Question Number: 29048

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/12/2014

RE: Competive High School

Joey of Tupelo, MS USA asks...

What is the ruling when a player intentionally leaves the field of play during the game in high school soccer.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

It depends on why the player left the field.

An injured player may leave the field for treatment (but must wait for a stoppage in play to return). NFHS Play ruling 3.3.2. Situation K. A player may temporarily exit the field as part of the normal course of play (e.g., running down the touchline, sliding past the goal line) without penalty. NFHS Rule 12-8-1a. Players also leave the field to retrieve a ball, conduct a throw-in, or take a corner kick. Although it is now rare, a player may also step off the field to demonstrate that she will not be participating in play when in an offside position. Play Ruling 11.1.2 Situation C.

The act becomes misconduct when it is done for a reason that the referee judges to be unsporting or unfair (under Rule 12-8-1a): (a) as a form of protest or dissent to the referee's authority; (b) when the second last defender steps off the field to try to place a player in offside position; (c) as part of an improper substitution. If there appears to be a valid reason for the player to exit (e.g., a torn jersey; broken shoelaces), IMO, the referee should 'grant permission' even without an oral request from the player.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Joey,
as my colleague Ref Wickham has provided all relevant data not a lot to ad, just wanted to reaffirm the referee has some discretion to give permission after the fact if it is apparent no unfair play is involved. If the action creates issues a simple warning, please just let me know you have a problem, can be sufficient. The reasoning behind awarding a caution showing a yellow card for punishment of a transgression for leaving the field without permission of the referee serves no functional purpose if an unseen equipment malfunction, an unseen injury, bee or wasp allergy, dog fright, emergency bathroom or drink breaks without asking occurs. Which unfortunately I have seen over zealous referees do, causing, considerable dissent, discomfort and match unrest for no valid reason.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Joey
Referees should look to the reason why this happened. If it is done for unsporting reasons then a caution would be appropriate. Leaving for genuine reasons should not be punished. The advice I give is for referees to advise players about the return which is more likely to have an impact on the game.