Question Number: 14774

League Specific 1/31/2007

RE: High School/Rec Under 16

Melissa of Smyrna, Tennessee United States asks...

Is it an offical rule of soccer to take a knee when someone is injured?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No. It's something that is taught at the very youngest ages, to keep everyone from crowding around the injured player. Then like a bad habit, once something is learned, it becomes hard to unlearn it.

In some cases it can be a detriment to go down on a knee. If the ground is cold or wet, you don't want the players' legs getting cold, which could lead to cramps or muscle pulls. Other times there's plenty of better things to do - perhaps getting a drink at the sideline, or talking strategy between players.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

No. If done, it is done out of respect.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Melissa,
no it is not a rule just a kind gesture throught by some to be a compassioned response to a young possibly hurt player. I personally prefer it not be done as it is the referees job to stop play and as my colleague Ref Voshol points out better things to do for the players but we can hardly fault a desire tp do what fair play dictates and not unfairly take advantage of another's misfortune. Sadly many stoppages are really just a a ruse for rest and the break up of attacking play not just out of respect! Cheers