Question Number: 23352

5/21/2010

RE: Competitive Under 11

Brett Baker of Virginia Beach, VA US asks...

A player loses his boot near midfield. Play is allowed to continue with the 1-booted player dribbling through and around pressure into the attacking third, for about 10-12 seconds, before finally losing possession of the ball. I felt the ref should have stopped the game as a matter of dangerous play and restarted with an IDK. At least stop play, re-boot the kids and restart with a drop ball. I could not help but cringe every time the 1-booted wonder was challenged for fear of getting hurt. Much later I was still thinking about this and thought it might be a player equipment foul, which does say that play need not be stopped, but if play is stopped then restart with an IDK. Advice to the refs provides for the ref to allow play to continue for a short while, but does not define or give guidance for 'a short while'. What do you all consider 'a short while' in a case like this?

Thanks for your website and the answers you provide all of us.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Generally speaking, the referee will make every effort not to have to interrupt the current phase of play to force a player to put his boot back on which came off accidentally during play. In other words, until the player loses the ball or it goes out of play, the referee will most likely not interfere. The player would then be instructed to go put their shoe back on before playing any more.

Safety is certainly an issue, especially with the little ones. Waiting a few seconds, even a minute usually doesn't cause any problems.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Law 4 says, 'If a player loses his footwear accidentally and immediately plays the ball and/or scores a goal, there is no infringement and the goal is awarded because he lost his footwear by accident.' But what does 'immediately' mean? Continuing to play for 10 or more seconds also causes me to cringe, but there is not much to do about it. Most players pass the ball or are dispossesed before that; I then tell the player, 'No more play until you get the shoe back on.'

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Brett
The key here is the possibility of a challenge by an opponent. The Law allows for the player to continue to play to get a shot away or play a pass. However dribbling for 10/12 seconds among opponents is certainly IMO in the playing in a dangerous manner category. The referee would allow the player the opportunity to play the ball but if that continues then play has to be stopped IMO. The restart is an IDFK from the place where the offence occurred.

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