Question Number: 22858

Other 2/23/2010

RE: ussf grade8, high school, college College

Mark Raudelunas of Vallejo, Calif USA asks...

I was watching a soccer match on the Spanish channel during a match in Mexico and observed the referee awarding a direct kick for the attacking team about 18yards away from the defenders penalty area the referee pulled a spray can out of his belt that was around his waist and marked a spot where the ball was to be kicked and marked off 10 yards and placed another mark on the field for the defense to be positioned. Is this something that in done internationally or just with the Mexican league? I thought this was very unusual and took more time than necessary to put the ball back into play and looked very unprofessional.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

This practice began in Brazil and has moved to other parts of Latin America. It seems quick free kicks are not expected to be taken. Every restart is ceremonial. Players often ensure that by standing in front of the ball to prevent a quick restart. So the referee spraying a foam line on the field is doing what the players expect, formally enforcing the 10-yards distance.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The spray paint has been used recently in Central America (Mexico, Panama) and has a longer history in South America (Brazil, Argentina). The notion is that the referee uses the paint to indicate 10 yards, and that this is quicker way to enforce the distance.

It is not something that should be done in the US.