Question Number: 18932

Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/30/2008

RE: Rec-Advanced Under 15

Glenn Callaway of Commerce, Ca. Los Angeles asks...

As a coach, I teach and encourage quick restarts to gain an advantage if possible. As a referee, I will typically warn players before I caution them when they delay a restart, especially a free kick within scoring distance of the goal. When I watch EPL and MLS matches, the defensive players seem to always delay a free kick near the goal by standing directly in front of the ball or positioning themselves a distance that is obviously less than the required ten yards. The referees tell or motion them to step back or increase the distance. I have never seen the refree caution a player for delaying a restart at the professional level. The delay is always tolerated by the referee. After warning a player, I do not hesitate to caution them on the next occurrence. What do you think, am I being inconsistent with the spirit of the game?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Someone is inconsistent with the spirit of the game, but I don't think it's you Glenn. I'm not sure what the answer is, to get the pros to believe it too. Maybe when one of our panel makes the MLS list ...

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Things are changing gradually Glenn. Based on Advice to Referees 13.3 US referees better get with the program or they'll start loosing points on assessments because they are working outside the Law and policy. When you referee you enforce the Law, as coach instruct your players to do everything the referee allows. This is how it works and how things get better. It is one, then two, then three, then six referees doing it right -- pretty soon many more will be doing it right than not and the players will be trained what the Law says and when they become professional players they will respect the Law once again.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Glenn,
the fact you choose to warn is more than I will do at times! Well done and good for you. There are a few refereees at the high levels who will show a card for delaying the restart but I grant you it is too rare an occurance.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

These referees lack the courage to follow through with a caution. I have seen it too. This is not acceptable and these referees need to deal with it appropriatly. I am right on board with you.