Question Number: 26094

Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 3/23/2012

RE: High School

Smith of Blairsville, Ga Usa asks...

Coach enters the field of play in a high school game by sticking his foot out on the field of play stopping the ball before it goes out of bounds. What is the restart and what can the referee do to reprimand the coach for what I would call outside interference!?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The restart would be a drop ball due to the outside interference. The referee would be within his power to remove the coach for this - but I would simply recommend a firm but polite warning to ensure it doesn't happen again. Depending on the situation and the coach's prior behaviour, of course.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Restart is a dropped ball. In High School, the coach may be shown a yellow card and cautioned for unsporting behavior.

In games played under FIFA rules, the referee could remove the coach from the game for this behaviour but probably most referees would simply tell the coach to please wait until the ball has completely left the field before touching the ball.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Smith
The correct decision is a dropped ball from where play was stopped in this case where the ball was stopped on the field of play. Unlike USSF sanctioned games the coach can be shown a yellow card and cautioned,
Now does it happen every single time? If the ball was destined to leave the field of play and the coach in his over eagerness stopped the ball prematurely on the line should that be sanctioned. I have seen it happen as an assistant referee and I have simply signalled for the throw in. I then quietly told the coach to be careful about this which he appreciated and the incident was in my opinion dealt with some common sense rather than turning it into a significant event.
On the other hand if a coach was to interfere with play on the sideline then that should be sanctioned on every occasion

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It most cases, the infringement by the coach is trifling and a quiet word of reminder will suffice.

But, modern technology has presented a dilemma for referees in all sports. In past years, the referee might have ignored the touch and signaled for the throw-in. In a world in which every spectator has a video camera ( in their cell phones), however, there now is photographic evidence to prove that the referee was either incompetent or clueless. Referees need to be mindful that trifling remains a judgment call, but the referee is being filmed. Doubtful is subject to review.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If it needs dealing with, the dropped ball restart should get the attention of the coach, along with a quick reminder to let the whole ball exit the field next time. If it was done deliberately to disadvantage the other team, then the coach can go home. Please use common sense here to guide oneself to the best decision for the game.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 26106