9/27/2009

Ball in play from a goal kick...

Q: On a goal kick by the defense (within its own penalty area), what is the restart if the ball is kicked backwards and goes over the goal line between the boundaries marked by the sides of the penalty area?

Answer:

In this situation the ball must leave the penalty area and enter the field to be considered in play. If the ball leaves the field without exiting the penalty area and entering the field proper, the kick is retaken.

Why is the kneeling or squatting throw-in not permitted?

A throw-in is only permitted if the correct procedures in the Laws of the Game are followed.

The thrower must make the throw from a standing position.

Squatting is a form of sitting and therefore is not allowed.

9/26/2009

NEVER talk to a coach at half time... Really?

I believe it is useful for the referee to be approachable and professional with coaches, even at half-time.

I simply do not understand why any referee would NOT talk to a coach that approaches them at halftime in a polite and respectful manner!

How do you think the coach would feel if after politely approaching you, you told him you wouldn't talk to him? You would certainly be viewed as arrogant and condescending and who needs that?

Most of the time when asked a question about, say, why a foul was given I will tell them - politely, with a smile - that I will explain it but I won't discuss it, then I will explain the decision.

So by all means, be approachable but don't feel obligated to stand there - you can often tell straight away if somebody is feeling angry, and if you think they're going to have a go at you there's no reason for you to stand there. If somebody has a genuine query and is approaching you in a calm, polite and respectful manner there's no need for you to wave them off.

Naturally you'll get better at dealing with these things as experience developed.

How many people are allowed in the box during a goal kick?

If it is your goal kick, your entire team is allowed to be inside the penalty area. If Law 16 says all opponents must be out of the penalty area on goal kicks, and there is no mention of the teammates, then the omission means they can be there.

Why you would want to do this is a mystery.