Question Number: 27345

League Specific 4/22/2013

RE: competitive Under 19

Harold Hellwig of Pocatello, Idaho United States asks...

Can a team forfeit a game a day in advance? At a tournament, team A advised another team B that they would not play the following day, thus allowing team B to move into second place by default and to play in a semi-final game. This allowed team B, then in third place, to forfeit playing a consolation game with another third place team, team C, from another bracket, since that game had no consequence in the tournament. Tournament directors were advised of the intended forfeit from team A, and allowed team B to play in the semi-final.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It is entirely up to the tournament rules (and usually, the tournament director) to decide how a forfeit effects advancement toward the championship.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Harold
While it is contrary to the spirit of the game and to FIFA's Fair Play concept I would say that most underage tournaments have little choice when a team decides for whatever reason to forfeit. If a team has no desire to play then it is probably better to forfeit rather than going through with a game where perhaps the team makes no effort to play or to win.
I have officiated at games where team would have preferred to have forfeited but were 'forced' to play because of competition rules. The game was frustrating for all concerned with players going through the motions and even suggesting in the 2nd half that the game should be ended early, which it wasn't. Not very enjoyable for all concerned and the result did not change any standing or outcome.