Question Number: 19189

Law 4 - Players Equipment 5/24/2008

RE: Rec Adult

Roger Dunning of London, Surrey United Kingdom asks...

If a players boot comes of during open play and the player continues to play on ( not just kick the ball away or shoot at goal ) What should the referee do.
If he stops the match on the grounds of player saftey how does he restart the match. Does he have a drop ball from where the ball was when he stopped play or does he award an indirect free kick to the other side ?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

If a player boot comes off he is expected to put it back on. There is no foul or misconduct and it is likely there is no pressing reason to have to leave the field to FIX the problem.
He might be punished if he tries to challange an opponent in that PIADM is considered since his foot is exposed to being stepped on. This is an INDFK in favour of the opposition.
It is possible the referee might asked him to simply leave the field to fix the equpment and then recieve permission to renter when it is done but usually they just do it while play continues on the pitch as they sit or hop about trying to get it back on.
A dropball is only if there is a stoppage which is not convered in law or an injury so not sure how such a restart could be made to fit a simple equipment malfunction. When I notice untied laces I simply tell the kids to tie them up. If the boot came off put it back on!
Cheers

Read other questions answered by Referee Richard Dawson

View Referee Richard Dawson profile

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I'll just call out, "Put your shoe back on before you play again." He does it on his time, not the rest of ours. Same with tying loose laces - I'll tell the player at a stoppage, but if he's still fumbling we don't hold up play for him. It is the player's responsibility to be properly equipped and attired at all times. Of course we make exceptions for the very-U-Littles.

Read other questions answered by Referee Gary Voshol

View Referee Gary Voshol profile

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Roger, a referee should continue play if a players shoe comes off during play. If the player takes active part in play without his boots, he should stop play for dangerous play, tell player to put on his shoes (in his own time...) and restart the game with an IFK where the ball was, except for Law 8, special circumstances. After the match the referee must scold the player's mother for not tying his shoe lace properly.

Read other questions answered by Referee Gene Nagy

View Referee Gene Nagy profile

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

If a player's boot comes off accidentally play should continue and if a goal is scored by this player the goal would be valid. The referee must realize the player did nothing to infringe the Laws except accidentally loose his boot. Further, the referee should be able to tell the difference between a boot accidentally lost and one lost due to some negligence e.g. not tying it tightly. If the boot is negligently lost he WILL be told to replace it and right now and if he doesn't he will be cautioned and asked to leave the field to correct his equipment. Boots [footwear] are required to be worn but accidents happen and there should be no penalty for being the recipient of an accident.

A point has been made by a colleague in that a player without a boot is playing in a dangerous manner. Remember that playing in a dangerous manner usually requires an opponent to give up play because of the dangerous act. The loss of a boot is not, in itself. dangerous act -- it is unfortunate but not dangerous.

Regards,

Read other questions answered by Referee Chuck Fleischer

View Referee Chuck Fleischer profile

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

If the players shoe comes off accidently, then the player can finish off the play...but should put the shoe back on as soon as possible. Most players will realize this and put their shoe back on without being told so.

Read other questions answered by Referee Ben Mueller

View Referee Ben Mueller profile