Question Number: 25124

Law 5 - The Referee 6/21/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25113

Thanks for the feedback. To be more specific with my question, should I rule differently in the penalty area vs outside the PA (as compared with your advise that I should judge differently from game to game)?

I basically have 22 'LOTR experts' on the field in these 40+ age group in addition to the referee team. As I mentioned that I called these holding fouls outside the PA trying to clamp down on these fouls and nobody was unhappy (or too unhappy). It is only when I gave a PK for holding that the offending team got agitated. (Though knowing the players for several seasons I believed that some of them are putting on a show to influence the referee's decision)

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Alex
A foul is the same anywhere on the field of play. However we all know that tolerance levels changes for referees inside the penalty area because a penalty is a significant decision and many times a game changing one. That works both ways. I know some referees who have a low threshold on awarding PKs whereas my own would be high. I have to be satisfied 100% that there was a foul and that it was not doubtful or trifling. So what might be awarded easily at the half way line might not be awarded as a penalty kick.
What is vital though is consistency. So if the referee awards a penalty kick for slight holding offences then he must remain consistent thoughout.