Question Number: 27093

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/2/2013

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24356

I have a follow-up question to something ref Contarino said about issuing a yellow card the first time a player runs up to stop a free kick. In AYSO, we're told that using a card is a last resort with U10; i.e. it must be something egregious. Many U10 players don't even know the rules (& neither do some coaches).

In my pregame talk with the teams (at U10 or U12), I tell them to move back 10 yards immediately without being told, if a foul is called against them & also that they can take a quick free kick if the other team fouls. I also tell them to ask for 10 yards if they want, but then they have to wait for the whistle.

My question is whether the above approach is advisable, or whether you see problems with it. Also, would you give a warning to a U10 or U12 player who ran up, as they are following their coaches instructions?

Thanks again for all the advice.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

AYSO advises referees to do the least necessary to manage the match. But, sometimes a card is the least necessary.

When a defender runs up to the ball to prevent the attacking team from taking a quick free kick, a warning is not enough. The coach has instructed them to intentionally violate the laws, hoping that the referee will be weak and only give a warning. Don't make that coach right!

But, the wise referee should send the message at the earliest opportunity about ten yards. The best time to hold up a kick and be very public in warning players to move back ten is at the first opportunity in the match, particularly when the ball in neutral ground with little opportunity for a quick free kick. It may prevent the need for a card later.

My advice to referees is to never give such instructions to players before the game. I've never found that the instruction to always give 10 yards is followed by the players. Indeed, I wonder if the players listen. Moreover, they (and I) have rarely found that referees who give the instruction take appropriate action during the match. My experience is that players will adjust to what the referee does, not what the referee says.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
At Underage I don't think it is a good idea to give advice to players before the game. Young players may not be paying attention or don't fully understand what is meant. I deal with it as the situations arise and that is the best instruction they can get get when a foul has been awarded or the player has been admonished for his behaviour. Also if the referee gives an instruction and for whatever reason does not follow through every single time that send out a lack of consistency message.
Also at very young age groups I don't believe the use of cards is required and I spend a good deal of time 'advising' players. Certainly at U10 I would be speaking to the players and I would be letting them know along with their coach that the tactic is not acceptable.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Phil. Never did this when working U10s back in the old days but at U12, absolutely. I don't work AYSO and if I did, I would follow their directives.

I understand these young players are only following their coach's instructions but I don't care. The quickest way to stop this nonsense is to caution the first player that does it. Of course the coach will yell and then you can have a talk with him at the half or after the game and even then he may not believe he's doing anything wrong but if enough referees do this, sooner or later he'll catch on.