Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/2/2012

RE: Adult

kieran of derry, londonderry northern ireland asks...

a defender from a free kick passes the ball back to his goalkeeper who is tying his laces and the ball goes into the net is it a goal??...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/1/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This is a Follow Up Question to Q# 26941. Suppose you have an extended time penalty kick & GK blocks the ball, but it still has a spin toward the goal.

A teammate of the kicker rushes forward to kick the ball & that interferes with the GK,...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/1/2012

RE: Retired Adult

Dimitris of Thessaloniki, Greece asks...

OK many thanks about the multiple answers, but i would like to have a follow up question.

Here is an identical situation of my original question that i have 2 things to ask.
Here is the link with the situation which is identical to what...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 11/1/2012

RE: D2 Club Under 17

Mark Thompson of Nashville, TN USA asks...

Are there any rules about 'eye black', the black striped grease under the eye ?...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 11/1/2012

RE: College

James of Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe asks...

What happens when all the eleven players have taken their kicks still there is no winner. What will happen. Is the match going to be decided by tosing a coin or players will continue to take their second kicks until a winner is found...

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Mechanics 11/1/2012

RE: Play rec league, coach daughter in AYSO U-12's Under 13

Bobby Medders of Knoxville, TN US asks...

Statement, then a question. First, after two seasons of reffing youth soccer, I love it! I also love running the field, and I tend to try to be everywhere, using my diagonal positioning. Granted, a quick change of posession and I'm scrambling to c...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/29/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

I thought that diving is defined as going down without any 'contact' from an opponent. However, I saw many opinions that torres was rightly cautioned on diving in the manutd vs chelsea game because: 1. contact was minimal (i.e. he can continue playin...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/26/2012

RE: Adult

Fraser Agnew of Dumfries, Scotland asks...

Just wondering after tonight's incident on the Liverpool match in the Europa League... At what point, if any, is the player allowed to gain possession of the ball from an opposition goalkeeper. In this incident, the player in question, Daniel Agger, ...

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The Technical Area 10/24/2012

RE: Recreational Under 12

Brian H of Kent, Washington USA asks...

I'm sure that my league coordinator and officials' supervisor would take my side on this one, but this was the first time I have ever ejected someone and so I'd like some opinions from more experienced referees as to whether I handled this situation ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/24/2012

Rob of St. Petersburg, Fl Pinellas asks...

Goalkeeper interference on a corner kick. A defender has a right to establish a position. If this position happens to be next to the goalkeeper, and what point does impeding occur? Advice to referees, 1.4: 'Interference can also include active physic...

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League Specific 10/24/2012

RE: Rec and Competive High School

Luis Ticona of Woodside, NY USA asks...

I am a center referee for game (14 years old level). I try to follow the AYSO(I am AYSO certified Ref) rules in this other informal local FREE Youth Soccer league in the Queens NYC area.
Last weekend there was a player's parent who came very clos...

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League Specific 10/23/2012

RE: Division 1 select Under 14

Ruby of Austin, TX USA asks...

How many accumulated yellow cards suspends a player from the next game?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/22/2012

RE: Selsect Under 17

Bob Dawson of Camarillo, Ca US asks...

If, in the course of a scramble for the ball and players falling over each other in front of the goal, the goal keeper becomes pinned down by an opposing player, is that automatically a holding call? Or is that just incidental contact? I know, one of...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/22/2012

RE: Rec travel Under 15

Rob of Mantua, Ninjas Us asks...

On an in direct can the first touch be a non soccer touch,such as a toe touch. If not should play continue or should it be blown dead....

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Mechanics 10/22/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Dean of Sechelt, BC Canada asks...

A serious foul was committed by a player near the end of a match. Referee and assistant referees did not see the foul. Teammate of player reported foul to assisstant referee who then called over referee who then issued red card. Is this permissable...

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Law 1- The Field 10/21/2012

RE: Travel Under 10

Jim of Breinigsville, Pa U.S. asks...

Just saw a couple of U9 girls' soccer games this weekend. In both, the girls took their goal kicks from edge of penalty area (18 yd line) rather than goal area (6 yd line). In fact, when they set it up at goal area, coach yelled to move up and ref ...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/21/2012

RE: Competive Travel Under 11

Brian of Westminster, MD USA asks...

The goalie is in possession of the ball in her hands. A coach signals to the referee that another player is down and is hurt. The referee signals for the coach to come onto the field to attend to the injured player. After her replacement came in t...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/21/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have a follow-up question to something Referee Dennis Wickham said.

If I understand this correctly, on a corner kick:

1) A defender may position herself wherever she wants (on the field & at least 10 yards from the ball) before th...

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Law 15 - Throw In 10/21/2012

RE: competitive Adult

krikor jansezian of monrovia, ca usa asks...

If both your heels are firmly planted on the touchline but your toes are on the field of play during a throw in, would that be a legal throw in?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/20/2012

RE: rec Under 19

edward condi of Doylestown, Pennsylvania usa asks...

goalie accidently collides with a player. play is stopped. No injury. what is restart?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/20/2012

RE: 8 Under 15

greg of auburn, ca usa asks...

what is the correct call if a goal keeper has possession of the ball and the attacking player makes dangerous contact at the point of goal keeper possession?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/20/2012

RE: I have reffed rec, select, comp & HS High School

Jeff of greensburg, Kentucky usa asks...

I would like to hear some comments and advice regarding the following situation and in gerneral regarding the issues of keepers and fouls (the difficult calls only):

Attacker dribbled to with one, maybe two, feet of the goal, goalkeeper fron...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/20/2012

RE: Adult

Michael Dotlich of Brownsburg, IN United States asks...

Hi, thanks for fielding questions. This website has been great for getting answers to many different scenarios.

I have a follow-up question to 26226. Specifically to when does a PIOP interfere with a keeper?. In 26226, the statement is made...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/20/2012

RE: Rec Under 9

Rich of Clayton, Ca USA asks...

Blue defender in the penalty area near the goal line tries to clear by kicking the ball toward the Red goal, but the kick is very weak and doesn't go very far. Blue goalie runs to the ball and picks it up, still in the penalty area. I whistle and a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/20/2012

RE: rec Adult

sal of chicago, il usa asks...

In a very physical and disputed game a Blue midfielder while vying for the ball elbows another Blue player who was coming from behind to assist him. I guess the first Blue player thought his team mate was an opponent. Should the player be penalized f...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/19/2012

RE: Rec. Under 13

Sean Satterwhite of Orange, Ca USA asks...

My Question is in reference to offences committed by goalkeepers, under law 12. This has been previously discussed as question # 24890 relating to the pas-back law and if it relates to the keeper or not.

The scenario: The keeper is out of h...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 10/17/2012

RE: Other

Tom of Marion, Il USA asks...

A team scored with 5 seconds remaining. While setting up for kickoff the time runs out. The referee had the kids restart play then as soon as ball was touched/in motion blew the whistle to end the game. Why? Why not just end game while the kids were...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 10/2/2012

RE: FA Level 1 Under 11

Mark Munnery of Reading, Berks UK asks...

Hi,

If the ball goes straight out of play from a corner what should the referee award?

Could you quote me the official rule number (not just 17)

Thanks Mark...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 10/2/2012

RE: Competitive High School

Grant of ., Ontario Canada asks...

Hi refs. In today's Premier match between West Ham and QPR, a player of the team leading 2-1 was cautioned in the 93rd minute. The player feinted taking a free kick, so I assume that he was penalized for delaying the restart.

It seemed har...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/2/2012

RE: Middle School Under 13

JML of Canonsburg, PA Washington asks...

2 best players on our team brought down physically by feet swiped during play. Intentional (other team celebrating). One player injured, perhaps for rest of season. Penalty called. Isn't intentional misconduct cause of automatic removal from game?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/1/2012

RE: Rec Under 13

jrcaesar of Long Beach, Ca United States asks...

This question #1193 is closest to the one I have.

Play is in the penalty area. Blue attacker gets a shot off, and then a couple steps later trips over a pair of defenders who were converging on him. A second attacker gets the rebound and ge...

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Law 5 - The Referee 9/25/2012

RE: Rec Under 14

Brian Halin of Dallas, TX U.S.A. asks...

If a referee calls a ball offsides and then realizes that it really wasn't offsides, can he change the score in his book?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 9/25/2012

RE: Other

Ali of Vancouver, Canada asks...

On a drop ball, there are players from both teams who will contest for the ball after a stoppage of some sort.

We often see drop balls where one team will kick the ball back to the other team, as a gesture of sportsmanship. Just out of curi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/25/2012

RE: rec Under 11

Matt Russo of Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca USA asks...

Can a goal keeper play the ball outside the penalty area after they have control within the penalty area, then by placing the ball on the ground and dribbling it towards the defending team?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/24/2012

RE: Competitive Under 18

Scott Fitch of San Mateo, CA USA asks...

Scenario:

Corner kick. Attacking team places two players just outside near post closer to corner kick taker. Two players positioned there wave arms in the air yelling 'a qui, a qui' as loudly as they can.

Is this allowable? Seems u...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 9/24/2012

RE: High School

JW of Miami, FL United States asks...

If a goal kick is taken backwards towards the players own goal and goes in the goal, it is not a goal. Is it a corner kick or a retake of the goal kick since the ball never entered the field of play? Does it matter if the ball goes out over the goal...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 9/24/2012

RE: ju st learning soccer and rules Under 12

david wilkinson of palatka, florida usa asks...

when can i swap players out in the game...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/24/2012

RE: Travel Under 17

Joe of Fredericksburg, VA USA asks...

During a penalty kick the kicker moved to the ball did a stutter step, but came to a complete halt before kicking the ball. The Ref waved off the goal and indicated that once the kicker started moving he had to keep moving. Was this the correct cal...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/24/2012

RE: Other

Anon of Tallinn, Tallinn Estonia asks...

Hello,

I heard that Frings handball is used in education/training as an example of 'ball found the hand' since slow motion shows how he tries to avoid hand contact with the ball. Is it an urban legend? Should there been a call?

Vide...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/24/2012

RE: Amateur Adult

Hector Moreno of Morelia, Michoacan Mexico asks...

A couple of scenarios
1.- An attacking player gets out of the field by the goal line after running down the wing and passing the ball, the defenders clear and get go forward leaving him offside but still putside the field. a shot comes and the ke...

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League Specific 9/24/2012

RE: Select/High School High School

Parent of Middle, TN US asks...

The original question stated one ref blew the whistle for the foul, than another ref came in and gave a red, DOGSO. So I'm assuming this was some sort of dual system. My question is, in this sort of system, when one ref calls a foul, but does not ...

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Other 9/24/2012

RE: Select Under 13

Samantha of Nanaimo, Bc Canada asks...

Are players allowed to ask the referee a question during play? Ie. Why the whistle was not blown when a ball was returned to the centre (half) line after a goal?


My daughter was singled out after the game and told by the ref she should ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 9/24/2012

RE: High School High School

Q of Sugar City, Idaho USA asks...

Can a sideline ref make a call on the other end of the field? Our son knocked the ball in before the goalie could get possesion. The main ref originally counted the goal, but the sideline ref from the other end of the field talked him out of counting...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/24/2012

RE: Adult

Josh Field of Cardigan, Ceredigion Wales asks...

Regarding the new laws on sock-tape I was wondering whether the same rules apply to wearing Guard stays and sock ties? My clubs main sock colour is Red but my guard stays are White and the rules state that with tape, it has to be the same colour as t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/24/2012

RE: competitive

rob deconinck of st petersburg, fl pinellas asks...

Handball. From 'Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game.' 12.9..'Moving hands or arms instictively to protect the body when suddenly faced with a fast approaching ball does not constitute deliberate contact unless there is subsequent action to dir...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/24/2012

RE: ayso Under 12

cortez of los angeles, ca usa asks...

is 'handling the ball' unintentional in the penalty area a 'penalty kick' or a 'direct free kick'...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/23/2012

RE: Level 8 Adult

Michael Dotlich of Brownsburg, IN United States asks...

A player takes a quick free kick knowing the defender is walking away within 10 yards with their back turned, the kicked ball bounces backwards (wrong direction) and the kick is not violent conduct. Should play continue as the kicking team accepted t...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/22/2012

RE: ayso Under 10

paul of kernville, ca usa asks...

player A dribbles all the way down field, he shoots and the goalie deflects it, a player running besides him shoots and makes the goal off the deflection, is he offsides?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/22/2012

RE: Rec Soccer Other

Karen Gertz of Aurora, OH USA asks...

Playing girls soccer 4th through 8th grade. The goalie went to punt the ball and it did not go anywhere, the goalie picked up the ball right away. The goalie was inside the inner box on the goal. The reason I note that is because the opposing coac...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 9/21/2012

RE: rec High School

alexandre moreno of lexington park, maryland st.mary's asks...

if the goalie has the ball in his hand and is about to throwe the ball in play. can he throw the ball directly to the other goal without any other player touching the ball? will that be a goal for his team? or would be an indirect free kick to the ot...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/21/2012

RE: Select/Competitive Under 13

Steve Goldberg of Cupertino, CA USA asks...

I was the CR in a competitive U12 boys game.

Game completely under control but intense as score is tied.

Late in second half ball was play deep in White's zone to left of goal (in corner). Blue, attacking, and White, defending, bot...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/21/2012

RE: Under 19

damian bell of westminster, ma usa asks...

Is it legal to use your knee or calf area of the leg to pass the ball back to your own keeper...

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Other 9/20/2012

RE: Competitive Under 13

Awesim1 of Racine, WI Racine asks...

Are there any steps that we can take to get a game replayed due to a bad call on a goal that was not counted? It changed the dynamics of the game and changed the demeanor of the players. The ball was kicked into the goal AT the goal line and ricochet...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/20/2012

RE: Select Under 13

Patrick Bowen of Worthington, OH USA asks...

I recently officiated a match, where one of the teams had a large percentage of Asian players.

Throughout the game the Asian players frequently spoke to each other in Chinese(?).

Towards the end of the game an Asian player was prepa...

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Law 5 - The Referee 9/20/2012

RE: Pro Fan! Adult

Andrew of Wellington, Wellington New Zealand asks...

In the United vs Galatasary Champions Leage Game the commentators claimed there were two Galatasry penalties that should have been awarded. In both cases they were where United had the ball in their defencive box and an attacker nipped in to take the...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/20/2012

RE: high school High School

Dan of Indianapolis, Indiana United States asks...

Keeper makes a running save at the top of the penalty area and his momentum is taking him out of the area. He barely has control but pushes the ball back in the box, stops his momentum then goes back in the box and picks up the ball. Would this be co...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/19/2012

Brian Auer of Pittsburgh, PA USA asks...

I handle ref development for my club. I am also the coach of a U10 team with our club's new Tabela 11 jerseys, obviously cut to be worn out, not tucked.

So I'm interested in this not only for myself but for the edification of my club's 40-o...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/17/2012

RE: Under 15

joe of Elria, oh usa asks...

Can a ref force players to be MORE than 10 yards back on a free kick? ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/17/2012

RE: Competive High School

JMorin of fort fairfield, ME USA asks...

What happens if a player identified as the one taking the penalty kick, kicks prior to the referee blowing the whistle to signal to start the penalty kick and the shot is wide and no goal is scored? Thank you for your time. ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 9/17/2012

RE: 8 Under 10

Dan of Belford, Nj Usa asks...

What's the call if a throw in bounces outside before entering the field of play?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/17/2012

RE: AYSO Under 19

Chris Cruz of Rogersville , TN Hawkins asks...

On a penalty kick, does the attacking team have to be outside the arc on the 18 yard line? Cause one of our players were inside of the arc and our team scored the penalty, but the ref called it off because he was inside the arc....

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Law 1- The Field 9/16/2012

RE: 3 Adult

Clive peters of London, England asks...

I would like to correct the Referee on a previous answer he has given.
On the line (the 18 yard line) is NOT in the goal area.
The Rules if Football state,
Two lines are drawn at right angles to the goal line, 5.5 m (6 yds) from the insid...

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Law 15 - Throw In 9/16/2012

RE: Other

Akash of Port Louis, Mauritius asks...

After a Throw- in taken correctly enters the field of play and leaves at a touch line without touching another player. What decision should the referee or assistant referee take?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/16/2012

RE: travel Under 11

bill coney of wantagh, ny usa asks...

Timeline:

1) Ref called Penalty kick on us
2) The other team scored the goal
3) Referee called encroachment on them... Then awarded us an indirect kick( which is not correct).
4) We re-started the game with the indirect kick
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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/16/2012

RE: Competitive Under 14

Helen of Basel, BS Switzerland asks...

If a ball goes into the goal off a defender's hand, should the referee give a penalty kick or let the goal stand because of the advantage rule?

Thanks,
Helen...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/15/2012

RE: Youth Under 14

David Shorten of Ipswich, UK asks...

An attacker is blocked just outside of his opponents Penalty Area and both players fall to the ground. You signal for a Free Kick.
The attacker quickly gets up and takes a quick free kick deliberately knocking the ball against the defender who is...

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Character, Attitude and Control 9/14/2012

RE: basic Under 11

andrew froggatt of lincolnshire, wainfleet england asks...

this sunday will be my first competitive game
.have u any tips for me as im feeling a wee bit nervous / excited.plus my partner's son is in the team im reffing so it adds that more pressure to get things right and off to a good start thanx ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/14/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Carlos J. of Arlington, VA USA asks...

If there is a corner kick, the goalie goes up for the ball trying to catch it and the opposing player jumps into the goalkeeper and makes no contact with the ball but takes out the keeper in the air is this a foul? FYI the goalie was able to make con...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/14/2012

RE: Rec/Comp Under 14

Matt Maxwell of Danville, Ca USA asks...

First of all, I realize that fouls in one age group/level of play are trifiling in another age/level of play.

I am looking for advice on how to better recognize fouls. I compiled a list of the most common infringements I witness as a CR. By...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/13/2012

RE: Premier Under 17

Kirk Kraemer of Griswold , CT US asks...

My sons team wears Adidas TIRO 11 jerseys. The jerseys are DESIGNED to be worn OUT as they have a colored stripe ('V') down the back tail of the jersey. The Referees are STILL telling them to tuck them in. I thought if the jersey was obviously design...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 9/13/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Steve Voorhees of LaGrange, GA USA asks...

If an offensive player and defensive player(goalie) go for a ball and are carried out of bounds is the offensive team allowed to quick kick the corner without the goalie on the field?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/13/2012

RE: College Div 1 College

Malcolm Pearson of Medina, Tennessee USA asks...

An artful pass is threaded into space behind the defenders and a striker runs on at full sprint. Keeper comes out near the penalty spot and as she leans down to scoop up the ball the striker launches a desperate studs-up, knees-locked slide to touch...

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9/12/2012

RE: Rec Under 17

Mark of Cedar Rapids, IA USA asks...

Red splits the defense near the edge of the penalty area and is now near the goal area. Blue puts up a defense and there is a flurry of feet. Blue pulls back on the ball, turns and takes three quick dribbles. The Blue keeper reaches out and pulls ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/12/2012

RE: School High School

Tom of Stony brook, Ny Usa asks...

During a direct kick while ref is moving wall back, player quick kicks and scores. Is this a goal as defending team was being directed to back up when kick was taken?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2012

RE: AYSO Under 13

Rick Berard of Pasadena, ca USA asks...

When the goalie is going down to the ground to control a ball but is not yet in possession, what protection does he have from an opponent who is challenging to prevent the goalie from gaining possession?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2012

RE: High School

david fletcher of valdese, nc usa asks...

A team has a free kick outside of the 18 yard box. Before the free kick is taken, one of the defending players fouls one of the attacking players in the box and is shown a yellow card. How should the game be restarted? Should the free kick proceed...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2012

RE: Under 14

Joe of Springfield, Ny USA asks...

Is it a foul if a player gets in the way of an opposing player trying to get to a teammate that has the ball? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Disgruntle player takes off his jersey and walks off the field preparing not to play anymore. Ref flashes a yellow card to the player for leaving the field without permission from the ref.
Obviously the player is now more upset and will not retur...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/11/2012

RE: competitive Under 11

Chris Swigert of Oakland, CA USA asks...

Goalie legally picks up a ball that has rolled to her from the opponents kick and she picks it up and punts it. The ball does not go very far so she runs over and with feet only (no hands), kicks the ball again. The referee called her for a double ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

I cautioned a player doing a technical foul by tripping his opponent for the sole purpose of breaking up an attack. What is the correct infringement I should put on my report? Tackle in a reckless manner? or just USB?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/29/2012

RE: competive Under 15

Zac of Maroochydore, Queensland Australia asks...

I was wondering what age you were allowed to wear metal cleats because i see people wearing them but i don't know if i'm allowed. ...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 8/29/2012

RE: Under 14

Filippo of Palermo, Italy asks...

During their 126th meeting, the IFAB approved some modifications to the Laws of the Game, one of them being:

'Dropped ball:
- If a dropped ball is kicked directly into the opponents' goal, a goal kick is awarded;
- If a dropped ball ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2012

RE: division 1 Adult

kathy of hawkes Bay, New Zealand asks...

defending player in 18 yard box passes ball back to goalkeeper whom picks up ball.Attacking player is denied obvious goal scoring opportunity as was about to kick ball when it was picked up. What should the referee do. Give IDK or DK or a penalty on ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/29/2012

RE: Rec Adult

kdg of denton, Texas United States asks...

Is it a foul if a players shoes flies of his foot when he kicks the ball ? ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 8/28/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Harris of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

What is FIFA's ruling then on applying the Advantage Clause? Is it only applicable to Law 12?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/28/2012

RE: Competiitve Adult

Charles Kranitzky of Mt Pleasant, South Carolina USA asks...

Can an attacking player have '2 bites of the apple'? Specifically, an attacking player dribbles into the PA and is tripped as he touches the ball forward, he almost falls but regains his balance and control of the ball all in a second or 2 at the mos...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/28/2012

RE: Rec Professional

Darren of Missoula, MT USA asks...

I called a hand ball in the penalty area. The defensive player tried to clear the ball and the ball hit off his outstretched hand to his feet. It seemed inadvertent but since it landed directly to his control is why I called the the penalty....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/27/2012

Mark of McFarland, WI USA asks...

I understand we have specifics as to when the scoring team retrieves the ball for a quicker restart after a goal, but should this then apply to all restarts - only allowing the team in possession of the restart to retrieve the ball? Take the example ...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/27/2012

RE: Classic Under 19

Tim Riddle of Asheville, NC US asks...

Attacking player 'A' has succesfully maneuvered past the 2nd to last defender. His teammate, 'B,' is running past the same defender to aid 'A.' With the keeper in the goal and 40 yards of clear field, in what situations can 'A' pass to 'B' without an...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 8/27/2012

RE: Rec Under 11

Larry Kap of Middletown, PA USA asks...

When does a substitute become a player. The Law book says the substitution is completed when a substitute enters the field of play. From that moment, the substitute becomes a player.

It's not really clear on whether or not a coach can ca...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/26/2012

RE: High School

Susan Mathews of Henderson, Ky USA asks...

When goalie comes out of goal and she got the ball and then lost it on the ground when center mid was trying to get the ball then forward gets the ball and scores why would this score not be counted...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/26/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Kevin of Oakville, Ontario Canada asks...

Two players are well behind the play and no where near the ball and one player turns and fouls the other. The referee does not notice the foul because he is following the play up the field. The linesman however flags for a foul.

I am under t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/26/2012

RE: 6 Adult

Dave of cumbria, England asks...

If a player has had an unobstructed shot at goal, he gets his shot off the ball is going goalwards then a defender goes for a block tackle but his momentum causes him to collided with the player. if a goal is not scored would you bring it back and aw...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/26/2012

RE: High School

Mark of Branson, MO USA asks...

Red team is taking a free kick and make at least 3 fakes or stepovers before tapping the ball a few feet to the left and then their shot was caught by keeper. During all the fakes one of the players from the wall takes one or two steps forward (and I...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/26/2012

RE: Pre-Academy Under 14

Justin of Denville, NJ USA asks...

Are hybrid cleats allowed in the northeastern preacademy league?...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/25/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Randy AufDerHeide of Lenexa, KS United States asks...

My question is in regards to Offside.

As the rule states, There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:

a goal kick
a throw-in
a corner kick

To me, the rules is extremely clear but I wante...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 8/25/2012

RE: Competitive College

Stephen Jacobs of Manchester, Cheshire UK asks...

A direct free kick is given to the attacking team just outside of the penalty area. The referee tells all players that the game will restart on the whistle, as he wanted to pace the distance of the encroaching wall. When all set, he blows the whis...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/25/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have 2 separate questions as a follow up to what both Referee Wickham & McHugh said:

Referee Wickham said that a foul generally occurs when one player lowers their shoulder during a charge. What if you felt that player was lowering their ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/25/2012

RE: High School Adult

Barrie Monks of la crosse, Wisconsin USA asks...

An attacker runs clear through on goal and is brought down in the penalty area by the goalkeeper. The ball breaks to a trailing attacker so the ref delays the whistle. The second attacker, realizing that if he takes the advantage the goalkeeper wil...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/24/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

If time is extended to complete a penalty kick, how quickly after the kick does it end. i.e.
1) Suppose the ball hits the goal post or is blocked by the keeper, but another player rushes in to complete the goal, does it count?
2) What if y...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/24/2012

RE: competive Under 14

dave of hudson , quebec canada asks...

we had a game where the Ref awarded a penalty shot. The ball was placed by the ref at the 12 yard spot the team identified
their kickker the Ref blew his wistle to start.... the kicker then walked up to the ball and replaced it using her hands on...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 8/23/2012

RE: 5 a side Adult

Ryan of Manchester, England asks...

In a recent game of five a side I was sent off after the game!

The ref had cut the game short by 10 mins and for 10 mins the other team played with 7 players even after countless times we told him he took no notice!

After he then cu...

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Law 5 - The Referee 8/23/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Harris of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

During my assessment game, I came across a particular scenario.

A player crossed the ball forward to a teammate in an offside position. This player then tried to reach the ball landing ahead of him but instead lightly tapped it forward accid...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2012

RE: competive Under 17

bob of new york, new york usa asks...

If a player purposely kicks the ball back to the goalkeeper but punches instead. what is the call because usually if the goalkeeper picked it up it would be an indirect free kick. I am thinking that it is the same....

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Law 11 - Offside 8/22/2012

RE: rec Under 17

bob of New York, New York USA asks...

When doing recertification,I came upon a question where I was not familiar with it. If player x receives ball from player y and the defender a just leaves the field when the pass is being made. Is player x offside because defender a left the field....

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Law 11 - Offside 8/22/2012

RE: rec Under 17

bob of New York, New York USA asks...

I am familiar with the laws of onside, but I have forgotten one. Does your hands matter when calling offsides. I have searched the web but have found mix answers. If you can help me then thanks....

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/21/2012

RE: Competitive Under 18

Harris of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

During throw-ins, the thrower bends forward almost 90 degrees while taking the throw-in. Is this allowed?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/21/2012

RE: Competitive Under 18

Harris of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

On throw-ins, I have seen players bending their knees all the way so that they are sitting on their heels and only their tiptoes are touching the ground. Is this allowed?

I remember seeing somewhere mention (not necessarily in the Laws but a...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/13/2012

RE: Rec Under 9

Brendan of Folsom, Ca US asks...

Player is in an offside position when ball is played forward of the second defender. He does not make a play for the ball and is judged not to have been involved in the play nor have gained an advantage at this point (no call). Play continues and pl...

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Character, Attitude and Control 8/12/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Harris Rasheed of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

As you mentioned, I typically work with players in normal tones rather than or berating simply because all the players are older than me. I'm only 20 and players in the league are at least 27+ so I have trouble simply gaining their respect on my own....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/12/2012

RE: AYSO intermediate going for advanced Under 17

Jonathan of Northridge, California United States asks...

I haven't quite got a clear list of misconducts as opposed to fouls. I know the requirements for a foul to exist: 1. Commited by a player, 2. In play, 3. On the field of play. And misconducts can happen off the field, out of play, and commited by a ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/11/2012

RE: Under 6

Trudy of Vancouver, Canada asks...

Re: handball call

what if the ball is headed directly at you and you put your arms up to protect your face. Is that a handball ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/10/2012

RE: Competive Under 19

Erez of Haifa, Haifa Israel asks...

A defender starts to hold an opponent outside his penalty area, but finishes the holding inside the penalty area.
Will it be a penalty kick or a direct free kick from outside the penalty area?...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 8/10/2012

RE: Select Under 12

Nicole of Kingsville, ON Canada asks...

Can a linesman make the call for a penalty kick to be awarded?...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/9/2012

RE: a aa Other

Nick of Montreal, Canada asks...

Offside
player in ofside position moves back to be in an onside position then moves forward to play a ball that was passed just as he was in line with the second last player, is he a valid player or offside as he gained an advantage by being off...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/9/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Thanks for the answers and my situation is similar to the youtube link showing the pk scenario between Celtic and Dundee. The angle where the players come together is different in my situation, but the similarity lies with the keeper lunging out at t...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 8/8/2012

RE: Competive High School

Darren Pollen of Elmira, New York U.S.A. asks...

While playing goalie is the ball out if you step out of bounds with the ball after a save?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/8/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Brad of Brampton, Ontario Canada asks...

I had a bit of an odd situation a couple years back that's been bothering me since: team A kicked towards goal, a player from team B decided he wasn't going to reach it with his head and took a swat at it with his hands (I guess figuring the penalty ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/8/2012

RE: fan Adult

Danny Nethercote of liverpool, cheshire england asks...

this may seem a little 'out there', but is there any rule that would disallow a player from sitting on another player's shoulders in a wall defending a freekick, in order to block a shot? obviously the upper player still being liable if a handball oc...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/7/2012

RE: Select High School

Steve Hayman of Lindsay, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi...I just read your post from 2005 re: phantom 'hand ball' calls when the player does not make a deliberate attempt to handle the ball. Having just watched the Canada/USA semifinal from the Olympics, I am curious to know your opinion on the penalt...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/6/2012

RE: Grassroots, small sided soccer Under 10

Fiona of Cooma, NSW Australia asks...

I am the coordinator for our school teams.

One of our teams (u9) had a problem on the weekend, with a boy on the other team coming in with his boots, well after the ball had been passed on. Is this called a late tackle?

I'm trying ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/6/2012

RE: Competive High School

gabe of rockaway, new jersey usa asks...

are hybrid spikes legal in high school soccer? by hybird i mean a mix of metal and hard plastic studs....

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/5/2012

RE: Adult

jamiu of yaba, lagos nigeria asks...

What is the judgement of the referee if the soccer boot of a player goes off during a match?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 8/5/2012

RE: Select Under 14

Mort Rubin MD of Mechanicsburg , PA USA asks...

Player on breakaway as time runs out. Defender takes ball away from ofensive player. Kicks ball to offensive player, referee continues game and offense scores.Goal allowed. Since ball changed possession game should have been over, no goal. The goal s...

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Character, Attitude and Control 8/5/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Harris Rasheed of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

When two players have a problem with each other in the game and I want to bring the temperature and animosity between the two of them down, I typically call them both over to have a friendly chat so that I can calm them down. This airs out the dirty ...

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Mechanics 8/4/2012

RE: rec Adult

Mayea of bogota, Colombia asks...

On a dual referee match the other day and just before the start of the second half, the other ref signaled to me by placing his hand on top of his head. I'm sorry but I don't know what this means, do you know?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/4/2012

RE: Rec Adult

John Edwards of Windham, Maine United States asks...

have been watching a lot of the Woman's Olympic Soccer and have noticed a lot of throw ins where the player has one or both feet on the touch lines. Is this an international rule difference or should they be called for this? Thanks for the clarifi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/3/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Keeper rushing out to make a sliding challenge to an attacker. Keeper managed to touch the ball a split second before the attacker got tripped to the ground. Keeper also hurt in the process. In the past I would award a fk to the defending team based ...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/3/2012

RE: Senior Adult

Steve Boyle of Doonan, Queensland Australia asks...

A defender plays the ball forward on an attempted clear. The ball hits and rebounds off an attacking player and lands to another attacking player who is in an offside position. since the ball was played by a defender, is the attacking player offsid...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/3/2012

RE: Regional Under 19

Joel Levac of cornwall, ontario Canada asks...

Hi,
I just came back from my men's league game and a weird situation occured. My team was losing with just a few minutes left. It was our goal kick. Instead of my keeper taking the kick he waited outside the 18 yard box and called for the ball. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/3/2012

RE: Adult

steven of Sydney, nsw Australia asks...

would the restart be a direct FK or IDK if i was to say either issue a yellow or red for either reckless or VC ...

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Pre-Game 8/2/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Harris Rasheed of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

What are a good set of pre-game instructions to give to ARs with regards to mass confrontation.

Some referees ask their senior AR to remain at their position to maintain and hold the technical area personnel and substitutes and prevent them ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/2/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Mitch of Ottawa, On Canada asks...

At the taking of a penalty kick a bird flies by gets hit by the ball, then the ball goes out because of it. The ball was going to go in net if it were not for the bird.

I say the restart is a re-take of the penalty kick.

Am I corre...

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League Specific 8/2/2012

RE: Adult

harold of dar es salaam, Tanzania Tanzania asks...

Could a soccer player sold out or taken by loan from one team to another without his willing or permission?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/1/2012

RE: competitive Adult

Mark Williams of 3024 Gardner, Michigan USA asks...

If a ball is restarted inside the penalty area due to foul from offense, off-sides, etc and is not a goal kick does the ball need to clear the penalty area until the defense touches the ball. ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/31/2012

RE: sub-division Professional

samiran roy of siliguri, west bengal india asks...

foul committed in d box, what decision will rafaree take? ...

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Mechanics 7/25/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

James Hudson of Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada asks...

There is one diagram showing the Referee's position on goal kicks (same side of field as kicker) in the FIFA Laws of the Game book.

Where should the Referee position himself if the kicker was on the other side of the field?

(expect...

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Other 7/24/2012

RE: Other

Harris Rasheed of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

This isn't really a football-related rule question but relevant in the world of refereeing; have you watched the movie 'The Referees' also known as 'Kill the Referee'?

If so, what do you think about it?

Trailer: http://www.youtube.c...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/24/2012

RE: Competitive Under 15

Harris Rasheed of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,

I have seen a new situation in recent times where players from one team are continuously fouling one player. However, on each occurrence, different players are committing the fouls and there is almost no way to stop them because a differ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 7/23/2012

RE: select Professional

mac of sandpoint, id u.s. asks...

I understand stop-age time can be added by the ref. However during tournament play, where the rules state, 'all games shall be two 30 minute halves'. So if a goal is scored in the 32 minute, can that goal be taken away?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 7/23/2012

RE: select Adult

mac of Sand, Id USA asks...

During tournament play, the game is two 30 min halfs. As with most tournaments, stoppage play is not added. During the championship game, one team scores a goal in the 32 minute. ( 30 min halfs ). This ties the game up, and the second the team kick...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/23/2012

RE: church league Adult

JONATHAN of Durban, Natal South Africa asks...

Do players & coaches have a right to Question every decision made by the referee
...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/23/2012

RE: church league Adult

JONATHAN of Durban, Natal South Africa asks...

During the game everytime a free kick was awarded to team A the striker from team B YELLED what at the referee.The referee explained why the freekick was awarded but this player carried on Yelling at the referee after the 6th time the referee got tir...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/21/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Amy Lloyd of Santa Cruz, California USofA asks...

In essence, this is an inquiry about - can one be offside on a penalty kick scenario?

In a recent tourney, the referee awarded a penalty kick to the blue team during regulation play. Blue #7 was identified as the kicker and kicked the ball 1...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/20/2012

RE: Competive Under 11

Bex of Toronto, Canada asks...

A player from the red team was on a breakaway towards the opposing team's goal. Green team's defender quickly caught up with this player and raced towards the net. Upon entering the penalty area, Green team's defender extended his arm straight out an...

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Law 15 - Throw In 7/20/2012

RE: local comp Under 17

paul grant of strathalbyn, south australia australia asks...

hi. the rule book i have states that a goal can not be scored directly from a throw it, but does not say what should happen if the ball enters the net directly from the throw.(we have played on some pretty small pitches, so it could happen some day) ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/18/2012

RE: Professional

orlando of st charles, il kane asks...

can you explain hard play offence....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/16/2012

RE: Comp. Under 19

Scott of Livermore, CA USA asks...

I'd like to get your opinions on this July 12, 2012 question and response on the AYSO site.

QUESTION: In a U-19 girls game blue #10 is injured inside the red teams penalty area. Red #3 kicks the ball out of play so that blue #10 can get ass...

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Other 7/10/2012

RE: Adult

Derek Jamieson of Dunblane, Scotland asks...

One team disputed whether the other should be in the competition, but were ordered to fulfil the fixture. They duly turned up,
but made no effort to compete and stood and applauded sarcastically as their opponents ran through to score. What actio...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/9/2012

RE: Academy Under 11

Ryan of Dallas, TX USA asks...

Coach is warned in the first 3 minutes of play for screaming at me. (for a foul that had apparently happened right in front of her, but i could not see because of girls in the way and my AR did not see anything either). Later in the game a rough play...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/9/2012

RE: Youth,High School, and Adults Adult

Kevin Freeman of Groves, TX USA asks...

Ok on a PK and during a shoot out the AR that stands on the 18 yard line or 6 yard line depending on if its a PK or a shoot out. What hand should the AR have his flag in the left hand so that it's facing the referee or the right hand or does it not m...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/8/2012

RE: Adult

trevor of birmingham, uk asks...

If all ten outfield players are in the opposing half, leaving only the goal keeper in his own half and a player from the other team is in his opposing half is he deemed offside?...

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Other 7/8/2012

RE: High School/Select High School

Parent of Middle, Tn US asks...

A comment if I may to the parent that asked this question. My daughter has played keeper since U10 and has suffered all these and worse. What we learned the hard way to get the leagues attention was their insurance company. Complaints may get igno...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/6/2012

RE: played semi pro football Adult

lee munt of stanstead abbotts, herts england asks...

in a penalty shoot out the player takes the penalty and it hits the crossbar and the ball is set spinning out in the air towards the penalty spot. the goalie thinks it is a miss and walks away from the goal not looking at the ball. the ball bounces ...

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League Specific 7/6/2012

RE: All Levels High School

Kevin Freeman of Groves, TX USA asks...

Will MLS and other leagues in the U.S. be using Goal-line Technology (GLT) or Additional AR's (AAR) now that it has been approved by the IFAB?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/5/2012

RE: competetive Under 16

Zack of Toronto, ontario Canada asks...

I am noticing that a lot of your answers to drop ball questions state that the referee calls two players to the spot of the foul. I attended a referee course and we were instructed that multiple players are aloud to take part in the drop ball. Im gue...

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Other 7/5/2012

RE: select Under 17

robert lucas of branley, ohio us asks...

Recently due to an injury to my AR during first half of the game i switched my AR -s at halftime due to the aggressive nature of the offside trap of one of the teams. I was concerned that my injured AR wont be able to keep up with the offside trap an...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/5/2012

RE: Competetive Adult

Matt of Woking, Surrey UK asks...

Hi,

I was playing five a side the other day and the referee warned my team mate that he would award an indirect free kick if he shouted 'leave' to another player on our team. We questioned the referee about the rule at the time as none of u...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 7/5/2012

RE: Select Under 15

Megan of NS, NS Canada asks...

Hi:

To answer some of your questions, I will give a run through of exactly what happened. For simplicity sake we will refer to the teams as 1 and 2. 1 receives a corner kick and asks the referee if it's ok for her to remove then replace the ...

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League Specific 7/4/2012

RE: Adult

tenzin of shillong, meghalaya india asks...

suppose in a group they have same point and goal diffrence of minus 0 then how will we dicide...

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Law 5 - The Referee 7/4/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Suppose that blue team kicks the ball over the touchline & before you make a call, the blue team picks up the ball. (I know that a lot of coaches tell their players to act as if it's their throw-in any time it looks remotely close) Everyone starts ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/4/2012

RE: Adult

Jonathan of Durban, South Africa asks...

If a player kicks a penalty and it rebounds of the goal posts can the the same player kick the ball into the the goal...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 7/4/2012

RE: pro Adult

trevor mcbride of conneaut, ohio usa asks...

If a player shoots a ball and the goalie catches said ball, but the goalie is behind the line of the goal; does this constitute as a goal, or does it matter where the ball is, according to the line. I was thinking that the goalie is an extention of ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 7/3/2012

RE: Premier Adult

Ibrahim Ishiaku of Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria asks...

A referee mistakingly issued a red card to a player intead of yellow card. Can the referee reverse his decision and re shown a yellow card to the player? This is not a question but a request. I am humbly requesting for officiating materials like the...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 7/3/2012

RE: Competertiv Under 15

George Powell of London, England asks...

A player takes a shot at an open goal but a dog runs on to the pitch the ball hits the dog and goes off what does the ref give it as ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/3/2012

RE: premier Adult

ibrahim ishiaku of lokoja, kogi nigeria asks...

A defender kicked an attacker inside the defender team penalty area, but the ball was not with them, the ball was with an attacker inside an opponent penalty area. I awarded a penalty to the attacking team. i will like to know if i was wrong or rite ...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 7/2/2012

RE: Adult

Himanshu Chouhan of indore, m.p. INDIA asks...

in soccer iS goal is awarded from free kick if kick haS taken before center line...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 6/20/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

According to the book, the ar signals a foul by raising the flag straight up and then gives the flag a small forward and backward motion before pointing the flag to the direction of the free kick. Just heard from somebody who went through an referee ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 6/20/2012

RE: Rec and Classic Under 15

Derrek of Appleton, Wisconsin United States asks...

What is the correct way to call advantage? Like if the player commits a foul and then, the attacking team gains possession and then loses it. Also, what is the correct way of doing a drop ball when a team has possesion of the ball and the whistle i...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/20/2012

RE: youth league Under 14

dan of astoria, ny us asks...

The other day, I was reffing a game... an attacker kicked the ball to the goalie who was outside of the penalty box... the goalie next dribbled the ball into the box and jumped on the ball with both hands. I called an IDF for the attacking team, beli...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/20/2012

RE: Under 16

Tom of Rochester, MN United States asks...

An offensive player has the ball and is dribbling toward the goal. The goalie comes at the player and slide tackles and gets a hand on the ball and knocks it away. The offensive player is there also and is taken out by the goalie when he hits the b...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/19/2012

RE: ex pro Adult

rob therrien of vancouver, bc canada asks...

two players on a breakaway, only the keeper stands between them and the goal line. the player with the ball is ahead of his teammate by a few yards. the player with the ball plays the ball forward and his teammate runs on to the ball and scores. is h...

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Law 15 - Throw In 6/19/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Raymond Kerley of Limerick, Limerick Ireland asks...

When taking a throw-in, if you stood on the pitch with your heels on the line, would that be acceptable?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 6/19/2012

RE: rec Adult

saul of chicago, IL USA asks...

Does a player have to face the opposing team's goal when taking a penalty kick. I saw a player (Youtube) somewhere in the middle east back heel a penalty kick that went in, but the video does not show if the ref allowed the goal or not. I mean, the p...

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6/18/2012

RE: select Adult

David of Anniston, AL United States asks...

go here. http://www.damnlol.com/id-love-to-see-this-happen-in-football-match-21435.html


is that legal?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 6/18/2012

mike of elmsford, ny USA asks...

the shin guards with the ankle protection (stirup)Must go under the sock? I allow players to have the sock on then pulled down over the shin guard. As long as the hard plastic part is covered as stated under rule 4. What some are saying here is that ...

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Other 6/18/2012

RE: Rec, Select

Ken Corbelli of Redding, CA USA asks...

Where can I download a copy of this June 2012 memo? I am organizing an annual refresher training clinic and want to make sure we include this information.
...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/18/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

2 opposing players fight for the ball. attacker kicked the defender and both fell on the ground. defender on the ground then swing his fist backward towards the attacker. I award a fk to the defending team and then issue a yellow card to the defender...

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Character, Attitude and Control 6/12/2012

RE: U19 Rec

Jamie Laning of Huntsville, Ontario Canada asks...

I had a referee cancel on me less than 24 hours before the game (much less by the time I saw the email). I ended up doing CR for my own son's game. The scenario below happened early in the game. I believe it contributed to a comment at the end of ...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/12/2012

RE: Pro Other

Kaito Yamada of Kyoto, Japan asks...

Let's say a team in green is defending against the blue team. The a member of the blue team takes a shot that ricochets among the members of both teams. At least one blue player was offside. A green player tries to clear the ball but it slices to ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 6/12/2012

RE: competitive Adult

Kley Parkhurst of Herndon, VA USA asks...

Regarding the June 2012 memo that broadens the use of advantage beyond just Law 12 fouls and miscounduct, intentional handling is not mentioned. If a player intentionally handles a ball but the result is an advantage to the opponent, does the advant...

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Law 5 - The Referee 6/11/2012

RE: rec Adult

saul of chicago, IL USA asks...

Defender purposely stops a ball with his hand in midfield, I whistled a hand ball and gave him a yellow card. The question is, should a ref restart with a whistle once a caution has been given or is the attacker allowed to take a quick free kick rega...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/11/2012

RE: competive Under 19

damian bell of westminster, ma USA asks...

As i watched the Ireland v Croatia i was confused on the 2nd goal for Croatia that the player was not called offside. i know the irish player touched the ball last, but the player from Croatia was in a offside position prior to the last touch, is not...

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Law 1- The Field 6/10/2012

RE: recreation Adult

Brian Davies of Kirkland, Quebec, Canada asks...

I ref on a slightly smaller field than normal, yet the penalty area is a normal size. This leaves the area between the penalty area and the sides of the pitch very small. In all fairnest to the wingers should the penalty area be reduced proportionaly...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 6/10/2012

RE: professional Adult

Bongani Mahlangu of pretoria, South Africa asks...

During the substitution does the referee stop his time or does he let the game to continue, or is substituting part of the 90 minutes of play? ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 6/9/2012

RE: Competitive Under 17

Mike of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

A player was injured with a dislocated knee after 25 mins. Score was 1-0.
Ambulance was called as player could not be moved without risk of further injury.
Referee kept players on the field for the remaining 10 mins then called half time.
...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/9/2012

RE: Competive Under 12

Josh of Whanagrei, kensington NewZealand asks...

Hey Ref, if a goal keeper bends over to grab the ball off the ground to save a goal and the attacking player then kicks the ball again off the ground into the goal would this be a goal? the keeper only just manages to get finger tips on the ball so h...

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League Specific 6/9/2012

RE: Rec Under 10

Jonny Henningson of Brooklyn Park, MN USA asks...

Do you call penalties in a U9 rec game?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 6/8/2012

RE: HL Under 11

John of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

Is it a goal if the penalty kick taker kicks the ball, it hits the goalie and rebounds back to the kick taker who then scores the ball into the goal?...

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Mechanics 6/7/2012

RE: Comp. Adult

James of Wheaton, IL USA asks...

I was centering a U17 game last night with a younger AR and an older, but not that experienced AR.

Here is the situation: Dynamic play around midfield. I am on a line with my trailing AR since the play is close to his line. This puts me app...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/7/2012

RE: Competition Under 13

Wayne Green of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

During a recent girls U12 game, 2 attacking players were clearly in an offside position between the goalkeeper and the last defender. A high ball was put through by the attacking team towards the defenders goal and the last defender tried to head it...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 6/6/2012

RE: Select Under 13

Doug Farinelli of Springfield, VA USA asks...

If a player stop the ball from going out of bounds using a surface of the body that is out of bounds (i.e. ball is on the line thus inside touch will have the body surface out of bounds) is the call out of bounds?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 6/5/2012

RE: Competive Under 13

Jessica Andres of Louisville, Ky USA asks...

The opposing team gets a PK due to hand ball in the box. A opposing team player rushes the box before the kick takes place. The ball goes into the goal. The ref calls a goal does not count and that the player cannot rush the goal until after the k...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 6/5/2012

RE: 1 Adult

Mohammed of baghdad, baghdad iraq asks...

Dear Sir,
I have few questions and I'll be grateful if you can reply.
1) The corner area has a curve to show you where the ball should be played from. why is it a curve not a straight line?

2) If we have a corner kick for team A, a p...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/21/2012

RE: Select Under 13

Joe Sereno of Gaylord, MI USA asks...

At our U12 girls tournament final there is a free kick. The defending team sets their line of players and one attacker comes down and stays two yards from the keeper. The keeper immediately starts yelling about the offside opponent but I ignore her...

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Mechanics 5/21/2012

RE: USSF (and High School) Under 19

Mike of Corning, NY USA asks...

It appears based on research in the FIFA laws Interpretations and Advice that the ref MUST use the whistle to resume play after a substitution is completed. (However, many do not practice this for some reason...)

My question is: Do they nee...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/21/2012

RE: COMPETITIVE Adult

joe t of sydney, NSW AUSTRALIA asks...

HI,
i keep hearing about an over the ball tackle as an offence, can you give me your opinions on this please? As i'm trying to picture it in my mind?
regards
joe t ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/21/2012

RE: Academy Under 11

Ryan Johnson of Plano, Texas USA asks...

I was spectating at a U10 Boys soccer game today and one of the goalies was facing the sun, it was about 5:30pm. He was wearing a hat. This would seem to give him an unfair advantage, and if the ref allows the goalie to wear one then he might as well...

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League Specific 5/20/2012

RE: Select Under 15

Laura ray of Grove city, Oh Us asks...

Is the a certain number of yellow cards that one player may receive in one season?...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 5/20/2012

RE: Competetive Adult

Lewis Fried of Richmond Hill, Ontario Canada asks...

In kicks from the penalty mark, if one team is reduced to 10 players because it has made its maximum number of allowed substitutions and then a player is injured and cannot continue, must the other team reduce their number of players by one as per th...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/19/2012

RE: Adult

Alex of Inverness, Scotland asks...

When is the ball in play after a goal kick?
If the goalkeeper takes a short goal kick could a team mate step inside the penalty box pick up the ball and return it to the goalkeeper for the goalkick to be retaken?

...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/19/2012

RE: 3 Adult

fma of Granton, tas aUST asks...

For the offside rule, at what point is an attacker still in thier own half. In other words at what point on the halfway line is the attacker deemed offside if receiving a pass from ateam mate.

Many Thx ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/19/2012

RE: Pro Professional

Ersin of Istanbul, Turkey asks...

The keeper releases the ball for punt. The opponent is returning to his field from behind the keeper. The ball falls in front of the opponent. The opponent does not touch the keeper and suddenly finds the ball bounce in front of him. He takes the bal...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/19/2012

RE: Rec/Select/Competetive Under 17

Tom S of Lincoln, MA USA asks...

Can a team 'refuse' the advantage and 'ask' for the kick and, in this case, the send off?
I am wondering if a fould is committed in the midfield, and either the player is slightly hurt or just does not want the advantage played, could they kick i...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/19/2012

RE: Under 19

Kevin of Magrath, alberta Canada asks...

Referee report: 'While defending against a striker he was beaten by the attacker. When the attacker moved to pass the player the defender held the player back with his hands. This happened at a semi-obvious goal scoring opportunity in the box so a pe...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/19/2012

RE: Competive Under 17

Thomson of Melbourne , Victoria Australia asks...

A defender under pressure tried to kick it out for a corner, it was nowhere near the goals but the keeper ran out to stop it. he stopped and controlled it with his foot then picked it up, it was called as a foul and they had a free in the box
I t...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/19/2012

RE: AYSO Under 15

Cameron of Lancaster, CA USA asks...

My child is OFFSIDE but is told that she can play the ball if ball kicked by opponent back towards opponents goal.
But if (a)opponent (b) teammate: kicks ball back (negative space tactic) and it deflects off another player(opponent or teammate) ...

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Other 5/18/2012

RE: High School

Marco of Guangzhou, Guangdong China asks...

I wanna know that
when PlayerA shoot and the ball hit the post and rebound to PlayerB, and then PlayerB scored. In this situation, are PlayerA awarded an assist?
Is this kind of rule the same all over the world? I mean, FA,FIFA,UEFA and etc....

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 5/18/2012

RE: High School

Joe Sereno of Gaylord, MI USA asks...

Last night at a high school game the attacking team took a corner kick. Four attackers moved into a position around the keeper (no bumping) but they all raised their arms over their heads. They kept them up until the kick was taken and then lowered...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/18/2012

RE: Rec/Select/Competetive Under 17

Tom S of Lincoln, MA USA asks...

On a restart after a foul, if players who are 10 yards away move towards the kick but do not seem to interfere, could this be trifling? What is the best way to prevent this from happening/escalating? A verbal warning as play continues? And what if th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/18/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Matt Arruda of Kelowna, BC Canada asks...

I was actually playing in this game but asking as a referee as this call seemed wrong to me. We had a player ejected from the game for "denying an opponent a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball".

Th...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/17/2012

RE: Select Under 17

Bill Mac of St. Louis, Missouri USA asks...

Regarding Law 15 Throw Ins: With long throw-in specialists becoming more common, has there been any guidance issued on what is allowed to defend them. Rule states that opponenet needs to be at least 2yds away and later states unfairly distracting or ...

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Other 5/17/2012

RE: Charity College

Greig Young of Irvine, North Ayrshire Scotland asks...

Hi . I would like any feedback or help with something.

On Wednesday 6Th June i will be in charge of my colleges charity football match. I will be arriving at 11am to check the place out and look at the pitch.
Is there any advice on what...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/17/2012

RE: Rec Under 18

Larry of Newburgh, NY Orange asks...

For rec games, I tend to add extra time for games in which the ball has to be retrieved away from the field a number of times, or there are injuries. I do so by shouting out loud, 2 minutes of added time, longest ever was 3 minutes in an exceptional ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 5/9/2012

RE: 5 Adult

Ian Langthorp of Gosport, Hampshire England asks...

The point I like to raise is that, Can a substitute take a throw in. I said of course he can the moment he enters the FOP the other player has left ,therefore he now becomes another player. Therefore entitled to take it. Other ref's are saying no be...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/9/2012

RE: Semi Pro Adult

Ron Moss of Bunbury, WA Australia asks...

Can a player on a throwin do it from a squatting position, he is facing the field of play part of both feet are on the ground on or behind the line and the ball is delivered from behind and over his head.
But he is in a squat position almost sat ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/9/2012

RE: Regional league Under 16

Keith Middler of Aberdeen, Scotland asks...

Player is taking a penalty which he misses. Referee orders a re-take because he heard some expletives along the lines of 'miss you ****'
Referee admits that he didn't know who had shouted but he believed it was one of three opposition players.
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Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/8/2012

RE: Rec/Select High School

Chris Thomas of Fairfield, CA US asks...

Can a team take advantage of the quick kick provisions (of the free kick law) within their penalty area with opponents still in the area, or must the ref ensure that all opponents are outside the area before allowing the kick....

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/8/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Suppose, after the foul, the striker continued toward the goal, took a shot, but missed. As I understand from other questions, advantage would be realized. Would it then be too late to dismiss the GK for DOGSO? What should be done?...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 5/8/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Let's say the blue GK kicks the ball & it glances off a red player & goes over the touch line. Although the AR raises the flag & trots toward the 18, a blue player, realizing the ref didn't see it, does a quick throw in. Does that mean it's too late...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/8/2012

RE: Rec Under 15

Bryan Romano of Plymouth, In USA asks...

Thank you for your response. I understand your explanation.

As a follow-up, I'm to understand that if a defending team commits an off-the-ball foul 30 yards behind the ball, I am to restart the game back at the foul? (That would seem to bene...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 5/8/2012

RE: High School

Dan of London, Canada asks...

Can there be any rational in awarding a goal kick or throw in when the player from behind makes contact and actually pushes the player out of touch forcing the ball carrier to be the last player to touch the ball before before it goes out
In the ...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 5/8/2012

RE: competive College

chike of onitsha, anambra nigeria asks...

if a ball stands between a goal line[some inside the net while some other side] is it a goal or not....

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/23/2012

RE: Rec Under 15

Roland Kelly of Menlo Park, CA USA asks...

Hello,
In follow up to Question 26207, when a PK is taken correctly, and the ball bounces off the woodwork and them immediately richochets off the knees of a defender into their own goal then it is not a valid goal but a CK to the attacking team....

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/23/2012

RE: Non League Adult

Sean Hewitt of Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire England asks...

When a player encroaches from the attacking side on a penalty kick into the 18 yard box putting off the keeper as he is in line sight of the keeper is the kick retaken or is an indirect free kick awarded to the defending team from where the encroachm...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/23/2012

RE: Region 1 Under 18

Oliver of West Hempstead, NY Nassau asks...

Referee stops the game, goalie is hurt.
Does the goalie has to leave the field ?
This is a U17 Girls, in a state cup game played in New York State.
...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/23/2012

RE: Competitive Under 15

Mike Holbrook of Moraga, CA USA asks...

I've always understood there were three exceptions to the offside rule. Can there be offsides on a shot. The actual shot, not a rebound. The case in point was our left forward made a run and closed the angle to the goal. As she looked ready to cr...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 4/23/2012

RE: comp Under 14

jeb of vero beach, fl usa asks...

A player shoots and the keeper who is right on the goal line, catches the ball above his head. The AR sees that the whole ball crossed the line and signals that a goal has been scored but the referee doesn't see the AR's signal and play continues. Th...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/23/2012

Anon of Altadena, unite states asks...

Why wouldn't this be an IFK for the defense at the penalty mark under the reasoning of ATR 14.12 (which I believe was based on a prior IFAB decision), which dictates that if the PK taker kicks the ball backwrd to a teammate, the failure to follow pro...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/23/2012

RE: travel Under 13

Bob of Whitman, Ma USA asks...

can soccer players wear corn rows, with beads
during a soccer match...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/23/2012

RE: Adult

Referee of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

Thoughts on this was it offside was it a penalty - minimal contact knocked him of balance ?

1:29
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gctAdYK7NkA

Referee Boss Thoughts
http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Shield-opinion-display/Eno...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/23/2012

RE: Social Adult

Ron of Auckland, NZ asks...

Under the conditions above can a goal be scored after a deliberate save happens without the keeper having the ball in control.This is the issue i believe. Please could you clarify for me also. ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/19/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Mitch of Ontario, Ontario Canada asks...

At the taking of a PK a defender kicks the ball in his own net.

What is the referee's action and re-start?

Thanks,

Mitch...

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League Specific 4/19/2012

RE: pro Under 11

Anthoy of great falls, virginia U.S.A. asks...

is there off sides on a u11 game?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/19/2012

RE: Reserves Adult

Terry of Mildura, Victoria Australia asks...

What constitutes a Melee between players?

In a reserves match several players were jostling for the ball. The two players became frustrated as neither one could gain the advantage of winning the ball and started to push and shove which lead ...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/19/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Tony Bielby of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

An attacker shoots, goalkeeper makes a save then another attacker (who was offside when the first shot came in) puts the ball in the net. Is tis a rebound? Offside or not?...

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Other 4/18/2012

RE: Rec Under 11

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

As both a coach and a junior ref I was shocked to see the Rafa Marquez foul on Shea Salinas in the NY Red Bulls vs. San Jose last weekend. My question is: Is there any good reason that referee Ricardo Salazar and his team did not see / call the hor...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/18/2012

RE: High school soccer Under 17

Lori of Berlin, Wisconsin United States asks...

In my game today my cleat came off, the game continued while I was retying my shoe. The ball almost hit my head while I was retying my shoe. Was the ref supposed stop the game so I could tie my shoe? Or when they said 'play on' the right thing to do?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/17/2012

RE: travel Under 11

Marc Harden of deptford, nj usa asks...

I was talking to my coach about an interesting scenrio that could come up. If our goalie handles the ball kicked by a teammate inside her own goal area it is an indirect free kick on the 6yrd line.

If the defending team decided to move all o...

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Mechanics 4/17/2012

RE: Rec Under 14

Kaitlyn Rasmussen of Glastonbury, Connecticut United States asks...

How many times do you blow the whistle to stop the game for half time?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/17/2012

RE: Competitive High School

Estella of Tazewell, VA USA asks...

Is sheilding legal?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 4/17/2012

RE: Adult

Laurence salmon of Cambridge, Herts Uk asks...

Your referee Jason Wright is exactly why referees get a bad name. If a player is receiving a leg stretch by his team mate while we are waiting to take a throw in, why should the referee allow him and his team mates the time to rest? This takes away t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/16/2012

RE: semi pro Adult

Dan Clarke of York, Yorkshire UK asks...

If a player is through on goal and is brought down by the goal keeper, yet the ball falls to a team mate who then through the advantage rule scores. What should happen to the goal keeper? If the ball had not fallen to a team mate the keeper would hav...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/16/2012

RE: Pro Adult

Paul Marin of Fort Lauderdale, Florida United States asks...

Dear Mr. Ref,

Can you clarify the unsporting conduct law for me with regard to simulation? I am not sure if you saw Ashley Young's alleged dive that lead to a penalty for Manchester United against Aston Villa yesterday, but one could argue ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/16/2012

RE: recreation Adult

Zak Jacobson of copenhagen, Hvidovre Denmark asks...

The fa cup semi final between spurs and chelsea (15/4/12).
chelsea have a corner. From the resulting corner King (spurs) and terry (chelsea) go up for header. King easily wins the header. Terry is no where near the ball but his jump is not just u...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/16/2012

RE: Adult

Mick Knipfler of Maidstone, Kent UK asks...

Regarding the goal Gareth Bale scored for Tottenham in the FA Cup semi final, did the referree have the option of giving Peter Cech a Red or Yellow card after allowing the goal? Or, if he gave Cech a red card, would he have had to stop the game and ...

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League Specific 4/16/2012

RE: Rec Under 14

Kaitlyn Rasmussen of Glastonbury, Connecticut United States asks...

I am a new referee and am going to sign up for my first game soon. I am unclear on the timing of the games though. When you set your watch, how long should you do it for? How long should yhe halves be? And when it is time to call half time, do you le...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/16/2012

RE: Competitve Under 18

Michael Green of Scarsdale, NY USA asks...

Team A had a player sent off in the first half with a Red Card and was playing one man down. During the second half, an 11th player for Team A entered the field (with permission of the ref. who must have lost track of how many players were on the fie...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 4/16/2012

RE: Adult

Graham of London, UK asks...

There will be times when a player leaves the field of play briefly as a natural part of the game, through his momentum for example. Now let us suppose that player prevents the ball crossing the touchline or goal line while he is still off the pitch....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/16/2012

RE: Adult

james quinn of belfast, ireland asks...

if a foul wasn't given, eg the czech foul on adebayor, can a red card still be given if the tackle was deemed as requiring one?...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 4/16/2012

RE: Travel Under 11

Natalie Reece of Winchester, Indiana United States asks...

Is it a goal scored if a player chest traps the ball into the goal after the goalie deflects a kicked shot from another player?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/16/2012

RE: AYSO Under 11

Bobby Medders of Knoxville, TN U.S. asks...

If a defender leaves the ball carrier to go cover a player who is in an offside position, leaving the ball carrier a clear path to a goal which he scores, should offside be called? A friend asked me the question, and I felt quite sure that there sho...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/16/2012

RE: Rec Under 14

Jeana R of Oak Park, IL United States asks...

On a Penalty Kick during regulation time, can we sub our goalie for another, better goalie who is on the field at the time? ...

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Other 4/15/2012

RE: rec High School

Morgan Charles of portharcourth, rivers nigeria asks...

is SOCCER IN NIGERIA improving? if yes or no give points...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 4/15/2012

RE: Senior level Adult

Laurence salmon of Cambridge, Herts Uk asks...

On two occasions this season the referee has stopped play to allow treatment for cramp to opposing players. I as manager have protested that this is not an injury and the opposing team is benefitting from having a 2-3minute rest and opportunity to re...

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Other 4/14/2012

RE: rec Under 13

alexis mcintyre of hendersonville, Tennessee united states asks...

I always watch my brother play U5. I like to watch the ref do all the calls and other things. How old do you have to be a ref, and do you have to do some kind of training?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/14/2012

RE: Rec Adult

jason of seattle, washington USA asks...

In a adult coed league sometimes the girls control the ball with their arms held close against their chest to avoid having the ball hit their breasts, they never push, parry, punch or do anything else to affect the trajectory of the ball. I see this...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/14/2012

RE: Rec Under 12

Marouane of Kissimmee, Fl USA asks...

If the player kicks a ball from a goal kick and in the process the shoes comes off and flies close to hitting an opposing player, should that be called as a goal kick redo or as a foul. Thank you...

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Other 4/14/2012

RE: pro Adult

PATRICK of accra, Ghana Ghana asks...

what are the positions in football?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/14/2012

RE: Adult

Miguel of Port Of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago asks...

Hi this is to clear up a matter. A player uses his shoulder to control the ball is it within the hand ball rule of foul in other words is this wrong?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/14/2012

RE: Select Under 13

Nathan Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia USA asks...

On a throw in, the player throwing the ball in throws down the line. It bounces twice out of the field of play, then finally crosses the line into the field of play. Once in the field of play, is it live or dead?

In this occurrence, a play...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 4/14/2012

RE: Rec Under 14

Doug of Oakland, CA USA asks...

Hello Refs - Another question:
Two of you say in this group of answers that a TOE CLEAT is not necessarily dangerous.
I have been taught to simply look for the toe cleat at check-in (ok, everybody lift the toes of one foot - and I look down t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/13/2012

RE: Adult

mike of Newcastle, NSW Australia asks...

An attacking player is playing the ball along the goal line toward goal. As he comes to a defender he knocks the ball through defender's legs then steps out of play (over the goal line) to run around him. The defender deliberately trips him while bot...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/13/2012

RE: JV High School

Larry Kap of Middletown, PA USA asks...

A player fell to the ground today and had the ball between her legs. An attacker from the other team tried to play the ball, but couldn't because the girl on the ground was squeezing the ball between her legs. I called dangerous play on the girl on...

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Character, Attitude and Control 4/13/2012

RE: Rec Under 14

Doug of Oakland, CA USA asks...

Hello All - Thank you again for your great advice.
I seem to have a different view of the priority for AR responsibilities, compared to what most refs say, and what I have read.
Aside from safety, the most important task for the CR is decidin...

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Other 4/13/2012

RE: U19 Under 19

Art of Gjilan, Kosovo Kosovo asks...

If players of two teams do not greet each other, what must undertake referee !?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 4/12/2012

RE: Adult

Tom Hopson of Sangkhlaburi, Kanchanaburi Thailand asks...

In a penalty shoot out ref blows whistle for a penalty to be taken and a goal is scored but goalie protests and says he was not ready Ref orders the penalty to be retaken and penalty is missed
This happened in a tournament here and our team lost...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/12/2012

RE: rec Adult

saul of chicago, IL USA asks...

Is there such a thing as UNnatural position of the arms when calling a hand ball? I see this rule nowhere in the Laws of the game....

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 4/12/2012

RE: N/A

Peter Grove of Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire England asks...

In his answer, referee McHugh states: 'If it has not been kicked and moved then a very quick whistle is required to prevent the kick progressing with perhaps a goal being disallowed.'

I'm sorry, but I don't see any reason why the whistle wou...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/11/2012

RE: Adult

Steven Baskett of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

If a player run's in aggressively during a stoppage , a melee. Can he receive a red, what for ?

Look at this :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMaajSy_VRc&feature=youtu.be...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/11/2012

RE: Rec and Competetive High School

Walter Lee of Trinidad, Colorado USA asks...

What is the procedure for a Drop Ball Restart...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/8/2012

RE: Adult

steven of sydney, nsw Australia asks...

In the man utd vs QPR 14 min a penalty was given but the player was offside so the restart should have just be offside ? ...

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League Specific 4/8/2012

RE: Adult

mick rasmussen of liverpool, merseyside england asks...

When does the amnesty occur for ten yellow cards this season....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/8/2012

RE: select Adult

olalekan of ilorin, kwara nigeria asks...

Was the referee in the eufa champions league Q-final match between FC Barca/AC Millian correct to have awarded the second penalty kick to Barca ? ...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/7/2012

RE: competitive Under 14

Eric of Hemet, ca riverside asks...

I am wondering what the steps are to reporting refs who do not understand the laws of the game. I don't mind bad calls as we are all human, but to get paid to ref and not know the rules kills me. I had a group of girls who played their tails off only...

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League Specific 4/5/2012

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

In the link supplied by Ref Joe's answer I found there are blue and green cards in addition to red and yellow. What are the blue and green cards for?...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 4/5/2012

RE: high school Adult

donald lee of savannah, ga. u.s. asks...

a player places ball for pk shoot out goes back ref blows whisle player runs a kicks ball in to goal after ref blow whisle say ball moved before he kicked it makes player kick over never seen this it decided game player missed second kick have you ev...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/4/2012

RE: Professional

Rohit Pahari of Kolkata, West Bengal India asks...

In the Champions League Q/F match (second leg) played between FC Barcelona and AC Milan at the Camp Nou on 3rd April, two penalties were awarded to Barcelona. The second penalty decision is being regarded as controversial by many and even I am in mu...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/4/2012

RE: Division II Under 13

Kat Smith of grenada, ms USA asks...

Keeper comes out has ball wrapped in her arms untill player kicks her in the face and she stays down hurt, player gets ball and scores. Is this a foul because it was not called and I felt sure it was. Line judge said yes but center ref said no she on...

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Other 4/4/2012

RE: Adult

Referee of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Dennis Wickham, Where can i find articles on FIFA referees Sandra Hunt and Sandra Serafini on the differences between the two games?...

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League Specific 4/3/2012

RE: Other

Abdulla Ali Baba of Manama, Bahrain asks...

What if tonight's match between Barcelona and AC Milan ended 1-1 in extra time.
Is AC Milan extra time goal is counted as two goals or penalty kicks will be provided...

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Other 4/1/2012

RE: Rec Under 13

Fred of Franklinton, NC US asks...

During a recent match, a player played the ball back to the keeper. Of course this should have been a IFK, however the young ref allowed a penalty kick. The PK was taken and a goal scored. Prior to the kickoff, the second ref (dual man system)infor...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 3/12/2012

RE: Grade 1 Adult

Liam Mc Guirk of Dublin, State Ireland asks...

In the recent man utd v ath bilbao game the ref awarded a free to athletico because a utd players boot had come away from his foot and he played the ball, according to the laws of the game and i quote, (a player who looses his footwear accidentally ...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/11/2012

RE: Rec High School

John Cotton of Beulaville, North Carolina USA asks...

You have a attacker coming down the field, they pass the last defender and a team mate follows behind her past the defender. The first attacker passes the ball to the following attacker that is past the last defender. Is that an offside call? ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 3/10/2012

RE: USSF Level 8 Under 15

Paul Shickell of Ridgefield, CT USA asks...

A player did a 'Soccer Front Handspring Throw-In', however instead of the ball flying deep into the field, the ball went straight up into the air and landed on the field of play 2 yards in front of the same player, who then proceeded to play the ball...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/10/2012

RE: High School

Mike Parker of Salem, UT USA asks...

How close to the spot of the foul must a free kick be taken. Can the free kick be taken 5 yards behind the spot of the foul....

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Law 11 - Offside 3/10/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Hi:
Just one clarification. By passing backwards, I was envisioning this scenario. All the defenders (except the keeper) are on the opponents side of the field.

The first attacker (call him B) who gets the ball directly from the kicker...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Brian of Newmarket, ont Canada asks...

A forward loses one of his boots when a defender tackles him, however the fordward retains possession, and scores using the foot with no shoe.
Is it a goal....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Costas of Nicosia, Cyprus Cyprus asks...

Man Utd - Athl. Bilbao

Evra (Utd player) played the ball while he was wearing only one boot. The ref gave a free kick against Utd.

Was that the correct decision?...

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Other 3/9/2012

RE: Yout Rec,Select, adults and high school soccer Adult

Kevin Freeman of Groves, Texas USA asks...

Is their any chance in the future that USSF will go with adidas referee kits and do away with OSI uniforms? The adidas kits are more light weight there not heavey like the OSI jerseys and the design of them are way better to. I know they come out wit...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 3/9/2012

RE: Competitive Adult

Kodjo of New York, NY USA asks...

How long is a penalty shoot out? Once the ref blows the whistle, does the player have to kick the ball within a certain time frame?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2012

RE: Comp. Adult

Phil Wearmouth of Umina, NSW Australia asks...

Maybe I've missed something here. The defender throws the ball to his teammate who heads it back to the keeper, and somehow there could be a problem? How? Once the ball leaves the thrower's hands it is open play and normal rules apply, including bein...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/9/2012

RE: Pro College

Ibrahim of Beirut, Lebanon asks...

I have just finished watching Man utd vs Bilbao.... And i have to ask what the ref was thinking when he gave Bilbao a freekick when Evra's shoe came off!

My question is: if a players shoe comes off during the game with his team having posses...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 3/8/2012

RE: Professional

Costas of Nicosia, Cyprus Cyprus asks...

APOEL - Lyon (CL knockout stage 16)

The game was decided on penalties.

One of the penalties hit the post, then the APOEL keeper and went in. Should it count?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 3/8/2012

RE: Select/High School Under 17

Parent of Middle, Tn US asks...

Sorry if I misread the question, but why would a substitution be allowed if there was no sub ready? I could understand if there was a stoppage anyway and a sub was already waiting, but it seems the attacking team was denied their right to a quick ki...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/7/2012

RE: competitive Adult

lee of London, England England asks...

When calling for the ball ar eyou supposed to use your name or can you say yes or mine...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 3/7/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I'm confused about something. I thought that substituions were only allowed at stoppages when:
1. Your team had the restart.
2. The other team had the restart but was substituting a player.
3. The restart required a whistle to start.
...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/3/2012

RE: Other

Scott of Vancouver, Canada asks...

Recently saw a video where a goalkeeper takes his goal kick, the ball leaves the penalty area gets caught up in the wind and then gets blown back into his own net.

Is this a good goal (own goal) or would this be ruled a corner kick?

...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/1/2012

RE: rec High School

matt wilson of Bolton, Lancashire England asks...

If the goalkeeper has his feet in the penalty area but reaches with his hand to catch a ball in the air but outside the penalty area, has an offence occurred or would this be play on?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/29/2012

RE: Under 18

Brent Weiss of Louisville, KY usa asks...

A player persistently infringes the Laws of the Game. What do I do?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/28/2012

RE: Comp Adult

William Ocampo of Houston, TX USA asks...

Two questions regarding illegal and improper thow-ins:
1) the player has one foot inside the field for a throw-in; is this an improper or illegal throw-in?
2) Years ago FIFA's ruling for players the advance too far for a throw-in, possesiio...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/26/2012

RE: Regional Adult

Rowan Irvine-Roberts of Mission, British Columbia Canada asks...

I find it a little annoying that FIFA hasnt changed the Offside signalling for the AR. The near, middle, far is a throwback to the days when any player ahead of the last defender was offside and thus the AR was signalling that it was actually somebod...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/25/2012

RE: Middle School Under 14

Kirk of Jacksonville, FL United States asks...

Wanted your guys take on a recent middle school girls game I recently did. It was 2-0 in the 2nd in favor of the blue team, and neither team had shown any semblance of skill to this point.

The blue team took a shot on goal which the grey ke...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/25/2012

RE: Under 18

Greg of Neola, Iowa USA asks...

My son's coach told him he had to have cleats. Is this true in Iowa H.S.soccer...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 2/24/2012

RE: Competitive Under 13

Mike George of Denver, CO USA asks...

During a recent U12 boys tournament semi-final game, Team A scored a goal with 5 minutes left to take a 2-1 lead. After the goal, all the Team A players on the field except the goalie and their bench ran off the field up a small hill and did a celeb...

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Other 2/24/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Is there a book or site that summarizes the difference between the LOTG & the high school rules?
Thank you,...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/24/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I understand the 3 reasons for the 3 scenarios. I would like to make 1 change & see if the referee could/should do anything different.

PIOP is injured & on the ground. Let's assume the ref noticed, but waited to see if it was serious enoug...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/24/2012

RE: Recreational Under 15

Francis Chen of Palmdale, California USA asks...

Following up on the IDFK from an intentional pass to the keeper.

If player A, during an IDFK restart, played the ball with his feet back to the keeper and the ball took a bad bounce and was going towards the goal. The keeper realized the b...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/23/2012

RE: select Under 13

mark of temecula, ca usa asks...

are plastic screw-in studs permissible on soccer cleats for ayso youth play U12-U14 age?

Thank you,...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/23/2012

RE: Competive Adult

Charlie A of London, Chelsea Uk asks...

In a penalty shoot out a penalty was taken hit the post hit the keeper and went in, the goal was awarded ... After this 5 penalties were taken and all scored ... At this time the ref claimed to have made a mistake with the original penalty saying it ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 2/22/2012

RE: Beginner Adult

Tim of Appleton, WI USA asks...

Ok, here's what I got. On a penalty kick, the kickers teammate enters the box before the kick but after your whistle. He takes the kick and the keeper saves it. What's the call here? Indirect?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/21/2012

RE: Adult

mehmet ozbilgehan of nicosia, north cyprus cyprus asks...

two players from the same team throw their shoes to each other the distance between the players nearly 10 meters, -one player is inside the penalty area the other player is outside the penalty area- while the ball is stil in the game. Question the r...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/21/2012

RE: Rec Under 13

Mike of Boston, MA USA asks...

When raising the flag for offside, the location of the AR can occasionally be quite a distance from the location of the restart (i.e. the location of the offside player when the ball was played by a teammate).

Case 1) Attacker is way offside...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/21/2012

RE: Competive Professional

Nader Ghoujeghi of Novi, MI United States asks...

I was watching an international game. While the ball was in play away from two defenders, they got into argument and one of the defenders slapped his teammate. While the referee and the AR pretended no to see this activity and did nothing about it, w...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/21/2012

RE: Competive Professional

Nader Ghoujeghi of Novi, MI United States asks...

As I was watching the game between USA and Ghana in WC2010, I noticed at a given time right after a corner was taken by US player (Ball is in play), some US players were pushing the players from Ghana and some Ghanaian were roughing up excessively t...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/20/2012

RE: Select Under 19

Brian of Bakersfield, Ca USA asks...

Boys U19 select. After a failed red attack the blue keeper has possession of the ball and is waiting for players to clear the area. There is still an opponent behind him when he distributes the ball. All red players are out near the half way line. Th...

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League Specific 2/15/2012

RE: Varsity High School

David Fountain of austin, Texas United States asks...

Valentine's Day Meltdown-

Last night our high school team played a game where there were at least twenty set piece calls, at least ten yellow cards issued and two red cards for what appeared to be minor infractions. The other team had a thre...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/3/2012

RE: hs, comp Under 18

Tien of walnut creek, ca usa asks...

Add after ball hits off post/bar, deflects off of an offside player(doesn't play) back to onside player who shoots/heads ball into goal. Goal or not? thanks(deflections happen)......

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League Specific 2/2/2012

RE: AYSO, GU10 Under 11

Dave of Santa Monica, CA United States asks...

In an AYSO Area tournament, a Yellow team that normally plays 8-a-side in U10 played a Blue team that normally plays 7-a-side. The Area Tournament rules are that all U10 games will be 7 v 7.

Yellow goes up 2-0 by halftime, 4-0 at end of...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 2/1/2012

RE: AYSO, competitive Under 15

Rajan of Van Nuys, California USA asks...

According to Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game, a player who receives the ball directly from a dropped ball cannot be declared offside. Are we talking about the player/players that take the drop kick, first touch by a player not involved in ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/1/2012

RE: rec Adult

chris of stratford, ct usa asks...

Last night in an indoor soccer pick up game there was an incident and I'd like your opinion. Red player had the ball and was dribbling up the side from his defensive end towards the opponent's goal. He pushed the ball past the blue defender along the...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/31/2012

RE: Under 19

Anthony of Depew, New York USA asks...

Hi...I witnessed a player with the ball attempt to beat a defender by stopping with the ball then squeezing it between his feet/ankles and flipping the ball backwards over his and the defender's heads then chasing it down to try to regain position. W...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/29/2012

RE: Competive Under 19

Deki thankGod of Aboja, Bayelsa state Nigeria asks...

When a player not intentionally pass the ball to he's goal keeper inside the penality box and he trap the ball hold it with he's hands is that and offence...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/29/2012

RE: Competitive Under 15

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

Please forgive me if I'm beating a dead horse, and the length of this question, but I am still confused by the panel's responses concerning when offside involvement begins. To Referee Wickham; I think there is a difference between the panel's respons...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/26/2012

RE: Select Under 17

Rakshit of Mumbai, Maharastra India asks...

What if a player's shoe came out but he goes on to score a goal,is the goal awarded if no then how is it restarted..?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/25/2012

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Actually, the AYSO site said something quite similar, but in different words. They gave 2 scenarios:

* Blue #9 returned to the field of play and interfered with the goalkeeper's ability to play the ball - The referee should stop play, a...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/25/2012

RE: retired Adult

Eddy Cowen of Southport, England asks...

Why do referees conspire with the defending side when there has been a direct free kick awarded to the attacking side just outside their opponents' penalty area?Why cannot such a kick be taken as soon as the attackers want,like elsewhere on the pitch...

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Character, Attitude and Control 1/24/2012

RE: Under 19

DK of DM, ia U.S. asks...

What about foreseeing danger in aggressive, yet legal situations.
Say keeper and attacker charging full out at a ball and it looks like they will arrive simultaneously, or two players running up aggressively for a header, and that 'spidey sense' ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/24/2012

RE: Competitive Under 18

Scott Hollis of Winchester, CA United States asks...

On an indirect free kick, does the ball have to rotate or move or can the first player simply tap the top of the ball to start play??? I am pretty sure it used to have to move and that is why there is usually three players around an indirect free ki...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/23/2012

RE: Competive Under 15

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

I asked a similar question to Jim Allen on askasoccerreferee.com (January 12, 2012 - 'When does involvement begin?')and he was very clear that the flag goes up as soon as the defense gives chase to the OSP. What gives?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 1/23/2012

RE: Competive Adult

Michal of Trenton, NJ USA asks...

There is a situation when a team scored a goal but a few seconds later you noticed that the coach of that team that scored the goal was inside the field of play. As far as I know we disallow the goal (Law 3, page 64), but what will be the restart and...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/18/2012

RE: Travel Under 17

Bill of Boston, MA USA asks...

Assume an attacking player is midfield and clearly in an offside potition. His teammate sends the ball into the corner on his side. He starts running toward the ball and doesn't interfer with defenders because he is ahead of them. When should the off...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/16/2012

RE: Rec Adult

Elizabeth of san clemente, ca usa asks...

Attacker shoots the ball and it flies into the stands, defender is late with the block and the attacker trips over the leg of the defender after shooting. What does the referee do?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/16/2012

RE: select Under 15

carly of bensalem, pa usa asks...

Is it illegal to do a victory dance on a high school level?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/15/2012

RE: Competitive League Under 15

Peter Silver of Richmond, London United Kingdom asks...

When a goalie has collected the ball in his hands and wishes to clear it, how close can the opposition be? Can they lunge as the kick is made from within the penalty box by entering the penalty box?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/15/2012

RE: Select High School

Gary of Lebanon, Ohio USA asks...

I want to change one thing in this and lets say the defender has already been cautioned in the match.

What happens if the keeper punts the ball away and the player that was cautioned already scores a goal before a stoppage in play that would...

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Character, Attitude and Control 1/15/2012

RE: Select Under 15

Brian B. of Bakersfiled, Ca USA asks...

I would like to get your opinion on the idea of stopping a serious foul or misconduct BEFORE it actually happens. Doesnt seem right but in trying to keep the game under control and maintain the safety of players, maybe I should have.
U14 boys. Ev...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/15/2012

RE: Premier League College

Joshua Boyd of sydney, NSW Australia asks...

In regards to the pass back rule for goalkeepers. The goalkeeper is permitted to pick the ball up if it has come off the head of his own team-mate but is the gk still allowed to pick the ball up if the a player on his own team has passed a high ball ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/11/2012

RE: High school High School

Hallie of Thibodaux, Louosiana United states asks...

When a goalie is punting the ball is the ball allowed to cross the outside the penalty area as long as his/her feet are inside? If he/she is not allowed and it is called a handball on the goalie then should it be a direct or indirect kick?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/5/2012

RE: Rec Indoor soccer Under 10

Bev of Tisdale, Saskatchewan Canada asks...

Is it legal for a player on the field to kick the ball and have his shoe fly off at the same time? this happens almost every soccer practice I go to watch. The whistle does not sound and the player doesn't even have to go off the field to tie his sho...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 1/2/2012

RE: YMCA Rec. Under 14

Chris Leng of Lexington, KY United States asks...

Is it a goal, when one goalie collects the ball within their own penalty box, and punts it out and it goes into the opponents goal without it touching any other players?...

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Law 2 - The Ball 1/1/2012

RE: competive Adult

Rusty of Auckland, Auckland New Zealand asks...

Our 9 year old son is an exceptionally talented soccer player who is regarded as a natural.

Jared however, has a form of colour blindness that makes a yellow ball virtually invisible to him even against white.

Our questions is
...

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Other 1/1/2012

RE: Rec Under 9

Jon of Havre de Grace, MD U.S. asks...

I just took a refereeing class but did not become USSF certified. I know you don't need to be USSF certified to referee rec. games but if I ask for a job, what proof do I have that supports that I took a class and am a referee? Is there something l...

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12/31/2011

RE: competative Adult

bryan wade of cincinatti, ohio usa asks...

After playing the advantage rule a ref is allowed to go back to an offending incident and book the player if he so deems that the foul was bad enough, if that is a second yellow card is that player then sent off,

so if this is the case, and ...

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Appearance 12/31/2011

RE: Rec,Select, Competive Under 19

Kevin Freeman of Groves, TX USA asks...

I was just wondering will the MLS referees for this coming season, will they be wearing the new Adidas Euro 2012 referee jerseys? I was just curious....

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Law 18 - Common Sense 12/31/2011

RE: Rec Under 17

Gary lewis of Redditch, Worcs England asks...

If an outfield player takes a goal kick plays it out the penalty box 2 the goalkeeper and they bring it back inside the penalty area and picks it up is it a backpass ?...

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League Specific 12/30/2011

RE: competitive Under 11

chai of sanger, ca us asks...

are there different rules/laws applied to certain age groups or does everone follow the fifa official rules and laws....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/30/2011

RE: High School NFHS High School

Jack Williams of Metairie, Louisiana USA asks...

1. High ball into penalty area ... D-keeper and A1 challange for ball, keeper catches/possesses ball and is simultaneously brushed or body-collides with A1 who is attempting to play ball;

1a. Same as above but keeper fails to catch or po...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 12/18/2011

RE: amateur Adult

Michal of Trenton, NJ USA asks...

Ok I understand that I have to stop the play, but where in the Law of the Game I will find exactly those answers that you all have provided?

I just would like to know where each answer is written in the LOTG

thank you...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 12/5/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 11

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Last weekend something happened that bothered me & I'd like some advice on how I should have handled it.

This was an AYSO GU10 game that I ref'd. Just outside the goal box, Blue player takes a shot on goal that Red GK blocks, but fumbles. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/5/2011

RE: Adult

peter ashton of barrow in furness, england asks...

Recently a goal was scored by the forward motion of a player's shoulder.I thought that to do that was counted as a handball offence.Please could you qualify the handball rule as I cannot find any more detail other than you cannot touch the ball with ...

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League Specific 12/4/2011

RE: Under 15

Ms D Phipps of coventry, Englans asks...

My Son had a U14's game today away and the ref was the father of the goalkeeper on the home side. Is this allowed? As our team was not aware until he started call ing the kids by their 1st names....

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Law 15 - Throw In 12/3/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have a follow-up question to what Ref Gary Voshol said. Does the turn-over apply to AYSO (under FIFA Laws)?

I ask because it happened in an AYSO U10 game when a girl took a short run, brought the ball back behind her head, & then accident...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/29/2011

RE: Recreational Adult

David of San Francisco, CA USA asks...

In soccer, if someone accidentally steps on your foot (damn those cleats can hurt) is it considered a foul?
Thanks ...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 11/28/2011

RE: Adult

Chris Jones of Winsford, Cheshire England asks...

An attacker and defender are running after the same ball, heading towards the defender's goal. The defender is tripped and falls to the ground, and the attacker gathers the ball and scores past the goal keeper. Before the ball crosses the line, the r...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/28/2011

RE: Amatuer Adult

Marc Stanton of Dundee, United Kingdom asks...

If a opposition player gets sent off then snaps one of the corner flag should the game be abandoned?! ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 11/27/2011

RE: Rec Under 16

Ernie Barnum of Gibsons, British Columbia Canada asks...

I am quoting from the interpretation of the Laws of the Game and guidelines for referees, Law 12. ' A player must be cautioned for unsporting behaviour; e.g. if a player changes places with the goalkeeper during play or without the referee's permiss...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/27/2011

RE: Rec Under 15

Doug B of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

In a question on the other site (askasoccerreferee) on November 24th, there's a question about an attacker trying to regain possession of a ball from the defender. In the process it appears the shoe came off. The writer of the post gave an IFK for ...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/27/2011

RE: Adult

Suljone of Zagreb, Croatia asks...

Attacker A is in the offside position. Attacker B advances forward controlling the ball.
Defender poke-tackles the ball away from him, and ball goes to the attacker A who continues with active play.

Should that be offside because defend...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/27/2011

RE: Adult

johnny of toronto, Canada asks...

i am going to try and explain this as best as possible. A defender and attacker challenge for the ball near the sideline. the defenders gets bumped off the field right in front on the AR (no foul). the defender who is off the field of play loses his ...

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Other 11/27/2011

RE: Select Adult

Emma henda of Makurdi, Benue Nigeria asks...

Does the definition of hand in football include the shoulder?...

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Law 1- The Field 11/27/2011

RE: Under 15

Filippo of Palermo, Italy asks...

Why do corner flagposts exist?

The question may sound simple, but it is something I really wonder: the most important (and, perhaps, the only) reason is that they ideally divide the goal line from the touch line, so than it is always clear w...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/26/2011

RE: Rec Under 11

Angel Munzo of Clovis, CA USA asks...

Can a player fall on the ball to prevent another player from moving or forward!...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 11/26/2011

RE: Rex Under 11

Andrew Perez of Colton , Ca Us asks...

Can the goalie be substituted on a penalty kick in tournament situation...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/26/2011

RE: REC College

Nathan of Bangalore, India asks...

Hi,
I was refereeing a game where team (A) passed a ball to their striker who was goal-side of the last defender. I blew for off-sides, and immediately a defender from team (B) ran back on to field from behind the goal. He had stepped off the...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/26/2011

RE: Rec Under 14

R. A. Mack of Wichita, KS USA asks...

Team A is awarded a penalty kick. The teams, including kicker and goalie properly line up. Before the ref blows the whistle to initiate play, the kicker kicks the ball and the goalie saves the shot. The ref awards a second shot to kicker for havin...

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Other 11/25/2011

Fred Landau of Harrisburg, PA USA asks...

In the USSF Grade 9 Course there are a series of 3 role play scripts for the young referee to practice with a parent or other adult. They deal with pre-game intros, dealing with a problem coach and dealing with a problem parent. You can download th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/21/2011

RE: law leagues Adult

Erez of Haifa, Israel Israel asks...

Hello,

One of the defenders passed the ball deliberately to his keeper from outside the penalty area.
The pass was a very bad pass, and almost scored an own goal. The keeper had to jump, stretch his hands, and push the ball with his hand...

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League Specific 11/20/2011

RE: u-17 Under 18

Jason Hoernke of clifton, virginia usa asks...

Is it possible to report a tournament ref for being a bad ref?

Here is what happened :

my team mate went up for a header and then got elbowed in the face,
the missed the elbow and when he went over to talk to the AR, the AR said...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/14/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Keir Macaulay of Glasgow, Scotland asks...

Hi Ref,

One of my team mates tried to punch the ball away from our goal after the opposition hit a shot. The ball was going in and my team mate hit the ball with his hand however the ball still went in the ref allowed the goal but sent my te...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 11/13/2011

RE: n/a Adult

Bob Campbell of Coral Springs, Fl USA asks...

Middle school playoff game 12-14 years of age. Game official time over. (shootout) I guess it's called. five players from each side take penalty kicks. First two players from each side line up Referee blowes whistle the kick and score. The next ...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/13/2011

RE: College

Bob of Grasonville, Md USA asks...

Player takes a corner kick. Ball bounces off a defender and back to the player who kicked the corner kick. The kicking player is now in the offside position (standing at the end line) but the ball has not changed possession. Is the player offside?...

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League Specific 11/13/2011

RE: Competitive Under 11

Shannon Donaghe of Chula Vista, CA USA asks...

One of our players received a yellow card for Unsportsmanlike Behavior and then a red card was issued for Dissent. What are the consequences for receiving this red card? I have been told the player needs to sit out one game. If this is true, what h...

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11/13/2011

RE: Competitive Under 17

Louie J. Gonzales of Oceanside, Ca USA asks...

Our team was awarded a direct kick approximately 20 yards in front of the goal and directly on center. Our attacking players lined up with the defenders approximately 10 yards away and 10 yards from thekeeper. Our player taking the direct kick kick...

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League Specific 11/12/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

suzanne tulenko of San Diego, CA san diego asks...

Can you borrow a player within your own league that is younger for a regular season game if you are short players. Example GU14
borrowing aGu12 giving the GU14 team 10 players.
Thanks,
Sue...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 11/11/2011

RE: Under 11

John Adam of Scottsdale, AZ United States asks...

My team was losing 1-0 and my player had a breakaway and just before he was about to shoot the referee blew the whistle and said the game was over because time expired. My player shot anyway since he was in the motion of shooting and the goalie dove...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/10/2011

RE: Under 19

Pedro Matos of Lisbon, Lisbon Portugal asks...

A defending player deliberately delays the ball with the foot to his goal keeper, the ball is going in direction of the goal keeper flat on the ground, a team mate, with the purpose of the goalkeeper catches the ball with his hands, lays on the floor...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/9/2011

RE: comp Under 16

James Johson of Redwood City, CA USA asks...

In a challenge for the ball how squarely on the shoulder does the challenge need to be. If the attacker has his shoulder into the shoulder it is no problem. What about when the challenger for the ball is slightly into the back-say the shoulder blade...

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Mechanics 11/6/2011

RE: Comp High School

Guillermo Ocampo of Houston, TX USA asks...

What is the proper procedure for ref and AR's to book a goal? You want two officials watching the game while one books the goal. I would say: Far AR to book first, the near AR to book second and the ref to book last...?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/6/2011

RE: comp Under 13

Lori of Satellite Beach, fl united Sates asks...

If the keeper catches the ball out of the box and a free kick is awarded, does the referee have to blow the whistle to initiate play, and can the offensive player kicking the free kick move the ball to another spot other than where the issue took pla...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/5/2011

RE: Rec Under 11

Bill Marmitt of Highland Park, IL United States asks...

A goal tender is out of the net and an a opposition player takes a shot on goal. A defender is in the goal and kicks the ball away but muffs the kick and it only goes a few feet. The goal tender jumps on the ball and picks the ball up with his hand...

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Law 15 - Throw In 11/5/2011

RE: competive Under 15

sebastian of hanover park , illinios u.s asks...

can your foot go over the line during a throw in on the sideline ?
...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/5/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Theo Hatzipetros of Cambridge, MA USA asks...

Even though this might sound simple I'm still unclear.
An indirect freekick is given inside the penalty area. The attacker kicks the ball into the goal (no teamate of his touches the ball) and the goalie gets his fingers on the ball before it en...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/5/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Theo Hatzipetros of Cambridge, MA USA asks...

The ball was headed towards the touchline but before it was completely out of the field of play the coach picked it up and gave to to his player for a quick throw-in. I blew my wistle and gave an indirect kick to the opposing team. Did I make the ri...

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Law 15 - Throw In 11/5/2011

RE: Professional

sumal of gaborone, botswana asks...

when all can a throw -in become foul throw...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/5/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Michael Shealy of Gilbert, SC USA asks...

Would you explain the so called pass back violation. When looking at the small LOTG it states An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area:
¢ touches the ball with his hands after it has been ...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/5/2011

RE: Adult

elliot gaunt of peterborough, bourne lincs asks...

is a player offside if he is through on goal with just the keeper to beat and he chips the keeper but the ball comes back off the cross bar back to him and he heads it in? is he offside?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/5/2011

RE: Adult

Steven of Sydney, Nsw Australia asks...

If two players of different teams commit VC what is the restart ? The first person who commited offense or a drop ball where ball was when play was stopped ?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/5/2011

RE: traveling Under 10

G.Diaz of Belleville , NJ usa asks...

On the starting kicks, must the ball move? If it does does it have to cross the midline? Can the player pass it back, or just touch it? Thank you?...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 11/4/2011

RE: Rec Under 14

Doug Crawford of Oakland, CA USA asks...

I'm sorry to further beat this dead horse of corner kick deception...

I would usually allow verbal deception when at a corner kick (supposedly said to a teammate but really said for an opponent to hear), whether ball in play or not.
...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/4/2011

RE: rec Under 13

Mark Dixon of dallas, tx usa asks...

I awarded an indirect free kick. I walked off 10 yards for the defender. I blew the whistle to restart. Before the ball was put into play, the defender charged the ball. I blew the whistle, the play continued, and a goal was scored. I had the ki...

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Other 10/31/2011

RE: Adult

Steven of Sydney , NSW Australia asks...

Where can i find advance referee techniques and guidelines .

Also what are the level 2 and 1 theory exams like ?

Can i find practise ones ?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 10/31/2011

RE: Competitive Under 16

Lisa Staven of Oceanside, CA USA asks...

We were playing a very close game and the score was tied 2 -2 near the end of the second half. A player on our team was making a shot on goal and the ref called a penalty on the other team before waiting to see the result of the kick, which was a sc...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/30/2011

RE: Competive Under 17

Jay Thren of El Cajon, CA USA asks...

Can a red card be given for violent conduct when two players go nose to nose, use abusive language but do not push or come to blows with each other?...

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Other 10/30/2011

RE: Adult

Steven Baskett of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

What is the elite referees exam like ?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/30/2011

RE: Under 15

Mark Woodward of Derby, Derbyshire UK asks...

In a recent game a foul was committed in the penalty area in the last few seconds of the first half, the referee awarded the penalty and allowed additional time for the penalty to be taken. The penalty taker hit the crossbar and the team subsequently...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/29/2011

RE: High School

Doug of Louisville, KY US asks...

Here is the video of the play I described.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h67JYNdTxhY&feature=youtube_gdata_player


...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/29/2011

RE: comp Under 15

brad of santee, ca usa asks...

penalty kick, goalie come off the line before the ball is kicked, ball is kicked, goal is scored. what is the call. we had a ref call this and we had to do another kick.

kid missed the second try, we lost 2-1...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/29/2011

RE: Rec Under 19

Dale of Corinth, TX USA asks...

I was centering a game today and was thinking about the game management. The game was very physical and had many hard challenges. From my view, the challenges were legal challenges (shoulder to shoulder, ball was playable), but often players ended ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 10/29/2011

RE: all Adult

mike of aliso viejo , ca usa asks...

throw in with 1 hand behind the ball other one on the side ball thrown from behind the head with the one hand. the head ref conciders this a fair throw and teaches as long as 2 hands are on the ball it meets the law. ...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/29/2011

RE: rec Under 14

Andy of Martinez, CA usa asks...

The scenario is: player #1 is past mid-field... he passes the ball to himself just past the 2nd to last defender (their goalie was still back in the goal.... Player #1, clearly onside at the outset of this advance is dribbling toward the goal with n...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/29/2011

RE: rec Under 15

alex arko of los angeles, ca usa asks...

Team 'A' has a throw-in in their attacking half. The player throws the ball towards the goal and it glances off a defensive player before finally arriving at the foot of an offensive player, who was in an offside position since the throw-in occurred....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/29/2011

RE: Rec Under 11

Steve Huyer of Saunderstown, RI Washington asks...

This question is in regard to tripping.
My player was called for tripping. The sequence of events was this: Player A was dribbling up the field with the ball about 2 yards ahead of her. Player B successfully kicked the ball away. During her ki...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/28/2011

RE: Adult

Steven of Sydney , Australia Australia asks...

If a keeper throws a object at the ball inside his own penalty area and the ball is heading towards goal . Is the the restart a IDKF where contact was made and a yellow card, cause it can't be a RC for DOGSO.

And if the ball still enters goa...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/28/2011

RE: Adult

charles of garden grove, calif usa asks...

Thanks for your answers.

Again, I am asking about where to spot the indirect foul commited by goalie.

In your article, You are to spot the ball where goalie picks-up the ball when defender passes back to the goalie veres if defender...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/27/2011

RE: Adult

Steven of Sydney , Nsw Australia asks...

Has the restart changed for VC for when a player leaves field to commit the offence ?

All the restarts for VC do my head in - there are so many to remember ....

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/25/2011

RE: Under 13

liz mooney of manchester, united kingdom asks...

if a penalty has to be retaken in open play.does the same player have to take it...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/24/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Brandon of Grayslake, IL USA asks...

Hi guys, I recently played a game against a very physical, and a bit dirty team. Our goalkeeper was red carded for a rough challenge outside of his own box. Although it was a hard challenge, it didn't deserve a red, maybe only a yellow card. after th...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/24/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Andrew Glidden of Edinburgh, Midlothian Scotland asks...

Indirect free kick inside penalty box.

In a recent match, the referee awarded an indirect free kick inside the 18 yard box, indicating that a defender had deliberately covered the ball by lying over it during a goalmouth scramble. The offenc...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/22/2011

RE: AYSO Under 17

Tyler Slobom of Devore, ca United States asks...

Hi, i am i U16 boys player, and am working on my intermediate badge. I have questions that happened in my game today. my dad is an advanced referee and he told me his answer but i was still curious. One of my players was talking back to the referee s...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/22/2011

RE: Select Under 18

Jim Mackie of Delta, BC Canada asks...

an attacker is running toward the goal. The goalie comes running out and makes a slide tackle. The attacker pushes the ball past the goalie. The goalie does get his hand on the ball and pushes the ball wide but his slide carries him thru the attac...

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League Specific 10/22/2011

RE: u 13 boys Under 14

russ haley of mechanicsburg, pa cumberland asks...

My son received a red card in the game. he left the field. and was done for the day. Is he suspend from playing the next game? ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/22/2011

RE: Select Travel Under 12

Jeff of West Chester , PA usa asks...

A player is taking a penalty kick. The ref blows his whistle that the penalty kick can begin. Before the kid who is taking the penalty kick begins his motion, a kid on the same team jumps in the area..then jumps back out. The shooter then begins his ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 10/22/2011

RE: Rec Under 13

dvs of Plainwell, Michigan USA asks...

On a throw in when exactly is the ball in play?

We had a situation where a player took a throw in , the ball clearly hit the touch line then went out. I awarded a TI to the other team with the reasoning TI - > ball in play - > ball out of ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/22/2011

RE: Competitive Under 13

Ed Fitzgerald of Niwot, CO USA asks...

In a recent match our team was awarded a penalty kick. The goalkeeper saved the initial kick, but the ball rebounded to the penalty taker, who then kicked the ball into the net for an apparent goal. However, the assistant referee determined that the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/22/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Laz of West Chester, PA USA asks...

This is being debated over at the UK Ref Forum: http://www.footballreferee.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2444

To simplify the situation: at a corner kick, the ball is sent in to the penalty area, where it is headed toward the upper corner of...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/22/2011

RE: Rec Under 13

Parent of Middle, TN US asks...

I have a couple of wording questions on Law 14. Perhaps this is one of those 'everybody knows' things, but not sure how the wording supports it. First, the law says 'during the normal course of play ...' before the 'if it touches' statement. Ref M...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/22/2011

RE: 1st division east berks league Under 17

Andrea Tunstall of Arborfield Cross, Berkshire UK asks...

My son was given a yellow card in his own box for shoulder barging into another lad who had run into him - this was in the first half - his arms were not raised and althoughit was competitive it was not harmful.

then in the second half aft...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/21/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have a question about ATR §19.7 regarding fouls and shielding.

With regard to shielding, ATR §19.7 says, in part, 'If the player [who is shielding] is simply maintaining balance [by using arms]--in the opinion of the referee--, then an ...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/21/2011

RE: Club/Competitive Under 11

Scott Cubbage of Laguna Niguel, CA USA asks...

This unfortunate incident happened to a very junior referee at a match where I was a parent.

Attacking player A1 was awarded a throw-in at about the top of the penalty area. She threw it to A2, who beat a defender and quickly took a shot be...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 10/20/2011

RE: Select Under 13

Mike Schulz of Atlanta, GA USA asks...

Wow, I think I find a BIG MISS on the responses to the question.

First Sentence of Rule 10:

'A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infri...

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Law 2 - The Ball 10/18/2011

RE: rec Under 19

Jonathan Lucas of front royal, VA united states asks...

Let's say I award a team a penalty pick, or even another free kick. Directly after the kick is taken, I find out that the ball was the wrong size. In the event of a penalty kick, should the kick be retaken regardless of whether the ball went into the...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/15/2011

RE: Competive Under 14

Carly of San Diego, California USA asks...

Is it illegal in a GU-13 league to slide tackle?...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/15/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Joe Hoeflinger of Chelsea, MI USA asks...

Player A is in offside position. Player B makes pass, but between them is defensive player (1), who attempts to stop ball and handles the ball. I called hand ball. Argument is made that player A should have been called for offside because defensiv...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/15/2011

RE: Village/ town Under 10

Adam Abrahams of Cranleigh, Surrey UK asks...

I reffed an Under 9s game today. A defender punched the ball into his own net. I think he panicked and tried to punch it clear of goal but it ended up in his own goal. Penalty or allow the goal? Because handball happened a fraction first, I gave the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/15/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Justin morris of Hubert, Nc Usa asks...

I have been playing soccer for all my life, I've played high school, college, adult leagues, and the All Marines and I completely understand this sport is Physical. I am generally a forward and when I take possession of the ball from a defender and g...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/15/2011

RE: Rec Under 14

Andrew Page of Pleasanton, California United States asks...

If I see a serious foul but the person who was fouled has a clear advantage, can I give the advantage and once play has stopped (goal, goal kick, throw in), then I go back and card the person who fouled?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 10/14/2011

RE: Select Under 12

Steve Reel of Ammon, Idaho USA asks...

If there is an active play on the goal and time has expired, does play end. In this case a player was driving to the goal with the ball, he was within 20 - 30 yards of the goal with only the opposing goalie in front of him. The referee stopped play...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 10/14/2011

RE: International Under 19

Graeme Watson of Doire, Northern Ireland asks...

Why was Lampards goal not allowed in the world cup?...

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League Specific 10/14/2011

RE: High School

Mary of Kinderhook, NY USA asks...

Corner Kicks:
If a goal is scored on a corner kick via a deflection, which player receives credit for the goal?...

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League Specific 10/13/2011

RE: Competive Under 9

Mike of San Diego, California USA asks...

Can a Red Card be appealed and/or removed if there is video showing an error?

Can the league do anything? Or do the refs need to request the removal if they agree?

...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/13/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Thank you all for your answers. I have to say that I'm still somewhat confused. I compared your answers to those in question 22960 & can't see why there would be a different result.

In that question, you said that when the defender was imm...

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Other 10/13/2011

RE: rec Under 14

Don of Perrysburg, OH USA asks...

I can't find a rule with regard to a referee touching a player. Can you help?...

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League Specific 10/12/2011

RE: state champions Under 13

maureen.mahon of Melbourne, vic australia asks...

hi,can u please help... my sons team won the state champion a few weeks ago, there was an incident on the feild with 1 of the other team, the boy a had grabbed 1 of our team mates in a head lock and hit him from under then called him a (black cunt) t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2011

RE: highschool Under 18

Morgan Watson of fife, washington usa asks...

When a goal kick is taken and a player on the opposing team attacks the ball before it leave the penatly box is that a yellow card? ive had many refs give warnings but one ref almost carded....

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Other 10/11/2011

RE: Rec Under 13

Doug B of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

Just a comment to add regarding 'taking a knee.'

I have had coaches tell me 'Ref, they need to take a knee' and at times they get upset if I don't enforce this. I understand that one reason may be to keep the players from crowding the injur...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/11/2011

RE: High School

Daniel Brett of Cincinnati, OH United States asks...

Are there consequences if a referee if found to have purposefully falsified information in a game report? example - coach yells, 'hey ref that's a $#%@! terrible call!' Referee shows red for foul and abusive language and the coach leaves the game fie...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2011

RE: Travel Under 13

Neal Jasinski of Natick, MA USA asks...

I watched a game yesterday where one team seemed to always get hit after passing the ball. Not enough to knock them down, but every time they touched the ball, there was contact. Some times worse than others. What is the general rule when t...

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Law 15 - Throw In 10/11/2011

RE: Competitive Under 10

Daniel Speller of Bournemouth, UK asks...

A boy does a throw in and throws the ball out of play. Does he re take the throw or is it a throw in to the opposing team?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/10/2011

RE: Rec Under 11

Cecelia of San Jose, CA USA asks...

What is a good age for a 13 year old ref to start center refereeing games? What if you have only ARed 5 games? Is it too early to start center reffing?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 10/10/2011

RE: Rec Under 7

Cecelia of San Jose, CA USA asks...

How long do the quarters usually tend to be for Girls U6's?...

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League Specific 10/10/2011

RE: JV High School

Bruce Morey of Burlington, MA USA asks...

A teammate of my daughter's received a yellow card last game & was told by the referee that she had to leave the field of play. 2 questions:

1) is that accurate?
2) If so, when can she return to play?

We are in the Middlese...

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League Specific 10/10/2011

RE: travel soccer team Under 9

karen of middletown, New York USA asks...

My son is on a travel soccer team. We were in a tournament yesterday. I was wondering if there is a rule about blowing a horn. The other team was blowing a horn every time they scored and got the ball away from us. It was very loud and to be disresp...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/10/2011

RE: High School

Peter of Great Falls, Virginia US asks...

Hi,

I have had a couple different state-level referees give me conflicting advice on this, so any clarification would be appreciated . :)

Say that an attacker is in an offside position, has the ball kicked 10-15 feet ahead of him fr...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/9/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Two similar but different scenarios.
1. AR raises flag to indicate a foul. CR then saw the opportunity of applying the advantage rule, signal and shout 'advantage play on'.
2. AR raises flag for an offside. CR saw the ball reaches the goalkee...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/9/2011

RE: Rec,Select,Competive,Adults High School

Kevin Freeman of Groves, Texas USA asks...

I was watching a Concacaf game a couple of weeks ago and it was a mexican referee crew and the referee handed out a red card to a player for dissent to his lines men. and the commentators said that FIFA was cracking down on players that show dissent ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/9/2011

RE: Rec & Competive Under 18

Chris of Poway, Ca USA asks...

Hi Ref,
i was calling a U-10 AA game and as a player was driving in the Goal area to take a shot/finish his run a defender made a play at the ball, the ball was deflected into the Forwards forearm and came directly down to the players foot in w...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 10/9/2011

RE: Comp Under 13

Beth of Meriden, CT USA asks...

When a player is injured on the feild should all the other players 'take a knee' and wait for the injured player to be escorted off the field? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/9/2011

RE: na Adult

richard of lompoc, ca usa asks...

watching a u19 girls game 15 minutes in to the first half. a forward with the ball was in her attacking third of the field and pushed /forced out of bounds and knocked down by the defending sweeper. it was a coincidence there was also...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/9/2011

RE: 11 and 12 year olds Under 13

Kerrigan of new york, united states new york asks...

i know u cant slide tackle but we have playoffs in a week and our best player got kicked out of both of them for sliding to save the ball when nobody was around him is this illegal or legal??????...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 10/8/2011

RE: FIFA Under 19

Aliana of Tampa, U.S asks...

Hello,
If a referee awards a team a penatly kick due to a hand ball inside the box. Would the goalie be able to be changed with a player on the field?

If so, does FIFA has this in their rule book?and where?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/8/2011

RE: AYSO Tournament Under 12

Mark Andersen of Herkimer, NY USA asks...

I was wondering if you could help me out with something.

This morning, at a U12 tournament, after the game I was officiating was finished, I watched the end of another game, and saw something I'd never seen before. I saw a goal scored by a ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/27/2011

RE: Comp Under 19

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

This is an interesting question possed by one of my players. Situation, one of the other teams defenders under pressure pushed the ball out with his foot but towards the goal. Their goalie who was on the ground scrambled to get the ball and did get t...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/27/2011

RE: Comp Under 12

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

For the first time in twenty odd years of coaching I got really mad at a referee. This is what happened - my team was playing a really close match for third place in a tournament. The score was at 3-3 and both teams were playing wonderful soccer. One...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/27/2011

RE: County Adult

Ian Taylor of Huntingdon, Cambs United Kingdom asks...

A penalty is awarded and taken. The referee indicates other players have encroached the penalty area and orders it to be re-taken, a different player steps up to take the kick - is this legal?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/27/2011

RE: travel Under 12

Pat Voter of Sanford, maine use asks...

The question i have is that myself and my other coach disagree on slide tackling. i Just want to know if it is legal to slide tackle for 11 yrs olds? if you could send me the law that says if it is legal or not. I do not want to discourage 1 of my pl...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/27/2011

RE: HIGH SCHOOL (GIRLS) Adult

PHIL FRANKE of MONROEVILLE, INDIANA ALLEN asks...

A GIRL WAS IN LINE WITH THE NUMBER TWO DEFENDER (NUMBER ONE BEING THE GOALIE). THE SECOND OFFENSIVE PLAY TOOK A SHOT ON GOAL WHICH THE GOALIE MADE THE SAVE BUT LOST CONTROL OF THE BALL. THE FIRST OFFENSIVE PLAYER WENT TO THE GOAL AFTER THE BALL HAD C...

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League Specific 9/27/2011

RE: Adult

Chris of Albany, Western Australia Australia asks...

At a recent U17 medal presentation after grand final three player's on the team that lost have been called up before the associations committee for allegedly refusing their medal, spitting on their medal and throwing it on the ground and hitting it ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 9/26/2011

RE: Adult

Sharon Hame of Valley Village, CA USA asks...

This weekend at a Boys U12 game, the opposing team fielded 10 players and were told to take one off. At the quarter substitution in the first half they again fielded 10 players but this went unnoticed until about a minute before the half. They had ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/26/2011

RE: competive Under 19

Aaron of murreita, ca usa asks...

Hello...

I issued a 2nd yellow (resulting in a RED) to a player for actions she did DURING HALF TIME....

should her team have played short-handed the second half?

thanks.

Aaron Wolfe
...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/26/2011

RE: Rec Under 15

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Hi

First of all the scenario: We were playing a team that every time we had a direct free kick, they would place a player in front of the ball (like inches away). We would have to ask the referee for our ten yards to play the ball. I asked t...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/26/2011

RE: Under 15

richard little of Hythe, kent England asks...

The PK shoots and GK saves but rebound returns to PK who then scores. If defenders are slow to respond the PK would appear to be in an offside position but would he be under the LOTG as he is allowed to play the ball once GK has touched it.

...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/25/2011

RE: rec Adult

chris Riley of Halifax, NS Canada asks...

I've seen video of the play, it is close to the goal line and I see that contact was made after the ball was out of play, but surely the ATTEMPT to kick was made while the ball was still in play, why can't this be punished with a penalty kick? Law ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 9/25/2011

RE: Rec Under 11

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

Ball is rolling towards an open net. Illegal substitute comes on the field over then endline from next to the goal and kicks the ball out of bounds, thus preventing a goal. (I know subs shouldn't be near the goal, but he was.) Note the illegal sub...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/25/2011

RE: saturday league Under 13

steve of runcorn cheshire, england asks...

if the goalie has the same coloured top on as my team and they dont have a spare top for him can he put a coloured bib on....

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Law 11 - Offside 9/8/2011

RE: Rec Under 15

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

I've gotten this question before as well and I'm not the question asked was the question answered. I've had people yell quite a bit that the player can not be offside because they are behind the ball. Of course, a player CAN be called offside when ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2011

RE: Select Under 15

Mark of Renton, WA USA asks...

I saw a recent question about a deliberate pass back to the keeper outside the penalty box and then he dribbles back in to the box and picks up the ball. The answer stated that the Rule 12 was broken because the keeper received a deliberate pass fro...

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League Specific 8/22/2011

RE: select Under 14

Terry Lefevre of Bay City, mi usa asks...

During the championship game of a local tournament, the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Winner to be decided by kicks from the mark. All proper procedures were followed in the selection of the first 5 kickers from each team and in the preparation for kick...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/22/2011

RE: All College

Ryan Trudgian of OKC, OK USA asks...

If a player's cleat comes off as he/she is running and then strikes the ball with out both cleats on is that a free-kick? I have heard different rules at youth and the pro level...please can you clarify?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2011

Stonker of Maidstone, Kent UK asks...

Thanks again. I'm not an Arsenal fan btw (spurs actually) and wasn't saying that a penalty shouls have been given for JB's actions. Just relaying what Arsenal supporters were suggesting and wanted a few views...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/22/2011

RE: Under 19

Dave of DM, ia U.S. asks...

This raises a question about PIADM.
In the ATR it says it is a violation if:
'the dangerous nature of the action caused this opponent to cease active play for the ball'
So far so good, but what if opponent ignores the dangerous nature and...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/21/2011

RE: Pro Professional

Steve Delaney of St. John's, NL Canada asks...

I've been looking here for an explanation of a valid challenge. I was watching West Ham and Leeds today. The attacking player was inside the PA dribbling at speed toward the left corner of the goal. The defender challenged from the side and clearly c...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 8/20/2011

RE: rec Under 9

ronald dodds of batle mountain, nevada USA asks...

I have noted in the PL that some dropped ball restarts were made with one team kicking to the other. Can you provide some examples of how defenses and offenses act in these circumstances?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/20/2011

RE: Under 14

Filippo of Palermo, Italy asks...

We know a player must be cautioned if he fails to respect the distance during a free kick, throw-in or corner kick.

But why doesn't the referee have to caution a player if he fails to respect the required distance during a goal kick, kick-of...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 8/20/2011

RE: Premier ,competive Adult

Des Kavanagh of Perth , WA Australia asks...

I was at a game today and a player was sent off from the away team ,and with 10minutes to go one of there players was badly hurt and had to be taken off on the strecher,and then play carryed on ,we then got a corner kick and with out telling the line...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/19/2011

RE: recreational Adult

John pensinger of Adelanto, Ca usa asks...

I didn't say I dropped my shoulder,The ref said I did but some of you are missing the obvious,I realize you can only go by what I am writing so here it is.I came out of my goal to stop an attacker from coming at my goal on a one on one,he was off cen...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/19/2011

RE: Rec Under 10

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

Hypothetical: Two attackers are in the attacking half of the field, one on the left and one on the right. The one on the right is in an onside position and the one on the left is in an offside position. The only defender, chooses to move towards t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/19/2011

RE: Adult

Stonker of Maidstone, Kent UK asks...

Thanks for the replies. I was indeed talking about the Joey Barton in the Arsenal v Newcastle match. Many arselan fans are compaining that it should have been awarded a penalty and that they were unjustly treated in having the attacker sent off (af...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/19/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Timmy W of highgate , Ont Canada asks...

During a game my team mate took throw in. I headed it passed the defence from the thrower. I was not passed the defence at this point in time. The ball then hit the post off of my head, and bounced out to my feet because i followed the ball in. ...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 8/18/2011

RE: rec Adult

Kari of sacramento , california united states asks...

The goalie is playing outside the goal box by 10yds, the ball is played too far forward by the opposing team and the goalie receives the ball at their feet, outside the 18yrd box, turns dribbles the ball back inside the 18yd box, picks the ball up wi...

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Law 15 - Throw In 8/18/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Chris T. of Kitchener, Ontario Canada asks...

Throw-in question (Law 15):

Long time lurker, first time poster. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Typical run up the sideline, defending player sweeps the ball out the side and the ref indicates a throw in for the attacking team...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 8/18/2011

RE: Rec Under 19

Leah of Thornton, ON Canada asks...

Hi,
I was wondering is it possible to score a goal from the ground. The player had shot at the goal missed and in the process had fallen to the ground very close to the net. The ball was passed to her and she then kicked the ball into the net. Th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/18/2011

RE: Adult

charles of anaheim, ca usa asks...

Blue team scored header from corner kick. When ball was kicked, one player lifted and elevates other blue team player and scored with header.
what is your call?...

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Law 1- The Field 8/18/2011

Gwyn Williams of Bridgewater, NJ USA asks...

Does it matter where on the ball the keeper's hand touches it?
I was reading 'Your the Ref' (a great publication from the UK) which seemed to indicate that if the keeper touches the part of ball that is 'outside' the box then this is handball.
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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/18/2011

RE: Select Under 16

Chris Nwakobi of Folsom, CA USA asks...

A defender in a 15 select boys game, traps the ball between his knees in the penalty area. With attackers trying to get the ball away, he will not release the ball. I called an IDFK in the penalty box. I felt it was an infraction and not a foul....ri...

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The Technical Area 8/18/2011

RE: Adult

Craig Greenstock of Pontypridd, United Kingdom asks...

How many individuals are allowed to stand in the Technical Area at anyone time issuing instructions to players?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/18/2011

RE: Adult

Stonker of Maidstone, Kent England asks...

There is an incident in a penalty area leading to a penalty claim, the ball is cleared upfield by the defending team and the ref waves play on. A defender believes the attacker was guilty of 'simulation' and taking the law into his own hands 'manhan...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/17/2011

RE: competetive Adult

richard marnhout of pleasant hill, ca. u.s.a. asks...

I have often heard referees inform their assistants that in the case of an offside infraction that is followed by the ball going over the line, put your flag down and play will re-start with a goal kick.
Does this not give an advantage to the o...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 8/16/2011

RE: Select Under 14

Marty Watkins of Rocklin, Ca Placer asks...

At a recent U14 game ( our third game of the day) the Adult Center Ref wanted to start our 2:00 game early. The time was 1:52 and I was just giving my team final instructions and the lineup. He whistled for our team to come out. We were not ready fo...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 8/16/2011

RE: All of the above, Adult

Rick McDowell of Tulsa, OK USA asks...

It is a windy day in Oklahoma. A goal kick is taken against the wind. The AR confirms that the ball exited the penalty area in the air. A gust blow the ball back into the goal. What is the restart?...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 8/16/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Greg of London, Ontario canada asks...

A goal-kick is poorly kicked. The ball leaves the field of play over the goal-line, outside the goal but inside the 18 yard line that bounds the penalty area.
The call was - corner kick, but the opposing team stated that I should allowed goal ki...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/15/2011

RE: Adult

James Purdy of Bonaire, GA United States asks...

I remember when the rule came out in July 1999 about the keeper is no longer allowed to touch the ball with his hands if his own player sends the ball directly to him by way of a throw-in. That was a long time ago. I thought someone told me -- some...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/15/2011

RE: rec Adult

John pensinger of adelanto, ca usa asks...

While playing keeper an opponent on a breakaway pushed the ball to far in front of himself allowing me to come out and kick the ball out. Afterwards the attacker ran into me and the ref called me for charging even though I played the ball before he m...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/15/2011

RE: Adult

andrew duncan of London, england asks...

can any ref tell me why the incident that took place between newcastle and arsenal on saturday never resulted in a penalty for arsenal. if the ball was still in play and joey barton man handled an opposong player in the penalty box and was subsequent...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/15/2011

RE: Select Under 14

John of Sheboygan, WI USA asks...

On defense, Can I stand next to the player taking the free kick? or do i have to be 10 yards away in all directions?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/15/2011

RE: Adult

David Ford of London, UK asks...

In the game between Arsenal and Newcastle United on Sunday, 14 August 2011, why wasn't a penalty awarded when Barton grabbed Gervinho in the Newcastle area? The ball was still in play at the time and Barton certainly pulled Gervinho to his feet by th...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/15/2011

RE: Under 19

Dave of DM, ia U.S. asks...

2 offside questions please:
1.Was taking one of those unofficial on-line ref quizes.
One asked that if Ref and near AR both missed an offside call during a play where a goal is subsequently scored, can the Ref disallow the goal before kick-of...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/14/2011

RE: Rec Under 13

Michele of Miamisburg, Ohio USA asks...

Why wasn't this offside? The attacker was between the ball and the goal when he took possession of the ball without two players between himself and the goal....

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/14/2011

RE: 7 Adult

RAYMOND BUCKLEY of WALLASEY, MERSEYSIDE United Kingdom asks...

Why is it, that when a free kick is awarded to the attacking team in the penalty area, the ball can be played to an opponent in the area. When the defending side have a free kick in the area, the ball MUST leave the penalty area or the kick is retak...

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Mechanics 8/13/2011

RE: Rec Under 10

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

Many years ago, I was coaching and my U16G team played a 'jazzed' team who beat us soundly. During the game, more than once, the excited players from the other team collided with our players off the ball. One of them was right in front of me, and I...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/11/2011

RE: High School

Fred of Franklinton, NC US asks...

A goalkeeper attempts to make a save, however the ball drops to the ground and the keeper goes to the ground. In an attempt to gain possession the keeper reaches for the ball with his hand, but when the hand lands on top of the ball, the ball bounces...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 8/11/2011

RE: Competitive Under 19

Jay Ramey of El Dorado Hills, C USA asks...

In following up to Dennis Wickham's statement.

'However, if the kicking player had merely stepped on top of the ball and then left it for the next player, who dribbles it away, that would not have been a legal restart. But even that is not ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 8/11/2011

RE: Play off High School

Lionel Heinold of Ephrata, WA USA asks...

Can a match end on a defensive foul, if it is not in the penalty area?...

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Mechanics 8/10/2011

RE: International (USA vs Mexico) Professional

Devin of Lenexa, KS USA asks...

I noticed that several times during the course of the match, AR2 often times was sidestepping with his flag in his right hand. In US Soccer, it is emphasized to keep your flag in your left hand at all times (except when signaling GK, CK, etc). Why th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/10/2011

RE: Under 13

bianka of rio grande , texas north america asks...

Is the goal counted when the goaly is hurt...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/10/2011

Kyrsten of Bowmanville, Canada asks...

I know tykes do not have any offside but at what age do offsides begin?...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/10/2011

RE: Under 16

Janice of Buckeye, AZ USA asks...

Defender leaves the field of play, Players a passes ball to player b, Is b offsides
...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/9/2011

RE: High School

Richard Saccoia of Stanton, California USA asks...

The law says the ball must be kicked and moves. In this question the ball was tapped. What is the difference between kicking and tapping?

Kicking is using a kicking motion with the lower leg.

Tapping is putting pressure on top of ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/9/2011

RE: Intercollegiate Adult

Rick McDowell of Tulsa, OK USA asks...

In our discussion of PK scenarios last night the following questions were asked. I told them that I would go to the source rather than venturing a guess:

1. The kicker taking the PK does a cartwheel on his approach to the ball, fully rotate...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/9/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

The goal keeper stops a shot by getting down on his knees and pins the ball to the ground with his hands. Then he takes his time to stand up without holding the ball in his hands. Do we consider this as releasing the ball and award an IDFK when the k...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/1/2011

RE: School Division 1, Under 15 Under 15

Ethan Ryan of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Hello,
I was playing in a game recently where a IFK was given for a backpass, in the penalty area, less than 9.15 meters from the goal line, to the yellow team. As the Yellow team set up, Black lined up with a wall on the Goal-line.

It ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/29/2011

RE: rec Under 15

david schwartzman of pittsburgh, pa usa asks...

Scenario: in penalty area, keeper has ball in her hands and rolls it to teammate, also in penalty area. Teammate, remaining within penalty area, then passes ball back to keeper, who also remains in the penalty area and kicks it away. Any foul here? T...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/29/2011

RE: rec Under 15

david schwartzman of pittsburgh, pa usa asks...

please confirm what you have implied above: that calling DOGSO does NOT require also calling a DFK or IFK foul. Thanks...

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7/28/2011

RE: Comp High School

Chris Thomas of Fairfield, CA United States asks...

With opponents still in their penalty area (PA), can a team awarded a free kick in their PA take advantage of the 'quick kick' opportunity provided by Law 13, or must the referee wait for their opponents to clear the area?

...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/28/2011

RE: 5 Adult

Matt Evans of Braddan, Isle of Man asks...

a free kick awarded to the attacking team in attacking half of the pitch and the player turns around and kicks the ball back to his goalkeeper to save time, but the keeper wasn't looking and the ball going into the net!

Do I award a goal or ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 7/28/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Thanks for the replies. I raised the flag because I believe loudly calling his teammate to take the corner while softly whispering to me that he will do the corner kick falls into the category of verbal distraction to his opponents.

To answ...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/27/2011

RE: Select Under 15

Bruce of Chino, Ca USA asks...

If a player is in the offside position and receives the ball from the opposing team via pass or turnover, not deflection from a teammate, should the play be called offside?...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 7/26/2011

RE: Competitive Under 19

Ethan Bent of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada asks...

Hello esteemed panel of referee minds,

My question is regarding corner kicks and the number of players allowed to leave the field to take one.

In a game I was refereeing, the attacking team had two players leave the field to take a ...

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Mechanics 7/19/2011

RE: Competitive/Premier Under 19

Referee Jack of Issaquah, WA USA asks...

This is more a question of mechanics and timing than rule interpretation. However, I would welcome your perspective.

I was an AR for a tournament game this past weekend among the top U-17 Boys teams in the Northwest. It was group play, and ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/19/2011

RE: Adult

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

Would anything happen if a defender on the goal line jumps up and hangs on the crossbar in order to help block a chip shot that went over the goalkeeper's head while he was well out of the goal?

The defender would use his head or body to sto...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 7/19/2011

RE: grade 5 Adult

paul of glasgow, uk asks...

can a player score directly from a goal kick?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/18/2011

RE: Select/High School

Parent of Middle, Tn US asks...

This isn't really a question, but since we are so often quick to discuss the ref's actions, I just wanted to say the ref from the US-Japan game was notable for handling what could have been an overwhelming game with what seemed to be a smile and a fe...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/18/2011

RE: 7 retired Adult

Brian McElligott of Wauwatosa, WI USA asks...

It seems to me that the Center in the USA/Brazil match took a lot of grief over a correct call that was not explained to the fans. Solo (the GK) did not come off her line at the taking of the PK. Another USA player encroached from the right side an...

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Law 15 - Throw In 7/18/2011

RE: Competitive

Daniel Ornelas of San Jose, CA USA asks...

I have been watching throw-in technique by our current professional players and in the WWC. I noticed players are regularly not putting the ball completely behind their head and every throw-in is in a standing position. My question is have referees b...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/18/2011

RE: rec Adult

Kerry of Sasaktoon, Saskatchewan Canada asks...

I am a goalie and i went up for a header last night. Got my hands on the ball and on the way down i was taken out at the knees by a player that came in the box. it resulted in me landing on my head and getting a minor concussion. there was no card...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 7/18/2011

RE: Travel Under 15

Jaewan Kim of YARDLEY, PA USA asks...

Under Law 17 Corner Kick, procedure, it states 'The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line'.
Any other parts of the pitch, 'inside' appears to be determined by the imaginary plane verti...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/18/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Ben of Calgary, Canada asks...

Last night in an adult womens match I awarded a free kick outside of the penalty area to one team. An opposing player lined up in front of the kick 10 yards away, and to protect herself she put one arm perpendicular accros her chest and her other arm...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/17/2011

RE: Adult

Prayag of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

I need to know about taking penalty kicks.
Can a player (penalty kick taker) run towards the ball and change directed, ie can he/she turnaround and kick the ball with his/her heel. This is one of the penalty kicks taken by a player on youtube. Is...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/17/2011

RE: Youth Competitive Under 16

Erik of Waukesha, WI United States asks...

two questions:

I'm a 15 year old grade 8 and I'm doing U-14 and below right now (I stopped doing anything U-10 and below last year) and I'm trying to make state cup in spring and upgrade to grade 7 by 19 years old, and if all goes well to ge...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/17/2011

RE: Competive Adult

John Dizonno of buffalo grove, il USA asks...

A penalty kick is called. The attacking team takes the kick and misses it. The defending team encroached in the area before the kick was taken. Time has run out for the game. Is the attacking team allowed to take the kick or is the game over?...

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Other 7/17/2011

Avery of OP, Kansas USA asks...

Hi, my question is about the upgrade process to grade 6. I apologize if this is off-topic from the actual LOTG, but alas I am unable to find any clarification.

I am 17 years old and a grade 7 referee. I want to upgrade to grade 6 the calend...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/16/2011

RE: High School

bud of kzoo, mi us asks...

On a pk, when the goalie comes off the line(forward) how far off the line before a pk is retaken? I know the rule states that the goalie is allowed to move left and right before the kick, but most game I have seen the goalie has stepped forward 1 or...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/15/2011

RE: Under 16

Ian Hanmore of Whangarei, Northland New Zealand asks...

I have a question regarding striker vs goalie. I was the ref for a game where the striker of the red team collided with the goalie from green. The ball had been passed through the defence for the striker to run on to, both the goalie and the strike...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/15/2011

RE: Rec and Comp Adult

Matt of Farmington, Utah USA asks...

In my daughter's game yesterday, an opponent took it upon herself to be a little silly. The ball was coming toward her in the air, and it bounced in front of her. On the upward flight of the ball, the player tugged her jersey out in front of her, a...

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Law 11 - Offside 7/15/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

I have a discussion with some fellow referees on what constitute the defender having control and possession of the ball. The grey area is passive possession which we cannot came to an agreement.

Let say the offside attacker stand around and ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 7/14/2011

RE: Rec Under 19

Leah of Thornton, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi,
There is a field in the area which is extremely hard. If a player falls they have the wind knocked out of them for several seconds. Many players and referees also complain that their feet hurt after doing a game. We have had extremely wet fie...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/13/2011

RE: Adult

Tom Pyle of Medford, Oregon USA asks...

In a shootout, if the keeper stops a shot, but is ruled by the referee to have left her line, may the shooting team choose a different player to take the resulting second chance at scoring?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/13/2011

RE: Grade 8 USSF, and Ct high school High School

Mike Monce of Lebanon, CT USA asks...

I'm probably the 10,000th person to ask, but what's all of yours take on the US-Brazil game? After looking at replays, I think the PK was deserved, and the red card as a DOGSO was a possible... hard to say not being right there on the field. I also ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 7/13/2011

RE: Rec Under 13

Shaun McGill of London, Ontario Canada asks...

Last night our team was awarded an indirect free kick. The other team were all 10 yards away from the ball. We had one of our players right beside the ball to touch it and another of our players about 5 feet away ready to kick the ball. The ref made...

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League Specific 7/13/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Charles of Virginia Beach, Virginia USA asks...

This is dealing with Futsal maybe just a little it is more a rules question or referee decision.

In the course of an indoor game in which no slide tackling is allowed per the league rules, a defender in fact did a slide tackle and this le...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 7/13/2011

RE: Select Under 13

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

In KFTPM, each player on the field (including the goalkeeper) must take a kick before anyone can take a second kick, I believe I'm understanding this correctly.

If blue #7 takes a kick, which gets retaken for whatever reason, and blue #12 ta...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 7/13/2011

RE: Competitive Under 19

Bill Battey of Darien, Ct USA asks...

In a penalty kick situation - I have a question: As I understand it --the goalie must at all times stay on the goal line in between the two goal posts. He/she can wave his/her arms , move across on the line but cannot move off the line until the ball...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/12/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

The rule is clear but I always find it difficult to know who is calling for the pass unless that player is in an isolated location away from other players. So I have to admit that I probably have missed some of these usb when the call was made by pla...

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7/12/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Benny of Whitby, Ontario Canada asks...

On a free kick. Player took a shot on goal unobstructed. Goal keeper made the save but the ball ended up four feet in front of her; another player proceeded and kicked the ball in the net. Is there any way this should have been called offside? ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 7/12/2011

RE: Select Adult

Jan of Keene, NY US asks...

I have 2 questions:

1- A player lost her cleat.At first she just stood there and watched the play,but then, as the play was developing near her, she challenged the player with the ball. I blew the whistle and gave her a yellow card,and the g...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 7/11/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I'm somewhat confused about what referee Dennis Wickham & Joe McHugh are recommending. I understand the part where you make it clear in the beginning that you strictly enforce substitutions, to avoid having to give a caution. (I would also like to ...

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Character, Attitude and Control 7/5/2011

RE: Pro Professional

Harris Rasheed of Waterloo, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi!

I have a very big game in 5 days time. I am refereeing as a centre referee in a Women's First Division game after a long time. My assistants will be my evaluators and I was wondering what assessors look for from referees that would impre...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 7/5/2011

RE: High School

MICHAEL PALLOTTO of Paramus, nj usa asks...

if there is no official scorer, does a substitute player always reports to the center (midfield) line. correct? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/3/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This is sort of a general follow-up question to.

By way of background, this will be only my 3rd year as a ref & my first year doing U12 (& possibly some U14) with AYSO. I'm also a parent, whose daughter will be playing 10 years, as she turn...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 7/3/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

This is a Follow Up Question to Q# 25136. In AYSO, there are rules against wearing certain jewelry, especially hard pointed objects like pierced earrings.

Suppose a referee spots this during checkin & tells the player to remove the earrings...

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Other 7/2/2011

RE: Beginning College

Dexter Ho of Adelaide, SA Australia asks...

The following items summarise your powers and duties as a referee. However we got a bit carried away and included some items that are not in the Laws. Your task is to check Law 5 (and possibly other relevant Laws) to discover which items are part of ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 7/1/2011

RE: College

nidwan anwar of peshawar, khyber pakhtoonkhwa Pakistan asks...

What if a player who gets a red card enter the ground and the referee does not notice him until the opposite team do objection..should the opponent team be given a penalty or simply the player should be sent off the ground and give away a foul to the...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/29/2011

Steve of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Here we agree, Ref McHugh...a 'gotcha' seldom is the right call, and more often serves to degenerate control and referee credibility. As a fellow referee once commented about a colleague, 'He got all the calls right and still managed to get the game...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/29/2011

RE: Adult

ali of cairo, egypt asks...

i.m asking about interference with an opponent by obstructing line of vision of goal keeper if the striker is not intended to be in front of gk ,shall the offside counted or not ???
i want to know your opinion in this goal
http://www.youtub...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/29/2011

RE: Rec, Select, NFHS High School

Joe Griego of Bishop, CA USA asks...

This question is regarding a goalkeeper who parries the ball.

It was toward the end of the match. Team A is leading by two goals. Team B takes a hopeful shot from 25 yards, but it rolls slowly to the keeper. The Team A keeper kneels down ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 6/29/2011

RE: AYSO Select Under 14

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

I have a different interpretation upon reading the ATR and the Interpretations of the Laws section. It is stated, 'the referee must warn any player within this distance **before** the throw-in is taken'. To me, this means the referee should enforce...

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Law 15 - Throw In 6/29/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I'm sure the panel is right, but I'm somewhat troubled. I can see a situation where Team A tries a quick throw-in & has their attackers poised on B's side of the field, and there is only 1 defender from Team B nearby. The defender delays the restar...

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Other 6/29/2011

RE: newby Other

charlie kahl of largo, fl usa asks...

how does one get a assist i see amy w. of the women's team got 3 assists although the team got only 2 goals?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/27/2011

RE: competitive semi-pro Adult

david of adelaide, south australia australia asks...

A player shoots for goal. The opposing goalkeeper catches the ball but begins to fall backwards into goal with the ball. A team mate of the GK sees what is happening and grabs hold of the keeper's shirt, dragging the goalkeeper back into the field. I...

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Law 11 - Offside 6/25/2011

RE: Competitive Under 19

Peter of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

An attacker leaves the field of play during play under his own momentum going out over the goal line beside the opposing team net. He goes around behind the net and comes back onto the field of play just as his team scores. There was a defender on th...

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6/9/2011

RE: Rec Under 14

Bob of St. Louis, MO USA asks...

Breakaway with two attackers and one defender. Attacker kicked the ball too far ahead and it went right to my defender My defender was close to the touch line and kicked the ball out of bounds hard, much harder than necessary to get it out. The rea...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 6/8/2011

RE: Competitive Under 18

Donna Meredith of Amissville, Virginia USA asks...

In answer to the question about the thud, it was the noise that accompanies contact betwen the cleat and the ball. In this situation, basically an indication that that player B kicked the ball and not the Keeper.

There was no indication o...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 5/23/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Brent Kinal of Voorheesville, New York US asks...

I asked this question a couple weeks ago and it looks like it may have been lost in cyberspace. A penalty kick is awarded to the blue team the the ball is placed on the penalty mark by the ref and before the ref blows his whistle the blue team's kic...

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Other 5/23/2011

RE: AYSO Under 12

D of Newport Beach, CA USA asks...

If a player throws the ball in and it hits a referee and goes out without touching anyone else...what is the call assuming the player through the ball correctly?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/23/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Follow up to 24953. I just want to clarify something similar.

As everyone mentions, the keeper cannot use her hands when receiving the ball directly from her own team's throw-in. And I know that during play, the keeper can't use her hands ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/23/2011

RE: AYSO Under 13

Rajan of Van Nuys, California USA asks...

I understand that a keeper can dribble the ball played legally into his penalty area and pick up the ball with his hands. If a teammate deliberately kicks the ball to his keeper and the keeper dribbles the ball into his penalty area and picks up the ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 5/21/2011

RE: High School Under 17

Aldo Baietti of McLean, Virginia Usa asks...

Last Wednesday my son's varsity soccer team played the leader in it's district. They have won most of their games from headers assured by a exceptionally long throw in from the sidelines. The irony is that the one of the two fellows on that team has...

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Law 5 - The Referee 5/21/2011

RE: competitive High School

Dave Meisinger of colorado springs, co usa asks...

High school soccer plays a running clock. With 20 seconds left, team A fouls Team B at mid-field. The ball remains on the field in Team B's half. Several of Team B's players rush to the ball in order to get it in place for the kick to be taken bef...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/21/2011

RE: select Under 16

paul senger of waukesha, wi usa asks...

if a keeper has the ball in his hands and is immediately fouled by an opposing player, the referee made the goalie put the ball down at the spot of the foul and kick the ball. when the keeper was fouled, he was 1 yard into the field of play. If he ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/20/2011

RE: Select Under 10

K. Butler of Chicago, IL USA asks...

Hello. In a U9 (select) game that I refereed recently, the visiting teams keeper blocked a shot on goal by catching the ball. While running forward to punt the ball, she stumbled, dropped the ball, then quickly picked it up, took a step, and punted ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/20/2011

RE: competitive youth up to co-ed adult Adult

Kley Parkhurst of Mc Lean, VA USA asks...

Was reading a youth soccer forum and in the context of discussing dissent, a number of basketball referees said that they are instructed to ignore the sidelines, including any dissent, foul language, etc., directed at them. And we've all seen baseba...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 5/20/2011

RE: amature Adult

edwin of los angeles, ca LA asks...

Can a team put in a player after the 1st half is over being that they started with out 11 players? What are the rules of incomplete teams or late arriving players? i couldn't find anything on the website covering this....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/20/2011

RE: rec, Under 11

Jay of dallas, Texas the best state ever asks...

if the player from his/her own team passes it to the goalkeeper its a free kick right??...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/20/2011

RE: Select Under 19

Jared Sperling of Corpus Christi, TX USA asks...

I was asked a question from a youth Referee the other day that I wasn't quite sure how to answer. I explained in my pre-game to ensure that on an Offside call, to make sure that the Player in an Offside position actually plays the ball before calling...

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Other 5/19/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Follow up to 24939.

Thanks for all the information in this question & answer. It is very informative!

I note that although Referee Jason Wright says he will disagree with his colleague, Referee Joe McHugh, they actually both agree ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/18/2011

RE: Under 14

Filippo of Palermo, Italy asks...

Let's call A1 and A2 two players of Team A. A1 runs towards the opponents' goal, but he is fouled inside the penalty area.
The referee awards a penalty kick to Team A, but A1 is compelled to leave the field of play because of an injury due to the...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/10/2011

RE: 2/6 Under 12

Sydney Perry of ohio , ohio united states asks...

i got my ears pirecd and i have soccer games a way where i can wear them like tape ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/7/2011

RE: College Under 17

Bob Anderson of Fairview, Tx USA asks...

Scenario: The goalie, using his FEET wins possession of the ball OUTSIDE of the penalty area. (The ball was previously played forward by the attacking team.) The goal then, with the ball under control, dribbles the ball into the penalty area and p...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 5/7/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have a follow-up question to the goal kick that didn't leave the penalty area.

Suppose the GK gets off a bad kick & it dribbles toward the 18 yard line. A teammate realizes that the opposing team may get the ball in a good scoring position...

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5/6/2011

RE: competitive Under 14

Cody of grayslake, Illinois usa asks...

hello. I was playing in my u-13 match when off a corner kick, my shirt was ripped after an opponent grabbed it. the opponent got cautioned, and I was told that I couldn't play with my shirt torn like that. I usually keep an old jersey with a diffrent...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 5/6/2011

RE: Rec Under 16

Brant Kelly of High Point, NC USA asks...

Goalie runs out to cover a ball near the box line. He slides to cover the ball and in the process his body leaves the penalty box but the ball never leaves the box. Goalie makes sure the ball never leaves the box while he is standing up.
Foul or ...

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League Specific 5/6/2011

Steve Brink of Westfield, IN USA asks...

Is it required for USSF players to have numbers on their jersey?

If so, do they have to be different?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 5/6/2011

RE: Rec Under 17

James of Santa Monica, CA USA asks...

True or False:

1) Center Ref must be informed (not just AR) when a player changes places with a Goal Keeper.

2) If CR is not informed of such a change, a yellow card may be issued (for unsporting behavior?).

3) Coach/Team/P...

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Mechanics 5/6/2011

RE: Rec Under 17

James of Santa Monica, CA USA asks...

Is it necessary to whistle a substitution request at stoppage, and then whistle again to restart play (once the substitution has been completed)?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/5/2011

RE: competitive Under 14

Cody of grayslake, illinois USA asks...

ok so I have observed this happening in my u13 game. and other u13 games. so a blue player is dribbling, then is fouled by a red player. the blue player jumps up off the ground and gets in the red players face. it ensues to some shoves, but no punche...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/5/2011

RE: Competitive High School

Ron Hoerner of Barrington, IL USA asks...

In a girl's high school soccer game, the goalie and opposing forward both go after a pass made into goal area. It was definitely a 50/50 ball- either player could have gotten to it first. Goalie narrowly gets to ball first, dives on ball and secures ...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/5/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Offside question.

Let's say that on a quick strike, A1, an attacker, is offside when her teammate last touched the ball & steps just outside the touchline to avoid being involved in active play . In the meantime, other defenders have rushed...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 5/5/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have 3 kickoff questions.

(1)If a player uses the top of her foot to roll the ball slightly forward & then rolls it backward to one of her mid-fielders without taking her foot off the ball (i.e. no 2nd touch), is that legal? In other word...

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Law 1- The Field 5/4/2011

RE: provincial/competive Under 13

mike mitchell of ingersoll, ontario canada asks...

Hello. I was lining an under 12 house league game, and had a problem with the coach(volunteer). He and his players were standing right along the sidelines obstructing my view and ability to run up and down the sidelines... I continuesly had to remind...

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Law 11 - Offside 5/4/2011

RE: REc,Select,Competive Adult

PK of Holland, MI US asks...

An attacking player is in offside postion and the defense makes the attacking player onside. The attacking player then receives the ball. Is the attacking player still considered offside? Ive seen where 1 referee calls it offside and another does n...

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4/26/2011

RE: Cempetitive Adult

Steven of Noosa, Qld Australia asks...

The previous question relates to a player being cautioned during the phase known as kicks from the penalty mark, to determine the winner of a match. This phase is found at p.129 of the Laws of the Game (LOTG), and the first dot point of this procedur...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 4/26/2011

RE: Competitive Under 13

Kristen of Pittsburgh, PA USA asks...

I am a goalie. My dad is telling me that I can't participate in a dropped ball restart unless it is in my penalty area. Is this true?...

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Law 11 - Offside 4/26/2011

RE: Select (I think!). Adult

Peter Babbage of hjorring, Denmark asks...

This is not a recent event but one that has puzzled me for a while. I don't exactly remember the match but the goal-scorer was Van Nistelrooy, probably in The World Cup. It was a decision I would definitely have got wrong at the time!
He received...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 4/26/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

Brian of Carlisle, PA USA asks...

I just took my referee (Grade 8) test and I am bothered by a question. The question was something like 'You have given a corner kick, but before the kick can be taken, time runs out for the first half. What action should you take?' Even though the LO...

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League Specific 4/17/2011

RE: Under 12

Mario Borg of St.Julians, Malta asks...

In a five a side match a player takes the goal kick and scores directly in the opposite post from the goal kick. Is this a valid goal?...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 4/17/2011

RE: U6 Under 7

Mario of El Paso , TX United States asks...

Does a ref need to blow the whistle everytime the ball is brought into play from the sideline?...

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League Specific 4/16/2011

RE: Under 15

jim of glenford, ohio usa asks...

is it legal to blow a horn,cow bells, during a middle school soccer game and where is the rule for this...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/15/2011

RE: Rec Under 10

L. Simpkins of Evans, GA USA asks...

The goalie made a save and had the ball trapped between his hands and the ground. Before he could get off the ground and put the ball back into play, the opponent kicked it out of his hands into the net. Should the goal have counted? (In this inst...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 4/14/2011

RE: competive Under 15

ALIE KING KAMARA of columbus, ohio usa asks...

what are the names of players position starting from the goal keeper ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 4/14/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Ian of Auckland, New Zealand asks...

Thanks for the answers guys. I've always been one for letting play go on when the issues are minor and not picking up on foul throws unless there is a blatant failure such as feet off the ground or no attempt to take the throw from the back to the fr...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/13/2011

RE: Comp Under 13

Robert Robbins of San Deigo , Ca USA asks...

Understanding that a player may not kick the ball to the GK, if the ball is abandoned by a defender (stopped and not put into motion) in the penalty area, can the GK move to it and pick it up? ...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 4/13/2011

RE: District Referee Adult

Edgar Hulatt of Calgary, Alberta Canada asks...

In his answer Gene Nagy states...On any penalty kick, even if it is a retake of that PK, all the team has to do is identify, who takes the ensuing kick and that could be any player, on each kick, even the goalie.

I understand the above. How...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/13/2011

RE: High School

Sonya of Auburn, ca USA asks...

In a high school game where a fight breaks out, is it the refs responsibility to try and break up the fight? If not, who should break up the fight?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/12/2011

Arthur of Sydney, Australia asks...

Hi,
I was wondering if you could clarify something for me regarding the stopping of play to caution a player for using, offensive,insulting or abusive language as mentioned in your previous answers to my first question? As this is a sending off o...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/9/2011

RE: REc Adult

john law of Gibsons bc, bc Canada asks...

My question is to do with the goalkeeper, after the goalkeeper makes a save on his way to the 18 yard line he bounces the ball as he is running. This was common in the old days but is it an indirect free kick now?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/2/2011

RE: semi pro Adult

sean brooks of perth, western australia australia asks...

is it a free kick to the goal keeper if a ball is in the air inside the six yard box and the opposition makes contact with the goal keeper...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 4/2/2011

RE: Select Adult

Kevin Thomas of East Lansing, MI USA asks...

Goal kick is taken and is still in the penalty area. Attacker is waiting at the edge of the penalty area to take the ball toward goal. Defender races over and kicks the ball away before it leaves the penalty area. Is this a cautionable offense, an...

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Mechanics 4/2/2011

RE: competive

bob of narragansett, rhode island United Srates asks...

who does the assistant referee stay in line with during the game? Does he stay in line with the second to last defender the whole game or just at the beginning of the game?...

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Other 3/31/2011

RE: Under 19

Steven of sydney, nsw australia asks...

How do you make it to the top in refereeing in Australia and then FIFA ..

Whats the pathway and process ..

It seems like there is nothing in place to asses n progress you its just about having enough refs to cover all the games and ...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/31/2011

RE: Under 19

Steven of sydney, nsw australia asks...

This happened when i was assistant referee the other day and the referee waved me down. I'll try explain it the best i can .

So it was done near the corner flag close to me . A player was in a offside position but did not play the ball and a...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 3/30/2011

RE: High School Bi-district Playoffs High School

Bob Stout of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I had the opportunity to attend a Texas Bi-District Playoff game during which I observed the following scenario:
PLAYER A was ejected from the game during regulation time with a flagrant foul and duly 'RED CARDED' and left the field, no substitut...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 3/28/2011

RE: Rec Adult

stuart olley of coquitlam, bc canada asks...

I was coaching a Womens Cup final this weekend and the ball went out of play for a corner kick. I asked for a sub and the ref granted. Seeing as it was a formal cup final we were instructed to have all players leave at the centre and once they had le...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 3/28/2011

RE: competitive High School

Johnny Scott of Borger , TX usa asks...

May a team change from home uniform color to visiting color uniform at halftime during an area playoff game?...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 3/28/2011

RE: Grade 8 Adult

Davis Parker of Houston, TX Harris asks...

Law 16 states that 'The ball is in play when it is kicked directly out of the penalty area.'

It also states that 'If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberatly handles the ball before it has touched another player: an indirect fr...

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Mechanics 3/21/2011

RE: Select Under 15

John of Pensacola, florida USA asks...

Player passes ball back to his keeper with thigh. Keeper catches ball in air. Center ref awards IFK. AR recognizes flaw in call but does nothing, even stating to us (we of course expressed our displeasure at the call) coaches 'I cannot override Ce...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 3/21/2011

RE: Rec Under 19

Bob of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Can I award a free kick without having first blown my whistle to stop play?
This sounds a bit of a weird one but let me explain.

This was a heated U18's cup game with the score at one all, 10 minutes to go. A defender and attacker collid...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/20/2011

RE: Travel Under 13

Scott Key of St. James, NY United States asks...

The opposing teams goalie picks up the ball outside of the 18 yard box. Referee calls a kick. Is it direct or indirect?

...

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Law 15 - Throw In 3/19/2011

RE: Competitive Under 17

John of Yonkers, NY USA asks...

On a throw-in can the thrower intentionally throw the ball onto the back of his teammate who is intentionally standing with his back to the thrower and the thrower then playing the ball upon entering the field of play? Or is this not allowed due to ...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 3/19/2011

RE: Rec Under 10

Fred of Franklinton, nc us asks...

Does time have to be extended for a throw-in or can the final whistle sound regardless the position of the ball. In this case, the time was within two seconds of the final whistle when the ball went out of play. This was not a case where a team int...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 3/19/2011

RE: Rec Under 11

paula of Pearl River, LA USA asks...

can a player kick the ball to their own goalie and then switch places (the goalie now taking the ball down the field -no hands were used- while the other player takes over goalie position)?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 3/19/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Chris Orme of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

If a direct free kick is awarded on the 18 yard line then the correct restart would be a penalty kick. The lines of the penalty area are deemed to be a part of that area....

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Law 11 - Offside 3/18/2011

RE: rec College

Mike Glennon of Dublin, Dublin Ireland asks...

Offside - Is it still an offside if the defending player miskicks, miscontrols, into the path of a player in an offside position. Again, it is common that a shot that takes deflection and an offside decision is given. But what if the defender miskick...

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The Technical Area 3/18/2011

RE: Select Under 17

DS of Baltimore, MD USA asks...

The Law book states that the 'The technical area relates to matches played in stadiums with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes.' Does this mean that Technical Areas' are not allowed on open fields? I happen tio think that th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/17/2011

RE: General rules based on USSF Under 15

Jake of Providence, RI USA asks...

If a foul is committed let's say in the penalty area, and the ball is in the other half of the field, then where does the free kick go (or PK)?...

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Other 3/17/2011

RE: Under 16

chris of accra, Ghana asks...

do players carry their jerseys to the field?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/16/2011

RE: Professional

Rui Borges of Lisbon, Portugal asks...

Is the area below the net subject to the rules? If a player pushes another one in that area it is a foul?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/12/2011

RE: Recreation Under 11

Daniel Bacic of Plano, Texas USA asks...

A player takes a shot on goal. The goalie catches the shot and heads forward to throw/punt the ball. As she runs, she bounces the ball on the ground (intentionally). She attempts to catch it when it comes back, but she misses it, and it bounces on...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/12/2011

RE: rec and academy Under 11

mike of granbury, tx usa asks...

When the goaly from team a picks up the ball and drop kicks it out to the field, does off sides count for team a on team b side of the field. We had a their goaly kick the ball past mid field, they had three players off sides. They got the ball and...

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The Technical Area 3/11/2011

RE: rec, HS, travel teams Adult

alex of crownsville, md usa asks...

The Blue team is taking a corner kick. Player A is lining up to take the kick when their coach yells out 'Sally (player B), you take the kick'. Player B jogs from in front of the goal down the goalline and Player A kicks the ball to her. Player A & ...

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Other 3/11/2011

RE: AYSO - Intermediate Under 12

Phil of Reseda, CA United States asks...

I'm not sure why a ref would ever need to instruct a team to kick it to another team. Could you elaborate?

If you stop the game for injury, the restart is always a dropped ball, right? (Assuming no foul). I thought that the referee could s...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/10/2011

RE: FIFA Adult

Gerald Henry Jr. of San Ignacio, Cayo Belize asks...

Clarification because there has been some conflicting interpretations to the following scenario: 'A player takes a throw in directly to the head of his teammate who heads it back to his goalkeeper. Is this allowed or is it considered as an act of ci...

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Law 11 - Offside 3/10/2011

RE: Select Adult

Adedeji of Lagos, Lagos Nigeria asks...

If a player in offside position kick ball 1 second after referee has whistled offside what is the punishment...

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Other 3/9/2011

RE: Junior Under 13

David Cassells of Cowes, Victoria Australia asks...

I was going on Joe's reply .......
'If the foul involved the use of excessive force, totally beyond the bounds of normal play, then the referee must send off the player for serious foul play or violent conduct, show the red card, and award the di...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/9/2011

RE: Under 15

tommy heffernan of bray, ireland asks...

After a game, as the teams are walking to the dressing rooms,a player abuses the referee. Can the referees send the player off?. If so must he show him a red card and
how does he let the player's club be aware of the offence given that the manage...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 3/4/2011

RE: Junior Adult

David Cassells of Cowes, Victoria Australia asks...

Should a free kick be given if the foul happened after a goal was scored? So a second shot at goal?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/4/2011

RE: College

Sam of Tempe, Arizona USA asks...

Just a quick follow-up:

My concern with 'playable distance' is because in those occasions that I'm beaten for sheer speed, my instinct is to give chase and hope for a bad touch so I can slide-tackle.

In these situations, my assumpt...

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League Specific 3/3/2011

RE: Amatuer Level Adult

Daniel of Melbourne, Australia asks...

A player received a red card for abusive language. While walking off the field he proceeded to strike another player several times. As this occurred on the field, but after the player had already received a red card, is this punishable under a discip...

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Law 15 - Throw In 3/3/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Tom of Richmond, VA USA asks...

In a recent game, the ball went over the touchline for a throw-in in my team's favor. The ball went about 15 yards out of bounds perpendicular to the point at which the ball exited the field of play. When I retrieved the ball, I noticed that a team...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/3/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Should we generalise the lifting the foot to the opponent's 'head level' to lifting the foot to an opponent? There are many incidences which a player, instead of kicking the ball with full strength has to limit the kicking because he/she needs to ret...

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League Specific 3/3/2011

RE: House league Under 17

Fran of Gibsons, BC Canada asks...

My son has received a yellow card in 4 non-consecutive games this season. They have suspended him from his first playoff game because they say 4 yellows/season calls for one game suspension. Ref said it was Fifa rules. I can't find that anywhere a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2011

RE: High School

Ed Musa of Neversink, NY USA asks...

Is it an infraction for the goalkeeper to dribble the ball into the penalty area and pick it up?

Thank you. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/2/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Devin of St.Andrews, Manitoba Canada asks...

Hello,

I just finished a game, men's indoor soccer, and i was given a yellow card for a reason i am unaware of. The opposing team kicked the ball and my team's goalie made the save and was popped straight up. The ball was in the air just abo...

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Law 15 - Throw In 3/2/2011

RE: competitive Adult

mullins of adelaide, south australia australia asks...

Player has a throw in but doesn't throw it, apparently unable to make his mind up about what to do.
This is delay of the restart of play under the laws, which say the referee MUST caution the player.

Q: Does the throw in go to the opposi...

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Other 3/2/2011

RE: Amateur Under 14

Tapiwa Mugadza of Harare, Harare Zimbabwe asks...

what are the rules for a double header soccer match?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 3/2/2011

RE: Competive High School

Manhattan Beach of Manhattan Beach, ca USA asks...

Can you help explain the reasoning behind the Advice to Referees 9.1 Ball Out of Play in regards to when play is considered to have stopped i.e. when the decision is made and not when the decision is announced (whistled). It seems like this advice c...

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Character, Attitude and Control 3/1/2011

RE: Rec U11/U12 Under 12

Melissa Vardas of Denton, Tx USA asks...

I have coached a group of girls for a few years. I have a solid team after last season. We are technically U11, but U11/U12 are combined due to participants. After the fall season, a coach chose to leave her team. She coaches younger ages too. Her fa...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 3/1/2011

RE: Under 16

ismael of nevada, las vegas usa asks...

when a PLAYER KICKS the ball in a penalty shot and his shoe comes off and hits the goaly in the face which causes the goaly to get injured and stops him from blocking the shot what should the ref do? should he count the goal?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 3/1/2011

RE: competive Under 12

jerry slota of clinton twp, michigan usa asks...

If an 11yr old is falling backwards,not looking at the ball inside her penalty box and the shooter shoots the ball and hits her hand should that be a penalty shot?...

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Other 3/1/2011

RE: College

Dave of DM, IA U.S. asks...

Regarding club linesmen,
Is there anything legally wrong with doing without them?
Most the time they are very nice and do what they are supposed to, but other times they can put you in a bad situation just as any inexperienced AR can.
I o...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 3/1/2011

RE: Competitive Under 17

John Taylor of Falkirk, Scotland asks...

Related to the question about being able to change the penalty taker, what is the situation regarding KFTPM at the end of game where a player who already has a yellow card, feints at the end of the run up and scores?
My understanding is that the...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 2/28/2011

RE: Adult

Ronnie of Miami, Florida USA asks...

On a goal kick the golie hit the ball and a forwarder who was outside the penalty area, runs inside the area an score a goal, is the goal valid? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/28/2011

RE: fan Under 16

Robbie of lancs, England asks...

if a player is fouled outside tha area but the ref plays advantage. if during the advantage the same player enters the area and is again fouled in the area during the advantage. is it a penalty or a free kick?...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/28/2011

RE: competitive Adult

sandile of Mbabane, hhohho swaziland asks...

I was watching the Sevella vs Athletico Madrid Game during the weekend where the ref blew for an indirect kick inside the box(keeper collected a back pass), but the 2 Madrid players quickly restared (backwarrds pass) the play before any of the Sevil...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 2/27/2011

RE: 2 Adult

Shorty of Otaki, Horowhenua New Zealand asks...

28/02/11
West Ham v Liverpool 27/02

1. The corner taken by West Ham late in the 2nd half was a second touch yet the Referee let the player retake it?
The WH-player placed the ball in the corner arc, he then moved back then forward ki...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 2/27/2011

Melvin H. of Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A. asks...

Watching the Serie 'A' (Italian top division) match, Sampdoria vs. inter Milan:
Cristian Chivu of Inter is wearing headgear similar to that which Petr Cech of Chelsea had to wear after a head injury. Near the end of the first half, the camera...

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Character, Attitude and Control 2/23/2011

RE: select Under 19

tony of north vancouver, bc canada asks...

During the game the referee has approached the team bench and advised the team officials and any players present that any further questioning of his calls will result in an automatic red card.Does he have the authority to do this? No insulting or abu...

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Law 15 - Throw In 2/23/2011

RE: Competitive High School

Phil Duhon of Copperas Cove, TX United States asks...

In our game last night, an opposing player was capable of astoundingly long throw-ins. In the second half, we noticed that he was placing one hand behind the ball, instead of both hands on the side. Is this an infraction?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 2/22/2011

RE: comp Adult

richard Marnhout of pleasant hill , california usa asks...

Is it ethical for an assignor to assign himself center of a tournament final game, (or any other important match) ?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/22/2011

RE: Level-1 Adult

Robert Schaap of Montreal, Quebec Canada asks...

The previous answer are all correct and would get a 9/10...

Keep in mind that if the offence occurred outside the field of play while the ball is in play, the restart cannot be an IDFK where the offence occurred. The restart in this case (as...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/22/2011

RE: Adult

Andy Stoddon of Lancaster, Lancashire England asks...

In a penalty shoot out, the taker of the winning kick, already on a yellow card from earlier in the game, runs away in celebration and removes his shirt. Does he receive a 2nd yellow and a red card for his 'excessive' celebration or is the match deem...

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Law 5 - The Referee 2/21/2011

RE: AYSO Rec Under 14

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

Is it okay to use a cone to mark off a deep, muddy gopher hole on the field when dirt is not available to fill it? Also, given the frequency of gophers, how big a deal is a gopher hole or two on the field?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/21/2011

RE: sunday league Adult

james connolly of wolverhampton, west midlands england asks...

During a match a full back is in possession of the ball and dribbling the ball forward when an opposition player runs toward the full back and screams 'arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh' really loud. This forces the full back to lose possession of the ball and sh...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 2/21/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 13

Phil Rabichow of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

Suppose the goalkeeper catches a ball in his penalty area & runs to the 18 yd. line to kick to throw the ball in the air & kick it.

What happens if:
1) He steps over the line just before releasing the ball? Would this be a DFK by the o...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 2/21/2011

RE: AYSO Under 15

Rajan of Van Nuys, California usa asks...

Prior to the start of GU14 game the coach of Team A came to me and explained that Team B uses a tactic that he thought was unfair or illegal.
Team A coach informed from that from previous games against Team B the attacker/attackers of Team B sta...

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Mechanics 2/18/2011

RE: select Under 14

Rick Grant of Atlanta, GA USA asks...

Can a player put themselves offside? A player on a break away about 25 years away from goal, keeper stays on their line and is only one to beat, attacker mis dribbles and ends up in front of the ball, slows and waits for the ball to get back to them...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/18/2011

John of Gaithersburg, MD USA asks...

What if the situation was that the ball WAS being played to a player who was not in an offside position, but is deflected by a defender in such a way as to land at the feet of a player was in an offside position? I'm guessing he is then guilty of bei...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/16/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil Rabichow of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I know that Law 11 states that:

A player in an offside position is only penalized if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in the opinion of the referee, involved in active play.

However, isn't the ...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/16/2011

RE: Intermediate Under 12

Phil Rabichow of Tarzana, CA United States asks...

I have an offside question to see if I understand the rule correctly.

It is said that there can be no offside infringement on a throw-in, goal kick, or corner kick. This sometimes causes confusion because the ball may touch or be played by ...

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Character, Attitude and Control 2/15/2011

Steve of Stockton, CA USA asks...

*Some* of us in Sunny California get taught to let the game FLOW....!...

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Character, Attitude and Control 2/15/2011

RE: High School

Dave of DM, IA U.S. asks...

In reference to question 24564.
Do you feel that fans or coaches should be addressed when the yell 'push em' back' when their player is the recipient of a fair charge?
Do you view this as urging the player to escalate the situation.
What ...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/15/2011

RE: Under 19

brian casey of Newmarket, on Canada asks...

A player is in an offside position when the ball is deflected by an opposing player right to him.

Is he still offside??...

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Law 6 - Assistant Referee 2/15/2011

RE: Other

Rob of Seattle, USA asks...

Could you please provide better clarification on the miscoduct that the AR should maintin his flag raised until seen by the Referee? I ask as the ATR states in Section 6.4 that the misconduct would only be allowed to be issued for SFP or VC, and not...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/12/2011

RE: Comp High School

William Ocampo of Houston, TX USA asks...

Player A is in an offside position but Player B is not in an offfside position (both are attackers). Both run on to the same pass. Player B (who is not offside) plays the ball and scores.

My contention is that it is a valid goal. Although...

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Law 11 - Offside 2/9/2011

RE: Competive Under 14

Paulo Schneider of Boca Raton, FL USA asks...

The denfending team's goalie comes out, runs by the last defender (team mate) who stands still. while the attacking team serves the ball to their forward who is now in a position between the goalie and the defender. Did the goalie become the last den...

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League Specific 2/1/2011

RE: Rec Adult

Terri Frankin of Oconomowoc, WI USA asks...

Do you have rules for refing a Futsal game?...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 1/30/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Jesse of New holland , Pa Usa asks...

Can whistle and 'play' be interpreted as the same for a required distance free kick? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/29/2011

RE: Pro College

Klara of Redfern, NSW Australia asks...

If a player is attacking, running towards the opposite goal, and the defending player suddenly does a 'full stop' in such a way that the attacking player crashes into the defender, should the defender get a foul even though none of them were touching...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/28/2011

RE: Competitive Under 15

David Arrius of Seattle, Washington United States asks...

Based on the strict application of the rule, it is advisable to coach kids who will take direct free kicks to go ahead and take a 'practice' shot to gain an advantage and gauge distance, and, depending on conditions (i.e. windy days) a real feel for ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 1/26/2011

RE: Professional Adult

Daniel Bacic of Plano, Texas United States asks...

With reference to Question #24458, what would be the procedure if the substitute entered the field illegally as a result of another player exiting the field illegally? As if this was simply a substitution without the consent of the referee? Would t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/25/2011

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Interesting answers that prompt for more questions or clarifications.

1. If the restart has taken place, then the ref cannot go back and change his decision.

2. If a referee was alerted by his AR about incident the ref did not see, ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/25/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Trevor Giff of Dundalk, Louth Ireland asks...

During games I am constantly questioned as to why I do not award a n indirect free kick when a players calls 'leave it' or 'my ball'.
It is my understanding of the Laws of the Game that I am correct in not awarding the free kick. If a player was ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/24/2011

RE: Adult

Massimo Federici of St. Albans, England asks...

During Lazio - Bologna this weekend Dias (Lazio) fouled Ramirez (Bologna) for which he received a yellow card. Numerous players surrounded Dias, including ones from the Bologna bench. (On the pitch). One Bologna substitute (Gimenez) punched Dias in t...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 1/23/2011

RE: Competive Adult

Devon B of San Diego, a USA asks...

When kicking a corner kick. If the ball curves in the air outside the field of play and curves back into the field of play without touching the ground. Is this okay and allowed. For example when a right footed kicker kicks with a curve from the right...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/23/2011

RE: Competitive High School

Collin of Groton, MA USA asks...

An attacker was dribbling the ball toward the goal with a defender following. The attacker took a shot, hitting the post. On the rebound, the ball hit the defender in the hands and went into the goal. Assuming this was a fairly clear case of the adva...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/23/2011

RE: Competitive Adult

Paulo Schneider of Boca Raton, Fl USA asks...

In a ongoing game, the goalie curses to the AR and dropping the 'F' word all over him due to a play he wanted a foul on. He signals the ref while the games was going on on the other side of the field. The ref stops the game to hear the AR's explanati...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/23/2011

RE: Adult

Chris Alden of Fleet, Hants England asks...

A player deliberately handles the ball giving away a penalty. The ref awards the penalty. The penalty is then taken, after the pen is scored the ref then sends off the offending player. Is this allowed?

I approached the ref after the game an...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/23/2011

RE: Adult

Neil of liverpool, uk asks...

If a player slides tackles near the player, but does not touch either the ball or the player is this a foul....

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/23/2011

RE: Competive amateur, player manager Adult Adult

Mark V of Newcastle, Tyne & Wear UK asks...

OK, so it looks like dissent was valid for the actual booking. Thanks.

As for the application of the LOTG, I was instructed to get my players to remove all non-matching under garments before the game. I said OK but politely asked if my play...

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Law 15 - Throw In 1/23/2011

RE: Select Under 18

Michael Greenfield of Mansfield, Texas USA asks...

I was recently told by a parent/former ref that the 'flip-over throw in' has been made illegal by FIFA. Is this true?

Thanks....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/23/2011

RE: Adult

nigel of andover, hants uk asks...

how long has a player got to complete a throw in...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/23/2011

RE: comp Adult

John Kivlin of Gig harbor, WA United States asks...

If going up for a header with an opponent what is the rule for placement of arms. A foul was called for elbowing the opponent. My thought was my arm isn't extended-pushing the opponent. It is up as a 'buffer' between the two players. Thanks-I've lear...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 1/23/2011

RE: competetive Adult

robin smith of aukland, new zealand asks...

in a penalty shoot out, after the scores are tied, when does the ball officially become dead after the initial penalty kick. if the ball strikes the bar, comes down and hits the keeper and bounces back into the net, it is always awarded a goal. so if...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/21/2011

RE: High School Adult

Gregg Leach of Tempe, Arizona USA asks...

A ball is rolling to a defender who attempts to kick the ball. He miss-kicks the ball resulting in it going up in the air. Under pressure, he heads the ball back to the goalkeeper who picks it up with his hands.
The kicker did not kick the ball...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/21/2011

RE: local standard Adult

ALAN of hereford, herefordshire england asks...

having recently been sent off, the referee didnt take my name, just issued the red card then sent me off, does trhe red card still apply?? the ref doesnt know me, hasnt taken my name, yet still put the red card in, is he allowed to do this? how can h...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 1/16/2011

RE: Other

christopher archer of nottingham, nottinghanshire england asks...

When is a penalty deemed dead in a penalty shoot out...?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/14/2011

RE: College

chicco of cairo, cairo Egypt asks...

what happens when the player only tries to touch the ball but did not touch it with his hands deliberately ? i saw in a match before that the referee booked this player. is this a judgment of the referee or this is a law and the referee follows it? t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/14/2011

RE: school Under 12

john of glasgow, uk asks...

2 players running for the ball and attacker accidentally swings his arm and hits the defender on the face, prompting him to claim for a foul...what do you think?...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/13/2011

RE: Pro Adult

Sam of Orihuela, Spain asks...

Watching the Asian Cup there was a very important call that changed the game and I'm not sure if it was offside or not. The match was Syria-Japan (video of the incident here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkDVNSStZU0).

So we have a Japanese...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/13/2011

RE: COMP Under 16

BOB of LA MIRADA, CAL USA asks...

If a keeper is moving to take a punt and drops the ball and picks it up again. Is that a foul?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/12/2011

RE: comp Under 13

Bob of la mirada, cal usa asks...

In questin # 22799 the question was 'should' the shirt be tucked in answer should be YES. 'Does it' the answer is NO...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/11/2011

RE: all Other

Sue of Grand Rapids, Michigan USA asks...

A player breaks away with the ball. Keeper goes down on her knees to try and stop the ball. Offender kicks it in just before reaching the keeper but ends up falling over the keeper. Her cleat must have hit the keeper in the face because she had a ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/11/2011

RE: Under 17

Dave of DM, IA US asks...

In this situation,
quick FK and defender interferes inside 10 yds) I know you can't 'legally' play advantage, but is it advisable to 'sorta' play advantage?
For example, say a player clears a FK, past the offending defender to a teammate for...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 1/11/2011

RE: Travel and high school High School

Martin Maisonneuve of port saint lucie, fl usa asks...

I have coached for 8 years and reffed for 12 years. My ref exp is in travel under FIFA rules. I just moved to Florida recently and have read the rules, but need an interpretation for a FL HS Ref. Restart for the opposing team due to offside (indir...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/10/2011

RE: competive

Stan of Romeoville, Il usa asks...

Can a ref apply advantage to a technical infraction? For example: If a player throws the ball in toward his goalie and the goalie touches the ball with his hand and ball goes into the goal. At my recertification class the instructor told me that ad...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/10/2011

RE: Middle School Under 14

Kathy Morris of Crestview, FL US asks...

A blue card was given at a middle school game tonight for using hands in the goal. The penalty was suspending the player for the whole half. No subs could be made and the team was a player short for the entire half since it happen at the beginning o...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/10/2011

RE: AYSO Girls U14 Under 14

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

A defender is by the area where the penalty area line intersects the goal line. The defender has the ball and is under pressure from two attackers. Instead of kicking the ball towards the outside touchline, the defender crosses the ball in front of...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/5/2011

RE: Competative Adult

John Schneider of Garden Grove, CA USA asks...

My question regards the keeper handling the ball outside his penalty area.

Allow me to setup a counter-attack scenario: An attacker has passed the 2nd-to-last defender and is at full sprint towards the goal. The ball was chipped over the def...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/4/2011

RE: Adult

tony of Sydndey, NSW Australia asks...

Panel,

I am interested in the correct mechanics in these situations:

An 'illegal' substitute enters the field without permission and denies an obvious goal scoring opportunity to an attacker by:

1.Yelling out to the attacke...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/4/2011

RE: class 3 Adult

japhet kasililwa of sumbawanga, rukwa tanzania asks...

is it true that there is now, no offside offense if the player who is in an offside position receives the ball from rebound ?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/3/2011

Annette of Atlanta, Georgia United states asks...

I am a little bit confused about one thing. If a player passes the ball to their own goalkeeper and the goalkeeper picks it up with their hands, it's a indirect kick right? But where do I give the kick? Where the player was when he/she passed it or w...

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League Specific 1/3/2011

RE: Adult

Marguerite Higham of Leyland, Lancashire United Kingdom asks...

If a player has 5 yellow cards on the 31st December, I understand these are then carried over into the New Year (i.e. no automatic one match ban) until such time as that player has accrued 10 yellow cards.

Is this correct?...

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Law 11 - Offside 1/3/2011

RE: College

Gbenga of alimosho, lagos nigeria asks...

is the shirt of the attacker if blown past the defender or the arm or the head on the same spot is an offside?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 1/2/2011

RE: Rec. Adult

Samir Atoui of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada asks...

Hi,
I noticed that a player of one Asian International Teams had his socks and shin Guard lowered and taped (fixed) at a very low level ( Almost Half Way Up) he plays all his games this way ( Local and International)... is this acceptable ? is t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/30/2010

RE: Competetive

Kevin of Egremont, Cumbria Uk asks...

Can a player flick the ball up with his foot and head it back to his own goalkeeper legally?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 12/28/2010

RE: Ee semi pro Adult

MARK HAMILTON of LEEDS, WEST YORKS ENGLAND asks...

are there any regulations regarding the size of goal keeping gloves? For an extreme example, could a keeper wear gloves that are the size that Kenny Everett used to do his religious sketch with?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 12/28/2010

RE: Adult

Mahdi Farsi of Tehran, Iran asks...

If one of the players has a long nail, what is the decision of the referee....

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Law 11 - Offside 12/26/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of sydney, nsw australia asks...

If a defender goes off the field of play during normal course of the game if he goes over the sideline does the lineman stay inline if he second last opponent ?
and same if he goes behind the goal line does the assistant stay inline with the go...

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Law 2 - The Ball 12/23/2010

Al Dugan of Belmar , NJ USA asks...

Did the referees who allowed that goal to stand when the attackers happened to pick up a ball from a team warming up and threw that back into play actually think about the question before answering?

There is NO WAY you should allow that to h...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 12/22/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of DM, IA US asks...

I saw a video where goal keeper kicks a PK sucessfully.
Jogs directly back to his own goal celebrating a little but in no way delaying.
He doesn't even make it back to his PA area when he notices the ball sailing over his head and into the go...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/6/2010

RE: AYSO, BU14 Under 14

Dave of Santa Monica, CA United States asks...

I was centering a BU14 playoff game in AYSO. Gray team is playing Purple, Gray is on the attack in Purple's half.

After a sudden change of possession, Purple kicks to a forward in Gray's half. This Purple forward is very close to the defe...

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Law 11 - Offside 12/6/2010

RE: Recreational Adult

Peter Babbage of Hjorring, Denmark asks...

I'm a little puzzled concerning the disallowed 'goal' by Carlos Tevez in the week-end's game with Bolton.
The ball was played through into the area. Gareth Barry was in an offside position. He made a slight movement towards the ball but then let ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/5/2010

RE: Recreation Adult

Cindy Pearson of Torrance, California USA asks...

My husband's team played today and a fight broke out between two players. Quickly their goalie had his gloves thrown off and was running out on the field to get involved. It was my interpretation that goalies were not allowed to leave their boxes d...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/28/2010

RE: Adult

Tony of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Panel,

A substitute runs onto the field (team now has 12 on the field) and spits at an opponent.

Now I know that a sub can not commit a foul and spitting is listed as one of the 10 penal fouls. However spitting is also one of the se...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/28/2010

RE: Rec, Select Under 13

James of Gulf Breeze, FL USA asks...

I was just looking at the game-winning goal for Spain in the World Cup Final this past summer, and I was wondering if Iniesta could be 'interfering with an opponent' in the clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ8XSDtfewo

At 0:04, p...

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Mechanics 11/28/2010

RE: Professional

Steve of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Once again, Mark Clattenburg provides grist for our mill, but in fairness to him, this was a tougher nut to crack than the Nani goal against Tottenham.

In the Arsenal v. Aston Villa match on 27 November, Aston Villa's Ciaran Clark scores a...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/25/2010

RE: Under 13

fred washington of jackson, new jersey united states asks...

if the ball deflects off a defender and the offensive player is in an offside position is it still offside ??...

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Other 11/25/2010

RE: Other

Carl Larsen of Vancouver, Canada asks...

Thank you all for your response!
Is it a common practise in the USA to do referee certification online?
Would that not make the exam more of an open book practise situation?

Soccer questions in general are not usually fraught with ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/25/2010

Jeff of Boston, MA USA asks...

If a player (defender) is allowed to put their body between the ball and the attacker to prevent the attacker from playing the ball, as long as the ball is within playing distance, how is using your foot to prevent an attacker from contacting the bal...

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League Specific 11/25/2010

RE: Club, B flyte Under 11

Jason Nova of Paramus, NJ US asks...

We tied for 2nd place in the final standings. 1st and 2nd place get to move onto 'A' flyte. A fact that is not lost on all the children. The team we tied with, same amount of wins, head to head we tied each other twice. Overall they have more goals f...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/24/2010

RE: Competive High School

Craig Wong of Hercules, CA USA asks...

With the ball in the goalie hands and about to take a kick, the goalie step over the 18. What is the call a direct or indirect kick for the opponent?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/24/2010

RE: University, competitive Adult

Jon of Swansea, UK asks...

Today my side were dumped out of the cup, harshly in my opinion....

it was 1-1 in the dying minutes of the game, i made a challenge outside the box and took the player and not the ball, fair enough, i thought that is a yellow card and a free...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/23/2010

RE: select Under 16

Hannah of North Vancouver, British Columbia Canada asks...

Our team was awarded a free kick. The ref placed the ball where he wanted us the take the kick.I take all the free kicks on our team. I picked to the ball to move it out of a divot. The ref told me i was not allowed to touch the ball. He said if i di...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/23/2010

RE: Rec, Select High School

Joe Griego of Bishop, CA USA asks...

I think this question *may* in reference to this penalty kick, which was sanctioned with a yellow card. While it's not quite a 'paradinha' which was explicitly forbidden this year by IFAB (feinting after the run-up), the kicker reaches down as if to...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/23/2010

RE: Rec. Adult

Aaron of Welland, Ontario Canada asks...

I was watching an arsenal game and noticed that a goaltender grabbed the ball by the goal line and took a step out of bounds beside the net. Now to me, the correct decision to play on was made, but it made me think about a time when I was in a simila...

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Character, Attitude and Control 11/23/2010

RE: pro Adult

patrick baah of accra-legon, Accra Ghana asks...

1.Why does a referee who commits several unpardonable mistakes in one match is not punished but allowed to officiate the next game. for example is Referee Howard Webb in England.
2.How do i pursue a Refereeing course either in Ghana or online.ple...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/23/2010

RE: Adult

kindman ndlovu of bulawayo, harare zimbabwe asks...

can a team change a penalty taker if a retake is ordered?...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/23/2010

RE: pro Adult

Opusoni Thanda of Harare, Zimbabwe Zimbabwe asks...

is it proper for a penalty retake to be taken by a different player?...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/22/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Raman Rajan of Irvine, CA USA asks...

This is a question to clarify definition of 'active play' in an offside situation. Player A, B and C of attacking team charge the opponents goal. Player A kicks the ball to Player B. At the time of kicking the Player C is offside - and charging the g...

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Other 11/22/2010

RE: Rec U10 Under 11

Trevor of Tualatin, Oregon USA asks...

I am a board member at the local club as well as being a coach. Our club employs the referee's (90% HS age and younger) and for most of them it is their first professional working experience. While we never have had issues with attitude I wanted to g...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/22/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Andi Keats of London, London England asks...

Hi, I am getting more and more confused with the handball 'deliberate or not deliberate' issue.
I know the laws of the game state that a handball must be deliberate to stop play and award a direct free kick or a PK in the area, however i always l...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/22/2010

RE: Professional

Edmore Kavhumbura of Harare, Zimbabwe asks...

During a penalty kick, if the referee awards a retake who will take the penalty?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/21/2010

RE: Select Under 16

cathy of steilacom, WA USA asks...

My son was running along side another player and his hand brushed the other player's jersey so the ref blew the whistle and gave him a yellow card for pulling on the jersey. The ref came over and told our parents that pulling on a jersey was an auto...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/21/2010

RE: AYSO - Intermediate Under 11

Mark McMurtry of Corona, CA USA asks...

Can a defensive player 'run at' a free kick (direct or in-direct)?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/21/2010

RE: Competitive Under 13

Matt of Manassas, VA USA asks...

Hey,
During a game the other day I ran into a situation dealing with a DFK or penalty kick. Two players were inside of the penalty box fighting for the ball. One player blatantly pushes the other player down. I blew my whistle and conferred with ...

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Other 11/21/2010

RE: Other

Carl Larsen of Vancouver, Canada asks...

It is a good habit to be aware of as well as to remind newer or inexperienced older referees to think about why play is stopped to arrive at how play is to be correctly restarted. While we can agree the fact play, if stopped solely for misconduct, is...

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Mechanics 11/21/2010

RE: Select Under 16

Doug Crawford of Oakland, CA USA asks...

Well, I hope I'm not beating a dead horse about Referee Mark Clattenburg's management of this game where a confused GK Gomes drops the ball and Nani scores for Man U. I really think the ref should have thought of something else to do.

If ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 11/21/2010

RE: Under 17

Diane of virginia, Virginia usa asks...

My daughter plays soccer and plays for a high school in Virginia. SHe is in many sports and is a great athlete. She was instructed by her physician and an orthopedic to wear a knee brace to prevent any further serious injuries. No other group has a p...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/21/2010

RE: Sunday League Adult

Jack of Essex, UK asks...

A team was awarded a free kick today, the ref obviously blows the whistle to stop the game, they then took that free kick and evidently scored, but the referee did not blow the whistle to restart the game so should this of counted? I know you are all...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/20/2010

RE: all Other

Steve Moore of Indianapolis, IN USA asks...

Law 11 states no offense for offside on a goal kick, throw-in or corner kick. Table 8.6 in the Advice to Referees on the laws of the game also shows that a player cannot be declared offside if they directly receive the ball on a dropped ball. Is this...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 11/20/2010

RE: 7 Under 17

Will of London, England asks...

A defender takes a goal kick the 6 yard line. Forgetting no one else can touch it until it leaves the penalty area, he passes it back to his goalkeeper, however the goalkeeper completely misses it and it goes in. Obviously it can't be a goal as you c...

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League Specific 11/20/2010

RE: rec Adult

left shot of jupiter, fl U.S.A. asks...

How old should a ref be? Is there a minimum number of year difference between players and head ref? Example: If a group of U12 are playing, should there be a minimum age of ref.?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/20/2010

RE: Adult

faizal hamdan of Bandar Seri Begawan, Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam asks...

what is the correct action by a referee for a player who bowed down as if he wanted to pick up the ball using his hands during game and then he pass the ball while doing this action. case in full pitch 11 players.107562...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/19/2010

RE: Travel Under 11

Bob Stankieiwcz of Burlington, NJ Burlington asks...

2 Questions:
1) If a tripping occurs directly on the
18 yard line (not on the outside or on
the inside), would the foul be considered in the penalty box and be awarded a penalty shot?

2) Goalie has the ball and is ready t...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 11/19/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Greg of Tillsonburg, Ontario Canada asks...

On a corner kick are the defending players allowed to stand inside their goal--behind the goal line?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/18/2010

RE: Under 19

Dave of DM, IA U.S. asks...

Thank you all for your responses, you are an invaluable resource.
Now that we are off season here, I've been reviewing the ATR and I think I'm getting a handle on some of the more unusual restarts but I just have a few questions to make sure I'm ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/18/2010

RE: Division 1 Under 16

Rob of Houston, Tx USA asks...

An offensive player takes a long shot at the goal. In the box, the keeper stops the ball using his feet and then dribbles for a few feet. Everyone would say the keeper has control of the ball. Still in the box, can the keeper then use his hands to pi...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/17/2010

RE: Travel Under 12

Benjamin of Berlin, Conneticut USA asks...

For pk shootout in a real game for overtime if it hits off the crossbar and hits the goalkeeper in the back and goes in is it a goal or not....

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Law 11 - Offside 11/17/2010

RE: AYSO Under 16

Gregg Ferguson of Palos Verdes, CA USA asks...

In this scenario, or in other 'over and back' scenarios (player in offside position when ball is played but retreats to receive ball in an onside position) would you consider not calling the Offside if the player did not gain an advantage from the of...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/17/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

Quick question regarding the Laws of the Game. Im pretty comfortable with the rules, but I want to ask about a particular offside scenario.

Youth game, Girls Under 10.

Attacker on the left (my left) shoots the ball along the ground...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/16/2010

RE: rec Under 11

Mike of gulf breeze , florida usa asks...

The situation is this:
Team A goalie handles the ball just outside the box. Referee whistles a direct kick for Team B. Team B player sets ball immediately, takes the shot and scores.

My question is:
Is there any rule related to t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/16/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Dave Doerr of Willow Street, PA USA asks...

This happened at indoor soccer with no walls, which at this facility all rules are generally the same as outdoor.
The attacking player was 2 yards outside the penalty Arc, the goalie came out of the arc as two defenders ran behind the goalie, be...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 11/16/2010

RE: College

Matt Posten of springfield, united stares asks...

If the keeper has possession of the ball and the ball does not cross the goal line yet a part of the keeper's body does, is that a goal?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/16/2010

Fred Landau of Harrisburg, PA USA asks...

Unfortunately, the wording of the NFHS Soccer Rules helps perpetuate the 'I've Got It' myth. Rule 12 Section 8 lists 'deliberate verbal tactics' as 'unsporting conduct' for which a player shall be cautioned. Play Ruling 12.8.1 indicates that a play...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 11/15/2010

RE: Select Under 12

Petra of Chilliwack, Canada asks...

Is it true that when one team has a breakaway in the last second of the game, the referee has to let that player try and score a goal, thus giving the game a few extra seconds? I have never heard of that rule before and have played soccer most of my ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 11/15/2010

RE: comp Under 19

jay of elk grove, ca USA asks...

I recently AR'd a game where the goalie clearly fouled the attacker in the box. The ball landed at the feet of the fouled player with an open goal in front of her. The ref allowed advantage and the player missed the goal. She didn't allow the PK sinc...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/15/2010

RE: Competitive Under 11

Teresa of Calgary, Alberta Canada asks...

IN regards to Law 12 and the goalie not being allowed to pick up a ball kicked to him by one of his own players, can the goalie go out of the box to stop a ball with his feet, and then kick it into the box and pick it up himself? I have seen this do...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/15/2010

Jeff of Boston, USA asks...

As an attacker is swinging back their leg to take a shot, a defender plants his foot on the ground between the ball and the attackers foot. The attacker strikes the defenders foot instead of the ball and then falls over. Once planted, the defenders...

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Law 5 - The Referee 11/15/2010

RE: Clinic-HS Other

Joe of Baltimore, Maryland USA asks...

Law 5 - Mandatory removal of an injured player.

In a youth tournament (U-12) recently, I had two separate instances wherein I allowed a coach to come onto the field (with permission) to see to an injured player. In both cases, the injury wa...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 11/15/2010

RE: all Under 19

Ken Rice of Cool, California USA asks...

If the ball goes out of play over the goal line it is a goal kick. The ball is placed properly. The kicker runs up and instead of kicking the ball picks it up and moves the ball to a new location. My belief is that the player must move the ball ba...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/15/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Michael of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

A referee recently cautioned a player for dangerous play and stated that a 'dangerous play' in which contact occurs requires the official to caution the player.

The incident in which this occurred was a high foot that made slight contact wi...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 11/15/2010

RE: College

William of Dundee, Scotland asks...

Hi guys, I'm sure this video has been doing the rounds concerning KFTPM. I tried looking in the laws of the game but couldn't find an answer.

The player strikes a penalty hits the crossbar and comes back onto the field of play. However, th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/15/2010

RE: 7 Adult

peter harrison of northampton, northamptonshire england asks...

hi
can you tell me when a player is tackled from behind and the player is still standing after player who has tackle him has got the ball away from him is their any infringement from this and what is your view on this move thanks pete...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 11/14/2010

RE: varsity High School

Ken Kotner of Kealakekua, HI United States asks...

What are the proper mechanics for switching the keeper with a field player, say for the taking of a PK? Should the players ask the center or the AR? Should the coach ask the AR and then the AR signal for a 'substitution'. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/14/2010

RE: Club Under 14

Jon Saferstein of Los Angeles, CA USA asks...

Played in a match where after the game the opposing players spit in their hands before the handshake line. I was disgusted at the whole thing and as the team manager I asked the center ref why he was not watching the line and monitoring the situatio...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/14/2010

RE: Competive Adult

John of Groton, MA USA asks...

Would it ever be appropriate to issue a caution for persistent infringement when the pattern of fouls is by one team in general? That is, the fouls are not necessarily committed by one particular player on that team or against one particular opponent...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 11/13/2010

RE: AYSO Under 11

Bob Hayes of Redondo Beach, CA USA asks...

Right before the end of the game, an attacking team had a throw in which a defender hit with his hand in the penalty area.

It was fairly obvious, but right after that happened (about 1 or 2 seconds), the ref called an end to the game.

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/13/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Richard of CARLSBAD, California USA asks...

During a U10 playoff game the goalkeeper touched the ball with her hands when the ball was outside of the penalty area. I blew the whistle and awarded a DFK to the opposing team from the spot where the goalkeeper touched the ball. While I explained t...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/13/2010

RE: LIJSL Travel U-12 Under 13

eric of huntington, ny usa asks...

Offside question;
Red Team Player B in in an offside position, several yards behind the last defender.
Red team player A receives pass- onside and even with the last defender at the same time.
Player A beats defender and proceeds to have...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/13/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

Aubrey Waddell of Maryville, TN USA asks...

Player with possession in his attacking third plays a ball on the ground through the defensive line for his onside forward to run onto. Keeper is coming out and ball is now between forward and keeper. Keeper slides with cleats toward the oncoming for...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/13/2010

RE: College Adult

Chad of Rohnert Park, CA USA asks...

A direct free kick for team A is to be taken about 20 yards from the goal team A is attacking. They mess up the free kick and all the players run over faking leaving no one to actually take the kick. The referee then cautions a player from team A for...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/12/2010

RE: Adult

Ed Golden of Cedar Park, TX USA asks...

We had an interesting happening in one of our games.

We teach our girls (11-12yo) the Laws of Soccer, and we had one of our defenders take it to heart in a game.

On a Goal Kick she set up on the left side of the box and had the ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/12/2010

RE: competative Under 16

mark of urbana, IL USA asks...

If someone is on a breakaway (striker and keeper only) and someone attempts to tackle the striker but the striker only stumbles and you allow advantage to allow a possible goal. Regardless of the outcome of the breakaway do you give the defender tha...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 11/11/2010

RE: Highschool Under 16

Patrick Talamantes of Sacramento, California United Staes of America asks...

During a game a few weeks ago, one of our players was blatantly fouled, and we were given a free kick. Before we could take the free kick, however, the ref blew his whistle for halftime. The linesmen went over and argued with this ref, but he overrul...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/11/2010

RE: High School

ken shirkey of towaco, nj USA asks...

What direct free kick foul could be called inside the penalty box that would not be a pk?...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 11/11/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Ros Bregozzo of Irvine, California USA asks...

I was an AR in a game when on a goal kick
the player kicked the ball. It traveled a short distance within the penalty area and he followed and kicked it again out of the
area. The referee awarded an IFK for kicking the ball twice I sup...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/10/2010

RE: Select Under 14

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

Laws 8 and 13 clearly state that on kick-offs and both direct and indirect free kicks the ball must be stationary before the kick is taken. What about goal kicks, penalty kicks and corner kicks?

As long as the ball was in the proper positio...

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Mechanics 11/10/2010

RE: NFHS and USSF 8 Under 19

Jim of Kansas City, Mo USA asks...

So much wrong happened in the Man U/Spurs Nani goal.
Even though his side benefited, I read that Sir Alex stated the referee made a mess of it.
I have several questions.
I had occasion to see a replay, and noticed a couple of other things...

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Law 15 - Throw In 11/9/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Jon Rissmiller of Eure, NC USA asks...

On a throw in - if a player throws the ball but it never comes into play (it never touches or crosses the side line) what happens? Is it an infraction thus goes to the other team or does he get to throw it again? ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/9/2010

RE: Under 15

Naam of Santa Barbara, CA US asks...

Does a player need to request this distance from the referee before every restart? Does the opposing team have a right to stand directly in front of the ball after a foul has been called and a restart has been signaled by the referee?
...

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League Specific 11/9/2010

RE: REC Under 11

Richard Chirco of staten Island , NY usa asks...

If a false protest is filed against you, what is my recourse if any? I am requesting a letter of apology and the other coach to be suspended for one game.

Is there any precedent? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/9/2010

Paul of Seaford, New York USA asks...

Deliberate handling (hand to ball) results in a direct free kick anywhere on the field and would be a PK if inside the penalty area. What is the correct restart for unintentional handling (ball to hand) inside the penalty area? Can it be an indirect ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/8/2010

RE: Professional

lukunas of marondera, zimbabwe zimbabwe asks...

1. At an indirect free kick the ball rebounds off the referee and enters the goal of the team defending the free kick. How is play restarted?
2. The attacking team is playing with seven players. An attacking player falls down holding his knee. Wh...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/8/2010

RE: rec Under 18

larry phelps of Newburgh, new york usa asks...

In a recent U14 boys game, one player did a high kick near the face of a team-mate, all within the 18-yd box and both were defending the same goal. There were no other players involved. The ref called a 'high-kick' foul and issued an indirect FK to t...

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Character, Attitude and Control 11/8/2010

RE: rec Under 18

larry phelps of Newburgh, new york usa asks...

When team A kicks the ball out of play over the touchline because of an injury to a team B player, on the throw-in restart for team B, are they obliged to throw the ball to team A? Does the ref give direction on where the ball should be thrown?...

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11/8/2010

RE: rec Under 18

larry phelps of Newburgh, new york usa asks...

I always am unsure how to do the 'sporting restart' on a drop ball in which 1 team had clear possession when I had to blow the whistle. I often see teams kicking the ball back to one keeper or the other or out of play at the touchline. How does the r...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/8/2010

RE: Rec. Under 11

Tony of Tulare, CA USA asks...

A long distance shot is taking by team A. Defender on Team B raises her hands above her head and deliberately handles the ball. Ball goes directly off forearm into the goal. I award a goal to Team A instead of a penalty kick. My logic was advantage.D...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/8/2010

RE: 8 Adult

Scott of E I, NY USA asks...

Years ago I was told keepers shouldn't say 'I got it'....a player in the ladies league I ref in told me she knew a player who had a penalty called on them for saying 'I got it'.....I have heard keepers should say 'Keeper' but nothing in the laws say ...

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Other 11/7/2010

RE: Under 19

Steven of Sydney , Nsw Australia asks...

What do you write for a send off report for a second caution .
Some examples of reports ....

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Law 11 - Offside 11/7/2010

RE: competitive High School

Mark Hubbard of Walnut Shade, MO USA asks...

A player is in offside position 10 yards into his attacking half; his teammate plays the ball to him and he runs back into his defensive half and plays the ball. Is he offside (in his own half) when he plays the ball? If so, is the IDF taken from whe...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/7/2010

RE: rec Under 12

Rich of Somers, NY Westchester asks...

What is the foul, and resulf of the following two scenarios: A) The keeper runs out of the Penalty area and picks up the ball beyond the 18 yard line.

Secondly the keeper has possession of the ball and when he releases it via kick he is 1 ya...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 11/7/2010

RE: Competetive Under 17

Jeff K of San Diego, CA USA asks...

To start the second half the ref blew his whistle asking both teams to take the field. 2 minutes later, with neither team on the field he blew his whistle again and loudly announced 'time has started'. Our team ran on the field to take the kickoff ...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 11/7/2010

RE: Level 1 Under 13

Nat Baker of Preston, Lancashire UK asks...

Whilst refereeing a game a goalkeeper took a quick goal kick to one of his team - That player was tackled without the ball leaving the penalty area - The ball was passed again without it leaving the penalty area and a defending player fouled the atta...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 11/6/2010

RE: High School Under 18

Zachary Valenti of Clinton, NC United States asks...

I am injured and unable to play. I can kick a pk but really cant do anything else. If my teammate got the call and stayed down as injured and i sub in, am i eligible to kick the pk? Also, how long do you have to play to be eligible for a penalty shoo...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/6/2010

RE: Rec Other

Stef of Elgin, TX USA asks...

I am glad that I read this thread from the initial question because I can see how this can be interpreted both ways. In the beginning of the thread I felt strongly about the second touch. I am just now going over Advice to the Referees with my boys f...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 11/6/2010

RE: Under 16

steve tempest of stevenage, herts england asks...

In our game today 2 things.

1. IT WAS A CUP GAME AND WENT TO EXTRA TIME. WITH A MINUTE OR SO TO GO WITH PENALTIES INEVITABLE THE OPPOSITION SWAPPED AN OUTFIELD PLAYER WITH THE GOALKEEPER NO SUB INVOLVED IS THIS ALLOWED? THIS LOOKED A DELIBER...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 11/5/2010

RE: Rec Under 17

Isaac of SACRAMENTO, CA USA asks...

When a Goal Kick is taken, some kickers make it a practice to set the ball down, back off, race forward, pick up the ball, and move it to another spot along the 6-yard line. Referee blows whistle. What is the correct restart?...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 19

Jayson Rickel of Tucson, AZ USA asks...