AboutJohn Cummings Expertise Do you have a call made by the referee in last week`s match puzzling you? Are you a referee who may not be certain that what was done was the right thing to do? I shall be glad to entertain any questions about officiating soccer. The more the players, coaches and supporters understand the referee and his/her decisions, the more fun we can have on the pitch.
Experience After coaching my son's travel team, I have been USSF State Referee, State Assessor, Assignor and State Instructor in addition to having been a college NISOA referee,a NISOA clinician, a NISOA assessor and a high school referee.
Question In a recent game, our player crossed a ball into opponents box. The cross hit a defender's outstretched arm and dropped at her feet and she cleared ball away. I know that rules call for "deliberate" handling - as in intent - but also understand that "natural position" of hands/arms can also play a role in decision. In this case, the defender's arm was stretched out at 90 degree angle - and she wasn't running into position. Any insight on this situation? It didn't decide game, but I am curious about no foul call in this situation. After game when I asked about call, ref (who didn't owe me an explanation I realize) said only that he would never give a penalty on that call - that it wasn't a goal scoring opportunity...
Thanks!
Curious Coach
Answer I am afraid I have been on both sides of this issue as coach and referee.
As you mentioned, the contact must be deliberate. If it is not deliberate, it is simply not a foul. Deciding if it were deliberate or not is not always easy.
For me (and I think many other refs), I look to see if the ball moved to the arm or hand, OR did the hand or arm move to the ball. If it were the latter, we have a foul. Seems simple, but that is not always the case.
I also like to look at the player's eyes and body position. If I perceive that the player is trying to play the ball by positioning his/her body to do so, or if he/she is looking at the ball as it approaches, this increases the likelihood that I may perceive it as a deliberate handling.
On the other hand, if the player is moving as if he/she has no real awareness of the ball's approach, I am more inclined to see it as incidental contact without being deliberate.
As for only giving penalty calls for goal scoring opportunities, I think that is contrary to the Laws of the Game. If the defender handles the ball on a cross or on a shot, it is still a PK if the ball does not goes into the goal. The only thing a shot has to do with this is whether it is a goal scoring opportunity that could result in a red card.
If a coach or player or even a parent politely inquires about a call, I am glad to explain. The more they know, the easier my job is.
Hope your season goes well, and be sure to have fun on the pitch.
