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...

I have just always been curious as to where the ball is placed after an offside has been called. Is it where the last defender was? Or is it where the offside player was when the ball was kicked?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/3/2010

RE: Under 15

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

I had a similar situation last weekend.
Goalie was preparing to punt the ball when a defender started to intentionally hop around in front of him in an attempt to interfere.
I was right there so I made sure everyone at the field know that thi...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 11/3/2010

RE: competive Under 15

pc of reading, ma usa asks...

Can a player jump up and down before and while a corner kick is taken. Player is at the appropriate 10 yard distance....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/2/2010

RE: rec Under 14

michael of port washington, new york usa asks...

I coach a girls team. Are girls allowed to bring their arms up to their chest to protect their body as boys are allowed to protect their crotch, if the hand and arm does not leave the body or direct the ball as it hits them.
Is this a hand ball?<...

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Other 11/2/2010

RE: Sunday Youth league Under 19

peter christian of Liverpool, UK asks...

Is there any FA guidelines which you are aware of that deal with the situation when an injured player cannot be moved off the field of play and an ambulance has been requested, at what point should the ref abandon the game.

...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 11/1/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Sergio of Oak Park, IL USA asks...

AYSO rules in the US require players to be substituted at quarter to ensure equal play time.
If at the time your best goalie is play in another position a PK is called against you, and you have an inexperienced goalie at the time, Can you momenta...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 11/1/2010

RE: Competitive Under 16

Matt Coats of Rohnert Park, California United States asks...

After the final whistle is blown, is the referee allowed to give cards for disrespecting them (with no violence or intimidation involved)?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 11/1/2010

RE: AYSO fall U16 Under 16

Mark Slobom of Devore, CA USA asks...

The goal keeper collected and punted the ball down-field. Just after the keeper released the ball, one of the attackers deliberately bumps the keeper as he goes by. Not at all hard. Just enough bump to show a little attitude. I wouldn't have stop...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 11/1/2010

RE: Intermediate Under 13

David of Laguna beach, Ca Usa asks...

Corner kick is taken. Because there is spin on the ball, it goes over the goal Line and then comes back in, hitting the cross bar of the goal coming back in. Attacking team scores a goal. AR signals it went out and CR gives the defenders a goal kick...

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Law 11 - Offside 11/1/2010

RE: County League Adult

Richard of London, London United Kingdom asks...

In an attempt to run down the clock can the goalkeeper continuously throw the ball to one of his players just to head it back into his hands.

I've asked many refs the same question, some say they'd let it happen and others not.

Tha...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/31/2010

RE: competive Under 19

Soccer Dada of Charlotte, NC USA asks...

If a long shot directly at a goalkeeper is batted down by the goalkeeper with his hands, can he hold the ball at his feet until charged by the opposition player and then pick it up?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/31/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Kevin of Roanoke, Va USA asks...

This is a refereeing question. It may very well be different in other states, or it may not even be an issue. Can a sibling Ref the same game that their brother or sister is playing in? My daughter plays select soccer for a U18 team here locally and ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/31/2010

RE: Comp, Class III Under 15

John Arnold of Berkeley, CA US asks...

In this weekend's game between Man Utd and Spurs, do you think Mark Clattenburg could have handled the Nani incident better? As the old rule goes: 'play to the whistle', but could the goalie be forgiven for assuming that since Nani clearly handled th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/31/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Damien of La, Ca Usa asks...

I recently played a match where I was lying on the ground when the ball came towards my hand. My first instinct was to reach out with my hand but I then adjusted and took it away so it didn't touch the hand. Despite this the referee awarded a free ki...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/31/2010

RE: rec Under 11

Graham of warrington, cheshire england asks...

If a player from your own team stops the ball from a cross into the goal area,and the keeper runs out and picks it up, is this counted as a back pass...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/30/2010

RE: All Other

Mike of Houston, TX USA asks...

I have a very easy question for you. If an attacker on a break toward goal has the ball handled by the goalkeeper while it is at his feet outside the penalty area and denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, then he is naturally shown a red card a...

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Other 10/30/2010

Fred Landau of Harrisburg, PA USA asks...

The Laws of the Game Made Easy, available as single copy or in quantity from the US Soccer Store at http://ussoccerstore.com/us00r619911ia.html is an excellent introduction to the LOTG for anyone in this age range. The illustrations and language are...

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Law 1- The Field 10/30/2010

RE: Under 10

Heidi Lehman of Hendersonville, TN USA asks...

There are yellow lines all around the field. Where are spectators allowed to sit?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/30/2010

RE: amatuer Adult

keith murray of forfar, angus scotland asks...

playing in goal my team mate took short goal kick to me outside penalty area i knocked ball back into box and picked up is this deemed a back pass and why...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 10/28/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Sonny Usher of Cheraw, SC USA asks...

On a corner kick, the rolls across the top of the goal and fall onto the field. Is the ball considered out of bounds or play on? Some refs, in this state stops the play for a goal kick and other signal to play on. I say play on but I want to know f...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 10/27/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

Aubrey Waddell of Maryville, TN USA asks...

If a substitute or substituted player enters the field of play while the ball is in play and without the referee's permission, is the substitute/substituted player considered a player or is he considered a substitute/substituted player for purposes o...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/27/2010

RE: Adult

spencer of kensington, md usa asks...

I agree that 'it is an offence to verbally distract an opponent during play or at a restart including a penalty kick,' but I can't explain why. Is it merely an interpretation of 'Unsporting Behavior,' or is Aaron's question addressed somewhere in th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/27/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Rajan of Van Nuys, California USA asks...

1. Player A heads the ball back to his own goalie inside the penalty area. The goalie stops it with his foot and then picks it up with his hands. Legal or indirect kick for the opposition?

2. Team A who is attacking shoots the ball and the G...

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Other 10/25/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Pat Donovan of Lindenhurst, Illinois USA asks...

My eight year old would like to find a soccer video game where you can be the referee. Do you know if there are any games like that? Or, are there training videos for a kid to learn how to be a referee where he could be the referee in a simulated g...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/25/2010

RE: Travel Under 13

Don of Marlton, New Jersey USA asks...

If you pre-warn players to keep their shoes ties and the shoe flies off during play, is it a possible cardable offense? Additionally, if the shoe flies off and strikes a player is it a cardable offense?...

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Other 10/25/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Micaiah Wheeler of Baltimore, Maryland United States asks...

It was the last regular game of the season for the baltimore city league, if we won we would be city champions,Only one ref showed up and most of his calls were wrong giving the other team the upper hand,should this game be counted to our record beca...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/25/2010

RE: Travel Under 13

Mark Corbett of phillipsburg, nj usa asks...

Player A is in an offside state but not involved in a play about 10 yards away. Player B from same team breaks through 2 defensive players and then scores a goal. When Player B broke through the defense one of the 2 covering defensive players 'peele...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/25/2010

RE: Atheana Under 19

Chuck Ruth of Calhoun, Ga Gordon asks...

A player from the opposing team strikes an opponent but the foul is away from the ball and not seen by the center or AR's. My player retaliates which starts an altercation and this results in both players being sent off for violent conduct. The tra...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/25/2010

RE: Select Under 15

PJ of Guyton, GA US asks...

I had a player about five yards in an offside position on a long high kick ball style pass. As the PIOP ran onto the bounding ball, I raised my flag to signal offside.

There was a defender attempting to get to the ball but was being obstruc...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/24/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Aaron of Fayetteville, GA USA asks...

Can players yell and scream to distract a player when taking a PK?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/24/2010

RE: Premier Under 14

Mark Saia of Monroe, CT USA asks...

Is it always considered a dangerous play when a player plays the ball when on the ground?...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 10/23/2010

RE: Advanced Under 15

Miguel of Beverly Hills, CA US asks...

If the ball is deflected over the cross-bar by the defending team, which side do you take the corner kick?

Thanks.

Please email me with the answer....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/23/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Chris of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Fellow Referees,

I can't understand your logic in not calling the 'second touch' infraction. The GK has saved the ball and was heading into the goal mouth. He has deliberately released the ball so as not to carry it over the line. Therefore ...

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League Specific 10/23/2010

RE: Competative High School

David of Montville , CT USA asks...

In CT High School soccer, a player that receives a yellow card must leave the pitch for ten minutes. Is there any consequence for attempting to substitute the player back into the match before the ten minutes has expired? A player received a yellow, ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 10/22/2010

RE: rec Under 17

Mitch Martinez of sacramento, california usa asks...

Can a team switch keepers without advising the ref's at the half?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/22/2010

RE: Select High School

Chris McAlpine of Centerville, OH USA asks...

A question about applying advantage:

Defender for team B commits a clear foul. After waiting to see if there is advantage, how would you call it in the following scenarios:

1) Team B goalie is out of position, player for team A ha...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/22/2010

RE: Adult

steve of Kirchebrg, Tirol Austria asks...

The game on Wednesday between Milan and Tottenham. When the Milan player was brought down by Gomes, if the ball had entered the goal, obviously it would have stood. But would Gomes have been sent off? ...

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Other 10/22/2010

RE: Select Under 12

Mike of Columbus, Ohio USA asks...

Do you have recommendations for training materials for beginning referees? I'm thinking here of younger kids, 11, 12 and 13. The FIFA materials are good, but perhaps too complex for a first pass at the 17 laws for youngsters. Would you have any recom...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 10/22/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Richard of Kings Mountain, NC USA asks...

Can you substitute/replace goalie during shootout? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/21/2010

RE: comp Adult

brian of boise, idaho ada asks...

Defensive player pulling of the jersey of offensive player while in the box and both fighting for the ball. What would you call?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 10/21/2010

RE: High School High School

Paul Burch of New Hartford, CT USA asks...

Please clarify the differences between FIFA and NFHS laws regarding substitutions. The situation is where a player earns a second yellow card and then is shown a red card and sent off. Can this player's team substitute for the player or do they pla...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 10/21/2010

RE: Adult

Malcolm of Reading, Berkshire England asks...

In a European Champions' League Match yesterday between Auxerre and Ajax, an Auxerre player on the substitutes' bench, Jean-Pascal Mignot, got sent off for being overly verbal with the referee without actually going onto the pitch.

Given tha...

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Other 10/21/2010

RE: high school varsity Under 18

ed thomas of bowlin green, ky usa asks...

In a recent game I attended as a spectator I witnessed a referee eject 5-6 student spectators for objecting to a call(s).
( This was at a visitor's field )
I had previously understood that this would be handled by the coaches or school offici...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/21/2010

RE: Middle School Under 14

Beth Hemingway of Manchester, NH USA asks...

If a defender passes the ball back to a goalie, in the 6, and the goalie picks the ball up. Where does the offensive team take the penalty kick from? Yesterday in our game the ref had the other team take an indirect shot from the 6... i had never see...

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League Specific 10/21/2010

RE: Recreational Adult

Vaqas Ahmed of Nelson, Lancashire England asks...

In 5-a-side football:

A player from Team A goes into his own area and kicks the ball out to a player on Team B.
This should be a penalty.

However, if the Team B player misses a chance to score, should a penalty be given since no...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/20/2010

RE: School Under 12

Rich Smith of Redruth, Cornwall United Kingdom asks...

I refereed a game today and a shot from an 11-year-old hit the post and the goal partially collapsed.

The subsequent rebound was put into the goal. Was I right to disallow the goal and restart with a drop ball?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/20/2010

RE: Under 13

Mike of Boston, MA USA asks...

The referee (no ARs) calls offside.

After the whistle, everyone points out that the referee missed the proper second to last defender hanging out with the goalkeeper - well out of sight of the ball and the run of play.

The referee a...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 10/20/2010

RE: High School Varsity High School

Rico Kappy of Middletown, PA USA asks...

A shot is kicked from about 35 yards away from goal. As the shot is in the air, the horn goes off to end the half. The ball goes in the net clearly after the horn sounds. Does the goal count?...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/19/2010

RE: High School Adult

Bob Foster of Bend, or usa asks...

The goalkeeper collects the ball and punts it out toward the half way line. It bounces and then is mishandled by an opponent on the goalkeeper's side of the half way line. An attacker, teammate of the goalkeeper, was in an offside position when the...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/19/2010

RE: competive Under 12

kat smith of grenada, ms 38901 asks...

My daughter is goalkeeper for our division 2 team so I am pretty aware of what the rules are concerning keepers but at our last game she made a save and was on the ground with her whole hand on the ball when a player from the other team kicked the ba...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/19/2010

RE: REC Under 13

Craig Sommerfield of North Highlands, ca usa asks...

You stated that 'A punt is not a restart, therefore there in is no prohibition on a second touch.' What happened to a teammate kicking the ball back to the GK? This is not a restart, and this is prohibited....

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Other 10/19/2010

paul clements of exmouth, england asks...

if a referee sends a player off the field, but asks you to substitute them, have they been sent off? There was no card shown. Can a referee send a player off, but show no card. As we are being fined for this. Is there a ruling that if a ref does not ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/19/2010

RE: Rec/Middle School Under 15

Phil of Dawsonville, Georgia US asks...

A player deliberately handles the ball (there is no debate about this), but the official does not stop play. When asked later, he explained he was waiting to see if advantage came into play before he made his call and decided that advantage fell t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/19/2010

RE: Rec/Select/Competitive

Todd Wendorf of Marysville, PA United States asks...

Ahhh, yes! The age-old debate over giving cards to younger players.

I asked this same question when I was asked to referee recreational games (non-competitive) for ages u15 and below. My concerns were exactly what the 'poster' indicated....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/19/2010

RE: Under 13

Mike of Boston, MA USA asks...

As a follow up to a keeper dribbling the ball back into the penalty area and picking it up.:

A opposing team plays a ball forward that the goalkeeper plays with his feet in the penalty area. Can the goalkeeper dribble the ball out of the pe...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 10/19/2010

RE: REC Under 13

Craig Sommerfield of North Highlands, CA USA asks...

I am still not sure why this is not an indirect kick to the other team. The GK made a great save, had the enough control for the save and the smarts to give up possession before entering the goal. Then the GK goes and picks it up again. Why not secon...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/19/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

I want to ask about a clarification of interfering with an opponent.

So a long ball over to the corner, nobody around except one player in offside position. This player starts a sprint toward the ball, and whether by the shouts of 'you're o...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/19/2010

RE: high school Under 16

ed thomas of bowling green, ky usa asks...

I am concerned over proper technique of slide tackling - seeing many games this year where a player is beat and tackles from behind - I have seen offensive players and defensive players hurt in this maneuver - should I get concerned over slide tackle...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/18/2010

RE: High School

Matthew of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania USA asks...

I have two questions about related incidents that I have seen recently in high school games. The games are played under NFHS rules although I think the answers would be the same under the LOTG. I would like to know how to handle these situations, bec...

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Other 10/18/2010

RE: California Youth Soccer Association league Under 15

Mike of Clements, CA USA asks...

The head referee for our league, who I understand assigns all the referees to all the different age group games, decided he needed to be the main referee in our game. His son was on the opposing team. I confronted him before the game and explained to...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 10/18/2010

RE: regional Adult

Joe lau of toronto, canada asks...

The referee in that game blew the whistle and restarted the game with a dropped ball.
I totally agreed with his decision.
Since by the time the player kicked the ball, the corner flag had been in place and once the ball has been kicked the ba...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/18/2010

RE: Competitive/Travel Under 13

Mario of Arlington, VA USA asks...

Should a handball be called on a defending player just inside the 18 yard line if he is bringing his forearms up to his face at the last-second to protect his head?

The attacking player was taking a shot on goal, and the defender who was abo...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/18/2010

RE: competive u12 games. Under 13

sam of Palmdale , ca los angeles asks...

If you have two attackers in the onside position and both get behind the defense
due to quickness or speed but the trailer has the ball and passed it forward to his
teammate is this considered offside or not.
I Know if the attacke...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/18/2010

RE: Rec Under 8

Stephen Mazur of Hendersonville, Tennessee United States of America asks...

Can a goalie touch the ball if the ball is in the penalty box and both of his feet are outside of the penalty box? If the answer is yes, does he immediately have to get into the penalty box area, can he carry the ball outside of and past the imagina...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 10/18/2010

RE: AYSO Intermediate Under 17

Christian Estrada of Downey, CA United States asks...

I was in a situation in a U14 League Game where there were 10 Minutes left in a game and Team A was losing 9-0 to Team B.

It was the 4th Quarter and after the 9th goal was scored I took the decision to call the match and declare it finished...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/18/2010

RE: Classic/Select Under 14

Richard of Pineville, NC USA asks...

During a U13 Classic Boys match all three officials seemed qualified for the level of competition. At one point during play in the penalty area of Team Green the AR signaled for an offside violation. The RR did not have eye contact with the AR and pl...

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League Specific 10/18/2010

RE: rec Under 9

chris green of fayetteville , nc usa asks...

is slide tackling legal in u8 recreation soccer
...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/18/2010

RE: competetive Adult

cedward joyner of atlanta, ga usa asks...

A ball is played into the penalty area, and as the attacker and defender fight for the ball, the ball rides the goal line but does not go out.Players are saying the ball is not out, the AR does not signal ball out. The defender then passes the ball t...

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Other 10/18/2010

RE: Competive

travis of cincinnati, ohio u.s. asks...

I know that a goalie is allowed to play the ball to himself/herself but when a goalie punts the ball is he allowed to be the first person to touch the ball?...

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League Specific 10/18/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Jeff Samples of Rocky Mount, NC US asks...

as a coach do i have the right to refuse a scheduled center from reffing the center without causing a forfeit of my team?...

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Law 9 - The Ball in and out of Play 10/18/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Keith Karwacki of Manchester, NH USA asks...

A few years when I was still Reffing I witnessed a play on a rec u-12 game that I still don't know the correct call on coming down the field slightly ahead the ball an offensive player kicked the ball causing it to head in the direction of the goal. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/18/2010

RE: Travel Under 11

Guy of Scarborough, ME USA asks...

Can a keeper play the ball with his foot outside of the area back inside the 18 yard box and pick it up with his hands? I do not see in the FIFA laws where a pass back to the keeper is a violation if he passes it to himself.

Thank you....

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The Technical Area 10/18/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Cory of Imperial Beach, California USA asks...

I am also a recently green assessor and as such i've done a few observations (friendly assessments). I was doing one such observation for a friend of mine on a U17B game and after the match was over the coach came over and engaged the referee (my fr...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/17/2010

RE: CYSA, Comp Under 17

Isaac of SACRAMENTO, 183 asks...

Can a coach substitute a player that received
a 2nd caution? Or do you play short until the next available substitution?
Is this what is referred to as a 'Soft RED'? ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/17/2010

RE: Adult

JB of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

The referee awards an indirect free kick near the goals. The opposition sets their wall the correct distance away.

The attacker taps the ball so a fellow attacker can shoot.

Just moments before the attacker taps the ball the wall be...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/17/2010

RE: High School

Gwen of Alpharetta , georgia USA asks...

An attacker is in an offside position at the time her kicks the ball to her. She receives the ball after it comes in contact with an opponent. Is offside called against her is she is in a position of advantage when the ball bounces off an opponent or...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/17/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Tommy Ellis of Carrollton, TX USA asks...

Can the goalie come out of the box and then dribble the ball back into the goal box and pick it up?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/17/2010

RE: Travel Under 12

Synomia Smith of Madison, NJ Morris asks...

My daughter just got her cartilage pierced and she plays soccer. how do we go about covering it so she can play?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 10/16/2010

RE: Rec Other

Carey of Bogalusa, LA USA asks...

During an injury time out, (one of our players was kicked in the knee and was substituted...we were awarded a free kick), the other team switched goalkeepers without notifying the referee. Shortly after the free kick the other team had a throw in. T...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/16/2010

RE: Rec/Competitive College

Jonathan Lucas of Front Royal, VA 0 asks...

Lets say the goalkeeper has the ball in his hands and goes to punt the ball out of the penalty area, however an opponent is right outside of the penalty area and moves side to side but never coming into the penalty area. Is this action punishable by...

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League Specific 10/16/2010

RE: Competive Under 13

ken of chula vista, ca us asks...

Can a assistant coach Ref.his team?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/16/2010

RE: Select Under 8

Julie of Owings, MD USA asks...

Our team plays in the CMSA league in Baltimore. We are a U8 team having to play U9 as there weren't enough teams to have an age group of our own. Today in our game one of our players handled the ball in the penalty box. He literally was about to get ...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/16/2010

RE: Other

Larry of Danville, CA USA asks...

I am a little confused when to call offside and could use some clarification. Based on your answers to this question you all seem to be clear to keep the flag down until the PIOP is actually involved in play. USSF web page Ask a Soccer Referee answ...

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Law 1- The Field 10/16/2010

RE: GU12 Bronz Under 12

Bruce of Laguna Niguel, CA Orange asks...

On a corner kick the ball hit a tree limb that hung between the kicker and the goal deflecting the shot enough to change the balls angle then a player knocked it in. Was this ball out of bounds when it hit the tree limb?

Thank you...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/15/2010

RE: Rec High School

Dan Ryan of Eltville, Hessen Germany asks...

Law 14- Penalty kicks.

The law states that the kicker is not allowed to touch the ball again until it has touched another player. Let's say a penalty kick occurs during the game. The kicker kicks, it rebounds off a goalpost, and back at th...

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Other 10/15/2010

RE: Pro Adult

Manzoor Ali Arif of Lahore, Punjab Pakistan asks...

Can a Referee show Red Card or Yellow Card to players after half time whistle and full time whistle...

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The Technical Area 10/15/2010

RE: Pro Adult

Mian Rizwan Ali of Lahore, Punjab Pakistan asks...

How the Referee will eject the officials from Dugout or team bench during the match? With Red Card or by waving of hands....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/14/2010

RE: Competitive High School

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

Had a situation today that I think I got wrong, but I wanted to check. Player A was going at the goal with the ball in the penalty area and the defender, Player B, can across him from the side. Both were running at full speed.

Player B cle...

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The Technical Area 10/14/2010

RE: competitive Under 10

rose of wallingford, ct us asks...

After a coach is ejected from the game, should he be allowed to walk across the field or should he walk around the outer edge of the field?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/14/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

Mark Malacky of Warren, OH USA asks...

Hi Everyone,

I'm a first year official and love your site. I come here everyday to check the questions.

My son plays U12 and I missed his game because I was officiating another game. His coach told me about a situation that occurre...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/13/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Tonya of Boise, Idaho United States asks...

In my daughter's game the other night, my daughter (the goalkeeper) went out to catch a cross. It bounced and then she caught it. A split second later, a girl comes running at full speed, elbows up and just plows into my daughter. The attacker hits...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/13/2010

RE: Rec High School

Shane of York, PA United States asks...

In high school soccer, is it legal for the goalie to catch a throw-in from a teammate? 10 years ago when I played in high school it was legal? However, in my game yesterday, the referee said it was not? Has the rule changed?...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 10/13/2010

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

There is a discussion among a group of referees on a situation when the player taking the corner kick accidentally kick the corner flagpost off before kicking the ball. The youtube link is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPUTndhdigQ&feature=playe...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/13/2010

RE: Varsity College

Tina DaSilva of Mississauga, Canada asks...

If a referee attends a game with no proper red and yellow cards and nothing to write the cautions on and during the game gives out 12 cautions combined to both teams and is just using his memory to remember the players numbers who got the cautions an...

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League Specific 10/13/2010

RE: Under 15

peter Wilson of South Pasadena, CA USA asks...

If a player or coach is ejected from a AYSO BU14 game for dissent to a referee, what is the punishment?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/13/2010

RE: Junior Varsity High School

Rob Simerly of Theresa, NY USA asks...

IF his own team kicks it back to him can the goalie pick it up with his hands or does he have to kick it out....

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Law 18 - Common Sense 10/13/2010

RE: competitive High School

Mark Hubbard of Walnut Shade, MO USA asks...

I was watching a game in my community and one team was up by two goals. As the game got within 10 minutes of being over, the team which was leading began to stand and shield the ball near the touchline or goal line whenever they had the opportunity -...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 17

Craig Sommerfield of North Highlands, ca usa asks...

Seriously keith, I need to hear your answer on this one. Please don't hold back either....

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Other 10/12/2010

RE: Middle school Under 11

Heath of Lancaster, KY USA asks...

I was curious what the penalty called a 'a runaway train' was?...

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10/12/2010

RE: Select Under 15

Howard Davis of West Orange, NJ USA asks...

My grandson played in a tournament this past weekend. Two teams, not including his, became involved in a dispute with less than a minute left in a scoreless game. A goal was scored and the losing side protested that the ball had been kicked out of th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/12/2010

RE: Select Under 12

Troy of Houston, usa asks...

I was watching a u11g game this weekend. The attacking forward was getting frustrated with the defender , as the defender was squashing every run on goal.

In the 2nd half the attacker threw a nasty elbow that missed it's mark. The ref showed...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/12/2010

RE: Adult rec Under 19

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

Say we catch an attacker in an offside trap. All defenders stepping forward just before the attacker's teammate passes it to him leaving him clearly in OSP.
He is pursuing the ball but hasn't touched it yet so the AR hasn't raised the flag yet.
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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Chris of Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA asks...

Player A has control of ball dribbling toward goal. Player B from the side punches out the ball with a clumsy out stretched leg. Player A trips over player B's leg after the ball is punched away.

I would have called it a tripping foul but a...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Don Sincell of Mountain Lake Park, MD USA asks...

Please settle a debate about handballs: If a player (male or female) places his/her arms in a cross pattern on his/her chest to protect oneself from being hit there by the ball, and the ball then hits those stationary crossed arms and bounces off...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/12/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Bill Tanner of Anaheim, CA United States asks...

When can a coach change goalkeepers (other than at substitution periods)? For example, a penalty kick is awarded and the coach changed keepers. After the kick was taken the coach changed the keeper again. Was that proper? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2010

RE: Select Under 11

Matt Disco of Piedmont, California United States asks...

I can't find any guidance on how to handle the following situation. Assume the (hopefully) unlikely situation where a substituted player from Team Black who is standing on the sidelines during a match gets into an argument with another substituted p...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2010

RE: Competitive Under 16

Erica of Madison, WI USA asks...

U16 Competitive girls: I am the coach of a girls team that loses alot. The score was 0-7 and the other team's goalie decided to lay down and laugh/mock my team. It was behavior that the entire defensive line joined in on.

What can I do? (Bec...

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Mechanics 10/11/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Erica of Madison, WI USA asks...

U12 Classic Boys game...I didn't have an AR and didn't seen the Offside infraction.

My eyes were on the player with the ball and I was running down the field (I was about 5 yards ahead of the ball.) When the 20 yard forward pass was made, I...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2010

RE: High school High School

Diane of madison, ct usa asks...

A player plays a throw in directly to her own keeper. The keeper plays the ball to herself back into the box. She picks it up, now it is a direct free kick. Why is it not a PK?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Erica of Madison, WI USA asks...

Two 11 yr old males collide over a loose ball, then they start to elbow and end up in a bear hug. It isn't truly violent, but they aren't able to resolve it after a few seconds. I blow the whistle to stop what's going on. Ummm...how should I have res...

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Pre-Game 10/11/2010

RE: AYSO Regional Badge Under 13

Kevin Dyer of Newbury Park, CA USA asks...

If an CR while officiating a match, becomes ill or injured (twist his/her ankle) would it be correct for the next highest level AR to take over the match and assign a club linesman to take his place and then continue. Of course, after making sure you...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 10/11/2010

RE: Rec, Select, Competive Under 11

Arthur of Elmont, NY Nassau asks...

If a throw in does not enter the field of play and has to be taken over, does the same rule apply during the corner kicks. If not than what is method of restart....

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League Specific 10/11/2010

RE: Adult

Naam of Santa Barbara, CA US asks...

If a referee uses the 'F' word during a conversation with a youth player. What is the proper way to deal with this....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/11/2010

RE: AYSO Regional Badge Under 13

Kevin Dyer of Newbury Park, CA USA asks...

If a Red attacking player is fouled inside the defending teams penalty area, is the out come always a PK? ...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/11/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

I have a question regarding the changing of a call made by a referee.

I know generally that the referee has the final say, without any ifs ands or buts.

Situation. A U12 game, a little bit aggressive by both sides, but no control...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/11/2010

RE: Rec, Select, Competitive, HS Under 16

Brian of Colorado Springs, CO USA asks...

Strange situation in Cup this weekend. A ball from another field came onto our field and hit our game ball. Our game ball fell right to our player, who then scored the winning goal. The referee allowed the goal to stand, which I think is correct, bec...

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The Fourth Official 10/11/2010

RE: pro Adult

Naseem Uddin of Sargodha, Punjab pakistan asks...

Can 4th official sit or take chair during whole of 90-minutes of play and he has to perform duty by standing ?...

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Other 10/11/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Rizwan Ali of Lahore, punjab Pakistan asks...

Will Media Officer, General Coordinator can sit with 4th , 5th Officials during World Cup finals? I have seen AFC Media officer sit with 4th Official during AFC Presidents Cup ...

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Law 17 - Corner Kick 10/11/2010

RE: REC High School

DAMIAN BELL of WESTMINSTER, MA USA asks...

A CORNER WAS ABOUT TO BE TAKEN AND X WAS AT THE AREA TO TAKE THE KICK WHEN HE CALLED UPON ANOTHER TEAM MEMBER, 'HERE YOU TAKE IT 'AND AS HE ABOUT TO WALK AWAY HE KICKED THE BALL TO THE PLAYER HE HAD CALLED OVER,AS SOON AS THE OTHER PLAYER TOUCHED IT ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/11/2010

RE: rec Under 13

Ron of New York, New York USA asks...

On a penalty kick, the offensive player shot the ball before I whistled the ball in play and scored. I disallowed the goal, and made him kick again. He missed the second shot. The coach told me I was wrong to not allow the first goal since the ba...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/10/2010

RE: competitive Under 17

bill of dfw, texas usa asks...

U16 upper level competitive game.

An offensive player is clearly in an offside position as the ball is played to him, over the last defender. The defender, recognizing his opponent is behind him, jumps up and knocks the ball away with his h...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/10/2010

Howard of fairfield, ca usa asks...

Is a headed ball directed back to a teams own goalie intentionally be whistled as a foul...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/10/2010

RE: Tournament Under 15

Michael of Gilbert, SC USA asks...

I have two situation to discuss.
First you have a attacker closer to the Goal than the second last defender or the ball. The player is in an off side position that a given. You have a defender that strikes the ball uncontested or pressured to se...

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Law 1- The Field 10/10/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Joe Cartelli of Bel AIr, MD USA asks...

Can a coach enter the field of play during the game, to coach his players rather than from the side lines?

I have a fellow rec coach who says that he likes to coach with one foot on the field of play. I have told him that this can be a bi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/10/2010

RE: travel Under 15

brian of phila, pa usa asks...

what constitutes goalie possession

...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/10/2010

RE: SAY Under 13

Mike Due of Reading, oh usa asks...

I once granted an indirect kick to a team just outside the 18 box. The way they executed the kick was to have one player (A) back up about 10 behind the ball, and have another player (B) stand next to the ball. Then, at my whistle, player B tapped t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/10/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

jim lokay of granby, ct usa asks...

For the goalie to pick up a ball, does the ball have to be in the penalty box, or just the goalie? Can he stand in the box and reach outside it to grab a ball which is almost but not quite in the box?...

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Other 10/9/2010

RE: Recreation Under 13

Ivy of Oakland, US CA asks...

IF your center Ref and you forget to get your initials on the game card what are you supposed to do?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/9/2010

RE: rec Under 19

Kayla of sacramento, ca USA asks...

i have a lip piercing, I take it out every game and it is almost closed by the end when I go to put it back in. instead of a metal stud, am I allowed to wear a plastic stud? ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/9/2010

RE: Rec Adult

M Leahy of farnborough, England asks...

Our player has been fouled and free kick given but lashes out at person who fouls him.Ref calls both players in and then awards free kick to opposition for our player lashing out.Shouldn't initial free kick stand and then our player cautioned for ret...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/9/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Marc Seifert of Englewood, CO United States asks...

Hello-

In a game today, an opposing player had a corner kick. One of my players (not the goalie) reached up and touched the ball with his hands (intentional). The ball was redirected into net. Is this a goal, or does the play stop on the ...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/9/2010

RE: PRO College

Jeff Goldstein of Monticello, NY USA asks...

Yesterdays friendly, Ecuador v Columbia at Red Bulls Arena. PK taken. Keeper comes at least 3-4 feet off line before the ball was struck to make the save. Nothing said, nothing done. Have I missed a change in the LOG? Please take a look at the play a...

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Character, Attitude and Control 10/9/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Brett of Brookfield, WI USA asks...

How do you guys deal with terminology of the players and coaches? I don't really care if other people call the penalty area a 'box' or the keeper a 'goalie'. However, the problem comes in when I start using the proper terminology with the players and...

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League Specific 10/8/2010

RE: rec Under 15

ronald dodds of battle mountain, Nevada USA asks...

Is there a specific rule penalizing fair slide tackles in co-ed games?...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 10/8/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Todd of Houston, TX USA asks...

At a competitive tournament at U15 Coed, the championship games goes to KFTPM. As each player on one team walks from the center circle to the penalty mark, the opposing keeper stands with one arm outstretched pointing at the approaching player and st...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/8/2010

RE: League Under 13

Richard of Frostburg, Maryland USA asks...

Here is the situation: The goalie makes a save and runs out to punt the ball. The ball contacts the goalies foot but does not travel far and never leaves the penalty area. The goalie runs up and kicks it again. Is this allowed or would the other tea...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/8/2010

RE: Competitive Other

Mike C of Columbus, Oh Usa asks...

I have a scenario that I don't know the answer. It probably isn't a difficult question though.

A player(O1) dribbles the ball into the box and shoots. A second player(O2) is onside at the time of the shot and beats the ball to the goal. The...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/8/2010

RE: High School

Jim Adam of Lenexa, KS USA asks...

I was the center in a varsity match a couple of weeks ago and had an interesting situation.

A small (5'6') attacking player with the ball at his feet and a tall defender (6'2') goal-side were just inside the defender's 18, right side of the...

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Other 10/8/2010

RE: rec Under 11

JB of Danbury, CT USA asks...

A coach of a 10-year old team, without any subs, and after a goal was scored against his team, verbally called 'time out' and pulled all of his team off of the field for a water break. The ref was a young kid who was intimidated by the coach, and so...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/8/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

Regarding a ceremonial free kick.

I understand the rules, I think. The defenders cannot prevent a quick freekick by being too close. This warrants a caution. Possibly a verbal warning or a comment of '10 yards, it's a rule.' or something b...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/8/2010

RE: Varsity Girls soccer High School

ashley of Keene, NH USA asks...

Is there a rule saying what color shirt you must wear under uniforms. i haven't found anything in the rulebook about it. For example can you were pink under armor under uniforms? ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/8/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of Des Moines, IA U.S. asks...

I had a question about this answer:

'Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino
3 or 4 minutes is way too long but if play had not stopped and restarted you COULD within Law award the goal'

I was thinking the answer should say ...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/7/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Rich of Salt Lake City, Utah USA asks...

Attacker (A1) dribbles down the middle of the field toward the goal. A2 runs straight ahead and gets behind the defenders and is in an offside position. Defender (D1) runs back to cover A2 instead of challenging A1 with the ball. A1 advances the b...

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Law 15 - Throw In 10/7/2010

RE: Select Under 17

Mark Howland of Simsbury, CT United States asks...

Toward the end of the USA-China Women's game on 10/6/2010, a Chinese player took too long with a throw-in, and was issued a caution for delay of game. The referee then allowed the player to make the throw-in.
Was this the correct restart? I wou...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/7/2010

RE: High School Under 15

Danny Tramontana of Ringoes, NJ USA asks...

Is it possible to award the offensive team an indirect kick inside the penalty area for a foul? If so where does the ball get placed?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/7/2010

RE: Under 15

Mike of Boston, MA USA asks...

Please clarify.

As I understand it, the defender placed their hands in front of his face.

If the ball would have hit the defenders head/face rather than go into the goal, couldn't that mean that the defender wasn't denying a goal sc...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/7/2010

RE: Competitive U14

Brian of Richmond, VA USA asks...

I recently officiated a U14 match as an AR. The center ref awarded an Indirect Free Kick for obstruction (Blue team set a pick for their ball handler). The spot of the kick was roughly 25 yards from the goal. He informed the Red team kicker that i...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/7/2010

RE: Competitive Other

Andrea Garcia of Fairfield, CA USA asks...

We have a player with a prosthetic arm. What are the rules/guidelines in this case? Can she play with the arm? If so, does it have to be covered? Thanks!...

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Other 10/6/2010

RE: competitive High School

brent kelly of mequon, wi usa asks...

I ave been a level 8 WI soccer referee for a year. I took the high school exam and passed. They made me a L1 - I do not know what this means. It seems like it will take 5 years for me to become masters level. is this correct? ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 10/6/2010

RE: Select Tournament Under 12

Walt Heatherly of Hendersonville , TN USA asks...

In a tournament last week I issued a caution for unsporting behavior (unfairly distracting the thrower). My question is not whether the card was appropriate for the age. After I recorded the information I awarded a rethrow to the attacking team. The ...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/6/2010

RE: Adult

Daniel of Verona, Italy asks...

I should apologise in advance for long questions, but i think all of them are subject to many controversial situations.

SITUATION:
Offensive team has a free kick 35m far from goal near out line.
Offensive player O1 is in an evident ...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/6/2010

RE: varsity High School

Rob Rosen of farmingdale, new york nassau asks...

does the goalie have to come out after a injury? the coach did come on the field. ...

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Mechanics 10/5/2010

RE: Competive Under 19

Bill Thorrington of Perkasie, PA USA asks...

As the center, I could not see if the whole of the ball crossed the goal line for a goal, so I looked at the AR and he was just standing doing nothing, so I let play go on. At the next stoppage of play around 3 to 4 minutes later a player said to me ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/5/2010

RE: rec Under 18

larry phelps of Newburgh, new york usa asks...

Team A commits a careless foul 20 yds out, almost directly in front of their goal. I whistle the foul and point direction while moving to the left of play (my quadrant), toward the touch line. Team A is starting to line up for a wall, but an astute T...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/5/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

Question on deception, I think it would be fine, and doesn't go against any of the Laws.

Set-up:
Free kick. One attacker about one or two steps from the ball, behind it and to the right, just lounging around.

Another attacker s...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 10/5/2010

RE: Other

ted of niles, il. usa asks...

as a father I'm speaking for other parents when we watch our 12 year olds play from the side line we tend to call out strategies the ref. came over and warned us not to coach the kids which was rude and unprofessional.what can be done about a ref lik...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/5/2010

RE: Rec, Competative Under 14

Dan cotter of Spofford, NH US asks...

I am confused by the answer to this question. As long as an offensive player was in an onside position when the shot was taken, whether the goalie has control or not is irrelevant... no? The attacking player is on side until the ball is played by ano...

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Law 10 - Method of Scoring 10/5/2010

RE: REC. Under 11

MITCH CLINE of Aledo, TX USA asks...

If only a part of the soccer ball crosses the plane, is that considered a goal or does a majority of the ball have to cross the plane to be considered a goal?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 10/5/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Sung Ku of Pasadena, CA Los Angeles asks...

Big 'thank you' for all referees for your answers on Question 24068!

This follow up question is for Referee JOE MCHUGH:

- Since the CR terminated the match (players from both teams were already off the field after the final whistle....

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Law 11 - Offside 10/5/2010

RE: REC, CUP, AND TRAVEL Under 13

TJ of Pittsburgh, PA usa asks...

Is offsides waived if there is a defensive player in the goal box with the goalie? We have been playing teams who are stacking the boxes with defensive players. One or sometimes two players are in the goal box with the goalie at all times....

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 10/5/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

David of Fenton, MI USA asks...

Is a goal scored when the kick-off goes directly into the goal?...

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Other 10/5/2010

RE: competitive very Adult

Michael of point pleasant, nj usa asks...

No question, just a comment regarding your responses.

There was no misunderstanding of what the referee stated. Our questions were specific, the answer was specific, deflection causes the player to be offside. Both myself and another certifi...

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Other 10/5/2010

RE: school soccer Under 15

jess of windsor , ontario canada asks...

so i just finished a soccer game that im really pissed about because this ref that we got was related to some girl on the other team and we were winning 3 2 and then they scored and it was tie then they scored on over time and they won but the girl w...

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League Specific 10/5/2010

RE: semi-pro Adult

Richard of Stafford, UK asks...

on Saturday i was sent off for stamping on an opponent. How many games should I be expecting as a ban?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/4/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Kellye B. of Tullahoma, TN US asks...

I was an AR in a rec 13+ game recently. Team A was dominating Team B. I mean B couldn't touch the ball, so at half time, team A switched their goalkeeper to one of their forwards. This forward was obviously good and very smart-aleck. He even decided ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/4/2010

RE: rec Under 16

Gentry of Port Townsend, WA USA asks...

That answered my question. For what it's worth: the attacker was right on the penalty spot when he was fouled. The defender who fouled him was the last defender. Attacker had the ball well controlled and at his feet. The goalie was frozen on his ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/4/2010

RE: Rec Other

Adam of Dorset, United Kingdom asks...

Hi,

i got this quote:
'For all these offences, the free kick should be taken from the penalty area line, parallel with the goal line, at the nearest point to the offence.'

what does it mean parallel, could you maybe draw me a di...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/4/2010

RE: Adult Rec Adult

Ron of Hagerstown, MD USA asks...

I am a PIOP
My Keeper punts,throws,dropkicks the ball he gathered up from a play.
When that action took place I was PIOP.
While ball is in the air/moving forward,I move to the 2nd to last defender level and the ball deflects off of him (t...

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Law 11 - Offside 10/4/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Tim of Ballwin, MO USA asks...

Offense Player 1 (O1) is in an offside position but does not get involved in the initial part of play so not called offside. Offense Player 2 (O2) dribbles the ball on break-away directly towards goal. O2 (now in front of O1) shoots and ball deflec...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/3/2010

RE: Co-Ed Rec Adult

Bill Baldon of Milwaukee, WI US asks...

Dear Mr. Ref,

This co-ed league has players of various skills. The attacking team in my question are college club skilled players. Also in this league the goalkeepers are the only players allowed to slide tackle.

A through ball is...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/2/2010

RE: rec Under 16

gentry of Port Townsend, WA jefferson asks...

Today our player was brought down while attacking. The ref called the foul. He left his arm up in the IDFK signal(personally it seemed like he was pausing play and not signaling IDFK). When the kick was taken, he realized he still had it up and brou...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/2/2010

RE: rec Under 16

gentry of Port Townsend, WA jefferson asks...

Our offensive player beats the last defender and is one on one with the goalkeeper. Defender who was just beaten gets back in play and throws shoulder from behind to middle of offensive player's back and he goes down. Our ref today did not call anyth...

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Other 10/2/2010

RE: Rec Under 10

Andrew of Los osos, CA usa asks...

Is it an illegal soccer game if the Referee is related to any of the kids on the field?...

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Other 10/2/2010

RE: Rec Under 10

Andrew of Los osos, CA usa asks...

How many referee's must be present during a game for the game to be legal?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/2/2010

RE: NFHS High School

Dave of Clarkston, WA USA asks...

Rule 4-2-1c Casts and Doctor's Clearance

In previous years, NFHS required that coaches had a doctor's note at the field stating that a player was cleared to play soccer with a cast.

I cannot find that language in this year's rule bo...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 10/2/2010

RE: youth rec Under 7

Clay of Pensacola, Fl 32514 asks...

Played an opposing team. every time they had the ball the coach instructed his team to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds. Fair, legal, when i played in high school our coach called it intentional chalking. Any comments.
Clay ...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 10/1/2010

RE: travel Under 14

cello of west, pa usa asks...

can you play with a cast?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Holly Bromley of Reno , Nevada US asks...

I had an incident in a game this week in which an attacker who had just entered the penalty area was shoulder charged by the defender. The defender came at her opponent from nearly a 90 degree angle to the direction of play. Although she did not lea...

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Law 16 - Goal Kick 10/1/2010

RE: Rec High School

Tommy Frederick of Crestview, Florida USA asks...

Technical Question:

Does the ball have to 'stationary' on a goal kick? The law itself doesn't address it. Just need clarification. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2010

RE: rec. Under 13

mary moseley of Winthrop, wa USA asks...

If a player accidentally heads the ball and the his teammate goalie would have to touch it or it would be an own goal. Can the goalie catch and drop it, bat it away or would those be a hand ball?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 10/1/2010

RE: Select Under 18

Nader Ghoujeghi of Novi, Michigan U.S.A asks...

If there is a free kick inside the Penalty box, does it have to leave the box before it can be considered as in-play?

Examples: Off-side, dangerous play, etc....

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Law 11 - Offside 10/1/2010

RE: Select Adult

Paul Davidson of ALBUQUERQUE, nm USA asks...

Determining offside and what constitutes a play on the ball:

Assume Player A2 is in a clear offside position.

I am curious how the committee defines what constitutes a play on the ball by the defense in the following three cases:<...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2010

RE: Rec, lower level division Adult

Paul Davidson of ALBUQUERQUE, nm USA asks...

In a recent mens rec game, I had a similar scenario except it was obviously deliberate as the player reached out and slapped the ball down and prevented it from going into the goal. One could, and the player did, argue that it was an instinctive mov...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 10/1/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Ray of dublin, dublin Ireland asks...

Hi, I am enquiring about the recent penalty scored against Khalid Askri. The Keeper (Khalid Askri) saved the penalty but the ball span in as he celebrated and was counted. Now I checked on Fifa's website and Rule 14 was amended after the France v Bra...

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Other 10/1/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Paul Davidson of ALBUQUERQUE, nm USA asks...

The USSF Policy Manual, pg 39, Policy 531-9 -- Misconduct Toward Game Officials, Section 3. Terms and References, defines abuse as:
(4) (a) Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or thre...

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Law 1- The Field 10/1/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

I've always wondered about the wording for these 'off the field of play' issues. Couldn't we say that the field of play temporarily extends to the immediate areas beyond the goal lines and touch lines?

It seems that when they talk about lea...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Hi

In one of our U12G games we had an opposing keeper who would not punt the ball. Instead, she would place the ball on the ground, take about ten steps backwards, and then run and kick the ball.

To my understanding, once the goalie...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/1/2010

RE: Semi-Retired Ex-Pro Adult

Didier Deschamps of Paris, Quite Tired France asks...

Is it legal for a team-mate to push a player so that the player gains an advantage in speed/height when contesting the ball?

I saw something quite extraordinary on the pitch last week!...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/30/2010

RE: Competative Under 16

Tonia of Windham, NH USA asks...

A defensive foul occurs inside the penalty area. The referee blows the whistle and indicates a direct kick which should actually be a penalty kick. The ball is located at rest outside the penalty area near where the penalty occurred, no closer to t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/30/2010

RE: Adult

Rob of Seattle, Washington USA asks...

There is one interesting point to make in this discussion that has been left out. Should the original place of the free kick be taken within their own Penalty area, and the second touch, not the initial touch, (constituting the trickery), occur whil...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/25/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Peter of Stockton, CA USA asks...

Hi

I had an incident today that I would like to check up on. My opponent was attacking and one of their players was in my penulty box and took a hard shot at goal. My defender was about six yards away and found the ball coming straight at hi...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/23/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Jim Chandler of Kansas City, Missouri USA asks...

NFHS rules state that once the ball is spotted for a goal kick, it cannot be moved.
The rule book seems to indicate an indirect free kick be awarded to the opponents at the spot of the infraction, i.e., the 6 yd. line. This seems quite harsh.
...

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The Technical Area 9/23/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Jim Chandler of Kansas City, Missouri USA asks...

Situation:
With approximately 10 minutes remaining in a JV match, the home team scores to give them a 6 goal lead.
As the visiting team is lining up for the subsequent kick-off, the home team coach calls his entire team including the keeper t...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/23/2010

RE: high school girls in ohio Adult

paula zets of Berlin Center, OHIO US asks...

There was dangerous play called in the box. An indirect kick was called for by the refs. One girl touched it, made a small pass, the other girl kicked it in. The ref called it a goal at first. Then the ref and the other ref got together and both s...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/23/2010

RE: Rec Under 16

Hugh of Vancouver, BC Canada asks...

A player looses possession of the ball to an opponent and yells F---. The ball ends up out of play and the ref calls the player who yelled over and cautions him with a yellow card. The player's coach yells out that ït isn't a church league and aft...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/23/2010

RE: select Adult

shankar of sanquelim, Goa India asks...

when the player of the team a is outside the line of the goal post and the goal keeper of the team a is in side the post and if the player of team b score the goal will u call it as off side or goal
...

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Law 1- The Field 9/23/2010

RE: High School

Chase of Hamilton, OH USA asks...

Our team always stands when they are on the bench. At this particular game, the ref came over and said our team can not stand and forced us to sit down. Our coach didn't agree and the ref said it is a rule. So he made the players sit down. Is this ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/23/2010

Al of Strathroy, ON CANADA asks...

Possible correction to 23596?

After circumventing the Law at free kick with a deliberate trick to keeper, the kick is retaken. Does this not suggest that defenders get to take original free kick after Caution? Ref Nagy suggests opponent ge...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/23/2010

RE: Adult

eyad of sharjah, uae asks...

what do u think about the penalty of real madrid against espanyol...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/22/2010

RE: competive Under 14

Stan of Romeoville, IL u.s.a. asks...

Towards the end of the game a defender has the ball near the touchline. An attacker runs to take the ball away, and the defender kicks the ball across the touchline but he kicks the ball out as far as he can. Can he be cautioned for delay. I did not ...

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League Specific 9/22/2010

RE: U14 Under 13

Fred of Bartlett, New HAmpshire US asks...

Are substitutions allowed for 7th & 8th grade soccer during a goal kick or a corner kick?
...

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Law 15 - Throw In 9/21/2010

RE: 101 Under 19

tim collins of morganfield, ky union asks...

can you score by throwing the ball in the goal from out of bounds...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/21/2010

RE: Adult Rec Adult

Ron of Hagerstown, MD USA asks...

Keeper gathers the ball and decides to punt it. If I am in an offside position and touch the ball 1st, is that an offside penalty?

Drop kick change any thing?
Throwing it change any thing?...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/21/2010

RE: Under 19

robert of city red, MD us asks...

If you are on a break away, you shoot and hit the post. Can you touch the ball if its on the rebound or is that offside? ...

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9/21/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

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

Recently I was an AR and the following circumstance happened.

Offensive Player has a breakaway between the midfield and final third of the defensive side. Attacker is very fast and kicks the ball ahead of her and the ball rolls into the p...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/20/2010

RE: Rec Under 8

Michael Jennings of Cartersville, GA USA asks...

In our game on 9/20/2010, one of my players had fallen to the ground. The other team kicked the ball and rolled over his hand. The ref called him for a handball. No one on our team gained possession or better position on the ball. Was this a correct...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/20/2010

RE: Intramural sports Under 13

Randy Lonto of Berrien Springs , Michigan U.S.A. asks...

Team A awarded indirect free kick just outside team B's penalty box. Player AA starts the ball and player AB (teammate) kicks the ball into the goal. Before the IDFK is started, team B defenders enter the 10 yard circle too early. Ref's whistle blo...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/20/2010

RE: Competitive Other

Russ Robitaille of Manchester, Ct USA asks...

Law 13 indicates:
'Free kick taken by a player other than the goalkeeper. If, after the ball is in play, the kicker touches the ball again (except with his hands) before it has touched another player an IDK is awarded to the opposing team'. I'm ...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/20/2010

RE: Competitive Other

Russ Robitaille of Manchester, CT USA asks...

When an indirect kick is made within 10 yards of the goal, are players allowed to line up on the goal line? If so, would the referee have to move them so that they were 10 yards from the ball, or essentially off the field. And a follow up question:...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/20/2010

RE: Select Under 11

Wendy Counsell of Port Moody, Canada asks...

Player was tripped outside the box. Referee called a direct kick. Player scores. Coaches argue the rules about direct and indirect. Referee takes the goal away and re-issues an indirect kick. No goal. Game ends in 0-0 tie.
Look up rules on...

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League Specific 9/20/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Kelly Libert of Oakland, CA USA asks...

Where do I mail the game scorecard for JYSL games? The ref. gave me the card for mailing as the team manager and I have no idea where to find the address. ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/20/2010

RE: Adult

Rik of Bolton, UK asks...

if an attacker shoots at goal but a defender on the line deliberately handballs the ball but the ball still goes into the net regardless of his infringment, what does the referee do in this case? does he give a penalty and send the player off? or doe...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 9/20/2010

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

'The worst referee error on kicks from the mark is letting any player kick a second time before every other eligible player has kicked once'

What needs to be done if this nightmare happens when subsequent kick/kicks have been taken?...

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Other 9/20/2010

RE: N/A Other

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

Nobody seems to have answered the part of the question as to when the rule saying an indirect free kick does not count as a goal was first instituted. Actually, in one sense, that query is the wrong way round.

Originally all free kicks we...

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Other 9/20/2010

RE: Adult

Thami of Witbank, Mpumalanga South africa asks...

If the soccer ball is kicked into the fans during course of the game, can a fan keep the ball?...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 9/20/2010

RE: Rec/Select

Todd Wendorf of Marysville, PA United States asks...

Just a clarification...because this is KFTPM, there is never a second chance for the kicker to follow his/her shot. Once they have kicked the ball, they are done. The keeper, on the other hand, has the opportunity to make multiple plays on the ball...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/20/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

In regards to the third scenario, I would like to offer what might have been happening, at least based on the description.

'Girl on a breakaway shoots but goalie stops with feet and then continues to dribble out of box, girl comes from behin...

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Other 9/19/2010

RE: AYSO REC Under 13

Mike of Chino Hills, CA USA asks...

The referee match card in my ref wallet includes a couple boxes for when a goal is scored. The number of the player that scored the goal goes into the top box. And the time that the goal is scored goes into the bottom box.

Because it's a s...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/19/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

I understand what the law says, and it makes sense, I believe. In my scenario described,

Player A at the 30, Player B at the 15 when Player A sends the ball.

Player B is involved with the play right by the corner. The IFK is at t...

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Law 5 - The Referee 9/19/2010

RE: USSF Grade 7

Tim Mann of Akron, OH USA asks...

According to the recent Week In Review 23 on the US Soccer site, if a goal is not immediately scored, then the advantage has in fact not been realized, and the PK must be called. So in the original situation, at least in the U.S. the foul must be ca...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2010

RE: competive Adult

Kevin Brodie of Mountain View, CA USA asks...

A player on the other team juggled the ball on to his head to circumvent the backpass rule. Basically he kicked to his head and headed it back to the goalie who picked it up.

My question is about the re-start, is the restart (indirect free ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Ross N. of Charlottesville, VA USA asks...

If a goalkeeper is punting the ball from inside, but close to the edge, of his penalty area and an opposing player, who is fully outside of the penalty area, jumps up attempting to block the punt with his body, is this legal? This is considering tha...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2010

RE: select Under 12

Mike Slattery of Columbus, Ohio USA asks...

Our side is up 3-2, when in the last moments of the game (<20 seconds, as it turns out) a scrum occurs in our PA. Lots of action, ball is cleared off the line twice, very exciting all around. The ref blows final whistle. But just 4-5 seconds before ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2010

RE: travel Under 13

sandra antognoli of bayhead, nj usa asks...

Is it an automatic penalty kick in the box even if the hand ball is unintentional?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/19/2010

RE: Club Bronze Under 14

Hector Ornelas of Simi Valley, California U.S.A asks...

If the goalie has the ball in one hand is it legal for a player to come and hit it out if his hand?...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 9/19/2010

RE: Competive Under 16

Paulo Schneider of Boca Raton, FL USA asks...

A team scores while having a 12th player on the field, player got in unnoticed

Please advise
Thanks

PS...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/18/2010

RE: CYSA Under 15

Bob White of La Honda, Ca. USA asks...

I was CR for two matches today (U13B class 1, U14B class 3) Both matches went OK but in both of them I had the goalie/attacker ball challenge with collision. This can be a tough call to get correct.

Usually you can see the play coming and...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/18/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Liz of Eugene, 161 United States asks...

My team and I were playing another team last week, and the officiating was the worst I have seen. A team mate and a girl from the other team both went for a header. The girl from the other team went down holder her face, as she was hurt. The ref ran ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/18/2010

RE: Rec U12 Under 12

Jennifer Weir of Grass Valley, CA United States asks...

Is it a penalty if the goalie comes up to the penalty box line to punt and when punting their kicking leg crosses over the line? One leg remained on the ground behind the line.
The call was that the kicking leg crossed out beyond the line. The g...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/18/2010

RE: first class Adult

najah of baghdad, baghdad iraq asks...

DEAR SIR,

LAWS OF THE GAME 2010\2011,PAGE 115
cautions for unsporting behaviour:

the last point states the following :
(uses a deliberate trick to pass the ball to his own goalkeeper to circumvent
the Law while he is tak...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/18/2010

RE: rec. Under 15

tammy of bellefontaine, ohio logan asks...

when a defender passes the ball back to his own goalie, the goalie picks it up while in the box. is it a penalty kick, or is it a direct kick where the goalie picked up the ball....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/18/2010

RE: Under 14

alysia of McDonald, ohio united states asks...

is the goalie allowed to dive in to somebody if they are getting the ball...

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Mechanics 9/18/2010

RE: 87 Professional

cole of los angelas, california usa asks...

how come refs never gonear the ball in play??...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/17/2010

RE: Adult

John Adams of Raleigh, NC USA asks...

Our team is awarded a PK at end of the game. Opposing team rushes ref and after some time to settle things we get to take the PK. PK is taken, keeper leaves early and makes save and we score on rebound. But wait, ref blows whistle to end game before ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/17/2010

RE: Select & High School High School

Lionel Heinold of Ephrata, WA USA asks...

USSF advice to referees 12.5 Charging addresses 'sandwich' as holding. I could not find this addressed in the NFHS rule book, how does the NFHS address the 'sandwich'?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/17/2010

RE: Instructor Dutch FA Professional

Fred Gerritsen of Utrecht, Utrecht Netherlands asks...

If a goalkeeper plays the ball for the second time in the penalty area and he prevents an attacker to score a goal.
Red Card in England?

I know he can not be punished for handling the ball, but he can make an other offence for which he c...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/17/2010

RE: rec/sel/comp Under 18

tristen juergens of san jose, ca usa asks...

Law 11

Attacker is in offside position behind SLD when ball is played to him by teammate. SLD intercepts pass but has a semi poor first touch in effort to control/possess ball enabling attacker to touch ball. Is this offside?

I...

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Other 9/17/2010

RE: High School

Ken VM of Middleville, MI USA asks...

I was a ref in high school and for a while after. I want to help ref my son's games with AYSO and I believe that it was with u.s.s.f. that I originally got my certification. When I had talked to the person in charge of our refs for ayso he said he co...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 9/16/2010

RE: pro Under 15

juan of hialeah, fl estados unidos asks...

do you have to blow the whistle when the soccer game start?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/16/2010

RE: competitive Adult

ron of new york, new york usa asks...

I know that dangerous play is an indirect free. What if dangerous play such as a high kick is committed by a defending player inside his own penalty box?...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 9/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 15

Jennifer Roselli of Orland Park, IL USA asks...

What is the rule or rules with respect to girls covering their chests so they do not injure themselves?

Can this only be done on various kicks (corner kicks, penalty kicks, etc.)?

Can it be done when trying to trap a ball with their...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 9/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 8

Kenny of Celina, oh us asks...

Are goalies allowed to lunge themselves for balls while other kids are in full leg swing? My kids are always getting yelled at by other coaches telling them to stop. I have never played so not know rules i don't know what to say. Its frustrating when...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 9/16/2010

RE: REC Under 19

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

As a ref, I understand we must have two equal halves plus 'stoppage time'.

Recently, I coached a u19Girls game where the referee allowed the first half to extend to 65 minutes (should be 45 in our league). It was clearly a mistake and he ...

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Other 9/16/2010

RE: High School

crystal of Murray, Ky USA asks...

An unlimited # of players may be substituted from the bench except which of the following?
when a goal is scored?
at the start of second period?
when a player is injured and removed?
when a player is cautioned?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/16/2010

RE: Rec Under 18

larry phelps of Newburgh, new york usa asks...

During regular play,the ball goes out of play off team A for what would normally be a throw-in to team B. However, just after the ball crosses the line to go of play, momentum carries the team A player off the field and at the same time, a team B pl...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/16/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Gareth of Leeds, UK asks...

Can a player use a teammate as a climbing aid when heading a ball?

For example, a corner comes in and a player stand stationary whilst a team mate uses his back/shoulders to get higher into the air and head the ball. I know this is obviousl...

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Other 9/15/2010

RE: competive Adult

Kim Davidson of Jackson, MI Jackson asks...

When a coach, team attendant or bench personnel are shown a 2nd yellow card, the official shall then follow the 2nd yellow
card with a red card, and if that person is an adult, they must remove themselves "out of sight and sound". True or False...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 9/15/2010

RE: Rec Under 17

Anthony Murray of Clitheroe, Lancashire United Kingdom asks...

Can a goal be scored directly from the kick off with only 1 player touching the ball by kicking the ball directly into the opponents goal???...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 9/15/2010

RE: Under 17

Dave of DM, IA US asks...

Can you give some score keeping tips when determining the winner by KFTPM?

For example, do you record the # of each player who takes a turn kicking etc.?

Also do you make a signal after a goal in this situation.
I always point t...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/15/2010

RE: Competitive Under 15

Joe of Louisville, KY 40299 asks...

What is the definition of 'playing distance'? Here is the reason I ask:
Late in game and attacker is forced into the corner by defender. The attacker puts the ball in front of her and backs into the defender with arms at slight angle to her sid...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/15/2010

RE: U12 and Over where keepers are used Other

Ken of Columbus, GA USA asks...

In the scenario, the keeper punches the ball which most would consider a deliberate, controlled action. Chances are he could have controlled the ball some other way. Therefore, I agree that the second touch by the penalty kick taker should be allow...

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Law 18 - Common Sense 9/15/2010

RE: Under 13

Fred of Bartlett, New Hampshire Carroll asks...

If you have two referees for a game, where do they stand and how do they watch the field relative to their spot?...

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Law 15 - Throw In 9/14/2010

RE: Rec Under 9

Ron of Fairfield, CA USA asks...

A player on Team A kicks the ball which deflects off of a player on Team B, and the ball subsequently crosses the side line (the Team B player has last touched the ball, but had no control of it).

Which team gets the throw in? Team A (Team B...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 9/14/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Kevin Scott of Sheffield, UK asks...

It's a penalty shootout. The kick is taken, the ball bounces off the keeper back towards the penalty taker and therefore losing its forward momentum. But the ball has a lot of spin on it and bonuces back and rolls into the goal. Is this a goal?
...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/14/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

david schwartzman of Pittsburgh, PA USA asks...

If this had been handling by the GK but NOT a DOGSO situation, why the card? Which card? Thanks...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/14/2010

RE: Competitive, USSF Under 19

James Shields of Beaverton, Oregon USA asks...

When an attacker is making a run into the opponents penalty area, preparing to receive a pass, with only one defender and the keeper to beat, can the defender step out of bounds to put the attacker offside? Thank you, James...

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Law 5 - The Referee 9/14/2010

RE: Competitive Adult

Chris of Sydney, NSW Australia asks...

Michelle, How can you class any hand ball as trifling? This is a clear case of deliberate hand ball no matter how far out of the PA the keeper is and has to be treated and sanctioned as such....

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/14/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Nathan Redshaw of Bristol, England asks...

A friend of mine was at a referee promotion seminar yesterday, and was given this situation.

Basically if a striker rounded the keeper but got taken out but the ball went to another attacking player who had an open goal but missed, we were t...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 9/13/2010

RE: Rec Under 14

Terri Chappell of Atlanta, Georgia USA asks...

I have seen several questions answered here about time of the match but I haven't seen one regarding a half that was played too long. The time of each half should be 35 min. The 1st half was accidentally played for approximately 40 min. Apparently th...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/13/2010

RE: competitive Adult

Don of St. Louis, Missouri USA asks...

An offensive player has dribbled past the second to last defender and is breaking in on the goal. A second offensive player is trailing the first forward who has the ball. The goalie comes off his line to challenge the forward with the ball. The fo...

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Other 9/13/2010

RE: competive Under 14

isaac of tyler, texas united sates of America asks...

how do you become a referee?...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/13/2010

RE: Select Under 12

L. R. of Lehi, UT USA asks...

Player is heading in to take a shot, ahead of two pursuing defenders and one of her teammates. She was onside and had a breakaway. There is nobody between her and the goalkeeper. Her teammate reaches her just before the goal, reaches out her leg and ...

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9/13/2010

Steve of Altadena, ca us asks...

I think the referral to the prior answer overlooked a nuance in the question posed in 23902, and left an incomplete answer on the odd PK issue.

The poster also asked about a ball that hits the referee and bounces into the goal.

Whil...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/13/2010

Dave of Vancouver, Canada asks...

A player lines up to take a penalty kick form the spot. The player runs up stumbles and stubs the ball, it rolls 5 feet to the left can a player from his own team or the player taking the kick run up and hit it again? Or does it have to be touched b...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/13/2010

RE: Adult

Richards of Derby, Derbyshire England asks...

Hi

If during a penalty shootout the ball bounces back from the goalpost, and has therefore lost it's forward momentum but hits the goalkeeper on the back and goes in after rebounding from the post . does the goal stand?...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 9/13/2010

RE: select Adult

Tom Kalush of China Twp., MI United States asks...

What should a referee check when reviewing the teams at the start of the game with regard to equipment? Thanks...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/12/2010

RE: rec Adult

alex of richmond hill, ontario canada asks...

Player in an offside position started to chase the ball passed to him. AR raised the flag to indicate offside. Player saw the flag and stop running. CR then call out no offside, play continues. Hearing this the offside player resume running to the ba...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2010

RE: Competitive Select Under 15

Brian Fullen of Franklin, TN USA asks...

Trickery on the soccer field...



I have a situation that happened to me today. But before I explain, I would first like to ask if 'trickery' is found anywhere in the Laws OTHER than in reference to a defender deliberately using tri...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2010

RE: High School Adult

Denise of Scranton, PA US asks...

Can a ref throw a red card for an exchange of words between players after the game has ended? ...

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Law 15 - Throw In 9/12/2010

RE: Youth Other

Ron elison of Allentown, Pa Usa asks...

Just verifying. When a player is doing a throw-in he places his shoe on the sideline and about a third of his shoe is on the inside (or on the field of play) when he throws the ball in to play. Is this an illegal throw-in?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/12/2010

RE: competitive.....girls..GU13 Under 14

jeff brinkley of vista, calif usa asks...

A defensive player passed the ball back to her keeper. The keeper bent down and started to scoop the ball up with her right hand touching the ball. The ball did come off the ground slightly. Then she dropped the ball knowing she cant do this. The cen...

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Other 9/12/2010

RE: Competive Under 14

Sean of Auckand, Howick New Zeland asks...

Should they have video refs in soccer to help the refs to make the decisions that could change the course of the games?...

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Kicks From The Penalty mark 9/12/2010

RE: Adult

malvachat of oxford, oxford united kingdom asks...

When taking a penalty kick
in a shootout.The keeper saves
the shot pushing it out back
towards the kicker.The ball has a spin on it and spins back into the goal does it count as a goal.
As seen here.

http://www.youtube.com/...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/12/2010

RE: Rec Adult

John Pollock of glasgow, Scotland asks...

can you be offside if there are no defenders in their own half but you are in the half....

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Law 7 - Match Duration 9/11/2010

RE: Adult

Deadlywill of Brisbane, Qld Australia asks...

At the end of added time in the second half - is the referee obliged to blow his/her whistle at the exactly when time is up or is it at his/her discretion to let the current attack play out and then blow the whistle?...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/11/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

DougB of Irvine, Ca USA asks...

Offside question.

Attacking player A passes the ball to attacking player B with no defenders closer to the goal. This is a clear offside penalty.

Lets say attacker A is around the 30 yard mark, left side.

Lets say attacker...

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League Specific 9/11/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Ken Abel of Owings Mills, Maryland USA asks...

We had a similar circumstance to the PK question which happened today (9/11). The opposing team took a PK, a teammate of the team taking the PK stepped into the box during the PK, and the boy missed the PK. The ref then awarded another PK, saying t...

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Law 15 - Throw In 9/11/2010

RE: High School

Brian P of Belmar, NJ USA asks...

A player took a throw in with one foot on the field and one off. I always thought you needed to have both feet behind the line. The ref actually said you can just have one foot on the line while the other foot can be on the field. Is that accurat...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/11/2010

RE: recreational Under 12

brian gilmore of waterbury, ct usa asks...

can a player pass ball back to goalie by kicking it? Goalkie would be in goal box or penalty box. Can goalie pick it up or juist kick it away?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 9/11/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Diana of Waterfoot, United Kingdom asks...

Here is the situation: At the end of 90 minutes, the score is 1-3. There are a minimum of 3 minutes stoppage time. The opposing team manages to score 2 points in those three minutes - making the score 3-3. We are now into 3 min 25 seconds of over...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 9/10/2010

RE: Rec Other

Tom of Long Island, NY USA asks...

I have a question regarding sending off the Goalkeeper.

When the keeper is sent off for an offense I know they are replaced. However, is the team required to reduce the number of 'field' players to reflect the send off?

Thanks for ...

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Law 3 - Number of Players 9/10/2010

RE: House League - Rec Under 13

Rob of Toronto, Ontario Canada asks...

Hi there,

A quick question:

What is the rule about players joining a game once it's in progress. I heard they have to be present at kick-off in order to play, but if they show up at half-time, can they be subbed in according the gen...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/10/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Terry Preece of Newport, monmouthshire Wales asks...

A goal keeper comes out in a 2 on one situation (2 attackers 1 defender)

As the ball crossed across the floor (inside the keepers 18 yard area) the keeper gets a hand on the ball and pushes it wide (but not out)

Both keeper and pla...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/9/2010

RE: Rec Under 12

Michele of Miamisburg, OH USA asks...

Two kids during an 11 v 11 competition are going for a ball. One falls to the ground and kicks the ball several times while on the ground with a player from the opposing team is standing and also kicking the ball. One coach yells to the ref the bo...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/9/2010

RE: Travel/Tournament Adult

Russ Robitaille of Manchester, Ct USA asks...

I know a goalie may not play a ball with his hands if passed back by his own player without incurring an IDK, however, is a goalie allowed to TAKE it off the feet of his own player. Example: a defender is dribbling across the goal face with the ball...

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Character, Attitude and Control 9/9/2010

RE: Competitive High School

Dave of Clarkston, WA USA asks...

Fouls near the bench

What has gotten me into trouble officiating my last two matches are fouls near the benches.

Based on feedback from the coaches, I either cannot see the foul because contact is on the side facing the coaches or ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/7/2010

RE: Premier Under 16

Jeff Gillette of Palmyra, PA USA asks...

If a Goalkeeper crosses out of Penalty area while punting a ball and a Hand ball is called....is this a Direct or Indirect Kick? Thank you...

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League Specific 9/7/2010

RE: Rec Adult

Robert Kelly of Gympie, Queensland Australia asks...

I played a semi final match in C grade against a team which used A grade players, we did loose 2-3 but the match was declared null and void after we lodged a complaint as the rules state you are not permitted to use superior grade player in a lower d...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 9/5/2010

RE: Under 12

john grzywacz of Simi Valley, CA USA asks...

A penalty kick is awarded. The ball is kicked and the goalie punches it forward to the penalty kicker. The penalty kicker kicks the ball from the spot into the goal. Does the goal count?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/4/2010

Rick of Palatine, IL USA asks...

If a player charges another player fairly, but not within playing distance of the ball is it a direct or indirect kick?...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

RefSteve of Long Island, New York USA asks...

When a ball is played into the attacking half of the field toward an offside-positioned player, when is the proper time to whistle for offside ? I have usually waited until they get to within 3 or 4 steps of the ball, but I have sometimes been told t...

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League Specific 9/3/2010

RE: Challenge Under 11

Matt Watford of Thomasville, NC USA asks...

If a goalie takes punts the ball in the air and it lands outside of the penalty box and then over the opposing goalie is it a goal in U10 soccer? Also, does it constitute directly into the penalty box if it bounces outside the box and then into the b...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/3/2010

RE: Rec Under 11

Doug B of Irvine, California USA asks...

Just an observation of a possible reason for card.

There is a very quick moment where you see the player without his yellow shirt, in celebration of the goal. This is a cautionable offense, right?

This would not affect the outcome ...

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Law 11 - Offside 9/2/2010

RE: ayso Under 19

Ken of santa barbara, ca usa asks...

corner kick is played, deflects of a defender to an attacker in the offside position. Should he be called for the offside infraction. Does the Corner Kick exception to the Offside rule apply in this case?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/2/2010

RE: competive Adult

RAUL REYES of guadalajara, jal, jal mexico asks...

can a goalkeeper be cautioned by touching the ball with his hands when has been kicked by a teammate or be sent off by denying an opposing team a goal??...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/2/2010

RE: competitive Under 17

Bill Nelsn of Coon Rapids, MN USA asks...

The ball is in the air, defender back to ball attacker facing the ball, and the defender and attacker go to play it when the attacker suddenly turns around when the ball appears that it will go over them and the defender goes to play the ball and run...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/30/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Richard of London , Ontario Canada asks...

Offside
Question 1 A player is in an offside position. The ball is kicked to them but the last defender stops the ball. The offside player attacks the defender and gets the ball. Are they offside?

Question 2 A player is in the offside p...

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Other 8/30/2010

RE: rec Under 12

Michael Palubin of Plainfield, IL USA asks...

What is chucking?...

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Law 7 - Match Duration 8/30/2010

RE: Under 16

Thami of Witbank, Mpumalanga South Africa asks...

Can the referee end the match should a goal be scored on the last second of the match without allowing the scored on team to take the ball to the center of the pitch?...

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Mechanics 8/29/2010

RE: Competitive Under 19

Geoffrey of Southern California, CA USA asks...

What is the proper procedure to indicate an indirect free kick? You blow your whistle - say for playing in a dangerous manner. Then do you point in the direction of the team that will be taking the kick? Then do you raise your hand straight in th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: Travel Under 12

Tony of Shelby Twp, MI Macomb asks...

Hi,

Is a goalkeeper allowed to make a 'feet first' save?

Thanks

Tony...

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Law 8 - Start and Restart of Play 8/29/2010

RE: rec Adult

brian of shannon , co clare ireland asks...

does the referee have to toss a coin to decide who plays which way in the first half?...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: rec Under 16

Jerry Grayson of Everett, Wa usa asks...

If a full back - passes the ball with his feet to the goalie and the goalie picks up the ball with his hands inside the penalty box what is the correct call? Is it a direct kick or indirect or a penalty kick?...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/29/2010

RE: Rec Under 13

David Lovett of Royal Palm Beach, Florida USA asks...

I am taking a referee course. I was just wondering if this is correct. A player takes an indirect free kick. Everything is done correctly and a goal is scored. Here is my question or should I say, the question posed in the class. The referee did not ...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/29/2010

RE: competive Under 14

Mark Bondurant of Canton, North Carolina Usa asks...

What happens if a player kicks the ball out of the keepers hand?...

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Character, Attitude and Control 8/29/2010

RE: U10 Rec Under 10

John Lubeck of Livermore, CA USA asks...

My first game as grade 9 CR in U10 Rec. with only parent linesmen, i.e. no ARs. Would appreciate feedback on a couple of questions.

First question: An attacker 'juked' several defenders and with the GK out of position had one defender to...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/28/2010

RE: Comp Under 18

Drew of Ocala, FL USA asks...

What is the ruling on a break away where the keeper comes out of the box and blocks the ball from being shot outside the box. Our keeper came out fell to his side sliding outstretched on the ground and took a shoot in the chest saving a goal but was ...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/28/2010

RE: Adult

Mark of N. Plainfield, NJ USA asks...

I guess I should have a bit more clear with my question. I understand the offside rule but I guess my question should have been, what are the proper mechanics in a situation like this? Here's a situation:

An offensive player is in an offside...

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Law 5 - The Referee 8/28/2010

RE: Select Under 19

Erik of Arlington, TX USA asks...

I have a crazy idea of signing up to be a full fledged referee, probably for the spring season. Though,I still want to play competitively. Would I have to give up playing soccer in order to referee games?

How long would it normally take be...

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Law 14 - Penalty kick 8/28/2010

RE: Competitive, triple-A Under 14

Jonathan Wagner of San Diego, CA USA asks...

In a penalty kick, if there is offensive encroachment, and the kicker scores directly, then the kick is retaken. However, what if there is offensive encroachment, and the kicker does NOT score directly, but DOES score on a rebound? In that case sho...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/28/2010

Anonymous of Pasadena, US asks...

I suspect the card for delay in the Q would have been on a goal kick,in which case the goal kick would remain the proper restart. (I can't imagine a context in which a goal keeper would properly be carded for delay as a result of a 6 second violatio...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/27/2010

RE: Competive Adult

Jorge A. Lorza of Las Vegas, NV USA asks...

A substitute who is warming up behind his own net when his team is in danger of conceding a goal, enters the playing field and prevents the goal with his foot. What action will the referee take?...

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Law 5 - The Referee 8/27/2010

RE: Under 16

Dave of Des Moines, IA US asks...

Can you give a brief explanation of the Advice to the Referees?

I'm just a little confused as to why there are both. Is it just a detailed version of the laws?

Do all countries have there own set of details of the LOTG?

My ...

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Law 11 - Offside 8/26/2010

RE: High School Adult

Barrie Monks of La Crosse, Wisconsin USA asks...

Defender A attempts to clear the ball up field, it hits the back of degender B and rebounds to an attacker in an off side position. Is he off side? Two thoughts, the attacker is gaining an advantage but the initial clerance from the defender was in...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: ALL

JT of Seattle, Wash USA asks...

The LOTG states that a deliberate passback to the keeper that is picked up inside the 6 directs that the ball shall be placed on the six at the point it entered. It will be an indirect kick, for the other team. question.

Scenario 1- Player...

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Law 4 - Players Equipment 8/23/2010

RE: Varsity High School

Joshua Herrmann of Springfield, NH USA asks...

I have started wearing football cleats for soccer. I haven't noticed any difference in my control and am much more comfortable playing in them.
Recently during a scrimmage, a ref noticed that I was wearing the football cleats. HE asked to see th...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: Competitive Under 12

Walter of San Diego, CA USA asks...

This question regards handling inside the penalty box, and possibly DOGSO in a U11 competitive girls match I saw this weekend.

Attacking team has the ball on the outside, down near the penalty area. The goalie has left the goal to defend the...

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Law 13 - Free Kicks 8/23/2010

RE: Under 12

jim of Fairless Hills, Pa USA asks...

Is there any requirement that the ball be 'touched' (with his hand, etc.) by the player taking a quick free kick before it is put into play? I thought as long as the ball is in the correct location and the ball is stationary, that a QFK can be taken...

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Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 8/23/2010

RE: Rec League Under 13