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 When should a high kick be called? what is an distance of an opponent
Answer Hi John,
It's all down to the referee's interpretation of the other players' safety. Contrary to the belief of many players, there is no such offence as a 'high foot' or 'high kick' as such, but a free kick should be awarded if any action is "committed with an opponent nearby and prevents the opponent from playing the ball for fear of injury" (to quote the law).
So a 'high kick' should be called when the opponent is forced to pull out of challenging for the ball because he fears being injured. There's therefore no set distance, but it's up to the referee to recognise that the player couldn't challenge for the ball because of the opponent's high foot. The referee will give the free kick if he agrees that the player had something to fear.
