Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/10/2010

RE: 8 Adult

Jimmy of Houston, US asks...

Can be a goal if a defensive player takes a quick goal kick and does not allow an opponent to leave the penalty area and while doing that the ball hits the opponent's back and goes into the defensive players goal?...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 3/9/2010

RE: High School

Susan of Savannah, Georgia USA asks...

A parent tossed a water bottle to her child during a soccer match. The player has a heart problem and will faint if he does not stay hydrated. The player came to the sideline and caught the bottle, drank some water, and resumed playing. Is there a ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: rec Under 11

Rodger Hopkins of vicksburg, mS united States asks...

Can a goalie handle the ball when headed back to him by his own team mate?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: rec Under 11

Rodger Hopkins of vicksburg, mS united States asks...

Ball is passed back to the teams' own goalie, he picks it up. Result, an indirect for the other team but from where? He picked it up a foot from the goal line.. ...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/9/2010

RE: Intermediate Under 17

Will of Corona, Ca USA asks...

Scenario:
Defender kicks a goal kick. It is so windy that the ball travels up in the air, goes beyond the penalty area, and then the wind carries the ball backward. Without anyone from either team touching the ball, the wind carries the ball past...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 3/9/2010

RE: ALL LEVELS (MALE & FEMALE ) Adult

RICKY BERNEY of KILWINNING , AYRSHIRE SCOTLAND UK asks...

IS THERE A RULE STATING 'WHICH SIDE OF THE PITCH' THE LINESMEN MUST TAKE UP BEFORE THE MATCH KICKS OFF ? ie IF YOU DIVIDE THE WHOLE PITCH INTO FOUR SECTIONS, AS AT PRESENT, AND AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER 20 YEARS OF PLAYING FOLLOWED BY 30 YEARS OF WAT...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: REC Adult

james of frement, c usa asks...

The ball is in the air and I would like to heading the ball in the air while the opponents are trying to do the same.
Can I use one of my own team member's shoulders to pull myself up or step on his knee to jump higher to heading the ball ?
I...

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The Technical Area 3/9/2010

RE: select High School

Mike Baxter of Berlin, NJ USA asks...

Where can I find info about not being allowed to coach from behind the goal?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2010

RE: Competive Under 14

Glen of Highlands Ranch, CO USA asks...

Hi,
I have questions about contact that can be made with a goalie. The first play is a high ball that bounces in the penalty area. The goalie has one opposing player coming and decides to screen that player and allow the ball to bounce past the g...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/9/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Louie of College Station, TX USA asks...

Is there offside during a direct kick, indirect kick, or throw-in....

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 3/8/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Joan of El Cajon, CA USA asks...

Can a kicker start a PK with his/her back to the keeper? example: The ball would be a step or two behind the kicker; after the whistle is blown, the kicker would immediately turn, take a step and kick the ball. Trying to determine if this would be ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/8/2010

RE: middle school Other

Glen of Albuquerque, NM USA asks...

A foul is called in the defensive third, awarding ball to Blue. The ball is set, but before Blue can kick it Red player pops off in the offensive third and is carded. What is the point of the restart, at the original foul point, or the second foul po...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/8/2010

RE: State 06 Adult

Joe Couture of Sugarland, Texas USA asks...

An attacking player, bringing the ball up the field, attempts to pass the ball to his teammate, B. Player B is in an offside position. However, before the pass reaches player B, the ball is handled (handling) by a a defender. The deflection ends up g...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 3/8/2010

RE: competitive Under 15

janet Vandale of calgary, alberta Canada asks...

What should the ruling be in the situation where the 'other player' is the goalkeeper? We recently had a situation in which a PK awarded to the opposing team due to a foul our team had committed in the box. The pk was taken, our keeper made the ini...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/8/2010

RE: rec Adult

y citerneschi of sechelt, b.c canada asks...

A goalie slides out of the box with the ball in his hands. Is it a yellow?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/8/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Matt Niswander of Lawrenceburg, TN Lawrence asks...

Thanks for the answers. The attacking team was trying for a quick free kick, and the ref stepped in to enforce the '10 yard rule'. My player was close to the ball because he knew that the attacking team was trying to kick quickly, and they didn't c...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/8/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

Sorry about all the 'hurricane' questions.
Just a few more;
My question is about playing advantage when a goalie illegally touches the ball before it goes into the net.
Would it be true that if it were a free kick or goal kick, and the go...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/8/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Steven Bouse of Cardiff, Wales asks...

I am a goalkeeper. Our defender took out the striker when through on goal. Our defender rightly got sent off. Then as I was setting up my wall the striker took a quick free kick and scored. The referee allowed the goal. As the game was stopped for ou...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/8/2010

RE: Middle School Other

Phil of Dawsonville, Georgia US asks...

Hi All,
During a game last week, a player on the opposing team was injured during the normal course of play.The officials stopped play, and the coach of the opposing team was summoned out on to the field to tend to his injured player.
...

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Other 3/7/2010

RE: division 3,competitive Adult

francisco of victoria, BC Canada asks...

Quarterfinals of a cup game, full 90 of regular time and full 2 x 15 min extra time played. Ref is talking to captains prior to commencing pk's when the lights go out in the stadium. This is how the game ended.

What happens now. do they repl...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/7/2010

RE: Select Adult

Emerson Carnavale of Phoenix, AZ United States asks...

Hello,

My question is regarding offside.

Here is a scenario:

On a free kick the ball is cross into the area, the ball is deflected on the first post by a defender; on the second post, the ball is touched by an offensive p...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/6/2010

RE: All Levels Under 17

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

The following question was asked,March 1, 2010 on USFF's Ask A Soccer Referee. As usual, their answer was technically correct, but basically left the correct decision to be 'based on experience, game circumstances, and common sense', and lacked the ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 3/5/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Patrick Joyner of Monroe, Georgia United States asks...

I recently refereed a game where a peculiar instance happened. A throw in was being taken by a player on his own half of the field. The player saw no one open to receive the ball so he threw it to his own goalie. The ball was thrown relatively high a...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/5/2010

RE: Select Under 17

Walt of Hendersonville, TN USA asks...

Despite my many attempts to answer this question myself, I cannot. So here it is: If attacking player is standing with his heels on the half line and the rest of his body in the defending end, is this player in an offside position?
All I can fin...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/5/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I have been reading the laws of the game FIFA version and have a question over persistant infringement. I was wondering how many fouls I can commit, though the laws say there is 'no specific number of infringement which constitutes 'persistance''. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/5/2010

joe of st clair shores, mi usa asks...

In High School soccer , can a goalie pick up the ball after he receives it from a throw in or a header from his own teammate ?

Thank You...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/5/2010

RE: Competitive Under 17

David Willett of San Clemente, CA USA asks...

Contact significance in Shielding/Impeding:

1 If there is a shield (ball is playable) and the player holds their arms out but there is NO CONTACT. Do we have a foul (yet)?

2 If there is impeding and the opponent who is impeded ru...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 3/5/2010

RE: Amatuer Adult

Ray oglesby of Wexford, Wexford Ireland asks...

Can a ref blow for full time when the attacking is in the 18 yard box and about shoot...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/4/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Jeff of Concord, CA USA asks...

I have struggled with keeping the restarts in my head as well. I have come up with the following to help me with the restart.

I) There are three types of entities
A) Involved in the game
1) Players
a) teammates
...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/4/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Matt Niswander of Lawrenceburg, TN USA asks...

On a restart of a free kick in the field, if the defending team is not 10 yards in away from the ball when it is set how does the ref deal with that? Does the ref have to step 10 yards off for the attacking team? Does the ref let the play continue ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 3/4/2010

RE: yOUTH Adult

Hogrod of Great Falls, MT USA asks...

You have awarded a corner kick. Before the kick can be taken, time runs out for the first half. What action should you take?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/4/2010

RE: School Under 16

Darren of Boksburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

If there is a high boot in the box. Is it a penalty or an indirect free kick?...

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3/4/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Ed of Plano, TX USA asks...

In the second half, a game is getting out-of-hand and there have been several times a player has been fouled with no fouls being given.
After the ball goes out-of-play, it is our throw-in or goal-kick, can a coach just sit his players (on the fie...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/4/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of des moines, ia us asks...

Wind blows goal kick into own goal after exiting PA (assumed) with no other touches.
Yes, it does happen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYJttBJq6lw&feature=topvideos
No goal right?
Restart with corner kick?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 3/4/2010

RE: Competitive High School

steve glanz of council bluffs, iowa usa asks...

I would like to know if the high school game has just started and 1 minute has approximately been played, but the time keeper forgot to start the clock. The referee does not have a watch on, what is the proper restart....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/3/2010

RE: Competitive High School

gray of pearl, ms usa asks...

Can a goal be scored on a goal kick if it leaves the box, the wind catches it and the ball goes into your own goal. What if it doesn't leave the box?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/3/2010

RE: Under 13

Peter of South Pasadena, CA USA asks...

A player who is lying on the ground kicks the ball. What is the restart?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/3/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Lowell Frobish of Auburn, Alabama USA asks...

What is the significance of the goal area in high school varsity matches other than placement of the ball for goal kicks, indirect free kicks near the goal line, etc? Does the goalkeeper have special protection privileges in this area?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2010

RE: rec Adult

Patrick of Louisville, KY United States asks...

When a field player is in their own box but commits a handball outside of the penalty box (by reaching his or her hand across the line) is this a PK or a kick outside of the box where the ball was handled?

Similarly, If a goalie stands in th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2010

RE: U15 Classic Under 15

Larry Beguin of Swansboro, NC United States asks...

If a ball is struck by a player from either team while in the Keeper's box on the pitch, and that ball then strikes the arm of a defensive player, however inadvertant the touch may be, is such a touch considered a 'handball' and the attacking team aw...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/2/2010

RE: competive Under 19

anthony murphy of cork, ireland asks...

how many yellow and red cards should i bring onto field of play? i saw ref on tv with y/c in top pocket, r/c in hip pocket, and 1 of each in side pocket for use when a player is to receive a second caution and therefore a red card. is there a rule or...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2010

RE: 8 Under 14

Angela of North Royalton, Ohio USA asks...

If you are a defender, and you are running to your own goal, but your goalie calls for the ball and you stop to try to block the person behind you ( but you don't put your arms out to stop your opponent) Do you get a yellow card for that? In national...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/1/2010

RE: Under 18

Billie of sydney, Australia asks...

If the goal keeper comes out of his penalty area and picks up a ball at the feet of an attacking player, would a red card for DOGSO apply?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/28/2010

RE: competive Under 15

david brannan of rossendale, england lancs asks...

last 5 min of the game the score was 2 v 2 and then we scored the winning goal. The ref points to the half way line and takes his book out and start to walk back to the half way line. As he was walking back the opposite team surrounded the ref and th...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/26/2010

RE: Amateur Adult

Graeme Bedford of Yeovil, Somerset England asks...

Hi
When taking a throw-in can the foot be on the line or slightly over the line? Is it the same as 'the whole of the ball must be over the whole of the line' i.e. its only a foul if the whole of the foot is over the whole of the line? Or does the...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/25/2010

RE: Under 18

Steven of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

if as a player holds the ball in their hands and face the field ready to throw in but the ball slips out and lands of the field of play but the thrower has not thrown it over her head and
2. What if it slips out just as they throw it and pick it...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/25/2010

RE: rec Under 13

David Smythe of Pomona, CA USA asks...

During a drop ball restart in a recent game, the blue player swung and kicked the leg of the red player before the ball hit the ground (despite clear instructions) - and as ref, I believe there was intent (i.e. no real attempt to hit the ball, but a ...

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Appearance 2/25/2010

RE: rec Under 9

Ali of etown, ky america asks...

Are you allowed to use black cleats that have white stripes on them for reffing?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/25/2010

RE: rec Under 11

chris dunk of newport beach, ca usa asks...

A goalie goes outside the 18 penalty box to field a ball. He dribbles the ball back into the 18 area penalty box and then picks it up.
What is the penalty?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 2/25/2010

RE: Select Adult

Broward of Yokosuka, Japan asks...

I both coach and play in our various base leagues here in Japan, and our selection of officials is exceptionally thin. While we have several qualified officials, there are several who have no idea what they are doing on a pitch, and are always follo...

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League Specific 2/24/2010

RE: rec Adult

Pina of vaughan, ontario canada asks...

one of the teams in our league used an non-register player to play for their team. Is there any rule in the fifa rules that says this is okay to do and if not allowed does that team get disqualified from playing in the playoffs, please let me know a...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/24/2010

RE: All Under 14

Todd of Camp Hill, PA US asks...

Referee Wickham makes a very valid point. The purpose of a throw-in is to get the ball back into play. As one's experience in refereeing increase, it becomes very evident when a player is performing an illegal throw-in or delaying the match as oppo...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 2/24/2010

RE: Under 8

David Hunter of Columbia, SC USA asks...

Referee Maloney,

You state 'If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same
number of goals, or have not scored any goals, kicks continue to be taken
in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than ...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/24/2010

RE: rec Adult

hany of cairo, egypt asks...

all people urged about this goal some said it is right others said it is offside
pro: said it came from the defence and the offense came back to a non offside state

please see the goal and judge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy4Bv4I...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/24/2010

RE: Adult

Paul of Birmingham, UK asks...

I have a bet with a friend that if, for whatever reason (but mainly due to the number of players sent off), any one side in a premiership match is reduced to fewer than 8 men then the match must be abandoned (i.e. the referee has no discretion) and r...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/23/2010

RE: Classic Under 16

Mark of Greensboro, NC USA asks...

I very much would like to thank Joe McHugh, Gary Voshol, Michelle Maloney, and Dennis Wickham for their informed, insightful, and thoughtful responses to my question. Your answers make perfect sense and clearly back up the decision of the official i...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/23/2010

RE: Competative Under 19

Al Sinopoli of Covington, LA USA asks...

As a follow-up to this, is the attacker outside of the field of play and in the goal considered to be on the goal line for purposes of the offside determination? This is implied by Ref. Voshol's answer, as he seems to imply that unless (2) defenders...

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Other 2/23/2010

RE: ussf grade8, high school, college College

Mark Raudelunas of Vallejo, Calif USA asks...

I was watching a soccer match on the Spanish channel during a match in Mexico and observed the referee awarding a direct kick for the attacking team about 18yards away from the defenders penalty area the referee pulled a spray can out of his belt tha...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/23/2010

RE: Select Under 15

David of Houston, TX USA asks...

Did I mis-read the answer? Did some of you say the restart for a foul committed off the field of play is a dropped ball and some said the restart is an IFK?

If the restart is a dropped ball, I have a followed up question: What if it was the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/23/2010

RE: Rec Under 19

phyllis robertson of Birmingham, United Kingdom asks...

Whilst the ball is in play a goalkeeper strikes an opponent within the area enclosed by the goal line and nets, what action does the referee take?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/23/2010

RE: Adult

Kjetil Haugen of Molde, NORWAY asks...

When did FIFA change the penalty kick rule such that the goalkeeper was allowed to move along the line before the shot?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/22/2010

RE: 8 Under 12

P Schneider of Boca Raton , FL USA asks...

A coach after a water break sneaks a 12th player onto the field, the ref does not takes notice until the 4th referee calls on the ref about the incident. Ideally you would send the last player who entered, off the field and hand him a yellow card.
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Kicks From The Penalty mark 2/22/2010

RE: Competitive Under 16

Penny Williams of Scottsdale, Arizona USA asks...

This concerns penalty kicks to determine te winner of a match. My understanding of the Fifa rule is that 5 players shoot. If there is a tie after 5 players then kicks continue 1 for 1 until one team has a point more than the other team. I was told b...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/22/2010

RE: Classic Under 16

Mark of Greensboro, NC USA asks...

I had two players (on two separate plays)called for offsides this past weekend... however, they were on OUR side of the field. On both occasions the referee said that the players had begun running toward the ball from on offsides position on the oppo...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/22/2010

RE: Classic Under 15

Larry Beguin of Swansboro, NC USA asks...

If, during a PK, the player taking the shot misses and the ball strikes the left post may that same player follow his attempt and be credited with a score if he should put the ball into the goal?...

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Fitness 2/22/2010

RE: All Adult

Ryan of Flower Mound, TX USA asks...

Dear Panel,

I have another set of questions regarding referee ethics. We all agree that it is unethical for any referee to accept matches that are outside ones fitness range. But too frequently I find myself with either a center or assista...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/22/2010

RE: competitive High School

neelesh lalwani of mumbai, maharashtra India asks...

if the player shoots the penalty before the referee whistles does he get a rechance? and does the player get a rechance if crowd yells and he gets distracted on his own?...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/19/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Julian of Cambridge, Ontario Canada asks...

I was running the line during a feisty game. There was a mad scramble for the ball in the box. An attacking player had ended up in the net. During the scramble he came out and proceeded to head the ball at the goal hitting the cross bar. The ball reb...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/19/2010

RE: competetive Under 13

Bobby of Queen Creek, arizona U.S. asks...

When a team scores how do I acknowledge/signal that they have scored?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/19/2010

RE: Adult

damien jefferies of oxford, england asks...

As a football player when you have committed a foul and then get given a yellow card and then if you commit another foul no matter how reckless it is does the referee have to show the second yellow or can he just show a straight red?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/18/2010

RE: Travel Under 15

Gwyn Williams of Bridgewater, NJ USA asks...

A simple question.
Does the game start when the referee's whistle is blown or when the ball is put into play (kicked and moves forward)?
It would make little difference most times but if a player commits a red card action after the whistle is...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/18/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

I find it difficult to memorize the restarts for offenses that occur outside of the normal playing circumstances.
Like those that include substitutes, game officials, off the FOP etc.
I'm sure there's a consistent theme or rule to these resta...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/18/2010

RE: Pro Adult

Lerato of Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa asks...

What happens if a game is called off after the flood lights(stadia Lights) fail due to heavy Rain in the first half?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/17/2010

RE: Other

A.Kanyi of Banjul, Banjul Gambia asks...

If a fast play is made in an indirect free kick an happens to be a goal.Should the goal stand?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/17/2010

RE: competitive & highschool Under 18

William of san antonio, texas usa asks...

In a recent high school match a player was given a red card for tripping another player. The player was only shown a red. The player had not received any other yellows in the match. I am a certified ref and I was taught that you had to show both a ye...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/17/2010

RE: compet Adult

doug of chicago, il usa asks...

this is a follow up question to 22812. If there is a sending off in this situation from a second yellow card involving the misconduct that happened off the field of play. Does that team have to play short for the rest of the game or can the substitut...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 2/17/2010

RE: AYSO Intermediate and High School Referee Under 15

William Gomez II of Montclair, CA USA asks...

'The lesson here is just because a restart has been awarded doesn't mean there will be time to take it. The only exception is a penalty kick, when time will be extended for the taking of the kick.'
Question: This applies to a awarded Direct Free ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 2/16/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Matt of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi Mr/Mrs Refs,

My question has to do with Law 7, the Duration of Play.

I was presenting for a group of instructors recently, and someone asked me 'what is the minimum length of a half time interval?'

My response was that t...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Ned of Plymouth, MA USA asks...

If the ball kicked 50 feet away from where I am standing, and the ball is played while at the same time a foul is committed right in front of me, do I spot the ball at the sight of the foul, or where it was played 50 feet away? The foul in this case ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Don Klecher of Marlon, New Jersey USA asks...

Why can't a player score directly from a throw-in?...

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Other 2/16/2010

RE: Adult

karl of northamptonen, england asks...

we had a game with a serious bad ref, at half time he stated that he was going to abandon the game if he got any more abuse!
it was not abuse it was players moaning because of bad decisions made by himself
i no that this is not aceptable but ...

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League Specific 2/15/2010

RE: Competive College

Mohammad of Amman, Jordan asks...

If the team walked out of the league what is happening to all previous findings note that walked out of the season return ....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/15/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Wayne of Lauderhill, Florida USA asks...

When should an indirect free kick be awarded as opposed to a direct free kick?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/14/2010

RE: 7 Under 19

Dennis Hume of Colchester, Essex UK asks...

The ball was in the middle of four players (two from each side) one player call 'MINE' this caused the other three players to stop attacking the ball, so I stopped the game a awarded an indirect free kick against the player. But after the game both ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/13/2010

Tim Mann of Akron, OH USA asks...

This is not a question but a clarification on this question. I was intrigued by this and asked a colleague on another forum who referees in Florida about this. Here are his exact words...

'Florida High School Athletics Association uses the...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/13/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Sean of Valencia, california US asks...

Offside question.
The law states:
A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball
touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee,
involved in active play by:
¢ interferin...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/13/2010

RE: i play grass root football Under 15

Nathan of Newport, Mayo Ireland asks...

Will I be able to wear Soft Ground Boots in Grass Root football (under age football)?

I will be worrying about the boot check

...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/13/2010

RE: Grade 7, Adult Adult

James Long of Dayton, Oh USA asks...

I am unclear of an exact definition of misconduct in Law 12. If a foul is By a Player, against an opponent or opposing team, on the field of play, while the ball is in play, is misconduct all other innapropriate action?...

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Other 2/13/2010

RE: Fairplay Under 7

Dawn Thurgood of Edlesborough, Nr Dunstable Bedfordshire asks...

When playing in under 7's games where a fair play score is given and not the score, I understand that the off side rule does not apply. One of the boys picked up the ball confused and a penalty was awarded. Is this correct as I believed that at this ...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 2/13/2010

RE: Comp Under 17

George of Charlotte, NC us asks...

I'll try to briefly explain the scenario and how I handled it, as the center referee; a Red player in taking of a PK in the PK phase of the match, begins her forward motion just prior to my whistle. I attempted to quickly whistle again and did as she...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/12/2010

RE: Under 18

Steven of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Can the ref after playing advantage at the next stoppage send a player off?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/12/2010

RE: Select High School

Natalie of Atlanta, Georgia USA asks...

I had ACL reconstruction surgery a year ago. I was given a Donjoy brace which I absolutely swear by. However, in some select games referees have told me to cover the brace (it is partly metal), and others have let it go uncovered. Is the cover requir...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/11/2010

RE: Adult

Ian Robinson of Swindon, Wiltshire England asks...

The attacking player runs into the box with the ball, goes round the goalkeeper and pushes the ball the wide of the goal (but still in the box). His momentum takes him off the field of play. A defending player then slides in to challenge for the ba...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 2/11/2010

RE: Recreational, Select Under 16

M Jarrett of Victoria, Canada asks...

On a set play IDFK given to attacking team and the first attacker runs over, steps on, touches the ball and it does not perceivably move from the stationary spot. The second attacker kicks the ball over the wall and scores without any other player ha...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/10/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Kevin of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

So the other day our guy has a breakaway, pushes the ball past the goalie and attempts to run past him. The goalie grabs our player around the legs and drags him down, while the ball rolls into the empty net. The ref applies advantage on the play a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/10/2010

RE: House , rec Under 15

Sean of Delta, BC CANADA asks...

Hi, during a physical match our forward was on a breakaway and red's defender initiated contact with an elbow to the back, elbow to the throat and shoved our forward off the ball. The players turned face to face and shoved each other. Unfortunately, ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/10/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Richard of Westchester, NY USA asks...

If an IFK is kicked (by your teammate)in the direction of your team's own goal and the ball is toached by your keeper (inside the pk area) before the ball goes into your own goal, what would the correct restart be?

Law 13 does not explain th...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/10/2010

RE: N/A Adult

Julia of Fakenham, UK asks...

No site that seeks to explain the Offside Rule actually explains what is meant by 'second to last opponent'!

What is a 'last opponent', even?

The last player you tackled?

The nearest/furthest away member of the opposite ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/9/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Lori Arnett of Georgetown, Texas USA asks...

My nephew who players High School soccer in Florida, played a game today where a player had a hand ball in the goal box and was issued a blue card, suspended from the game and the team had to play the rest of the game a player short. I have never hea...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/8/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Harry Sommerfeld of Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada asks...

This scenario actually occurred in an adult level game.
A blue player attempting to play the high ball kicked a red player under the chin. This went undetected by the referee.
The assistant referee signaled foul and was mirrored by the secon...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/6/2010

RE: Under 11

pat skeggs of wantagh, ny nassau asks...

In today's game the other team had a corner kick,the other team boxed the goal keeper in.One girl in front of her one behind her.When the ball was kicked she could not move.There was little contact made.Can you do this, or must the goal keeper have r...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/6/2010

RE: Under 13

Carl of Beckbury, Shropshire asks...

Is there a rule to say that players should have their shirts tucked into their shorts when playing...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/6/2010

RE: level 1 Under 10

scott of bristol, avon asks...

can a goal keeper make a mound of mud and place the ball on it for a goal kick...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/5/2010

RE: Adult

Sylvia Chacon of Lincoln, NE USA asks...

If a soccer team puts in a player for another can they take out the same player they just put in to put in another.
...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/5/2010

RE: Adult

Steve of Burleigh, Qld Australia asks...

Which way forward? There are two re-starts which refer to the ball being kicked forward, (kick-off and penalty kick). If in both situations all other requirements are correct, if a player faces his own goal and back-heels the ball, so that it travel...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 2/4/2010

RE: Championship game High School

Joy of Hilo, HI USA asks...

What should happen if a referee knocks a defensive player down while he was trying to get to the ball to clear it out. Then the ball goes directly to an attacker who shoots it and scores. I have heard people say the referees are a part of the field b...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 2/2/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Bill of Perkasie, Pa USA asks...

If a defender passes a ball back to the keeper, but the ball goes in the net, is this a corner kick or a goal? Thank you...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 2/2/2010

RE: competitive Adult

rob of woodbridge, new york us asks...

our last referee meeting ended in a debate no one could answer. i thought it was simple but didn't respond. here was debate: if during the course of play a player fully crosses the touch line leaving field of play to avoid an opposing player and re...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/2/2010

RE: select Under 12

John of Lincoln, NE USA asks...

In his response, Ref Joe said: 'If the referee decides that it is unsporting behavior and a goal is scored the player is cautioned and the penalty is retaken'

Wouldn't the restart be a goal kick or a free kick for the defense since the infra...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/2/2010

RE: Under 12

David Willmoptt of norwich, norfolk england asks...

Is it legal to have all the players on both sides correctly positioned at a kick off, and the kick taker kick the ball up field to the opposition, off for a goal kick, throw in, or even score a goal direct from the centre spot without the team mate t...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 1/31/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

cassie of Danbury, CT USA asks...

Can a goal be scored directly off of a drop ball once it hits the ground?...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 1/31/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Al of Strathroy, ON Canada asks...

In response to Ethan's question, the expectation in Canada for AR signals for Goal Kicks and Corner Kicks (even when caught up field) is to sprint to the goal line first, stop, and make the correct signal there.

Even from a dead stop, it tak...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/30/2010

RE: Select Adult

Dave Young of Moss Beach, Ca USA asks...

Players 8 and 9 are attacking the opponent's goal. 9 shoots and hits the crossbar. Player 8, who was onside when 9 shot, receives the deflected ball and knocks it in. By this time 8 hits the ball he has moved offside.
Is this a goal? Seems th...

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Other 1/30/2010

RE: competitive Under 13

Tyler of Erie, Pennsylvania U.S.A. asks...

What does the blue card in indoor soccer mean?...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/30/2010

RE: College

Saad of Karachi, Sindh Pakistan asks...

Is it offside if on a free kick the keeper punches the ball away then another striker kicks the ball in.?
Basically I am talking about keeper rebound over here.
and is it offside if in the same scenario the ball rebounds from the pole and the...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/30/2010

RE: competive Under 17

STEPHEN WHYTE of cork, ireland asks...

when taking tipp are you aloud to take a shot without a second player touching the ball?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/30/2010

RE: Competive High School

Ted of Page, Az USA asks...

What is the suspension of a soft yellow..?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 1/30/2010

RE: Adult

alex of africa, kenya asks...

what happens if all substitutes are done and a critical injury is experienced so a player has to be off the pitch. ...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 1/30/2010

RE: Other

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

I've always wondered, or heard and have forgotten, what would be the difference in AR mechanics and signaling between situation 1) a player is in an offside position even with the 6-yard line, but just outside the goal area, gets involved in play by ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/30/2010

RE: Rec & Select Under 17

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire England asks...

Actually, the Premier League rules say that both teams should normally wear their home strip unless there is a clash.

The full rule is as follows:

'F.21. Subject to Rules F.20 and F.22, when playing in League Matches the Players of ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/29/2010

RE: Under 18

steven of Sydney, nsw Australia asks...

Can the referee just stop play if the ball gets trapped on the ground with a few players on the ground and others trying to get the ball and restart play with a drop ball ?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 1/29/2010

RE: Under 16

Marissa of Bethel, Fairfield asks...

At the taking of a pk a teammate of the kicker entered the penalty area before the kick was taken The kick was taken and the ball entered the goal. what kind of kick should be awarded?...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/29/2010

RE: Competative Under 19

Richard Rose of Knoxville, Tennessee USA asks...

This occurred while I was center - Division 1 State League U19Boys:
Blue player A is in offside position. Ball is played forward by another Blue player. White defender B leaps up to head the ball and does so, flicking it back toward his own keepe...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 1/27/2010

RE: Competitive Under 14

John Taylor of Falkirk, Scotland asks...

This concerns a penalty award right at the end of the game.
I.e., a penalty is awarded right at the very end of time, including injury time.
Say that time expires prior to the penalty being taken.
I believe that the rules say that time is...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/25/2010

RE: Say Soccer Under 13

Mike of Reading, Oh USA asks...

I have a hard time knowing when to call Tripping. I have operated on the assumption that if player A contacts the ball (via tackle) prior to tripping player B that it is NOT a foul, and that if player B is tripped without player A touching the ball f...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/25/2010

RE: rec/select Under 13

paul morrill of ludington, mi usa asks...

Here is a scernio possibly involving an offsides after the initial penalty kick.
1. The kicker takes the kick and the ball bounces off the goal post straight back to him as he is charging in ahead of everyone else. Now I do know the ball is live ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/24/2010

RE: Rec Under 17

steve b of barrington, IL USA asks...

Everton v Manchester City Premier League match January 16, 2010. Towards the end of first half Man City defender Micah Richards grabs the jersey of Everton attacker Louis Saha at the penalty arc (outside of penalty area). Defender continues to hold...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/22/2010

RE: Under 18

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

I'm starting to wonder why the 'gains an advantage' clause is even in law 11.
It is certainly confusing to many new refs
especially since the word 'advantage' can be very ambiguous.
Isn't this covered anyway since a deflection off of the ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 1/20/2010

Sandy Sullivan of San Diego, CA San Diego asks...

In the following scenario, why is the restart played as a goal kick?

On a corner kick, the ball curved in the air completely over the goal line, returned onto the playing field and was then kicked in the goal. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/18/2010

RE: Adult

Steve of Brisbane, Qld Australia asks...

An indirect free kick offence and DOGSO

Thanks for your help previously. This question is specifically about those lesser class of offences, punishable by an IDFK, and how they may also trigger a dismissal under DOGSO. Two examples both base...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/17/2010

RE: Select Under 14

Rob Johnson of Folsom, CA United States asks...

My question relates to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glJagi-LakA

Note that the purpose of my inquiry is not to challenge a call. The game's over and it was a tremendous contest - both teams' families left feeling so. My question...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/16/2010

RE: Youth Adult

Chris Bradley of Gibsons, BC Canada asks...

Defender under pressure passes back to the keeper. It's a hard pass that's misdirected and goes past the keeper towards the net. Keeper runs back and palms the ball away with his hand just before it crosses the line. Red card for keeper?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 1/16/2010

RE: Competive High School

Kathleen of San Diego, California United States asks...

A team is givin a PK because of a hand ball. The player shoots the ball and the keeper saves it. The ref said the keeper jumped off the line before the kick so they had a chance to re-take it. Is the team allowed to change the player taking the pk af...

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Law 5 - The Referee 1/16/2010

RE: College

selam of addis ababa, addis ababa ethiopia asks...

what is the name of extra time and switching player number displaying board that the 4th referees use? and also where is it sold? ...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/14/2010

RE: Adult

kevin dunn of South Pasadena, california USA asks...

thank you for the thoughtful and insightful responses to my question(post 22708). I have a much better understanding of 'interfering with play or interfering with an opponent or gaining an advantage by being in that position'.
I was previous...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/13/2010

RE: Amateur Adult

David Harris of Modi'in, Israel asks...

What to do if a player repeatedly shouts 'leave it'?

Many thanks...

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Law 5 - The Referee 1/13/2010

RE: Rec, Select Under 13

James of Gulf Breeze, FL USA asks...

During a game, a defender tripped an opponent in the penalty area, and the ball rolled directly to another attacking player, who then lost the ball moments later. I did not call for the penalty initially because of advantage, but then signaled moment...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/13/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Matt of Little Rock, Arkansas USA asks...

Can a player sitting on the bench, named as part of the squad ( a player waiting to be put on the field by his coach in place of another) be red carded?

He has not yet played but he is a potential player being named as a sub, and he is yelli...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/11/2010

RE: Pro Adult

Roy Gomes of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

The goalie touches the ball with his hands
(does not grab it) inside the area then
carries it with is feet outside the area
changes his mind and brings it back inside
the area, again with his feet, then picks it up with his hand. Is ...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/11/2010

RE: High School

Joe Sereno of Gaylord, MI USA asks...

Laws of the Game Advice to Referees(p.101)states:

'When an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick to be
taken from the position of the offending player when the ball was last played
to him by one of his team...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/10/2010

RE: Club Under 14

Lyndsie of Lorain, Ohio US asks...

A player shoots the ball and the goalkeeper deflects it in the other direction. Another player from the same team as the shooter goes in for a rebounded shot and slides in and gets the ball. The defender falls to the ground and the attacker shoots as...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 1/9/2010

RE: any level Other

Joe Iano of Seattle, WA USA asks...

When a player is sent off for misconduct, when can the team replace that player with a substitute and when can then not?

For example, the referee has blown the whistle to end the first half. As the players are walking toward their team benc...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/3/2010

P O'MALLEY of santa barbara, CA USA asks...

THE GOAL KEEPER OF THE DEFENDING TEAM TAKES A QUICK GOAL KICK. THE BALL LEAVES THE PENALTY AREA, AND ACCIDENTALLY BOUNCES OFF THE BACK OF A RETREATING ATTACKER AND TO AN ATTACKING PLAYER IN AN OFFSIDE POSITION WHO THEN TURNS WITH THE BALL AND KICKS I...

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Law 5 - The Referee 12/31/2009

RE: Rec Under 14

Nate of Kensington, CT North America asks...

How many refs are allowed to ref a match...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/30/2009

RE: Select Under 19

Harry Sommerfeld of Nanaimo, British Columbia Canada asks...

Defender A passes the ball back to his goalkeeper. Defender B runs across the field and deflects the ball. The ball is heading towards the goal and the Goalkeeper picks it up.
What if any, is the call.

My call was since B last touched ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 12/30/2009

RE: Various High School

Dan Paolini of Eastampton, NJ USA asks...

>>'...Assuming play has not restarted, the goal cannot count...If the 12th person is someone that was not on the roster, or a player or substitute that had been sent off, the restart is a dropped ball. on blue's 6 yard line...'

Assuming that...

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Law 5 - The Referee 12/30/2009

RE: Pro Professional

John Schneider of La Mirada, CA USA asks...

When creating a referee's record of the match: Does the second-half begin as the 46th minute, even if their was stoppage time added to the first half? So for example, if the first half had 2.5 minutes of stoppage time added, does the second half offi...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 12/30/2009

RE: Adult

Steve of Toowoomba, Qld Australia asks...

This question is about a free kick awarded near the oppositions PA, which is taken quickly " before defence were set, and upset.

In a mid-level mens game, the left winger was about 10m from his sideline and sprinting with the ball from halfw...

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Law 11 - Offside 12/29/2009

RE: competitve Adult

Jake of bromley, kent england asks...

two players are in an offside position the ball carrier in front of his team mate knocks the ball forwards for the team mate to run on to is he still offside as the ball was played forward...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 12/28/2009

RE: high school athletics High School

Jimmy of Augusta, GA USA asks...

What are the rules for soccer cleats regarding Poly cleats, metal cleats and the poly cleat with metal tip? ...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 12/26/2009

RE: rec Under 19

locksley of valhalla, ny usa asks...

My question is on mechanics, so here is the scenario.

In an attacking play two thirds into team B half, a team A forward kicks a ball toward team B goal, but the ball unintentionally hits a team B player in the face, causing him to go dow...

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Law 5 - The Referee 12/23/2009

RE: Adult

Steve of Brisbane, Qld. Australia asks...

While taking a goal kick, the keeper falls over and is slightly injured, but the opposing forward gets the ball and scores a goal. An ethical question whether the goal is allowed.

I saw the video clip on the link for the KSRA site, which or...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/22/2009

RE: Rec Under 13

Joe Rogan of Tampa, FL USA asks...

This is a question regarding the age appropriateness of cards.

During a U-12 rec game, a player who the Grey team whispers to his teammate very loudly 'This ref sucks' while awaiting a corner for the other team. I told him I heard that, sho...

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