Question Number: 25694

Law 1- The Field 11/1/2011

RE: High School

Gary L. Sawicki of Bay City, Michigan Bay asks...

A quick question about a Regional game played this week.During our warm up the markings on the pitch didn't appear correct. As a ref I walked the penalty area off & from the goal line to the top of the 18 it was only 16yrds & from both goal posts they were only 15 yards to the out side of the penalty area. The 6 yd was only 5 yrs. In the laws of the game there no consequences for incorrect dimensions, not only was the markings incorrect but the pitch it's self was terrible I couldn't believe they hosted a regional game on that horrific pitch. Now they are hosting a regional final on Saturday. I brought it up to the refs about the measurements & never received a response after I saw them walk it off.What should have taken place & can you do something before they play a regional final on that incorectly marked pitch?





Thank You In Advance!!
Gary Sawicki

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Gary
Always a difficult one for referees. When it gets to the warm up and the pitch marking have not been changed the referee crew has two choices. One is to play the game with the incorrect markings and report it or the other choice is to not allow the game to proceed. The latter is always a drastic action to take and teams always want the game to go ahead citing that it is same for both teams. As it is not a safety matter referees invariably go with the game option. In this case the penalty area dimensions are of major concern whereas the goal area is less so.
The referee crew here was in a difficult position and one that they probably did not want to comment on but rather simply deal with it in the match report. I know colleagues who have not allowed games to proceed for incorrect pitch markings. They have incurred the wrath of the teams and indeed the league administraors who simply want to the games to go ahead as scheduled
As regards the scheduling of the game on the same pitch that is a matter for the competition administrators. I would certainly raise any concerns with them about pitch markings so that it does not become an issue on the day for the referee crew. As regards the condition of the pitch unless it is a safety matter it is of no concern to the referee. We have all played on poor fields of play with long grass, no grass, softs areas, hard areas etc which pose no safety challenges just that they do not allow for good soccer.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

In a high school or other amateur match, the fields may not be properly lined. Many fields are missing corner arcs and penalty marks. The best approach is that if it is something that cannot be correct, play the match and report the problems in the match report.

Of course, the referee must draw the line when it comes to matters of safety. If a goal is unanchored or if there is a dangerous condition on the field, the match must be abandoned if the items cannot be corrected.