Question Number: 15932

Law 3 - Number of Players 7/3/2007

RE: Rec Under 12

Carol Taylor of Malone, NY USA asks...

My 11 year old team was in the first half of a Rec league game when a storm started to approach. As the thunder and lightning got closer the referee was still not suspending the game (referees discretion to continue the game). Suddenly one concerned mother calls her kid off the field and they leave. This is where is gets bizzare.
I now have only 10 players on the field. The other coach is freaking out and screaming at the ref that I had a player leave and I'm not allowed to replace him (fyi: we play with unlimited subs). The ref says a player is not allowed to leave the field of play without his permission and that player should receive a yellow card (which I believe is the correct call). But that player has gone home so the ref turns and gives me the card. Now I'm upset at the ref because he can't just give "somebody" a card. I felt he should mark down that players number even if the player has left. I asked the ref if I could put on another player and he told me I had to wait until a permitted stoppage (goal kick). What is the correct call in this situation? It was a bizarre scenario that probably isn't covered in the rules but I felt I should be allowed to substitute immediately.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There is no excuse for a referee to continue playing a game when thunder and lightning are evident. When you can see the lightning or can hear the thunder, you are in immediate danger of being struck. When the one mom wised up and pulled her kid off the field, the rest of your parents (and those on the other side) should have done the same. And those parents should be wondering why they want you as a coach, someone who does not have the safety of their children foremost in mind.

If both teams leave, let this poor excuse for a ref write them both up to the league. And try to explain why he wants the teams to continue playing in dangerous weather conditions.

I was at a Division 1 College Pointy-ball football game this year that was delayed for a storm. If a money-making machine (TV revenue) like college football can delay, then the U12's can delay. Get to safety, and worry about the game later.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I realise this is not as important as your match but an MLS match was delayed because of lightning a couple weekends ago. Well done referee.

It is far better to delay a match than it is to scrape crispy critters off the grass and any referee doing so is a buffoon.

I allowed a match to begin 30 minutes after a line of thunderstorms passed over head. The ground was wet and had puddles but was playable. I had checked a radar summary earlier in the day and before leaving for the match I looked at the current radar picture and was able to see, without doubt, after the line passed it was clear behind. Neither coach wanted to play because the ground was wet, neither had a clue that the real danger was lightning and that passed with the front. Funny thing the match was the only one played in northern California that day. As I remember it was a one niller and the players had a ball...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

WOW!!!! This referee needs to have his license taken away asap and not allowed on any field of any sport with children until he has taken sufficient courses in general safety and lightning recommendations. Next, he should have to repeat the entire Grade 9 and Grade 8 courses as he hasn't a clue as to what his duties as a referee are. he wants to caution and show the yellow card to a child whose mother has taken him off the field due to danger? You have got to be kidding me! Then he want to give the coach a card and THEN he refuses to allow that player to be substituted for? Where did he learn all of this? How can he possibly justify not allowing a replacement? Was the kid sent off and shown a red card? No. Then he may be replaced. But his lack of knowledge of the Law doesn't surprise me give he has no knowledge of basic safety regulations. He has failed in his primary duty which is the safety of the players. If you hear thunder, there's lightning. That's a fact. here's another, most lightning injuries occur when the sky is blue. At the first sound of thunder, the field should be cleared for a minimum of 20 minutes. The National Council recommends 30 minutes. If you've waited until there's visible lightning, you may be too late. Shame on this referee but shame on your League for not having a strong and strict policy when it comes to player safety. And Coach, if you see lightning, you should remove your team from the field and seek safety regardless of what the dolt with the whistle says.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I do not like hearing this. I wonder if this referee was an idiot or if he was on an ego trip. Either way, please report this to the league authorities.