Question Number: 33710

Mechanics 10/15/2019

RE: Competitive Under 16

Eugene of San Jose, CA USA asks...

Is it a good idea for the referee to warn a player during a play that he'll be offside if he goes for the ball?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Eugene,
in NO way should a referee offer tactical information that can result in an unfair advantage. Telling a youth to keep his feet on the ground and hands over his head on a throw in is about as tactical as you should be in a non lethal restart situation. In actual dynamic play where ball possession is won or lost you should not seek to interfere. You might EXPLAIN why or what happened if circumstances permit but offering wisdom or assisting the coach in guidance to proper sportsmanship or character in performing a skill is not tactical it is safety & integrity orientated.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Eugene
Not a good idea. Referees should not advise players about offside position during play. Much can happen during active play and it simply does not happen as the reality is that the referee will rarely get the opportunity anyway. A referee shouting advice to players is not wise as it can brings into question impartiality.
I can and have seen see situations where at a set play a referee can tell say a player positioned in an offside position in line with the ball and the goalkeeper that he runs the risk of being called for interfering with an opponent on line of sight should that happen. That though is a personal preference and the referee can just call what happens.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Eugene,
Generally speaking, I would say this is not a good idea. It could be seen as the referee giving helpful tactical instructions to a team and potentially favouring that side, jeopardizing the referee's status as a neutral arbiter.