Question Number: 29858

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/26/2015

RE: Youth to adult, comp and rec.

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 29851

As a ref, I usually tell the keeper if I'm allowing a pick up of a ball that has come off his own player. Perhaps it was off the knee or shin, a deflection off the foot, a defensive knock-away -- or a deflection off an attacker's foot.

I call out 'hands are good!' or 'no hands!' if there's sufficient time. Keepers seem to appreciate that.

Thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Barry,
Being proactive instead of reactive, no worries, you are fair to both teams, we are not looking for gotcha calls just be sure you do not distract the keeper, time and circumstances ,you yell something out loud in a quick moment, it could cause a problem instead of solve it!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
Whatever works for you is good. Im not inclined to be proactive on these simply because it is IMO part of the game for the players to decide. I also dont like to influence players actions because if it goes pear shaped the player can in some way believe that the referee may have caused that. Also always remember that many refs will not do this so the GK may wonder why the referee is calling out. It might also be associated with an opponent shouting that he cannot pick it up. If he does not pick the ball up when he could due to misunderstanding the referees message and he mis kicked the ball to an opponent then the team is not going to be very happy.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Barry,

Some referees would argue this is virtually providing technical advice to a team, given it's a victimless foul - you wouldn't tell a player in an offside position not to play the ball (not quite the same in terms of impact on play though). Those referees would argue it's different to talking to players to prevent a foul due to the victimless nature.

Others would argue that it's helping prevent a possible offence and that's enough - and it helps reduce the chance of contentious decisions around the goal (which can impact upon the match result, or end up with a lot of abuse for the referee), thus is good, proactive refereeing.

Personally, I lean towards the first camp, but I don't have a particularly strong opinion on it - and if I was assessing a referee who took the proactive approach I wouldn't criticise them for it.

I just wanted to highlight some considerations - if it works for you and you're happy doing it, then keep it up!