AboutStephen Smith Expertise I can answer any questions relating to the laws of the game and their application at any level from local parks to professional and international level. Feel free to ask about a referee's decision you don't understand, a hypothetical scenario, or a situation in which you as a referee need help.
Experience As an active and conscientious referee, officiating at semi-professional level, I have an excellent knowledge of the laws of the game. I also like to use common sense and this helps me to appreciate what other referees, including the professionals, may be thinking and how they have reached their decision.
Organizations FAMOA, Referees' Association, Referees' Society
Publications
I edit (and write most of) the bi-monthly magazine of the local Referees' Society.
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup the Electric New Paper (Singapore's biggest-selling tabloid) published an article of mine which the Editor requested I write regarding refereeing decisions in the Italy v USA game.
In October 2007 I was interviewed by the BBC World Service for a radio programme about player discipline.
I have had letters on refereeing published in The Times and The Daily Telegraph.
Education/Credentials I have a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Social Sciences, and my interest in psychology and sociology is useful in controlling 22 burly men ready for battle! I have attended numerous national and regional conferences and seminars, and attend and contribute to weekly referees' training meetings.
Awards and Honors
Awarded a trophy in 2007 for services to the Referees' Society.
Numerous local and regional cup final and semi-final appointments.
Question We were at my son's game last week, the opposing team had a break away and went to score. But he lost the ball and our son's keeper dove for the ball.Luckly,he caught the ball. After his goalie had the ball for 2 seconds and was still on the ground, the other teams forward kicked it out of his hands and scored a goal. The ref said that it was a goal. Was this a goal?
Answer Jennifer,
That certainly should not have been given as a goal. Kicking the ball out of the goalkeeper's hands is an offence as it is classed as 'dangerous play'. Even if the player got the ball and didn't touch the hands, it is considered dangerous to try.
This is what the law says about it:
"The goalkeeper is considered to be in possession of the ball:
• while the ball is between his hands or between his hand and any surface (eg., ground, own body);
• while holding the ball in his outstretched open hand;
• while in the act of bouncing it on the ground or tossing it into the air.
When a goalkeeper has gained possession of the ball with his hands, he cannot be challenged by an opponent."
Once the ball was kicked out of the goalkeeper's hands, his team should have been given an indirect free kick. Unless the attempt to kick the ball was particularly dangerous, the offending player would not usually be booked.
