AboutCody Gaines Expertise I can answer almost all questions pertaining to the laws of soccer. I can answer questions pertaining to USSF, FIFA, and AYSO. However, I am not so familiar with high school soccer. High school soccer follows their own rules and not FIFA law (but I may know the answer or I will find out the answer just expect a short delay). I also can answer any questions that present referees have pertaining to assessments, moving up grade levels, and/or how to deal with spectators (and much much more). So if you are a player, spectator, coach, or referee and have a question about soccer ask me a question and I will either know the answer or ask my colleagues. The more coaches, players, spectators, and referees who understand the Laws of the Game the more enjoyable and fluid the game of soccer will be.
Experience I have been a referee for 6 years now. I hold credentials with USSF and AYSO. I am an instructor for entry level referees and advanced referees. I serve as a board member for a referee association. I am a member of KSRA (Kern Soccer Referee Association) Calsouth. I have been a player for 10 years. I am also a mentor/assessor for referees.
Organizations KSRA
Calsouth
AYSO
Section 10
Education/Credentials USSF Referee
AYSO Referee
Assessor/Mentor
Instuctor
Player
Awards and Honors I am the youngest instructor in my section
I have officiated:
State Cup
National Cup
Far West Regional
Question I have always assumed that playing the ball while lying on the ground is illegal under all circumstances. Is this correct under NFHS rules?
Answer Hi Bill,
I assume by NFHS that you mean high school soccer rules I hope. However, the answer to your question is no. Playing on the ground is not a violation unto itself it becomes a violation if the player begins playing the ball on the ground in a dangerous manner, this would fall under dangerous play. However, the play is only dangerous if the person playing on the ground is endangering themselves and their opponents. So not under all circumstances is it illegal for a player to play on the ground. For example if there is nobody around a player and they fall to the ground and kick the ball away this is not dangerous play because first there is no one around so they are not endangering themselves or their opponents so therefore you cannot call dangerous play. However, if a player starts playing on the ground while there is a lot of people around the referee my deem this dangerous and call dangerous play which would result in the restart of an indirect free kick. This is the same with a high kick. There is no such law in the laws of soccer as a high kick this too falls under dangerous play.
I hope that this answers your question if you have any other question feel free to email me again and I will be more than willing to follow up.
