Question Number: 29514

Mechanics 7/1/2015

RE: Competitive Under 11

Brian Duddy of Fremont, CA USA asks...

Suppose the referee decides to award a goal at the very end of the first half, then blows for halftime before allowing a kickoff. During halftime, for whatever reason, the referee reconsiders his decision, and decides that the goal should not have been given. Can the referee change his mind and cancel the goal, given that the second half has not yet started?

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

The Laws of the Game state that the referee may change his referee provided that he has not restarted play or terminated the match. So in your situation the laws would permit him to disallow the goal. Highly unusual, but permissible and it could lead to the correct decision in the end.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brian
While possible in Law it is not recommended / good practise nor does it happen. It certainly would not happen at the highest level. Any reason to disallow a goal should be made on the field of play before the players walk off. It will look like the referee was influenced during half time and that is never a good idea.
While not required it is the reason why some referees restart the game with a kick off before ending the half or the game. It also alerts ARs to ensure that they get the referees attention before that happens.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Brian,
It is theoretically possible but as explained could create huge repercussions. Yet I have seen a referee rescind a caution because he id the wrong player right as the half ended . During the half one of the ARs explained the error and the referee interviewed the real culprit, who stated it was him so the referee cautioned him at the start of the second half and explained he would take away the other caution from earlier. Right decision just poor mechanics!
Cheers