| Question: |
An attacking player crosses the ball into the penalty
area. A defender traps the ball near the goal. The keeper who is
behind him says "leave it, I'll get it", then proceeds
to pick up the ball. |
| Answer: |
It
depends on how the ball was trapped. A trap with any part of the
body other than the foot makes it OK. The foot is the ankle and
below. This particular play was not an accidental deflection nor
was it played by another part of the body, so if trapped with the
feet, it makes it the same as if the ball was physically played
to the keeper with the foot. This may be a hard sell but it will
be the correct call. The original rule was to have no ball played
by foot to the keeper. This particular play was brought up years
ago and the ruling was "infraction". It was determined this type
of situation was no different than an actual "pass back with
the foot" to the keeper.
Indirect free kick. If this happened in the goal bax, spot the ball
on the 6 yd line closest to the spot where the keeper picked up
the ball as with any other IFK in the goal box. |
| Question: |
The ball is out of play waiting for the kicker to
take the corner kick. Players on both teams are pushing and jockeying
for position. An obvious foul is committed but the ball isn't in
play. How can I manage the situation? What are my options? |
| Answer: |
Since
the ball is out of play the only foul you can enforce is misconduct.
A yellow or red card (if appropriate) to the offenders and after
the situation is back in control continue with the corner kick attempt.
Yes, resume the corner kick. Remember, the ball was out of play
and dead, so no PK or anything else.
Most times, just blow the whistle and stop the kicker from going,
then give a verbal lashing to those pushing, bumping, holding, etc.
to let them know you are watching and the only thing that "saved
their bacon" was that the ball was still dead and out of play.
If the ball would have been in flight the fouls may result in a
denied goal for the attacking team, followed by a free kick out,
or a PK if the defending team was the violator. Most times, if you
hold up the kick, then talk and tell them to "knock it off"
they will, at least long enough to get the kick off.
In a two man system like we use, on corner kicks it is most important
as the trail official to come as close to the corner of the penalty
area as possible without giving upi your ability to cover back up
field on a subsequent keeper's punt. Then, depending on which side
the kick is taken from the official that is observing the players
from behind should make some comment like, "hey, remember to
play the ball, not the other team. And any contact before the kick
is illegal!". That should put them on alert that they are being
observed from behind. This is probably the best method as it is
game management, trying to stop something before it starts. Note..
the best mechanic for corner kicks is to switch sides of the field
with your partner so that as the lead referee you are always on
the line observing the players from behind, with the goal and kicker
in your line of view. The only dissuading factor to switching on
corners would be if the sun becomes a strong obstruction to you
or your partner's vision during the kick or subsequent play until
you can switch back.
Remember, contact is only legal when done in a legal manner while
directly contesting for the ball which is within the players playing
distance. 2 guys in shoulder to shoulder contact while attempting
to get to a ball that is 20 feet from them is not a legal move for
either one of them. The ball is not in their realm of play. Call
out to them while that is going on to knock it off. By the same
token, shoulder to shoulder contact trying to push for position
while waiting for a corner kick is also illegal. Stop the kick and
talk. |
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