Question Number: 17599

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/31/2007

RE: All Adult

Dan of austin, tx usa asks...

Why do refs allow delaying tactics? Example: ref blows whistle and awards free kick/throw-in to team A and team B player handles/kicks the ball away from team A player. This seems to be at least un-gentlemanly/un-sportsmanlike

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Dan,
why a referee permits this is either a lack of knowledge, a lack of courage or a misguided belief that it it trivial by player's consent in that both teams employ gamesmenship to the level a referee permits it. It is in fact a delay of the restart or USB and is defintely cautionable action show the yellow card. If it is a second cautionable offence you then show the red card after the yellow and off he goes. We could be proactive in setting the bar with respect of the 10 yard distance and not allow any unfair action by the opposition to go unchallanged by a quick word or warning before we dispense cards it is, words like
10 yds NOW !
THAT would be MOST unwise!
Unacceptable, move it!
Players are responsible for their choices and SO are referees in theirs!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Why do refs allow it? Because they have seen other refs allow it. Perhaps other refs that they respect due to experience, grade level, or type of games they have been assigned. We need to try to change this mindset, one ref at a time and one game at a time.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Some refs allow it, some refs do not. The good ones do not.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

It is all a matter of education. If a referee doesn't have the educated experience to recognize what has happened when a player delays the game in this way and what to do about it, the assignor needs to be informed so the referee can be updated, assessed and helped to improve. Unfortunately, you will see this at all levels of the game, so we have a lot of educating to do yet!