Question Number: 17973

Law 5 - The Referee 11/20/2007

RE: Select Under 19

George S of Charlotte Area, NC USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 17911

What if the referee was told by a coach before hand that his team was going to do such a thing? What should he do when they do it? (The 'trick' Corner kick, that is)

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The coach should not need to describe his team's tactics to the referee before the game begins. By doing so, the coach is almost saying that the referee doesn't know what to look for at a restart. I'd tell him, "Yes coach, we know about all the trick plays. You don't have to explain them. I'll judge any play on it's merits."

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

In doing this the coach presents the referee a problem with regard to his impartiality. In knowing there is some kind of trick in a specific restart the referee must apply the same criteria to all restarts that day. If the trick play is touch the ball and move it a bit then walk away the referee should think any ball touched with the foot in that manner has been put into play and so judge. Granted doing this will just enrage the coach, better just tell him he is not permitted to involve you in cheating because you don't wish to be compromised. In future he is to conduct himself responsibly and he can treat the conversation as being warned cautioned, put on notice or any other way you want to say next time he gets an early bath.

Regards,