Question Number: 16746

Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/17/2007

RE: Rec Under 12

Jim Bussell of Great Mills, Maryland USA asks...

A player was taking a penalty kick; his shoe accidentally flew off when he kicked the ball and he scored. The referree disallowed the goal on the grounds that the shoe flying off distracted the goalie and presented a danger to the goalie. The opposing team was awarded an indirect free kick. Law 4 (pg.66) seems to state otherwise. Was the referree in error? Under what circumstances(if any) would he have been correct?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

As an opinion on a fact of play his view is correct in that it is uncontestable!
I cannot fault a referee for thinking that a boot and ball launched at the same time might create some weird mindgames in the head of the keeper. The loss of the equipment was likely accidental not deliberate so to see it as a foul it could at worst be careless!

It could be the careless act of an untied or loose shoe is sufficent that the PK was affected unfairly but I question the fact the PK was not retaken? Law 14 states we allowt he kick and if scored it is retaken if it missed then indfk out! Retake would be my vote!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Jim in the Laws, beginning on page 59 of the .pdf version, are Additional Instructions and Guidance. This part is intended to replace the Additional instructions found in last year's Laws and Q&A 2006. The statement about a footwear coming off should be considered happening to an outfield player as a result of the action of an opponent or team mate stepping on it. Footwear flying off is something that simply does not happen on its own. Prior to the match the referee should see footwear is properly fitted and the coach, manager, trainer of the side should see to teaching players how to properly wear their uniform equipment.

This day and age players treat their boots as slip-on's not as something that is tied and untied before and after a match. If this were to happen during play the referee is well advised to ask the player to leave the field and attend to his unsafe uniform. He should not return until the footwear is properly tied. Upon repetition the player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and asked to leave the field to attend to the same issue. At the taking of a free kick or a penalty, especially a penalty, this is a different set of circumstances. The kick may be whistled and retaken once corrections are made. The special case of Law 14 requires a retake if the kicker violates Law 14 and a goal is scored, conversely it orders an indirect free kick if the Law is violated and a goal is not scored. Further Law 14 has historically expected players not to interfere with either the keeper or the kicker at the taking of the kick.

If, in the opinion of the referee, there has been some kind of interference with the keeper or there is some kind of danger presented he is well within the Law to intervene. And the player loosing his footwear should be instructed to leave the field and attend to his uniform NOT replace it on the field.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Law 14 clearly states that if a goal is scored in this instance, the kick is retaken. Had a goal not been scored, than award an IFK