Question Number: 15461

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/12/2007

RE: Competitive Adult

Andrew Graham of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15444

HMMM I wonder whether Gary has this right? [15444]
If the player leaves the field to get an advantage over his opponent this is contrary to the rules of the game and that player may be cautioned. If the attacker momentarily leaves in the course of avoiding obstruction from a defender then that is allowed.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I read Gary's answer to agree with what you say. The player runs off the field to avoid another player in normal course of play. 10 yards is not that great a distance although a little longer than expected. How would this player be circumventing the LOTG to gain an advantage?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I didn't contribute by answering the referenced question, I guess I should have included this from FIFA's Questions and Answers 2006, Law 3:

2. A player in possession of the ball passes over the touch line or the goal line without the ball in order to beat an opponent. What action does the referee take?

Play continues. Going outside the field of play may be considered as
part of a playing movement, but players are expected, as a general
rule, to remain within the playing area.

Seems to me Ref Voshol got it right without the back-up in writing. Well, now it is in writing.

Regards,