Question Number: 26485

Law 5 - The Referee 6/21/2012

RE: Under 19

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

This question is a follow up to question 26460

So you see this situation developing, and it's obvious that the keeper is running to scoop up the ball to punt it, and the flow of the players is heading up-field expecting a punt.
Is it OK to say something to him/her such as, 'no hands keeper', or do you become a 'gotcha ref' and wait for keeper to touch it and then blow the whistle for a violation.
I'll sometimes discretely let the keeper know that I intend to call for a violation to avoid a rather awkward, and always contentious stoppage, but I've always wondered if I should be doing that.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The referee's job is more than just calling fouls. The referee also influences behavior to avoid fouls.

How you do it is very important. If you are close enough to discretely let the keeper know that this is (or isn't) a deliberate kick that cannot be picked up, you do a service to the game by allowing the game to flow. Shouting across the field can be misinterpreted by the players as coaching or helping the opponent. But, I must add. This particular example is an extremely rare foul. If you see it often, you should talk with an assessor or instructor about what is required for a deliberate kick.

The notion that the referee can say something before and to avoid the foul, however, is useful for all fouls. My favorite expression before a corner kick is 'Be smart.' A simple reminder that I'm watching will often cause both players to let go of each other's jersey.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Dave
Deal with each situation on its own merits. There will be games that are played in the right spirit and the referee's positioning may allow discrete 'advice' to be given. If the advice goes pear shaped and possession is lost with perhaps a goal conceded the referee may have to endure some complaints for his well intended intervention.
Most times it will be the 'wrong' thing to do as it may be misinterpreted by the opponents. I expect players to be fully aware of the Laws and to interpret the situation they find themselves in. For example would a referee call to an opponent in an offside position notto touch the ball?
There will be times when it happens so quickly that it is not possible to intervene anyway and then the referee has to deal with the situation either as an IDFK or if there is a doubt to see it as no offence with play continuing.
As regards my handling of these situation I rarely if ever give advice during play other than warning about behaviour.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

In the previous situation, the defender had dribbled the ball into the penalty area, which is deliberately kicking the ball. Then he leaves it, with the keeper rushing up to get it. If or when the keeper picks up that ball, he has violated the Law requiring him not to handle a ball that was deliberately kicked to him (or a place where he can get it) by a teammate. If you are very close, you might say something like 'Careful, keep.' If you are not, say nothing. Let the whistle do the talking. They usually remember very well after that. In such a situation, it might be a trifling offense if nobody else is within 30 yards of the keeper, but I would remind him not all referees would see it that way, when I got a chance with a quiet word.