Question Number: 28794

Law 1- The Field 9/27/2014

RE: AYSO intermediate Under 17

Scott Potter of San Diego, CA USA asks...

A goal keeper while warming up before the game made marks in the turf with his heal to help him with his angles I presume. The assistant Ref came running up to me and said that he absolutely could not do that and should be given a card? I said I wasn't aware of the rule and for what should I give him the card. He didn't exactly know but suggested USB. I just went tot he keeper and asked him not to do it, but I've now scoured the Laws of the Game and have not been able to find it. Any guidance would be appreciated.


Thanks,
Scott

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Scott,
your AR was trying to give you the correct advise so good on him!
The information you seek is located in the FIFA Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees
LAW 1 – THE FIELD OF PLAY
Field markings
It is not permissible to mark the field of play with broken lines or furrows.
If a player makes unauthorised marks on the field of play with his foot, he must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour. If the referee notices this being done during the match, he must caution the offending player for unsporting behaviour when the ball next goes out of play.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
Yes this is the in the Laws of the Game Booklet Law 1 as quoted by Referee Dawson. Sometimes the challenge for the referee is actually witnessing the goalkeeper doing this which could be done during the warm up.
As it was seen by the AR then the caution was correct. That will be important should the goalkeeper get another caution as the information provided by the AR will need to go into the sending off report as to what he saw and when it happened.