Question Number: 32632

Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/8/2018

RE: Rec Adult

russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 32627

On the topic of trying to find ways to reduce the possibility of a player being dismissed due to a low level technical foul (and therefore a ref not calling such a foul), I wonder if 'Team' fouls might some day have a place in football.

A kind of 'Team' version of persistent infringements. It might stem the systematic fouling that is very often used by teams to break up play.

Could we move to scenario whereby after 'x' number of fouls, an IDFK is awarded to the opposition to be taken from a location that would be at let's say top of the 'D'.

Might be an administrative nightmare for a ref to keep track, but I know myself and other ref's do feel the pressure to not hand out a yellow for low level infringement if a player is already on a (deserved) yellow.

Maybe it is a case of saying 'retreat now, or we advance to the centre of the 'D' '.
If they the try and delay the restart at the 'D', we move to the Penalty spot (still an IDFK that can be defended). Again, if they still infringe, then move to six yards dead centre. Any infringement thereafter is either in the sin-bin and or a yellow.

Wild idea that is not likely to be taken up anytime soon, but something to hurt the offending team, but without possibly losing a player might help.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
I believe the *sin bin* law is to try to address this and other indiscretions with a sanction that does not result in a full dismissal.
Also the FA in England experimented a number of years ago with moving free kicks 10 yards forward for such infringements. It was a good idea yet never really got the recognition it deserved. It ended after its 12 month trial
In our national game of Gaelic Football there is such a rule and it works at times as field location can be important on scoring kicks. Its also works in rugby were field position is also important. Field position is not so key in the modern soccer game.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Russell
as you know I am very vocal about the difficulties faced with the double yellow for minor trouble but bothered by the disrespect and constant time delays. I too am hoping the sinbin has a shot at perhaps solving this. I thought the idea of advancing the free kick was a decent effort for a better opportunity with no sanctions thus the risk reward for such stupidity might be curbed. But for now I try to encourage the fair play by the pre game I am fair not perfect speech and immediately coming down hard on the first incident to help set a standard so there is no doubt about where I stand on ten yards and delays. I do try to take in account both teams tolerance levels before going too crazy lol We have power to act but it is THEIR game, at times it is hard to remember that when irritated.
cheers