attacking momentum plus the opponents had committed players forward and they were stretched defensively. I personally don't like it but nothing in the Laws to prevent it.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The first is a good example of how winning teams use time to their advantage. The ball is in play, and their opponents must use their skills to win control of the ball. The referee needs to be on high alert for players to get frustrated and foul, but should not intervene in the tactic.

The second is also a lawful tactic, but the referee has the power to address the legitimate concern that the ball is out of play for a long time while one team goes and fetches it from afar. The referee in high school can visibly stop the clock until the ball is gathered and play restarts. It will only take stopping the clock twice to change the tactic from unfairly kicking the ball to Montana (unless you are in Montana) to lawfully kicking the ball beyond the touchline. In matches played under TLOG, the referee can announce that time will be added, and add time, to achieve the same result.