Soccer (American), Football (European)/Questions Answered by Expert Stephen Smith
| Subject | Date Asked |
| High kicking (specifically bicycle shot) | 5/5/2011 |
| Q: I read your answer to a question about high kicking. I wanted to get more specific and ask about ... A: There's nothing different about a bicycle shot on goal, other than FIFA's reminder to referees ... | |
| corner kick | 4/30/2011 |
| Q: Smith I have this question about placing the ball during the corner kick. i attached a picture ... A: Placing the ball like this always causes confusion, as well complaints from players and spectators. ... | |
| Goalie possession rules | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: In my u12 game today, the opposing goalie pinned the ball at the goal mouth for a brief instant ... A: I'm sorry I'm so late in replying. I have been away for a while. I'm not sure what you mean by ... | |
| Re: Etiquette | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: Watching the World Cup final today, I noticed a player from the Netherlands played a ball from about ... A: I saw that too, so fully understand your question. You're right that there is an unwritten rule, and ... | |
| Who throws in? | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: The ball goes out of the field of play over a touchline, after one player from each team touched it ... A: In this situation the referee must still decide. I have heard of a drop ball being given in such a ... | |
| High kick - low head | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: If a player lowers his head to play a ball, and an opposing player tries to kick same ball with his ... A: This is one of those where the referee's opinion is called for, rather than there being a set ... | |
| GK intimidation | 3/27/2010 |
| Q: I am wondering what is and isn't allowed in the vicinity of the keeper when defending corner kicks. ... A: This scenario is one of those times where the laws of the game don't categorically say something ... | |
| Protection of the keeper | 10/20/2009 |
| Q: This is perhaps more of a philosophical question regarding the intent of a rule, rather than a ... A: That's an interesting one! You clearly appreciate what the law says about the scenario your son was ... | |
| awarding goals | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: If a team has a extra player can the referee award an automatic goal to the other team? A: Sorry about the delay - I've been away for a while so have just seen your question. A referee never ... | |
| high kick | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: When should a high kick be called? what is an distance of an opponent A: It's all down to the referee's interpretation of the other players' safety. Contrary to the belief ... | |
| Deliberate hand ball | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: We had a player receive a red card today for a hand ball in the box. The opposing player took a ... A: I've given this scenario a lot of thought in the past in order to try to work out what I'd do if it ... | |
| Goals and Goalkeepers | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: We were at my son's game last week, the opposing team had a break away and went to score. But he ... A: Jennifer, That certainly should not have been given as a goal. Kicking the ball out of the ... | |
| Own Goals on the keeper | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: Are there any circumstances where a keeper can get an own goal off of deflections. I had one come ... A: All that the law is concerned about in your situation is whether a goal has been scored - which it ... | |
Soccer (American), Football (European)
Answers by Expert:
Stephen Smith
Top Expert on this page
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
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
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