Question Number: 24258

Character, Attitude and Control 10/31/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Kevin of Roanoke, Va USA asks...

This is a refereeing question. It may very well be different in other states, or it may not even be an issue. Can a sibling Ref the same game that their brother or sister is playing in? My daughter plays select soccer for a U18 team here locally and today there was a VERY obvious offside (non-call) that resulted in a goal. Come to find out the side line ref that didn't make the call was a brother to one of the girls on the winning team. Not exactly sure if it was the girl that scored or not. In my opinion you should not be able to ref a game if you have a sibling playing. Case in point...today's game.

Kevin (Roanoke, Va.)

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Assignors should institute practices so this doesn't usually happen. Not because a referee can't be trusted to call the game fairly, but because of the doubt it puts into the minds of players and spectators.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Kevin
In general it is not advisable for match officials to be involved in games where relations are participating. The obvious reason is that the official can be accused of bias even when there is none.
Having said all that in some instances it is not always possible and the teams have to ask whether it is better to use the official or perhaps have none at all.
I would also point out if it is very obvious the centre referee can call offside if he felt that the call was missed by an AR. However the AR is best placed to look across the line. All it takes is one defender to be out of position and playing the attacker onside. That might not be plainly obvious to any onlooker and I have experienced this on many occasions.