Question Number: 26733

Law 15 - Throw In 9/8/2012

RE: Rec, Competitive Under 13

Scott of Laguna Niguel, California USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 26663

Please can you provide some sort of resource for those of us who, I guess, haven't been at the right place at the right time to pick up these unwritten interpretations(?) of the LOTG? I'm baffled when I see another referee call a foul throw for 'spiking the ball' when the throw appeared to completely comply with all official written laws and advice. I might buy the danger to other players, but why isn't the restart an IDFK in that case? And who hasn't seen a referee (or done it themselves) talk with the players about who should *really* be able to play a dropped ball despite the advice 'The referee cannot decide who may or may not contest a dropped ball'.

How does one know when it's okay to operate contrary to the LOTG and/or advice?

Great site BTW - the perfect warmup before starting a new season. Thanks.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
In the US referees have excellent resources in the Advice to Referee & Guide to Procedures booklets and also the referee section of USSF's website which includes directives etc. That is a huge resource for the committed referee. In other countries referees have to depend on 'implicit knowledge' garnered over the years along with advice from senior colleagues and assessors.
In any walk of life 'trainees' are expected to look for advice from senior colleagues and also to learn 'on the job'. They are also expected to 'study' as part of their training. Refereeing is no different and there are many sources that 'new' referees can use to enhance their knowledge of the Laws and their officiating skills.
The 'spike' throw is referred to specifically in the ATR and it is deemed to be an incorrectly taken throw in which means the restart is a turnover of the throw.
As regards the dropped ball the Law simply instructs the referee as to how it should be carried out. The advice given is to prevent difficulties. If a referee 'favours' another team on a dropped ball or his 'advice' goes pear shaped that can cause many problems. Indeed the law makers have had to change the dropped ball restart in the Laws of the Game this season due to the problem that the 'fair play' restart has caused for games and referees.
So really it is a matter of having the most knowledge possible regarding the Laws and then to have the ability to recognise the situations where it is okay to do something that may be contrary but it is seen as 'trifling' by the teams. That comes from experience

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The 'must have resources' for a US referee.

1. Download the LOTG from FIFA. The booklet mailed by US Soccer doesn't contain the Interpretations and Guidance from FIFA that is annexed to the version you can download.

2. Download the USSF Guide To Procedures from US Soccer website. Modifications to approved mechanics are contained here.

3. Download the 2011 Version of the USSF Advice To Referees This is no longer being printed by US Soccer.

4. Attend association meetings and clinics. Instructors and assessors receive the latest information and interpretations.

US Soccer is moving toward a web based resource, that will contain references to the laws, the interpretations, and USSF guidelines and policies.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

As a USSF referee, you should be familiar with Advice To Referees On The Laws Of The Game. A copy used to be given us at every recertification course.

Now, it's free to download at US Soccer's website.