Question Number: 17911

Law 17 - Corner Kick 11/14/2007

RE: Travel Division 1 Under 14

Bernie of Yonkers, NY USA asks...

Corner Kick

Situation:
Player 1 sets up to take the corner kick. Player 2 runs over to change spots with P1, and P1 intentionally plays the ball out onto the field during the 'exchange' of positions. P2 simulates setting up to take the CK, runs onto the field, dribbles the ball towards the goal area, and crosses the ball, and the attacking team scores.

Obviously, the attacking team has practiced this short corner/simulation to fool the defending team into thinking that the CK will be taken by the second player.

My question: Is this type of simulation legal or should it be considered unsporting behavior? Clearly, if the defending team had been paying close attention, they could have made a play for the ball when P1 played it (though the attacking team would have likely claimed it was 'accidental' ball contact in that case).

I allowed the goal, being somewhat taken off quard, and not having time to reflect on a novel situation.

Thanks! I love the forum.

Bernie

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

All is fine, as long as the coach doesn't get involved in deceiving the other team by calling out, "Ashley, let Jessica take it!" Coaches can only give tactical instruction, not attempt to fool the opponents.

I'm not sure just why teams spend all their time getting this kind of a play down. It would only work once in a game, and then only if they hadn't fooled the ref as well. It happened in one of my games this year, where I saw the first touch but the AR (in the far corner) didn't see it and waggled his flag. I had to explain it to him.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This "trick play" has been around so long I'm suprised anyone falls for it

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Bernie,
the referee must accept the restart if he does there will not be an issue. If the defender rushes in though and they, meaning the corner kick actors claim foul we have not played it, having been caught out, then they are quilty of misconduct in my opinion as USB and could be cautioned if the referee was aware of the deception. A referee must NOT be told in advance this will be tried by the team tacticaly trying to decieve an opponents. As a neutral official he cannot participate in a tactical ploy!
Cheers

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 17973

See Question: 18015