Question Number: 26574

Mechanics 7/25/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

James Hudson of Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada asks...

There is one diagram showing the Referee's position on goal kicks (same side of field as kicker) in the FIFA Laws of the Game book.

Where should the Referee position himself if the kicker was on the other side of the field?

(expecting a Men's competitive game with a drop-zone around mid-field).

Thanks,
James

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi James
Generally it would be in the same position. The referee should position himself so that
1. He has a good view of the landing area
2. He has a side on view of the challenging players
3. He has the AR in view
4. He should not be in the players' space.
Referees will adjust their position to take account of the game and the conditions. For example some referees may go wider if the ball is landing close to him.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Referees will adjust to what the players are doing. The other members of the kicking team usually know how far the goal kick will go. They also give clues whether the team will do a short kick and try to dribble or pass the ball. These affect the referee's position.

Particularly in men's game, the referee's goal is to be in a good position to see the push in the back (or jersey grabs) on the 50/50 balls in the air. Calling this foul will both stop the tactic and send a message that the referee is on top of things. (The risk in being to the side of play to see this is that you may be far away from a short pass to the opposite touchline - - so observe closely how the players are setting up.)

Monitor and adjust.