Question Number: 15509

Law 5 - The Referee 5/17/2007

RE: Professional

Jon of London, UK asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15492

PLLLLLLLEAAASSE don't kick the ball out of play. Just causes problems. Play on, if its serious the referee will stop it, if not keep going!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You're right Jon, we have recently been advised that the players should not be making these decisions as to which injuries are serious, the ref should be.

I will note that Q#15492 was a U15 game, where the ref may not be as experienced. One would hope for experience, as a U15 game tends to be of the Barbarian persuasion, but things happen in assigning. If the ref somehow misses that broken leg or split skull, better the ball is kicked out so his attention can be focused.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

As soon as we start saying kick the ball out the referee has lost his ability to determine if a player is seriously injured or just has a slight booboo. If a player is seriously injured then the referee will stop play, if the referee is the least bit competent. In the U15 Boys there exists the possibility a player is just laying down to stop play [an attack] just like they do in the professional leagues. If he wants to lie there and rob his side of an 11th man, that is his decision.

If the referee deems his injury serious in nature the referee is obligated to stop play. When the magic water cures him then it's time for admission to the diving team, the ticket is yellow in colour and you only get the one and stay in the match.

Another thing a referee might do is ensure the player has adequate time to recover before allowing him to return to the field of play after play restarts. Not seconds mind you...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yep! I agree as it just causes problems when players kick the ball out of play.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I saw this the other day - and when the other side didn't return the ball to them after they kicked the ball out of play, there was a newly found animosity between the teams. Let the referee handle it and all will be well with the world.