Question Number: 15258

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/23/2007

RE: Select Under 19

EM Pearson of Medina, TN USA asks...

I guess eventually you see everything. Here is a question as much about soccer customs as anything.

I know that when the losing team scores a goal they often grab the ball from the net and race to the center circle to place it for kickoff. On the other hand, my view is that the ball should be handled and placed by the team that has the kickoff.

Several months ago a losing team (U18 Boys) scored and the scorer raced to get the ball. The goalkeeper picked it up first and they then began wrestling over it. I blew my whistle and told the offensive player to give the ball to the keeper. He smiled at me politely then resumed wrestling for the ball with the now very angry goalkeeper. I blew the whistle quickly, ran over and booked the offensive player for USB, and was then informed by a teammate that he spoke very little English. Okay I agree that as soon as possession of the ball was an issue that I should have taken possession, and would thereby have avoided the whole thing. I am left wondering if there is a universal custom in this regard that I should be able to rely on. BTW, the offensive player was South American.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The team scoring the goal should LEAVE THE BALL ALONE! If they grab it, it's unsporting behavior and should be sanctioned with a caution and showing of the yellow card. Doesn't matter if they're winning or losing, they are not to touch the ball. Period. You blew your whistle. That should have told the U18 player something was up and if he's been playing soccer this long he should know not to grab the ball out of the opponent's hands.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Referees might want to learn some things in the four languages of football. Give me the ball. Move BACK! NO More! Little things...

So how does a referee prevent these things? Being there is first on the list, he knows a goal scored late in the match by the loosing side is going to be significant so he needs to be close to the goal when it goes in. HE, yeah the referee, gets the ball in his hands and prevents miniature mayhem.

Then he adds time for the delay, isn't that special???

Regards,