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 Hi John -
During our game yesterday, a hard foul (which resulted in a direct kick) was called about 25-30 yards from the goal with our ‘wall’ set up just ahead of the 18 yard box. One of our players inadvertently hit the ball with his hand while jumping to block the shot (his hand was never above his head or extended in a deliberate manner) and the ref immediately red carded him. The only rule that would seem remotely close is one of FIFA’s seven offenses: “deliberately touching the ball with a hand in order to prevent a goal or to deny an obvious goal scoring opportunity.” However, it wasn’t a goal or a clear goal opportunity. We had a 6 man wall up and there was a keeper in goal…there’s no way that applies. I tried explaining this to the ref, but he threatened me with a yellow (even though I’m the Captain and the only one who pulled him aside for an explanation). Was I wrong here? Being a former ref myself, I would’ve given him a yellow because I consider it being unsporting for causing unfair advantage…and award the team another direct kick…but a red?
Answer Unlike high school, USSF does not allow captains to discuss calls or obtain an explanation from the referee.
From what you say, it sounds as if the referee may have made a mistake. To commit what is commonly called a "hand ball," the player must deliberately handle the ball. If the motion was a reflexive movement, it should not be a foul. It must be deliberate.
Furthermore, from what you say, I don't see how this was an OBVIOUS goal scoring opportunity. It probably should not have been a red card. Of course, the referee may describe what happened a bit differently.
I hope the rest of your games go well and everyone has fun on the pitch.
