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Soccer Rules Changes 1580-2000


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Question Number: 31893

Law 1- The Field 10/11/2017

RE: Under 17

Michael Justin of Sydney, NSW Sydney asks...

I once reffed a game and (warning some might find this disturbing) a cats head was on the field, I did not want to touch it and neither did the players, it was in the corner so we played on, is this the right call or should I wait next time, (there were no ground marshalls as it was a school game).

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Michael,
that's just icky and a bit weird, was it dismembered by human or animal attack? Such things could be worth reporting to police!
I would have it removed.
Cheers



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Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Michael
I personally would not allow the game to start on the basis that it poses a risk to players. The risk might be minimal based on its location yet nonetheless there is a risk and it needs to be dealt with.
Usually when a threat to not prceed with the game is made it gets fixed reasonably quickly.
I had a player complain to me regarding about a blood soaked wipe on the FOP following a bloody nose injury. I had it removed before the game restarted.



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