Q: What decision will the ref make if the goalkeeper picks up the ball after a foot pass from a teammate?
A: Excellent question. Particularly the way you worded it. If the goalkeeper receives a pass from the foot of a teammate, intentionally, the referee should award an indirect free kick at the point of infraction. So a ball played by a teammate via the head or chest or knee is a ball the goalkeeper can use his/hers hands in a legal fashion.
Q: Can a goal be scored off a goal kick?
A: If a player takes a goal kick and the ball goes directly into the opponent's goal, yes, it's a goal.
Q: Can a GK score from inside a penalty box punt?
A: If a goalkeeper punts the ball from his/her penalty area (18 yard box), and the ball ball goes directly into the opponent's goal, yes, it's a goal.
Q: Team A has the ball and they are in Team B's half of the field. Team A's second to last defender is standing about 5 yards into Team B's half of the field. Team B's striker is standing just on his own side of the field just inside the centerline. One of Team B's midfielders steals the ball and immediately clears the ball towards his striker. Team B's striker does not cross the centerline until after the ball is struck. Team A's defender gives chase and barely touches the ball with his foot as it goes by. Team B's striker scores on a breakaway. Once Team A's player touches the ball, is Team B's player offside since he was beyond Team A's player the whole time? Or does Team A's player have to control the ball to put him offside?
A: you cannot be offside if you start in your half of the field. So it does not matter where the defenders are if you are in your half when the ball is played by a teammate, you cannot be offside.
To answer the other part of your question, because a defender "touches" the ball does not constitute possession. A defender would have to clearly possess the ball to nullify offside.
Lastly, if an attacker is in an offside position and the defender deflects / touches the ball, the attacker is still offside as the deflection / touch is not control or possession.
Q: I have seen this happen twice and both times I believe the wrong call was made. On a PK the kick hits the post and bounces back to the kicker without any other player touching the ball. The kicker then kicks the ball in for an apparent goal. Both times I saw this happen the referee allowed the goal. I believe this is a double touch and the ball should be given to the defending team for an indirect kick. Which call is correct?
A: You are exactly correct. There is no need for me to elaborate further.
Remember, the referees and goal posts are "blades of grass". in other words, they are nothing. If a player takes a shot on goal and the ball deflects off the referee.........goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal.
Q: Had a parent ask me if a keeper is allowed to play all 4 periods in goal at the U14 level. I know they can't at U12 and under (3 in and one on field, not on sideline) is it the same for U14 and up?
A: Policies and Procedures for Region 46 at the U14 level allow someone to play in the keeper position all four quarters. At U10 and U12, each player must play at least 1/4 of the match in a position other than keeper.
Q: Is there a rule, which would give the opposing team an Indirect Kick inside the 6-yard Box? If so would there be any off sides as the kick is passed to teammate to score a goal. Or would it be a Direct Kick and where would the ball be placed?
A: An indirect kick that occurs in the goal area is moved out to the 6-yard line. Yes, offside can occur.
Q: Will Region 46 or Area S be having an upgrade class? I'm looking for an Advanced Referee class. Any suggestions are appreciated.
A: once I "hear" of an upgrade class, it will post on our website. But you can also try the AYSO national website, www.soccer.org for information.
Q: According to our Regions procedure manual it states at the U10 level a player must play 3/4 of a game unless late, injured or ill. Please define late? Late for the start time of the game or the time the coach requires them to be at the field to warm up, get their assigned positions etc.?
A: Once a player starts a quarter on the field, that player is credited. So if a player is injured or needs to come out of a game 5 seconds into it, he/she is credited for playing that quarter and the player replacing that player is not credited.
Q: 1. There is an offensive player that is making a break for the goal and dribbles the ball down the field and shoots at the goal inside the goalie box (the innermost line in front of the goal). The goalie blocks it but the ball bounces off him. The offensive player inadvertently runs into the goalie and knocks him over. They are both on the ground. Meanwhile, the ball goes to a teammate that kicks the ball in the goal. Would you call a foul in this situation and disallow the goal or would you have let the goal stand and no foul?
2. My son's coach (while a fantastic and knowledgeable coach for my kid) will yell and question every call made by any ref or me. While he doesn't harp on it overly long, he definitely makes his displeasure with the call known to me-and everyone else on the field. I resent this immensely because a) I have taught my son to listen to everything the coach says because when it comes to the game he is always right. This leads to my son being upset at me after the game because he believes I made the wrong calls all game. b) Being a ref does not define me - I am a father out there "helping out" my son's team, I could care less about being a ref. c) It was the 2nd game I have ever reff’ed on a sport I have very limited exposure to. Am I hypersensitive to tell him to clamp it up and cut out his out loud questioning of my calls?
A: 1. You say the attacker ran into the goalkeeper. Sounds like that is a foul to me. Because a player inadvertently runs into an opponent does not mean it's not a foul. I would whistle and award a direct free kick for the goalkeeper's team.
2. The coach's game responsibilities are to give technical advice to his team, period. Any coach that questions/abuses the referees should be dismissed from the game.
Q: Attacking player takes a shot, Keeper stops ball but steps over the 18-yard line when she punts it away. What is the penalty for handling outside the box?
A: first, the rule. Any player that handles the ball is subject to a direct free kick for the opponents. Your question is coming from the u10 division, so this would apply. Once the goalkeeper exits the penalty area ("18 yard box") he/she is subject to the same rules that apply to a "field player".
But remember, it's always the positioning of the ball. Many spectators, and coaches, are mistaken when they say the goalkeeper punted the ball outside the penalty area. For a referee to determine if it's "handling" or not, where was the ball. The ball would have to be in the hands while completely outside the area to be handling. There is no advantage to the goalkeeper's team to gain just a few inches, so i as the referee would be very careful...and very sure before awarding a direct free kick for the opponent for "handling."
Q: I have a player absent for a game, which means that four kids will play all four quarters and the other four will play three quarters. Can I play the same player in goal for four quarters, or do I have to put her on the field for one of the four quarters?
A: Per our region guidelines, at u10, the goalkeeper cannot play the entire game in the net. He/she must play in the field as well.
Q: If a goalie picks up a ball and miss kicks it and the ball is still in the goalie box, can he pick the ball back up and try to re-kick it again?
A: If a goalkeeper has control of the ball with his/her hands in the penalty area (the acceptable area for a goalkeeper to handle a ball) and gives up possession (whether by accident or on purpose), the goalkeeper cannot handle the ball again in the penalty area.
This is often called "double touch" and the restart is an indirect free kick for the opponent.
Now, if it's a non-competitive game (u8 and below), I might let the "keeper" give another try.
Q: What are the rules for a goalkeeper handling the ball? I saw a referee require the goalie to set the ball down as if it were a free kick. Shouldn't the goalie be allowed to punt the ball, throw the ball, or set the ball down and kick it within 6 seconds?
A: If the goalkeeper legally handles the ball (within his/her own penalty area), he/she has 6 seconds to release the ball (either with a punt, throw, and drop, whatever. As long as he/she releases the ball from the hands).
I don't know why the referee req'd the gk'r to set the ball down. Maybe the referee thought it was a goal kick or offside infraction.
Q: If a player is leaning into another player and then raises their elbow, gaining advantage over the other player what is the call? Is it impeding, thus and indirect kick or pushing, a direct kick?
A: If a player raises an elbow into another player and you, the referee, feel it is a foul, then it's a foul. The restart is a direct free kick at the point of the foul for the opponent. Impeding is when a player impedes, or gets in the way of an opponent (when the ball is not in a playable distance). Impeding results in an indirect free kick for the opponent.
Q: On a throw-in, is there such a thing as being off sides?
A: On a throw-in, there is no offside. It is one of the exceptions to the law (along with goal kick, corner kick, etc.).
Q: Will your web site have info on adv., and national courses avail. To us in our reg., area, and sec.
A: Yes, our website will "broadcast" all new referee information. Click the "referee corner" link for all new information.
Q: I have heard that FIFA has changed the offside rule. Is this true and, if so, will this change how AYSO enforces this rule?
A: First of all, this law has not changed. The mechanics of how to apply the law has changed with the addition of two decisions adopted.
One decision has to do the part of the body that can be considered to be in an offside position. For the most part, all of the body parts that can play the ball (i.e. the head, torso, feet, legs, not the arms or hands) put to player into an offside position.
The other decision has to do with "active play" which determines whether or not a player is participating in the play.
Q: What is the restart for the Keeper holding onto the ball and not releasing it within the 6 second rule?
A: The restart would be an indirect free kick for the opponents at the place where the goalkeeper is when the referee signals for the infraction. But please, as always, keep in mind what the player is doing and why. Is the goalkeeper purposely trying to waste time? Then yes, the goalkeeper should be penalized. Is the goalkeeper trying to put the ball into playing without trying to waste time, or cheat, or gain an advantage? Then no, let the ball come into play.
I have rarely been a stickler on this type of penalty as there is rarely an advantage trying to be gained. Keep the game simple. What is the player trying to do? Answer this to yourself and your decision is usually a lot easier.
Q: Are there going to be any more Referee Clinics/Classes this year?
A: As of right now, no. The website has had the two classes posted for the last 2 months. If there is interest, we may have a 3rd class. But it would be on an rsvp basis and we (the referee staff) would have to have at least 10-15 participants.
You can always go to canyon country (www.ayso677.org) or Valencia’s class (www.ayso678.org). They will teach you, I will provide your uniform.
Q: Forgive me, but I'm new to this. I took the upgrade course and I'll be refing BU10. According to my son's coach, our team will provide an AR for every game. In addition, we will only provide a center ref for those home practice games. In addition, the league will be providing the center ref for all league games.
At the ref clinic I heard that each team will provide the center ref for all home games regardless of practice or league play.
A: The first part is true. at u10, each team provides an "AR" for each game. in addition, for each practice game, the home team provides the "center" referee.
The region will provide the "center" referee for all "league" games.
Q: If, on a throw-in, the ball is passed back to the goalkeeper, can the keeper handle the ball with his/her hands?
A: If, on a throw in, the ball is throw to your own goalkeeper, the goalkeeper cannot handle the ball with their hands. if they do, it's an indirect free kick for the opponents.
If, on a throw in, the ball is throw to your opponent's goalkeeper, the goalkeeper may handle the ball.
Note, both situations assume the goalkeeper is in her/his own penalty area (the area the goalkeeper can use their hands).
Q: Can the defense kick the ball back to the goalie so he can free kick or throw the ball down the field?
A: If a teammate plays the ball intentionally to his/her own goalkeeper with the foot, the goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball. If he/she does, it's an indirect free kick for the opponent. You can play the ball to your goalkeeper with a header, or any part other than the foot, and there is no consequence.
Q: Are there referee's for hire. None of the parents on my team are able to volunteer?
A: No, no referees for hire. Remember, AYSO is a volunteer organization. You should try to have 3 parents attend the referee course (competitive for u12 division). That way, hopefully, you will have 2 of those parents ready and willing to fulfill your referee obligation.
Q: I have a parent on my team that had been a certified center ref with AYSO 46 about 3 years ago. Does he have to take any courses to be one of my uniformed refs?
A: No need to repeat the course. Once you take it and become a "regional" (competitive) referee, you stay at that level without having to take any "refresher" courses.
However - They would need to take a safe haven recertification every year as every volunteer does.
Q: Do all refs have a whistle
A: No, all referees do not have a whistle, nor does the referee have to have a whistle. But I have never seen a referee without a whistle and I would not do a game myself without one. The law book states that referees can start/restart a game, but it does not state that it has to be done with a whistle.
Q: The two girl soccer teams that are playing are the colors red and blue team-the red tem has the advantage-no. 2 passes the ball to no. 6......it would appear to be offside to your assistant reff-so he automatically raises his flag. You blow the whistle and stop play-but then the AR lowers down his flag and points to no. 4 on the blue team-she was next the the goalkeeper-but she had been tying her shoe, so you couldn't see through the midst of all the kids running around-So you've stopped an advantage play but you realize their was no reason to since you or the AR couldn't see that girl......so what should I do?
A: to answer, the referee has blown the whistle. whether or not the referee should have blown the whistle is immaterial as the whistle was blown and play was stopped. so before the restart occurs, the referee needs to decide what kind of restart it will be.
will it be an indirect free kick for the defending team (thus the referee is observing the offside flag)? or will it be a dropped ball because of an inadvertent whistle? the decision is up to the referee.
but to get to the main part of your question...what should the referee do when an offside flag is up. as with any foul/penalty/infraction, the referee sometimes needs to wait just a second to "see" what's going on.
there is really a lot to this question and therefore, to the answer. as a referee doing a gu10 game (as you state), sometimes the asst referees are new and inexperienced. therefore, before observing an ar's flag with a whistle, the referee needs to wait a second to make sure that he/she wants to whistle.
the more you referee, the more comfortable you will become in recognizing situations where a delayed whistle is the appropriate thing to do (i.e. an ar's flag up for offside, playing advantage, etc.).
sure, you will hear coaches, players, parents and spectators yelling at you because a flag is up. but remember, it's up to you, the referee, to observe that flag with a whistle or to kindly ask the ar to put the flag down (non verbally, of course, with one hand like you're "patting" down the air).
thanks again for your question, sorry for the long reply. going through this situation, i guarantee that the referee and the asst. referee will learn to wait just a second next time.
Q: on a free kick, when does the ball have to move forward?
A: on a free kick, the ball must move forward on two occasions. on a kickoff and on a ...................penalty kick!
Q: If a goalie leaves the goalie box and kicks the ball. Should the call be a direct kick or indirect from the spot where the goalie kicked it because he handled the ball?
A: The goalkeeper may leave the penalty area (18 yard box) and kick the ball. Once the goalkeeper leaves his/her penalty area, he/she only loses the ability to legally use his/her hands. If the goalkeeper leaves his/her penalty area and uses his/her hands, then it's an direct free kick for the opponent at the place where the infraction occurred.
Q: Should a yellow card be given to a player for un-intentional tripping of another player? This happened 2 weeks ago by a center ref that was not dressed in uniform. I commend him stepping up to do the job, but not sure if this action was appropriate for this situation.
A: At U12, I would not show a yellow card for an unintentional trip. But remember, it's the referee's call and what you might think is unintentional may look otherwise to someone else. Also, a yellow card can be shown for other reasons. Maybe persistent infringement was the reason the yellow card was shown (?)
Q: In the Region 46 policies and procedures, the law states that the "no U12 player shall be the goalkeeper for more than three quarters and the goalkeeper must play at least one quarter as a field player during each game". I understand that if the goalkeeper played three quarters in goal, that player could either be a field player and play any position besides goalkeeper or sub that player if the coach chooses to? Do I understand the law correctly?
A: No, I think you're mistaken. If you play a player as the goalkeeper for 3 quarters, then that player must play in the field. In other words, all players must play in the field for 1 quarter or more.
Q: These three questions are intertwined. Is it OK for the parent of a child to be the center ref for that Childs game? And if he is, does he need to inform the other team as well as the other teams sideline ref that he is a parent of a child on the opposing team? And if he doesn't notify anyone, and we find out after the game that he was a parent of the opposing team, what if anything can be done? This happened to us last weekend (10/21/06) and there were allot of pushing and tripping fouls on the opposing team (not to mention some other very obvious fouls) and none of them were called.
A: Please consult your team's coach. He/She should know the answer to this as we have informed all the coaches numerous times (coach's preseason meeting, coach's midseason meeting, draft day, etc.).
For u10 league games, the region will provide the "center" referee, if possible. If there is no "center" referee, for whatever reason (i.e. one not available, cancellation, etc.), then the home team is to provide the "center" referee and an AR, if possible. If the home team cannot do so, the visiting team provides the "center" referee as well as an AR, if possible. I would say that this referee is always going to be a team player's parent (unless scheduled by the region).
The level of volunteerism is very low, that is why we had to implement this rule, as well as the 1/2 point rule. Because if there is no "center" referee, there is no game. So we, as a region, had to implement a rule to make sure the game is played. The referee does not have to inform the teams if they are affiliated with a team. But you as a coach can ask if there is an affiliation.
Lastly, if there is a problem with a referee, you should contact your div rep and the ref administrator as well. The Ref. Adm. will need team numbers, division, time, field, etc. so that this referee can be talked with.
Q: I am painting the U12 field at Foster Elementary School and I need to paint the Penalty Mark, which was apparently not original painted. What is the distance from the goal line? I looked up the measurement on a generic website, and it says 8 yards.
A: Normally, on a full size field, the Penalty Mark is 12 yards from the Goal Line. On our " age adjusted " fields, almost all the dimensions have been reduced. If in doubt, put the Penalty Mark halfway between the line around the Penalty Area (18 yds.) and the line around the Goal Area (6 yds.). This should locate the mark properly, regardless of the field size reduction.
Q: If the ball hits your shoulder, is it considered a hand-ball?
A: If you were to rotate your arm in a windmill fashion, all that rotates would be the area of the arm/hand that cannot "deliberately handle" the ball. Just as important as the part of the body that hits the ball, the referee must determine that the ball was "deliberately handled" by the player.
Q: Can any team member perform a goal kick or must it only be the goalkeeper? My son is playing in the U8 division.
A: Yes, any team member can take the goal kick.
Q: Thank you that answered my question. And also I have 2 more questions, Which level would I need to Ref. high school games? And how would I go about working up to that level?
A: To referee high school, there is varsity / junior varsity and frosh (freshman / sophomore team combined).
Q: Can you please tell me what each grade for your reffing license is? I know grade 8 is entry, but I want to know what the others are and I can't seem to find the answer to my question on the Internet.
A: In AYSO, there are four "grades". Regional, then intermediate, then advanced, then national. In USSF ("club"), there are many levels. 1 through 17.
1 and 2 = international
3 and 4 = national
5 and 6 = state
7 and 8 = recreational
Then there is “emeritus” status with each.
Q: My daughter plays goalie and during a game she blocked a shot off of her chest and was trying to gain control of the ball when an offensive player kicked at the ball but instead kicked my daughters hand, which immediately sent her to the ground in severe pain. My questions are #1) Is this a foul? and #2)If my daughter is on the ground obviously hurt not able to defend herself should play be allowed to continue with players running all around her trying to take shots at the goal or should the referee have stopped play because of the obvious injury and pain of the goalie?
A: Yes, this is a foul. And perhaps a cautionable offense in u14. In AYSO, play should immediately stop (per the referee's whistle) for the injury. A "dropped ball" should be the restart.
Q: I have a question I'm hoping you can answer. In my U6 girls games there are 2 halves, broken up by 7 minute periods (water breaks). In my ref course we only talked about starting the games and the half with a kickoff and didn't talk about the start of the periods. The manual only mentions it once under the "kickoff" column of the "restart” section.... so I've been starting the individual periods w/a kickoff, regardless of how the play ended going into the break. The other coach today was insisting that coming out of water breaks, we start w/a goal kick, throw-in etc, depending on how the last period ended. Now I'm not talking about halftime, I'm talking about the little periods in between (water breaks).
Am I right by following the manual and restarting with a kickoff or was the coach right by starting with however play ended?
A: The referee should try to stop at a "natural" break (i.e. when the ball goes out of play like a throw in or goal kick restart).
Q: There was a little confusion at our last game, U10. Is, or is not, the goalie allowed to "punt" in this age group?
A: Yes, the gk'r can punt the ball.
Q: When the keeper is attempting to recover the ball, either by using their hands or shielding it with their body, what indicates to the attacker that they should waive off their play? In our last game our keeper would be 1 second away from possession of the ball and an attacker 2 seconds behind the ball but still charging towards the goalie. When should we call charging? Is it safe to teach the children to continue charging the ball despite the keeper's intent to take possession?
A: As the referee, it's most important to keep the safety of the players in mind at all times. This is especially important the higher the level of the game as the players are faster and more athletic, and therefore injury can happen more frequently. I always "protect" the gk'r from attackers, as the attacker not only sees the ball, but the gk'r as well. The gk'r often does not see the attacker. That is why goalkeepers get fouled often on what seems like 50-50 balls. "Protect all players" is a good motto to live by when refereeing soccer.
Q: Can the Goalkeeper take control of the ball outside of the goal box with here feet, dribble it into the goal box and then pick it up?
A: Yes, the gk'r can take control of the ball with her feet and dribble into her penalty area and pick up the ball with her hands. As long as she does not do so directly as a result from a teammate playing the ball to her from their feet.
Q: Is it possible to attend a referee course outside of my region?
A: Yes, absolutely. And if they don't give you a uniform, I will.
Q: On a goal kick, should BOTH teams clear the box or only the defending team. This was an issue in many games last year.
A: Just the opposing team must clear the "penalty" area (18 yard box) on a goal kick. The team taking the kick may have players in the penalty area, but the ball is not in play until it leaves the area. So if the ball is touched before it exits the area, it's a retake of the goal kick.
Q: I have been to your referee class, twice, do I need to take it again?
A: No. Once you have taken the class, there is no reason to retake it. Unless you'd like to refreshen up on the "laws of the game".
But every ayso volunteer must be safe haven recertified each year. With referees, you can do this at one of our "referee get togethers". We will have two this month.
Also, if you'd like to upgrade your badge level, you must attend those courses.
Q: Can one player get three yellow cards?
A: No! Once a player receives a 2nd yellow (in the same game), he/she is immediately shown a red card following the 2nd yellow. The 2nd yellow must be shown first so that we know the infraction is a caution (yellow card) and not a send off (red card). That is why the red card is shown immediately after the 2nd yellow is shown.
If you're referring to the referee from England in the world cup.............oops!
Q: How many players are on a soccer team? What do the players wear? What equipment is needed to play this game?
A: In AYSO the number of players depends on the age group. Once the kid's reach U14, they play a " full sided match", 11v11. Each player is required to wear a shirt, shorts, shin guards, shoes and socks. All other required equipment for the match will be provided by the local region or the coach. They include the location or field of play, nets, corner flags and a ball.
Q: If a penalty is called on goalie for coming out of the box with the ball in their hands. Were is the penalty kick taken from? And is it a direct kick?
A: Once the goalkeeper exits his penalty area (18 yard box), he loses his rights to "handle the ball" without penalty. So once he exits, he is under the same ruling as all the other field players. So handling is the call. Direct free kick for the opponents where he handled the ball.
Q: The ball is headed toward the defensive goal where goalie decides to catch the ball. However, before the catch, the 2nd last defender follows the ball into the box with her back to the middle of the field. However, she is also is followed by an offensive player. The 2nd last defender decides the goalie will catch the ball and turns left away from the ball. However, defender turns into the path of the offensive player but does not strike the offensive player. AT the point of crossing, both players are not in reach of the ball but the goalie is closer and retrieves the ball very quickly (a second later) after their crossing. Has a foul occurred and what would the penalty be?
A: I don't see any foul, especially at the high school varsity level (per you subject matter to me). It just sounds like the defender allowed their goalkeeper to play the ball. If the defender did not intentional obstruct the attacker, no misconduct either.
Q: Recently while I was watching my daughter's team compete in the Founders Cup in Torrance- a Center Ref (who noticed I was in a ref uniform) asks if I would mind jumping in as his AR for a game that was about to start. I said yes.
So this is where my dilemma starts- it soon became shockingly clear that he was favoring one team over the other. It got so bad that at one point a player dribbled alone all the way up the field- scores- and he calls it offside and sets the ball back near the center of the field. I guess I should say between tournaments and the regular season I have 30 or so games to my credit as a ref (both Center & AR)- so please trust me there were many painfully bad calls. (Turns out his daughter played for B team in the region as the team he favored)
How should I have reacted to this? I quietly told him I didn't understand some of his offside calls & foul calls at the 1/2; but that didn't slow him down. Anyway, I basically echoed his calls (no matter how outrageous or wrong they were) for the rest of the game, and Ted, I have to say I don't feel good about that at all. Not then, and not now. Should I have walked off the field? What would you have done?
A: First a couple of things I do at tournaments and I feel all refs should do.
- Don’t wear your referee gear unless you're on the pitch doing a game. It’s not fair to the referees doing the game and it's not fair to you. As you can see, by wearing your uniform, you were picked out from the crowd.
- I usually just push my socks down and put on a tee shirt. That solves the problem.
- You should never referee your own kid's game...............never. First and foremost, you're there to enjoy watching your kid. Especially at a tournament when there is a game scheduler. Big shame on the referee who "centered" his own kid's game. And shame on the tournament staff for allowing it.
- Thanks for supporting a fellow referee. i think you did the right thing. Maybe next time, at halftime, go to the referee tent and voice your opinion. You’re not an upset parent; you're a participating referee on the game.
- Lastly, never walk out on a game. It’s for the kids....................no matter what.
Q: I'm confused somewhat about the offside rule. Whenever you are attacking and one of the attacking players chips the ball up over the defense, can the coach send an attacking player past the last defender while the ball is air born [ball still traveling in the air behind attacker]
My thoughts are, when the ball is kicked the attacking team can run past the last defender, receive the ball [provided it does not drop behind him/her and then take it in for the score.] Can you help clarify, thanks
A: There are a few things going on in your question. but here's the simple part about offside.
First, for the asst referee to determine offside, it's when the ball is played or touched by a teammate.
Next, the receiving player must be in the defending team's side of the field.
Next, the receiving player must be either participating or gaining an advantage.
Next, the receiving player must be ahead of the ball (so if the receiving player is behind the ball, he/she cannot be offside).
Next, the player must be past the 2nd to last defender (goalkeeper is usually the last defender).
If all these factors happen.............................offside!
Q: How old do u have to be to referee?
A: AYSO says 12 is the minimum age, but we have taken 11 year olds.
Q: Player receives the ball at his feet, plays it to his head and back to the keeper, who catches the ball?
A: This is called "circumventing" the rules. The player is "cheating" in order to bypass the rule. This infraction results in an indirect free kick for the opponent.
Q: A defending player in the box at u10 level raises his arms to chest level blocking the ball from striking his chest causing the ball hit the forearms, which resulted in the ball dropping to his feet. He then plays the ball. How would you make the call? I was under the impression that as of this year in region 46 "handling the ball" was to be interpreted as intentional (raising of arms) contact with the ball from the elbow down.
A: For handling to be called, it must be intentional. If the ball played the arm, it's not. It the arm played the ball, it is. At u10, if a player raised his/her arm for protection, I would not call handling. Region 46 has never taught its referees anything other than how the law reads.
Q: If a defensive player intentional kicks the ball to his/the goalkeeper shouldn’t the IFK be placed at the point of the infraction? This happened to my team this past weekend and the referee placed the ball outside of the top of the penalty box. I thought at the very least the ball would NOT move further away from the goal from the place where the defensive player kicked the ball to his/her goalkeeper.
A: If the ball is played by the foot intentionally to your own goalkeeper and your goalkeeper uses his/her hands, the restart is an indirect free kick for the opponent at the spot where the goalkeeper used his/her hands.
Q: Can a coach receive a red card in a game?
A: No, only "players" are to receive cards in AYSO.
That means substitutes are not to receive cards either. "Players" are team members that are on the field of play. Now in high school and "club", players and substitutes and coaches and spectators can receive cards. It just depends on the organization and it's rules.
Q: When you correctly call the coin toss at the start of a match- do you get choice of goals, or can you choose to take the ball and let the other team choose goals. Our Ref last week insisted you could only choose a goal for winning the toss.
A: The team that wins the coin toss is given their choice of which goal they would like to defend in the 1st half. Sometimes referees will ask which direction would the like to attack first. The team that looses the toss always kicks off first.
Q: How old do you need to be to ref or to do the flags?
A: AYSO says 12, but depending on the student, we have allowed 11 year olds to take the class.
Q: During our recent game, there was a penalty kick awarded to our team. Before the kick, the goalkeeper was moving back and forth between the goal post. In the past, a goalie could not move until the ball was kicked. I asked the referee about this and he stated that the goalie could move side-to-side but could not move forward. I looked up in the FIFA rule book and below is the answer it gave. Could you clarify this for me?
Soccer Rules - Law 14 - Penalty-kick
A PK shall be taken from the penalty-mark and, when it is being taken, all players with the exception of the player taking the kick, properly identified, and the opposing goalkeeper, shall be within the field of play but outside the penalty-area, and at least 10 yards from the penalty-mark. The opposing goalkeeper must stand (without moving his feet) on his own goal line, between the goal posts, until the ball is kicked. The player taking the kick must kick the ball forward; he shall not play the ball a second time until it has been touched or played by another player. The ball shall be deemed in play directly it is kicked, i.e. when it has traveled the distance of its circumference. A goal may be scored directly from a PK. When a PK is being taken during the normal course of play, or when time has been extended at half-time or full-time to allow a PK to be taken or retaken, a goal shall not be nullified if, before passing between the posts and under the cross-bar, the ball touches either or both of the goal-posts, or the cross-bar, or the goal-keeper, or any combination of these agencies, providing that no other infringement has occurred.
A: A goalkeeper may move side to side and up and down. The goalkeeper cannot advance forward from the goal line "plane" until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper did nothing wrong and the referee was correct.
Q: A U16 game has about 5 minutes left to play. A player is injured on the field and medical response is required. The game cannot be completed due to the medical response. How is the game decided?
A: The game should be "suspended" by the referee. If there is time to complete the game once the medical situation has been completed, it should be completed. If not, then the executive board will make the decision.
Q: I often watch English Premier League. When a player is injured the referee stops play. When play resumes a team will often kick the ball out of play for a throw or back to the keeper as a matter of courtesy. Here, I see many drop balls for all kinds of reasons. When is the correct call for a drop ball?
A: Once players reach high school, usually they recognize when there is an injury, they "play the ball out".
For example, if player "A" is injured, the player in control of the ball "plays the ball out". If the restart is a throw in for "B", then "B" throws to "A", as that is the correct thing to do since "A" had possession of the ball when "A" was injured.
But I’m not quite sure what you mean by "here". Do you mean AYSO or America?
AYSO uses a "dropped" ball restart whenever play is stopped for injury.
Q: Attacking player “A” dribbles the last defender, attacking player “B” was on an offside position but not actively involved on that play. 3 seconds later “A” passes the ball to “B”, but by then “B” was no longer offside since the last defender had moved closer to his keeper than the “B” player. Though “B” wasn't involved on the first play he became very involved just a few seconds later.
Offside call, or not?
A: I say no offside. The situation changes all the time. When “A” did pass the ball to “B”, “B” was not in an offside position, therefore no offside.
Q: Is there a slaughter rule for the older children’s team like boys and girls U14?
A: No, there's not. If I am refereeing a game and the game is one sided, I will request to the coach for the team to "play down". I usually don't have a problem with the coach if I ask him personally.
Q: The following happened to my team this weekend. The ball was in our side of the field. When my player kicked the ball into the other teams side I had a player who was in an off side position. The ball was kicked hard enough to go all the way to the goal line before it was touched by the goalie. My player was up by the kick off arc but had not touched the ball. As soon as she started to run towards the ball, down by the goalie, she was called for off sides. It is my understanding that just because my player was in an off sides position she is not off sides until she either touches the ball or interferes with the defense in getting to the ball. My question is this:
1) Is my understanding correct?
2) If my player, who is at least 20 yards from the ball but in an off side position, runs towards where the ball is does that make her off sides since she is running towards the ball?
A: A player is in an offside position when he/she is; a) in the attacking half of the field and b) ahead of the ball and c) closer to the goal line than the 2nd to last defender and d) interfering with active play.
The flag goes up when the AR feels these conditions are met.
The restart is an indirect free kick for the opponents at the point where the attacker was originally.
Q: Is there a slaughter rule for the older children’s team like boys and girls u14?
A: No, there's not. If I am refereeing a game and the game is one sided, I will request to the coach for the team to "play down". I usually don't have a problem with the coach if I ask him personally.
Q: An attacker dribbles past the second to last defender leaving just the keeper. Another attacker runs with the first attacker toward the goal. Can the first attacker with the ball pass to the second attacker who is also past the next to last defender or is that off sides? Can he pass as long as the second attacker is even with the ball or behind it?
A: Very good, you answered your own question. Yes, as long as that 2nd attacker is equal with, or behind the ball, he is not offside.
Q: During a goal kick, team A is kicking the goal kick. All of team B and A is outside of the penalty box. Can team A have a player inside the goal box while another player is kicking the goal kick?
A: On a goal kick, the opposing team may not have any players in the penalty area. The team kicking the ball may have as many players in the penalty area as they'd like.
Q: I am curious to know what the responsibility of a Line Ref is. Are they allowed to call off-sides and handballs or anything else? Or is their sole responsibility to just indicate which team gets the ball when is goes out of bounds.
A: The line referee's (assistant referee) duties are many. Some of the duties are what the referee instructs the "AR" to do in the pre-game discussion. Some of the duties are assumed. But whatever the AR calls, it's always up to the referee to acknowledge. For example, the AR raises the flag for offside. The referee can blow the whistle to observe the offside flag or the referee can continue with play by not observing the flag (in this situation, the referee usually will "pat" the air down. This is telling the AR to lower the flag and continue). Even throw-ins, goal or corner kicks, etc. are always the referee's call. Usually the referee agrees with the AR, but sometimes not. To finish, the ar can make any call he/she wishes. It’s always up to the referee to acknowledge or disregard.
Lastly, the AR is there to "ASSIST", not "INSIST".
Q: What is the proper way to handle a situation such as... Team A is short by one player. Does Team B have the option to play one man short to make it even OR does Team A simply have to play a man short?
One more question...
I have asked before, but I still need clarification... What is the rule for substitutions for BU10? Unlimited? Goalie only? Only at 1/4 and 1/2 breaks? Please clarify.
A: If team A is short one player (by that i think you mean one short of the maximum amount of field players allowed), team B does not have to play "short".
Nor do I recommend it. Team B's players should not be penalized for the other team not having a full squad.
Team A would have to play "short".
In our region, in u10, all team members must start three quarters of the game. The goalkeeper must also play one quarter on the field.
Substitutions are allowed at the substitution break (approx. 1/2 through the first and second halves when the referee indicates) and at injury (just for the injured player).
