Question Number: 25359

Mechanics 8/27/2011

RE: Rec Under 19

Taha A. Taha of ottawa, on Canada asks...

A player commits a dangerous slide tackle and I call advantage, intending to go back and give a yellow card later. But as the play is continuing, I must now follow the play and don't have time to get a good look at the offending player.

The play continues and some time later, comes to an end. Having played advantage, if I did not get a good look at the slide-tackling player, what do I do if I can't distinguish who it is? What if I ask who did the slide tackle and no one speaks up?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Unfortunately there is nothing that the referee can do here. He just has to accept it as a missed caution. This is a skill that referees must develop and a good tip is to look closely at the player and call out the number of the player. '' Player 6 I saw that and I will deal with it.''
Another tip is to look closely at players' features and associate that with their number. Usually those players do not commit one off tackles so after observing play for a short while the referee should be becoming familiar with the players and their numbers.
Positioning also can help with the referee having a wide angle of play can keep continuing play in view while also having a better view of the offender and his number.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

This is a frustrating situation, and you're far from alone in experiencing this.

If you don't get the player's number, then try to observe a significant characteristic of the player - colour of his boots, or his haircut, for instance.

Sometimes you can position yourself to keep him in view, which helps.

If you really can't identify him, then don't ask the players who it was - because when they refuse to help you, you're going to lose all credibility. Either that, or the player who did it may be one caution away from suspension so somebody who hasn't been booked all season may put their hand up to 'take one for the team'.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is useful to announce 'you are in the book number 6' as the advantage is given. It helps you remember the player's number, and helps prevent retaliation against number 6.