Question Number: 32976

Mechanics 1/12/2019

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 32965

I recognise that in my early years (and still occasionally now), I was of the same thinking as David of London on these points (and others) - why have a rule if you do not imposed them.

These days, I am more in line with the panel - in both the overall thinking that in most instances these are trivial, and, also the flip side that some still grate on me (points 2, 3 & 4 in particular).

My way to handle this is to pro-actively monitor all points and talk to the captain to advise that while trivial, can everyone please be more aware that I might start pulling them up.

Eg. Throw-ins " I'm more bugged by excessive movement away from where the ball went out, however, will only pull it up if I believe there is significant advantage from this. If it is creeping up very slowly, and all players are just waiting for the ball to come into play, them I'm less concerned, however, if the creeping is done at a fair pace and it allows a throw to go to a teammate into a position that gives them a distinct advantage, I'll pull it up. But it is rare. Generally, I'd rather let it slide, BUT, mention on the run to the throw-in taker that 'next time I'll pull it up'.

Same approach on the non retreating and 6 seconds.

This approach appears to be appreciated by both teams as being fair and reasonable.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
One size does not fit all plus it is not a good idea to officiate with pet peeves.
I recall two referees who had personal peeves. One would not tolerate the least foot movement such as a step while taking throws and the other had a dislike of goalkeeper pushing the penalty area line on punts.
Invariably games used to get tetchy when such calls were made when there was little need to intervene as they were not clearly obvious nor appealed.
In my game today I had I would say at least six appeals for *foul throws* which plainly were non existent or at least doubtful. Some were just appeals for the sake of same.
Now I have called plenty of foul throws where players ran while taking the throws gaining a significant advantage plus I have called goalkeepers for handling the ball outside the penalty area line when it was patently obvious.
The trifling and doubtful offences advice is as still relevant today as when it was first written by IFAB.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Russell,
while I am likely anal about respecting the LOTG my colleague points out the need to be flexible as it is the players game not ours. If THEY are OK with it we do not need to school them as kindergarten kids! Only if there is true unfair or subversive mischief MUST we get involved. Man management by being proactive in a match can solve issues from ever appearing at all. A bar set at the right height everyone can jump it, but set it too high every one will try to slide under it!
Cheers