Question Number: 25625

Law 5 - The Referee 10/18/2011

RE: Rec Under 10

Gabe Rieger of Lake Jackson, TX USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25599

Thanks for the follow-ups. That is what I thought, but wanted to confirm. Yes, it was a harmless mistake, as she is learning the position and simply stepped across the line before punting. It should be a warning, and I am always on them from the side making sure they are aware - but oh well, it happened and hopefully the Ref reads up and understands it was a mistake. The Refs are mostly kids 11-15 years old and simply have a 'license to practice refereeing' so I try to keep that in mind during the games.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

'A license to practice refereeing' - that's a good attitude to have, and a good line. I may have to steal it.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Gabe
Thanks for your comment and your positive attitude to this.
It prompted me to think about how best to 'educate' new refs on trifling. The facts are that the young inexperienced referee gets educated in these matters by the irate coach giving him a piece of his mind about the award of the DFK for such offences which is not good for the game. Funnily enough the other side of this coin is that the GK is much more conscious of positioning after the award of the DFK than anything a coach can ever say.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I like your comments. I 'practice' Veterinary Medicine. Ref Wickham 'practices' Law. We ALL practice refereeing.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

One supposes the good news is the young ref realized something was wrong with the keeper out of the penalty area with the ball! We will assume she is a quick learner and next time will give the DFK.

I, too, appreciate your attitude, and will steal the 'practice' line as well. It's great.