2009 Outdoor Season

Click on the following links to see the full question and response:

 

(Sept 28th) Question 27:  “…if my player throws a throw in to me …”

I just have a question regarding throw in. I’m a goalie, so if my player throws a throw in to me, can I catch the ball and kick it. I was given a indirect free kick against me. Referee told me that he was implying FIFA rules. I just want to know if he made a right decision calling that free kick.

Response:  YES, the Referee made the correct call.  This is described in the FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 14:

“If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it

has touched another player:

• a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement

occurred outside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from

the place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free

Kick)

• an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement

occurred inside the goalkeeper’s penalty area, the kick to be taken from the

place where the infringement occurred (see Law 13 – Position of Free Kick)”

 

(Sept 11th) Question 26:  “In question 25 I understand…”

In question 25 I understand that a dog running on the pitch is outside interference and if play is stopped then a drop ball is the restart. However I thought that tree branches overhanging a field were regarded as part of the field. They are there at the start of the game, all through the game and at the end. Also it is equally the same for both teams. In a sense the branches could be considered the same as if the ball hit the referee or the woodwork around the goal. I just want to make sure I totally understand this one.

Response:  The response in Question 25 has been confirmed by a CSA National Certified Referee.  The only comment that he added was to extrapolate the path of the ball.  If the ‘tree branch’ was not there to impede the travel of the ball, would the ball have stayed in play, or would it have crossed the touch line.  If it would have stayed in play, then it is a drop ball for the reason explained in Question 25.  If it would have crossed the Touch line, then it is a throw-in by the opposing team. 

Regarding your comment of “…could be considered the same as…”, the 'Woodwork' and the 'Referee' are mentioned in the Laws of the Game as being considered part of the field of play.  The same is true for corner flags and uneven turf.  However the only reference for objects not normally considered part of the field of play is considered 'outside interference'.

 However you may have seen Toronto FC Home games where the fans through streamers and balloons on the field.  But unless the contact with the ball causes a disadvantage and/or advantage to the players, the play is not stopped.

 

(Sept 3rd) Question 25:  “…the ball struck a tree which over hangs into the field area.”

I was refereeing a while back at Frank McCool and the ball struck a tree which over hangs into the field area. I was puzzled by this scenario and simply performed a drop ball below the spot where the ball struck the tree. I searched the Fifa Laws for an answer, but was unable to find one. Perhaps due to looking too quickly. Any ways, could someone let me know what the proper call/procedure is in this case?

o       Response:  This is a subject that has come up in many Entry Level, Refreshers, and Upgrade courses.  The common example of outside interference is the dog running onto the field and deflecting the ball into the goal.

It is covered in the FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 5 and Law 8.  First Law 5: Powers and Duties – “The Referee stops, suspends or abandons the match because of outside interference of any kind”.  Then Law 8: Dropped Ball – “If, while the ball is still in play, the referee is required to stop play temporarily for any reason not mentioned elsewhere in the Laws of the Game, the match is restarted with a dropped ball.

(Aug 31st) Question 24:  “Officiating in the Calgary Corporate Challenge”

… will the CCC games be open to all ref's or is there a minimum level?

o       Response:  To our knowledge, the organizers of the CCC Games (aka Calgary Corporate Challenge) will be recruiting the Officials for the their Soccer Tournament.  They will be defining the qualifications required.

(Aug 31st) Question 23:  “It is stated on the home page for CDSRA that the indoor refresher is coming …?”

It is stated on the home page for CDSRA that the indoor refresher is coming and we can sign up at the CSF Referee Website. I want to ref indoor and I have a rating of 60...Can I take this refresher course or do I require more training...Also, I cannot find a sign up for the indoor refresher as noted...

o       Response:  Yes, the CDSRA is hosting an Indoor Refresher for it’s members on September 15.  In order to qualify for the Refresher, you must have had a minimum of one season’s experience Officiating an Indoor game.  If you have not, then you must attend one of the Conversion Courses.  The rating you have carries over from Outdoor to Indoor.

Registration for any of the Refreshers or Conversion courses is done on-line at the CSF Referee Website.  You are correct in that CSF has not posted the link yet, but will be doing so in the near future. 


(Aug 27th) Question 22:  “I understand a substitution can occur at any stoppage …?”

I understand a substitution can occur at any stoppage, with the permission of the referee. Can you confirm that at a penalty a substitute may be brought onto the field, and that the sub can also take the penalty even though he was not on the field when the foul occurred.

o       Response:  The only restriction in either the FIFA Laws of the Game, or the League regulations, is if the PK’s are in ‘Extra Time’ to determine a match result (ie. winner).  In this case only players on the field of play are eligible.  There is nothing in the FIFA Laws of the Game, or the League regulations, that restricts a Referee from granting permission for a substitution during regular time. 

However because CSF often schedules back to back games, a Referee may deny the request if the PK is granted during ‘Extended Time’ after regular time has expired, in the interest of time.  So again, the key words are “…with the permission of the referee.”

 (Aug 11th) Question 21: “…throw-in's and substitutions…?”

I have a question regarding throw-in's and substitutions. We had a referee this week that was adamant that substitutions are only allowed when your team is in possession - ie. your throw in or free kick. Our game before that, we had a referee with rules exactly opposite - substitution anytime, no matter who has possession. So even though we may be on an attack deep in the opponents end and we want to take a throw in immediately, the ref can slow the game down and make us wait for the other team to make a substitution.

I thought the rule was only substitute on your possession unless the ball is so far out of play that there is time to do so...

Is there a definite rule on this or is it more considered an "etiquette" and referee's discretion?.

o       Response:  What you think is “..the rule..” is not correct.  Both the FIFA Laws of the Game and the League Regulations both imply that a Substitution can only be made with the Referee’s permission.  Neither suggests that the team requesting the Substitution be in possession of the ball.  So by your description above, both Referees are correct.  And Referees are encouraged to explain their expectations to the Captains at the coin toss, or in some cases directly to the team manager/coach.

A Referee’s duty is to officiate a match that is fair to both teams and within the Laws of the Game.  Asking each team to try to keep their calls for a substitution on: their own whistle; on a ball that is kick well out of play; or ‘piggy backing’ on the opponent’s substitution is a good un-written rule of thumb.  It is not “etiquette”, it is “what is fair” to both teams.    However in some circumstances, a Referee may allow a substitution when the ball is not in their possession, or deny a substitution even when the team has the ball in their possession.

 (Aug 11th) Question 20: “…in u -14 indoor soccer,…?”

in u -14 indoor soccer, how many players are allowed on the field including goalies?.

o       Response:  All games played on regular fields are played with 6 per side, which includes the Keeper.  This is independent of age group.

(July 27th) Question 19: “…Do your officials have constant tests and evaluations to ensure they know the laws of the game?”

My question is one that seem to baffle CUSA so I thought maybe you could have the answers. Do your officials have constant tests and evaluations to ensure they know the laws of the game..  How are they done and how often.  And are the officials being held accountable for actions on the field just like coaches and players.

o       Response:  There are many checks and balances in place, most of which are put in place to help every person wanting to officiate soccer develop their skills.  Some are mandatory, and some are voluntary, and some are dependant on the level the person is qualified to officiate.  Briefly, but not limited to:

§         Alberta Soccer Association, aka. ASA, mandates that before each season the (ie outdoor and indoor) every official MUST attend a ‘Refresher seminar’ to go over the rule changes for that season. 

§         National Referee’s (ie. Those qualified to officiate top level games: CUSA Major, Premier, etc.) must pass a fitness test every year.  They are also required to be ‘assessed’ periodically by an ASA official.

§         Regional Referees (those qualified to officiate high level game: CUSA 2 & 3, CWSA 1, CMSA Premier, etc.) must attend the fitness test every year.  They are also encouraged to schedule ‘maintenance assessments’.

§         District Referees (those qualified to do all other games) can participate in the fitness and assessment program on a volunteer basis.

§         Any person wanting to upgrade to the next level MUST attend a course, pass a test, and pass the minimum requirements for assessment.

§         Calgary District Referee Soccer Association (CDSRA) schedules monthly seminars on various topics.

§         Each league has a method for players, coaches, and team officials to submit a Referee Evaluation.  These evaluations a submitted to the Referee Affairs Committee (RAC), and if warranted will contact the Referee to discuss.

Officials are held accountable, but NOT ‘…just like coaches and players’.  Coaches, players, team officials, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in accordance to the Laws of the Game.  Referees are expected to make sure the Coaches, Players, Team Officials, and spectators conduct themselves in accordance to the Laws of the Game. 

These are just a few checks and balances, and ASA is spending a lot of time to help Refereeing to be consistent across Canada.  But realize that Referees are human as well.

 (June 13th) Question 18: “…U10… on a free kick what is the distance…?”

Regarding U10 Soccer, on a free kick what is the distance the opposing team have to give? Five,ten fifteen yards?

o       Response:  Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) and CMSA has published modifications to the FIFA Laws of the Game.  The section which lists the distance an opponent must respect for a free kick is Law 8.  Currently neither ASA nor CMSA includes any modifications to Law 8 for U10 Soccer, so the FIFA Law 8 applies which is 10 yards.  However the ASA Modified Laws of the game for U12 8 V 8 lists the respected distance is 6 yards.  This has been noted to CMSA, but this rule will not change until the next rule committee meeting January 2010.  So in short for the 2009 U10 Outdoor season, the answer to your question is 10 yards.

 (June 11th) Question 17: “…Quick Free Kick…?”

An offensive player with the ball is taken down just outside the 18yd. box, I was talking to the defender about it for a couple seconds and when I turned to continue the game an offensive player kicked the ball from where the incident happened. Should he have waited for my whistle?

o       Response:  Your responsibility in this case is to make sure the Free Kick follows the guidelines in Law 13.  If you decide to take the defender away from the play to 'talk' to him, the attacking player needs to wait for your signal to continue play.  To manage 'confrontation',  the Ref should try to read the intent of the attacking team to determine if they want the Quick Kick.  If so, the Ref needs to determine if they need to stop play, regardless of the attacking team's intent, to talk to the defender or allow the Quick Kick and perhaps talk to the defender at the next stoppage.  If the Ref did not see any intent by the Attacking Team to take a Quick Kick, but the attacking player did so when they saw the defender was distracted by your conversation, then the Ref needs to stop play and posibly have a conversation with the attacking player that took the kick.  The same is true if the defender wants to talk to the Ref and the Ref sees the Attacking team wanting a Quick Kick.  The Ref needs to determine if they need to 'play on', regardless to the defender's intent, and allow the Quick Kick or stop play to prevent any confrontation from escalating.

 (June 10th) Question 16: “…how strictly enforced is teams needing to provide an AR…?”

My question is in regards to number of players and AR - CUSA states that when ARs are not assigned to a game each team must provide someone (a player if need be) to act as linesman even if they are short players. I was wondering how strictly enforced is this when a team is already playing with less than 11 players?

o       Response:  CUSA enforces this based upon what the game official has recorded on the game sheet.  A number of different scenarios have occurred over the past while that I'm aware of:

o       Game official records team failed to provide AR when requested.

o       Opposition assists and provides two AR's for this game and the other team returns the favour at a future game.  {Editor's note: It is expected that the Team Official, not the Ref, make this request of the opposition}

o       Game official agrees to officiate without AR's on the provision that the teams do not provide any editorials etc for calls that could be missed with a single official managing the match. {Editor's note:  Just because one team can not provide an AR, does not mean the other team is penalize when they can provide their AR.  I often comment it is to their benefit to provide an AR}

The CUSA Rules are intended to assist both the teams and the official.  While we recognize that teams often have limited substitutes for a match the onus goes upon them to approach the game official or opponents for a positive solution at the field.  Where and when a positive solution is found CUSA will not look at disciplinary action.  It is when a team refuses to provide an AR when requested by the game official and it is recorded on the game sheet that we apply sanctions.

 

(June 7th) Question 15: “U12 8 V 8, If there is a penal offense committed by the defending team in the penalty area …?”

In Reference to the response to Question #14:

If there is a penal offense committed by the defending team in the penalty area where is the direct free kick taken from

- do all kicks come out to the top of the goal area

or

- Is it a direct free kick inside the box from where the offense occurred

o       Response:  Firstly, please note that in U12 8 V 8 there is NO penalty area, only a goal area that is 8yds x 20yds.  The following is a excerpt out of the ASA Laws of the Game (Rules for U12 8 a-side Soccer) Booklet 2 of 3:

Law 13, item #1 “For any infringement of the Rules of the Game when the ball is in play, the referee may award a free kick to the team opposing that of the offending player. The free kick shall be taken from the place where the infringement occurred, unless the free kick is awarded to the attacking team within the opponent’s goal area.  In this case, the kick shall be taken from that part of the goal area line which runs parallel to the goal line, at the point nearest to where the offence was committed.”

 

(June 6th) Question 14: “I saw your answer for 8v8 for free kicks…?”

I saw your answer for 8v8 for free kicks {editors note: refer to Question #9} and that they are "direct". This makes no sense to me since they pulled the penalty kick. I was also at a festival where all kicks where indirect.  Has there been any further clarification on this

  • Response:  The following is an E-Mail excerpt received from Mike Carson who has been deeply involved in the development of 8 v8 for the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA):

“I have had the opportunity to train about 200 young people this spring.  The current copy of the laws of the game is somewhat confusing in a number of areas. The biggest area being in Law 12 fouls and misconducts.  There are two different versions out there I have taught using the latest version ratified by the ASA competitions committee in Late April.  This version allows the ref to substitute offending players off the field of play.  If the ref deems that an offence deserved a caution the player is asked to leave the field for a shift. If the offence was deemed to be a sending off offence then the player is substituted out for the duration of that game.  The teams do not play short handed.  ASA is emphasizing no cards be used at this age level however EMSA has allowed them.  The other area that is somewhat flawed is in free kicks no definition is given whether they are direct or indirect it was the opinion of the RDC to go with all free kicks at U12 being direct.  No penalty kicks at all in either age group.  I hope that this helps…”

(June 1st) Question 13: “…pass back to keeper…?”

…concerning pass backs to the keeper.  Or, more officially, pass back to own keeper.

I have seen both ends of the spectrum.

Ø      Some ref’s call it “no matter what”

Ø      Some use there own discretion as to whether a player “intended” to pass the ball back to the keeper.

I have looked it up in our FIFA manual, and there isn’t much clarification there, but I could be mistaken.

So I was wondering if you could direct me to some in-depth rulings and/or write ups regarding pass back to keeper situations.  Or your personal comments as well, of course

  • Response:  Law 12, page 34, is very clear on this subject "...touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate".  This is again repeated on page 111 in the "Guidelines for Referees" section.  Please note there is a difference in the terms deliberately and intended.  The player may have 'intended' to pass the ball to the other defender.  But seeing the ball had a good chance to be intercepted by an opponent the keeper comes out and handles the ball, the Ref should stop play and award an IDFK for the Attacking team. 

In conclusion, at the Refs discretion did the player have control of the ball when the ball was kicked?  For example if the player was attempting to dispossess the ball from the opponent, or made poor contact with the ball (ie. mis-kicked it), then the answer is NO and the keeper may handle the ball. 

A Ref that would '...call it "no matter what"' does not understand the spirit of this Law.  The law was introduced to reduce time-wasting in the game.  As a consequence, an "incidental" play that results in the ball going to the Keeper is likely not something that needs to be punished.  The team should be penalized for 'pass-back' plays that waste time or are done to unfairly prevent the opponent from playing the ball.  If this is not the case...play on!. 


 (May 29th) Question 12: “Am I supposed to contact the ref. in advance to find out what jersey color to wear…?”

I am a new ref and competed my 1st game last night. I\'m happy to say it went well.
My 2nd game I am an AR2 for a high division women\'s match and I was wondering how the ref. and ARs match jerseys?  Am I supposed to contact the ref. in advance to find out what jersey color to wear or should I have a standard color already with me?

  • Response:  For most ‘league games’ the Ref decides what Jersey color to wear when he sees the teams.  They can get a good idea off the league website, but there are no guarantees.  Also with the number of games swapped at the last minute, the Ref you see on the schedule may not be the Ref that shows up to the game. 

Again in CSF League play the AR’s are not required to wear the same color as the Ref, although it is encourage for aesthetics.  It is more important that you wear a different color than the players.  If you do not have the same color as the players.  Typically most Refs will keep a variety of jersey colors.  Most common is Black, Yellow and Red.  If the Ref decides to wear a color you do not have, the next best thing is to match the other AR.

 (May 16th) Question 11: ”…Why did they take the penalty kick out of the U12 8v8 game?”

Penalty Kick - Why did they take the penalty kick out of the game?  To me, most fans and most certainly the young kids, a penalty kick is one of the most exciting parts of the game.

And it is a good deterrent to limit "dirty tackles and tackles from behind" and to just be more careful when defending in the penalty/goal area.  Also, there are coaches out there, not many I hope, that will actually instruct players do "all that is necessary" to prevent an opponent from getting a shot on net.

  • Response: The objective of the supplemental to the Laws of the Game for U12 8v8 is “Player Skills Development”.  It is intended to be an intermediate step between the U10 Game and the Full 11v11 Game.  I encourage you to read the documents that ASA has published on this topic.  You will see that this is not just a local initiative.  Many Soccer Clubs/Associations in Canada, US, and Europe are also changing.  These documents can be viewed at:

http://albertasoccer.com/clientuploads/Technical/U12League.pdf

http://albertasoccer.com/clientuploads/Technical/U12Rules.pdf

http://albertasoccer.com/clientuploads/Technical/U12Tech.pdf

We’ve all seen coaches out there as you described.  Again talk to both the Coach and team Field Marshal to explain that the action of the player(s) in inappropriate in the spirit of the game, and if they do not correct this, they will be reported to the CMSA league.  Remember to use good judgment and diplomacy.

(May 16th) Question 10: ”…caution and red card a player in 8v8”

Are referee's to caution and red card a player in 8v8...I didn't see any mention of this in the rules?

  • Response: The clarification I received was that “…players can not be cautioned or dismissed”.  You can though talk to the coach(s) and player(s) if you consider the action to be inappropriate (eg. Striking an opponent).  I trust the coach(s) would take an appropriate action.

 (May 16th) Question 9: ”U12 8v8, Free Kick…”

Law 13 - Free Kick: Is this "Free Kick" always direct?

  • Response: The clarification I received was that “…all free kicks are DIRECT”.

 (May 13th) Question 8: ”When to signal Hand Ball at a lower level game…”

Often in U-14 and U-12, players having to control a high or bouncing ball close their eyes, turn their backs or simply do not have the technical ability to control one. Sometimes, this leads to situations where the ball hits a player's hand, albeit unintentionally, but whose handling of the ball helps him control it. Other times, players will shy away from the ball with their hands out to protect their face or simply block a ball from reaching their face with their hands, for example. Which of these cases can be called a deliberate hand ball at that level?

  • Response: Again use Law 12 and Interpretation of the Laws as your guide.  Use these to determine if his action was a Cautionable Offence, a Dismissal Offence, A Ball to Hand, or just a foul.

If a player makes the motion to '...protect their face', ask yourself if the player intentionally placed themselves in harms way to block the path of the ball, or did the player have no opportunity to 'get out of the way' and needed to protect themselves.  If this is a 'lower division of play', the Ref may choose to talk to the player and explain/warn that this action is a cautionable offence and stepping into the path of the ball while protecting their face is not an excuse.  Remind yourself that you are not there to just strictly enforce the Laws of the Game to the letter.  You are there to use good judgment and game management so that the game is fair and enjoyable by all participants.  Use the Laws of the Game as a tool to make sure the players are conducting themselves within the spirit of the game.

 (May 13th) Question 7: ”Should the referee have given a penalty as the advantage given didn't materialize into a goal…”

I refereed a U-14 game and experienced the following situation.

 

An attacking player is darting into the penalty area and shoots; the ball is chest-height and goes off a defender\'s arm (unintentionally, who is but a yard away). The ball then bounces to the ground and, as the attacker continues his run, he takes the ball in his stride and has another go at goal that goes wide. I obviously signaled a goal-kick, as the previous hand ball was clearly unintentional.

 

But this experience had me wondering what the correct call would have been if the hand ball was deliberate. Should the referee have given a penalty as the advantage given didn't materialize into a goal; or was the shot attempt enough to warrant a wasted advantage, in which case it would have been just a goal kick; can a ref even give advantage on a handball?

  • Response: Actually the Politically correct term is "ball to hand".  A "hand ball" by definition is a player intentionally handling the ball (So I've been told during one of my assessments).
    So you were correct in that it was ball to hand.  Had, in your opinion, the player intentionally handled the ball, you would refer to FIFA Laws of the Game handbook, Law 12 (page 34) and  Interpretation of the Laws of the Game and Guidelines for Referees section Law 12 'Handling the Ball' (page 110).  If either one happened in the PK Area, then the Ref would whistle and point to the spot.
    Yes a Ref can call ADVANTAGE, but use good judgement.  Just because the player didn't score, doesn't mean the player's advantage '...didn't materialize'.  Ask yourself "...was it a reasonable shooting opportunity (not off balance/out of position/etc.)?", and if the answer is YES then it is probably a realized advantage.
    The Ref also has the option to caution the defender at the next opportunity, which may be at the next stoppage.

(May 6th) Question 6: ”an IDFK… can I demand that the ball not be touched until after my whistle”

It is an Indirect Free Kick. The defending team is 10 yards back, and all is in order. The attacking player places his foot on the ball before I whistle the play in. He is actually moving the ball a few millimeters back and forth, causing the defending team to charge in before the whistle. The defending team is confused and protests that the ball has been touched and is therefore in play.

My question is, can I demand that the ball not be touched until after my whistle on the re-start? Can a player roll the ball back and forth with his foot as the play is being re-started.

So, my question to you is, can I referee my son’s games?

  • Response: This becomes a game management problem for the Referee.  Best action is to turn this into a “ceremonial Free Kick” as per the Additional Instructions in the Laws of the Game (ie. Referee advises both teams that the restart is after a whistle.  Then they can use the time to talk to the players, back off the wall, etc.).  The Referee has the option to advise the attacking team that after the ball moves, the ball is IN PLAY.  Then the Referee can move into position, blow the whistle to signal the restart.  Then if the attacking team does it at their next Free Kick opportunity, they have been warned.  Again the Referee has the option to advise both teams in a clear voice “…ball is in play”. 

 

 (May 5th) Question 5: “…can I referee my son’s games?”

I have just started refereeing.  I asked my community referee liaison if I could ref my sons soccer games.  She said it is not allowed due to a conflict of interest.

Now, I understand that it may be frowned upon, but as far as I can tell, as long as the referee discloses any conflict of interest before a game, there shouldn’t be a problem.

The reason I want to ref my kids games is because they have been getting some very young, inexperienced referee’s which only confuses my kids team.  U12 Boys Comp B.

When I ref U12 games, I go out of my way to teach the kids the rules rather than just blowing a whistle and leaving everyone in the dark…And all I’ve heard about my refereeing is very positive, even from losing team coaches and parents.

So, my question to you is, can I referee my son’s games?

  • Response: I'm sure your intentions are honorable.  But it's not just frowned upon, it is documented in the ASA (Alberta Soccer Association) Supplement to the Laws of the game Referee Manual, An Alberta Referee Handbook, last revised 2007.  Specifically Article 30 - Code of Conduct ASA Rule #13 Referees:

"f) No A.S.A. registered referee may accept an appointment in any capacity in a game that involves a member of his/her immediate family as a member of one of the teams involved."

Violating this directive may result in disciplinary action by the Referee Affairs Committee (RAC).

If the scheduled Ref doesn't show up, then I would personally take the lesser of two evils: A qualified Ref with a immediate Family Member playing on one to the team; or someone who is not qualified officiate the game.

I recommend you offer your services as a parent volunteer to run the line.  Introduce yourself as a Qualified Ref, and you are familiar with the Laws of the Game.  However recognize that you are acting as a parent volunteer and you have no authority to over rule a decision of the appointed Ref.  Instead tactfully offer your words of wisdom before the game, in-between halves, or after the game.  Most Youth Referees appreciate talking to senior Refs.

(May 3rd) Question 4:  “If your team has a throw in…

If your team has a throw in, in your half of the field and your player throws the ball to the goalie, can the goalie pick up the ball?

  • Response:  No, the Keeper can not handle/pick up the ball.  This was changed in Law 15, I believe and I know someone will correct me if I have the wrong date, in 2003.  And it is true no matter which half the Keepers Team mate throws the ball into play.

 (May 1st) Question 3:  “…how I get onto the schedule”

I recently finished a referee course (good job by Garth Elgie) and was wondering how I get onto the schedule.  I imagine there is an association membership etc.,,,

  • Response:  Yes Garth is an excellent Instructor.  But I suspect he or yourself missed one item, how to get on the schedule.

I've asked the Ref Scheduler, Kathy, and she has advise me that if you are 16 years old or  older that you need to send her an E-Mail: refereescheduler@calgarysc.com.

Membership to the CDSRA is voluntary, and is not required to be able to Officiate Soccer games in Calgary.  However there are benefits to being a member, namely the networking with other Refs and our monthly Alternative Referee Training (or ART for short) Classes that are free to all members.

(May 1st) Question 2:  “In reference to Question 1…”

In reference to Question 1...if the injured player who has received treatment on the field is able to continue, without having to leave the field, do you still want us to insist that the player leave the field and wait to come back on until after play has started?

When refereeing CMSA games, where it is a big relief a young  injured player is not seriously hurt, it may appear to the coaches, parents and players that a referee, insisting a player who wants to carry on leave the field, is being rather pedantic.  I have thoroughly read the Laws of the Game, though understand these are written for games with a maximum of 3 substitutes for official FIFA games and up to 7 in competitions.  As we have modified the substitution rule to allow unlimited substitutions do we therefore need to have the treated player leave the field.  The coach can sub another player on so the team is never at 10 men.  It likely means that at the next stoppage the two players are subbed back again.  If an injured player receives a knock it is often best for them to run it off.

I’m not disputing anything here; just wanting to be crystal clear and then hoping all referees follow the same protocol.

  • Response:  I suspect you've answered your own question.  Each league in the Calgary Soccer Federation (CSF) has published a document the supplements the Law of the Game.  Also the Alberta Soccer Federation (ASA) published a document that supplements the Laws of the Game.  The order in which we officiate a game is: Local Regulations will supersede ASA Regulations, then ASA regulations will supersede FIFA Laws of the game.  If neither Supplemental regulation has a ruling, then the FIFA Laws of the Game apply.  For example ASA Supplemental Regulations allow players t wear eyeglasses, FIFA does not.

However there is no supplemental regulation is either CMSA or ASA that supersede the section in Law 5 that I described.  Yes because of the Unlimited Substitutions in CMSA Regulations that Supersede FIFA, the coach does have the option of calling for a Substitute.  The difference is the Substitute must come on the field at the Half on the Bench side of the Field at a stoppage, which could be before the Restart.  An injured player can come on anywhere along either touch line if the play has restarted, or at the end lines if at the next stoppage.  The Coach needs to determine the best strategy for that game.

All Refs need to officiate by these Laws.  However we are human, and some Refs will take some liberties and allow the player to stay on the field.  However if they do that while being assessed, that would be a black mark against them.

(April 30th) Question 1:  Substitution of an Injured Player

I was recently an AR in a CMSA game for a referee whose first language was not English.  The game was well refereed and there were no problems at all with the game.  Some confusion did arise though following an injury requiring the coach to attend to a player on the field.  The player was able to carry on but the Referee asked the player to leave the field.  However both myself and the coach were not able to ascertain if the referee just wanted the player to leave the field and come straight back on, or leave the field and comeback on as soon as play re-started, or leave the field and wait for a signal to come back on.  As the coach didn’t want to play for any length of time with 10 players he then asked for a substitute.

As we play with unlimited substitutions I usually allow an injured player to continue if they are OK.  The laws of the game say an injured player has to leave the field and may only return after the match has restarted.  Can you please clarify the procedures we should follow for unlimited substitution games?

  • Response:  To resolve his confusion, I recommend the coach review the Laws of the Game, and in this particular case Law 5 the section on Injured Players, page 67.

In summary, an occassion that requires the coach, team official, etc. to come on the field of play to tend to the injured player, that player must leave the field of play when assessed that it is safe to do so without making the injury worse.  The player may re-enter the field of play only after the play has re-started.  This should not be confused with a 'substitution'.  The player and/or coach should get the attention of the Referee to advise that the player is ready to return.  When the Ref acknowledges, then the player may step onto the Field of Play.  This does not necessarily have to be at a stoppage.

This particular Ref probably assumed that the Coaches are familiar with the Laws of the Game.  Most Refs, particularly those that Officiate the lower divisions, will remind the coach of this procedure as the player is being escorted off the pitch.