Question Number: 29234

Kicks From The Penalty mark 3/8/2015

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29231

This raises a question for me. Suppose during KFPM, a keeper feigns injury (but you don't know for sure). A substitute comes on who, of course, wasn't on the field at the end of the game, but happens to be their best penalty kicker. The substitute then becomes one of the kickers, & another player/kicker (who was already on the field) substitutes for the GK. Is there any problem with that?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Phil,
If those in authority over a team of kids are so obtuse or corrupt as to manipulate a youth competitive match to achieve a favourable outcome tis a sad day in the education of the youth playing to witness or participate in such a disgusting venture

Aside from the moral implications to be so conflicted and dishonest with no honour, integrity or sense of justice. As members of the Hitler youth core they have far bigger problems then infiltrating a soccer match.

We must have a incompetent coach with no tactical sense than to ensure his best pk takers are not on the field at the end of a match, thus it would seem your situation is most improbable.

I doubt there is a real problem.
One would have no real reason to suspect the keeper was feigning an injury The referee could document the proceedings in a match report if the injured keeper was replaced , assuming all substitution options were not over with, but youth usually allows unlimited subs. I would think the referee would have to see the substitute keeper go between the pipes at least once to give validity to the substitution. As you indicate it is not illegal to change the keeper with a player. Although to do so immediately after you sub, might raise a few red flags of your moral character. Even if a referee might have suspicions, I suggest they just record what transpires in their match report let the league sort such foolishness out! The opposing team might file their own protest

Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Phil
As a general rule a referee should not get involved in matters outside the Laws of the Game. If a team indicates that a player is injured and uses the law to deal with that then anything else is of no concern of the referee. The opponents may cry foul yet the referee will simply say that it allowed for under the Laws
As Referee Dawson States simply include what happened in the match report. The opposing team can lodge a complaint / protest if it so wishes and the League will decide.
We would expect clubs / teams to play the game in the spirit of Fair Play. To win in an unsporting yet legal manner bring no honour to the victory.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Phil,

There are a few potential loopholes that teams can exploit in KFTM.

What you stated is one. As a referee there isn't anything you can do about it, though it may be worth reporting it to the authorities to let them decide if any further action should be taken.

Fortunately, it's extremely unlikely that any team will know the laws well enough to even know this is possible - and it's even less unlikely that such a team would be willing to take that sort of action.