Question Number: 33703

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/10/2019

RE: Under 19

jerold of phoenix, az USA asks...

question about issuing a caution for FRD

say you give a DFK for a foul in the attacking third and the defender who committed the foul receives a YC for the foul (for whatever reason, PI, SPA, etc). you choose to give the YC (not wait until next stoppage as new IFAB rules allow) and therefore you will need a whistle to restart due to misconduct being given.

in the process of writing down the yellow card or after writing it down, a defender who is going to make a wall initially standing a decent 7-8 yards off the ball then runs up to about 2-3 yards in front of the ball as the kicker steps back ready to wait for the whistle to take the kick, requiring you to go over, mark off 10, or tell him to back off which slows play down

can you still issue the defender a YC for FRD/delaying restart even if it technically cannot be a quick restart since you issued the caution and have to restart with a whistle? i know that these cautions are given frustratingly rarely in the pro game but i want to start giving them more to stop players from thinkign they can get away with this unsporting action

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Jerold
Once the referee has cautioned a player the restart is on the whistle. The whistle should only sound when the cautioned player has had an opportunity to return to his position.
In addition if the free kick is in the attacking third for me it becomes *ceremonial* in that the refereeing has imposed himself into the restart situation so he then need to create the conditions for the restart which more than likely requires moving the wall back. The referee can if he so wishes caution the player if he feels that the player by his actions is delaying the restart or not listening to the instructions of the referee.
Now in my opinion the game has created the problem of not retreating the 10 yards at attacking free kicks in the attacking half through the use of ceremonial restarts. This tactic is omnipresent with most in the game believing it is acceptable and that it is the referees role to move players. Also teams rarely want to get on with play quickly in these situations as they want to bring players forward or to move opponents away the 10 yards. In essence there is no real effort to get on with play. When it does happen it will be clear to the referee that the player that has prevented that has clearly stopped the restart happening quickly or is delaying the restart for timing issues near the end of the game. which are cautions.
Have a look at this video
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aqwZusZCG04
DiMaria of Real Madrid has just been cautioned. Not sure what has been said yet the referee issues a second caution, I assume, for delaying the restart or failing to respect the required distance. As it was a second caution it resulted in a red card. Usually there is more in such situations such as dissent, bad attitude, previous etc.
Over the years I have spoken to countless players in these situation who were already on cautions. The same players rarely put themselves in situations that they believe they will pick up a second caution yet do not see this as one of them.
So for me I like Referee Wright try to manage these situations with stern words rather than reaching for the yellow card. In your example I would be speaking with the player rather than issuing a card.
I believe that the referee that can manage the game without resorting to multiple cards shows that he is has the game under his control. I have seen referees issue multiple cards, send off players for questionable cautions and match control has got away from them.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Jerold,

Given that the restart can't occur anyway without the referee's permission, it might be a stretch to claim the defender is delaying the restart.
In this case, I'd be having a stern word with the defender - while he hasn't actually delayed it, his intent is clear.
This can be an overall positive outcome though - it allows you to clearly warn a player for what he attempted to do in a situation where there was no real impact, and hopefully this will prevent the player (or any other) doing it when it actually has an impact - and if they do, makes it easier to caution them straight away.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Jerold
There was a reason they HAD to instigate the foam spray at the elite levels? I suspect they got tried of yelling at the players to stand back or stay put. lol

Restart location, blade of grass issues, wall placement, is a big deal. Given the skill techniques and abilities certain players have to bend balls or take free kicks. Hard to argue with VISIBLE markings, much easier to inch forward on invisible designated areas.
Recreational though, can resort back to that frustration issue the FOAM took care of.

In cases where you as referee have stopped play and issued cautions, we are now in ceremonial mode. Here is where the referee should give a CLEAR signal, PREFERABLY a whistle , as to when YOU wish play to begin. You should clearly let EVERYONE know that you are in charge of restarting . Use eye contact with the kicker and get a response, be it a verbal yes or body language head nod etc. Use your own verbal instruction, holding the whistle aloft and pointing to it as you explain for all on the FOP . Be firm in setting the wall and ensure the attackers are not interfering whilst telling defenders this is where you NEED to stay!

If in the course of preparing for the restart players engage in additional misconduct you can certainly caution them for their USB or obtuse refusal to abide by your directions yet are we using an anvil to drive in a pin?

Players like clarity and if you have a firm no nonsense approach. If you at least appear calm & rational. If you are making every effort to be in good positions to make these calls. Players will respect effort and fair play by a referee if that referee demonstrates he is consistent within his actions to both teams. To a certain degree anyway. There will be those that love to push the buttons likely have done it to others & think they can get away with it again. These are the ones where a firm word and position taken by you just seems to annoy them as they can no longer manipulate situations.

Seriously? inflection with connotative disdain & incredibility a player can be so obtuse!
10 yards NOW!
MOVE! it or loose it!
You tired of playing?
I can certainly excuse you for the rest of this match?
You want to explain to your team why they have to play a man down?
You looking to be sent off? Then get the heck away!

The key point here is impact . The SAME goofy thing at a quick free kick is not as relevant at a ceremonial kick, where you have yet to indicate, we are a go. If anything such actions are an embarrassment to the player being lectured by the referee. Everyone knowing it was a complete waste of time and served no useful purpose ,whereas a desire to stop a quick attack might be cautionable, but as a team tactic to prevent something is at least supportable if unfair.
Cheers .