Question Number: 2779

League Specific 11/27/2001

RE: metro Under 16

Tori Shallot of Vancouver, Canada asks...

Are soccer rules meant to be the same for everybody? When I watch soccer on tv the pro players get away with way more than our league allows. I do not think this is fair. Are the referees paid so they do not call certain things like a different set of rules.

Answer provided by Referee Starr

This is a difficult question to answer and you won't find it in any book. One of the basic premises of the "Spirit of the Game" is that the game belongs to the players. It is in this view that they (soccer players) determine what is to be enforced and what is to be overlooked as trivial or detrimental to their enjoyment of the game. Adult players have preferences. For example, they normally prefer to continue playing rather than taking a free kick in their own half of the field for a minor infraction such as a push or trip that failed. Youth players, on the other hand, are summarily judged as being unable to make these judgements on their own so the youth organizations make policies to protect the youth players. Remember, though, no matter what age group, whether youth or adult, amateur or Pro, the referee never allows play that jeopardizes the safety of the players. Good luck!

Answer provided by Referee Dawson

Hi Tori,..there is division on whether to socialize the rules based on the age, sex and level of play of the participants. My colleague's reference to "One of the basic premises of the "Spirit of the Game" is that the game belongs to the players." convey my feelings as well provided the players are fairminded. ..The ability of the referee changes considerably as does the level of training for those who climb the referee ladder. The speed of play, talent of the players, money and power weigh heavily as does the pressure of expectations. Given the passion, emotional baggage and idiotic conduct fostered on the game by inconsiderate people whether a referee is vilified at the World Cup Level or a young referee is driven crying from the field at a u-12 game. The pressure and pain is just as real for both. The real difference is a high level referee knows what to expect...Many of the FIFA directives are in response to validating manditory punishments for activities that were thought to be inconsistant in their application. .Cheers.