Question Number: 15878

Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 6/25/2007

RE: Rec Adult

Les Sicherman of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada asks...

If the ball srikes an AR who had wandered inside the playing area, is he treated the same as if the ball glances off the referee?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Yes. While the ref and the AR's try to stay out of the way of the players and the ball, sometimes it's unavoidable that one will be hit. When it happens, it's just the same as if the ball had bounced off a goal, a flagpost, a tuft of grass or a clod of dirt. Maybe that's why all too often out name is mud ...

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Law 9 - The Ball in and Out of Play makes the following statement:


The ball is in play at all other times, including when:

it rebounds from a goalpost, crossbar or corner flagpost and
remains in the field of play

it rebounds bounds from either the referee or an assistant referee when they are on the field of play

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Les,
As my colleagues point out YES!
he gets ribbed every bit a much as a referee if not more for getting in the way! That is also why for good game control the touchlines must be kept free of spectator and team encroachment so not to force the AR into or too near the pitch! Cheers!

Answer provided by Referee Nathan Lacy

Love your phrasing - wandered. That sounds just about right because he never should have been there in the first place!! Regardless, to beat the dead horse a bit more, yes, the situation would be the same as if it hit the referee. All the best,