Question Number: 28963

Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/10/2014

RE: Rec Under 17

D. Westphal of Walnut Creek, CA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 28716

Could you provide some guidance on when a player should be cautioned for not allowing 10 yards on a free kick? For example, if the attacking team takes a quick restart is there no reason to caution the defending player? If the attacking team has to request 10 yards, hasn't the defending team effectively delayed the opportunity for a quick restart? I would think the referee has to decide if the defending team was trying to live within the spirit of backing up. If three players decide to set a wall 5 yards (or clearly not 10 years), would you caution the captain? Sorry for the vague examples but I'm trying to understand the factors that the referee should consider when cautioning.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
Thank you for your question. I guess the best way to answer it is to caution for preventing the quick restart by making contact with the ball. The typical way is that a player runs in front of the ball and physically stops the ball after it is kicked. That is a caution for failing to respect the required distance. Many times the kicking team don't want a quick restart so even if the players move to the front of the ball they have not prevented the kick. The kicking team can be happy to wait and ensure that the referee enforces the 10 yards. Other times the kick is taken and even if there are players within 10 yards the referee just allows play to continue.
On your example of setting up 5 yards from the ball I would ignore this and just make the free kick ceremonial. If the kick is taken with no impact on the kick then play just continues.
As a final point please only ever caution the offender not the captain. The captain has limited powers and certainly is not responsible for actions of his team mates. Some suggest the player on the end of a wall if there has been a collective attempt to fail to respect the required distance. I'm a believer in only sanctioning the player that has committed the offence and that for me is the most obvious offender and certainly the player who makes contact with the ball as shown at 12.26 on the attached video
Here us a USSF training video which you will find useful
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov4PiPOICJs

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If players make an honest effort at moving 10 yards away, I generally won't intervene. If they were about 6-8 yards away, I might say something in passing after the kick: 'Hey, let's be 10 yards next time, OK?'

My gray area is 4-6 yards. That's close enough that they should know better. But it's often not worth it to stop play for a caution there - but some times it might be.

If a player runs in from a distance to within a short distance, that's a caution for me. Maybe with one very loud warning for younger players (U12 or so) - but the players really shouldn't be relying that I'm feeling generous for something that blatant.

(If there's more than one player in the too-close wall, choose one of them to caution. Not all of them, and certainly not the captain unless she's involved in the wall. Do pick a player who isn't already sitting on a caution. Else pick a player who's been giving you grief all game, or the player who looks like the ringleader.)

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi D I am a bit late to the party hope you find my essay worth while !
Hmm when it is necessary to caution? When you ask for advice it is difficult to tell another what to do based on what we might choose to do, not knowing if you are comfortable doing these things. I do apologize for being guilty of infobesity! Here on this site, I often get carried away adding more to what is being requested that is at times, frustrating for some, but as it is my character, I like to think that one can set the written word aside and reflect, then return to it, as opposed to suck it all up at once like a giant sponge! You might think it odd approach to disseminate all the added information to find the kernel's you seek but in reality the lesson is not vague but one of connecting the dots, whereby your actions send the message! Decision making is not just the isolated moment of a single choice, but a reflection of your entire approach. These factors are the intangibles of projecting authority combined with actual need to act effectively!


Free kicks are by the very nature of the word FREE, mean the opposition needs to get out of the way. The opposing team has NO rights except to get out of the way and not have the referee do anything that prevents them from getting out of the way!

I can certainly agree that IF a referee is going to conduct a Ceremonial free kick that he immediately points to the whistle getting eye contact and then setting up all the particulars as required until he chooses to restart. Yet for all the proactive prattle espoused, a simple verbal, 'Ten yards now gentlemen or face the consequences!', to encourage defenders to move away and thus NOT be cautioned is a benefit, not an interference! I have a HUGE disagreement with USSF protocol that a simple verbal reminder is an automatic ceremonial free kick. I also find using the whistle to back players up is ridiculous. In my humble and very strong opinion the recent WC foam use is a reflection of the FAILURE of referees across the world to hold defenders accountable for the delaying tactics!

Caution when those playing DEMAND it! Their choices unfair! Their actions, disrespectful or dangerous
Caution when those playing NEED it! Your choice for their safety or a warning, this is the limit of your tolerance
NEVER caution just to caution!

If you ever watch Blue Collar comedy they have a little play acting session called, 'Here is your sign! ' when some does something stupid. As strange as it might seem, issuing a caution showing the yellow card is a sign of just that. I do not want to give these out but dang blast it, it when you ask for them, it is impossible not to!

In gauging the the need to establish the bar or guidelines for players to respect the distance or delaying the restart! One must always be wary of stating what you will do before the situation occurs as it restricts what you can do when it does. If you fail to do as promised you could look weak or ineffectual, if you act too quickly you might appear as overbearing or officious.

The reason you do what you do, is based on your current knowledge and understanding of the LOTG which, assuming as you gain experience and further understanding, you may later change or adapt! Such is the learning curve of wisdom, because it is not just what you think you know, but how you apply what you know in each set of circumstances! It is easy to spot the obvious and do what is required! Yet this willingness to pamper, because cautions are involved, thus send offs and consequences might be when this same player is cautioned for a reckless tackle combined with his earlier stupidity for delaying a restart or failure to respect ten yards. Oh my gawd! It drives me nuts! Those I referee consistently, evaporate around the ball on the whistle because they know I will caution those who do not make a real effort to get out of the way! I might show a few cards more in starting a season, but once word gets out, I show almost none by the end!


I recall one match, I did to start a season in a new town, I gave out cards like candy on Halloween, was told, you cannot referee like that. I responded with a wry grin and a chuckle No it is you who cannot play like this! Guys figure it out, I am on your side! I want you all to go home safely in one piece after the match. I need you to remember its a game, have fun! It is not a contest to destroy the opposition or yourselves! This was a Sunday men's beer league played with the intensity of WC but with the skill level and fitness level of a recreational group of ailing old guys still trying relive some historical moment from their past! Terrible tackles, ridiculous delays, horrible substitutions, constant dissent over useless matters, offside so misunderstood, corners and free kick so poorly organized, yet I was a terrible referee for showing cards and holding them accountable for THEIR actions as I tried to maintain THEIR Safety and the INTEGRITY of the LOTG? By the way the second half went far smoother! LOL

As for incorporating our advice into your style, just be wary of not being yourself. The character of an individual, when driven by integrity, will sort itself out in due course. The greatest advantage is your thirst to improve, your enthusiasm and desire to seek out knowledge. You couple that with a solid EFFORT on your part in each and every match you do and the rewards of accountability and respect will eventually follow as your experience and knowledge expand exponentially


The idea a referee CAN caution but does not HAVE to caution is a huge discretionary power when it comes to man and match management! Being correct in law is as much an excuse as it is a reason to caution when we consider the NEED and REASON as well as the IMPACT or MESSAGE we wish to convey when establishing authority!

I love the Dog analogy of ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY
This is a urban legend within the refereeing community. I do not know where it originated but I love its succinct nuances and appreciate the individual responsible though I know not who it is!

So the story goes!
Recently a visiting team player whacked the ball. It went out of play, over the fans, along the touchline, over the short chain-link fence behind the fans, over a driveway into the complex, over another short chain-link fence, and into a neighbor's backyard.
A home team player knew the drill. He ran off the field, jumped the first fence, crossed the road, and arrived at the backyard fence.
The player saw a "Beware of Dogs" sign. He looked around but didn't see any dogs. To be sure he banged on the fence just as he started to jump. Lucky for him.
Lying against the back of the house in the shade was THE DOG. THE DOG was not happy. THE DOG obviously had dealt with this situation before and knew how to handle it.
THE DOG growled menacingly, stood up, and stared at the player. THE DOG then walked very deliberately to the ball as he maintained eye contact. He continued growling and staring at the player. When THE DOG got to the ball, he looked down, sniffed it disgustedly, looked up, and again growled at the player.
THE DOG then looked at the ball one last time, raised his hind leg, and relieved himself on the ball. He gave the player a final stare with a final contemptuous growl (looking something like a sly, cynical grin), turned around, and casually jogged back to his favorite spot in the shade.
The player was momentarily stunned. With both arms raised he finally shouted to the sidelines, "I'M NOT PLAYING WITH THAT BALL!!!".
I remember THE DOG whenever I referee an older youth game. He's even become one of my role models for player management.
THE DOG stayed in the background until it was time to make his presence known. He commanded the player's attention while he took forceful action. He used crisp mechanics to clearly communicate his decision. He received the player's unquestioning acceptance of his decision. And he felt much better when he was finished!

I am very pro active in creating a working relationship with all those I come into contact with on the pitch. I engage on a very personal level and am quite vocal about encouraging parents to ask questions prematch . I engage them to offer their time to volunteer, to be respectful and I will make sometime to answer queries before and after the match. I often get them to pick a player from the opposing team to signal out as the best representative of what the game of soccer represents. It helps them focus on the kids in understanding the sporting aspect and effort not just the result. I ensure the fans, parents are far back from the touchlines so as not to interfere with my ARS who are not to be bothered in any way during the match


I firmly hope you have a good pregame before each match that is positive, encouraging, educational and most of all effective. The delivery will be varied, the information should be relatively consistent but then again who it is, the time you have, and the knowledge expressed will show the something of the one dispensing the info and ANY good one will ALWAYS ask you, 'DO you have any questions?' This is not a : -I am telling you session!
It is a: - We are in this together bonding session.
Often the I know more, so do not try to tell me anything attitude is the mark of a bad referee as opposed to a confident one!
A referee who blatantly ignores his ARS is a fool but that is always a choice. To talk about the officials as a team but not to treat them as such is in fact a fabrication of the ego! Your ARs also enforce the distance and management of free kicks, it is unwise not to utilize this resource but it is just as unwise not to educate this resource!

On this site we have Gil Webber article on the PREGAME http://www.asktheref.com/Soccer/Referee/Articles/37/
if this link does not work go to the front page of asktheref.com hit articles then hit the pregame listed it should take you right there. This is NOT a saying that you commit to memory and regurgitate it! You adapt to your character and presentation in a way that you can incorporate the knowledge contained therein but each match or set of circumstances will call for a little more of this a little less of that information plus new things pertaining only to that match .

As with the parents I again engage the coaches or kids to ask questions as well.
I SPECIFICALLY spell out in any pregame talk with the team during equipment check or see the id cards to go over some very FUNDEMENTAL aspects of a match!

HI all, its a great day to play the beautiful game! I am Fair not perfect!
My ARs (who are checking cleats, shin guards and ids ) are 100% off limits to ANY abuse or dissent! Any questions?

You may ask to talk to me IF respectful! IF the time is appropriate! But IF I say no it is no! More than willing to discuss AFTER the match any concerns you have provided we are calm. I will not engage in an argument nor be yelled at, Any questions?

YOU ALWAYS PLAY the whistle, not the flag, the flag is ONLY for me, the Whistle is ONLY for you! Any questions?

On free kick restarts it could be most unwise to delay or fail to respect the distance. Any questions? (unfortunately I am very anal about delaying restarts, perhaps too quick to caution, so I attempt to warn them of this condition, this is why advice is challenging, in your approach might suffer if you try to emulate my own as yours!) )
I discuss any special match conditions or tournament rules. Any questions?

I go over substitutions a youth matches( it is often the single biggest use of non match time!)
All substitution happen at centre!( 4th if present controls this) those substituting MUST be there before the stoppage! And at a proper stoppage ,on your possession ,when the opponent subs or on my approval, those there MUST substitute, because if I see you there you are telling me you want to sub so if I stop play, you sub, please know who you are taking off.
Any player substituted must hustle off the field , you may leave the field at any point but MUST raise the hand to indicate you are off the field, be sure I see you and I will wave in your substitute who will hustle into position for the restart .
It would be most unwise to not follow these protocols. any questions!
Captains I will whistle for the coin flip shortly!
The rest of you! Have fun! Play safe!

Try hard to stay in good humor, be tolerant, fair and project a calm exterior! Communication with ARs is crucial to match control and a solid pregame review may help curb unrest before it goes sideways on us but even my own protocols are at times restricted by timing and conditions beyond my control. Many referees will not want to or even think it is a good idea to talk to the teams prior to the match. Taking the less they see me the better the match will be approach. I try to do that while the match is in progress but with youth we are often in a teaching mode mindset and as such my approach must work with the coaches as a colleague not as an adversary!

I often consider the life force of officiating within the hearts of many recreational referees (myself included) is the effect we have both on and away from the pitch. The concept of integrity, highlights an essential life force element of a referee's character! While every choice has ramifications, it is in the honor of the position of trust that one makes the correct choice for the right reason, one can not honor the truth without integrity. As a result of this illumination , I developed a life defining realization, 'A referee with integrity sees what he sees!' I referee with such ease now I find it hard to imagine how I struggled with the useless chaff that accompanies so much of what we do!

Over time I developed patterns of perception whereby I saw the game differently when playing the game as a needful player, watching the game as a biased fan, cheering as a proud parent, invested in the outcome as a coach and as a supposedly neutral referee! In an article I wrote long ago entitled ' Are we still on the same side when we disagree? ' I remarked there are four points of view from which a game is seen.

1 players see what they feel to see
2 coaches sees what they want to see
3 spectators see what they think they see
4 a referee with integrity sees what he sees

I have maintained a belief, flawed though it might be, is players must adapt to a referee as a match condition and the BEST the players can hope for is impartiality, fairness and consistency! Notice I did not say perfection, or incredible physical fitness, sound situational awareness or mention excellent foul recognition or superb law understanding even though all these components are fundamental to the development of a referees ability to do well.

As a player, fan, parent, and as a coach, we could consider the referee as a MATCH condition, one that you adapt to, much like the weather or pitch surface. Good or bad, stormy or sunny, rain or shine, slippery or dry you find your way through!!

As a referee we can try to be as consistent a condition as we can, so the players, fans, parents, and coaches, will know what to expect! The key to a good official is in my opinion the ability to crack a smile, humour and compassion, integrity and effort, knowledge and application of it. Referees often find themselves in an unenviable positions where a decision made in a split-second could be devastating to the aspirations of a player, team, city, even nation. Yet those who find fault in our actions never seem to understand how hard we try to not make an incorrect decision, knowing the impossibility of getting them all right!

Do not concern yourself with the apathy that plagues others. The character of a referee is tested by the realization of power. It is how one deals with adversity that introduces the character of a man to himself. When I use the terms Your Match, Your Decision, Your Reputation, as a corner stone of all your cumulative efforts it is how you will be judged by all those watching and playing but as Lincoln said, Whatever you are be a good one! Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing.

Cheers